happy.......but kinda sad

I am a little emotional today. My husband is on his way right now to fly out to Washington DC for training. When he found out that he was accepted into the training many months ago, we had decided that I would go with him and this would be our vacation this year. I have never been there and I was so excited to get away. We had about $1,000.00 set aside for the trip. Since his food, lodging, and flight is paid for, that's how much it would cost for me to go with him.

Flash forward to June. I left my ob/gyn's office in tears because of my weight and how it would affect me if I were to get pregnant and start a family with my husband. I landed up at the doorstep of betterLife Bariatrics and there, my weight loss journey began.

After the supervised diet, insurance approval, and pre-op diet, my surgery is now just days away. Unfortunately, I had to choose between a much needed vacation with my husband and VSG surgery. We have amazing insurance and my hospital stay co-pay, surgeon co-pay, starter protein supplements, psych evaluation, etc. will cost us a little less than the $1,000.00 we had set aside for my trip with him. I had a choice, and I chose VSG.

I know in my heart, this was the right decision. I mean, comparing a week long vacation versus a whole new perspective on life, it was a pretty easy decision. 

I have watched my mother become ill in the past three years because of her obesity. She has congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, a-fib, kidney stones, and just had her gallbladder removed this past Wednesday. The surgeon told me that now her liver is showing touches of cirrohsis (non-alcoholic form) brought on by her obesity or the congestive heart failure. He will be referring her to another specialist for it. 

In the moment I was given this news, I fell apart. My heart aches for my mother and I hope that when she sees my success, she will consider WLS. But, I also know without a doubt, I will have this surgery. This family history of poor health because of obesity stops with me!

This has been an emotionally charged week for me. With Mom's medical problems, my husband leaving out this morning, and my soon approaching surgery, I am an emotional train wreck right now. Thanks for listening.

(((Many Hugs)))  I am sorry for your saddened heart.  Being away from your husband when you had so hoped to join him must suck pretty bad, but next year this time you can go on vacation and enjoy your healthy lease on life and enjoy his company and the environment even more.  As for your mother I send my prayers that her health gets better.  You know you have made the right choice, so call up your girlfriends and get in some much needed girl time while the hubby is away.  It doesn't even need to cost money.  I know me and my girls can sit in the house, watch lifetime, and chat the day away.  So, try to enjoy this time and prepare for your upcoming surgery.

T

I want to send you a big hug right now.  You have made a big step in taking care of your health.  

It sounds like you have a lot going going on now, lots of emotions going on.  I hope you Mother gets a handle on her health; it sounds as if you are already on the path.  Hang in there.  Lots of people are here to listen and help.  

 OH Hon, come here and let me give you a gentle hug.~

Although it's difficult and disappointing not to go with your hubby...maybe in the future you can save and have an even healthier time. Think of how much easier vacationing will be for you then..

You are making a practical, wise decision..its not only for YOU, your health..but for your family. Because you love so much.

Now as far as your mother, I too feel for you. As much as we want what is best for our loved ones..she does not sound like she'd even qualify for any surgery with her heart condition. AND as much as we want to help our loved ones..its their life..and their life decisions/choices. BUT.. our lessons to learn from.

I know, my mom died from congestive heart failure, along with emphazema (never smoked, but dad did for 25 years..2nd hand effects). She had to have surgery once and had respiratory failure in recovery..but..they brought her back. Only she got breast cancer and that weakened her already weak heart/lungs more. She was brave, obese, in a wheel chair so really hard to lose the extra wt. That's why I feel for what you are going through.

Is your mother nearby? Be there as much as possible..I was lucky. I took my mom to her doctor appt where he knew she was so seriously ill, yet she treated me to dinner. We had a special 1 on 1 time together..she was happy and so proud of me. I was grabby cuz I had a bad cold and just wanted to go to bed. Still..that is my last memory with mom.

Now she is guiding me NOT to live the life she had..but for a healthier one.

Warmly, Jan

I AM SORRY YOU ARE NOT FEELING YOUR BEST,AND THAT YOU COULD NOT ACCOMPANY YOUR HUSBAND ON THIS TRIP.THEN TO DEAL WITH THE PAIN OF YOUR MOM.SENDING ALL PRAYERS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.I KNOW IT WILL GET BETTER AND YOU WILL BE A SHINNING EXAMPLE.

 Big hugs to you, I completely understand how disappointing it must be not to be flying out with your husband.  Washington DC is a wonderful place, and you will get there sometime in the future.  One advantage is that there's an awful lot of walking there--to see the monuments, museums, etc., and lots of standing in lines.  You'll feel so much better once you've lost weight, maybe make it your goal to do the trip once you've lost the weight?  Save what you would have been spending on lunches or snacks, it'll add up and you'll have the money again in no time.

You've made a good, healthy decision for yourself and your future.  It will be worth it in the long run, I promise.  

A "little emotional"?!?
Those are some major stresses you are going through!
My prayers are with you that you will find the courage to be
strong and get through this tough time.
(((HUGS))) ~ Love n' Stuff ~

What a rough week for you. But I think you made the right decision. Your life will be extended and there will be more time for other vacations. VSG will give you a new life to share with your husband.

Soo sorry for your mother's problems, many of which could be helped with wls. I had a super fatty liver, not a big drinker, that was headed for disease had I not lost the weight. and i had no idea until surgeon biopsied it. I hope your mother will consider surgery. My brother did it after me and is doing great and he is 62 and now his wife is going to do it and so is my husband. All as a result of my success. And I am so grateful.   

Gl with your surgery. you will love your sleeve and the new life that comes with it.  Diane

I am sending prayers & hugs your way. In order to save your life, you have to be a bit selfish right now. If you want to live and give your family the best of you possible you must follow through w/this decision and take care of  yourself. I am sure your husband loves you and he understands.

This is not only going to be a blessing for you but it is going to be a life changing procedure for your entire family. They support you and they love you and they understand. And . . . next time you get that vacation opportunity, you are going to be able to paint the town red and never feel tired!

Good luck to you, God Bless and keep your head up! Prepare for battle!