My first post and looking forward to joining the loser's bench.

Hello all, this is my first post but I've been lurking/researching on this site for months. I'm scheduled for VSG next week and I'm excited for a new beginning but equally as nervous/terrified of surgery. I'm the type of guy that hated going to the doctors office for regular visits and never had any type of surgery in my life, but after getting diagnosed with severe sleep apnea-the time for change has arrived.

I've been overweight for almost my entire life, beginning from the age of approximately 10 years old. I've tried many diet fads and pills throughout the years. Few have worked and I last remember getting down to about 215 pounds (about 15 years ago) and feeling amazing. But poor eating habits and career changes forced my weight to slowly increase.

When I entered the Police Academy (10 years ago), I was whipped into the best shape I last remembered - I weighed approximately 235-240 pounds and had tons of energy. Working tons of overtime and going from days to nights really took a toll on my body, due to poor eating habits and the development of severe sleep apnea.

My recommended weight per the doctors chart is around 160 - which I'll never want to achieve believing I'll be comfortable in the low 200's personally. I don't want to appear "sick" and would be adding daily working out to my schedule after surgery to tone up and not let the weight drop too low.

I'm a Police Officer, now assigned as a Detective and was wondering if anyone in the LE field has had the surgery and what was their personal turn around time and how has the surgery improved their performance at work.

I'm scheduled to take off only 2 weeks but I'm going to request an additional 2 for recovery just to be on the safe side. Look forward to hearing from you guys soon. Thanks for reading.

5'07

HW - 376

CW - 366

SW - ?

GW - 210 - 220

I believe Life is about "Moments" that forces certain people to take a step back, reflect and realize what's most important. These "moments" will cause positive change. My "moment" is now.

Welcome to OH!

Welcome! Check the Men's group here on OH. One of the regulars there, Don, is a career LEO.

I'm not a cop, but I have several friends who are. Welcome to the group. My story is similar to yours, although I am taller and was fatter. VSG was the first major surgery I ever had. It has worked out very well for me. I am way heavier than the charts say I should be, but you'd never know it to look at me. Good luck and I hope to see you on the men's group!

Look forward to checking out the men's group. Even though I've lurked on this site for months, I'm a newbie when it comes to navigating my way around the site.. thank you for the reply.

Welcome, welcome! Not law enforcement, but still looking forward to going along with you on your journey!

Welcome! I'm not a guy and I'm not LE either, but I worked for LE for 17 years. It's not an easy occupation. You work with some of the worst in our society on a regular basis and it takes a toll on most. I respect the work that you do and wish you the best on this journey.

I was able to go back to work by day 3, (I had a desk job). But I stayed out a whole week. I felt really good by week 2. Some take as much or longer than a month. Since you have not had any surgeries or major health problems, it will might take longer for you so it is good that you are giving yourself time. I'd been in and out of the hospital more than 10 times over the last 3 years. This surgery was a walk in the park compared to how sick I'd been, but my perspective is different than someone who has avoided that type of illness.

Again, welcome and nice to meet you! And we will skooch over on the losers bench and make room for you!

I'm not in law enforcement, but just wanted to say "hello" and welcome to OH! Having the VSG has been a life transforming experience. Keep coming back to OH, maybe join the Menu Thread to see what other people are eating and receive wonderful support. You are going to do great!

Welcome - nice to meet you. You will find these boards a wonderful support - I know I have

Looking forward to seeing you on the losers bench :)

Welcome! Good luck on your new journey! I took the leap when my fear of dying of a heart attack was greater than my fear of surgery. I had too much to live for-3 amazing kids, & a wonderful husband-& I knew I couldn't do it on my own without surgery.