Hello my new VSG friends

Hello all. New member here. 37 yrs., 6'0", 320 lbs. Married and father of 2. Carolinas Weight Management- Charlotte, NC.

I had my 1st VSG consult on 2/14/18. I will officially start my 6 month pre-op weight management program (to qualify for insurance) on 3/12. I had a fitness consult on 2/26 and have lost 4.5 lbs. since my consult.

Like most, I am very nervous about this journey. I feel I need to do this but am very afraid of failing. I'm not the first in my family to have WLS. Wife had a lap-band implanted in 2008. While she has lost over 100 lbs., it has not been an easy process for her between the band slipping and issues with scar tissue. This made me nervous about considering WLS and the reason I have put it off for so long. But despite her own problems, my wife has encouraged me to pursue VSG and is fully supportive of me. having never had a single surgery in my life, the idea of voluntarily surgery is terrifying, but the lifestyle changes are even scarier. That all being said, I do very well and tend to find success when I have a detailed plan and a strong support structure. So I hope that between my medical guidance from CWM, my family's emotional support, and the advice and support on here, that I will be successful in my journey.

I am excited to see what the next year(s) bring for me. I look forward to getting to know you all and will be leaning on you for support.

Welcome and congratulations! Has your wife had the band removed, I hope?

Lifestyle changes are scary, I agree. But, for what it's worth, I love my life so much better now. (And I loved it before! It's just even better now!)

Thanks for the encouragement.

No the band has not been removed, but my interest in WLS had encouraged her to pursue that. We are both seeing different a surgeon due to negative experiences with her lap band surgeon. Just need to work out insurance and next steps (VSG?).

Welcome and hello! I'm sorry to hear about your wife's difficulties; I know many choose the band because it seems less scary than having the majority of your stomach removed, but I am SO happy that I had VSG! I went through a lot of scary thoughts beforehand, and I was worried about backing out.

I'm only three months out from surgery, but my quality of life has improved DRASTICALLY. I feel better, more energized, and just so much more positive about my life than I did before.

Congrats on this amazing decision!

Welcome to OH! I am sorry to hear about your wife's difficulties with her band, but her support of you is awesome. Yes it can be scary, but a lifetime of health problems is even scarier. I am glad you are doing this now, that is my only regret, not doing it sooner. Keep coming back to OH and check out the VSG menu thread as well to get a feel of what other's post op and maintenance diet looks like. It is a lifestyle change, but before you know it, it becomes a new healthier normal!

Hello, we are in very similar situations from an age and weight perspective. VSG was also my first surgery, and I was terrified. I had my surgery about a month ago (1/25/18) and now just a month later, with the weight I have lost + the pre-surgery efforts I'm down just over 50lbs. I'll be honest, some parts are very hard work (all-liquid diet, I'm looking at you), but it's very much worth it, and while scary, looking back I'm already very glad I did it!

Wow that's amazing Joe. Getting down that much would be a monumental step for me. I can't remember a time ever being below 260 lbs (since college). Obviously my goal is much more, but just getting below 260 would be a significant milestone for me.

Welcome! And congratulations about doing something about this at 37! I wish I had been more open to WLS years ago instead of waiting until I was 45. Better late than never, but the less time you lose to obesity, the better.

Welcome! and nice to meet you.

I wish you all the best and you are correct, the advice and support on this forum is excellent! There are some really fine people here.

Welcome and nice to meet you! This website has provided so much support for me, considering I have NO family support whatsoever, with the exception of my 18 year old nephew who drove me for my EGD.

It is a very scary process to go through. If you like regiments, this is the surgery for you! One piece of advice is to follow the diet the nutritionists give you prior to surgery. It will help with the restrictions after surgery, which are even tougher. But, you can do this! You already lost some weight since starting to exercise, which is a wonderful thing!