How my life has changed

Suzanne B.
on 4/25/11 11:47 am - OR
What has changed in my life since I have lost 105 pounds? I was thinking as my husband and I are planning a trip to Europe in September 2011 how much my life has changed in the last 2 ½ years. 5 years ago I would not have considered going on this type of long vacation. If you are thinking about having Weight Loss Surgery, these things don’t even hit your radar screen right now, because I had NO clue that so many things would change in my life after losing weight. 1.       I always liked myself; I just hated the body I was stuck in. WOW I had no idea how different I would feel about myself after my weight loss. 2.      I know I walked with much more confidence after my weight loss and I look people in the eye. 3.      I have no problem standing up for others that I feel are being picked on or bullied, or judged by how they looked—their weight, their clothing, the color of their skin. I hate bullies and adult bullies are 10 times worse. LET’S STOP THEM OK!!!!!!!!  4.      I wanted to give back something to my community and let others know that they could do what I hadn’t been able to do with JUST diet and exercise. I needed to have WLS so that I had the tool to achieve my goal. My tool is the restriction I have with “sleeve surgery." 5.      I am retired and went back and started teaching at an Alternative High School. So many of my students were from dysfunctional homes. I know without a doubt I have made a difference in their lives (they certainly have changed mine.) I am giving 2 of them scholarships to college. Maybe more of us can give something back, big or small. It all makes a difference. Your time helping kids really can make a difference. 6.      I am willing to try to educate others about what Weight Loss Surgery really is. 7.      I am here to support and encourage others on their WLS journey and I thought that would be a short term thing…now I know I will always be willing to help them in the years ahead. Pay it forward; you may change someone’s life by helping them with words and encouragement. 8.      Life is very short, none of us know how long we will be here, and the time is NOW to have your weight loss surgery. This has to be ALL about you and NO one else in your life. It is nice if your family supports you but don’t count on it. And don’t let them discourage you. 9.      I get up every morning feeling 20 years younger. 10. I know without a doubt that I will ALWAYS maintain my weight loss. Something I was never able to do before in my life. 11. Eating healthy is really fun. You can cook yummy healthy food that tastes great. 12. Exercise is something that I have always hated, now I want to exercise it actually feels good. 13. I have become a much better cook than I ever was before.   The standard things that I am enjoying and they are all the things that you are thinking about if you are about to have WLS or have already had it:   1.       Feeling and looking better. 2.      Better health and I got off a lot of medications that you I taking. 3.      New clothes, shoes, and shopping in places that I never could shop at before 4.      Being comfortable and being able to move without my entire body hurting. 5.      Wondering if you are the “one" person that WLS will not work on? I promise you it will work for you.  6.      Having people notice that I have lost a ton of weight and being able to tell them how I did it. 7.      Having someone call me SKINNY—what a GRAND feeling that was. 8.      Going on vacations and walking every place I wanted to without having to stop and rest. 9.      Giving away all my “fat people" clothes to a shelter where I know they will be need and use. 10. Getting hugs! Please consider how YOUR life can or will change if you have WLS. When I was considering this, I want the best doctor I could find who had done numerous “Sleeves" surgeries with great success and after all my research I knew it was Dr. Aceves. If you are going to do this WHY not have the best there is?   Suzanne Sleeved by Dr. Aceves Oct 21, 2011 Starting Weight 225 lbs, Goal Weight 125 lbs Weight now 120 lbs
Suzanne B
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008 
Start lbs 225
Now 120
charlotte180
on 4/25/11 12:52 pm - Phoenix, AZ
 Thank you!
...For taking the time to write such an inspiring post! It really made my day (or evening, as it were) - and I mean that with all my heart. I'm 3 weeks out, and while I know that a lot of things will change, sometimes I wonder if it will be TOO much change, and whether or not I will be happy about it. Like, what if I lose friends? What if it changes my life entirely? Fear of the unknown I guess.

Your words remind me that, yes, it's indeed worth it. 


  
Suzanne B.
on 4/25/11 1:22 pm - OR
Hi,

You have some very valid points and I thought some of the same things.  If you lose any friends, they truly weren't your friend.  I lost one that way for a short time, but she later told me it was painful for her to see me losing weight and she couldn't.  I have told her that she could have the same surgery but at this time she said that isn't anything she wanted to do.  She did come back and we are friends.  I just try to understand her feelings.  You will NEVER regret this choice you have make.  It is ALL about you and NO one else.  You have to live your life for you!

Thanks for the very kind words.  I know all the emotional things that you are going through right now.  You old brain is still thinking like it did before you had your WLS.  And one of these days it will amaze you because your brain and your stomach will really work together.  I said one day that I knew I had surgery on my stomach, but I was amazed that my stomach and brain seemed to understand each other a lot more and worked pretty good as a team.

Stay in touch, I am always here if you have questions about your food, and any issues and problems you might have.

Hugs,
Suzanne B
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008 
Start lbs 225
Now 120
desertdancer
on 4/25/11 2:04 pm
I needed that so much you have no idea. I am having surgery friday and even after doing pre op tests today, still thinking of not doing it. I am scared for having two surgeries at once, cyst removal from my ovary as well. I have a post that is really long that goes into detail of what issues I am facing and my fears. Fatigue has plauged me horrbily, for a long time and scared my body will just give out being so tired and under for two surgeries.

Thank you *HUG*

 signatureshort.jpg picture by desertdancer2008  

Suzanne B.
on 4/25/11 3:54 pm - OR
Hi,

Oh you made my day by letting me know that I said something that helped you.  You are emotionally drained.  And when you are like that your mind does NOT think clearly--been there and done that one many times.  I know without a doubt that you are going to be very safe and when you wake up you are going to be thrilled it is over.  You can start on your journey to change your entire life.

This is going to be something that you are going to look back on and think why didn't I do this years before? 

It is very normal to have all these fears and thoughts--I know I sure did and I had some great support for Dr. Aceves people on his board.  I don't want you to think that you are the only one who has ever felt like this.  I thought, as I was heading to Mexico by myself--was I doing the right things?  My husband would have gone with me, but honestly I didn't want to have to worry about him while I was trying to recover.  He isn't good at all in hospitals.  I am a pretty independent person anyway.  I really am glad that I went alone.  I was up and walking around about 2 hours after the surgery.  I was 63 years old when I had this done and I am 65 now.

I am here for you every step of the way.  What ever you are feeling or your fears are tell me.  I will be there for you.  I know you may have some questions about food and how you are feeling after you have the surgery and your are home.  Just send me and E-mail.  I read my E-Mails every day.  I promise you that you are going to be just fine and your body can't wait for you to get this done.
Hugs to you,
Suzanne B
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008 
Start lbs 225
Now 120
Donnaslifepart2
on 4/27/11 8:36 pm - Canada
Thank you so much for you wonderfully inspirational post.  I am having RNY on May 26, 2011.  It took me several years to finally make the decision to go ahead with it after I learned about it.  I am 100% committed to doing this, even though I am nervous/worried about the potential pitfalls.

Your post makes me even more certain that I have made a good decision FOR MYSELF.  I know that when I feel better, physically and emotionally, I will be better able to contribute to my family and my community and that ultimately, this decision which I made for me, will benefit every one around me.
Suzanne B.
on 4/28/11 3:21 am - OR
Hi,

Half the battle is getting your head in the right place and you sound like you are right on track.  Congratulations for making the choice to change your life.  A year from now your entire life will change--all for the better.  You will walk past a mirror and think "who is that person."  It is you!.

It is very normal to have all these feelings and emotions that are going through your head right not.  I thought as I was on the plane what am I doing?  Am I nuts to go to Mexico and let a doctor take hout 80% of my stomach?  Then once I got there I knew without a doubt that I was doing the right thing.  I was NEVER going to gain control of my life and weight with what I had been doing for the last 35 years.  I was like you, I wanted my life back.

It is quite normal to second guess yourself and question if this is right.  I thought what if I don't wake up for the surgery--I was in such excellent hands with the doctors and nurses--that was such a crazy thought--but at the time it was real to me.  I know you have thought all these things.  Well, you aren't any different than the rest of us.  We all had these same thoughts.  I can say not to worry, but you will. However, I can say I am here for you every step of the way.  Just send me an E-mail.  I read my E-mail 2 and 3 times a day.  Hang in there girl you are going to be just fine.

Hugs,
Suzanne B
Eugene, OR
Dr. Aceves
10/21/2008 
Start lbs 225
Now 120
×