Introduction

Hi All.  I wanted to introduce myself to you guys.  I am having the VGS (sleeve) in 2 weeks!  I am scared and excited.  I live in Houston Texas and have a 2 year old and a 3 year old and have been married 7 years. 

I haven't really told anyone about the surgery.  My husband knows.  He is supportive but isn't really talkative on the subject (I don't blame him, I am sure he doesn't want to say something that would hurt me).  I am choosing not to tell my mom or friends.  To me it is personal and I don't feel I am in a place where I can comfortably take people's criticisms.  If I take off weight quickly then it might be obvious though.  I am telling people I am just going into the hospital for a female problem and no one asks LOL.

I do feel isolated right now.  Its something that is on my mind but I dont have anyone to talk to.  So I am turning to the message board. :)  My BMI is 56ish now.

So my biggest fear (besides something going wrong with the operation or my health) is loose skin.  It isnt that I expect to wear a two-piece or anything, but is it gonna be down to my knees?

-Eye

PS anyone know how long until my posts dont have to be approved by a mod?

Welcome to you eye!   What an exciting time in your life.

I can understand your decision to not tell everyone, I too was like that for the most part. My surgeon told me to surround myself with supportive people so that's what I did. After surgery it was a different story, I'd tell anyone that was willing to listen!

My belly and leg skin is the worst on me, well ok, let's not forget boobs that hang to my belly button ...lol!  It's so worth it though!!!

Hello,

Welcome to a great forum.  I love it here!!!  You can get lots of support and friendship, advice when you need it everything. 

Does your surgeon have any kind of support group you can go to?  I go to one in my area, and it really helps to be able to talk with people who have gone before me!!  I also like to share my journey with the new ones just starting.  You might find it helpful if you have one too!!

I started with a BMI just over 60.  My skin is loose everywhere!!!  I do look good in clothes now though... not sure if plastics are in my future, however even if I have to live with the saggy loose skin, I still feel like it was very worth it.  My energy level is higher usually, I feel a little more confident, and just being able to do normal things it great!!! 

Let me know if you need anything else!!!  I am glad to help!!!  Good luck with your upcoming surgery!!

Caroline

Ok, well if I look ok in clothes, thats a good thing.  I am sure it is worth it.  Thanks for the warm welcome

 Best of luck to you!  You are never alone as long as you are willing to come here for support!

Have you visited the VSG forum yet?  You will get great support there...Take care!

Hi there!! I think we have already communicated through messages.

Welcome to the Over 50 board! I second the poster who suggested checking out the VSG board. There is some great information there.

I was pretty open about my surgery before and after with certain people. Others I didnt tell and didnt plan to tell including my inlaws. They def noticed the difference in my eating habits. Of course I had to see them two times within three months of my surgery for major food holidays.

As time goes on you may feel more comfortable telling the others. Plus it may be helpful for your husband to have others he can talk about it as well. My husband has talked to a couple of his coworkers about it. At first I was a little offended, but then I realized that he needed to have an outlet as well and get support from others too.

greetings! welcome to bmi over 50.

i started with a bmi of 66 -- i was also 48 yrs old, and had been overweight my whole life, so my skin was very stretched for a very long time, and being older, had little elasticity left. so my skin issues were quite extreme. i've had a couple rounds of plastic surgery. you can see before/after skin pics on my profile if you're interested. (i'd like to do more, but have run out of $$!)

as far as telling people, that's a personal decision for each of us to make. i told everyone. at 463 lbs, it wasn't like anyone who saw me wasn't going to be immediately aware that i had a weight problem! i never felt embarrassed by having surgery to try and help myself. i always felt i'd be more embarrassed if i didn't try EVERYTHING to overcome it. i didn't want to give up.

please come here often -- this is a nice board -- friendly, helpful and welcoming. and many of the participants here possess amazing amounts of knowledge and information.

best of luck to you!

deb