This is my very first post

Hi everyone 

I am just getting started with all of this, I have went to a seminar and have kinda decided I would like the sleeve, I have 200 pounds to lose so I know it will be a long process, and at 45 years old, I am really scared,  I want to be healthy and have a life, I am afraid of becoming bedfast if I don;t do this, I have to stick to a diet for 6 months, so I am starting that this week, my dr, is working with me and I am excited about that,  I have a 10 year old son and a 7 year old daughter *****ally need a mom who can be active with them, I really don't want to teach them all my bad habits. 

Hey Melony!

It is just one step at a time, and then you are on your journey!!!  I started at 474, and have lost 155 pounds so far, with what sometimes feels like another 155 to go ;)  I am reminding  myself DAILY to face each day with a positive outlook, and use my "tool" for good, not evil (sorry, I have a weird inner dialog when I write).

You are in a VERY welcoming place, and we all know what you are going through -- we are here, and so are you -- support will make it easy to walk the journey ;)

Brenda : )~

We have so mu*****ommon!!  I was 45 last year when I had my surgery and I also have a 10 year old son that I don't want to learn my bad eating habits.  I started at 401 and today weigh 258.  So I'm not finished by a long short and I still fight the old demons but I've never felt better or been more active.  So hang in there and stick to that diet and you'll have your surgery and you won't believe how good it can get :>)

Thanks guys, I am thinking of the sleeve as my option, with my health problems my dr. thinks it will be covered by my insurance, but that is still not a for sure. I just have to concentrate on the next six months  of dieting first and then see what happens.

   This a big step in a long drawn out process.  Deciding to have the surgery is the first step in choosing to save your life.  It is in no way shape or form easy.  Please,  Let your second decision be to lose as much weight as possible before surgery.  Because once have the surgery that is it. Your life will never be the same in reguards to food and what you can eat and your energy level.  At least for the first 4 months after surgery. Things will be really hard.  Vitiams four times a day. Trying to to get protein and water down.
   My biggest problem before surgery was losing and regaining.  My legs and feet swell really bad.  It was nothing to gain ten pounds of fluid over night.  I started out 395 pounds and had surgery 345 pounds.
  I can't believe me two years to lose to 50 pounds.  I was suppose to lose 80 pounds.  I thought the doctor was crazy.  I guess you have to be your breaking point to want to finally have the surgery and all dieted out.  I thought he had to be joking.  He was not.  Finally had to find a new doctor who would do the Gastric-by- pass.   I had so many problems just to lose the weight before hand and regaining.
         Just find a surgeon and doctor you trust.  Make sure you all your paper work done correctly from the very first month don't let the P.A. wait until you complete it entirely.  Make it right from the beginning of the six month diet plan.  Paper work is really important. You don't want to have to repeat your six month diet again. Just because of paper work.  Especially if it is Medicare. 
    It is 4 month since my surgery and have lose 75 pounds  I am at 275. I have lose all together 140 pounds. 
  Even though I have been sick at times.  I have no regrets.  It fills so wonderful to finally be losing weight. Being able to go places.  Without everybody waiting on you to catch up.
 
      I miss some things. 
 Like drink a full glass of water at one time or a glass of tea.  After surgery you can only drink small sips.

Be able to finish a plate.

 Drinking a Soda, Some people still do but, I would not suggest it.

Never be able to go to a Buffet.  Your just wasting your money.   

I have a PA that I love and trust, she is working with me on my diet and exercise plan, I will have a copy of everything as I go.  I have chosen my hospital, it is Georgtown hospital in Georgtown KY, it is a Bariatric hospital, with a seal of excellence. I have talked with others *****commend it highly.  I had pretty much given up on the whole losing the weight, and my health began to go down hill pretty fast and my dr. began to talk to me about all this and at first i did not want to do it.  I mean at my age I just am not major concerned about my looks anymore but my health is another thing, I have 2 kids that are still young and need me for a long time to come, I think that means more to me than anything else.