Hello :) I am new

Thank you so much for adding me as a friend..!! You know, shopping and going on trips, that sounds like a plan to me too! :) Yes we should totally keep in touch..! I want to hear from you, maybe we can share and support each other when or if needed. You are about to take one of the most life-changing decisions ever.. THAT is VERY brave and adventurous in my book!! Have a great day!

Hi Little_One_Within -- Welcome.

I had VSG this past May - and I wish I had it done years ago.  You are wise to do it now, before you start to have obesity related medical issues.  My health was really starting to deteriorate - to the point I could no longer work.  I had high blood pressure for years, along with severe arthritis.  I was in constant pain.  Then I started having problems with my legs and mobility became an issue.  I suffered from Achilles Tendonitis in both legs (had to be put in hard casts), Neuropathy, Congestive Heart Failure, Sleep Apnea, Depression and Axiety.  Not Good.

Life is SO, SO MUCH BETTER now.  Although I am not cured of all my problems, the symptoms have eased.  I'm at the point where I'm using a recumbent bike too - and I really like using it. I've started to do gardening - at this point raking leaves for a few hours at a time.  But I will be mowing the lawn, and planting some flowers and veggies -- something I've always wanted to do, but couldn't manage physically.  By the end of last summer, I was finally able to start mowing my lawn.  Before that, I had to hire someone to do it.

Life is good -- but it gets so much better when you are physically fit.  Before surgery, I considered myself to be happy.  I'm on the quiet side too, but I always had a smile and hello for everyone.  I never suffered from any ridicule.  But besides the physical issues I started to suffer, I just wanted to not be sick and tired of being sick and tired.  And - vanity set in too.  I no longer wanted to buy clothes through catalogs and I wanted to wear something that had style - not pick out something just because it fit.  I've been shopping in thrift stores now because my sizes drop quickly...and I love picking out a red blouse or a new set of jeans.  

So -- again, welcome.  I wish you the best of luck.  Oh, and get ready for some hoop-jumping. Once you start the process, you will have a lot of consultations and appointments.  Also, check with your insurer.....you may have to go on a six month supervised diet, and that may be something you can start now, rather than September.

Mary

Thank you very much Mary Gee! :)

I found your story very encouraging and I am so glad to read that you feel so much better and consider yourself happy! I do agree with you. I think that, the fact I am in good health right now should be a driving force and definitely not an excuse to wait any longer and see what happens...

I must confess all the consultations and appointments before the surgery do scare me a lot. Much more than the surgery itself, because I fear having to deal with medical experts and attendants... I fear clichés and preconceived ideas about obese persons.

May I ask how you feel about all the pre-op process you had to go through..? Did it, at any time, make you feel like giving up?

I will start a supervised diet starting this Monday and I also have a preventive treatment to relieve liver congestion.. Now that sounds exciting haha :)

Thank you so much for sharing your story with me and for the good inspiration! :) I wish you a lovely day! :)

I never felt like giving up.  I got a bit aggravated with some of the appointments - especially the sleep apnea testing.  Between the idiots that worked in that office, and insurance issues, I was ready to blow a gasket.  And I thought I might have to do physical battle with my cardiologist - he didn't seem to be pro-wls.  I told him one way or another I was going to have the surgery and if I had to go to another cardiologist to get cleared, I would.  He cleared me.  

It can seem like a long process, but it actually turns out to be good because you learn a lot and are better mentally prepared.  It's the best thing I've ever done for myself.

Gung Ho!!  

Thank you for explaining, it is very interesting and I like your mindset.

Yes it does seem like a very very long process, very overwhelming and I am pretty shy and over-sensitive so if people are not friendly I may just recoil and go hide in my shell.. This is why I am worried.. About giving up. But I will give it a try.

Hello! I am new here too. I just started my process for the sleeve. I have 5 months before my surgery. I've been looking for someone that is in the stage or close to it as myself to be a buddy support on this journey. Someone I can message when I feel I need to eat something I shouldn't. Someone that I can share things with and help support in their journey as well. If you are interested let me know. I'd love a buddy!! 

Hello..! :) That is great and I'd love a buddy too..!! :) I will send you a friend request. I have just made up my mind about surgery and my first appointment will be in September. So it will be very interesting and encouraging for me to follow your path!!