Eyes Wide Open--My Declaration

This isn't the first time I've considerred surgery, but its the first time I've been serious about it. I've already attended the lecture and had my talk with my primary, who is more than happy to give me the referral for the surgery. Next step is my consult with the surgeon. I've been fat all my life and now at 43 I had an experience that ripped the blinders off and forced me to see the wreck that I've become. I'm 5'3", small framed, and weigh 311 lbs. I'm lonely. I'm arthritic, edemic, and I suffer with depression and GERD. With my family health history, I'm a walking dead woman. And yet, a part of me still resists giving up the food. I imagine all addicts have this problem. I want my life back, though. I want to enjoy living again. And toward that end I've accepted the risks that go with having this surgery, whichever procedure the surgeon and I decide is best for me. I want to live, really live, not merely exist, and I'll do what I have to do to give myself that gift of life.

Hi Rebecca, I think I know how you feel...I'm 41, 5'2 and 220lbs and I'm not the person I used to be. I'm also looking forward to this year as being the year I get control of my life/weight again. I've always been overweight, but for the last 15 years it's been a battle going up as high as 249 down to 180 and back up over 220. I have diabetes with poor control (pills and insulin), blood pressure is up, cholesterol is up but I'm not on medication (yet).... it's crazy. I have been to the WLS seminar and met with the surgeon on Monday 02/27 next appt. is with the dietician on 03/27 (need to visit for 3 consecutive months). My surgery may not be until July or August. I say the sooner the better. I will keep you in my prayers hope all goes well for you, keep your chin up and keep me posted. Deborah Guerrero

Hi Deborah~ Thank you for responding to my post. I, too, will keep you in my prayers and hope you will keep me posted on your progress. Which procedure are you having done, or have you decided yet? If it makes you feel better, a lady in our church had a DS done 2-1/2 years ago. At the time she was on 12 units of insulin a day PLUS pills PLUS meds for hypertension and high cholesteral. Today she's 202 lbs lighter, completely off all of the medication and her cholesteral is now 134 at last count. She's doing wonderfully! I hope you have similar results. Take care. Rebecca

Congratulations to both of you, Rebecca and Deborah! I was in the same place - and I think most folks who consider WLS would agree that it takes a major evaluation of one's health and possibly shortened future to decide on surgery. Now that you've made that step, it's time to learn all you can and prepare for a brighter future! I'm only out 3.5 months, but I am happier and healthier already. Good luck to you!

First of all, I *love* Maryville! It is such a beautiful place!!! I'm not small framed, anything but. I'm 46, 5'11" and about 430 or more. I lost my husband 18 months ago to a combination of morbid obesity and sleep apnea. I have a 4 year old son who is my world as I am his. I promised him when he was born that I would be alive when he turned 40. Arbitrary age but I plan to stick with it. I've never been skinny but I've been alot smaller. I have bad asthma, leg edema, GERD and borderline high blood pressure. I can't stand up straight and I have to walk with a cane. I made a deal with God, Creator, Yaweh (insert your name for a higher being here). I promised that if Creator would keep me alive until I got WLS I would do EVERYTHING in my power to become one healthy woman. I feel like I've had to fight every one and every thing to get WLS but I know there's light at the end of the tunnel. I'm at the end of the process of getting everything the insurance company asked for together. Now I'm just waiting for an offical okie dokie from Anthem. I know the risks. My will is made out. My life is in order. If things do go bad, at least I went down fighting. When I have my surgery and things have gone well, (I'm a firm believer in positive mental attitude) I plan to ride my bike again, go inline skating for the first time, walk my dog until his little legs fall off and teach my son to swim. I guess this is my declaration as well. We can do this. All my thoughts and prayers are with you. Let me know when you get your date! Meghan

BRAVA !