Newbie here-BMI 38

Hello friends!

I am JUST STARTING the process and go to my intake appointment with my physician on August 8th.  I am so excited and anxious to get started but I get so much flack from people!  "You don't need to have surgery...just lose"

This is what I am dealing with now, as I collectively "come out of the closet" with my intentions of VSG surgery.  Did anyone ever feel like not telling anyone about your surgery?  I've tried, as most likely many of you have, most diets under the sun.  Weight loss was effective but I could never keep it off.  Spent probably thousands of dollars over the years on books, programs, special foods, exercise equipment (that I hang my ironing on) and nameless other stuff.  I know my metabolism is broken-I hope this tool will help repair.

I HAVE to get this weight off.  I have such joint pain, high cholesterol and HBP.  I want to be able to sit on the floor again without moaning and groaning and asking for a hand to get down AND up.  I want to tie my shoes without losing my breath and I want to paint my own toenails.

I'm 5'6" and weigh 235.  Overweight most of my adult life and I am 58.  I am apprehensive but very very excited to get the surgery done and live a new lifestyle.  The one I am living right now is just not working.

Anyway, that's me.  I am SO glad to be here and hope to get to know many of you to ask for and give support.  Thanks for listening and God Bless--

Vivian 

 

Welcome! I had the DS and am so glad I did. (With Dr Stewart sniff sniff!)I am 5'6 and was 232. Almost 6mo later I weigh 155. It's pretty awesome. I'm not real convinced the vsg is enough, but realize it works beautifully gor a lot of people. I just wanted to have the surg that I know works long term. Plus my husband had it 3 yrs b4 me so he was a great example to watch!

Welcome to the LW board. My starting BMI at my surgeon's office was 35.2 so yes, I totally understand the "just lose it" comments. I was 56 when I decided to have WLS. I had been on one diet or another since I was 12. I had the DS and it was the best decision I ever made.

 

Thank you both for your replies!  I'm sorry about your Dr Stewart passing.  My OB passed when I was 8 mos pregnant and I was devastated.  Such a great loss.  I'm  so sorry.

I am concerned about the DS. My Dr does not perform this surgery.  I will look into it and educate myself.  If you're happy with it then it's perfect for you and I'm happy for you...I just do not know much about it.  Thanks again for your support!!

 

Not all surgeons are able to do a DS...and the vetted list is even shorter. And now it's even one more short due to the passing of Dr. Stewart.

Many surgeons THINK the DS is just for those who are above a 50BMI...as LW's we have to work harder to even be considered.

Personally, my options did NOT include the sleeve...Medicare would not pay for the sleeve AT THAT TIME...that has changed. I did not even WANT the lapband...and for me, the RNY wasn't a good option. I needed to be able to take NSAIDS and I like to sip with my meals.

Just make sure you read about all of the surgeries. Read all the boards and include the regrets and the revisions board. And read this for info on the DS: DSFacts

But whatever you decide, your journey is important here. We don't "attack" anyone for their choices.

Liz

Welcome aboard!  I think most of us can relate to what you're going through. I chose to tell nobody except my closest family. I can tell perfect strangers but no one I work with.  Wishing you all the best. Good luck!

--gina

Welcome!!!

WELCOME and Congrats on your decision!!!!!  I am so glad you found us!  The LW board and the posters on here have been my only support group.  I truly believe that in order to be successful you need a support group.  There is too much to learn and to many changes that you are going to go through to try and do it on your own.

Learn as much as you can about the different surgeries so you can decide on the one that is best for you. 

I didn't tell anyone except my husband and daughters until 2 weeks before my surgery and I'm so glad I waited because I got all of the you don't need to lose weight comments and a lot of "I know someone" stories.  My brother in particular told me stories of people he knew that were not successful and  that has driven me to be the one success story he can repeat.

I could never have kept it a secret.  I am so happy with my decision that I like to share it with everyone!  I have to hold myself back from running up to strangers and telling them.  I want them to be as happy as I am.

 

 

 

Welcome to the LW Board.  I hope you will stay on here with us.  Support is such an important part of this journey.

I am an open book, so I told anyone who wanted to listen - I had a few people that were against it, but the majority were ok with my decision - I just ignored the rest of them.  Now I think everyone sees what a better quality my life has and how much more I can do and understand it was the best decision for me.

Good luck to you.  I agree with everyone to study all the surgeries and make your decision.  We support all types here.

Linda

 

Thank you all so much.  I deeply appreciate all the support!  I broke down and told my son and daughter in law today with GREAT interest and SUPPORT!  THey were so happy for me.    

I will be here on and off during my journey pre op and post op.  Thank you and God Bless you so much for being here for an excited but apprehensive newbie.  I now know I'm where I'm supposed to be, thanks to you all.   

Peace, Blessings and Good Health!!!

Vivian