Hello - newbie here :)

I swore I wouldn't post anywhere here and just lurk but this board seems so friendly I can't help myself.  So I'm going to post an introduction below - advice / tips / your own stories are all very welcome !!! 

My name is Sarah, I'm a 23 year old stay at home mom of two young children. I am hoping to have gastric sleeve next March (I'm currently breastfeeding still and want to wait to finish first). I am 5"5 and hang out around 200 lbs. My highest ever was 223lbs when pregnant. The lowest I can ever remember seeing on my scales, even in high school,  was 180lbs. My whole adult life it's been the 190s. I've tried multiple diets, and even a personal trainer. The weight is just glued on me! I live in a very rural area, we own 5 horses and I absolutely love to garden and bike ride. I feel like my life would be easier if I was slimmer.  I would have more energy and better health . I'm scared as I age I will gain more weight. I want to set a good example for my kids.  

Unfortunately my husband is not supportive, although I'm trying my best to convince him. My BMI is 33. I'm not covered by insurance and wait times in Canada are years long so this is pushing me into having my Surgery in Mexico. I'm leaning towards dr. Ramos kelly. 

Sorry for such a long post, looking forward to hearing more stories and getting some advice as I start my journey :) 

Hi Sarah, welcome! Posting is always better than lurking-- that's how you will get the personalized support you need :)

I just had RNY surgery at a BMI of 33, but mine was a revision from the Band. Even with that, the insurance company put up a big fight. I know you said you are self-pay, but I'd expect to have to fight for it, regardless. At my last appointment, I put a roll of quarters in my pocket, just to try to get the scale up a little more, haha :)

I was a big exerciser pre-op, too, and never had big results. If you want to try doing this without surgery, my suggestion is to go through all of the billions of posts on all of the boards that say what's on everyone's menus. Find someone who is already at their goal and see what they are eating. Try to mimic it as much as you can, and see if bringing down your calories in a big way, gets your metabolism moving. It's way harder to do without the surgery, than with it, but it's just a suggestion, in case getting a surgery date doesn't become possible.

Good luck and keep posting to let us know where you are in the process!

Hi Juniper Berry

Your story is similar to mine.  I am having a revision on Monday 8/17 from band to RNY.  I've been a bit nervous lately since my BMI has also dropped to 33.  I wonder if I could continue the weight loss without the surgery.  Is this just nerves???  I hate the idea of anesthesia and the risk of leaks.  Originally I wanted to have the sleeve, but with type 2 diabetes my Dr. recommended RNY.  When did you have the surgery and how are you doing now?

My husband is very supportive, but my kids are very nervous about the surgery.  I never told them when I had the band, but am pretty open about my decision now with close friends and family.

I appreciate any support you can provide.

Leslie

Welcome and congrats on your upcoming RNY!!  I understand your concern about the low BMI but the RNY will help you keep the weight off longer and it should definitely help with the diabetes.

Keep us updated after surgery! 

Hi and Welcome.    We are the friendliest board on OH!!!

I wish I had done this sooner.  I had RNY at 62 and got my life back.  I have ponies and mini donkeys, a garden and do competitive carriage driving.  Yep, life on the farm is busy and I exercise too but couldn't lose the weight any other way.  My DH. luckily, was very supportive but he has stood by me for a whole lot of years by now (43).

good luck on your journey.  Let us know if we can help or if you have questions.

We are a friendly, supportive bunch. I know what you mean about weight being glued to you, I had that issue for years. My VSG has allowed me to get the extra pounds off, and so far, so good. I am almost 3 years out.

As for trying on your own, there is a forum here for non-surgical weight loss, their posts might offer some assistance.

I also had a former coworker who needed to lose 25 pounds, not a significant enough number to do surgery, but she started eating the way I do and following some of the rules we have and was able to get 20 pounds off. 

What she did (the plan I follow), cut out sugar and all starchy carbs (no bread, pasta, potatoes, etc.), dense protein first, then veggies, then fruit. No drinking calories unless it is a protein shake, 8 glasses of water a day, no drinking with meals, and waiting at least 30 minutes after eating to drink (search VSG forum for Frisco's pyloric valve post), no grazing, no soda or other carbonated beverages) and a physical activity that you like.  I hope this helps.

If you have time can you answer Michelle7's post on the sleeve that's been up a couple of days?

Hi Roz,

I found the post and chimed in :)

Hi I am Asia and I had the rny 6 years ago.  Maybe 7 I lost count.  I was 245 to 260 when I decided to do my surgery. I went down to 125 at my lowest and now 6 years later got back up to 198 lbs.  They don't do surgery on your brain so you need to keep up with good habits to keep the weight off.  I came back to the group for accountability.    I am down to 176 now by eating clean for the last 2 months.  

Surgery was the best thing I did for myself however I didn't use my tool the way it was suppose to be used. Start now and eat clean. No processed foods. By you doing it now when you do the surgery you will already be living the lifestyle.

Good luck on your journey.

Asia 

Hi Sarah!  Welcome to the LW Board.  Don't be afraid to jump right in here.  I have made some wonderful friends here in the last 6 years.

I had RNY 8/3/2009.  My highest was 248.5, I got down to around 125 and now stay around 140.  I would like to get back around 130 but it is harder now.

My spouse was not for my surgery either, but I kept talking to him and took him to meet with two different surgeons and to one of the weight loss surgery meetings to explain the different types.  He actually asked questions.  He felt much better after talking with the surgeon.  So maybe it would help if you could get something for him to read about your surgery.  It will be much easier if he is on board with you when you have it.

It is great that you are getting some exercise.  I started walking before my surgery and I think it made my recovery easier for me.

Good luck.  Keep us updated on your progress.

Linda