Where I went wrong... If I could do it again.... What I am going to do now...

Where I went wrong...

1.  Not enough research - I decided I wanted a VSG and within 1 week I was on the table.  I devoured everything I could get my hands on, but it was not enough.
2.  I went to Mexico - I did not have insurance and I did not have much money.  So I did what I had to do.  I had an excellent surgeon, but my plan was way more liberal than most.  I got lucky and nothing went wrong.
3.  I did not try to lose as much as possible as fast as possible - I wanted to do it my way.  I did not want to 'diet'.  I wanted to change my eating habits for life.
4.  I thought that the Sleeve would ensure I would never ever have to diet again - nope not true, it is easier than ever, and I have not gained much back, but I will have to 'diet' to get off what i have gained, and I will have to be careful for life.  No magic bullet here.
5.  I thought I would lose enough weight to lose my tummy and thighs, my problem areas - even with a BMI under 20 I did not lose either area to the degree I hoped.
6.  I did not look as good as I had hoped - I started to see other flaws and got wrinkles and saggy skin, I realize I am too old to ever be the best I can be, and that is an eye opener.
7.  I did not stay diligent and work to maintain.  I did not stay on OH.  I became depressed and reclusive. 

If I could do it again....

1.  I would have still done it within the week of learning about the VSG.  I am just being honest.
2.  I would still have gone to Mexico.  I do not regret this surgery for one moment.
3.  I would have tried to lose as much as I could, as fast as I could, so that I would not burn out before getting to my ultimate goal of 140 lbs.
4.  I would not have taken my Sleeve for granted.  I would have respected it for the tool that it was and worked with it and taken responsibility for my weight loss, not rely solely on the surgery to lose the weight.
5.  I would find a way to accept my body for what it is, and appreciate that most women would love to have this body.  I am long and lean and slim.  So I am not perfect, grow up, get over it, appreciate what you have.
6.  The wrinkles are partly to do with the abuse you put your body through in gaining the weight in the first place, the abuse you put your body through when not putting on sun screen when you knew you should have, and the fact that you are 45 years old.  Again grow up and get over yourself.
7.  I would have learned how to maintain, did everything in my power to maintain, and I would have stayed on OH.

What I am going to do now...

1.  Start walking again.
2.  Start eating right again.
3.  Start drinking enough water again.
4.  Lose the weight I have gained and get down to my ultimate goal of 140 lbs and stay there.
5.  Participate on OH again.
6.  When my scales come in, weigh daily and check in to the daily weigh in thread
7.  Never take my Sleeve and health for granted again

I'm SO glad to see you, Cindy! I really have thought of you often and hoped you were doing okay. Welcome back. I have really come to realize that this is a life long journey. And, I think, for most of us, it will continue to be a struggle, or at least a constant set of decisions and trial runs. We all have the rest of our lives to figure out what works (and doesn't work) for us. It's truly a PROCESS, and to assume that we won't make mistakes or have unsuccessful experiments is not realistic in the big picture. So...cool! You're back..

Lizanne

Hi Lizzy,

Big hugs, thanks so much.  I have been here, just lurking each day, I was pretty messed up, but I think I am now coming around and ready to participate in life again.

You are one of my heros, and I always appreciate your posts.  I always feel so proud of you and I love your new avatar :)

You are a calm mature voice and I appreciate it.

More hugs,

Cindy

Thanks Cindy. saving this !!

Thanks Phillys!

Hoorayyyy, Cindy's back!  We missed you.  Your post is wonderful and so, so true.  I got a little nervous when I read the first two regrets, I thought something terrible had gone wrong  I gotta tell ya, your post is very timely.  last night I had a "blow out" so to speak, fell off the wagon for a bit.  Your post really helps me refocus.  I'm so glad you are refocusing too, I'm sure you'll do great, you're a VSG superstar!  I understand the learning to live with the skin you're in problem.  I'm down to a BMI of 22 and I look like my birthday suite is sliding down my body.   But I have NO regrets.  I too ran to Mexico ASAP once I found out about the sleeve, but thank God, it all worked out well.   Welcome back sweetie, we all love you
Rie

Hi Rie,

You are too kind!  Thanks so much.  I have missed you guys! I have enjoyed watching your journey, and I am very proud of you.  It was neat to see you hit goal and then slide on down from there :)  Good on you!

Thanks for your encouragement, it is really good to be back.

Hugs to you my friend,

Cindy

I'm so glad you're back.  You have a good plan in place and I know it's going to work for you.

Welcome home.

Thanks so much Lee.  This does feel like home...  you guys are a great bunch....

 glad to see you here & hoping you find peace of mind regardless of what the number on the scale says.