VSG Maintenance Group
An open letter (more of a note really) to long time vets here
Hi Vets!
I first got on the VSG board 2 years ago, a few months after I heard about the VSG. I have followed the board faithfully as I have gone through the process of trying to get approved for the sleeve.
I have poured over countless postings, gotten to know many of you as well as your stories and have learned so much that I'm kind of a spokesperson for the VSG procedure around here without ever having the surgery.
After two years my insurance finally covers the VSG and I have jumped through every single hoop they have thrown at me. I still need to lose 12 pounds and at that point, God willing, I should be able to be approved fo the surgery. I'll actually have to put the knowledge I have gained to practical use and I know, of course, that I will struggle but I have no doubts that I will succeed.
Now, the main reason I wanted to write all of you a letter!
I have observed, because you all observed it first, that so many people know about the VSG now that some are going through the operating without extreme preparation and thoughtfulness. You veterans who have made it to this point where you have years under your belt are truly trailblazers. I can reasonably expect that the first year may be pretty great like a honeymoon. The second year, assuming I'm at goal, I will need to learn to maintain. After that I may expect some bounceback.
Those short sentences sum up a whole library of information about going from newbie to veteran. I am 55 years old and have been fat pretty much my whole life. This is my best chance at being a normal weight and I am going to kick ass (mine obviously) and take names. I pour over your posts on the maintenance forum because that is what concerns me the most. I have learned from all of you how crucial the first year is as that could set the tone for my success for the rest of my life. I laugh to myself when I think that you all made certain mistakes so I don't have to! Thanks!
Anyway, I'm mentally preparing for Monday when I will make a big push to lose the 12 pounds. Once that is done and I have my surgery I am absolutely certain that all the things I have said I won't do, I probably WILL do, such as panicking over plateaus, taking one bite too many to name a few.
I feel confident that when I get to the point of maintenance, it may be a little easier on me because you all were there first and have lit my path well.
Thank you to every single one of you. I would also like to single out Diane as she was very helpful to me when I first got on here (as were others), but especially for the fact that she created this maintenance form. I am so looking forward to the day when I become a veteran and a contributing member of the VSG Maintenance Board.
Wish me luck!
Thank you, thank you and thank you - ALL OF YOU!
Anita Colonia
I first got on the VSG board 2 years ago, a few months after I heard about the VSG. I have followed the board faithfully as I have gone through the process of trying to get approved for the sleeve.
I have poured over countless postings, gotten to know many of you as well as your stories and have learned so much that I'm kind of a spokesperson for the VSG procedure around here without ever having the surgery.
After two years my insurance finally covers the VSG and I have jumped through every single hoop they have thrown at me. I still need to lose 12 pounds and at that point, God willing, I should be able to be approved fo the surgery. I'll actually have to put the knowledge I have gained to practical use and I know, of course, that I will struggle but I have no doubts that I will succeed.
Now, the main reason I wanted to write all of you a letter!
I have observed, because you all observed it first, that so many people know about the VSG now that some are going through the operating without extreme preparation and thoughtfulness. You veterans who have made it to this point where you have years under your belt are truly trailblazers. I can reasonably expect that the first year may be pretty great like a honeymoon. The second year, assuming I'm at goal, I will need to learn to maintain. After that I may expect some bounceback.
Those short sentences sum up a whole library of information about going from newbie to veteran. I am 55 years old and have been fat pretty much my whole life. This is my best chance at being a normal weight and I am going to kick ass (mine obviously) and take names. I pour over your posts on the maintenance forum because that is what concerns me the most. I have learned from all of you how crucial the first year is as that could set the tone for my success for the rest of my life. I laugh to myself when I think that you all made certain mistakes so I don't have to! Thanks!
Anyway, I'm mentally preparing for Monday when I will make a big push to lose the 12 pounds. Once that is done and I have my surgery I am absolutely certain that all the things I have said I won't do, I probably WILL do, such as panicking over plateaus, taking one bite too many to name a few.
I feel confident that when I get to the point of maintenance, it may be a little easier on me because you all were there first and have lit my path well.
Thank you to every single one of you. I would also like to single out Diane as she was very helpful to me when I first got on here (as were others), but especially for the fact that she created this maintenance form. I am so looking forward to the day when I become a veteran and a contributing member of the VSG Maintenance Board.
Wish me luck!
Thank you, thank you and thank you - ALL OF YOU!
Anita Colonia
No heaven will not ever Heaven be
Unless my cats are there to welcome me.
~Author Unknown
What a wonderful post. You have done all the right stuff to set yourself up for success with your vsg. Sometimes having to wait and fight for it makes you more determined and makes you do better in the long run. I was about 10 months from when i first heard of vsg until the operating room.
The 12 lbs ought to come off. We all know its not so hard to lose a few - its losing a lot and keeping it off that is so hard.
so keep us all posted on what you are doing and come on this group all you want. We are so glad to hear you are getting there. Diane
The 12 lbs ought to come off. We all know its not so hard to lose a few - its losing a lot and keeping it off that is so hard.
so keep us all posted on what you are doing and come on this group all you want. We are so glad to hear you are getting there. Diane
Join US On The VSG Maintenance Group Forum!!
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/VSGM/discussion/
I applaud you for doing your "homework". You are going in very prepared. I feel sad that a couple of women I know locally who are only 4 and 5 months out "cheat" all the time and don't understand why they aren't losing like they think they should. When I tell them that I didn't cheat for a year, they both have said that they won't give up certain foods. I can only predict that they will not lose all of their excess weight, but also that they will never be able to keep it off. If you cannot commit during the honeymoon period, it will be a thousand times harder to maintain.
You have the right attitude! Good luck!
You have the right attitude! Good luck!
Wanda
Some people might not support my WLS decision.
Those people remind me of slinkys. Not good for much but it would would bring a smile to my face if someone pushed them down the stairs.
Ticker includes Pre-op weight loss 24 lb.
Some people might not support my WLS decision.
Those people remind me of slinkys. Not good for much but it would would bring a smile to my face if someone pushed them down the stairs.
Ticker includes Pre-op weight loss 24 lb.
