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The Start of my Journey

Someonefab

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Hello everyone. I am in the process of considering the gastric sleeve operation. Originally when I first thought about the surgery when I was at my biggest weight, I was terrified because I had an aunt who passed after having several similar surgeries. So I was against it then. Now, I have a new outlook on the situation and figured that this just may be the best thing for me.

 

Currently, I am diabetic, have high blood pressure and cholesterol, ashmatic, have allergies and sinus issues, among other medical issues. My mother had all of those problems along with renal failure, and poor circulation. I had vowed that I wasn't going to end up like my mother but I have all of her medical conditions with the exception of the poor circulation and renal failure. Although, I almost had renal failure when I had my hysterectomy because of a complication. At my biggest weight, I weighed in at 289. Last year I lost 30lbs but have gained some of that back. Prior to last year, I was at 250lbs and I had gotten down to 232. But now I am at 247. I would like to be able to lose the weight and keep it off forever. My motivation has not been the greatest. Especially when I get depressed, bored, or any other type of emotion where I tend to turn to food for comfort.

 

My goal is to become a bodybuilder or a fitness model. I would like to be able to go back to how I was in high school where I was in a weightlifting club and took second place in the competition. I have four sons and one grandson. I would like to be healthy to be able to spend time with all of them and the other grandchild that will come in September of this year. I am tired of the aches and pains that I feel and the problems with breathing when I have to run or walk fast.

 

I believe once I lose the weight, my self-esteem will increase and I will be able to accomplish so much more in my life. My goal is to get off all of my medications or at least be down to 2 or 3 at the most besides my vitamins.

 

Currently I am researching about the vitamins and foods that I will be able to eat. I have read that most people have opted to take their vitamins in liquid form rather than taking a pill. I have also read that people have been doing the protein shakes. I would like to get a better understanding of the procedure and any advise from other members.

 

A part of me is scared because of my past history with surgeries. Also because I don't want a lot of extra skin after the surgery. I am looking into how to prevent that from happening. I would like to be able to wear a bikini one day without the shame and embarrassment.

 

I have been given the referral from my doctor to participate in the Options program at Kaiser, which is the Bariatric surgery department. I go for my information session on 5/7/13. So I am anxiously awaiting and look forward to learning more at this meeting. I have decided that I will start the actuall classes after I return from my vacation because i don't want to start and then have to miss two weeks of classes and will have to make them up.

 

Yesterday, I started logging everything that I eat. I was reading that this is going to be necessary during the 12 weeks of classes. I am trying to get into the habit of doing it now because I know it is usually hard for me to stick to things and I need to get into the habit now. I will also be logging my exercise. Before I stopped exercising, I was logging every exercise I was doing. Once I start back, this too will be a part of my log.

 

This is my first entry and hope to be able to continue on with my journey.

 

Wish me the best of luck on my journey!



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Follow your dream...you can do this. I had the gastric sleeve on May 15th, 2012. It has been almost a year. I started at 221lbs. and I am at 162lbs now. It has been a journey. I was pre-diabetic, hypothyroid, high cholesterol, I snored and had mild sleep apnea. I no longer have these symptoms. The journey has been tough but well worth it. However, I was walking everyday and then stopped during Winter and have found myself snacking more than I should as I was laid off last July, two months after my surgery.So, the weight loss had slowed down --- I got down to 152 and now I have gained 10 lbs. I went to the Bariatric Center today and I have been put on a strict diet including incorporating exercises and protein shakes back into my diet. I encourage you to follow through with the surgery and weight loss as you will feel much better but it is important to be there mentally 100% as it does take alot of work and dedication. If you should have any questions --- please feel free to reach out to me. monaramsdell@gmail.com

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We ALL felt all those mixed emotions at the start of our journeys,, too. ALL of them! The great thing in all of this is that FIRST STEP. It took me a year to decide to go for it. I took another 2 months to get my insurance company to ADMIT they would cover me (they tried so hard to keep it a secret from the employees where I work)! And, another 6 months (insurance requirements) before it was finally approved.

When they wheeled my gurney into the Operating Room with the silly paper hat on my head, I felt ZERO fear, anxiety, trepidation... I made a fist in the air, and yelled out, "YES," as I pulled my fist down to my chest, as a celebratory cheer that broke everyone in the OR out in laughter. I was FINALLY in the room I worked SO HARD to get in!

When we make the decision to alter our bodies and our way of nourishing ourselves for the rest of our lives, we usually make peace with it all by the time the Surgery Date arrives. Just make sure you do that. Once you are totally on board, DON'T second-guess yourself and never look back. That is a life in your past. Look forward to your new life!

Ever dream about what you would do with all that money if you won the lottery? The sleeve is your health lottery! Start dreaming about what you would do if .... The bikini.... The skin toning.... The ENERGY! The complimentary smiles and comments from strangers. One by one, the medications go away! A new wardrobe... A new hairstyle.... SHOES!!! Being able to sit comfortably in an airline seat. The list goes on and on! Start DREAMING NOW, because everything you really want out of this can and will happen if you strengthen your resolve. You can do this! How do I know that? Look around you here. Everyone is doing it! If they can, WE CAN, TOO!

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I would like to say thank you to everyone who has responded to my blog. Your words are very encouraging. I go for my information session on May 7th and I am anxiously waiting. I have started logging my food intake. I have noticed that since I am writing everything down, it makes me more cautious about what I am putting in my mouth.

I have a coworker who is going through the same process except she has already started her classes. I plan on starting my classes after I come back from vacation. I am also logging my feelings for the day at the end of the day to give me an idea of what is truly going on emotionally. It looks like my insurance company is going to cover the procedure which is awsome. I am trying to mentally prepare myself for the necessary steps prior to having to take them.

I would like to know does anyone have any suggestions on protein shakes, vitamins (pill or liquid form), and support groups in Los Angeles, CA. I read some where that it would be a good idea to go to support groups to help with the emotional aspect of overeating.

What does everyone think?

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