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Hi! I had VSG surgery 6 weeks ago. I also have a 2 year old and a (at the time) 9 month old. I totally get what you are going through! This was my first ever surgery. I had no idea how I would react to anesthesia or if I would wake up from surgery. It was a scary thought. I’m also a nurse, so I may be more crazy than the average person when it comes to medical procedures haha. Just know that this surgery is so low risk and the benefits definitely outweigh the risks!! I have been overweight/obese for my entire life, and I do not want my children to be like that. I want to set a good example for them, run around at the park with them, and never want them to be embarrassed of me as they get older because of my weight. You know what’s best. You seem to have a great support system from your PCP and husband. Good luck! Let me know if you have any questions!

I'm hoping to be able to get my sleeve in November. My last check-in with my surgeon will be at the end of October, so it'll all depend on how soon insurance will get back to me.

I know of someone who might be joining your November group and might be looking for some friends.

I've made a conscientious effort to avoid using the word "love" when talking about food. "I love chicken wings. I love French fries. I love tacos. I love spaghetti." No more! I'm breaking off my love affair with food. We're just good friends now. But food keeps trying to win me back. "Give me another chance!" "No, Food. I'm moving on. There's someone else in my life now. Someone that I love more than I ever loved you -- myself, my health, my life." - What word will I use in place of "love"? Probably good ol' "like". "I like okra. I like shrimp. I like garden-fresh tomatoes. I like pecans." I'm also going to avoid using the word "hate". Hate gives Food more importance than it deserves. "I don't like pineapple. I dislike Brussels sprouts. I don't care for liver." - For me, it's easier to give up the word "love" rather than "hate". Not sure why.

The risks of WLS are much MUCH lower then the risks of being overweight and unhealthy. This decision is for you. But this decision will impact everyone around you. My wife wasn't "for" me getting the bypass. She was scared of all the things everyone is scared of. But now, she's dropped a bunch of weight as well, she goes to the gym with me. All of us are eating better. It's just as much for everyone around you, as it is for yourself. Don't worry about the "guilt"... it's better than the alternatives.

And I do respect you for this decision to not be Grandpa in the Picture Frame. May I share this story with you and don't mind me if I cry. Little Girl and her Mommy, let's call her Suzie were talking one day. Suzie said " Mommy , who is this?" Her Mommy said "Oh that's my Mommy, your Grandma Lucy" Suzie' Mommy , I look a lot like her. Would she have loved me? Would she kiss me, hug me, le5 me climb up on her lap?" Don't be Grandpa Peng1un Jack in,the wooden frame. Be Grandpa Hack who takes them fising, plays catch with them. Be Daddy Jack,who walks your daughter down the aisle so she marries the love of her life. Love your future grandchildren Grandma all the days of your remaining life. Let your grandbabies say,I want a marriage like Grandpa and Grandma. But by all that is holy, don't opt to be just the fellow in the wooden Frame!

Correction on my surgery date: it is September 6th, not 4th. I'm currently doing the 4-week pre-op diet, limited to less than 800 calories with greater than 90g protein. I've got this!

Start with things that are quite smooth, Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, peaches canned in their own juice, etc. Gradually build up on the texture scale. You'll do great!

I have been on two cruises post-op and multiple other vacations and it always works out. Stick with protein and veggies/fruit as much as possible, trim visible fat, avoid sauces where you can. Sometimes asking for a gluten free option helps because it can be more protein focused (not always). Eggs and chicken are usually good choices. I've been all over the Caribbean and there is always tons of fresh fruit and nearly always a chicken option. Sometimes the pork can be pretty fatty so try that with caution. Take some of the individual protein power packets with you and a shaker bottle so you have that to fall back on. You'll have a great time!

Thanks Kim, my inner voice keeps telling me that I don't need to try until my first meeting with the surgeon, but my common sense knows better than that. Unfortunately the inner voice wins a lot more times than my common sense does.