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On August 3, 2010 (also my brother’s birthday), I had VSG Surgery. The surgery went well and physically I felt better than I expected. However it is a bittersweet victory because my mother passed away that same afternoon. I had the surgery because I wanted to be healthy I didn't want to go through all she has been through. When I spoke to my mother about the surgery she was so supportive. The memorial was that following Friday in Florida and I was unable to make it (that in itself brings many unwanted feelings from my childhood). I thank God that I was able to spend a week with her in July. There were so many emotions I can't even begin to express. I know that she is in a better place and she is no longer suffering and she is whole again. It is so ironic, that as I began my new life hers ended. By then, she had suffered so much she had brittle diabetes, congestive heart failure, was at end stage renal failure (on dialysis 3X times a week), had both legs amputed above the knees and had been back and forth between hospital and nursing home since October 2010. I did have the opportunity to speak to her about having the surgery, and she told me that it is a stupidity to chase after food and to do whatever I need to do so that I don't have to go through what she has. I was borderline diabetic, high cholesterol. I also have osteoarthritis in both knees and before the surgery my legs swelled so much that the right leg looked the same size all over. I had to walk with a cane because I could not put weight on them. I had this surgery because I didn't want to go through all she has been through and want my life to be healthy in every aspect. . I can kind of feel that I did this as a tribute to her memory; she was full of life and I hope to double, triple, even quadruple the quality of my life. Now, fast forward one year. I still miss my mom, but I am glad that I had this surgery. I have lost over 120 lbs. I feel great. NO MORE CANE!!! I exercise, 30-60 minutes, 5 days a week. I am amazed at how good I feel. I have more energy, my clothes feel much better. I am fortunate to have a loving, caring husband as well as others who care and have been very supportive of me. I am not going to say that I wish I had done this a long time ago (I believe that everything happens in God's timing), but I am glad that I did go ahead with it.

I wish you well. I know how difficult and scary this can be. As you know this was the main reason I had the surgery. I am a year out and one of the things to my continued to success for me is to be consistent. I try to consistently exercise 5 days a week 30-60 minutes, in the mornings that way it is out of the way. I started out by walking up and down my driveway (at first I could only do one time) then when I completed 20 minutes consistently, I started going to the park. Now I do my exercises in my office (I walk around the cubicles) before any one gets here. So depending on when I get here I do 30 or 60 minutes (30 minute walking and 20-30 minutes using the walk away the pounds DVD). I also keep track of what I eat (I could use more consistency in this). I have a smartphone and have downloaded apps that track exercise and food intake. There is a website that corresponds with the food intake on my phone. It is www.fatsecret.com. You can use this site even if you don't have a smart phone. Keep in mind that success requires a new lifestyle for your new self. I believe that as long as you are consistent you can succeed. You can do it! When is your surgery? I you have time you could begin getting used to an exercise regimen. Also make sure you get enough Protein and supplements. Sorry I didn't mean to write so much, but I hope this helps. quote name='bikerchick519' timestamp='1314797981' post='201576'] My mom also was diabetic as well as my grandmother and my aunt, who were all overweight as well. My mom has been gone 3 years this December and I know she would have been super excited for me to have this surgery. I can't wait to have it done and hopefully prevent being diabetic myself.

Please see me additional response to everyone

Please see me additional response to everyone

Please see me additional response to everyone

Please see me additional response to everyone

Please see me additional response to everyone

Please see me additional response to everyone

Please see me additional response to everyone

To all who responded Thank you for sharing. I am greatful and thankful for the response I have gotten in this blog. I had posted similar stuff in another site and never got a response. I didn't realize how much I need feedback and for that I thank you all. For a very long time I did not recognize that my mother loved me. Now I do and I am fortunate enough to know that she loved me dearly. I want to share with you some more of what I wrote about her: "I was unable to write something for her memorial; then I remembered that 5 years ago I had to write a short paragraph about the person who has had the greatest impact in my life: 'My mother has had (and continues to have) the greatest impact in my life. She is a Puerto Rican mother of six, and although she didn't get a GED diploma until we were all adults, she instilled in us the importance of a good education. She told us that the only way we can truly be independent and successful was if we studied hard and got a good job. She encourages and supports us in our endeavors. We are all college graduates of various degrees and continue to pursue higher education. My mother taught me that it is never too late to fulfill your dreams. I feel that I would not have such drive and determination, if not for my mother.' I meant to show it to her but never did. Our relationship had its ups and downs, especially in the earlier years. Yet my mother has given her all without hesitation. I had her support even when I made the wrong choices. I will miss her dearly but I KNOW that her day for “no more tears; No more pain, and no more fears” has come. I know she is in heaven with my father having the friendship she so longed to have with him in life. I know she is dancing, singing, joking and laughing. No longer burden by a failing body or the burdens of this world, but basking in the presence and glory of the Lord. And I KNOW that when I get to see Jesus face to face she will be there waiting for me." So I know that she loves me eternally and in that I take great comfort. I will continue to press on and hope to be as inspiring to others as she was to me. Thanks again for allowing me to share and to be able to share in your lives.

Thank you. She is may inspiration to continue to get healthy.

Thank you, God is good.

Rosalind, I didn’t have much pain in the hospital, matter of fact I was rather annoyed that the nurses kept coming by so that I would press on the morphine drip. I didn’t realize that it was keeping pain away, until I realized that my knees didn’t hurt until after I got home, but I did feel much pain from the surgery. I had a tonsillectomy as a child and cope biopsy in my early twenties 1. Actually what hurt me the most was when they pulled out the drain; it felt as if they were pulling out my guts…but it didn’t last long. I did have a lot of gas (and still do from time to time) and constipation. Try to drink lots of Water it was difficult for me. 2. My doctor did not put me on a preop diet to shrink my stomach. I just had to go on liquids the weekend before my surgery on Tuesday. 3. I didn't need anything, except for the medication I took for my knees. 4. I am 52 years old. At my highest, I weighed 332 lbs. While I was at the hospital, the nurses madesure that I was moving beginning that night. They had me sitting at the edge of the bed; and had me walking as long as I could up and down the hallway. I have been walking pretty consistently ever since. I now walk 30-60 minutes, 5 days a week; and whenever I get a chance I add extra walking time or exercise on the stationary bike or elliptical. So far I have lost over 120 lbs., and I would like to lose between 60 to 90 lbs., depending how I feel. If you haven’t gotten any samples of Protein and supplements request some from the following: unjury.com; celebratevitamins.com; bariatricadvantage.com, etc. Also research other sites. Anyway, if there is any other way I can help let me know. Take care, Ivonne

Thank you for your prayers.

Thank you for your response. You are correct I am still mourning my mom. I miss her terribly, but I know she is a better place and is suffering no more. I also have been fortunate to have so many people by my side so I am not alone in my grief. I suspect your are correct about the my other losses ( my stomach, and comfort foods, etc). At times it is more than a notion negotiating the amount of food and the time it gets before I should take another bite. I find that when I am paying attention it works out ok most of the time. I am still learning...so far it has been work...out for the most part.