ToriTerry

Hello everyone! I have been researching the Gastric Sleeve Surgery for a few months now and feel strongly about pursuing it. I currently weigh 215 and at 5' 5" and a BMI of 35.8, I'm nowhere near the weight I should be. I've been overweight most of my adult life with the exception of about a year when I went from 205 to 125 during my Mother's illness as I cared for her. I just stopped eating and didn't care if I ate. My life was a mess and as my Mother became sicker, I became thinner. She passed away in early 2009. I have come to believe I was doing this without realizing it was a control thing. I couldn't control all that was occuring with my Mother's health, and somehow I think that got translated to controling my eating. Since her passing, I have been eating just about anything and everything I want. I am still grieving my loss as if it were yesterday, but I am now eating to simply comfort myself. My blood pressure is now high (which it never was) and my hips, legs and knees cry out to me every single day due to this excess weight. I have heart disease, diabetis, hypertension and arthritis that run in my family. I don't have a choice, I HAVE to lose weight, but I don't feel inspired. I eat a huge piece of chocolate care and enjoy it, but regret it afterwards. That never stops me from doing it again (and again, and again). Pasta, Cookies, cake, bread, its all fair game it seems. I know I am hurting myself by eating, and gaining. All my docs tell me to lose weight. Okay, I'd love to. But my saddness drives me to eat, just so I can feel good ... if only for short periods of time. The Sleeve Procedure in addition to the nutrition education and support system seems like the perfect way to get healthy. I'm only 50, and I have multiple health problems (Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, GERD ....). Becoming a healthy weight, being able to exersise and tone up sounds like a wonderful dream. Can anyone offer me any advice as to making that first step to call and set up that first consultation appointment. I feel nervous because if I get turned away, I am scared what my comfort eating will do to me. Thank you so much. *Miss V*

Anticipation Nation For all of us who are anticipating everything from our sleeve surgery date to becoming our goal weight, let us join forces and stand together! I have been researching this option since early 2011 and never made the move to activily pursue it .... till recently. I had my consultation with the surgeon this week and have more appointments in a couple weeks. I have my mandatory appointments set up with the nutritionist, psychologist and support group meetings, and believe it or not, my surgery date is scheduled for September 4th 2012! It's completely set up, all I need to do is stay determined and follow all the necessary things (medical tests, appointments, meetings etc) and I will be 100% ready to start my new life! Yes, I have some anxiety, but its the good kind. I feel excited and happy to come to a solid decision and know I will be physically and emotionally ready for a healthier new me. Who is with me? Who wants to gain control of their weight and go down this path together with me? We can help each other, and it will be great! :-)

Hello everyone! I finally got up the nerve to pick up the phone and call the doctors office for my initial consultation! The second week in May I go to speak with the bariatric program director and the surgeon. I was screened on that first phone call to make sure I was eligable (which I am) and I now am anxiously awaiting my appointment! I am praying this all goes smoothly and I encounter no blips on this journey. I so very much need the assistance of these experts to help me get healthier and feeling well. Blessings to all, Miss V

Thank you to everyone who responded to my post. For some of us as I've been reading, this seems to be a scary decision. But what is scarier, having a stroke or a heart attack, or being diagnosed with diabites? I have spinal stenosis, a herniated disc, knee issues and my body is screaming HELP ME!! The weight is making all my many additional ailments worse. For some reason, I have not called the doctor to set up my initial appointment .... I'm thinking it is nerves. I think I am afraid of being declined. I know I can't do this alone with a diet. Depression will see to that. Any other advice that can push me in the right direction?? Thank you all!