jengirl714

Hello! I am new to this site. I just weaned my second and last child and really need to lose weight. I want to have energy for my kids and be healthy and around for a long time for them (two boys, ages 3 and 1). I am contemplating my options and am strongly considering gastric sleeve. My BMI is 35, but I have chronic hypertension and had gestational diabetes during both pregnancies so my risk for Type 2 is very high. My husband had the gastric sleeve procedure done nearly 2 years ago and he looks great and feels even better. He has tons of energy and said his only regret is that he didn’t do it sooner. He said he went through a mourning period knowing that he could no longer eat whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted and give in to indulgences, but that has passed for the most part. He just gets a little bummed out when going to corporate/vendor dinners and can only eat a few bites before getting full. I am posting this in the women’s forum because I know women and men have different viewpoints, respond to weight loss differently, and I suffer from a “PMS tapeworm” (I sometimes feel insatiable just prior to my period and eat eat eat) so I am curious to hear different experiences on how you ladies deal with hormonal cravings after WLS. I am not completely settled on the sleeve, but leaning heavily towards it. I am still considering a ketogenic diet (I did Lindora in the past and lost nearly 40 pounds in 8 weeks, but then put the weight back on plus some) or medication to help curb hunger (my friend with Type 2 is on some medication but I can’t remember the name). I have read through the forum to see what people ultimately decide on and why, so I would love any additional insight any of you ladies have on how you finally settled on WLS and what you may have done differently if you could do it again. Thanks so much!

I just got a denial letter yesterday. I don't qualify on BMI alone (>40), but have hypertension so I hoped to qualify with that plus a BMI of 36. I plan to appeal and my dr. referred me to Lindstrom. May I ask how much that process cost to have them advocate for you? Thanks!

Thank you @@Travelher and @@happyaslarry for your input, and congrats on your progress so far!! I have heard that the sleeve removes the part of your stomach that secretes the hormone that makes you feel hungry and crave, which is why I am drawn to that opton. I have little willpower and almost always give in to my cravings. I've lost weight on diet plans, but my cravings and lack of willpower get the best of me. Removing my crazy cravings from the equation would go a long way for my long term success. That, combined with my husband having had the sleeve done, would be great encouragement and motivation. I think it could be cool to be on this health journey together and be a good influence on our boys. @@happyaslarry I had my first son 3 weeks before turning 39 and my second son a month before turning 41! I love being an older mom. I feel that my age has helped increase my confidence as a parent and I had so much "me" time in my adult life that I don't feel like I am missing out on much by sitting at home on a Friday or Saturday night. I have learned that being a parent means being selfless, especially in regard to time and personal space. Maybe I need to apply that thinking to my health. I indulged in any and all cravings for 42 years, maybe it's time to think that way about food (I always seem to have food on the brain). I want to be healthy for my boys (and myself), so time to stop obsessing over food or thinking I *need* pizza and burgers and cake or whatever else I am craving. Thanks for letting me process my througts and decision process aloud.