Just_Jim

I started my journey looking into the VSG in June, after a doctor appointment that showed me at my highest-ever weight. I was crushed and after years of battling, my PCP referred me to Bariatrics. I am a Kaiser member and must say that I have been extremely pleased with the manner in which they treat and support patients. I went to the two required orientations and hit the ground running. I officially started my new lifestyle on July 10 and have not looked back. When I had my surgeon visit in late July, I was happy to be informed that I had already achieved my surgery weight. My next assignment was nutrition, then psych. Psych is where everything fell to hell in a handbasket. I was put on a six-month delay because I admitted to having issues with binge eating. Also, because the psych was worried about my GF not being supportive. (that last part really ticked me off. This is about me, not her). At any rate, I was crushed. Despite this, I have stuck to the plan and just the other day met with a psychiatrist. I know I am mental when it comes to food, so I understand that need. Here is the kicker... Since July 10, I have now lost over 45 pounds, just by following the bariatric meal plan. As I sat with the psychiatrist, I came to a realization. I am not going to have the surgery. I will continue to attend support groups and psych appointments to help me cope with my food issues. But, I think I can do this. I have never been this successful. I am absolutely terrified at that the usual will happen and I will gain it all back, plus some. However, I think that if I can maintain the bariatric program and keep my mind in the right place...I can do this. I plan on reading posts here as well to keep me motivated. If there are any Sacramento area people out there that need support, or can offer some...I am all ears! I don't take many pics and post far fewer. But, I'm pretty happy, so here they are.

Thank you so much for the kind words. If I would have not of had the delay, I would have completed the procedure. I am so sick of the back and forth, life-long battle with the weight. I plan on staying on this path I have started down, but I know it will be difficult without the benefit of the surgery. I know that I need to continue the steps by going to groups and meeting with my psych to make sure I stay focused and address those food demons (and his friends) that float around in my noggin. Tomorrow is another step in that journey for me. Good luck with your journey. I wish you all the success in the world!

Thank you all for the support. I am actually thankful for this bump in the road. It helped me realize that I can do this. I'm not trying to be vain, but I had to take a pic in a suit the other day. The contrast between the two is pretty awesome. I have never felt so proud. I know it will not be easy, but I am really hoping and working on staying on track.

I started my journey with my first orientation on June 24. Following the orientation, I was still up in the air as to whether VSG was the path for me. On July 03, I was able to take my daughters to Universal Studios for the first time (after years of alimony and child support, I was finally able to afford it). We waited in line for 2.5 hours to ride Harry Potter. When I was just about to board, I was pulled out of line in front of my girls and asked to sit in the "test" seat to see if I would fit. My girlfriend was then called over to help the attendant push the harness down low enough to engage the safety restraints. I was just barely able to go, but the feeling of being made a spectacle in front of hundreds of people, more importantly, the possible embarrassment to my daughters, and the fear of being told I could not take the ride with my kids. Coupled with a life of battling weight loss and depression, this was my rock bottom. I took my daughters back to their mom's that Sunday and on Monday, July 10, my life changed. I began following the book provided by Kaiser South Sacramento Bariatric and have lived it to the letter. I have completed the required courses and groups, had my initial visit with the surgeon, and my visit with the psychologist. With my first visit with the surgeon, he informed me that I had already achieved my surgical goal weight (thanks to my adherence to the book). Last week I met with the psychologist. She did not provide much information but said she was concerned because I admitted to being a binge eater. Yesterday I received a follow-up call and was told that I have to prove myself for six months before they will approve surgery. I was devastated. I am now being assigned to more psych visits to learn what my "triggers" are. Well, my trigger was the psych yesterday and I did just fine. Having spent a lifetime fighting weight and always ending up on the losing end, this frustrates me beyond belief. I have lost over 35 pounds since June 24 (I find out officially this afternoon when I weigh in). I am excited for the weight loss and extremely proud of the progress I have made. But, for long term sustainability, I feel I need this valuable tool. My concern now, is if I am able to keep up with this pace of weight loss, they will deny the procedure when I prove I won't binge. Just wanted to vent a bit. I know it is probably me just overreacting, but ... not much place else for me to get it off my chest.

I began my journey on June 24, 2017, at Kaiser South Sac in Ca. Like you, I have been living by the guidelines set forth in our "bible". I have always made excuses for my failures and for once, I am seeing it pay off. I have not been given a surgery date yet, but as of last week, I am down 35 pounds since my first weigh-in. I don't have much knowledge yet, but I'm full of support!

Stockton (ish), Ca

I am going in for my psych appointment tomorrow. No date yet, but would love to connect with some local sleevers (pre or post). I although I have support, I do not have too much acceptance. Just getting nervous as this gets closer, even though I have no idea on a date at this point.

@sleevedshereen While it is troubling to hear what you have gone through with your boyfriend's lack of understanding, it is somewhat refreshing to know that I am not alone with that. I recall from my support group meeting that it seems to be pretty common. One of the most troubling aspects was that my SO's mother even approached me and told me not to get the surgery. I was more upset with the fact that my SO thought it was okay to talk to her mom about it, despite me making it clear that it was my choice as to if, and when people would be told. I am not certain why I feel this way, but to me, this is an intensely personal journey.

Well, here goes nothing... My name is Jim. I am from central California and have three absolutely beautiful daughters from two different marriages. They are smart too, which leads me to wonder where the heck they got their brains, because their moms and I definitely got the short end on that deal. lol I was born with severely deformed feet and legs. Spent my entire childhood in casts and braces. Surgeries were the norm to get me to where I could walk (almost) normally. I was also incredibly skinny and had a voracious appetite. The standing joke was that I stored all the food I ate within my casts. Because we were also quite poor and depended on assistance, my parents insisted that I clean my plate with each meal and nothing was allowed to be wasted. Pasta was plentiful because it was so cheap. As I got older, my appetite never let up, but I still did not gain weight. I was active and my body seemed to eat those extra calories with ease. Then, I hit 21. For whatever reason, the weight poured on. I went from 140 pounds to 175 in a few months. Then to 200. I felt like I was on a runaway freight train. I noticed with the increased weight, my feet and legs began to hurt more. My activity levels started to decrease because of the pain. Then, with the failure of my first marriage and the trauma of the disgusting divorce process, depression set in. I isolated myself and began to eat to take the pain away. Before I knew it, I was 250 pounds and my feet and legs were worse than ever. Over the years, I managed to diet, but fell into the 96 percentile and always gained the weight, plus extra, back. A few years ago, I suffered a work related injury to my left foot. I was told that, because of the deformities and the surgeries, that my work injury would never heal. Essentially, I re-sprain my foot every morning when I get out of bed. Although minor, it is painful ... daily. I also learned that I had limited mobility in my ankle and that the metatarsals were trying to pick up for the slack that my ankle was leaving. In short, I was told that I need to find a different career or I would not make it to retirement. The only solution for my problem will be to fuse all of the joints. In April, I went in to see my doctor and weighed in at 299 pounds. I am 5' 11", so I know that for many this is not as significant, but my BMI was 42. With a historical trend of increasing weight, HPB, sleep apnea, and severe joint pain, he recommended I look into the Kaiser bariatric program. This is where my journey begins .... June 29: Attended first orientation class in Stockton (299.0 lbs) July 03: Had a huge mental set back when I took my daughters to a theme park and was called out of line to see if I fit in the "test" chair. July 07: Attended official orientation at Bariatric Center in South Sacramento (298.8 lbs) July 10: Officially gave up carbonated drinks, alcohol, and caffeine. Started using post-op food plan religiously. July 21: First visit with Dr. Yenemula. Was informed I had already made goal weight (283.1 lbs) July 24: Attended nutrition class and that evening attended support group meeting (282.4 lbs) Aug. 07: Stopped by for official weigh in (270.2 lb) Aug. 16: I have my psych visit I have been very limiting on who I have included in my journey. My mom, significant other (SO), and kids know. I have also told my boss (a close friend), so he is aware of the time I may need coming up. Everyone has been extremely supportive, except that my SO is insistent that I do not get the surgery. She has never had weight issues and is a gym rat (talk about oil and water). She believes that all I need to do is continue with this diet that, as of now, has been extremely successful. The problem is, she has not been with me to see 20 years of struggling. The emotional and physical pains associated with losing, then gaining back more. She has not seen me getting dinner for the family on the way home and ordering an extra meal, just so I can hurry up and eat it before I get home for dinner. And, after wolfing that meal down, feeling the extreme shame in doing so. For me, this is a much-needed physical tool that will assist me in maintaining what I am doing right now. With this surgery, I will be lighter and able to return to exercising the way I used to. I see the possibility of retiring on my own terms…not a doctor’s. I am so sorry for this lengthy intro. Just started typing and it flowed. If there is anyone in my neck of the woods that is willing to chat (Stockton, Sacramento), I would love to learn more about your journey and maybe mutual support. While I value the support groups and do intend on going, I am not as comfortable in that group type environment. If you made it this far, thanks so much for reading.