vanelifejourney

So, the conversation went like this. Person who I’m sure I want in my life moving forward, “ ummm well, if that’s what you want to do. You know, I lost 50lbs the natural way but eating small portions and walking.” Me: “ I’m glad you’re happy with your results. There’s no hard way or easy way, there’s only the permanent way and however means you choose to get there is the right way.” The person I no longer like, “ well, sorry you don’t like what you see in the mirror that you want to mutualize your body to be “skinny” that’s really low self esteem” WTF. by now I wanted to b***h slap someone but I took the high road and responded. “ you don’t have to understand or even agree with my decision but I ask that you respect it and me. “ End of conversation. My rant goes: why the stigma of wls vs the natural way. I get so annoyed when I hear that statement. The perception that going the surgical route is not by any means the easy way to go. End rant.

I’m only starting this journey and have a long way to go. I’m so happy to have found this forum. Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s experienced this? It’s been so hard to find good before pictures because always hiding behind someone or something. I never thought I did that on purpose but looking back at pictures I sure did.

Hi, I’ve been on here a while but wasn’t ready to post. So, I’m close to finishing all the required pre-op testing in order for clearance for surgery. I am a smoker and for the obvious reasons I need to quit but also I can’t go through surgery if I have nicotine in my system. Can anyone else relate? Ps. Cold turkey. No go. Patches. Allergic Gum. Not working.

You spoke to my soul with this comment. Thank you!

I would also like to wish for the wining lotto numbers. I know money can’t buy happiness but it sure can by a chef to do all this meal prep we gotta do. I’m just saying....

Great article, thanks for sharing. Especially loved the resolution quote: "The suggestion that obesity is not a disease but rather a consequence of a chosen lifestyle exemplified by overeating and/or inactivity is equivalent to suggesting that lung cancer is not a disease because it was brought about by individual choice to smoke cigarettes."

Update. I haven’t had a cigarette in 5 days, the cravings are gone. For the first 3 days I used vape with the lowest dose of nicotine and for the past two days I’ve used the vape here and there with 0 nicotine. I was stressing on how hard it’s going to be but I changed my perspective and I walked away from nicotine. I’m not going to say forever, I’m hoping so but for now I’ll do it day by day. Changing old habits one at a time.

Well said. I’ve talked to my pcp and we’re on plan B. I started Wellbutrin, it’s been helpful to those who have taken it and quit. Or so it’s been written online. I want to be healthy way more than I want to smoke and it’s because of these stats I won’t risk it. Nicotine has to go.

For me it’s on a need to know bases. Right now, those closest to me need to know because I need the support. Everyone’s been very supportive because they know I’m doing this for the right reasons which is to live a long healthy life without obesity related illnesses. I did have one person who I love dearly, not agree with my decision but would support me either way.

Hi Alicia, I’m Vanessa. Same goes for you.

So far I’m so pleased with my choice everyone in the office has been so nice and helpful. Its been comfortable and easy. They do have an office in palm beach gardens. Dr. Wizmen comes highly recommended but so does your Dr. he was my second choice.

Support groups helps, including this forum. Also, we don’t seem to be too far away and we’re close in our journey. So I’m here for you at any time. I’m going with dr wizman in palm beach gardens

I’ve wanted the surgery too for a long time but there was something that would always hold me back. I’ve done tons of research and now that I’m armed with all the knowledge of this surgery and the life after. I am now confident this is the RIGHT decision for me and I don’t have to justify my decision to anyone. Those I’ve told I’ve asked for their support but I don’t necessarily want their opinion on it or to tell others what I’m doing and everyone I’ve told has respected that and will support me even if they feel I shouldn’t do it. Btw I live in st lucie and I’m in the pre-op testing stage of this journey.

I’m worried about the complications that it may bring, also I want to get back into the gym as soon as im cleared to do so and I want to be able to breathe well. People say it a mental thing but it’s not it’s so much more.