Nat2.0

Thanks for telling us about your experience and including so many details. Though some folks might think it's too long, I really appreciated reading it. My ppwk is going to be submitted by my surgeon's office this week and we're hoping to hear back around 2 weeks. If all goes well, I'm hoping to get sleeved at the end of May. Hope you're continuing to recover well! Would love to hear how you're doing!

Natasha0820, How did your surgery go? Your surgery was 04/16/18, right? Would love to hear more about your journey and follow your progress, esp since we're both in CO! All my insurance requirements were met at the beginning of the month. I'm now waiting for my surgeon's office to submit and to see if I get approved. Hoping to get sleeved right after Memorial Day. All the best, Nat2.0

Hi, Ladybutternubs! Thanks for the response... I haven't been on the app or site for awhile so I'm just now seeing your reply. Thank you! I just attended the support group Kelly runs last night for the first time! Were you there? Do you go regularly?

Congrats!! Keep us posted on your journey! I'm hoping to get approved in April and sleeved in late May. *fingers crossed*

I agree with so many of the things you listed... Painting toes without hassle. Not always being the fattest/biggest one in photos and trying to hide behind people (hard to do since I'm only 5'1")! And not being the fat sister. Having a slim face and body - not needing filters or photo editing to make me look better before letting people see photos of me. Not needing to buy XXL shirts/dresses or plus size bottoms, or having fat feet. Can't wait to wear cute clothes and shoes again!! Might be TMI, but not feeling like I'm going to pull a back muscle or break my arm trying to take care of business in the bathroom. Strange thing to realize over time that this would be difficult, but I guess it makes sense that the backside gets bigger just as the rest of me has. Not being in chronic pain or feeling exhausted just walking or trying to do anything physical. Keeping up with my active kids and not just watching from the sidelines. Not wanting to eat so often or so much. Thanks for starting this thread! Love the encouragement and support for each other on our journeys. Let's keep it going! I'm hoping to get approved in April and sleeved in late May. And, to respond to another post, I'm in Colorado.

Hi, Ladybutternubs. Did you ever end up having your surgery with Dr. Frank Chae? I met with him for an initial consultation in November 2017 and am currently working on completing the insurance requirements during the mandated 6 month waiting period. If you proceeded with his office, can you please share how your experience was? If you didn't, would you be willing to share why? A friend of mine had VSG by Dr. Chae about 1.5 years ago and raved about him and his office to me. She also has several friends who had surgery performed by him. I've read many positive reviews about him online and have seen some of his video clips (i.e. him being on The Doctors show recently about vBloc). All the best... hope to hear about your journey and decisions.

Congrats!! So happy to hear your husband had a change of heart! I totally related to your previous posts and stress. My husband was also a nay-sayer and had several hurtful comments to express his skepticism and disapproval of my decision. Since then, we've talked more and I've shared with him some informative articles which (with some prodding) he finally read... and, he is more open to the idea now. Though he may not understand the weight loss struggle, I think he accepts my decision now. He even went so far as to say he will support me the best he can. I'm happy you will get to proceed with your WLS. All the best!

I'm so sorry, DRoseman. [emoji22] My heart breaks for you. I can also empathize. My husband and I have had similar conversions. It is so hurtful that sometimes it seems he cares more about the money than the health benefit and quality of life I could gain. I have diabetes, arthritis, and have struggled with my weight most of my life. He went so far as to say the other day that if I'm going to go through with it he'll just have to look at it as money he gambled away and lost and will never get back. SERIOUSLY??? [emoji35] I wonder if our insurance was to pay all of it if he'd even make such a stink about it. They will only pay a portion and I have to pay the rest. I'm still working on my husband to help him understand the benefits of the surgery and why it's diff than just dieting or starving myself. I have a few months before I'm submitting for approval. I hope things get better on your end. In the meantime, hang in there, stick to your guns, and save. ((BIG HUGS)) [emoji173]

Wow! Yay, you! I'm hoping to have surgery in May/June... seeing pictures look yours and reading success stories is so inspiring. You'll be at your goal before you know it!

Thank you, JRMoseley. What you wrote hits the nail on the head. My husband is indeed passive aggressive and you are right in that usually in marriage each person has flaws that might frustrate the other... ground rules help and support and love being offered to each other even if the one person doesn't fully understand. I love the way you put things. Much appreciated!

Is that true?! Wow, I've been doing a lot of research on bariatric surgery but haven't come across any marriage stats yet... That's sad to hear. :-/

Thank you, FluffyChix! I've seen on on many of the boards I've visited. Thanks for your positivity and always lending an encouraging word! I'm definitely going to keep swimmin'!

Thank you, mellah124. Sorry it was so long... just had to get it off my chest and I knew people here would be supportive and encouraging. Congrats on your weight loss thus far and even more on being able to eliminate 2 of your 3 diabetes meds! I am confident you'll be able to eliminate the last one at goal!

Hi, Creekimp13. Thanks for your reply. My husband is a good enough guy and we've been through a lot in 23 years. I agree his response and support in this matter leave a lot to be desired. I keep trying to remind myself I don't need his approval and that I need to just take charge of my own health and life whether he understands now or not. I think he will come around once I am through the surgery, recovery, and he sees how much it will change/save my life. I keep trying to stress to him that this is now a life saving procedure for me. Even if he doesn't come around, I doubt I will regret the decision. From all I've read of people's struggles and successes, it seems the reasons I'm in this journey far outweigh the reasons not to be... aside from potentially putting my diabetes in remission, regaining my physical health to be able to be more active and participate in life, regaining my emotional/mental health, etc. I want to stop watching my family from the sidelines. I shower my kids with love and try to support them in every way but I don't do a lot of physical activities with them because I feel terrible and I'm out of shape. I want to be a better mom for them. I want to show them that we are all worth taking care of ourselves, loving ourselves, and should strive to be happy and healthy. Congrats on your success so far... all the best to you as you continue on your journey. Thanks for being present on this online support forum.

Thank you, blizair09. Your candid, well-articulated comment and encouragement are so greatly appreciated! And, your success and dedication to your healthier lifestyle is inspiring. To answer your question, my husband will not flip out when I get smaller. In the 23 years we've been together I've lost large amounts of weight before on my own through exercise and healthier living... The last time even losing 50+ lbs and lowering my fat % from 42% to 17%. (It is hard to vividly remember how wonderfully healthy, happy, and confident I felt and to know I have since fallen a long way). He is not the jealous type, but he does definitely prefer when I'm slimmer, in better shape, and active. I do not fit the physical profile of the type of women he's usually attracted to and we've had our share of ups and down on that issue and my weight. Obviously, I've managed to regain my weight even with those previous successes which is why I'm now on this journey. I intend to proceed with my sleeve surgery (if I'm approved) and will just hope and pray he comes around (along with other family members). I will continue to seek support from my friend who had the procedure done, support groups, my best friend (who has not had surgery but is very supportive), and also encouraging BP participants like yourself. Congratulations on your success!! Thanks again for the positive response.