My Vertical Sleeve Surgery 11/9/10

[YESICANLOSE160 0]

My name is Esther. I am 45 and I have battled my weight since I was 7 years old. I was chubby as a child and I became addicted to sugar as a baby drinking a bottle of milk laced with corn Syrup ( doctor recommended). At 27 I became Type 2 Diabetic. By 30 I was Insulin Dependent. At 35 I caught a mysterious virus which gave me Congestive Heart Failure, permanently damaged both kidneys 65% and affected my vision. At age 36 I was blind for 6 months. At age 37 I went on Dialysis for 18 months. At age 39 I had a Kidney Transplant. All through these years of illness I tried diets, pills, hypnosis, psychotherapy, etc. NOTHING WORKED. In June of 2010 my Kidney Doctor told me I either lost weight or I might have a heart attack , stroke or worse. She recommended Bariatric Surgery. I started the process in July and it took 3 months of rigorous screenings to get a surgery date. I was told I needed to lose at least 10 lbs prior to surgery. I lost 13 lbs. On 11/9/10 I had Vertical Sleeve Surgery done. Two months later, I have lost a total of 50 lbs. According to the medical charts I should weigh 155lbs. I decided I would lose exactly half my "Before" body weight of 320 lbs. My goal is to lose 160lbs and weigh 160lbs. I weighed that 18 years ago at the age of 27 and I looked and felt great. It really isnt just about appearences for me. I want to live a healthy and happy life. I want to be able to buy clothes and enjoy wearing them. I want to live a long life surrounded by those I love. food was never my friend, I thought it was, but it really wasn't. I am seeing a very good therapist who is helping me deal with all the changes. I recommend everyone does that if they can. After surgery I had to allow myself to FEEL and experience life: good, bad, ugly. I no longer turn to food to deal with all emotions: stress, worries, sadness, joy, celebrations, boredom, etc.

[MRSKOUBiK 27]

Way to take charge of YOUR health! That's awesome. Congratulations!

[Oopsseedaisy 90]

Welcome to VST Esther!!!!!!!!!!!!! Boy you had your share of medical issues! I am glad you were able to have the surgery and start on the path to a healthier you!

[MINI-Me 196]

Welcome ... glad you found us.