Well, you see what had happened was...

[carolina girl 56]

Thanks everybody for all your support! As the days grow closer, so does my excitement... and anxiety! You are all so right, this bulletin board is a great source of reassurance, information, and knowledge. And... ya'll are the best cheerleaders anywhere! I even added my first friend today... Thanks SmokyMtnGal2011!

[lolasmom 3]

Welcome! There are lots of GRITS (girls raised in the south) on this forum and we know all about that southern cooking! Congratulations on your decision...it will change your life.

[Papa Jack 86]

Hey Carolina Girl, My wife & I have made many trips from Williamsburg VA just for the BBQ in Carratuck NC. We always drive home with a few pounds of BBQ & Sauce. So I can relate to you. I'm being sleeved on Tuesday the 26th, because we would drive down to NC for BBQ. Welcome to this board.

[GreenEyedMamma 5]

Welcome and I wish you all the best in your surgery and recovery. It is an AMAZING ride!!!

[carolina girl 56]

Just a follow up... I went to my pre-op appt today and took ole' "Paula Deen" (AKA mom) with me. I guess she decided she needed to know what her one and only was really getting herself into with this surgery thing. I told her, first and foremost, that she had to behave at all times, which I'm happy to report that she did! I was relieved that she finally took some interest in understanding why I have come to this decision and what it involves. My husband still thinks I could do this on my own, and while I appreciate his vote of confidence, I know that he's just full of bologna! He knows I need this, he just has never fought with his weight and can't wrap his head around why I can't "just quit eating". But that's OK, I am a grown woman, and besides the good lord above, I don't have to justify my decisions to anyone.

I thought that I would leave my appointment today with some hint of fear, some small doubt, something that would make me re-think this and ask myself "Is this REALLY what I want to do?". Instead I left with the confirmation that this is the right decision for me, right now. Why wouldn't I do this now, before my health gets worse, before I gain any more weight, before I have to take anymore pills? Why wouldn't I want to take control of my health now? We only get one go around in this world- I want mine to be full to the brim. I don't want to turn into a crippled up old lady who can wipe her own fanny (I know you know what I'm talking about,lol) I want to LIVE what little bit of life I'm blessed with to the fullest!

So off I go to the hospital Friday morning- gotta be there at 5:30 am! So glad I'm the first surgery of the day..... wish me luck!

[virtygirl 11]

Hi from one eastern NC girl to another, you'll do fabulous on your day of surgery and after. I had my VSG last Friday and am doing much better than I expected. My prayers and good wishes are with you.

[Brian66 85]

Dear Carolina Girl,

Good luck to you as your surgery date approaches in just three days. You are going to love your sleeve.

I was sleeved last July 13th and I could not be happier with the results. I have a soft spot in my heart for July sleevers. To date, I've lost just about 120 pounds and I am thinner now than I have ever been in my adult life. This surgery has truly been a miracle in my lfe!

Don't let anyone tell you that this is the easy way out. I struggle with this notion on a daily basis, but I know in my heart that it takes guts and determination to take this step. There is no question that it is scary and not without risks, but for me the alternative of living the way I was was no longer acceptable.

Good luck to you and keep us posted on your progress!

Brian

[Shoppingbeemom 31]

Congradulations on your surgery date! luv your post.

[carolina girl 56]

Hey Yall, I just wanted to let everyone know I did get sleeved yesterday and everything went well. I am home and of course very uncomfortable, but not in any real pain. I had a rather large hiatal hernia that had to be repaired as well. Dr said I've probably had it for years. The hardest part has been trying to take deep breaths- boy does that hurt! Also trying to learn how to drink is a challenge, it"s probably going to take a while to get this drinking thing down!

[cinderella123 0]

Hi Carolina

I live in NC and know exactly what you are talking about. After 3 children and gaining and losing with each, my weight slowly creeped up as well. I tried for years to work out eat only healthy foods. I would do well for a while and then Celebrate my loss and it was down hill from there. This has been a huge step. First discussing with my husband and children and now making that step.

I am having may surgery on 8/10/11. I am looking forward to my new life.

[carolina girl 56]

Hi Carolina

I live in NC and know exactly what you are talking about. After 3 children and gaining and losing with each, my weight slowly creeped up as well. I tried for years to work out eat only healthy foods. I would do well for a while and then Celebrate my loss and it was down hill from there. This has been a huge step. First discussing with my husband and children and now making that step.

I am having may surgery on 8/10/11. I am looking forward to my new life.

You are right about one thing cinderall123, this is a huge step. I won't lie to you the last two days have been kinda rough, but if you read this bulletin board over and over again people say the same thing- despite the rough days, they would do this again every day. I am looking forward to the next phase myself. Best wishes to you in your journey. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

[Becca 108]

Congrats on getting sleeved. I hope you heal quickly. Best wishes for a successful sleeve journey!!!

[NEWLEASEONLIFE 1]

My date 6/1/11.

I wouldn't say I hurt, but I was uncomfortable for about two weeks. Like childbirth...I really don't think much of it now. My body feels so much better! My feet felt wonderful first. Walking is such a freeing activity. It is hard to believe that at age 44 my physical body was in such poor shape. The surgery has really given me my life back!

[Rekeca 0]

Hey Caroina,

Thanks for sharing your story. I am from N.C So I know what you mean about the barbeque. I love the eastern Barbeque as well. Yummy. Good luck on your surgery.