Newbie from Chicago

[favoredone 590]

Below is a repost about me!! I'm glad this group is available for us!!!

Hey Guys! I am a 36 year old teacher and doctoral student from Chicago.. I have been researching WLS for a few years now. Until recently, I never took the next step to meet w/ a WL specialist and surgeon... I'm in my 2nd month of a 6 month pre-approval process.. I was dead set on the band, even w/ the failure percentage and probability of revision and port problems.. Yesterday, I met w/ my surgeon Dr. Gerald Cahill and he gave a thorough explanation of why I am a prime candidate for the sleeve.... I'm still apprehensive, but upon perusing the board, I'm encouraged by the success stories and the support provided here... I am so SCARED to share this news w/ my family... a little over 7 years ago, my 28 yo cousin died from complications of gastric bypass, because of this they are not very open to WLS...Also, because I am active, confident and successful... my friends and fam don't think I need WLS... I've been losing weight fairly steadily, but I aggravated an old back injury and can't workout like I need to.. and for the past 2 months, I've not be eating properly and essentially sending my body into starvation mode and an imbalance in my blood sugar..... I think I just got disgusted w/ my weight and kind of said.. whatever!!.. I'm much better now and excited to start focusing on me and what I know I need for my life... How did you tell your loved ones?? Or should I wait until after the surgery to tell them???

I'm willing to accept all advice, input, etc.... I'm going to do it...I want my life back!!!!

[zoelifechick 7]

Hey Favoredone: Welcome! I too didn't want to say anything to my family, because of the negativity, but what I did was, tell one at a time, and explained that I was not having the bypass (which they are negative of), and that I was having a new successful procedure that made your stomach smaller (no re-routing of the intestines), and that I was doing it; because of health issues that I have now, and could have in the future. They seemed to all be receptive, but it really didn't matter to me whether they were or not, because I am doing this for myself. My husband is supportive, but concerned. He is going to go to one of the seminars to get more info. to make him feel better about the procedure. I hope this helps.

Below is a repost about me!! I'm glad this group is available for us!!!

Hey Guys! I am a 36 year old teacher and doctoral student from Chicago.. I have been researching WLS for a few years now. Until recently, I never took the next step to meet w/ a WL specialist and surgeon... I'm in my 2nd month of a 6 month pre-approval process.. I was dead set on the band, even w/ the failure percentage and probability of revision and port problems.. Yesterday, I met w/ my surgeon Dr. Gerald Cahill and he gave a thorough explanation of why I am a prime candidate for the sleeve.... I'm still apprehensive, but upon perusing the board, I'm encouraged by the success stories and the support provided here... I am so SCARED to share this news w/ my family... a little over 7 years ago, my 28 yo cousin died from complications of gastric bypass, because of this they are not very open to WLS...Also, because I am active, confident and successful... my friends and fam don't think I need WLS... I've been losing weight fairly steadily, but I aggravated an old back injury and can't workout like I need to.. and for the past 2 months, I've not be eating properly and essentially sending my body into starvation mode and an imbalance in my blood sugar..... I think I just got disgusted w/ my weight and kind of said.. whatever!!.. I'm much better now and excited to start focusing on me and what I know I need for my life... How did you tell your loved ones?? Or should I wait until after the surgery to tell them???

I'm willing to accept all advice, input, etc.... I'm going to do it...I want my life back!!!!

[wishes 125]

Welcome to the group! It is great to have you. Don't be afraid to just jump right into the board, this is the place to find information and support if you need it.

I didn't tell anyone but my boyfriend and my mother. Not many people in my life would understand why I am having the surgery at my age, but I am sure this is the best decision for me to take control of my health and become happier and healthier person. I don't want to spend the rest of my life regretting my life and end up with the diabetes (which both my parents have), the heart disease, or the blood pressure problems that surely as I yo-yo up and down for the next ten years. I won't tell my sister or my friends unless I really feel like they will support my decision.

Also, the 6MSWL will be a good time you to find out all about this surgery and what it entails to make the best of it.