Once upon a time there was a fat girl named Karen..

[Sleevie WonderLand 41]

I guess I’m doing this backwards because I should have come to the “Tell your story” section when I first started perusing VST. I can’t even remember how I found this site honestly. I was using Obesity Help and quickly got turned off by that site because there is a lot of unnecessary drama happenin over there. People leaving nasty and negative comments for each other and what not…just wasn’t for me. So I’ve decided to do all my sleevin here on VST. I’ve gotten so much advice, inspiration and insight from the people here. VST rocks.

Now, for the “my story” part. What can I tell you about my overweight life that you haven’t already heard from everyone else? My story is typical - heavy as a child and all through my adult life. Dieted endlessly..lost weight, gained weight, had babies, gained more weight, found love, lost love, isolated myself, battled with self confidence, gained more weight, found love again, yada yada yada. So here I am in my 40s heading into Sleeveland, and I’m asking all of you directions on how to get there and stay there.

I have four children and a great husband who deserve to have an active Mom/Wife in their lives so I’m not just doing this for me, but I’m also doing it for them. My husband is the only person that knows of my surgery plans. What’s my reason for keeping it secret? I just don’t want to tell people. I don’t want to hear what people have to say about my decision. I just want people to see me and have their jaws drop. Stop looking at me like that. It’s no different than when people get botox or face lifts. They wanna look better, right? Well in my instance, I’ll look better AND I’ll be improving my health. And the big bonus is that I’ll get to re-ignite that inner me that has been hiding for way to long. I’m bringin Sexy back!

My official weight loss surgery journey started in late May, and I’m officially on my way to getting sleeved. As of today, I still have a couple of procedures and tests to complete, and I’m doing my best to get those done so my surgeon’s office can submit my paperwork to my insurance company. (I wanna get sleeved in September *fingers crossed*) In the meantime, I’ll be posting, blogging, and researching everything sleeve here with you guys on VST.

My ideal story ends with me getting sleeved, slimming down, and living happily and healthierly ever after…. (yeah, I know that’s not a word, but it has a real nice ring to it).

So…that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

[Papa Jack 86]

Welcome here. Yea I think this is a better site also. You are doing great! You attitude is great. I was sleeved yesterday. I am very sore. But the air has gone away now. I would burp it out by walking in the living room to the kitchen. If you sit it will not burp out. You have reached a point in your life where you need this. Go for you! I told very few people also. Welcome again!

[SeattleSue 25]

Good for you! I'm glad I found this site too...with people just like yourself--making informed decisions and moving on. I know you are gonna rock your sleeve!! Go on, bring sexy back!! WOOT WOOT

Susan

[Texasmom65 23]

Welcome and I agree this is a great site. I joined the "other" site a couple of weeks ago, but find it unorganized. I like this site so much better.

Good luck on your journey and we will be here waiting to hear "The End" in the many months to come. LOL