New to site

[Trip-G'Ma 0]

Hello fellow/soon to be sleevers

I have never joined one of these sites, I have been looking at the site as a none member since I discovered it last week when I was 3 days post sleeve, the first day I went on it I couldnt belive how informative it was and I could so identify with a lot of what other people were going through, I was on the site till 2 in the morning the first day I was on the site.

Any how something about me, I have steadily put weight on over the last thirty years and at one time I could diet and lose most of the weight but the weight would never stay off. I suppose it was yoyo dieting but the closer I got to 50 years of age I think the string got stuck I would lose less weight then put it back on plus alot more at my heaviest I was 20 and a half stone or 287 lb for my American friends.

Life was getting unbearable I was becoming quite down about my weight and loosing any confidence I had. In December 2009 I went to my Doctor and told him how I was feeling, he really listened to me but because he knew how the NHS worked (I couldnt afford to self finance the surgery), he said I would need to prove that I was serious about loosing the weight this way and I most exhaust all other avenues, I had already taken Xenical twice previously so he started me on Reductil, an appetite supressant, I was given a months supply and I took it with apprehension as I knew of the side effects but I was so desperate to lose the weight. I went to get a further presciption and discovered it had been banned in the UK that week.

The doctor then referred me to an exercise and diet programme which was a 2 year programme but it was the pathway I needed to be on to get the surgery. I'm a qualified nurse so I do know what I should be doing and what I should or should not be eating but doing the right thing is another thing, however the programme got me back to the gym and my new found love of zumba.

I was seen by a dietition who kept on trying to change my mind about the surgery,a bit of a devils advocate, when she was convinced I was serious she referred me to a psychologist who I saw once and she and the dietition made a report and sent it to my local PCT, who would then decide either to fund or not to fund the surgeryon the NHS it was then a waiting game.

At last I got the letter I was sent by the PCT in June 2011 to a private Consultant Mr Decadt at the Spire Regency Hospital, Maccelsfield about an hours drive from my home, thank god for sat nav, I was so excited. He agreed to do the surgery but it would have to go back to the PCT to ensure they agreed with the funding,I made lots of phone calls to the hospital and to the PCT followed to see what was happening I suddenly got a phone call on the 27th September to arrange two pre-op appointments before the op date on the 17th of October I couldnt stop smiling I was so excited. And I remained excited right up untill the op. I am now 10 days post sleeve and the scale is steadily going down and I am feeling great though I am very easily tired.

I know its early days but I dont think I will ever regret the decision I made to have this surgery. I have three Grandchildren, three year old triplets, the light of my life I want to be able to keep up with them and to be there when they have their children and I feel I have a better chance of that happening.

Hope to be talking to many of you in the future

Maureen

[LindaS 316]

Congrats, Maureen! Welcome to the site and to being sleeved. Triplet grandchildren? They are a great inspiration for getting healthier, I'm sure. I'm getting tired just thinking about three three-year-olds -- so much energy!

Thanks for sharing your path to WLS. I hope you continue to update us on your progress. Welcome again to the losers' bench!