My Vsg Surgery Journey

[Rebel 9]

I began looking into Weight Loss surgery in April of 2011. I did a lot of research including some on this very board before signing up for a Seminar in July of 2011. My Husband was dead-set against me having any kind of surgery and was sure that we could both do it on our own. However, I was tired of dealing with one medical condition after another stemming from my being overweight. Where normally I would have backed off when he didn't support me, this time something was different and instead I forged ahead.

I attended the WLS seminar in July and based on the research I had done prior and the information about different WLS Surgeries they performed, I opted for the Sleeve. I had completed my paperwork and turned it in at the beginning of the Session. Once the physician concluded the Seminar he said to turn in your paperwork if you were interested in moving forward. OOPS. Oh well, I thought it is in God's hands now so His will be done. I went home and told my Husband what happened and he said well you won't be approved so don't worry about it.

Two week's later I was driving home when I received the call that I was approved! I could not believe it. I was literally in shock. I knew how many people are denied etc and could not believe it had happened so fast for me. I went home and told my Husband and he said it didn't matter if I was approved there was no way we could afford it. I went to my consultation and found out that I had already paid quite a bit toward my out of pocket due to the other medical issues I had been dealing with (Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Rheumatoid Arthritis) and I could afford the surgery. In addition, this year for the first time ever I had participated in my employer's health spending account and would have those monies available as well.

I went home and told my Husband the news and did a lot of praying beforehand. He told me then that he was scared for me to have the surgery. I told him that I appreciated his concern but that I had prayed about this entire situation and every step of the way the Lord had removed one obstacle after another. I told him that in faith I was going to move forward and gave him a couple of dates that I could have surgery on.

It was like the Lord just changed him at that point. We talked about it (for the first time) the procedure, the pre-diet, the post-diet, the lifestyle changes and he really listened. We picked the surgery date together and he volunteered to take me to the hospital and stay at home with me my first day out of the hospital. My surgery went smoothly in September and he has been my biggest cheerleader ever since. He actually spent the first week with me after I got home from the hospital (taking his vacation time) and took care of our son all on his own while I recovered. He is the first one to encourage me now if I am having a bad day or feeling discouraged when I stall.

I could have done this without him but I am so glad I didn't have to. In three short months, I have lost 45 lbs and am over 1/2 way to my goal of 88 lbs lost. I have lost 18 inches in my waist and hips alone. I have more energy than I have in years and a newfound self confidence that had been sorely lacking. I have gone from a size 22 to a size 16 in clothes. My recent labs showed that my triglycerides and blood glucose are NORMAL and my cholesterol is within 3 points of being normal. I was so excited when I saw this and have already been taken off my diabetes and blood pressure medications as well.

I can honestly say this is the BEST thing I have ever done for myself. But, the benefits are priceless too. My son has a Mom that can get in the floor with him, take him on amusement park rides, play soccer, throw the football, etc. I was so tired before and my joints were so sore that I had become a sit-down Mom and could only watch as he played and ran around. I know now that I will be here to see my grandkids and grow old with my Husband and a few months ago even, I could not have said that. I know how good I feel already and can't imagine how much better I will feel when I get to goal. The goal is something I can actually see now when before it seemed so unattainable.

I will do this. This is my time and I will succeed.

[Strongarm 1]

Congrats, You are on your way to a healther life. God works in mysterious ways.

[favoredone 590]

Congrats!!! Awesome story.. Thanks for sharing!!

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

Hey sweetie, thanks for sharing this!!!! You ARE a superstar, and I'm sooo happy to hear your progressing well That's what this is all about, us getting our lives back to cherish all the little things we've missed out on along the way.

Big BIG hugs and cheers on the other half of your journey!!

[jasleeve 440]

great story! im glad he jumped on board & i thank god that he supports you now! god was definitely on your side and youre blessed! nothing is stopping you now!

[Paola 62]

Thank you for sharing, congratulations on you success!!! I love the part were you say God has removed the obstacles, Isn't God awesome? =)

[Sambrettsmom 1]

Our stories are so similar! I had my first consult 4/21/11 and had surgery 9/27/11 and have lost 40.5 pounds today! I know the feeling oh so well. It is WONDERFUL! I am 1 pound from Onederland and am so excited! I also have about another 40 to lose!

Great job and it is so nice to see someone so close with the same success!!!

[jasleeve 440]

YAYYY ONEDERLAND!!! congrats

Our stories are so similar! I had my first consult 4/21/11 and had surgery 9/27/11 and have lost 40.5 pounds today! I know the feeling oh so well. It is WONDERFUL! I am 1 pound from Onederland and am so excited! I also have about another 40 to lose!

Great job and it is so nice to see someone so close with the same success!!!