Who Are You?

[pattylo 36]

Hello everyone! Mine name is Lindie. I am 40 years old' date=' married and I have one child. I am new to this forum. I had my Vertical Sleeve surgery on September 16, 2013, and I am so excited to start this new journey in my life. My starting weight on the morning of my surgery was 237 lbs., and as of this morning I am weighing in at 226 lbs.. I am really looking forward to being healthier, keeping up with my very busy son and shopping in the smaller clothing section. [/quote']

congrats and welcome to the loser bench!

Sent from my iPad using VST

[I Am Resolute! 10]

Hi All! I loved reading your introductions! Congrats to all of you.

I am a 55 year old Mom of 5 and Grammy to a 4 year old grandson :tongue2: . The kids are all grown and hubby and are lost in this big old farmhouse. I have always worked and for the past 15 years I have been a legal secretary/IT Manager. Having been overweight my entire life I now am taking the time and care for myself to do the VGS surgery which is scheduled for November 13th, 2013.

With a husband that loves to cook and a son who is a chef it is all about the food. Now, I look forward to better, healthier choices and making it ALL about the people! These two guys will do wonders with Protein and veggies. My son wants to do something special when I get to goal...climb a mountain or something!

We love to cruise and are going 3 months post op...again, it's about the people not the food. Yay to not wondering if this is the time that I will need to ask for the belt extender on the plane.

Thanks to all of you for sharing and I am very appreciative of the support that is all around me!

[cloud 0]

hi yáll. my nickname is cloud. i am 61 yrs young and in the pre-op process for the sleeve.. over 120 lbs overweight, to date. only good thing is i'm 6' tall and get to spread the weight out a bunch. i've gained 60 lbs since Nov. 2012. That's when I was last hospitalized with pneumonia, then got to spend another 2 weeks in a rehab,.. blah, blah, blah. Äround 14 years ago, i began my overweight journey. my life radically changed when my health rapidally declined.

in 1999, i began to collect multiple auto-immune disorders. 1st diagnosed with asthma, than MCTD (Mixed Connective Tissue Disease) w/Lupus and RA, Diabetes, Hypothyrodism, Fibromyalgia, Hypertension, MS, Raynauds, to name a few.

I would love to here from anyone out there with any of these issues, or similar circumstances - post-op or pre-op.

i also am in a wheelchair due to extreme pain in my spine, numerous herniations (7 at last count).

i guess it's easy enough for me to say, äm going to need all the support i can get!"

Anyone else out there with autoimmune issues?

God Bless!!!

Always, cloud

[Yoga lady 49]

Great support system seeing surgeon tomorrow should get my date

[Jdub 109]

Hi All! My name is Justin, I'm 38, happily married for 6 years now (been together for 17 years!), and have a beautiful 2yr old daughter. I live in Fredericton, New Brunswick (a little bit north then most up here in Canada and I work as a technical analyst for a local IT company. I've been surfing this site for awhile now and figured it was time to sign up! Not sure if we have many Canadians on the boards here or not...

A bit of history about myself: I've been pretty much overweight my whole life, was diagnosed with Type-2 Diabetes about 10 years ago, high blood pressure and cholesterol about 5-6 years back.

It was around 5 years ago I was at my heaviest (5'10" 325lbs). My wife was also in the same situation as me and we both decided it was time to try and live a healthier lifestyle, so we joined the YMCA in our area and began working with a trainer. My wife did incredibly well in losing 100lbs in one year from exercise and eating healthy. I myself, ended up losing about 40lbs and dropping to my lowest weight of 285. My wife was cleared for us to start trying for a family at that time and after almost a year, we were excited to find out she was pregnant. She was very strict with her diet while carrying our child, but not so much for me. I began to slack off especially after she couldn't work out at the gym after a certain point in the pregnancy (She was my competitive partner!)....and i ended up yo-yo'ing back and forth with my weight. I always had excuses for not going to work out. Fast forward about 2.5 years of pretty much sitting on my tush. I recently (last 3 months) started going back to the gym, but not as often as I should be so my current weight is around 298.

My family physician told me that my diabetes was getting worse and that I was a candidate for VSG where I had all these health issues and my BMI was over 35%. I decided to go ahead with the surgery and be put on the waiting list after realizing that my health is in decline, and that i needed a change for the better. I want to live a healthier lifestyle again, lose the excess weight once and for all, and be around for my daughter growing up.

The surgeon in my area was in the process of starting up the program for VSG surgery, so after being referred by my physician back in April of 2012, I finally got the call in January 2013. I was given an information package on the surgery at that time and was told I would be contacted in approx. 6 weeks for another consultation. Months went by and I decided to call and found out that they were trying to find a nutritionist that would work with me (Gotta love healthcare in Canada, eh?), but they finally called me in August, and said they had found one. So I've had one visit with my NUT, and I am meeting my surgeon for the first time on October 15th. I am happy and scared all at the same time that things are progressing. His staff told me I should expect the surgery to come about 6 weeks after I meet with him. I am totally stoked and can't wait! Although I'll have to lock myself in a room over Christmas if everyone's stuffing themselves with food haha!

Looking forward to chatting with lots of folks on here!

[Tiki 74]

Who am I? I am the mother of one son, stepmother to two daughters and one son. All are grown. My husband and I have been happily married for 9 years. His daughter has two beautiful grand darlings that we get to see a couple of times a year. We leave in two weeks to get to see them again. We can't wait.

All of the women, except my mother and one aunt have weight problems, big boobs and big butts! I have always dreamed if having long skinny dance legs but have not seen that come to pass yet (I guess they will never be long but skinny is possible).

I have worked for the same company for more than 30 years. I started really young so I have another 10 years before I can retire. I have promoted over the years to upper management and make a good salary but I feel that my weight has hindered my career to some degree. In an effort to prepare for retirement I started on my Masters degree to become a counselor (LPC). I love helping people and thought I might make a difference after retirement.

Why am I getting the sleeve? I am sick if wearing black because it is slimming. I am tired of praying the seatbelt will buckle every time I fly. I am tired of mentally judging a chair width with arms hoping to squeeze my butt in it. I am tired of having heat rashes in folds that shouldn't be there. I am sick and tired of the Water dam my body creates when I open the drain in the tub. I am tired of my knees hurting. I am tired of laying my clothes on the bed and it looks like I got a new bed spread. I am tired of pulling a big o black bra out of the drawer that could fit two bowling balls in. I am sick of... I could go on and on but I think you already know.

I have done all the pretest and exams and am waiting for the insurance. I am hoping to have surgery in December 2013 while off work for Christmas.

Who are you?

[dfwtxmissy 108]

My name is Melissa. I am 50 and married with 2 grown kids and 4 grandchildren..so totally digging the whole grandparent thing. I live in Texas with my husband. We work together for a publishing company that deals with CPAs, tax attorneys and anyone that deals with taxes. We have been married for 11 years. I have a sister who is 9 years younger. My mom and birth control didn't quite jive. Our family is and always have been obese and I want to break the cycle now. Folks in my family have a tendency not to live beyond their 50's.

I love to scrapbook and have more pics than I will ever get finished with before I die.

My surgery is in 2 days and am excited for the new journey and nervous.

[Urban Teacher 0]

Hello,

My name is K...

Basic tidbits about me..

1. I was born, raised and live in Chicago, IL. and I absolutely looove my city. It is the best in the world.

2. I am happily married to the most wonderful, loving, adorable, romantic, caring God fearing man on Earth.

3. My husband an I have a blended family with five beautiful children...2 boys and 3 girls. We adore them. They are everything.

4. I am a Chicago Public School teacher. I teach 6-8th grade science and I love my job and adore my students.

5. I own a business called Diva Custom Services. I offer many services from print, event planning, catering, and anything else you may need for an event. website: www.divacustomservices.com

6. I love reading, traveling, entertaining, charity work and best of all spending time with my family.

7. I Loove sports...all sports...especially football, basketball, hockey, boxing, tennis and everything else. lol

This Weight:

I started to really struggle with weight after I gave birth to my daughter. I remember my heaviest was 236. I was devastated with how big I was. I joined LA Weight Loss. It really, really worked. I loved it because I got to eat and learned how to eat healthy. I got down to 150lbs. People could not believe it. All I did was eat all day a work out a little and I lost weight. (Pictured below at my lowest weight on LA Weight Loss) Then, the company went into bankruptcy and closed...right before I began my maintenance period. At the same time, I started the road that was leading toward a divorce from my first husband. Between then and now I have lost 12 very close family members...including my dear mother whom was my back bone. That's when I tipped the scale at 325lbs. In the mean time, I have tried Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem and my own diet plan. I have absolutely no will power. Doctors say I am healthy...all my tests come back great. But, my aching back, knees and this sleep apnea says there is a problem. I realize that I am slowly killing myself as well as being a poor role model for my children. I made the decision to kills this access weight. I started my pre-op diet. I weighed in at 313 today. (Picture from last weekend below) I will be in surgery Monday morning. Praying for a successful surgery so that I can begin my life again...healthy and looking forward to the future with my family.

[Urban Teacher 0]

Hello,

My name is K...

Basic tidbits about me..

1. I was born, raised and live in Chicago, IL. and I absolutely looove my city. It is the best in the world.

2. I am happily married to the most wonderful, loving, adorable, romantic, caring God fearing man on Earth.

3. My husband an I have a blended family with five beautiful children...2 boys and 3 girls. We adore them. They are everything.

4. I am a Chicago Public School teacher. I teach 6-8th grade science and I love my job and adore my students.

5. I own a business called Diva Custom Services. I offer many services from print, event planning, catering, and anything else you may need for an event. website: www.divacustomservices.com

6. I love reading, traveling, entertaining, charity work and best of all spending time with my family.

7. I Loove sports...all sports...especially football, basketball, hockey, boxing, tennis and everything else. lol

This Weight:

I started to really struggle with weight after I gave birth to my daughter. I remember my heaviest was 236. I was devastated with how big I was. I joined LA Weight Loss. It really, really worked. I loved it because I got to eat and learned how to eat healthy. I got down to 150lbs. People could not believe it. All I did was eat all day a work out a little and I lost weight. (Pictured below at my lowest weight on LA Weight Loss) Then, the company went into bankruptcy and closed...right before I began my maintenance period. At the same time, I started the road that was leading toward a divorce from my first husband. Between then and now I have lost 12 very close family members...including my dear mother whom was my back bone. That's when I tipped the scale at 325lbs. In the mean time, I have tried Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem and my own diet plan. I have absolutely no will power. Doctors say I am healthy...all my tests come back great. But, my aching back, knees and this sleep apnea says there is a problem. I realize that I am slowly killing myself as well as being a poor role model for my children. I made the decision to kills this access weight. I started my pre-op diet. I weighed in at 313 today. (Picture from last weekend below) I will be in surgery Monday morning. Praying for a successful surgery so that I can begin my life again...healthy and looking forward to the future with my family.

[Fat Pat no more 89]

N

[Fat Pat no more 89]

N

[NikkiBGood 4]

Hi, I'm Nikki.

I am a single mother to a wonderful 6-year-old girl. She is a big reason why I had the surgery. I was diagnosed pre-diabetic and I don't want to die before she is old and grey.

I work full-time and am a full-time student. I'm very busy, generally. Not sure what to do with that, but I'm trying. I love to write and reading is a passion. I just wish I had more time for both. Loving to read is coming in handy, considering all of the textbooks I'm into.

I love nature. I love to hike in the mountains and swim in the rivers. Camping is awesome, as is fishing and boating, and the beach, and everything outdoors. Well, I've never gone snowboarding or anything, but I know I love the snow, and snowmen are great to make. I enjoy walking and swimming a lot, but running is annoying.

I don't like movies, but I love plays and music and interactive stuff. I'm learning to stop using food as a social gathering (I'm failing miserably).

Hm. I could tell you more, but I really should get out of the house.

[NikkiBGood 4]

Hi, I'm Nikki.

I am a single mother to a wonderful 6-year-old girl. She is a big reason why I had the surgery. I was diagnosed pre-diabetic and I don't want to die before she is old and grey.

I work full-time and am a full-time student. I'm very busy, generally. Not sure what to do with that, but I'm trying. I love to write and reading is a passion. I just wish I had more time for both. Loving to read is coming in handy, considering all of the textbooks I'm into.

I love nature. I love to hike in the mountains and swim in the rivers. Camping is awesome, as is fishing and boating, and the beach, and everything outdoors. Well, I've never gone snowboarding or anything, but I know I love the snow, and snowmen are great to make. I enjoy walking and swimming a lot, but running is annoying.

I don't like movies, but I love plays and music and interactive stuff. I'm learning to stop using food as a social gathering (I'm failing miserably).

Hm. I could tell you more, but I really should get out of the house.

[7 Bites_Jen 479]

My mom and I both had the Vertical Sleeve surgery last year. Mine was in July and hers was in September. One thing we both noticed was that there weren't many resources out there that were just for people that have had weight loss surgery. There were a few blogs out there, and of course this forum and others, but one thing we craved was MORE. We both struggled with making the surgery work in the first few months. What could we eat? How could we make it edible without grossing us out? So many questions. It took us months of trial and error to come up with ways to make the high Protein lifestyle we needed work. Thus, 7 Bites was born. Our first episode has aired on YouTube today, and we are so excited. For those of you that know me, I am also known as JenniJune on this very forum. I owe VST a LOT for getting me through the first few months for sure!

I invite you all to come check out our show - and be sure to tell us what you think!

[Andrea N Thibodeau 0]

Why not...

My name is Andrea and I just turned 29 yesterday. I had my sleeve done on September 9th. I am married to my awesome husband of almost 2 years on the 15th. I started at 303 and I am down to 258ish. What brought me to this decision besides my doctor, was My number 1 reason is my husband. He asked me if I would do this and I couldn't refuse his beautiful brown eyes. 2) I have had many family, not all over weight pass away from cancer. 3) at 27/28 my blood pressure and cholesterol was starting to go up and I wanted to nip it in the bud so they say as soon as possible. 4) I was just plain happy at who I was becoming and wanted a change.

So some interests, I love horseback riding, which I haven't done in years but I am hoping by next spring/summer that I will be able to ride with my mom. My husband has gotten me into hunting and target practicing which is a really good stress reliever. I also enjoy camping, fourwheeling and all that jazz. I am not a tomboy cause I love shopping( so excited to do some shopping as I get smaller), manicures, pedicures and all that girly stuff. I also can't wait for summer so we can try our hand at white Water rafting. That about sums it up about me in a nutshell.