A New Journey...a First Step!

[Lyra 43]

Hello all! I'm really glad that I stumbled across this site in my internet sleuthing about getting the gastric sleeve. I've been toying with the idea for the past year, but with moving, starting a new job, a family crisis, and the holidays it (quit frankly) was put on the back burner.

Then two things happened, the first being that my friends and I went to the state fair and I was so excited for the rides. Of course, I was somewhat LESS excited when I found out that I didn't FIT on the rides. The shame and humiliation still makes me cringe. There were also tears later that night in the privacy of my own home. The second thing was that my dad conquered his fear of surgery and was recently sleeved. It was a revelation and a light bulb went off in my head. I realized that I was amazingly unhappy with what I had become. Also, with my 30th birthday in November I am determined that THIS year will be different. I NEVER want to feel as inadequate as I did at the fair, and I'm plain sick and tired of having to think that I can't hang glide, zip line, climb, kayak, walk up two flights of stairs without gasping, or fly on an airplane without contemplating on whether or not I'm too heavy.

Ever since I decided that this is the path that I'm going to walk, I feel like a great weight (no pun intended!) has lifted off of my shoulders. I feel that there is a bright, shiny light at the end of an uphill tunnel and I am filled with determination. I know that there will be tons of hard work, pain, stress, and perhaps emotional upheaval...but birth itself is painful and what is this if not rebirth?

I just made my first appointment and am looking forward to leaping through all the hoops that I need to jump through. My goal is to have the surgery in 6 months (or less) and to try and get in the best shape I can before I go under the knife. I've also been reading tons on why I am an emotional eater and how to put my energies towards healthier conduits so that this surgery will be a success. After reading the various posts I have to say that all of your stories have inspired me, and I forward to sharing my journey, and reading up on all of yours!

Thanks!

~Lyra

[Vance_ 217]

Congrats, Lyra, on making that big decision. It is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. It was for me. I am 42 yrs old andI have 3 boys ages 14, 13, and 10. I had to do something to get healthy and I tried just about everything. I have some years left and I want to actually be able to play with my boys, take them to Six Flags and be able to ride rides with them, all the good things a father should do with their children, yet I could never do before. I was sleeved on Dec 31st. I weighed in at 330 prior to my pre-op diet. 17 days post-op, I am down to 279.5. I feel better, I am already more active. I am a bit tired through out the day, but that is just because I am still on phase 2 of my liquid diets and am not getting in a whole lot of calories. My goal is to be able to take them to Six Flags this summer. They are excited about it...and so am I!

You can do this! If I can, so can you...and you will do great! Keep us posted and best of luck!!

Vance

[UndaMyVoodoo 5]

Good for you, Lyra! I am currently waiting on approval from insurance company after many hurdles so don't give up no matter what! And I can't wait to be able to ride a roller coster again either!

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

Congrats! This is a scary decision to make but well worth it. My surgery was oct 4 and I am feeling fantastic right now. I have alot more energy and am willing to stay on a plan to get to where I need to be......

[Lissa 2,631]

Lyra, It sounds like you are doing things just right!! I recommend a therapist to everyone, mostly because none of us would be obese if we didnt' have food issues, IMO. Good luck on your journey!! That first step is often the hardest, and the first step is admitting that we can't do this alone!