Where Do I Start?

[robinagogo88 12]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post, so sorry if I don't get the lingo right. I am going through the process to get VSG for the 2nd time. Last year, I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes 3 months after being diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. So...I started to look into getting a band. I went to one orientation, saw the surgeon (Dr. Feng from Palo Alto Medical Foundation), attended 2 nutrition appointments. I also took a couple of classes for the pre-diabetes. Once I started doing the cutting back that I needed for the pre-diabetes, I dropped 40 lbs. and I stopped the surgery process. I figured I could do it on my own and I didn't like the idea of a foreign object in my body. So things happened (marriage drama, work changes, etc.) and I gained 20 lbs. back. Yay! (I am 5' 10 1/2" and 319 lbs--yowza, I've never told anyone that).

So now, I'm a year older, I am no longer pre-diabetic, but I don't want to have these problems anymore. I hate that I have to hold on to two things to stand up out of a restaurant booth or getting up off the floor. Now that my kids are getting older I'm so worried that their friends are going to make fun of me and be mean to them because I'm fat. So, I met with the surgeon again and we decided together to do VSG. Then I went to my second orientation, saw the nutritionist and had all my tests done (including the swallow test--that was fun). Now, I'm going back to the nutritionist next week and I'm worried that I've gained weight. I keep eating bad things (comforting things) even though I know I'm supposed to be losing weight. I don't know where to start. I need to walk and I can't find (make) the time. I have two kids and a dog, but I can't peel myself out of bed in the morning to go for a walk. I have had a cold the past 3 weeks so that's made it easy to lie in bed and veg, but I just don't know how to get motivated.

I want to do this so badly. I know I have several months to go because my insurance requries six months of nutrition (cumulative, 3 must be consecutive). How do I do this? How do I get my head in the right place?

Sorry to go on & on. I'm just frustrated.

Thanks to all of you for your advise. I love reading these boards. They're so helpful. Everyone is so inspiring and I know I'm making the right decision, I just need to motivate.

Thanks!

[topgun 63]

The time will pass quickly as you educate yourself and start making the lifestyle changes that you will need to put into place to ensure that yours is a successful journey. Be prepared to undergo the myriad of emotions that we all did before surgery and whenever the "d" word (doubt) pops up, just remember your commitment to yourself and your kids. This forum can be your best friend as you read success story after success story and gather important information from all of us losers here.. Your success story is next. Don't fool yourself, tho, this is a significant undertaking and not one to be taken lightly. Your positive attitude will pull you through the "dark" times and take you back into the light. God bless you and we are all right at your side, cheering you on.

[sdb1147 54]

Not certain if I'm askinging this question in the right forum, but haven't seen it posted elsewhere.

Is anyone familiar with Medicare covering VSG? I also have Aetna insurance as a supplement.How do the finances work out?

Thanks.

[NancyJerry 139]

Hi Robin! And good for you to be making the plans and jumping through the hoops to get your Sleeve. It is a life changing event and the time will pass more quickly than you think. How to get started.....maybe slowly. Do you watch tv? Get up at EVERY commercial and walk in place. Set a timer to walk outside for 5 or 10 minutes every couple of hours. Sometimes baby steps are really just baby steps. I loved, loved, loved food. My pre-op diet was not as strict as a lot of the ones I see posted here and it made me feel so good. All I had to do was cut out sugar and carbs. Everything else was unlimited. meats and most veggies plus added 50 additional grams of Protein per day. I lost more weight doing that than I've lost in the past 2 weeks; and I didn't feel deprived. Just some suggestions. I know you'll do it if it's what you want in your mind, body and soul. P.S. - Don't lay around with a cold (that's how colds turn into bronchitis and pneumonia) get outside and walk around. Your lungs will thank you!

Good luck, we're here for you!