I'm New Here

[babyblues4all2c 24]

A little about myself: I am 28 years old and I have been struggling with my weight all of my life. I am tired of being the girl that has a pretty face. I hate how I feel about myself. I have been toying with the idea of doing some type of weight loss surgery for the last few years. For years I was encouraged to get the lap band, which I seriously thought about for a while. Now, after the long term effects of it have come out, I am so glad that I did not do that surgery.

In May of 2011 I went to the bariatric orientation at my local Kaiser office. That is when I first learned about the gastric sleeve. My insurance requires everyone to go through a 12 week class before getting any type of weight loss surgery. The days and times that the classes were on conflicted with my work and school schedule so I wasn’t able to start the classes. At this point I wasn’t ready mentally to go through with any type of surgery. So I started counting calories and exercising. In four months I lost about 26 lbs. When I started school I stopped counting calories and didn’t make time for exercise.

Now I have gained back each pound that I lost along with an additional 6. I have come to the decision that I now must take drastic measures for my health before I develop any major health problems, while I am still young(ish).

On April 17, 2012 I went to a second orientation at Kaiser (my first referral expired). Now I am making time for myself. I start my 12-week class on Tuesday, May 1^st. As long as I make each class, which I will, I will be done with the class in mid-July. I should meet with the surgeon late July/early August and hopefully have the gastric sleeve done by mid-August.

I have to quit smoking… I started that journey, and it is way harder than I thought it would be. With the future ahead of me, I am determined to get this done. After all, I AM WORTH IT.

I have been lurking around for about a week and feel like I have learned so much. I can see what I have to look forward to and I am excited.

[rodswife 155]

Yes you are worth it and glad that you realized it. Good luck on your journey. It is a big decision but one that I do not regret making. You will love the end results.

[Carly 56]

I am happy you feel so motivated to take your life back. Welcome to the group!

[slimthickens 28]

Sounds like you're on the right track and know what you want! Full steam ahead to your success.

[karenh831 0]

Hello, story sounds similar except I am much older than you. I went to a seminar in 2011 and now two days ago for hopefully mid august surgery. I am also determined to make time for me. Good luck. I am on a low carb, high Protein diet and have lost almost 10 lbs in a few weeks. I agree the lapband is not a choice I want to make. I feel confident the sleeve is a good fit for me and my goals. Keep on track and keep in touch.

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

Congrats! This has been a great decision for me.

[Gene1970 179]

Great Attitude!!!! You are Worth it... we all are!!! I too have considered getting the surgery for a long time now and I'm so glad that things are finally in the works. It was a hard decision for me because I am a self pay patient, but in the end I determined that having better health and living longer is worth any price.

[Finding MeMe 204]

Welcome, Welcome you sound ready for the start of your journey.

[medictazman 2]

I think you look hot now, guess your going for smoking on fire, and all around California babe. I know how you feel with the yoyo thing and I have always been known as the fluffy funny guy.