The journey has just begun...

[raggmopp68 7]

My name is Nicole, 45 yrs old, 250 lbs. My heaviest ever. I've struggled with my weight since my early 20's. I was diagnosed with MS in 2004 and since then have put on weight consistently. I kept telling myself "by my next birthday..." Well, many birthdays have come and gone. I started thinking about surgery a year and a half ago and my insurance would have paid for it, but the criteria was near to impossible to meet. I have since gained a terrific job with 'Cadillac' insurance that will cover it easily. The final straw was that my knees are shot, my mobility is like an 80 year old at times, I now have sleep apnea and have to use a CPAP.

Portion Control has always been my enemy. My friends ask, "Why can't you just do the diet portion of the surgery without doing the surgery it self?" Because I obviously do not have that kind of will power. Knowing that if I overeat with the sleeve, 'dumping', 'pouch stretching', or any number of unpleasant things can happen will keep me in check. I have tried many diets...many times and I feel the sleeve is my last hope.

My father is obese with diabetes, my grandmother was obese with diabetes and I'm built just like them both. I need to get a handle on this weight so that I can enjoy the second half of my life. I have wasted a lot of mine and my families time with being unable to do things like hiking (knee pain), Disneyland (too much walking), and going to the beach (not about to put on a suit). I have a 12 year old daughter who I know is not happy about my being tired all the time and unable to do the things her friend's mom's do with them.

I have finally decided that it's time to get real about my weight and do something about it. The sleeve is for me and reading all of your stories has really helped solidify this decision.

I'm 2 months away from surgery and can't wait to begin working on the new me.

[rsmont77 101]

Congratulations on your decision. I am close to your age and at a similar weight with a 13 year old. I had my surgery on December 26th and have almost lost 30 pounds. It is a life changing experience, and will be a challenge at first. You will be happy with the surgery, keep me posted on your progress. :-)

[jac1970 39]

Raggmopp-your story is my story nearly word for word. Except I'm 42 and my son is 20. :-)

[lessofmeismore 1,405]

Welcome to VST and your new life!!!

Congrats!!!

[JerseyGirl68 1,172]

Congratulations!!! Best decision I ever made! Good luck!

[BeatrizS1974<3 sleeve 94]

Congratulations! I am currently 9 days post-op and I question myself as to why i didn't think of surgery sooner! Good luck to you!

[himalaya62 221]

Me too but I'm 50 ( and fabulous) and have a 22 year old son now. My sleeve is Feb 5th. Woohoo. I currently weigh 258. My goal is 140.

[Diamondeyed 399]

Congrats

[raggmopp68 7]

Me too but I'm 50 ( and fabulous) and have a 22 year old son now. My sleeve is Feb 5th. Woohoo. I currently weigh 258. My goal is 140.

It's Feb 15...How did your surgery go? I don't have a dtae yet, I'll see the doctor on Feb 21. Hope all is terrific post-op. Be well:)

[raggmopp68 7]

Congratulations! I am currently 9 days post-op and I question myself as to why i didn't think of surgery sooner! Good luck to you!

WOW!!! 44 lbs last Jan 18th. How r u doing now? I am so excited to be wherw u r. Hopefully going to schedule surgery date when I see doctor on Feb 21. Having my psych test this morning. Be well:)

[raggmopp68 7]

Congratulations on your decision. I am close to your age and at a similar weight with a 13 year old. I had my surgery on December 26th and have almost lost 30 pounds. It is a life changing experience, and will be a challenge at first. You will be happy with the surgery, keep me posted on your progress. :-)

Well, I see the doctor on Feb 21 to schedule the surgery, I have my psych exam this morning and will be so excited to finally be on the other side of this venture. It's Feb 15, how much have lost now? It's so great to watch everyone's progress and all of the positive feedback. Some not so positive, but mostly very encouraging. Be Well:)

[SMO 193]

Raggmopp, we have similar stats, too. I am 47 and my high weight was 257. I lost 16 pounds during my 8 month pre-op period and was sleeved 11 days ago on 2/4/13. I those 11 days, I have lost 15 pounds. The best thing is that I am not hungry. I have some sensations in my sleeve that may indicate hunger but they are nothing like the hunger I remember. I do not start solids (soft) until Monday, but this lack of hunger is a truly remarkable thing and I hope it lasts forever. Also, I had a totally unremarkable surgery. The biggest challenge for me has been creating my new schedule of eating and drinking to make sure I get it all in. Thankfully, I am married to a nurse who is managing my recovery.

[raggmopp68 7]

I was telling someone the other day that I would LOVE to NOT feel hungry all of the time. I can't imagine what that must be like. I can't wait. Thanks for your update, more excited all the time.

[PhoenixRising8 3]

Hi, It's nice to be starting this journey [it sounds like] with someone. I go for the seminar on 2/27 before I can meet with the surgeon. I'm told to expect surgery sometime in May. I'm disabled; 49; 4'11" and 270 pounds. I'm VERY limited what I can do for exercise: walk, recumbent bike and pool therapy. I'm nervous, but I've got 120+ pounds to take off and I know no other way at this point. I wish you well as you embark on this journey. Blessings~

[rsmont77 101]

Wish you all luck, I'm 8 weeks out. It has been a challenge, but well worth it.