Need some encouragment

[shannonk1676 4]

Hi, my name is Shannon and I am 37 years old. I have struggled with my weight all my life. I have lost weight many times just to put it right back on. I know we are all here for the same reasons; however, I have this crazy feeling of fear that I can't kick regarding having the sleeve. I have a 3 year old daughter and I worry that something will happen to me and she won't have me. :-( But at the same time, how long can I live weighing 300 pounds at only 5'3".

I have been working with a Weight Managment program for probably 8 months now and can't get it together so the sleeve surgery has been brought up lately. I have done a lot of research, and always come back to that "fear" feeling of something happening. I know we never know what could happen, but is it worth the risk? I read so many amazing success stories and I want that for myself, my daughter and my husband. I want to have a fun fulfilling life that isn't based obcessing about wanting to loose weight and how much pain I am always in because of my joint pain.

Please, any suggestions, advise would be greatly appreciated. And I would like to start a frienship with some people that have experienced this surgery/ or in the process.

Thanks and good luck to everyone!

[kathp 81]

I ended up at a surgical solution one day out of the blue. I went to an informational seminar.

I talked to people who had had it done before. Both with good and complicated outcomes.

Do your research on your surgeon. What surgeries will your insurance cover? What is his/her complication rate? Does he do leak checks post-op? How does he treat leaks? What is his pre / post-op diet plan like compared to others? Support group? What services (gym, cooking, follow up) are included? Talk to his people with complications.

I love my surgeon, and he's the best one in our area, but I got there by dumb luck.

Ask lots of questions. That's a good sign.

I will be honest with you - the guy who had surgery the same day as me (RNY though) died a week later. I think it was the first patient my surgeon lost in 10 years? We don't know the whole story, other than that it was a massive heart attack. What I do know is that his long-time girlfriend is still in the program to have surgery with the same surgeon. She and I have talked about how I decided on VSG, but I haven't pried.

So yes, there's a risk. But life doesn't come with guarantees and I'd rather enjoy mine than observe it from the sidelines - and I don't mean that in a condescending way, just in a honest way.

I look at myself in the mirror now and don't really recognize myself. I actually see more of my Mom. And she's really cool. She works for Harley, and left for Sturgis this morning. She "lives" and I've kind of "existed" up until now (since college anyway).

Good luck in your decision-making process.

[Pixie Dust 526]

I had the same fears as you only I'd be leaving behind an 11 y/o autistic son & an 18 y/o son & my wonderful husband. I bit the bullet & went ahead with the surgery & feel I made the best decision. The surgery itself was really nothing. I remember feeling worse after having my tonsils out at 5 or 6 y/o. I'm only 2 weeks out but have had a decent weight loss so far. I just hope it keeps on moving. The only regrets I have so far is that I didn't do it sooner. I wasted my youth being heavy & unable to participate in life so hope to make up for lost time. Go for it & don't look back sweetie! It's also very normal to be afraid & have doubts. I'm sure everyone goes thru it.

[megancd 48]

Hi Shannon. My name is Megan and I'm 30 years old. I just had my sleeve done this past Monday after struggling with my weight my whole life. I contemplated weightloss surgery for a couple of years first thinking the band and then after enough research and reading I decided on the sleeve. The surgery itself wasn't bad. They found a hernia and repaired it at the same time. My biggest struggle thus far has been with nausea but each day is better then the one before. I can't wait to feel well enough to work out and accelerate the weightloss. One day I'd like to have children of my own and I feel confident that the sleeve will assist me in getting in the shape I want to be when I have children so that I can be very active in their lives. I wish you all the best of luck with your decision.

[mokee 588]

I am 8 months post op. I also am 66 yrs old. This was also a bit scary for me at my age. I can imagine you worrying about being here for your daughter but at the way you are will you be here for her. Are you able to do all the things you want to with her? You have to weigh the pros and cons and most importantly find a very good surgeon. I am down 80 lbs and would never have lost this without the sleeve. Best of luck to you.

[Alys3129 24]

Hi' date=' my name is Shannon and I am 37 years old. I have struggled with my weight all my life. I have lost weight many times just to put it right back on. I know we are all here for the same reasons; however, I have this crazy feeling of fear that I can't kick regarding having the sleeve. I have a 3 year old daughter and I worry that something will happen to me and she won't have me. :-( But at the same time, how long can I live weighing 300 pounds at only 5'3".

I have been working with a Weight Managment program for probably 8 months now and can't get it together so the sleeve surgery has been brought up lately. I have done a lot of research, and always come back to that "fear" feeling of something happening. I know we never know what could happen, but is it worth the risk? I read so many amazing success stories and I want that for myself, my daughter and my husband. I want to have a fun fulfilling life that isn't based obcessing about wanting to loose weight and how much pain I am always in because of my joint pain.

Please, any suggestions, advise would be greatly appreciated. And I would like to start a frienship with some people that have experienced this surgery/ or in the process.

Thanks and good luck to everyone![/quote']

I completely relate!! I am 35 and also have a 3 year old. I was sleeved 7 days ago today! I too had the same fears going into this. My decision to go ahead with it was first for me... To take care and be around for my my daughter I needed to take care of me!! I have a feeling this will be the best decision I could have ever made for us both. Everyone has fear going into surgery.... And then you wake up and it's all over. Having faith in your surgeon and his/her team is essential. Hearing about their success stories was comforting. If I can help and support in any way a you move forward please just reach out. I am happy to help! Good luck!!

[Alys3129 24]

Hi' date=' my name is Shannon and I am 37 years old. I have struggled with my weight all my life. I have lost weight many times just to put it right back on. I know we are all here for the same reasons; however, I have this crazy feeling of fear that I can't kick regarding having the sleeve. I have a 3 year old daughter and I worry that something will happen to me and she won't have me. :-( But at the same time, how long can I live weighing 300 pounds at only 5'3".

I have been working with a Weight Managment program for probably 8 months now and can't get it together so the sleeve surgery has been brought up lately. I have done a lot of research, and always come back to that "fear" feeling of something happening. I know we never know what could happen, but is it worth the risk? I read so many amazing success stories and I want that for myself, my daughter and my husband. I want to have a fun fulfilling life that isn't based obcessing about wanting to loose weight and how much pain I am always in because of my joint pain.

Please, any suggestions, advise would be greatly appreciated. And I would like to start a frienship with some people that have experienced this surgery/ or in the process.

Thanks and good luck to everyone![/quote']

Btw starting weight was 250 height 5' 2. Down 10 lbs in 7 days. It feels good!!

[Jamie Greatone Jamison 19]

Hi Shannon. I too had the same fears as you. I have a 3 1/2 year old daughter and was fearful that I might die during surgery and then she would be without a father, and why, because I can't exercise and eat properly.

But then I started to think of the probability of outcomes. Was it possible that I could die in surgery yes? But the chances with laproscopic surgery are very, very, very small.

So if I didn't have the surgery what were the chances I would actually turn my habits around and learn Portion Control and lose weight. Again, in my opinion, very very small. The much more likely outcome if I did nothing, was that I would die of heart disease or some other obesity related illness much sooner than I wanted to.

So in weighing the risks and the rewards, it made complete sense to me to get this surgery. I'd much rather take the small percentage I could die during surgery than stick with the much larger percentage that I will die early because of my morbid obesity.

That didn't change my fear at all going into the operating room, but it certainly helped me to make my decision to go through with it. Now I"m 2 weeks post-op, down 34 lbs, and I feel awesome! One of the best decisions I have ever made.

Best wishes, Jamie

[NotLookinBack 164]

Hey Shannon..

As someone before me said.. Make sure you do a lot of research on your doctor and your choice. I stumbled upon this option by talking to friends that have had the Lap-Band. I have a 9 and 6 year old. They keep me busy.. Sometimes too busy. I know that I want to be around for a long time so I can spend time with them and my family. I see some of the complications extra weight does to you through issues my family has had. I don't want to be a burden to my children when they get older because I didn't do what I could to take care of myself when I was younger. If I'm a burden to them I want it to be in the fun annoying ways.. long story short.. I want to be here for my kids, to play and have fun with.. I want to stop living my life on the sidelines.. I know there are risks.. But I'd rather take those risks now and salvage what's left of my life while my kids are young.. Then not do it and not really have a life worth living when I'm older.. Just my thoughts.

Take care and if you need anything everyone is always here,

Crystal

[formyboys3 4]

Hi Shannon I'm also in the process of figuring this whole thing out. I'm 37 and have two boys 11 & 7.... I'm 5', 262.... I too am fearful of something happening and leaving them w/out a mother and my husband w/out a wife... What keeps me moving forward is realizing that where I am right now is not healthy and tho I have no major medical issues due to my weight (besides sleep apnea) I know it's just a matter of time and I don't want to go there... My biggest fear is going under... I have had two c-sections, so the operation part I'm ok with, it's just the fear of going to sleep and not ever waking up... Or even having complications afterward... But I'm leaving it in Gods hands. And am looking at it also like if this was a surgery for anything else ie: cancer, back problems, another c-section (to bring a wonderful life into this world) I wouldn't hesitate one bit. So I've come to the realization that this is the best option for me and my health and that this is one of the greatest gifts I can give to myself and family. Having mom/wife around and able to function and be healthier. Hope this all makes since My mom has been the one who has been the most hesitant about this whole process, but besides the above reasons I mentioned I also explained to her that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow... And all we can do is do what is best for us in the moment/grand scheme of things... Look forward to all that you will be gaining by doing this, the benefits far out weigh the risks... I'm lucky to have found a surgeon that is wonderful.. Do your research (this site has been a wonderful resource for me) and make a decision your comfortable with. Don't rush into anything, take your time in making the choice. This is a huge decision, one you need to be at peace with ultimately. I'm still struggling and am thankful I still have another month to go before everything is submitted to insurance and I find out if I'm even going to be approved. It's giving me time to do more research and get prepared both physically and most importantly mentally. Because a big part of this will be mental. Also spending a lot of time in prayer. Hope this helps a little

[shannonk1676 4]

Thank you ALL so very much for your responses, your truth about the outcome pro's and con's. Everything you all told me is exactly the same things I have thought myself, so hearing it from people who have had the surgery really helps.

I want to live my life too instead of existing, I think ALL the time at how I think I would be so much happier if I was thinner so I could go and do fun things with my husband and daughter. Go for walks at the park, go to baseball games and do fun things that involve a little walking. I would LOVE to go camping and tell stories by the fire with my little girl and sleep in a tent in the backyard. So many things I want to do to ensure she has a wonderful childhood, and that I provide myself with the best life I can. But for some reason, I just can't keep the weight off on my own, and I think I need the "tool" of the surgery.

Thanks again to all of you. I hope you don't mind if I add you all to my friends. I'm still trying to figure this site out so hopefully you all get my response. God Bless!