One year ago, in a town hours away...

[SusieK710 130]

How to describe the deep joy that the last year has been to me? I remember feeling like I was holding my breath and time was in slow motion the last day before surgery, excited, scared, horrified that I wasn't able to solve my weight problem myself.. Surgery went well. I was intrigued by the effort it took to swallow even tablespoon of water/protein shake. (Best advice was Water being a priority over shakes the first week or two) Not eating was harder emotionally than physically. What to do instead of eating? It had taken up so much of my time and thoughts. The hardest decision wasn't about the surgery but if to tell and who. I decided to tell my group at work. We are nurses and eat together. I knew I would have to lie to them every day and didn't want to do that. Most other people just got the simple answer, "Anything and everything, high Protein, low calorie, small portions, exercise, water..." By July I was down 60 pounds and meet my surgeons goal of a BMI of less than 25. I was able to go get a resting metabolism test, showing how many calories I burned per day (plus exercise), I was average for a 50 year old at 1400 per day, so I was able to plan how many I could eat a day. This also helped with doing the math on how long it would take me to lose a pound. The plan was instilled in my head so I continued, on adding treats here and there, waiting for the scale to start climbing back up. 6 months later, I'm down 5 more pounds and at my dream weight and in an unimaginable size 4!. I almost feel naked without my weight, people notice and pay more attention to me more now. Sometimes it's nice and sometimes it's creepy. Christmas helped me remember that the carbs don't fill me up, they only make me hungrier. My advice to pre-op folks, read, read, read. I firmly believe that the more education you have, the quicker you solve issues and the fewer bad outcomes. For those who are self-pay, like me, make sure to get a physician that is has a secondary insurer willing to back their work. It costs but that way, if there are problems, you won't lose everything. Thank you all for sharing your lives with me. God bless.

Edited January 6, 2014 by SusieK710

[Indigo1991 1,612]

Love your story, thanks for sharing and congratulations on your success!

Recognise feeling naked without the weight - think it just takes time to get used to it. But you sound like you have everything sussed, couldn't agree more about being informed, it makes such a difference.

Good luck in 2014 and all best wishes for continued joy in your new life :-)

[Carlotta1 401]

Congrats.......your posting is so positive and great for those who are about to embark on this journey ....

[Ballermom 803]

Congrats.

[Gina1010 86]

How to describe the deep joy that the last year has been to me? I remember feeling like I was holding my breath and time was in slow motion the last day before surgery, excited, scared, horrified that I wasn't able to solve my weight problem myself.. Surgery went well. I was intrigued by the effort it took to swallow even tablespoon of water/protein shake. (Best advice was Water being a priority over shakes the first week or two) Not eating was harder emotionally than physically. What to do instead of eating? It had taken up so much of my time and thoughts. The hardest decision wasn't about the surgery but if to tell and who. I decided to tell my group at work. We are nurses and eat together. I knew I would have to lie to them every day and didn't want to do that. Most other people just got the simple answer, "Anything and everything, high Protein, low calorie, small portions, exercise, water..." By July I was down 60 pounds and meet my surgeons goal of a BMI of less than 25. I was able to go get a resting metabolism test, showing how many calories I burned per day (plus exercise), I was average for a 50 year old at 1400 per day, so I was able to plan how many I could eat a day. This also helped with doing the math on how long it would take me to lose a pound. The plan was instilled in my head so I continued, on adding treats here and there, waiting for the scale to start climbing back up. 6 months later, I'm down 5 more pounds and at my dream weight and in an unimaginable size 4!. I almost feel naked without my weight, people notice and pay more attention to me more now. Sometimes it's nice and sometimes it's creepy. Christmas helped me remember that the carbs don't fill me up, they only make me hungrier. My advice to pre-op folks, read, read, read. I firmly believe that the more education you have, the quicker you solve issues and the fewer bad outcomes. For those who are self-pay, like me, make sure to get a physician that is has a secondary insurer willing to back their work. It costs but that way, if there are problems, you won't lose everything. Thank you all for sharing your lives with me. God bless.

Awesome testimony. Was the self pay in the U.S.?

[SusieK710 130]

_{Yes, Gina I was self pay. I went to the informational meeting and the surgeon's office checked with my insurance company. Unfortunately mine does not cover any weight loss surgery. I work as a nurse and on my feet all day, plus rheumatoid arthritis, so I was struggling. Told my husband that insurance wouldn't cover it. He asked how much it would be, I answered "20K". He said "We could do that". The best I love you ever! I could never have risked more finances if I hadn't found out about the physician insurance policy. Medical complications happen and are expensive. My energy and stamina are so much better that I'll be able to work years longer and not be exhausted every night. So instead of replacing my 12 year old car, I became the "sports car"! I know he appreciates the results as much as I do!}

[SusieK710 130]

So it’s now 5 years! Strange! The sleeve was a God send for me. I was an oompa-lumpa and still gaining. I think the fear of where I would be in a few years helped me decide to reverse it then and there! Familiar story, up 10 from my lowest weight. 5 this year. My folks have cancer and dad is now terminal. Easy to eat craving carbs. So for the first time in 4 years, going to really focus weight loss! Amazing to say since it was always the resolution. I have proven I can do it. Time to reprioritize. I refuse to give up the freedom I have gained from the weight loss. Warriors, fight on!