2015 Here I Come!

[birkie 2]

Hey everyone. My name is Eleni, I'm 34 years old and my surgery date for my gastric bypass is today! Yay! I've had a rough time sleeping tonight, mind isn't stopping. Excitement, nervousness etc.

My story, I have been overweight as long as I can remember. Even looking back at photos from kindergarten I was large. My entire family on my mothers side is overweight. I've always worked out, watched what I ate, but nothing worked. I've had so many tests to determine if there is a thyroid issue or diabetes etc, but always negative. I can't even remember the last time I was even around 200 lbs. I was well over that in high school despite playing sports etc. Now after having a kid in 2002, marriage life etc, I capped at 372 in 2011. And I stared at the scale in disbelief. There was no way I weighed that much! But alas, as many stories go, I did. And I can say that was a turning point for me.

I started reading up on weigh loss surgery, and initially was on the fence. At that point I approached my mom and was talking to her about it and she talked me out of it. Making the typical points of Im still young, I can do this myself etc. (Now everyone in my family is larger than I am, with my mom the largest at that time).

So with that I started dieting again, exercising. Despite my efforts I ended up being diagnosed within a year of the following with high blood pressure, back and knee issues, fatty liver, fatigue and depression.

The following year, my mom tells me she has decided to have the gastric bypass.

I was excited for her. I was a bit upset at the same time. But i understood the reasons why she decided to do it and fully supported her. I mean, reality check...I was staring at myself in 30 years.

Anyways, I started the journey myself to work towards the surgery as well. Mine took 2 years longer as I had to get in an insurance that covered it. At my appointment with the nutritionist I weighed in at 356.3 and I'm now down to 325. Just a few hours away from checking in.

I had several issues come up and I honestly have had to work extremely hard to get this. And btw my mom is now 2 years post op and down 150lbs very proud of her! And she's now one of my biggest supporters.

It's amazing how things can take a turn, but they happen for a reason.

Sorry for the rambling. Wish me luck! I'm going to go finish packing.

[NavyMom2006 119]

Best of luck!! You sound completely ready for this and having your mom as support will make all the difference in the world. Happy New Year and Happy New You!!

[DENISEMIC 26]

Hi Eleni

Congrats! If u r like I was u r like finally. I was in your shoes 12/24 /14 Christmas eve. Every thing went text book perfect for me. I have had no sick to the stomach and have tolerated everything I have eatted & and drank. I pray the same for u. Here's a tip when you can have pureed food do real food instead of baby food meats. The are the worst. My husband did skinless boneless chicken breast in the oven and pureed 1 with a little gravy & chicken stock. Really good. You can only have 3 tbls so it last a long time. You'll do great! It sounds like u have a wonderful support system in place. I am excited for you. Happy Thin New Year to you Denise

[thickness213 9]

Congratulations on your journey my bypass was yesterday and I'm super excited to start tjis journey as well

[maggie0210 117]

Eleni,

So today was your first step towards a new and healthier you. It's good to have your mom for all the support you will need. Guess she decided to get healthier too. Hope she is going great, sounds like it. And she will know exactly what you are going through. Can't beat that for a support team!

2015 will be a great new year for you.

[birkie 2]

Today is the day im actually in the hospital now, waiting for my turn to go back

Looking forward to my new adventure with the support of my husband, son, and parents. thank you all for your responses, I greatly appreciate it.