Just beginning my journey...

[Mary Jane T 44]

I'm 55 yrs old. I've been overweight most of my adult life. I've known people who have had gastric bypass over the years and later had issues and 3 have had severe strokes. I've known people who have had the lap band and later had to have it removed. I've known people who have had both with wonderful results and no issues. I've spent many years balancing all these things in my mind because I desperately wanted to lose the weight but simply can not risk the bad results. You see.... I'm the mom of a severely disabled, medically fragile daughter who needs me for all her needs. She's my world and I can't risk not being here for her. That said.... I've come to a point in my life where not having surgery might mean I won't be here for her. I've decided to have the gastric sleeve surgery. It seems to have the least risks. I'm both excited and scared.

More about me... I'm a mother to 4 other grown children. Grandmother to 7 grandchildren and a wife to a wonderful man who also struggles with his weight. Together we have lost and gained and lost again. Nothing works for very long. He's also going to have the sleeve surgery. My prayers are that this is finally the answer to us having a better future together. We aren't getting any younger. The time is now.

I'd love to hear from others who are caregivers to someone like my Hannah. Someone who understands my struggle and fears. I enjoy reading all the posts, all the success stories. Thank you in advance for welcoming me.

Mary Jane

[wannaBthinsoon 1,634]

@@Mary Jane T Good to see you again, on a more "positive" topic! I cannot comment on your post, as I have not been a caregiver, but I couldn't let the opportunity to greet you this morning pass by.

[judyoz 240]

Good for you! And God bless you and your family. Are you and Hubby having it at the same time? Just something to think about. You will not be able to lift for about 2 weeks after surgery. I am not sure if you need to lift or carry your daughter. You will need help after surgery for a while. Good Luck !

[Babbs 14,681]

Welcome!

I too can't speak to being a caregiver, but I commend you. Congratulations on your decision to have surgery! And yes, you owe it to your daughter to be around for her as long as you possibly can! There will be good days and bad, but I guarantee in the end you will never regret your decision! Keep us posted!

[Mary Jane T 44]

Thank you everyone. No @@judyoz we aren't having it done the same time and for that very reason. I think my hubby should go first. He's 8 yrs older then me and has multiple health issues. I don't have any except for sore knees. Our Hannah is small for her age (she's 21 but only 50 lbs) but it's still 50lbs. When asked if I exercise I like to say "I lift 50lbs several times a day.... does that count" lol We will request our surgeries to be about 6 weeks apart to be sure we're healed completely.