Greeting from a "Newbie"

[sarasleeve 17]

I'm not sure how I am just now finding out about this app the day before my surgery, but just from an hour or so of reading though some posts, I am already thankful that this community exists.

My initial message after signing up said I should introduce myself, so hello! My name is Sara. I'm 29 years old, 5'1 and weigh 225lbs. I am having the VGS tomorrow morning, December 28th.

I started dieting when I was 12 years old (weight watchers, Adkins/South Beach, Curves for Women, personal training, and more pills than I care to admit). I've had varying success over the years, but have never been able to keep the weight off. My mother approached me with the idea of WLS back in July and it has taken me since then to get on board with it. This biggest seller for me is that the sleeve, my new stomach, will be the tool for me to lose weight, not some appetite suppressant or fat burning pill that is loading my body with toxins. I still don't know that I'm 100% confident that this is the route for me to achieve weight loss and a healthier life, but I'm going to do it anyway.

Current things that give me anxiety:

--Nausea after surgery and the possibility of not being able to keep Water down.

--I drank a beer last night and feel like I've screwed everything up, and my surgeon is going to go in there and say, "sorry girl, couldn't do it."

--not being able to see the light beyond the woods, getting distracted from the bigger picture by short term issues. Getting down on myself.

There are more, but we'll leave it at that. Nice meeting you!

P.S. Do y'all recommend or discourage taking before pictures? Like scantly clad or naked before pictures just for yourself. I can't decide if that will be encouraging in the future or not.

[Chandi83 5]

Hi girl I just found this app as well my surgery is December 28th as well.

[Chandi83 5]

I feel like I'm reading my own story reading yours. I just turned 32 I'm 5'0'' and 230lbs I have also been struggling with my weight sense around 12 years old. I'm so nervous for tomorrow and all I can think is am I making the right decision, or maybe I can do this without the surgery.

[Stacey G 3]

Hi!

I am right there with you! My name is Stacey and I'm 38 years old. My surgery is Tuesday, December 29th. I am so nervous about the phase during and immediately after surgery and the weeks following that I keep forgetting the big picture. I am 5'1 and started at 245. I'm down to 211 right now. I am SO nervous that even though I've followed the 7 day liquid/shake diet that for some reason my liver will not have shrunk and he wont be able to do it. I'm also terrified of complications afterwards, leaks, etc. I think I need to just calm down and let go and stay strong. This is what I keep telling myself but inside I'm awful jittery. I can't wait to hear how you do and SO look forward to following the progress of people will similar dates Good luck tomorrow! I"ll be thinking of you for sure! Also, I am doing before pics - DEFINITELY

Stacey

[newjrny85 31]

Hi Everyone! I'm scheduled for surgery on Jan 4. Sarasleeve, congratulations on going forward with the surgery.... I think being unsure of it is very natural because I feel the same way. Reading everyone's success stories (and the ugly stuff) have helped me. I'm very nervous and excited about the surgery. Good luck tomorrow and let us know how you feel afterwards. All the best for a brand new you in the New Year!!

[_Kate_ 2,224]

Sara, best of luck for tomorrow and a speedy recovery!

My hubby took nude pics of me front, side and back. Then when I lost 50lbs he took them again. When I hit 90lb loss he took more. I occasionally look at then to track my progress and to keep me focused. When I look at the first ones he took, I can hardly remember that woman. I'm 55 years young and only just doing stuff I should have done years ago!

Its the very best thing I have ever done (apart from the hubby and the kids of course ) and it's given me a second chance at life!

[LisaaNicole23 0]

Hi ladies &gents ,

I'm looking into this gastric sleeve surgery. I've researched so many doctors. I'd love to hear whom you chose (since most of you already have a date) ( by the way congrats) why you choose them. I'm nervous I had seen a few bad doctors who did procedures.

I'm a 23 year old mom of two handsome boys. I'm 5'4 245 pounds. I just want my life back. I want to be here for a long long time for my little boys and fiancé.

[sarasleeve 17]

I feel like I'm reading my own story reading yours. I just turned 32 I'm 5'0'' and 230lbs I have also been struggling with my weight sense around 12 years old. I'm so nervous for tomorrow and all I can think is am I making the right decision, or maybe I can do this without the surgery.

I'm so glad to hear that I'm not alone in feeling this way. I still think you should do it, even with doubts. I'm feeling better about it now than I did this morning. If you have a similar yoyo dieting history like me, I think this is the best option for being able to move on with our lives. Over the course of my life, being overweight had probably my biggest insecurity Now, my biggest hope with this surgery is to get healthy and move on with my life, and to stop using food as an emotional crutch.

Us both getting on here at the same time and having surgery tomorrow might be a sign. Maybe we can be support buddies through this process. ????

[sarasleeve 17]

Hi!

I am right there with you! My name is Stacey and I'm 38 years old. My surgery is Tuesday, December 29th. I am so nervous about the phase during and immediately after surgery and the weeks following that I keep forgetting the big picture. I am 5'1 and started at 245. I'm down to 211 right now. I am SO nervous that even though I've followed the 7 day liquid/shake diet that for some reason my liver will not have shrunk and he wont be able to do it. I'm also terrified of complications afterwards, leaks, etc. I think I need to just calm down and let go and stay strong. This is what I keep telling myself but inside I'm awful jittery. I can't wait to hear how you do and SO look forward to following the progress of people will similar dates Good luck tomorrow! I"ll be thinking of you for sure! Also, I am doing before pics - DEFINITELY

Stacey

Thanks, Stacey! That's awesome that you were able to get down to 211 before surgery!! Calming down and staying strong are words I definitely need to live by right now and I will be thinking about you on the 29th! I like the idea of having a group/thread for people doing surgery around the New Year.

[sarasleeve 17]

Hi Everyone! I'm scheduled for surgery on Jan 4. Sarasleeve, congratulations on going forward with the surgery.... I think being unsure of it is very natural because I feel the same way. Reading everyone's success stories (and the ugly stuff) have helped me. I'm very nervous and excited about the surgery. Good luck tomorrow and let us know how you feel afterwards. All the best for a brand new you in the New Year!!

I will definitely let y'all know how it goes! I do feel a lot better about it now, and I think this platform has been a big part of that. I'll be thinking about you on the 4th! We're all in this together!

[sarasleeve 17]

Sara, best of luck for tomorrow and a speedy recovery!

My hubby took nude pics of me front, side and back. Then when I lost 50lbs he took them again. When I hit 90lb loss he took more. I occasionally look at then to track my progress and to keep me focused. When I look at the first ones he took, I can hardly remember that woman. I'm 55 years young and only just doing stuff I should have done years ago!

Its the very best thing I have ever done (apart from the hubby and the kids of course ) and it's given me a second chance at life!

Thanks! I have decided to do before pics, though I might have to decide later or whether or not to share them with anyone. ???? I hope in the future it will be a good reminder of why I did this. Congrats on all of you success.

[Chandi83 5]

Here's to all of us having surgery in the next day or two. We will do great lady's and overcome our worries. Breath I'm just remembering to breath lol.

[halalo 13]

Hey girls your story sounds very familiar!! Like mine. I'm 33 years old struggled with my weight since 12 years old. Current weight is 228. My surgery is tomorrow 28th at 1 pm. Glad to join this post ????

[LPNAshley 194]

Good luck today and tomorrow ladies! I had RNY done one week ago and it's such a blessing so far. Prayers for you all that you have an uncomplicated surgery and speedy recovery!

[sarasleeve 17]

Hey girls your story sounds very familiar!! Like mine. I'm 33 years old struggled with my weight since 12 years old. Current weight is 228. My surgery is tomorrow 28th at 1 pm. Glad to join this post ???? ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1451284148.089889.jpg

Good luck, girl! So glad to find people with similar stories here!