Looking for VSG pal, my date 6/27/18

[newme1962 13]

Hello. I would like to share the beginning of my journey and would like to find VSG surgery pals who are going through this process this summer so we can keep in touch and support each other.

I am 55 years young and have struggled with my weight on and off throughout my life. The last time I was at my goal weight was in my late 30's after having two kids. When my marriage starting falling apart and then divorced about 15 years ago, the weight piled on. Since then I have made many attempts at weight loss and none have worked. It's that constant cycle of gaining and losing a few pounds and feeling guilty, frustrated and inadequate. The weight limits me in many ways. I feel constantly exhausted and depressed and often have turned to food for solace.

My mother retired and moved back to Medellin, Colombia where she is from a few years ago and I go frequently there to visit. On my last visit in April I went to see a plastic surgeon to inquire about getting Lipo and having a breast reduction. The PS was extremely honest with me and told me based on my BMI, I should consider bariatric surgery instead, something I had never considered. He said he could do the lipo and breast reduction, but that it would be a band aid approach to a more serious issue which was my weight. He was very direct with me and told me, I could lipo my love handles (which I hate the most!), but my appearance would essentially remain the same. He also pointed out the many health issues I would continue to be at risk for while remaining obese and approaching my senior years. A that moment a huge light bulb went off in my brain and an amazing AHA moment happened to me and I felt that the PS had given me the best, most honest feedback I had ever gotten regarding my weight. I am forever grateful to him.

From there I went to see a Bariatric surgeon who reinforced everything the PS had told me and I felt even more encouraged to begin planning the VSG which was what was recommended. Fortunately, I work for the school system and have time off in the summer which made my decision even easier. In addition, because I am self paying (cost much more reasonable in Colombia than in the U.S.) I did not have to go through the hoops to schedule surgery.

Now as I await my June 27th date (I will travel there on June 18th for preop), I am feeling very excited but also anxious and nervous about what is to come. I am trying to prepare myself with a great deal of research and reading as well as meditating . I am most scared of missing food and being hungry and of learning to cope with life's problems without turning to food for comfort. I am currently trying to stick to a high Protein, low carb, no sweets diet and as I do it, I get so scared about what it will be like post surgery. I am extremely nervous about the pre op and post op diet. Any advice or suggestions are very appreciated! I am grateful to have found this forum for its support and information. I have decided to share my upcoming surgery with only very close family and friends as I don't want a lot of negative feedback and horror stories to get me off track.

I look forward to being a member of this community!

[Tackle6565 0]

Hi! I am 64 years old with 30 years of yo-yo dieting and finally couldn’t stand it. (5’7” and 200 pounds!) and against the advise of my family, I had my gastric sleeve on 4/17/2018. I was petrified driving to the hospital that morning and almost bailed! I AM SO HAPPY 😀 I DIDNT BAIL!!!! Now 9 days post surgery, this morning I weighed 179.8 and thrilled with myself! It was sooooo easy, none of the horror stories you read about happened, and I never took any pain killers even in the hospital. None! I can be your Sleeve Pal! My goal is 130 pounds and I have severe high blood pressure so hoping that will get better as the weight falls off. My ONLY regret is that I didn’t do it earlier! Best wishes to you!!!!

[newme1962 13]

Thank you !I just sent you a message and also just noticed we are nearby,

[Ylime 453]

4 hours ago, newme1962 said:

Hello. I would like to share the beginning of my journey and would like to find VSG surgery pals who are going through this process this summer so we can keep in touch and support each other.

Come join our Summer Surgery group:

[newme1962 13]

Come join our Summer Surgery group:

Thanks so much !

[moondoggie1983 202]

Mine is a little before yours 5/10, but I’d be glad to have a buddy on the journey. I’m getting the VSG.