New Beginnings- From A Newbie

[ittybittykc]

Hey everyone!

My name is Casey, and I'm a 27 year old from Louisiana. My official sleeve date is Dec 19th, and I am incredibly excited and nervous. I am 5'1 and 265lbs. I've been heavy set since around age 8ish, although I used to be very active with swim and dance. However, I got a disease called West Nile Virus, and subsequently Lupus and have been on steroids for the past 10 years. I gained weight easily on steroids, and with flare ups of Lupus, my activity level dropped and I became depressed. Of course, like many others, I turned to food to make me feel better. I have tried every diet, had many gym memberships, trainers etc. yet I don't see the results I hoped for. I recently moved back home after living in another country for the past 2 years, and gained 40lbs within just a few months. My health is now in the stage of pre diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea etc. And of course, the weight causes even more strain on my already problematic joints from Lupus.

After months of research and many talks with a doctor, I decided that the sleeve was the tool to help. I do realize it is a tool and that the rest falls on me. I'm not getting as much support from my family and friends that I would have liked, so I am hopeful that I can find it here with people who have been through the ups and downs that come with this decision. I am excited to start a new life and can't wait to see what 2014 is going to bring. BRING IT ON!

Casey

[tbrown9]

Hi Casey! Welcome! Even though you may have had quite a bit of challenges in your life, you are a survivor. You are making a great choice in trying to have a healthier life by looking into getting vsg. I wish you all the best and am looking forward to hearing more about your journey

[Julesmirage70]

hi Casey!! welcome to the site! everyone has their opinion I just never listen to them and let them waste their own breath...lol you know what is right for yourself. I have MS and I know about the steriods you're talking about and unless someone has been through they have no idea what hell we went through with that medicine. I am in Houston so we are neighbors.
Jules

[bsandersjr]

Welcome aboard to my fellow Louisianian. I understand your dilemma....with the attitude of food in our region....we live to eat, not eat to live, and no one was (is) more guilty than I. All the best on your upcoming surgery, you'll find this site very helpful with lots of folks to resource.

[ittybittykc]

Thanks everyone so much for the welcome and support! I truly appreciate the kind words of encouragement. I wish you all luck on your journey!

Jules-I am very sorry to hear that you suffer from MS. I wouldn't wish that upon anyone. I send you the best!

B.J- So glad to hear from a fellow Louisianian! It's true, our whole lives in Louisiana revolves around food, food festivals, gumbo weather etc. We make it our mission to make food, and lots of it, our primary focus for everything.

Have a great day everyone!

[Jackie1949]

Hi Casey and welcome to the site. I am so excited for you, 27 years of age, wow! I am 64 and would have had surgery sooner if my insurance would have paid for it. It has been the best decision I have ever made for me, my daughters, 14 grandchildren and 2 great grandbabies, I can now walk and stand for much longer periods of time. I still have a long way to go but, I saw a difference within a month of surgery. I love Louisiana! My daughter lives in Hammond. I'll be flying down there next week and then come back to Pa. with her and her family to spend Thanksgiving here. I wish you all the best!

[ittybittykc]

I'm glad to hear you are doing so well. I am actually having my surgery in Hammond at Cypress Point Surgical Hospital. Enjoy your trip here, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

[kayvon]

Welcome and best wishes on your journey to being healthy. You can do this! Oh yea... Roll Tide Roll from a Bama fan with lots of LSU friends.

[1deanna]

Hi Casey I have been on steroids for close to 10 years I have addisons disease and have put on over 100 pounds it is so frustrating please post often so I can see how you are doing. I have not had the sleeve yet (saving my money ) and was wondering if anyone who is on steroids will loose quickly like others do. thanks and good luck

[Busybee]

Hi Casey, I too live near Baton Rouge in Denham Springs. I understand that so much of our lives in So. La revolve around food. As you heal you will find that you will be able to enjoy nearly all that our culture has to offer in the way of seafood and such however just in much smaller portions than we are used to. It has been one year and 8 months since my sleeve and I am able to eat most everything I want to it is just that I don't want to as much as before. Red beans became my favorite protein source for a while b/c they are easy on my tummy and taste great. Wishing you success in your journey.