Too funny!

[Richard3]

Surgery this Sunday, lots of encouragement and well wish's. Thanks to all.

All my life I have been "reminded" of my weight, "I know a good diet you should try, It really worked for me", "You really gonna wear that shirt" " my uncle says fat people are just lazy, Etc,etc."

You guys all know what I'm talking about. I have tried all the diets, joined all the clubs, tried drugs, legal and illegal at times. I've lost about a ton of weight in my lifetime and gained about a ton and a half back. I've been on lots and lots of dates (mostly as the driver for a friend and his girl). My closet is full of black clothes, including my underwear,(you know, just in case I got lucky) On and on.

Well, I decided I would give it one more shot and get this sleeve thingy. Not just for the looks, they do play a part, but at seventy three it's mostly for my health. I have diabetes, high blood pressure and all the other bad stuff involved with being fat. I say fat instead of big boned, cause that's what it is, fat.

I don't know if people are jealous, stupid or just plain mean. Probably a little of all three. Here comes the really funny part. I have mentioned to several friends that I am gonna do this. Most of the response puts me on the floor laughing, I hate that cause it's so hard getting back up. I hear " My God are you nuts? you don't need that!" "You don't look THAT bad." "I love you the way you are." They all say things like that. Not much, "good luck buddy" or "I'm with you', or, you know, what's that word? Oh yeah, encouragement.

I do have a few friends on my side, and then there is you guys. For the rest of you "You can kiss my ( soon Not to be ) fat ass.

[WannaBeALoser]

I've had mixed reaction from "that's great" to "no, that's too drastic". But, it's my decision, and like you, I'm doing it mainly for my health. Ten years ago, I would have done it for looks, but then again, that's why I didn't do it ten years ago. Best of luck to you.

[Ann2]

Richard,

Howdy! I was 68 when I was sleeved three years ago. I'm 71 years old now, and I gotta tell you -- life has NEVER been easier or more enjoyable in my long, storied, amazing life than it is now.

You can read my first and second surgiversary stories at the links shown below at the bottom of my signature block.

Welcome. And you better not flake out. You can do this. In fact, I think we seniors have an easier time of it than younger people. As the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes" told us, we're older, and we have more insurance. And having been through more of life's tribulations and triumphs, we're tougher.

Just do it.

Ann

[PokerGuy]

My mother was sleeeved at 71 (4 years ago) and it was the best thing she every did (Other than having me ! )
I was sleeved 17 days ago.

My only suggestion from one guy sleever to another if you have hair on your stomach shave it off prior to surgery.

The nurses changing your bandages 3 times a day it like getting a Brasilian Bikini wax.

PG

[Christie13]

Congrats on your decision Richard. Yes, people are just asses. Exactly why I only told limited people. I am happy that I only told the ones I did. Funny thing is my hubby (who was supportive from the get go) told me that I didn't need the surgery and if I was doing it for him then not to do it. I wasn't, I was doing it for me. Now here I am 90 lbs lighter (which is a lot on my 4'11" frame) and when my hubby looks back at old pictures he gets shocked because he doesn't remember me like that. Oh the joy of love goggles.

[Richard3]

Thanks you guys, I am for sure doing it. I really look forward to it. many thanks for the tip to shave, I'm Italian so I have tons on my belly. HMMMMMMM, maybe I could glue that on the top of my head.

[Christie13]

Hahaha. I am Italian too and my son always blames his hairiness on me!! LOL.

[Luv49ers19]

It is really sad that we can't/don't get the support from all of the people we need it from. We are here for you. I too got the same reaction from some. You won't regret this choice!

[KYbourbanaged53]

Richard, this is one of the most meaningful funny posts I've read thus far, don't get too excited I haven't figured out this forum just yet, seriously I keep finding myself on pages that are several years old! So here we are, and I too have the few responses with only a handful of folks I have opted to share with and the support vs cringe worthy facial reactions are amazingly comical. Like wannabealoser said, I am doing this! and like I said to my son: "I'm not asking for permission"