And So It Begins...

[TessieLoo]

Hi all!

I'm really going to do this...I have thought about if for so long, then deluded myself into thinking I can do it myself, lost 30, gained 40...about four times...and I'm currently one big binge away from 300 lbs. I just turned 59, and the weight is really starting to affect my quality of life. I hurt. M knees, ankles, feet, back...I just hurt all over. My blood pressure is horrible. My cholesterol is high and triglycerides are high. I've got metabolic syndrome and I'm insulin resistant. I'm extremely uncomfortable. I have so many clothes that don't fit.

I have issues with food...serious issues. My mother had my sister and I on diets pre-puberty (neither one of us were overweight) and all of my memories of food as a child are of being shamed for eating. Mostly by my mother, who had issues of her own, but by my grandmother to some extent as well. Later as a pre-adolescent and into my teens, my mother basically just checked out as a parent and I fended for myself mostly. I loved going to friend's homes or to my grandparents...because THEY HAD FOOD IN THE HOUSE! I'm an expert at yo-yo dieting...I've been doing it all my life. I married at barely 16 to escape, and the first time I went grocery shopping as a married girl I bought 3 big boxes of Captain Crunch cereal and ate it until the roof of my mouth was shredded. Oh, there are so many more stories I could tell. I really need to write a book.


Anyway, I went to the introductory seminar on Nov 1, then had my first consultation with my surgeon on November 16. I simply ADORE him. A very dearest friend (we met years ago in Weight Watchers!) is doing this as well and we went together to both the seminar and the consultation...we're sleeve twins! We entertained the heck out of Dr. Sebesta and the nurse. LOL! We go back next week for another appointment with the nurse, then our first meeting with the nutritionist is right after Christmas. We have the same insurance, and we have to do the 6 month medically supervised diet / nutritionist / psychologist / etc. in order to qualify and Dr. Sebesta told us our insurance is not fun to deal with...they will deny for the dumbest reasons. So there's something else to stress over.

Anyway, I'm so glad to find this community and I hope to get to know people here and find the support (both pre-surgery and post) that I know is so very important to success.

-Tess

[Ann2]

Welcome. This is a great community. Glad you found us.

However ...

Given your history of binge-eating and emotional eating, I strongly urge you to find a therapist who can help you address those behaviors and deal with negative feelings differently than you have in the past.

Here's the sad news: They operate on your stomach, not on your brain. And although a sleeve is a magnificent tool for weight loss and weight maintenance, it is FAR from the only tool you will need to become healthy long-term.

Keep reading here. You'll find out how others are responding to weight loss and (eventually) dealing with weight maintenance.

I'm not trying to dampen your enthusiasm for WLS and its potential benefits for you. But unless you are ALL IN on changing your lifestyle long-term, those benefits will remain only "potential."

Welcome!

[Stacey03]

Hi Tessie, so good to see you here and taking steps towards better health. I agree with Ann in that they don't operate on your brain so a good therapist would be so essential for you. Stick around and read heaps of posts and join in xxxx

[Tamera2]

Welcome Tess, I completely agree with Ann. I went to counseling for two years before my surgery to address my depression and food addiction. I wasn’t over weight until I was close to 30. I was always Athletic but when I turned 26 I developed MS. I was devestated. For the first 10 years I had mobility issues.Then at my ten year anniversary I became paralyzed from the chest down. I would have moments I’d fight back then moments of depression and overeat. When I could fight that I would diet, did many ones. Wasted lots of money. Fortunately they came out with a new treatment after a year and after three treatments I started getting feeling again. I also developed other health issues plus chronic pain from arthritis made much much worse by my weight and when I went way passed 200 and came close to 300. I eventually was diagnosed with CHF, high B/P, sleep Apnea, diabetes. Good news is when I choose the Sleeve I was ready and already making positive steps towards getting my health and freedom back. I had the Sleeve in January and it was the best decision I ever made. I got rid of the diabetes, high B/P, Sleep Apnea, reduced my meds by 6. My chronic pain in back and knees much much better. I forgot to mention my ms drug put my ms in remission in 2010. So know new symptoms praise God. I went from barely climbing a flight of stairs to hiking/mountain climbing and so much more. I recaptured my health. I’m the happiest I’ve been years. I love my sleeve life. I had to reprogram my brain in the beginning. I now eat to live not live to eat. First four months I attended a support group for WLS patients. I’m happy to answer any questions. This group has been so helpful, reading people’s testimonies and seeing before an d after pics inspiring and motivating. I’m so glad you found a way out now you just need to make sure you have the tools. You can do this. Your a fighter like me I think. BE5FE85A-C886-45EF-A32E-87F33C4A9420.jpeg

[Tamera2]

B00FF3DC-5AD1-4BF3-8A97-A2A1545167F3.jpeg

[TessieLoo]

Thanks much for the replies! And Tamera - your pics! Thank you thank you! How old were you when you had the surgery, if you don't mind my asking.

I'm very aware that they won't be sleeving my head (too bad! LOL) and I have been exploring my issues with food with a therapist for quite some time. I'll also be active in the support groups that the center I'm using offer. As well as this community.

Over the years, I've done many different diets and ways of eating, and I would have some success at first, then I would hit the wall...then say screw it, I'm depriving myself and it's not making a bit of difference, then I'd gradually (or quickly) slide right back into the old habits and old thoughts ("why am I depriving myself? It's not working anymore! I'm going to die anyway, I may as well eat what I want"...)

I've done so much research on this tool, as well as exploring with a therapist my own history and what got me to this place. I honestly believe that this will be the tool that I need to finally be successful and make it all the way to normalville.

I know how great I feel when I eat Whole30 style...it's the volume that I need to get under control, I'm a volume eater. Which I told my surgeon. And we both feel that the sleeve will help me re-train my brain. That's what I'm going to be working on the most.

-Tess

[Ann2]

TessieLoo, that's great news that you're already on top of all of this. The sleeve really is a great assist. So many good success stories here. I hope you enjoy your time here.

[Ann2]

Welcome Tess, I completely agree with Ann. I went to counseling for two years before my surgery to address my depression and food addiction. I wasn’t over weight until I was close to 30. I was always Athletic but when I turned 26 I developed MS. I was devestated. For the first 10 years I had mobility issues.Then at my ten year anniversary I became paralyzed from the chest down. I would have moments I’d fight back then moments of depression and overeat. When I could fight that I would diet, did many ones. Wasted lots of money. Fortunately they came out with a new treatment after a year and after three treatments I started getting feeling again. I also developed other health issues plus chronic pain from arthritis made much much worse by my weight and when I went way passed 200 and came close to 300. I eventually was diagnosed with CHF, high B/P, sleep Apnea, diabetes. Good news is when I choose the Sleeve I was ready and already making positive steps towards getting my health and freedom back. I had the Sleeve in January and it was the best decision I ever made. I got rid of the diabetes, high B/P, Sleep Apnea, reduced my meds by 6. My chronic pain in back and knees much much better. I forgot to mention my ms drug put my ms in remission in 2010. So know new symptoms praise God. I went from barely climbing a flight of stairs to hiking/mountain climbing and so much more. I recaptured my health. I’m the happiest I’ve been years. I love my sleeve life. I had to reprogram my brain in the beginning. I now eat to live not live to eat. First four months I attended a support group for WLS patients. I’m happy to answer any questions. This group has been so helpful, reading people’s testimonies and seeing before an d after pics inspiring and motivating. I’m so glad you found a way out now you just need to make sure you have the tools. You can do this. Your a fighter like me I think. BE5FE85A-C886-45EF-A32E-87F33C4A9420.jpeg

Jeez, Tamera! Somehow I'd not understand your entire medical history before reading this post. You've really been through the wringer. No wonder you're so thrilled with your new life.

So very, very happy for you. And proud of you. You're a true champion!

[Tamera2]

Thanks much for the replies! And Tamera - your pics! Thank you thank you! How old were you when you had the surgery, if you don't mind my asking.

I'm very aware that they won't be sleeving my head (too bad! LOL) and I have been exploring my issues with food with a therapist for quite some time. I'll also be active in the support groups that the center I'm using offer. As well as this
Over the years, I've done many different diets and ways of eating, and I would have some success at first, then I would hit the wall...then say screw it, I'm depriving myself and it's not making a bit of difference, then I'd gradually (or quickly) slide right back into the old habits and old thoughts ("why am I depriving myself? It's not working anymore! I'm going to die anyway, I may as well eat what I want"...)

I've done so much research on this tool, as well as exploring with a therapist my own history and what got me to this place. I honestly believe that this will be the tool that I need to finally be successful and make it all the way to normalville.

I know how great I feel when I eat Whole30 style...it's the volume that I need to get under control, I'm a volume eater. Which I told my surgeon. And we both feel that the sleeve will help me re-train my brain. That's what I'm going to be working on the most.

-Tess

You are very Welcome. I’m a visual person and found people’s before and after pics very motivating and hope mine will help other newbies too. I don’t mind. I was 46. That’s awesome you’ve been working on changing your habits and what got you to this place! i agree with your surgeon that this will be perfect for you. You will not be able to eat much volume of dense, healthy food anymore. Plus you will see results that are extremely motivating. I’m excited for you. I’m happy to answer any questions. Get ready to recapture your life, you will be successful especially with everything your doing. Congratulations Tess.

[Tamera2]

Jeez, Tamera! Somehow I'd not understand your entire medical history before reading this post. You've really been through the wringer. No wonder you're so thrilled with your new life.

So very, very happy for you. And proud of you. You're a true champion!

You are so sweet Ann. Thank you so much for your kind message. I really appreciate it.

[Christie13]

You have already gotten some really great advice. I think also having a close friend to go through this with can be helpful. Just make sure you guys feed off of each other's positivity and not the negativity. I wish you the best of luck with your insurance process. If you have the doctor write down the requirements then it is helpful if you have your own checklist as well. To be safe. And read as much as you can now. This is the time to know all the possibilities. The good, the bad, the ugly. I don't know many people, even those who had a rocky start, who regret their decision to be sleeved.

[julieaponte]

Welcome & best of luck on your journey!

[MsLisa71]

Hi all!

I'm really going to do this...I have thought about if for so long, then deluded myself into thinking I can do it myself, lost 30, gained 40...about four times...and I'm currently one big binge away from 300 lbs. I just turned 59, and the weight is really starting to affect my quality of life. I hurt. M knees, ankles, feet, back...I just hurt all over. My blood pressure is horrible. My cholesterol is high and triglycerides are high. I've got metabolic syndrome and I'm insulin resistant. I'm extremely uncomfortable. I have so many clothes that don't fit.

I have issues with food...serious issues. My mother had my sister and I on diets pre-puberty (neither one of us were overweight) and all of my memories of food as a child are of being shamed for eating. Mostly by my mother, who had issues of her own, but by my grandmother to some extent as well. Later as a pre-adolescent and into my teens, my mother basically just checked out as a parent and I fended for myself mostly. I loved going to friend's homes or to my grandparents...because THEY HAD FOOD IN THE HOUSE! I'm an expert at yo-yo dieting...I've been doing it all my life. I married at barely 16 to escape, and the first time I went grocery shopping as a married girl I bought 3 big boxes of Captain Crunch cereal and ate it until the roof of my mouth was shredded. Oh, there are so many more stories I could tell. I really need to write a book.


Anyway, I went to the introductory seminar on Nov 1, then had my first consultation with my surgeon on November 16. I simply ADORE him. A very dearest friend (we met years ago in Weight Watchers!) is doing this as well and we went together to both the seminar and the consultation...we're sleeve twins! We entertained the heck out of Dr. Sebesta and the nurse. LOL! We go back next week for another appointment with the nurse, then our first meeting with the nutritionist is right after Christmas. We have the same insurance, and we have to do the 6 month medically supervised diet / nutritionist / psychologist / etc. in order to qualify and Dr. Sebesta told us our insurance is not fun to deal with...they will deny for the dumbest reasons. So there's something else to stress over.

Anyway, I'm so glad to find this community and I hope to get to know people here and find the support (both pre-surgery and post) that I know is so very important to success.

-Tess

Hi Tess - based on your surgeon's name I believe we are neighbors. I live in Puyallup and will be having my surgery up at St. Francis in Federal Way. I'm 17 days away from my surgery and elated!!! Much like you I know the surgery doesn't fix my brain and I've spent a lot of time working on behavior changes and my relationship with food. I wish you all the best; will be nice to see how you are doing in the process.
Lisa