Howdy from new member PhilD

[PhilD]

Good morning all,

I am finally pulling the trigger and will be sleeved on 14 August just 11-days away. I retired from the Air Force in 2003 after 25 years, i had weight problems during the last 8 years of my AF career but the Military has a way of keeping you from going overboard. If you exceed the standards for weight or fitness they put you on a mandatory fitness improvement regimen and monitor your progress. If you fail a weigh-in 3-times...out you go, general discharge. Jokingly called the "Fat-Boy Program" just being on it, even while progressing satisfactorily, had a negative career impact. Not to mention the shame and ridicule from your friends. That provided all the motivation i needed to keep my weight and fitness within regulations. However, after retirement I took a job with the US Border Patrol in Laredo Texas, which BTW has the best Mexican Food in the world! No weight or fitness tests here. So without the fear of losing my job, I began enjoying the good food and over-eating. By 2011, I had gained over 100lbs. Unable to stay on a diet, i decided to have the surgery in 2012. My Doctor recommended VSG but at the time Tricare would not cover it. Tricare added it last year so I jumped on it.

BTW, I have 2 friends that had the ByPass in 2007 and 2008 and I knew that wasn't for me. I've watched them now for 10 years. They began with a few bites, then they started overeating. More than once, I've noticed them leaving the table for the restroom to chuck it up only to come back and eat some more. One of them has been hospitalized twice and once he nearly died from an ulcer in the bypassed part of his stomach. Today I cant tell they had the surgery at all, they order way more than they should and eat more than I do. Yes, both have gained back most of the weight they lost. I pray I wont fall into that trap.

My only worry or fear is dehydration. Even as a young man I would sweat buckets, even more so now that I live in the deep south Texas heat. The temps here often exceed 100-degress from April through November. Before going outside for yard work I guzzle down 40oz of water and another 40 when I come back inside. I'm going to be very careful to say the least. I guessing a 70oz "camel back-pack" will be my best friend when working outside from now on.

I'm looking forward to this, I cant stand being fat anymore. My knees are shot and I'm on 2000mg of metformin. I want to live long and watch my grandkids grow up.

I may need your help and encouragement along the way and I'm sure I'll make lots of friends in here.

[Christie13]

Welcome Phil. You will be surprised how much less you will sweat once you are sleeved. I live in San Antonio and never got dehydrated. I did always keep an insulated cup full water with me at all times so I could sip on it constantly.

[GlennA18]

Welcome from a fellow Texan (and former Marine - I can relate to a lot of your story).

I'm getting sleeved on August 14th as well. Nervous, but super excited.

Good luck!

[Cat B]

Welcome Phil and Congratulations on your upcoming surgery!

[Juanita62]

My son was in the AF and on the Fat Boy program. Like you, he has gained weight after leaving the military. I wish you luck on your journey...you've got this!

[Mideem]

check your watch carry your water with you, all will be fine bro

[Shirl]

Hi, Phil, and ✨Welcome!✨

You've definitely have come to the right place, I found reading older threads extremely helpful when I first joined the forum.

Congratulations on your decision to join the conversation, and if you decide to go through the Sleeve Gastrectomy know your life is about to change for the better as reported in 99% of most cases. For me, the risks of surgery were much lower than if I had stayed on the same path.

As you post questions or blog about your journey you will find a fountain of support and sage advice from veteran and newly sleeved. If you haven't already, watch Dr. Matthew Weiner YouTube channel for what to expect before/after surgery.

This surgery has been the best decision I have ever made, it is by no means an easy way out, it is also NOT a ✨*Magic Wand*✨ that will make weight magically disappear. It takes mindful every day work to stay present and use our permanent tool to be better and healthier versions of our current selves.

Sending you the best of wishes!

[AnnieStillG]

Welcome! What a great decision. And yes, water will be your friend. It took me a while to get my oz up, but I sip a lot. NC is humid too!