This time...I am ready.

[Nomoreweighting]

In 2011, I went through the appointments and many of the procedures required to get WLS. I was nearing the end when I was told to get one final ultrasound because one of the surgeons suspected i had an enlarged thyroid. I had heard this from medical professionals (even my dentist) but blood work revealed nothing and an ultrasound never ordered. The ultrasound revealed a large goiter and my desire to have WLS was simply cast aside by the needed deal with this issue. I opted for a complete thyroidectomy to ensure I would not have to one day deal with thyroid cancer. The pain of that surgery I used as an excuse to not proceed with the surgery but I was also not getting the support of my spouse anyway so it was easy to make the decision to discontinue my journey. Fast forward to the end of 2018, the marriage is over, I have added 60 additional pounds to my body and the extra weight has become more difficult to carry. My back hurts after standing or walking for an extended period of time, my knees ached when I climbed steps and nothing is as easy as it use to be. I became more inactive because of the pain and a homebody not because I didn’t want to do things, I physically could not do what most people take for granted. I needed to changed. I wanted to change. I am ready to change.
In December I completed my information session and on January 7, 2019 I had my first appointment. I went back to the same surgeon knowing he now had many more years experience and I found myself feeling very impressed by how much more organized and seamless they have made the process. I also have opted for the gastric sleeve this time around whereas 8 years ago the lap band was my tool of choice. Even my surgeon admitted after I reminded him of our history it may have been a good thing that I waited because if i would have gotten the lap band I probably would have been back by now for issues or a different surgery. Since my first appointment I have been scheduled for my ultrasound, upper GI, my sleep study and I have completed bloodwork. Between now and the middle of March I have appointments scheduled biweekly. I have 6 months at least as required by my insurance company which gives me time to learn new habits and get mentally prepared (as much as possible) for this life altering change I am about to undertake and I am excited.

[EllisM80]

Such an exciting and rewarding journey! Good luck to you and don't hesitate to ask questions. We will try to prepare you for as best as we can!

[EllisM80]

I just realized what your username said... my little sister and I have a Facebook weight loss group called 'No More Weighting'

[Nomoreweighting]

Thank you very much and congratulations on your weight loss. I am excitedly nervous. it’s funny that your FB group is the same as my username. Did you use FB to share your journey with friends and family? I have only shared my plan with my daughter, 2 close girlfriends and my boss so she will understand why I am taking so many vacation days for appointments. I don’t want opinions or discouraging words on my choice which is why I joined this website. Hoping for advice and encouraging words from like minded people who are on or have completed this journey.

[kenson]

Congratulations! You have been given such a gift--the gift that this surgery will change your life for the better exponentially!!! This is a great support group!

[AnnieG]

So glad you're moving forward for the best care of yourself!

[KiwiGal]

Congratulations on your decision.
Being sleeved is the single best thing that I have ever done for myself. I love being healthy, active, running around with my grandkids and being so very happy!
You are going to love your new life.

[Sandra3]

My cousin's husband got sleeves several years ago, had many issues, got those removed a few months ago, and got their sleeves done in October.
So you probably saved yourself two surgeries!

Welcome to the forum, and good luck in your journey!

[Cathrodine]

Good luck with your surgery!

[denzel]

Hello and welcome!

[The North Sleeve]

Enjoy!! You will be so happy with the results within a few months. Good luck!!

[Christie13]

Welcome! Hope your journey is smooth sailing. I agree the lap band had way too many complications. This is your time. Enjoy the ride!

[EllisM80]

Thank you very much and congratulations on your weight loss. I am excitedly nervous. it’s funny that your FB group is the same as my username. Did you use FB to share your journey with friends and family? I have only shared my plan with my daughter, 2 close girlfriends and my boss so she will understand why I am taking so many vacation days for appointments. I don’t want opinions or discouraging words on my choice which is why I joined this website. Hoping for advice and encouraging words from like minded people who are on or have completed this journey.

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. It has been a long couple of weeks. 3 out of 6 kids have been sick and we've had constant appointments.
I did share on fb but I am the type of person that I don't care about people's opinions. They can voice them but they don't really bother me. I've only ever had one person be upset about my surgery and that was my mom. She has known several people have the surgery and almost all of them eat to excess, throw up after eating or have gained their weight back. She didn't voice her opinion in a mean way... she was just concerned. She's come around though and is very proud of me. The first time we got together after my surgery, which was Thanksgiving, she asked me to go to the bathroom when I needed to throw up. I said "why would I throw up?". She thought that everyone did that. She didn't know that they did that because they were eating too much or too fast. This surgery isn't a "quick weight loss fix" and then you're done. This is a road to getting a healthier you. You would be surprised at how supportive people really are. Even the ones who haven't had the surgery or don't even have the need for surgery can be encouraging. We actually had a member of our group, who had been a member for quite some time, come out with her news that she had it done a couple years ago, after I made a post about me having it done. She is gaining and wants to get back on track. You can find encouraging words in the "normal" people too. Good luck on this road. I believe you will do great!

[Ann2]

LOVE that post, Michelle! LOVE it!

So glad your mom is seeing what WLS should be like.

And I'm glad you're getting to FINALLY experience it after all your earlier travails.

xoxoxo

[texas 1205]

Fantastic results. Did you have any trouble getting use to eating.