"I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy."~~ RabindranathTagore
I'm 2+ years out on my VGS, and without each of you here, I would not have been successful and encouraged constantly with honesty, good information, tips and yes, sleeve envy!
Everyone comes to the VGS on their individual journey; mine was encroachingly bad health. High BP, high cholesterol, diabetes requiring medicine, advanced cardiovascular disease, 3 strokes, several rounds of cancer, and a failed triple bypass. Did I know the sleeve would make life liveable, no. But it seemed like the best shot I had to enjoy my family and the rest of my life.
We were self-pay, as have some of you been. That means you have to really decide you are going to commit to everything it takes because calculating the per pound price of a sleeve is mind-boggling. I've lost over 100 lbs -- so at $13,500 you can do the math, lol.
Some folks on here have gone on to amazing adventures, trips, activities, and world travel. I admire (and envy a tiny bit) their boldness post-sleeve. I love their photos, their joy, their struggles. It makes the choice to live a healthy life so much easier in a "village" of travelers, physically and metaphorically.
I am healthier than I have been since my mid-40's (hit 68 in May, God willing). No meds for much of anything.
Yes, I eat differently. Yes, I move more. And yes, I am making forever memories.
If you are wondering why to do the sleeve, write down where you would like to be in 2 years -- and decide if this is the way you'll get there.
Thanks to one and all here, and most joyful of holidays however you are celebrating.
I am cooking cooking cooking. But not eating nor missing it all!
The journey is about living where you are, in your healthy body and sharing your life with those around you.
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