Another Newbie Introduction :)
Greetings to everyone!
My name is Victoria. I’m 28 years old, live in northwest Gerogia, and
am 5′7", 350+. I say "+" because the scales at my doctor’s office
won’t go higher than that. How depressing, huh? I know a lot of you
have been there with me, though.
Much like Diane, I grew up in a house where you ate everything on your
plate, whether you were full or not. Sadly, that was ingrained into my
mind after years of hearing it, and to this day, I eat everything on
my plate whether or not I need it. That, as well as growing up in a
house where the idea of a fun night was sitting on the couch and
watching TV for hours on end…is what has led to the 350+. It’s
amazing how great an effect your upbringing has on your future.
Anyway, much like anyone else who has been or os overweight, I’ve
tried diets, exercise, shakes and mixes. Each one had temporary
success for a brief time, but were not long-term solutions.
Even though I kept gaining and gaining over the years, I always said
to myself, "Oh, it’s not so bad. At least I’m not as bad off as
so-and-so. I can choose to lose the weight anytime I wish. I’m still
happy with myself, even if I am big."
The time has come where I can no longer honestly say that I’m happy
with myself physically or mentally. Walking two blocks has become a
challenge, as my asthma has progressively worsened with the weight
gain. Recently, I have been suffering from extreme bouts of spasms in
my calf muscles…so much so that I have to take Valium before I go to
sleep, and much of the time when I’m awake. I have suffered from
heartburn for years, and of course, it has only been exacerbated by
the weight.
I had a heart-to-heart with my doctor a couple weeks ago about these
issues, and she said that almost all of it was because of my weight.
My Mom is 47 years old. She is also very overweight, and has developed
high blood pressure, diabetes, CHF, fibromyalgia, and has had two
light strokes. I’m bound and determined to make sure that doesn’t
happen to me. At least not this early in my life.
I’ve begun the process of applying for the Lap Band procedure. I’ve
seen several people have great results from the surgery. I had my
intial interview today, and I’m going back in for my consultation next
Wednesday morning. I’m scared out of my wits to be put to sleep, and I
certainly don’t look forward to the complications from the surgery
that come early on after the procedure! Even with that, though, I know
that the surgery is really my last option for a long-term shot at a
healthier and longer life.
I have an issue with it in that I feel like a failure for needing the
surgery. I feel like a failure for not taking control of my body many
years ago, well before I got to this point. I feel like a failure for
admitting that I MUST do this or live miserably and die early. I’m
guessing that other group members have had the same thoughts. Even
though my family and friends are VERY supportive of my decision, I
still can’t shake these thoughts from my own mind. I’m hoping that
other group members have (or did) feel the same way, and that you can
share your advice on dealing with it.
Thanks for taking the time to hear my story. I look forward to hearing
everyone else’s!
May 21st, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Hi. I just finished reading your post. You are not alone. I too went through
the same emotional roller coaster before I came to the realization that if I did
not do something to take control of my problem, I was going to die.
I have no regrets. You will have some challenging times, but you will feel
better than you ever have in the past. I had the Lap RNY Bypass three months
ago. I am down 105 pounds and still losing.
Once you have resigned yourself to having the surgery, the worst part is over.
Plese keep us informed of your progress.
Brian in S FL
My name is Victoria. I’m 28 years old, live in northwest Gerogia, and
am 5′7", 350+. I say "+" because the scales at my doctor’s office
won’t go higher than that. How depressing, huh? I know a lot of you
have been there with me, though.
Much like Diane, I grew up in a house where you ate everything on your
plate, whether you were full or not. Sadly, that was ingrained into my
mind after years of hearing it, and to this day, I eat everything on
my plate whether or not I need it. That, as well as growing up in a
house where the idea of a fun night was sitting on the couch and
watching TV for hours on end…is what has led to the 350+. It’s
amazing how great an effect your upbringing has on your future.
Anyway, much like anyone else who has been or os overweight, I’ve
tried diets, exercise, shakes and mixes. Each one had temporary
success for a brief time, but were not long-term solutions.
Even though I kept gaining and gaining over the years, I always said
to myself, "Oh, it’s not so bad. At least I’m not as bad off as
so-and-so. I can choose to lose the weight anytime I wish. I’m still
happy with myself, even if I am big."
The time has come where I can no longer honestly say that I’m happy
with myself physically or mentally. Walking two blocks has become a
challenge, as my asthma has progressively worsened with the weight
gain. Recently, I have been suffering from extreme bouts of spasms in
my calf muscles…so much so that I have to take Valium before I go to
sleep, and much of the time when I’m awake. I have suffered from
heartburn for years, and of course, it has only been exacerbated by
the weight.
I had a heart-to-heart with my doctor a couple weeks ago about these
issues, and she said that almost all of it was because of my weight.
My Mom is 47 years old. She is also very overweight, and has developed
high blood pressure, diabetes, CHF, fibromyalgia, and has had two
light strokes. I’m bound and determined to make sure that doesn’t
happen to me. At least not this early in my life.
I’ve begun the process of applying for the Lap Band procedure. I’ve
seen several people have great results from the surgery. I had my
intial interview today, and I’m going back in for my consultation next
Wednesday morning. I’m scared out of my wits to be put to sleep, and I
certainly don’t look forward to the complications from the surgery
that come early on after the procedure! Even with that, though, I know
that the surgery is really my last option for a long-term shot at a
healthier and longer life.
I have an issue with it in that I feel like a failure for needing the
surgery. I feel like a failure for not taking control of my body many
years ago, well before I got to this point. I feel like a failure for
admitting that I MUST do this or live miserably and die early. I’m
guessing that other group members have had the same thoughts. Even
though my family and friends are VERY supportive of my decision, I
still can’t shake these thoughts from my own mind. I’m hoping that
other group members have (or did) feel the same way, and that you can
share your advice on dealing with it.
Thanks for taking the time to hear my story. I look forward to hearing
everyone else’s!
SPONSORED LINKS
Obesity surgery Obesity surgery center Obesity surgery specialist
Visit your group "obesitysurgerysupportgroup" on the web.
———————————
May 22nd, 2007 at 12:13 am
Hi Victoria ,
I was were your at back in Jan . of this year, and with the help of my primary
Doctor , he opened the door to my Surgeon for Lap-band surgery. It was the best
decision I have ever made. I had Sever Sleep Apnea where I was only breathing 20
mins out of every hour at night. Not good !! had thyroid problems and had just
gone though 2 total knee replacements. With Diabetes 2 on top of that .
I started in Jan . had surgery in April and have lost 85 pounds. The lap is a
little slower coming off but you have so many less problems to deal with after
it has been done. Still have 40 more to go but I feel great and can eat most
anything, just a whole lot less! Sleep Apnea is gone Diabetes is gone and knees
feel wonderful thyriod is doing great So I would say I am doing just fine.
I am wishing you all the best . This is a big decisions you have made and there
is nothing to be ashamed of. Like you were told , the hardest problem is making
the decision that this is another tool to use. But at least this one works! Good
luck !
I have no regrets. You will have some challenging times, but you will feel
better than you ever have in the past. I had the Lap RNY Bypass three months
ago. I am down 105 pounds and still losing.
Once you have resigned yourself to having the surgery, the worst part is over.
Plese keep us informed of your progress.
Brian in S FL
My name is Victoria. I’m 28 years old, live in northwest Gerogia, and
am 5′7", 350+. I say "+" because the scales at my doctor’s office
won’t go higher than that. How depressing, huh? I know a lot of you
have been there with me, though.
Much like Diane, I grew up in a house where you ate everything on your
plate, whether you were full or not. Sadly, that was ingrained into my
mind after years of hearing it, and to this day, I eat everything on
my plate whether or not I need it. That, as well as growing up in a
house where the idea of a fun night was sitting on the couch and
watching TV for hours on end…is what has led to the 350+. It’s
amazing how great an effect your upbringing has on your future.
Anyway, much like anyone else who has been or os overweight, I’ve
tried diets, exercise, shakes and mixes. Each one had temporary
success for a brief time, but were not long-term solutions.
Even though I kept gaining and gaining over the years, I always said
to myself, "Oh, it’s not so bad. At least I’m not as bad off as
so-and-so. I can choose to lose the weight anytime I wish. I’m still
happy with myself, even if I am big."
The time has come where I can no longer honestly say that I’m happy
with myself physically or mentally. Walking two blocks has become a
challenge, as my asthma has progressively worsened with the weight
gain. Recently, I have been suffering from extreme bouts of spasms in
my calf muscles…so much so that I have to take Valium before I go to
sleep, and much of the time when I’m awake. I have suffered from
heartburn for years, and of course, it has only been exacerbated by
the weight.
I had a heart-to-heart with my doctor a couple weeks ago about these
issues, and she said that almost all of it was because of my weight.
My Mom is 47 years old. She is also very overweight, and has developed
high blood pressure, diabetes, CHF, fibromyalgia, and has had two
light strokes. I’m bound and determined to make sure that doesn’t
happen to me. At least not this early in my life.
I’ve begun the process of applying for the Lap Band procedure. I’ve
seen several people have great results from the surgery. I had my
intial interview today, and I’m going back in for my consultation next
Wednesday morning. I’m scared out of my wits to be put to sleep, and I
certainly don’t look forward to the complications from the surgery
that come early on after the procedure! Even with that, though, I know
that the surgery is really my last option for a long-term shot at a
healthier and longer life.
I have an issue with it in that I feel like a failure for needing the
surgery. I feel like a failure for not taking control of my body many
years ago, well before I got to this point. I feel like a failure for
admitting that I MUST do this or live miserably and die early. I’m
guessing that other group members have had the same thoughts. Even
though my family and friends are VERY supportive of my decision, I
still can’t shake these thoughts from my own mind. I’m hoping that
other group members have (or did) feel the same way, and that you can
share your advice on dealing with it.
Thanks for taking the time to hear my story. I look forward to hearing
everyone else’s!
SPONSORED LINKS
Obesity surgery Obesity surgery center Obesity surgery specialist
Visit your group "obesitysurgerysupportgroup" on the web.
———————————
Visit your group "obesitysurgerysupportgroup" on the web.
———————————