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If you're going through HUNGER, keep on going...

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  “The best way out is always through.”  ―  Robert Frost I have done a plethora of research on gastric sleeve and one of the things I keep coming back to is the emotional journey patients go through when and after making the decision to have the procedure.  Having a counseling background, I understand this to be true, but experiencing it first hand is something completely different. I am currently in the 12 day pre-op, liquid-only diet phase required before my surgery next Tuesday.  Days one through four were fairly easy: Premier Protein shake for breakfast, water, water, water, sugar-free Jell-O cup, water, water, water, protein-enhanced broth for lunch, water, water, water, sugar-free popsicle, water, water, water, protein packed yogurt for supper, water, water, water...etc. I was actually surprised at how easy it was going and how not hungry I was, especially after reading some of the heartfelt, albeit over-dramatic, anguish expressed by others in the online support groups. And then
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The Date is Set

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I had my initial surgical consultation today. I am very pleased I will be able to use a surgeon I am very familiar with; he has performed hernia surgery on me and a bowel stricture repair on my mother. I am thankful my mother was able to attend the appointment with me. Though she trusts my decision to have the surgery, I know she has had reservations - afraid of the risks of her overweight daughter going under anesthesia. The surgeon was able to allay those fears. He explained that, yes, there are risks, but in his many years of performing this procedure, he has only had one incident of trouble - a leakage in the suture line of the stomach that he was able to repair quickly. I am excited for the start of this journey to health. My psychiatric evaluation is scheduled for tomorrow. Once completed, the next step is to meet with the nutritionist. I know that God has provided a way for this to happen - financially and otherwise - therefore I know I am in His hands. CW - 268  GW - 170  Surge
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The Decision

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For my whole life I have struggled with my weight. I have been classified as a chubby child, chunky teen, overweight young adult, and now morbidly obese adult. Though I have learned to accept my body, I have never been happy with my body. (That sounds contradictory, but it makes sense in my brain.) But more than that, as I have aged my health has declined rapidly.  Around 2011 I was officially diagnosed with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. I was quickly placed on blood pressure medications and aggressively told that I needed insulin. Being placed on insulin did not sit right with me. I fought it for a while but eventually gave in thinking my doctor knew best. I learned later, from other patients' experiences, that this particular doctor was known for pushing unnecessary medicines too quickly. Later doctors have all said that the decision to begin insulin was rushed; I should have been allowed a longer period of adjustment between diet and oral medications. But once on insulin, yo
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