And so it starts...

     It began last night.  Not that I hadn't started researching...not that the thought hadn't crossed my mind many times...but, officially, it began last night when I went to the bariatric surgery seminar.    I signed up to go and hear about Lap-Band, but as I sat and listened I changed my mind.

Let me say this blog will reveal  a lot of very person information.  Many sights advise against letting anyone know you are considering any type of  surgery to help with your weight.  They say that many people will try to sabotage your journey...that they will be negative and wreck your resolve.  Well, those that know me know that I am pretty open and don't care a lot if someone disagrees with me.  Everyone is entitled to their opinion and while it may be wonderful and important to someone, it is not important enough to change mine most times. :)  And I need all the support I can get from the wonderful people who will support me.  Plus, if I can help someone then that's worth a little ridicule to get it out there. ;)

  Today as I was waiting before my primary care doctor visit I was thinking about all the posts I had seen about not sharing the news that you're doing WLS with anyone.  And I thought about how I love looking for things I can relate to online.  It made me wondered if there was anyone who had blogged about having their Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy?  So I googled it...and I found one...it was a couple years old but that wasn't a problem...the problem, as I read, was that it was written by an unhappy person.

  Of course I didn't realize that she was unhappy at first.  I just thought "well, she's depressed about being over weight". But the more it went on the more it became clear that although she was a proponent of the sleeve (she reached her goal), she was basically using the blog to vent.  This was so not what I was looking for.

      So I asked my husband, Jay, "do you think it would help anyone if I blogged about going through this?".  His answer, as always, was supportive.  "You are one of the happiest people ever.  You never stay grumpy about stuff.  I think it would be a good idea.  And you're still allowed to have a grumpy day in the process....once in awhile."

    So, it began last night.  Jay and I went to the seminar that the bariatric center said was the first step when I called...

  Here we are...not last night but you get the idea...we are not serious people... ;) 

I was expecting there to be about 5 or 6 people there. Nope, there must have been at least 15 or twenty (with their +1s) there to learn about Weight Loss Surgery.  They showed us the slides that show obesity as the pandemic that it is...the data over the last 20 years is scary.

Basically there were 3 options being discussed.  1. Lap-Band 2. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy and 3. Gastric Bypass.

Through my research online I had already ruled out bypass surgery for myself.  It is a very valuable surgery but it is a significant change in your digestive track and malnutrition is part of the process.  Since I am obese but currently do not have significant health issues (yet) I wanted a less drastic choice.  As I said, I thought that was lap-band, but as I learned about the sleeve I began to listen more closely...it removes most of your stomach (OUCH) but does NOT mess with your digestive track.  And most importantly to me (insert the sound of harps here...) it has the same magic affect as the bypass about taking away your appetite!!! 

WHAT???!!  How had I not read this somewhere already??

Did they not realize I am sitting here starving as I'm listening?? I am always hungry.  I can eat until I'm full (which is about enough to fill up a very large man which I am not) and then 10 minutes later be hungry again!

Ok, you have my attention...what is the criteria?  Do I qualify?

For this center, you need to have a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or 35 with complications due to weight.  Well sadly, I believe I actually do qualify but will find out for sure when I see my PCP tomorrow. 

Back to today...

I was a bit nervous to see my PCP... I love her! She is very down to earth and honest and I knew she would tell me what she thought.  ...but, I knew she would tell me what she thought!  would she judge? would she tell me that I should be able to do this by myself without surgery? would she tell me I didn't have the need since I don't have any major issues?

Well as it turns out...No she didn't.  In fact it was a bit a slap how happy she seemed that I was pursuing this option.  Apparently there was some absurd little thought in the back of my brain that kept me from seeing  how f.a.t.  plump I actually am...ahem...moving right along...so, guess she was on board...yay!

So here we go...I am inviting you to come with me on this trek...I have no idea how long it will take...or what turns will happen, but I promise I will try to realize what a wonderful opportunity this is and keep some humor and be honest and happy and maybe occasionally grumpy along the way... wanna join?  Keep Reading...

Thanks! ~Mikki