Upcoming surgeries and fears

[Guest guest]

A big hearty " Hello! " and a hug to all of you, from the beautiful Texas Hill Country!My name is Cheryl and I am 54 years old.  15 months ago, my doctor told me that I was pre-diabetic.  I was mortified!  That same week, my dearest friend's daughter got the lap band.  My friend said to me " Cheryl, I don't care what you do but you have to do something.  I don't want you to die.  Whatever you decide, I will support you 100% "

For some reason, that really got to me and I decided to investigate weight loss surgery.To make a very long story a little bit shorter, I ruled out lap band, RNY and DS in favor of the sleeve.  My months of research showed me that there were two exceptional surgeons performing the VSG - a doctor in Spain and Dr. Aceves.

But MEXICO?  I live in Texas, just a couple of hours from the war zone also known as Nuevo Laredo.  Again - I turned to research.  And that showed me that Mexicali has a VERY low crime rate and one of the wealthiest populations in Mexico.  I am smart enough to know that wealthy people can live anywhere they chose so Mexicali MUST be okay.

Then came the hunt for funds, but since my mind was made up that I was NOT going to die from diabetes, I found a way.I flew to San Diego on June 15, 2010 and began my new life.Every step along the way calmed my fears more and more.  The people are so wonderful and caring.  The facility is so spotless and modern.  And the medical team was the most compassionate I've ever encountered anywhere.

You are going to have worries and fears - that is normal for ANY surgery!  And after years of trying and failing to lose weight, why should you believe something will actually WORK?  Trust me - we ALL had these same doubts.  I hung on to clothes that were falling off of me because I was afraid that someday I would need them again.  Listen to Suzanne (she LOVES to tell me " I told you so! " ) - she's so kind and caring and wants desperately to help everyone on their journey to health.  And SHE'S RIGHT!  (Yes, Suzanne, you DID tell me so!  LOL!!!) 

You will hate the first 30 days.  You will have good days and bad days.  You may find yourself depressed.  Hormones are stored in FAT.  When you start losing the fat, those hormones are released back into your body and can play havoc with your emotions.  IT WILL PASS!  If you feel bad, drop Dr. Aceves an email.  You will get a reply the same day and they will give you good advice.

I struggled with nausea when I ate.  Dr. Aceves explained that my stomach was still making the same quantity of acid that it needed for its original size.  He had me increase my antacid - it helped immensely!  And he was right - about 4 months out, my " new " tummy suddenly started making the appropriate amount of acid for its new size and voila! No more nausea.

I am 11 months out and within 12 pounds of goal.  My weight continues to come off.  I eat whatever I want.  I just eat VERY small quantities.  That is STILL the hardest part for me - my head says " That's not enough! " and my tummy says " Oh YES it is! "

But even though I had to spend a LOT of money, fly to a foreign country for major surgery, and relearn how to eat (chew, chew, chew!!!) - it has ALL been worth it.I can cross my legs.  I can paint my toenails.  I can walk my dogs.  No more sleep apnea.  No more aching knees and feet.  My thighs no longer rub together.  And the most important - I am no longer pre-diabetic!  THANK YOU LORD!

I saved my life.  I made a decision (a tough one), found the best medical team in North America, and had WLS.I don't regret it for one second.Neither will you.I know I speak for many of us on the board - we wish we could go with you to hold your hand and help you through this.  But we CAN be here for you.  So DO post your fears - let us help you through them.  You are fighting for your life.  You are SO worth it.

Cheryl