Supporting Red...

[MrMikelobe1952]

I will be wishing you well

My thoughts will be with you.
I'm sure you will have the support of many friends here in Lit as you follow the course that you have chosen.

 

[Blue_shoes1980]

Skinny people have problems too. I never think poorly of a person because of their size. . .who am I to do that.

I want slow, because slow means less loose skin and that means less chance of me going back for nip, tuck and realignment. . . .and $$$$$ is something I'd have to dish out because cosmetic fixes for extra skin isn't covered in Insurance.

I'll party with ya.

I'll hold you to that!!!

 

[pleaz_me]

{{{{{{{{{{Red}}}}}}}}}} I know the struggles you have gone through trying to decide if this is right for you. I'm sure it is because it is in your heart to be happy and healthy. You are my rock here... the first person here I trully called friend. You know we are all here for your support. My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you begin the countdown to your days of healthiness as well as during and long after. If you need anything... anything at all, just holler... I'll be here.

 

[sasebrats]

Is it conceited to start your own support thread? I don’t think so. I am starting this one because I think I’ll need it. On October 24th of this year, I’m undergoing Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery. I have pre test and a pre op class on the 9th and 10th.

This isn’t a decision that I just woke up to one day and decided on. I spent over 5 years researching it and even now as the day closes in on me, I’m still learning things. I am ready though. I know it won’t be easy, but I know for me to live to see my kids marry and have kids, I am going to have to do something drastic.

I’ve done the diets, the working out, the structured programs since I was 18. I’m now 33 and a mother of three and my life is slowly coming to an end every day I maintain this weight I have placed on my heart.

There are so many things I want to experience, but where I am at now, it isn’t going to happen. This isn’t for vanity reasons. . . I want to walk up hills and take trails with the kids on vacation. I want to sit in a seat at the doctor’s office and not feel worried that this will be the first time I get stuck. I want to walk around and not feel the shooting pain in my back or the ache in my knees. I don’t want to worry that I embarrass my children. I don't want to gasp for breath any more unless its because I orgasmed. . . I don't want to fear that when my pulse races faster than normal, I'm not going to have a heartattack. . .I just want to live longer.

I know there is a woman inside me begging to be let loose and my health is in jeopardy, so this woman may never escape if I don't step away from the plate. I’m realistic. My troubles will not float away as the pounds drop. . . I know this. I know I’ll still suffer from the need to keep everyone happy and to make everything okay, but now. . . I have something to help me when I feel this way. . .my friends here at Lit. So this is why I have started my own support thread.

Ask me any question you want, but one. . .How much I weigh. . . LOL... I don’t even know that and don’t want to!!! I won’t even guess, though they'll tell me on the 9th. . .DAMN!!! Grrrrr.

I will tell you this. . .

My surgeon told me. . .for every 100 pounds a person is overweight you lose 20 years of your life. . .folks. . . I want my years back!

If you've had this surgery and want to share your story or offer advice, please do so! I am not alone in this journey.

Red,

My best friend had this done and she has lost 225 pounds. She said that the hardest part of the whole process was 2 things. The first part was the waiting. She said that the month she waited for her surgery she wondered if this was the right thing to do. (She had it done a few years ago when there were a few deaths after people had it done) We sat one night through 2 bottles of wine talking about the alternatives. I told her she didn't have an option she would die without surgery and who's to say that you might get killed in an auto accident coming home from work. The second thing that was the absolute hardest for her was while she was losing all her weight was the fact that she had excess skin. She loved to be in size 10. (She didn't remember the last time she was in a 10.) But she hated her body yet because she had all this skin hanging everywhere. She moved out the bedroom that her and her husband had shared for 34 years because she didn't want him to see all the skin. So when the doctor told her she had maintained her weight long enough they set up for a breast reduction and her skin to be removed. She said that was painful but it was a pain well worth it. The transformation has been remarkable. This quiet lady that use to be quiet and always tell me to be quiet and not draw any attention to us when we were out, is now the life of the party. The only thing that I don't care for is my closet isn't safe anymore. She borrows clothes and then forgets to bring them back

Good luck to you through this wonderful decision and one you will never regret. It sounds to me like you have done enough research.

 

[Calvin]

Red - While you and I have had very little interaction (love your stories tho), I wanted to tell you that if there is anything I can ever do, do not hesitate to call on me. Obviously you have a lot of support here. Like sasebrats, I too have had a friend that went through the procedure and while he did have some initial complications with the surgery itself, ultimatly he does feel it was a good thing to do even though he has had to change his lifestyle in a major way. I spent almost 15 years as an RN and saw the procedure help many people. It seems that a positive attitude can be a really big factor (as well as a great surgeon) and you seem to possess that.
Go for it if you feel in your heart that it is what you need.... our thoughts and prayers will be with you every step of the way.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

My thoughts will be with you.
I'm sure you will have the support of many friends here in Lit as you follow the course that you have chosen.

Thanks Mike. I've thought about you lately, hoping all was going well with you. It was wonderful to have you come in and offer thoughts. I appreciate them. I don't like to ask for help, or support, I feel odd doing it, but I know I'm a worrier and this was something I needed to do so I had a way to vent my worries. Thanks again for caring.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

http://3d-decoupage.com/images/10696_BoyPrayingDog_Pg18_WEB.jpg

Thank you for the beautiful thought that I know goes with this image.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

{{{{{{{{{{Red}}}}}}}}}} I know the struggles you have gone through trying to decide if this is right for you. I'm sure it is because it is in your heart to be happy and healthy. You are my rock here... the first person here I trully called friend. You know we are all here for your support. My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you begin the countdown to your days of healthiness as well as during and long after. If you need anything... anything at all, just holler... I'll be here.

***hugs*** Thank you my dear friend. I count you among my closet too.

 

[trent0553]

http://manuchanteur59.free.fr/rose_rouge.gif

Best Wishes Red.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Red,

My best friend had this done and she has lost 225 pounds. She said that the hardest part of the whole process was 2 things. The first part was the waiting. She said that the month she waited for her surgery she wondered if this was the right thing to do. (She had it done a few years ago when there were a few deaths after people had it done) We sat one night through 2 bottles of wine talking about the alternatives. I told her she didn't have an option she would die without surgery and who's to say that you might get killed in an auto accident coming home from work. The second thing that was the absolute hardest for her was while she was losing all her weight was the fact that she had excess skin. She loved to be in size 10. (She didn't remember the last time she was in a 10.) But she hated her body yet because she had all this skin hanging everywhere. She moved out the bedroom that her and her husband had shared for 34 years because she didn't want him to see all the skin. So when the doctor told her she had maintained her weight long enough they set up for a breast reduction and her skin to be removed. She said that was painful but it was a pain well worth it. The transformation has been remarkable. This quiet lady that use to be quiet and always tell me to be quiet and not draw any attention to us when we were out, is now the life of the party. The only thing that I don't care for is my closet isn't safe anymore. She borrows clothes and then forgets to bring them back

Good luck to you through this wonderful decision and one you will never regret. It sounds to me like you have done enough research.

The excess skin does worry me. It worries my spouse too. We've discussed it at great lengths and have opened a savings account for what I call the "nip, tuck, and realignment fund."

I don't need to be a size 10, 12, 14, 16. . .I just want to breathe.

I would be lying if I didn't say there aren't perks with the results of this. But that is just icing on the cake. The cake. . .is the whole package, inside where my heart beats stronger, and in my mind when I walk those trails with the kids and I kinda keep up... (they are kids and I am older than them. )

The surgeon I have has been doing this for over 9 years. She's only lost 2 patients. They were men in their 60's and suffered from several other health issues, some heart related. It was a do this and you may live, don't do it and you won't type of situation.

I will have good days and bad, I appreciate the support everyone is willing to give, even if it is just in this thread where I can come and vent and worry and yeah, even cry. I can't do that here with the kids around. . .

I have been honest with them to the point that there are risks with surgeries. (With the eldest two - I have outlined the risks - The youngest I have touched on the subject, but not gone into a lot of detail.) For myself. . .death isn't the fear, it is the fear that they will have to go on without me. . .How? I couldn't imagine doing it if it were my spouse. Those are the thoughts I don't want to think about, but they are there and they are the ones that will bring me down.

*sigh & deep breath*

Yeah, the countdown is going to suck! ! ! Patience and I are not friends. . .I believe I missed that quality when God was handing out sticker of personality traits.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Red - While you and I have had very little interaction (love your stories tho), I wanted to tell you that if there is anything I can ever do, do not hesitate to call on me. Obviously you have a lot of support here. Like sasebrats, I too have had a friend that went through the procedure and while he did have some initial complications with the surgery itself, ultimatly he does feel it was a good thing to do even though he has had to change his lifestyle in a major way. I spent almost 15 years as an RN and saw the procedure help many people. It seems that a positive attitude can be a really big factor (as well as a great surgeon) and you seem to possess that.
Go for it if you feel in your heart that it is what you need.... our thoughts and prayers will be with you every step of the way.

Thanks Calvin. (glad you like the stories. ) - -

I have spent so much time on researching, I really feel this is the best way. I hope to have the surgery laproscopic, that should limit some complications. I am not good with large incisions. I had 2 c-sections both incisions became greatly infected. I had a cyst removed about a month ago and that was laproscopic, wow. . . what difference. . .too bad they can't get babies out with those tiny cuts.

I know of two people who have done it. One is a friend of my mom's and one if the lady across the road. I'm going to approach her and see if she'll be my walking buddy.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

http://manuchanteur59.free.fr/rose_rouge.gif

Best Wishes Red.

Thank you trent. . .what a beautiful rose.

 

[Calvin]

Thanks Calvin. (glad you like the stories. ) - -

I have spent so much time on researching, I really feel this is the best way. I hope to have the surgery laproscopic, that should limit some complications. I am not good with large incisions. I had 2 c-sections both incisions became greatly infected. I had a cyst removed about a month ago and that was laproscopic, wow. . . what difference. . .too bad they can't get babies out with those tiny cuts.

I know of two people who have done it. One is a friend of my mom's and one if the lady across the road. I'm going to approach her and see if she'll be my walking buddy.

Your welcome Red.... it really sounds like you have thought this through very, very thourghly. It also sounds like you have a good support system (other than Lit) and as I said before you sound really positive about it. I am sure that it will be a benifit in the long run for you. There will be the painful moments I am sure... but when you have completed that first hike that you could never have started before, then it will all be worth it!
Be strong and keep the focus on the long term goal....

 

[limiwa]

Red

You will overcome the pain...and soar

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Your welcome Red.... it really sounds like you have thought this through very, very thourghly. It also sounds like you have a good support system (other than Lit) and as I said before you sound really positive about it. I am sure that it will be a benifit in the long run for you. There will be the painful moments I am sure... but when you have completed that first hike that you could never have started before, then it will all be worth it!
Be strong and keep the focus on the long term goal....

Thanks... I will do my best to do that.

Red

You will overcome the pain...and soar

Thank you limi -

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

I appreciate all of you. Thank you so much this is going to help me, this thread and this decision. Most of all you guys.

 

[MrMikelobe1952]

Thanks Mike. I've thought about you lately, hoping all was going well with you. It was wonderful to have you come in and offer thoughts. I appreciate them. I don't like to ask for help, or support, I feel odd doing it, but I know I'm a worrier and this was something I needed to do so I had a way to vent my worries. Thanks again for caring.

I just wish there was something more I could do to help.

 

[bustee_mcqueen]

hey red good luck, what an amazing decision to make, we all love you and are here for you if you need it. You have made a brave and courageous decision for you and your family and all my thoughts and wishes go out to you

 

[hdlynnette]

As someone who has struggled with her weight for the past 10 years, let me wish you the best of EVERYTHING in this step in your life. I know from experience what a great feeling it is to lose those extra pounds. You will feel better both physically AND emotionally.

Perhaps when we both reach our weight goal, we can go for a round of shopping at Vicky's. I'm soooo ready to be able to wear something of hers besides her fragrances.

 

[cuzeyemwhateyem]

Good Luck to you RHF

It would be good to have those years back .... but remember true friends will love you no matter what

I will have everything crossed for you

 

[au_man]

Good for you Red.

I'm here and I always keep my PM box ready for anything so even if I'm not right here and you need to chat let me know.

Loves and best wishes,
Au...

 

[gotwood49]

I don't want to fear that when my pulse races faster than normal, I'm not going to have a heartattack. . .I just want to live longer.

Red, you know my pulse used to race every time I heard your voice! I can't wait for you to get healthy, and get your life back. As someone I hope you always consider a friend, I promise to always be near for you...just call, PM or email.

And don't take too long off writing, or I may lose what editing skills I still have left!

I love you, sweetie...you'll be fine. This I know...

Woody

 

[sethp]

Good Luck!

Good Luck Red!

Sethp and his minions wish you well! Ok it's just me and Busty J but and she's not really my minion. ok "I" wish you the best... and remember...

The better you review my stories the faster your recovery will be! Isn't it funny how that works? lol...Oh wait that's just me lying to myself to make me feel better!

All joking aside. You'll be fine. I just feel that it will be so! My prayers go out to you!

Sethp

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

I just wish there was something more I could do to help.

Believe it or not, the simpliest good wishes help tremendously.

hey red good luck, what an amazing decision to make, we all love you and are here for you if you need it. You have made a brave and courageous decision for you and your family and all my thoughts and wishes go out to you

Thank you bustee. I will be back and forth on this thread I'm sure, as time goes by. Some days excited, some days fearful. It is wonderful to know I have this support.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

As someone who has struggled with her weight for the past 10 years, let me wish you the best of EVERYTHING in this step in your life. I know from experience what a great feeling it is to lose those extra pounds. You will feel better both physically AND emotionally.

Perhaps when we both reach our weight goal, we can go for a round of shopping at Vicky's. I'm soooo ready to be able to wear something of hers besides her fragrances.

Sounds wonderful!!!!!! (maybe I'll do a pic thread. ) I use their lotions.