I always said I would be an author one day..: I got a date....

June 5th. That is the day I will permanently change my life and my battle with my weight. I will be having a vertical gastric sleeve performed by Dr. McDaniel in Victoria,TX. I start my meal replacement shakes on May 23rd (2 shakes a day and one protein with veggie dinner) to reduce the fat around my liver. I have appointments on May 29th to have my liver and gall bladder ultrasound and blood work and my last visit with my Doctor (the pre-op appointment) on May 31st. Then I am going camping with my family for the weekend, going to small claims court over a STUPID issue that I hope is resolved quickly (we filed the suit, just irritates me it had to come to this) - then check in to the hospital on June 5th at 5:00 in the morning. I will stay one night, to a leak test the next day - and come home to recover.

I am nervous. I have been jumping through the hoops and considering this since September. I have joined the Vertical Sleeve Talk Forum and have talked with numerous individuals in both pre op and post op situations. I have read, and practiced chewing 30 times, and tried sipping water and not drinking with meals.....and I am still scared. I am removing 80% of a healthy organ that has only done it's job all too well.

This is not a quick fix - and I really don't give a damn about people who think that. I have shared my decision with my friends, family and even co-workers and have found nothing but support. I am doing this for me - and for my children. I would love to say vanity has nothing to do with it - but that would be a lie. WHile my primary purpose is health and the ability to keep up and DO with my kiddos, I can't deny the joy I get when I think about shopping in any store I would like...not just the big girl stores. I am nervous about loose skin....because ya know, puffy fat rolls look so much more attractive! I know it will be work - and I just want to get through the liquid phase, the tired and no energy phase as quickly as possible and just eat to live instead of living to eat. I am ready. Sorry Ms. Gallon stomach - you gotta go.

I am ready to post befpre and after pics - and pics all in between -
I struggle to find very many of me - I am hiding behind stuff or behind the lens....watch out world. I am coming....

And watch out roller coaster and rides I have avoided. ANd horse back riding. ANd flying somewhere with asking for a seat belt extender......

I am ready....