Rita M.
Hi all,
my name is Rita and I am 52 years old. I have thought about getting VSG surgery for the past 5 years now. I know a couple people that have had the gastric bypass and that happened about 6 years ago. Back then I never thought of considering it, tried many diets and exercise and wanted to reach my goal, but now 6 years later I needed and wanted help in losing weight and most importantly living a better quality life. I have 2 grand children and I want to see them grow up and I want to be able to participate in activities that I can't participate in now. I know this sounds very general, but I suspect that most people who opt for WLS have goals like this.
I joined a bariatric program in April of 2012 and have been to endless meetings and medical appointments including behavioral sessions and groups and have learned quiet a bit. I thought about backing out a couple times, but the more I thought about my life changing and seeing a healthier future is all the incentive I needed to stay in the program.
I just recently received my surgery date, which is 29th of Nov 2012 and I am excited to finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. So all in all, it took 7 moths to get a surgery date, but as I just found out, I am one of the lucky ones and "only" had to wait seven months. There are people in my group that have had to postpone their surgery due to other medical issues or because they have had problems with losing a couple pounds on their own or other problems, so I consider myself very fortunate to have come this far in such a short time.
Of course I am a bit nervous and have anxiety thinking about going "under the knife", but I also believe this is the path I have chosen and now I have to walk it.
I get frustrated at people saying that this is an "easy out" or a "quick fix" when it is NOT. The program I joined is so comprehensive and detailed and it takes anywhere from 6 months to 12 months to go through it and you learn so much that if all other attempts have failed and all those "sensible diets" didn't get you the results you wanted or needed for health reasons, then you should think long and hard about taking this step.
I am looking forward to a more healthier me and to receiving all the support that I need from my family and friends and from this site.
Good luck to all of you out there who are considering getting WLS and may you all reach the goals you have set for yourselfes.
Sincerely,
Rita
