Carpe_Diem
I was born in 1952 in Belfast, Northern Ireland and emigrated to Canada when I was just a few months old. I grew up as a skinny kid and could still be considered thin at 35 years old. I played sports all my life including Racquetball, Squash, Football, Baseball and some Hockey. I gained most of my weight late in life and can't blame the genes. Both my parents had normal weight so my problems with gravity are entirely my fault. I stopped moving and the poor eating habits continued and deepened until I find myself at 100 lbs overweight. It's stupid and embarrassing and probably quite dangerous. My research has convinced me that diets don't work and I have some experience with that kind of failure. I lost weight, started to feel better, both physically and mentally, let my guard down and boom...heavier than ever. Several times.
I know I am older than most VSG patients and I feel I don't have a lot of time to fix this. A VSG seems to be the best procedure for me and my doctor approves, but he won't refer me for surgery in Ontario. I'm not heavy enough! Our government sponsored health care system has to prioritize the heaviest patients. I get it and agree with it and actually consider it an advantage since I won't waste any precious time. I will avoid the 1-2 year wait and get sleeved in Mexico on September 26 by Dr. Alberto Aceves at the Almater hospital. The doctor, his team and the hospital are well regarded. It's self pay, but I can live with that.
I owe it to my grandson, my daughter and wonderful wife to get healthy. Oh yeah, and I owe it to myself, even though I've been my worst enemy all along. I'd love to blame all this on something, but no...got nothing. It's all on me. And I won't lie. Because I've been so mentally weak, I'm really fearful that somehow I might screw up the opportunity that a VSG will give me. By reading the forums I've discovered the joy that comes to those that succeed and I want some of that. My wife of 30 years will support me, as always, and travel with me to Mexico for the surgery. My daughter is a nurse and she will pester me to follow the regimen and exercise regularly so I have a top notch support system to succeed. It's time to live healthy again.
