Hi Guys

Hi Guys! Lurker here for a while and finally decided to post. I am just beginning my journey so I will probably have alot of questions.
I am going to make my first appt with the surqeon's office in a few weeks. I will start there and see how it all goes.

I have wanted to get wls surgery for a long time but now my health is going downhill, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, leg pain, etc. I saw my mother and my uncles suffer from diabetes. I figure if I don't do something now my days are numbered. To be honest,  I have never had surgery and have been scared to do so.
Finally a month ago I saw a picture of myself sitting on my couch. That was it. That one one picture hit me harder than anything. Between that and the medical conditions I now feel the time has come to do something.

It's how we all start the journey...one step at a time!  Welcome out of the shadows!  Good luck on your appointment with the surgeon.

Welcome Lee.  If you've been luking for a while, you already know all the great advice and info you get here.  I just had my RNY on 9/15 (be 4 weeks tomorrow).   I too had all your symptoms, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, not only leg pain -- whole body pain.  I would get out of breath just walking through the house.  I would fall often because my legs would just give out, and would take all I had to get myself off the floor.  I truly felt I was about to become bed-ridden and die.  After making the decision, I was so relieved.  I was offered to have the surgery paid for me about 2 years ago, but was too scared.  At the first info seminar by my surgeon, I was told about this forum.  This forum also helped reduce any remaining fear I had, plus I had absolute confidence in my surgeon.  I am 54, and again like you, have never had surgery.  I never had any fear, even when I was being rolled into surgery, because I just knew it was going to be OK.  Surgery went great.  The only discomfort was the first 6 days.  They pump you with air in order to make room for the instruments, and I had a bloated feeling during those first 6 days, and a sore throat the first couple of days, but that was it!  I have felt great since.  My diabetes is gone.  I took insulin for years, and my blood sugar was still out of control -- usually running over 200's and often over 300.  It went down during my pre-op diet and they would take it several times a day while in the hospital.  It ran around 114.  I was taken off all insulin and this morning it was 94.  I have gone from 3 blood pressure meds to 1 (a 5 mg pill).    I have lost 45 lbs in the 4 weeks, plus 41 lbs pre-op.  I am so glad I have had my surgery and found this forum.  Good luck, and congrats on your decision.  Michael

Hey Lee,
I can't say it any better than Michael did! This surgery can be a miracle! It was for me.

Good luck in your journey - and ask lots of questions till you can make a good decision on what is right for you.

Lee Welcome to the Locker Room. Yep a picture can say more then ten doctors! Good Luck. Rocky Top

Glad to have you public, man.

Welcome to the locker room, Lee. WLS was the single best decision I've ever made. My only regret is I didn't do it 10 years sooner but better late that never. Best of luck in your WLS journey and don't be a stranger.

Boner

Lee,

Welcome into the light of the Locker Room! 

For WLS to work for you - you have to be ready in your head for it to happen and it sounds like you are.  Word of warning though:  It ain't all a bed of roses!  Lots of work involved in changing a lifetime of bad eating habits, your attitutude towards food, getting your supplements in, getting your excercise, getting your water, the mental issues that will come up etc.  The WLS journey is a wild ass ride!  Strap in and hang on!

Great post, Don! Concise and accurate summary of our individual responsibilities necessary to take advantage of the gift we've been given. The gift of a second lease on life.........

Boner

Thank you Brother Boner.  Thank you.  You toss some pretty good words of wisdom out there yourself.