Before Surgery - October 20th, 2010

Derek  how brave you and you look like you are ready to take it on. The best of luck to you. Great way to start. I love it.  Both of you look sweet.   Hugs   Doris

I received E-mail yesterday. waiting period for me is less than 6 months.  Isn't that a big difference from 2years.   Doris

A waiting period of less than 6 months? That is amazing. For what surgery with what surgeon and where? I'm sure lots of people would love to know more about this. Good luck.

Derek

Lap Band.  I talked to my Dr. today and we have decided that the Lap Band is my best bet. I am on the waiting list with Dr. Atlas.  Montreal.  Quebec will not pay out of province.won't pay out of country.  Doris

Thanks for the kind words Doris. I really appreciate it.

Thanks for the kind words Brenda. I really appreciate them. I know I would beat myself up if I didn't take the time to take the pictures before like many didn't have the courage to do because these are the pictures that I will look back on in a couple of years and say "Look how far I've come physically". I want to remember what I looked like because we always forget after a while.

Hi Derek,

I've always tended to shy away from cameras but I know that I need to do what you have done soon (maybe not so public though). It really hits home when you see the pictures. I know that for me it's something I don't want to look at but it's something that we need to face in this journey.

I wish you lots of luck my friend and that you reach your pre-surgical goals whatever they may be.
You never spoke about your meeting with the NUT but I'm assuming that she told you that you would need 4 weeks of Opti-Fast? Did they not even weigh you at that time?

I'm with Brenda in saying that you have an infectious smile and the pic with your girlfriend is very sweet!!

Hugs,
Ada

Hi Ada,
It is something that we have to face. For me it's like waiting in line for a roller coaster. I know I'm scared ****less of them, but if I just get in line, I won't have a choice to go through with it. It's the lonly way to face your fear and be happy with yourself. I'm not happy being this big but I do find myself attractive at this size. I can't wait to be smaller.

I did write a little something in my NUT meeting post about the meeting and how it wasn't really worth it. 5 hours of driving for 1 hour of things I already knew? I didn't find it all that helpfull but for others I'm sure it was. It depends how informed you are about it. 4 weeks is my recommended time on OptiFast. I'm trying to lose weight right now to maybe get down a little smaller to reduce the amount of time on the shakes but I might not reach it in time. No they did not weigh me. It was in a conference room with no scale. I don't think they can weigh me because I weigh more than 400 pounds...???

Thanks for the kind words about my girlfriend and I. We've been going on strong now for the last 8 years. I can't wait to have this surgery so we can really start our life together. I know she's getting tired of this lifestyle. It's no fun for her and I can't blame her.

Derek

Hi, I just wanted to say it is very brave to post the pics.  I took my measurements and pics before and right after surgery and chronicled my 130+ weight loss journey over the last year and a half.  On days I get discouraged, I look back at my 'before' pics and see how far I have come.  It is a great reminder of where I never want to be again and how much I have accomplished.

Even if I never lose another pound, where I am now is infinitely better than where I was.  Good luck on your journey!

-Amanda

Thanks for the support Amanda.