Anticipation - It's Not Just for a Ketchup Commerical - Lenexa, KS

I started my journey in June 2014, first the info class and then the barrage of paperwork, psychologist visits, insurance gymnastics (my case worker was phenomenal during this approval process), endoscope, surgeon meeting, pre-op education, dietician class - final approval from insurance and surgery scheduling. I was never an overweight child or teen - I began gaining weight in a very unhappy marriage. It's amazing what giving everything you have to keep a home, raise a child and try to make someone happy who will never truly be a happy person can do to a person's self esteem. Divorce helped but a whole new set of issues takes over - you put yourself last in everything. Fast forward 17 years - yes, 17....it's time to do something for myself that will lead to a healthier life. I've tried all the diets, programs, pills, exercise (for the most part) was out for me due to my knees now being bone on bone. I'm diabetic, PCOS, have IBS, high blood pressure and edema in both lower legs. I'm starting out at 243 (5'6"), my sleeve procedure is scheduled in three weeks, I will have one week of protein liquid shakes, blood work and last surgeon visit mid month then D-Day! I know I'm not so far down the rabbit hole as some of my co-patients at the clinic - I see it in their faces during class, wondering why I'm even sitting there. I hope they have the kind of experiences and success they dream of and only want that for myself too. For me, this is where it needs to stop and my ability to correct this direction must start. My new husband is very supportive, my best friend is very supportive, the rest of my family can wait to know I've had the surgery later, they'll be fine and don't need to worry needlessly right now. I'm encouraged by stories I read on this forum, I am looking forward to this journey.

I want to say thank you to everyone who've posted well wishes - your stories are inspiring, so thank you!! Today, I'm two weeks out for my surgery - I'm terribly excited - still subbing at least one meal a day with the protein shakes. Tomorrow is my second surgical pre-op visit and I'll have blood draws, etc - final instructions with my surgeon. November 24th starts full time protein shakes until surgery. I've found myself going through my clothes and organizing them large to smaller, hoping that I skip entire sections LoL Realistically, I know this is a process - I didn't get here overnight and it's not going to come off overnight.

Woke up this morning and realized by this time next week I will be sleeved. (!!!!) I'm very excited and know these next seven days will fly by. I have been given the okay from my surgical team to have 3 oz of turkey and some green beans for Thanksgiving - now *that's* a gift I didn't expect :) I didn't even ask them, just figured I'd be shaking it and get through the day. Another challenge is a hometown college game tailgate everyone goes to but I've decided to go visit my dad instead of partaking in the ritual this year - less explaining and less temptation. I will be taking some photos soon as I don't want to get too far out before I take the 'before' pictures - as awful as it will be - I loathe having my photo taken fully clothed and looking my best (or at this weight as best as I can) . Happy Thanksgiving to all and remember that it's more about spending time with your loved ones and being thankful than it is about the food. I'm thankful the community here has been so supportive and non-judgemental, it's truly a blessing at this stage of the process to know I can come onto this site and read the encouragement, struggles and victories of everyone.