Aviator's Log Book - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Aviator · 12-29-2008, 10:32 PM

With my surgery date only 30 hours from now, (6am New Years Eve) I figure it is time for me to start a WLS blog much like "Vim's Umbrella" here on T-T. I've been keeping a blog for more than four years, and wish I was more diligent about writing in it.

Visiting with my surgeon this morning, I told him I felt like a kid going to class whose dog had eaten his homework. That I was not prepared. Eight months of research and, oddly, I feel this way. Im one of those engineers who ALWAYS does his homework. He told me it wasnt too late call it off, or postpone. I then explained to him despite my metaphor, one of my tried and true techniqes of "visualizing success", e.g. thinking about looking down at a scale and seeing 199, like Jim; or throwing away medications, or slipping on that Aquascutum suit I havent worn for years, or like Baja, having some babe say "...nice ass..." even if she is drunk.

I told the doc that despite being that apprehensive kid, I was now visualizing myself being slim again. Im now certain that I will succeed.

I admit, it is a bit selfish in that I write mostly for me. After keeping a blog for so long, it is gratifying sometimes to come back and read something written long ago, and think, "Did I write that?" or "My, I said that well." or "I must have been nuts to think that." However, in posting here, I really believe that some of my ramblings may benefit someone else who is struggling with some weight loss issues like I am at the genesis of this thread. Who knows what the future holds anyway? :shrugs: Here's an example of an exerpt from my blog from 2004:

Life Experiences: Heaven and Earth aligned

I dont know if my ramblings are of general interest, interest to a few, or simply booooring. That is for you to discern.

But today, at this writing, I am 30 hours pre-op for Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. I weigh 310 lbs. This thread will serve as my "Log Book" in the future. If you like it, please subscribe and feel free to comment. If not, ignore it, and I'll never know.

Oddly, I feel that my "Log Book" is also serving as a "Flight Plan" into 2009. Perhaps my journey will inspire someone, as so many of you have inspired me. Thanks for that - all of you.

Happy New Year everyone. It is going to be a great one.

Aviator · 12-29-2008, 11:40 PM

One other thing I wanted to say is that I am telling only a very close "circle of trust" about this surgery. My bride, my children, and TT members are about the only ones who know. Everyone else thinks I'm having hernia surgery. White lie yes. Plausible yes.

Why? Im fairly certain most of you already know the answer. But here are some justifications for the secrecy.

Number 1 - Im male. Women like to share lots of things and collaborate about all kinds of things. Guys dont. Especially in the very "squared off" button-down collar, coat and tie world where I live much of my life as a CEO. Bouncing ideas around about WLS is a bit too "touchy-feelie" for most mano a mano conversations in the War Room.

Number 2 - Ive read several things in the forum, and in that episode of "House", where in the "outside world" the accomplishment of sustaining a significant weight loss is somehow compromised if one has WLS. Like somehow we "cheated" as opposed to other more traditional (and largely ineffective) weight loss methods. I dont believe it. You dont believe it. But unfortunately, the bias is a fact. I dont want an ad-hoc panel of self appointed "judges" diminishing the accomplishment of me losing 125 lbs.

Number 3 - I believe the surgery is safe enough, and that considering my co-morbidities, WLS is actually the "safest" and most certain route. But I do not want to worry people needlessly. Especially those who depend on me.

So people get information on a "Need to Know Basis"

Its late and I cant sleep.....

sassy37 · 12-30-2008, 04:40 AM

Just sending u good luck and speedy recovery vibes from across the pond

u will be fine , just stay focused and positive !
And its your business and your decision whom you tell and not !
happy and healthier new year to u xx

CarolinaGirl · 12-30-2008, 05:51 AM

Prayers going your way for a speedy recovery and much success in your weight loss! I have battled with the decision to keep my surgery a secret but I decided in my case its not the wise thing to do. I believe I could possibly help save someone life. So I am sharing on a need to know basis. I am not going to go around wearing a t-shirt that advertises I had weigh loss surgery but I will be open about my experience to those that ask or need to know. Its all a personal decision I think. And it does depend on your circle of friends/network. I think whichever way you decide is the right thing to do.

Happy New and Better You Year! Congrats!

coptergirl · 12-30-2008, 06:14 AM

Best of luck to you on your journey - I think its great that you started a place to share. It allows us to get to know you, and for when those plateus hit, you can re-read about your successes and be encouraged.

Might I make a suggestion? Take pictures every month, too. I did this and created an album and would document my stats monthly (BMI, weight, inches lost, total loss et al). When I hit the plateau at 180 (I excercised ALOT so only hit one wall), I had a lot of success to look at...

Good luck!

JimM · 12-30-2008, 07:56 AM

I'll definitely be watching this thread to see what you write and how you progress in your journey. So count me as 'subscribed'!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aviator

I then explained to him despite my metaphor, one of my tried and true techniqes of "visualizing success", e.g. thinking about looking down at a scale and seeing 199, like Jim

Pssssst! Um, one thing... my scale says 198 (see below)... I know it's a minor thing (1 pound difference HEAVIER), but I thought I'd point it out.

I'll let it slide, though, because I know you've got a LOT more important things on your mind right now. LOL

Baja Big Dog · 12-30-2008, 08:26 AM

Now wait a minute, I CLEARLY stated that the women that made the "Nice Ass" comments , would stand a very good chance of falling slightly below the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle in the state of California!!

Thats my story and Im sticking to it!!

The journal is a great idea, I wish I had done it, but I didnt realize before that the results would be so amazing.

As far as the little "secret", well everyone is of their own opinion, and what ever works for you is all good.

Hell I recently joined a little competition with some friends from another forum that involves weight loss. hundred buck each, and there is about 15 of us now, I didnt mention the surgery....and since I have been stuck for about two months, i think its time to figure it out and win some money!!

Does that make me bad?

VeggieLover2004 · 12-30-2008, 08:56 AM

What a great beginning to your weight loss journal. I'm w/ you on the fact that only a select group of people know about my upcoming surgery. Best of luck to you and I really looking forward to reading more.

karrie · 12-30-2008, 09:35 AM

Gongrat's on your journey. Remember you are only responsible to yourself and your family everyone elses opinon is really abstract. As far as thoughts that we cheated by having this surg the only thing we cheated on was ourselves, by taking years off of our lives with the weight. We are strong, we are brave and we are togather. Now get in there and fight. Look forward to reading more of your journey. We all know this is not the easy way out by any means.

Dawnelle · 12-30-2008, 11:40 AM

CONGRATS on deciding to go through with making yourself healthier and happier...... You will be in my prayers. Keep me informed. I am 1.5 weeks out and am soooooo happy I made the choice and I know you will be too.