I've made up my mind.
I'M GOING FOR IT!
So, you mean you are CHOOSING to have surgery?! Yes… that's what I'm saying. 
What the heck are you talking about, Tree?! Well… I'm glad you asked!.
Don't mind me… I do tend to talk to myself like this quite often.. tee hee
Sssoooo….
I know, I know… some of you may try to talk me out of it! Others of you may be curious to see what it's all about and how well it works. And some others might be thinking… HEY, I wanna do that too!
Let me tell you that I did NOT make this decision lightly. I've battled back and forth in my mind for over a year since my DIL had her lap band surgery. We were going to do it together, but I wasn't able to start with her, and then… well, I chickened out.
So, now… fast forward to the last several months. I've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver, rheumatoid arthritis, and will be having a sleep study for sleep apnea. And, lemme tell ya… I can fall asleep ANYWHERE!! And all this in a span of a few short months! I don't WANT to see how much worse it can get! I want out NOW!
The Gastric Sleeve surgery is not a new procedure, but is becoming more common now with great results. I have an excellent, very qualified doctor, and I'm confident that he's done enough of these surgeries to keep me safe. I was definitely NOT feeling the Gastric Bypass surgery… makes me nervous knowing that they "reroute" your body parts. And although the Lap Band has great results (my DIL lost over 90 lbs with it), I felt that the Sleeve would be more appropriate and best suited for my age and needs. And thankfully, it is 100% covered by my insurance as long as I meet the qualifications.. which I do.
Here's how it works:
Basically, they remove approximately 75% – 85% of your stomach leaving a narrow tube or "sleeve." There are no foreign objects left in your body like the Lap Band, with the exception of staples which will dissolve. And the nerves and outlet valve remain intact unlike the Gastric Bypass, which bypasses your large intestine and connects to the small intestine. Check out this site for a better explanation of the Sleeve Gastrectomy.
{Before removal of the large area of the stomach}
{Stomach after removal of the excess}
Some may think I'm taking the "easy way out." But, I've thought long and hard about this, and have tried every diet in the book! I've had some success with a few, but not enough… and usually gain it back. I've struggled with my weight from my late high school days (we're talking 30 years here). Before that, I was very thin and never had to worry about my weight… or so I thought.
Graduating high school… leaving gymnastics, drill team, and track behind… working full time and not eating properly… marrying one of the best cooks I know… and giving birth to 5 rather LARGE, but beautiful babies did NOT help my figure in the least! I can joke all I want about it being the hubby and the kiddos fault, but I'M the one that chose to eat more than I should, chose fatty, sugary snacks over good, healthy fruits and veggies, and didn't get enough any exercise. I definitely didn't help the situation… I got in my OWN way.
I've always said that if I ever had the chance to lose the weight, I would NEVER allow myself to go back! So, this is my CHANCE to correct what I've neglected all these years … my health. As most moms do, I've spent many years taking care of the kids and the hubby, and thinking very little of my needs. So, from this point on… I'm taking charge of my life and concentrating on ME for a change! After all, if I don't take care of ME, I won't be here to take care of THEM, right?! 
I want to be able to run and play with my kids and my grandkids, walk a flight of steps without being exhausted and out of breath, go out dancing with the hubby, and just have more energy in general. My mind is still 18, but my body is feeling more like a 888casino roulette online gambling 80 year old. Of course, looking and feeling HOT again will be an added PLUS!
5 Days 
I'm Tree (aka Mother of Pearl), hence the blog name. MOPII is a mish-mash of our family's crazy antics, reviews, giveaways, and more!
Sweetie…you do what is good for you. I have seen those surgeries be very successful and if your health is going to favor from it…then by all means..go for it. And you will be smokin' hot and feeling healthy. That;s what is important. Not that you aren't already smokin' hot. Anyhoo…hugs and love to you!
all I can say is I am totally jealous and please document for those of us who really need to do this.
Wishing you s successful out come. I friend of ours had this done a year ago and he looks, feels fantastic… xo HHL
Aww Tree, I know you're excited girl!! Good luck, I can't wait to see how it all goes. How soon do you have it done?
I had a neighbor that had that done. Actually, I think it may have been Lap Band. Either way, it worked wonders for her. She started in a size 26 and within a short time she was rocking 22s. Last I heard she was down to a size 18. Don't ask how much time elapsed. Good luck with your surgery!
Good luck to you. My husband just had the bypass this tuesday. it has been a year process and decision.
Good luck!!
Good for you! I had the gastric bypass 3 yrs ago and it was a wonderful life change for me, one of the best decisions I've ever made. I've heard a lot of good things about the sleeve recently! Wish you the best, I'll be following your updates! =)
I had a close friend who was told she was taking the easy way out with her surgery as well. People don't realize the decision making that is made and long work that it takes to continue to be successful afterwords. As I told her, you do what you need to for yourself and if no one respects that it's their loss. I wish you nothing but luck and success.
It is a big decision and you made it…good for you. It is your life (literally) and I support you for your decision. Please post and keep us informed of your progress. Prayers for a speedy recovery.
I wish you the best of luck in your surgery. Please keep us informed on how your doing. I will keep you in my prayers for a quick recovery.
Good luck!!!
Can't wait to see your updates.
http://www.papertiaras.com
Congratulations on your decision! I am looking forward to following you through this process. I had never heard of this procedure before. I am sure it will be a tough road at first but it sounds like you have a great support system to help you through. I look forward to reading more!
I say do your thang Mama!! I wish you a quick and speedy recovery and a bangin new body ASAP! XOXO
I am proud of you for making the decision. I think you will be so glad you did it. I am glad that you are sharing your experience with us. I wish you the best and can't wait to hear how excited you are after that you did it.
Wow! That is an Awesome decision. My prayers are with you through it all…And I can not wait to hear all your success!
You go girl!!!
Good for you! I can totally relate because I'm in the process of getting a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass!
And I'm really excited about it, too! I just started the whole process, so my surgery won't be until August or September. Maybe I'll take a page from you and post about mine…email me if you want to talk about the surgery or anything! 
momchelle at gmail dot com
Congrats! I was in the process and almost to the end when my insurance company stopped covering.
Wishing you success and much prayer. Can't wait to read your story.
Good For You! I wish you the best of luck!!!!Love your blog! I am your newest follower…Please stop by and say hi Areyouamom.com
Thanks and have a great weekend!
Maureen
You are so brave to write about this! I have been tossing back and forth writing about my struggles with food and weight loss, but I have not got there yet. I admire you!
Anna, The Pilot's Wife
http://www.anna-thepilotswife.com
If this is really what you want and are assured it will help you then it is no one's business what you decide to do. My only concern is that you have been told all the possible outcomes or side effects. I have had more surgeries than you can count on both hands so I am a pro. None were cosmetic but necessary but still some things were left out here and there and I wished I had been better informed. Would not have changed the surgery, just been better prepared for the after effects. When I had both knees replaced no one told me I would not be able to bend them like I used to and they never told me when the steel gets cold I would have mind boggling pain in my legs. I am sure you have researched this thoroughly and know what to expect. Take care of yourself during this time and do exactly what they say. Don't try to lift anything too early or drive too early, etc. You want the best outcome possible and that means sticking to the rules that your doctor lays out for you. Good Luck! You did not say when you are having this, is it soon?
I wish you all the best and appreciate you keeping your readers updated. You never know, maybe you'll motivate someone to make healthy changes.
Tree,
I'm so happy for you.. You are so not taking the easy way out so don't ever let any one tell you that. I wish you the best and am always here if you ever need anything
I'm so happy that you have made the decision to go ahead and do this. Yes, it is a scarey decision and you never know what the road is ahead of you, but what the road ahead is the one that YOU choose. I know Brit had the Lap Band – I had the full GBP … if you have any questions feel free to ask. I'm coming up on 2yrs April 4th – went from a size 22/24 and now rest at 6 & 106 lbs later
YOU CAN DO THIS!!! As you said, you've made your decision – don't let anyone talk you down or try to talk you out of it. YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Good for you! You do what you need to do in order to get healthy. I don't think for one minute that you're taking the easy way out–you still have to change lots of habits. The surgery doesn't do it all for you. (My FIL just had similar surgery, lost 100 lbs, and he's starting to gain weight again because he isn't taking care of himself.) It's hard work, but you can do it. It sounds to me like your reasons and motivation are spot on. Best wishes to you, and I'll be watching to see the healtheir and hot(ter) new you!
This is so awesome Tree!
I need something like this, but it is so expensive
Maybe after the kiddos are grown and gone!
yay for mom taking care of herself!
i don't think anyone ever takes anything like this lightly when they're thinking about it and often there are many psychological checks, etc, that patients have to go through before becoming an ideal candidate.
can't wait to read more about your journey!
LOTS and LOTS of luck to you! I have considered weight loss surgery, as I am now 100lbs over weight, but I am too chicken. I work in a nursing home, and I know how fickle the elderly eat…and one of my main fears about having the surgery is not being able to eat properly when I am elderly and ending up dying of malnutrition.
I could write a book on my daily feelings about my weight, they weigh on my mind (haha) constantly and I struggle with my feelings at all times. Part of me wants to get thin and stay thin (via surgery) part of me feels like I haven't worked enough, and part of me feels like I have "earned" my stature (7 pregnancies in 7 years…). Ahh, anyway, I hope everything works out for you! <3
Thanks Jenilee! It was a tough decision, but one that I needed to do for me. I haven't "felt good" for the last couple years, and I know most of it is due to my weight. Good luck to you too!!
Good Luck!
Hey Tree, Just wanted to say good luck and I have done all the research and it's not the easy way out, the hard part is yet to come. As you say all the medical issues you have had in the past 2 months, I waited too long and unfortunately am too old and sick for the surgery, so if you feel like it's right for you then go for a new life girl. It's no different than everyone running for a hysterectomy instead of suffering the symptoms , only 5% of women really need onw so no one should through stones, although someone on twitter have done so just last week, nice of her to give an opinion no one asked for. I am looking forward to reading your "New You" journey!!
I am so excited for you!! Can't wait to keep up with your progress and experiences!
Good for YOU!!!