Heller2u

Well i just confirmation for October 30th. just over two weeks after my Bday. I am waiting on the pre op diet info and the particulars on how to book my flights, deposit, and whatnot....
Now the countdown begins. I just hope that things go smoothly and I can come back home without anyone noticing anything other than my rapid weight loss.

You have made a decision that will change your life. Some days are difficult but you can do this. Dr.A will take excellent care of you!

Hi all, I was sleeved October 14, 2011 by Dr. Kelly and went by myself! I joke with my sisters (who both went to dr. Ponce de leon in June 2012) about my travels alone...at one point while I was riding in the back of a white van with 2 drivers (who both barely spoke english), I thought to myself..."WHAT AM I DOING?!? THE ONLY THING PREVENTING THIS FROM BECOMING A POSSIBLE KIDNAPPING IS THAT I DONT HAVE DUCT TAPE OVER MY MOUTH ! lol In all seriousness, I was absolutely fine by myself. I was well cared for by the drivers before and after surgery, while in the hospital and even at the Lucerna after my surgery. I even did a little souvenir shopping the day before I came home...the moral to this story is this is the best thing you could do for yourself. I started this journey at 294 and I'm at 206 now, just a few pounds away from "one"derland. I don't regret my decision one bit and I don't feel deprived from anything at all. Good luck to all of you and god speed!

Got the biggest kick today! Just realized I now really actually weigh what my drivers license says I weigh!
Hopefully by the time I renew, I can (probably for the first time in my life) tell the truth about my weight and it will be lower than it is right now. It's a good day!

Got the biggest kick today! Just realized I now really actually weigh what my drivers license says I weigh!
Hopefully by the time I renew, I can (probably for the first time in my life) tell the truth about my weight and it will be lower than it is right now. It's a good day!

Got the biggest kick today! Just realized I now really actually weigh what my drivers license says I weigh!
Hopefully by the time I renew, I can (probably for the first time in my life) tell the truth about my weight and it will be lower than it is right now. It's a good day!

Got the biggest kick today! Just realized I now really actually weigh what my drivers license says I weigh!
Hopefully by the time I renew, I can (probably for the first time in my life) tell the truth about my weight and it will be lower than it is right now. It's a good day!

Got the biggest kick today! Just realized I now really actually weigh what my drivers license says I weigh!
Hopefully by the time I renew, I can (probably for the first time in my life) tell the truth about my weight and it will be lower than it is right now. It's a good day!

I feel for you. I also agree with the others, there are simple ways to make yourself feel pretty and acceptable. However, have you checked the clothing exchange forum on this site? There are a lot of people who can no longer wear the nice things in their closet and I for one would love to send you something if I have anything, most of them don't want anything but the cost to ship. I haven't dropped much in size yet, but you could certainly use whatever I have much more than I can. What size are you looking for? I've got a variety of sizes from 18/20 - 26/28. I'd love to help you. Send me a private message if I can help you out at all. Maybe I could take a couple pics and send some options to you.

I had my surgery on 10/14/11 and have lost 40 pounds! Yay for the sleeve! :shades_smile:

I had my surgery on November 5, 2011 -7 days out now; and so far I have lost 8 lbs.
No pre op diet...all post op pounds... :Banane55:

"Nik, those pants are way too big for you now. You should retire them."

Hi Monisue! Welcome! I was also sleeved recently...Oct. 14th. I agree, I'm so happy to have it done and love, love, love watching the pounds fall off. I too still have this idea that I want a huge bite of something (burger, mexican food, etc) and then 2-4 small bites of something I can have and I'm satisfied. Good luck to you on your journey! Keep on smiling! :coolgleamA:

Day 19 post-op and so happy to be here. Until September I'd never heard of a sleeve gastrectomy and was not looking at doing bariatric surgery. Being overweight/obese most of my adult life I assumed I'd carry the burden and the health consequences to my grave. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2004 and have done a fair job of losing small amounts of weight, eating clean food and staying active BUT not enough to stop it's progression. At the age of 54 SO much of my mental energy has been spent on what to eat, how to eat it, shame over emotional binges, isolation due to my size and downright self- loathing. Several people I know had the Lap-band and I was curious about it. I got on the internet and Googled surgeons in the Dallas area (not my home) and filled out a form requesting information. That same day I got a call from a representative of Dr. Nicholson's Clinic and shared my heart and they offered a solution/tool in a Bariatric Vertical Sleeve. To make a long story short I planned my trip to Dallas for an informational class and personal Dr. consultation. I was sold and set my surgery date for Oct. 18th, 2011 at Forest Park Hospital, Dallas, TX.
I was about a month out of surgery when I started doing some research and asking different questions. Because I live on a ranch an hour drive from any medical services the sleeve is an ideal choice. Three weeks post op the risk of surgical complications are nil. That has been a big peace of mind for me. I started my pre-op diet on Oct. 4th and found it to be a bit of a struggle. I despise sweet, milky drinks and gagged down Slimfast, HoneyMilk and Carnation Instant Breakfast sugar free. I did not know about the Bariatric Advantage Products or powders? utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury.....boy I wish I had. If I had one piece of advice it would be to hunt like crazy till you find something that you find pleasant and drinkable. It will make the days after surgery much less stressful. I've since ordered some of the above products. During this time I also meet with the psychologist, nutritionist and went through the pre-admit process. The whole time I wasn't sure I would go through with it. The Nicholson Clinic is really good about letting you know that you can cancel or delay until you are ready. Even the night before going in I was not sure. So many changes, so much to give up, so much unknown. It was by faith and the grace of God that I made it to the OR the next day.....and sooooo thankful that I did.
My check-in was noon on the 18th of October. It went smoothly and I was in the holding area shortly after that. My husband went with me and was a huge support. It is good to have someone with you. Being dehydrated made some of the IV stuff a bit trying but that was over quickly and I was resting when the anethesiologist (sp) came in. I'd had a horrible cold the week before and had a nasty cough. He promised me he would get that cleared out and he was true to his word. Don't remember a thing after he injected a relaxing med into the IV. Woke up being moved to my bed. The whole day I kept dozing off and dreaming that the surgery was the next day and feeling the dread. Then I would realize it was OVER and feel utter elation. The 24 hour hospital stay is a bit of a blur. Good drugs. I will say that it was challenging to get up and walk regularly, not drink, and battle a crazy head hunger. I just wanted to eat big bites of some comfort food like mac and cheese or enchiladas. I thought I was starving to death and ask myself what the heck had I'd done. It was an internal battle. I'm not sure if anyone else has had a similar experience but it has really reinforced for me the need for the Sleeve surgery. It will be the tool that helps me finally overcome obesity and achieve my goals in life. It's just too short to waste sitting around in a love affair with food that doesn't love me back.
Leaving the hospital and going to a hotel in the area worked out fine. I slept and sipped. On day three I was able to stop the pain medication and Tylenol...both were so sweet and gagging that I did better without. I used ice packs on my left side and it seemed to help. I must say that the pain was more than I had expected but not anything to keep someone from doing it. If I could have choked down the meds I probably would have taken them a few more days. Also, do practice sipping before your surgery. I used the one ounce cup for a week before just to get the hang of it. A week post-op and I was able to drink at just the right pace without thinking about it and loved feeling normal again.
On the 8th day I flew home and had a 2.5 hour car ride. It went great and there is no place like home! I really began to heal quickly once I was in my own home. I've been following the Dr.s orders as well as possible and was back in Dallas for the 2-week post op exam. I've lost 22 pounds, yea, and can begin soft foods this coming Tuesday! Hello scrambled eggs! One note, I had really felt sore on my left side and was concerned that there was a problem. Turns out it is text book for week 2 due to the healing process and increased activity. This may not hold true for all Dr's patients but for Dr. Nick's he adds extra stitches in the left side muscles and they begin to pull. Who knew?
Living in an isolated area it was recommended to me to find an online support group. My nutritionist suggested this one. I look forward to this part of the journey! It will be a pleasure to hear about each of your stories and learn from the experiences of others. There is no time like NOW!

I think if you add in the weight of your Ex, you've lost a lot more than 1 lb! (not trying to be rude, just trying to lift you up) You're doing great! Get back on track & enjoy your success!