BKMama

Congrats!

I am debating this now. Right now, my husband, children, mom, and a handful of close friends know. I have a blog that I shared with my friends to tell them. I plan to open up a bit more with a larger circle of friends and family once I actually have a surgery date. I struggle with telling coworkers. My boss and one coworker knows but I'm not sure about telling others. One in particular has a big mouth and makes snide comments all the time about people. I already know she'll say something dumb. I agree that it's a very personal decision. I already feel like an exhibit when I eat with people watching me and I feel like that will get worse if I tell them about the surgery. That one coworker gave me grief the other day for turning down a cupcake as big as my head.

Smile, graciously accept the compliments and keep it moving. if you weren't married I'd say flirt back! You're probably oozing confidence (even if you don't know it) which makes the guys crazy. Soak up that you'll never be invisible again.

Wow, great job!

Nice job!! You must feel so awesome. Now, the question is...did you do the happy dance in the mirror? this is very important.

Congratulations! You're a lovely bride and you look so happy!

Congratulations!

This is a really good idea! Here are the questions my husband and I came up with (again, many of these are basic questions that can be found with research, I just want to hear his thoughts): Experience: How many sleeves performed? On people with a BMI similar to mine? How often have you had to change to an open surgery? Surgery: How long is the surgery typically? How much of stomach is removed? Typical size of Bougie? Or typical size of sleeve after surgery? Do you staple and sew the sleeve or just staple? Hospital Stay: Day of surgery – what is it like? Who can be there? Bariatric patients with other patients? Typical hospital stay? Do you perform surgery on specific days? How are leaks checked? How many times? Is a catheter used? When is it placed and removed? ET tube? NG tube? Drain? If yes, when are they removed? Recovery: What types of pain medicines are given? (very bad reaction to codeine) Taking one week off, then working from home for one week. Sound feasible? How long until cleared for normal activity? Exercising? Strength training? Risks: What are the most common post-op complications? Any risk of rupturing the stomach (not stretching)? Chance of leak after leaving hospital? Risk of blood clots? (hormonal BC) Risk of hernia or adhesion? Any risk associated with the stomach not producing grehlin? Is stricture common? How is it treated? I have acid reflux , how common post-op? Treatment provided at discharge? Post Op (down the line): How often do I see you post-op? Goal weight?

You've got a deal!

Yay! How exciting!

Nice! I can't wait to zip up some FMBs. Hehe

So many seem to have their surgical consult early on in the process, with my program it's one of the last things you do. After this, everything goes to insurance for approval. <insert panic here> Anyway, between my husband and I, we have ummm.....4 pages of questions. It's 4 pages, typed up, with room under each question for me to write his answer. Is he going to look at me like I'm crazy? LOL I admit, many of the questions I've seen various answers for through researching and being here, but I want to hear the answers from *his* mouth. Is that weird? So, what say you, am I crazy? edited to add: I just counted, it's 31 questions. some of which may be answered during his spiel (if he gives one).

Did you have to have it removed or was it just time for it to come out?

I'm in Chicagoland too, it's great connecting with others from the area. Jaspersgirl, who's your surgeon?

Oops, duplicate.

So we can eat cereal with milk? I assumed not since it goes against not eating and drinking at the same time . This will be such good news if so.

You look great! Thanks for sharing your advice too, it's greatly appreciated.

Yeah, I hadn't looked at the price (duh! LOL). it was less than $20 even with shipping. It's on its way. I don't know why I assumed it would be expensive.

Wow what a transformation. You should be so proud of yourself. Great job!!!!

There is the African American Sleevers social group, which has a discussion portion....but it's kind of hard to get to: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/123-african-american-sleevers/

It would really turn me of the be required to buy something from a doctor. What if you don't like it or simply can't afford it? Everyone likes different things when it comes to the protein. Alexian Brothers does have a great reputation though.

Hey Kayte - I worry about this with my husband but it's funny. As big as I am, I have smaller boobs (barely a D cup) and definitely suffer from noassatall. I'm hoping and praying that slimming down and exercising will give me some curves. Anyway, I know I don't want to get too thin because he just doesn't like really thin girls...everyone has their preferences. I would say, just make the most of whatever you have left. Show him what the thinner body can do that the "thicker" one could. The different clothes you'll be able to wear...things like that. Reading this board and looking through before/after pics, it seems that most of the women kept their overall body shape. If you start off curvy, you'll likely stay curvy but just with smaller proportions. I'm a square, so I need to make some curves! LOL And a bit of a tangent, this whole "I'm thick" movement has done us a bit of a disservice if you ask me as far as health. Many of us passed up "thick" many, many pounds ago (myself included!!). LOL It's great to have fabulous self-esteem no matter your size, I admire women like that...but we have to be honest with ourselves that our health is in danger.

Yeah, that's the other reason in going to suck it up. I'm always exhausted. Always. 6 hours of sleep or 10. It's so frustrating. I don't even know what waking up refreshed feels like. My insurer rents for 6 months too. Seems common.