ReeseMae

Today is my one week surgiversary! I made it. I was sleeved on April 19 th. The first few days were challenging, but it's so true that each day gets better and better. I'm only taking half of the pain meds and only once or twice a day. I'm able to walk to both of my sons bus stops when they get home from school. It's been hard to get all the Water and Protein in, but each day I get in a little more. I'm happy for the progress even though it's small, but every day counts. I'm so thankful for this forum and those who share. On the tough days I came here for support and information and it truly helped a lot. I know that things will continue to improve. A few things I've learned so far:
1. Never trust a fart and when you feel like you have to go, for heavens sakes GO!
2. Listen to your body and trust its cues.
3. Let people help you even when you think you can do it. One small task may take you over the edge before you realize it.
4. When you feel good, keep resting! Don't overdue it.
5. Keep a positive attitude and remind yourself that things will get better.
I have lost 14 pounds since surgery. I lost 20 pounds before going into surgery. Overall I've lost 34 pounds and it feels fantastic!
Good luck to all those who have yet to be sleeved and keep going to all those who have recently been sleeved!
God Bless!!!

Sweetie dont feel bad. I went to my appointment today and gained 5 pounds according to the scale. At least you are losing and NOT gaining. I will be glad when I can start losing. You try to stay encouraged, and you put a smile on your face, and dont allow the devil to win! Keep work YOU ARE LOSING AND NOT GAINING!

Hello everyone! I am so excited! Things are moving along smoothly so far. I just recently introduced myself to the community here. So, now I will give some details about my journey so far.
I have been thinking about surgery for the past 5-6 years, but now is the time. I'm glad I waited because I am happy about the option of VSG versus the LapBand or Rouxen-Y. Not that those options are inferior or bad, but VSG is the best choice for me.
Back in October 2011 I attended a seminar at the Ohio State Univery Medical Center Bariataric Surgery Program. The surgeon himself spoke and then several of his patients spoke as well. I was happy with what I heard and decided to pursue it full force. I also did some research on all the programs here in Ohio and found many positive reviews about this program.
We had to make some health insurance changes so that the surgery would be covered. Overall, our insurance will cost more this year, but when the plan covers the surgery at 90% with a max of $1000 out of pocket cost, you can't really beat that.
So, after the new insurance was in effect in January, I called the program to schedule my initial consultation, which was on January 13th. Everyone was nice and great. I had my EKG done and spoke with the Dietician, which I really liked. I learned a lot from her. They gave me some follow up items to do, which included the Psych Eval.
My Psych Eval was on February 9th. Dealing with the psychologist office staff wasn't fun, but the psychologist himself was great and I enjoyed what he had to say. And just like with the Dietician, I learned a lot from him.
I received a call from OSU on February 15th and they let me know that they received the Psych Eval information and that I was cleared. Woo hoo! The next step was to submit my fle to the insurance company for an approval and schedule my nutrition classes. My nutrition classes begin on March 7th and my last class will be on March 28th.
Yesterday, February 22nd, I got a call that I was approved for surgery from the insurance company. YAHOO!!!!!!! So now, I just have to complete my nutrition classes, have my pre-op appointnent with the surgeon and then get a surgery date. I am elated that things have worked out so well. I have been diligent to be in contact with all of the different offices to ensure that they had everything they needed from me. I'm sure it was due to my persistent and constant follow up that things happened well. I'm positive they got tired of hearing from me. Lol.
I anticipate a surgery date no earlier than April, but most likely in May. I've already begun to adopt the lifestyle of a sleever by drinking Protein shakes and eating a diet of high protein and low sugar. I've already lost 11 pounds by doing this. My goal is to lose 20-25 pounds before surgery so that I am in the best health I can be before they cut me open.
I hope all of you are having a great week. I'm very thankful for this forum and to be able to share my journey, learn sooooo much from all of you and have the encoruagement of such a supportive community. God Bless you all!
ReeseMae

Hi Longer-Life,
Thanks! People often tell me that I look like different ethnicities. I've gotten just about everything imaginable. I love it! I'm actually bi-racial. My father is African American and my mother is Caucasian. I love the diversity. Pictures can be deceiving too. I'll have to post some more.
It looks like you are half way to your goal. That's awesome!

Congratulations! These are exciting times!
By the way, I'm Dominican American and you look Dominican to me. :-)

Congrats

Congratulations!

Congradulation

Hi,
You write with a positive attitude...which is a great thing. I am excited as well, but I have months to go before even the end of the phase.
A fellow Alumnus received her RNY through OSU Medical Program. That was several years ago and she has spoken with me and encouraged me as well. Much success to you and keep us updated.
~Lyn T.

I have to do the six month program. I don't mind in that I need to get things together and have time enough for my mom to make arrangements to come stay with me for at least a week.
I had my initial consult with the Surgeon and and I will see the Medical Dr. and Nutritionist on 2.27. That appointment marks my 1st month.
I will be believing God with you. I could not do this without relying on Him. My mind has turned 180 degrees regarding WLS. I still have an uneasiness because it is major surgery, but I'm still determined!

Congrats to all of you! So happy your going to be sleeved. This is the best thing that I have ever done, and believe me, I like looking at myself and taking care of me instead of others for once. I find that it helps me give more to my loved ones because I have become much more healthier both physically and emotionally. YaYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

ReeseMae, Congrats on making a life-changing decision for yourself! Research ,research, research. That's the key to being comfortable with your surgeon and your surgery.
It's wonderful that you don't have a six month pre-op. I see lots of folks who DO have to jump through those hoops, so you're very lucky.
Good luck and please let us know how things go.

Hello,
I am a 31 year old wife and mother who works full time. I have been contemplating WLS for several years. I recently began to do some serious research and have decided that the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is right for me. I feel that this is the right time in my life to make this life long change to be healthy and the best me I can be. I'm not only doing this for myself, but also for the benefit of my family. I know the journey will not always be easy, but I am confident that I can accomplish the goals I set. I have a strong faith and know that God will be with me during this process as He always has been through anything I have faced in my life. "He will never leave me nor forsake me." I also have a great support system in a very loving family and several close friends.
I have had my initial consultation with the Ohio State University Medical Center Bariatric Surgery program. I have turned in my initial paperwork and will have my Psych Evaluation this Thursday. After my Psych Evaluation, my file will be reviewed for final consideration by the program. If they consider me to be a good candidate, my file will be submitted to my insurance company for approval.
I am very excited for this process. I hope that everything goes smoothly, but I am prepared to do whatever it takes to be successful. I am thankful for groups and forums to learn from those who have blazed the trail ahead of me and to seek comradery in those who are on the journey now.
I look forward to meeting some great people here!

A few tips from my experience that would have been nice to try before surgery: focus on getting 64 oz of fluids a day and 60 grams of protein. Always eat your protein first, then veggies, then carbs. Start experiementing with some of the protein shakes (although a lot of people's tastes change after surgery) to. Its amazing how much 60 grams of protein is when you can't take all that much in, in one sitting. I'm always either drinking water/crystal light or eating small amounts just to get in what I need to.