Crystal927

Hey! Now that I figured out how to "join the group" I'm posting my reply I was perplexed when it told me that I cannot reply to this topic.
Anyways, I'm Crystal from Alabama. Unlike many of you, I don't have a date yet for my surgery, I have to attend a BEGIN class next Tuesday and then they will call and schedule my surgery. I received insurance approval last week after doing a 6 month doc supervised diet. I really can't wait to have this journey even more underway!! Like Felecia, I struggled with the decisions to do WLS. Not sure why you struggled but for me, I was one of those people who felt like I'd be taking the "easy way out" I never thought of it as a tool that helps you along in the journey that you are indeed still the one making the food choices and exercise choices. So back in 2010 I gave this weight loss thing my very best effort...I worked out at Curves, did Zumba 2 times a week, got into fitness bootcamp, did >10 5k's and trained for and finished a half marathon. At my peak, I was working out 4 hours a day and working a fulltime job. It was an incredible year and I learned SO much about myself. I am strong and determined. When I crossed the finish line of that half marathon, it was one of the best days of my life because I had completed something that no one else ever expected me to, but worse than that, I never expected or believed that I could but I did. With God all things are possible! Over that year I lost a little more than 70 lbs. I absolutely breaks my heart to admit that in the last two years since then I have put most of that back on. Its just not realistic for me to live that like that year every year...I mean 4 hours a day? So the last two years I've thought and prayed over this WLS topic and I've done my share of studying and reading up on it. I think I'm pretty well educated in what's about to take place in my life so hopefully there won't be many surprises. I've found Protein Shakes that I like, I've been taking chewable vitamins for about 6 months now, I had my last carbonated beverage May 28...and I'm trying to make conscious efforts to not drink with meals and to take smaller bites and chew alot. I really just can't wait to get back into a routine and see some positive results...I look forward to watching everyone's journey and enjoying encouraging each other along the way! I'm ready to start making myself a "rewards" list for certain milestones along the way and achieving them one by one on the way to the life I've always wanted! Good Luck to all!!

Hey Crystal so glad to meet someone from mobile. I know u have to be excited. First to get this over with and then to start your new life. I'll be waiting to hear the play by play from you. Wishing you a very safe journey.

WOOHOO! it's time to do the happy dance. come on and shake it with me!
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what a wild ride this has been. this time last year, i was 5'6" and 373 pounds. i wore a 56" waist jeans and 5-6X shirt. i was sleeved on june 5, 2012 and now, 7.5 months later, sadly, i am sitll only 5'6", but now, i weighed in this morning at 196! i wear a 32" waist jeans and a 1X shirt. and yes that is a grand total of 177 pounds gone!
feeling kinda like a rockstar right now. only 10-20 pounds from goal.
this is most definately one of the coolest moments ever.
life is good,
love my sleeve.
much love to those of you that i have learned from, such as OTR and PDX and butterthebean, and many many others. you are all my heroes. keep it up all. there really is no limit on what can be done when you work the tools.

Well here it is. I'm so embarrassed by my before photo smh, but that was me. All 330 lbs of me. Yikes!! My highest was 346 lbs at the start of this journey, but I lost 16 lbs pre op and 134 lbs post op and still going.
330 lbs day of surgery 196 lbs

Thank you Ladies for your responses. Tomorrow I have my 4th appointment at the surgeons office. 2 more then the big submit! Looking forward to the future and god willing see my 2 yr. old daughter have kids of her own.
I feel at peace with my decision to have the surgery. Thank you all again.

I'm gonna chime in with something that brought me comfort as I was "battling" out this decision myself...I, like you, was freaking out because its so new and whats the future look like of those patients, etc. Then I had a conversation with a friend of mine about my fears, she told me that her mother had to have about half of her stomach removed due to an ulcer that ruptured and that she never had any problems, she even lost weight as a result. So that got me thinking...true enough they haven't been doing the VSG for long, but they have been removing portions of peoples stomachs for other reasons for YEARS. I asked my surgeon if it was fair to compare the two, he said "absolutely, thats how we learned about the VSG was by seeing other patients lose weight as a result of having portions of their stomachs removed for other reasons ie ulcers, phase one of bypass for patients who weren't healthy enough to undergo the bypass all at once" this knowledge brought me great peace in it...knowing that the procedure indeed has been done for alot longer than 10-15 years just with different purposes Hope this helps ya think about it differently maybe

I'm gonna chime in with something that brought me comfort as I was "battling" out this decision myself...I, like you, was freaking out because its so new and whats the future look like of those patients, etc. Then I had a conversation with a friend of mine about my fears, she told me that her mother had to have about half of her stomach removed due to an ulcer that ruptured and that she never had any problems, she even lost weight as a result. So that got me thinking...true enough they haven't been doing the VSG for long, but they have been removing portions of peoples stomachs for other reasons for YEARS. I asked my surgeon if it was fair to compare the two, he said "absolutely, thats how we learned about the VSG was by seeing other patients lose weight as a result of having portions of their stomachs removed for other reasons ie ulcers, phase one of bypass for patients who weren't healthy enough to undergo the bypass all at once" this knowledge brought me great peace in it...knowing that the procedure indeed has been done for alot longer than 10-15 years just with different purposes Hope this helps ya think about it differently maybe

I would say that you have to do what's best for you. The sleeve was the way to go for me because, going back and forth on different fad diets, etc. was not for me. I would lose, but it would come back. This is a way to help me ensure that I could lessen the opportunities drastically that the weight would not come back. And as my surgeon told me: "We know everything there is to know about the stomach! We've been removing it for years! Just this time, its to lose weight, its for your health." That really put me at ease. I was just sleeved on 02/01, and 14 days in, I've lost -19lbs! So excited about the future!

Hey everyone!! I'm there with ya! I started my pre op yesterday...so today is day 2 for me...I can say that today has been MUCH better than yesterday. I was off yesterday, and it was rainy out so that might have made it harder, today I've had work as a distraction and haven't felt those hunger pains as much today! If it continues like today, I'll be okay!! If its more like yesterday I might lose friends from being grumpy hang in there girls, we got this!!!!

Welcome. I was not low BMI, but I had anxiety over complications too. I reminded myself that the vast majority of people who have this surgery do not develop the catastrophic complications that we fear. I am 6 days post op and feeling really well. I knew the risks going in but decided that the risks of no surgery (eventual diabetes with all the complications) were far more likely than the surgery risks. Maybe I can set your mind at ease a bit by sharing that I have had very little real pain after the first 24 hours and I had no problem getting up and walking 4 hours after surgery. My surgery was on 2/4 and on 2/7, I went to my office for a conference call. It tired me out and I went home right after, but I have not felt really ill like I feared. I have had no nausea at all and have had no problem drinking my fluids or Protein. I hope you will let us all know how you do with your surgery.

I cannot it's been six months. SO much has been going on, I wish I had been posting all along, but something happened today that compelled me to tell you all, but I'm also going to fill you in on some major non-scale victories.
Since surgery on August 17th I have:
1. Traveled to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip. I was able to sit on the plane comfortably WITHOUT a seat belt extension. The trip was extremely physical as we were working with Hatian migrants, providing medical care and constructing additions to a hospital.I was able to work all day and had a ton of energy the whole trip!
2. For the trip, I ordered a size 2XL shirt for our group shirt. I was handed a shirt and put it on immediately as we were rushing to get through security. As soon as I put it on, it was snug. I was a bit disappointed, but knew that shirt sizes are subjective to manufacturers. While we were going through security, the leader of our trip said "Liz, I know you ordered a 2XL, but they sent me an XL, sorry." I almost had to do a double-take. I was snug in a XL? Wow! That felt amazing!
3. In general, I have felt so good. I have energy to work out everyday and I feel so wonderful. Yesterday a co-worker pulled me aside and said that I looked happy and healthy; that was such an amazing compliment, because I AM happier and healthier and that is more important than just looking good.
4. Today, I had such an amazing moment! I am a middle school teacher outside Boston. Today, after school an 8th grade student asked to speak to me privately. She told me that I was such an inspiration to her because she is slightly overweight and she saw the success I was having. She said that because she saw me, someone that she looks up to, taking care of themselves, that she was inspired to take care of herself. I work so hard to be a person that my students can look up to, as they are so impressionable. I never thought that my weight loss would affect them!
This is such an absolute gift and I am so happy that I decided to have surgery! I am just over six months post-op and 85 pounds down and just about halfway to my ultimate goal. I can't wait to see where the next year (and now the rest of my life) takes me!
Thank you all so much for your continued support and encouragement! I am so grateful to this community!
-Liz

My stats are very similar to yours. I had surgery Dec. 18 and initially the weight came off really fast. I'm 7 weeks out now and have lost 64 pounds.

Mrs. CMK I just wanted to encourage you... Sounds like your spirits are lifted today...I know exactly how you feel...I have done zumba over the past two years or so and have the same horrible habit of "surveying" the other attendees and not wanting to be the "entertainment" for everyone cause afterall, I can't move like them, etc. I want to encourage you to keep your head held high and don't let the lies of the deceiver creep in and win! You are SUCH an inspiration and encouragement to the other ladies in that class, and other people outside of the class just by being there and doing your best! Keep up the hard work, you are inspiring others to do their best and not quit. Don't underestimate the power of the Father to shine His light SO brightly through even our greatest weaknesses!! (especially through our weakness and our tough times!) You've come so far! over 80 lbs thats amazing!!! You are loved just as you are, right where you are; you are a princess of the Most High King! Keep shining!! :-)

Pre-sleevers have no fear! I started my pre-op diet on Jan. 14th, was sleeved on Jan. 28th, and now On Feb. 5th I am 30 pounds lighter, and in only 3 weeks! I can't wait for more success to come! You are making the absolute best choice for yourself!!

Hey there everyone! So I'm new here...I've been lurking around these boards for about a week now. Here's my "short" story
I had my first consultation with my surgeons office back for LapBand in June 2012. For insurance purposes I had to do a 6 month doctor supervised diet. I completed that December 28. Then, my surgeons office submitted my paperwork for approval. I received approval Jan 9. I have had tunnel vision straight to Lapband ever since. His nurse practitioner tried to talk to me about sleeve the day of my consultation and I declined politely that I wasn't interested in that and didn't want to waste her time or mine. Fast forward to last week, I attended a BEGIN class upon learning I was approved, I get to the class and its a Sleeve class...they agreed to let me stay and just told me the differences in Vitamins and post op diet. I was all excited for a call the next day to set up my pre-op testing and appointment, the call I received was much different than expected...they had submitted my paperwork for the "wrong" procedure. I was approved for Sleeve. I panicked...then I calmed down and really thought about that this might be God trying to nudge me into opening my mind and eyes to what rights in front of me. So, I started researching the Sleeve while waiting to meet for "rediscussion" with my surgeon today. The more I've researched and prayed the more confident I am that I was about to make a mistake with the band, not that the band is bad or wrong, just that it isn't the right decision for me. SOoooo....I'm happy to say that I will be having my SLEEVE done on Friday, Feb 22! Now that the actual decision and stress that came with wrapping my mind around something totally different than what I set out to do...I cannot wait!!!!
Crystal

Hey there everyone! So I'm new here...I've been lurking around these boards for about a week now. Here's my "short" story
I had my first consultation with my surgeons office back for LapBand in June 2012. For insurance purposes I had to do a 6 month doctor supervised diet. I completed that December 28. Then, my surgeons office submitted my paperwork for approval. I received approval Jan 9. I have had tunnel vision straight to Lapband ever since. His nurse practitioner tried to talk to me about sleeve the day of my consultation and I declined politely that I wasn't interested in that and didn't want to waste her time or mine. Fast forward to last week, I attended a BEGIN class upon learning I was approved, I get to the class and its a Sleeve class...they agreed to let me stay and just told me the differences in Vitamins and post op diet. I was all excited for a call the next day to set up my pre-op testing and appointment, the call I received was much different than expected...they had submitted my paperwork for the "wrong" procedure. I was approved for Sleeve. I panicked...then I calmed down and really thought about that this might be God trying to nudge me into opening my mind and eyes to what rights in front of me. So, I started researching the Sleeve while waiting to meet for "rediscussion" with my surgeon today. The more I've researched and prayed the more confident I am that I was about to make a mistake with the band, not that the band is bad or wrong, just that it isn't the right decision for me. SOoooo....I'm happy to say that I will be having my SLEEVE done on Friday, Feb 22! Now that the actual decision and stress that came with wrapping my mind around something totally different than what I set out to do...I cannot wait!!!!
Crystal

I too started out thinking I was going to get the band, did research and well here I am almost three weeks out from being sleeved now and am so glad I did this!

Alright Crystal!!! Yes, many ppl on this forum started out believing the band was the right choice. During my first seminar all procedures were discussed and it was that day I decided the sleeve was perfect for me!

I agree that it was meant to be. I started out thinking I was going to get the lap band as well. Luckily while I was doing research I ran across this website. I saw all the people who had to have their band removed due to complications. I also saw how great people did with their sleeve with few problems. I was also glad I didn't have to worry about fills and stuff like that. I think the band is good for some people but just not for me, especially not with my high bmi.

I think you will be very happy with your decision. So many people are having problems with the band and my doctor's office doesn't recommend them anymore.

Yep, I think you made the right decision Crystal. I researched when I first started the program and had decided the sleeve was best for me. Then I started doubting myself and thought maybe the roux en y bypass was the way to go, but "malabsorption" convinced me that the sleeve was the way to go. I'm scheduled to be sleeved on Feb 21!

Hey there everyone! So I'm new here...I've been lurking around these boards for about a week now. Here's my "short" story
I had my first consultation with my surgeons office back for LapBand in June 2012. For insurance purposes I had to do a 6 month doctor supervised diet. I completed that December 28. Then, my surgeons office submitted my paperwork for approval. I received approval Jan 9. I have had tunnel vision straight to Lapband ever since. His nurse practitioner tried to talk to me about sleeve the day of my consultation and I declined politely that I wasn't interested in that and didn't want to waste her time or mine. Fast forward to last week, I attended a BEGIN class upon learning I was approved, I get to the class and its a Sleeve class...they agreed to let me stay and just told me the differences in Vitamins and post op diet. I was all excited for a call the next day to set up my pre-op testing and appointment, the call I received was much different than expected...they had submitted my paperwork for the "wrong" procedure. I was approved for Sleeve. I panicked...then I calmed down and really thought about that this might be God trying to nudge me into opening my mind and eyes to what rights in front of me. So, I started researching the Sleeve while waiting to meet for "rediscussion" with my surgeon today. The more I've researched and prayed the more confident I am that I was about to make a mistake with the band, not that the band is bad or wrong, just that it isn't the right decision for me. SOoooo....I'm happy to say that I will be having my SLEEVE done on Friday, Feb 22! Now that the actual decision and stress that came with wrapping my mind around something totally different than what I set out to do...I cannot wait!!!!
Crystal

Hey there everyone! So I'm new here...I've been lurking around these boards for about a week now. Here's my "short" story
I had my first consultation with my surgeons office back for LapBand in June 2012. For insurance purposes I had to do a 6 month doctor supervised diet. I completed that December 28. Then, my surgeons office submitted my paperwork for approval. I received approval Jan 9. I have had tunnel vision straight to Lapband ever since. His nurse practitioner tried to talk to me about sleeve the day of my consultation and I declined politely that I wasn't interested in that and didn't want to waste her time or mine. Fast forward to last week, I attended a BEGIN class upon learning I was approved, I get to the class and its a Sleeve class...they agreed to let me stay and just told me the differences in Vitamins and post op diet. I was all excited for a call the next day to set up my pre-op testing and appointment, the call I received was much different than expected...they had submitted my paperwork for the "wrong" procedure. I was approved for Sleeve. I panicked...then I calmed down and really thought about that this might be God trying to nudge me into opening my mind and eyes to what rights in front of me. So, I started researching the Sleeve while waiting to meet for "rediscussion" with my surgeon today. The more I've researched and prayed the more confident I am that I was about to make a mistake with the band, not that the band is bad or wrong, just that it isn't the right decision for me. SOoooo....I'm happy to say that I will be having my SLEEVE done on Friday, Feb 22! Now that the actual decision and stress that came with wrapping my mind around something totally different than what I set out to do...I cannot wait!!!!
Crystal

Hey there everyone! So I'm new here...I've been lurking around these boards for about a week now. Here's my "short" story
I had my first consultation with my surgeons office back for LapBand in June 2012. For insurance purposes I had to do a 6 month doctor supervised diet. I completed that December 28. Then, my surgeons office submitted my paperwork for approval. I received approval Jan 9. I have had tunnel vision straight to Lapband ever since. His nurse practitioner tried to talk to me about sleeve the day of my consultation and I declined politely that I wasn't interested in that and didn't want to waste her time or mine. Fast forward to last week, I attended a BEGIN class upon learning I was approved, I get to the class and its a Sleeve class...they agreed to let me stay and just told me the differences in Vitamins and post op diet. I was all excited for a call the next day to set up my pre-op testing and appointment, the call I received was much different than expected...they had submitted my paperwork for the "wrong" procedure. I was approved for Sleeve. I panicked...then I calmed down and really thought about that this might be God trying to nudge me into opening my mind and eyes to what rights in front of me. So, I started researching the Sleeve while waiting to meet for "rediscussion" with my surgeon today. The more I've researched and prayed the more confident I am that I was about to make a mistake with the band, not that the band is bad or wrong, just that it isn't the right decision for me. SOoooo....I'm happy to say that I will be having my SLEEVE done on Friday, Feb 22! Now that the actual decision and stress that came with wrapping my mind around something totally different than what I set out to do...I cannot wait!!!!
Crystal

Hey Dave! I don't know yet from experience, but I have read multiple people say gas-X strips and chapstick are essentials Also, a heating pad for the gas pains. I too have bought my protein powders and am ready to go on that front. I have used "blender bottles" for several years now for Protein Shakes, they have this little "whisk ball" that really mixes the powder very well, i've never had a mixing problem with these bottles. One thing that i'll be getting for the freezer is some sugar free popsicles, i think they would really "break up" the liquid routine a bit. Good Luck!!