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Hi Everyone,
I'm Suusje and I live in Europe. I'm from the U.S. but relocated years ago after meeting my husband while on vacation. I'm 44 and, well, fat. I started seriously looking into having wls early this year(2012), then with referrals and waiting to hear from insurance, I'm looking at having the procedure before the end of the year. I'm crazy-nervous, but not exactly about the surgery itself--more about life-after-surgery. A few years ago, my gall bladder had to be removed and because it was so deteriorated, it had to be done via open surgery. So, I'm thinking that after all of that, simply removing part of my stomach should be like a piece of cake--or sugar free pie--or something. Anyways, I'm now sporting a rather large scar and a hernia from that. 

I'm currently going through the 'program' for a few more months to get ready for the procedure. It's a little difficult for me because of the language difference. I speak conversational Dutch, but medical terms and the likes, I get a bit lost. Because most of this is done in a group setting with native Dutch speakers, the option for all English isn't available. My confusion isn't so bad that I gain nothing from the conversations, but at times, I have to ask for a translation of certain words. When one-on-one, the providers speak English, so that's not an issue. 

I was originally referred for and they recommended the gastric bypass, but because of my high BMI (and I think the previous scar tissue and hernia had something to do with it too), the surgeon has agreed with me on having the sleeve instead. Thank goodness, because the bypass scares the crap out of me! I'm not diss-ing that procedure--it's worked for many people, some whom I know in real-life. However, I also know some who have had GB and things haven't gone so well. I know no one personally who has had the sleeve, so the experiences discussed here and on other sites mean a great deal to me.

I've been poking around the forum for a few months. There's so much info, questions and answers. Please know that your efforts to help out those considering the procedure(s) and continued input is much appreciated.