eplawson

That's my doctor! I'm getting sleeved on Nov 20th.
I've heard great things about him. Were you on a pre-op diet? I'm talking to Stephanie today about diet but need to get some parameters from her before 11.20.
I'm so nervous - are you doing well? Pain? Still at the hospital?
OMG I want to know everything

Thank you for sharing your experience.
For those of us who are still in the planning process of getting our surgery it's SUPER helpful to hear other's stories!

I'm still in the planning phase - no surgery date but my appt. date with the doctor is in 3 weeks.
Cleo - my dad has always battled his weight - he is now 72 and still has up months and down months. The only way to stay down (which is still overweight but not obese) is for him to literally eat nothing but fish/chicken and vegetables...
My biggest issue is cravings - I can Portion Control all day long but at night I fall off the wagon. I'm 41 and have been thinking and planning to do this for over a year now - but I get a lot of "you don't need to do it" because I'm 200 and hide it relatively well...65 lbs overweight is a LOT of extra weight on my bones and my heart though. It's going to start showing in my health pretty soon and I'm NOT ok with that.
So glad I found this board!

I was too open and honest! I was so excited about getting the surgery that I blabbed to a lot of people Pre-op! Now I'm kind of regretting it-like all eyes will be watching and waiting for every pound to drop off. Maybe I'm just a little paranoid having had to take another week off after returning to work only one day! I went in last Monday, everyone was glad to see me, said I looked great. Went home-burning pain back with a vengeance, say my dr. Tues. -home resting remainder of week-I guess I'm embarrassed! Anyway, people in my community gossip about everything and anything anyway! When I'm scootin' around in my tiny little body next year, riding with my hubby on his Harley, I'll give them somethin' to talk about!

So, I'm about a month in on my 3-month pre-op program. Since my first official doctor visit was on 2-October, I'm looking at early January for my surgery.
I've been dieting again - the usual; 1800 cal, 200 Protein, 100 carb per day, and so far, I've seen around an 11# loss. One of the guys here at work in the warehouse has noticed, which is cool. I was talking to him yesterday, and he was saying how he wants to organize a weight-loss competition to start with the new year. Apparently, he has no will-power (or desire to have any) over the holidays. Also, know, that I think I've only told one other person here at work about my VSG plans, so I'm thinking, "I'm in!!"
Of course, I wouldn't reap the spoils of victory when all is said and done, but it will be fun to shock people! LOL
Does this make me a bad person, or just one with a good sense of humor?

Thanks and it was 2 weeks ago

I think having a surgeon and staff who are willing to go to bat for you will make all the difference. I had a very similar thing happen to me, but I did not give up. It took me nearly two years to coordinate, but I ended up going self-pay in Mexico. I sincerely hope that you will get approval and be able to move forward with your life. Getting the sleeve is one of the best decisions I've ever made. The very best one, of course, was marrying my husband, who has always supported me and loved me no matter what! Let us know what happens!

That's my doctor! I'm getting sleeved on Nov 20th.
I've heard great things about him. Were you on a pre-op diet? I'm talking to Stephanie today about diet but need to get some parameters from her before 11.20.
I'm so nervous - are you doing well? Pain? Still at the hospital?
OMG I want to know everything

I'd say avoiding the Cheetos (and all other slider foods) should be at the top of the list!!!! LOL!!!
I'd also like to add: Don't compare your results to anyone else....you'll drive yourself nuts!!!

I was sleeved on October 15 and weighed 335. Today a bit over week I weighed in at 305. I was so excited it made everything worth it.

YAY!! Congrats welcome to the Nov sleevers hehe Nov 14th

Had my pre-op visit today and was given my date. November 6. Very excited. :-)

I was sleeved yesterday morning by Dr. Broussard in OKC @ Weightwise. I cannot sing his praises enough. Comprehensive program. You are in it with them for the long haul. I wouldn't have trusted anyone else to do it. Love love love them. Good luck with your journey! Any ????-please feel free to ask!

Hello, I've been reading this forum for a while.. Well about a few weeks and I have finally decided to join. I jsut finished my last Pre surgery appt w/ the crazy shrink! I am just waiting for all the other Dr.'s to send in what is necessary so I can get insurance clearance. I've decided to go w/ the sleeve because I feel like that is best for me. I am so excited!
I decided after I was at a carnival this summer w/ my son who is 4 years old. He wanted Mommy to go in a 'funny house' with him.. You know the one that is two levels and funny mirrors?? Also the big punching bag things that hang down I know that I would get stuck in. Well it broke my heart because he really wanted to go but I told him that it was closed and not open yet. I felt so bad and I said to myself, I can't do anything about it right now- BUT you can bet your bottom dollar that we are going in that thing next summer!

Thank you all for your very informative comments. Please understand that I definitely do not want to return to my old habits but I don't want to have to rely on Protein Shakes and Vitamins for the rest of my life to survive. I just needed to get some clarification to put my mind at ease before going through with the surgery.

November 20th! 60 days to go!

Just stick to the diet as close as you can. I remember drinking coffee and pop right up until I had the surgery. I ate a good protien diet everynight for dinner. Lot's of fish. What they are trying to do, is make sure that your liver is moved away from your stomach. For goodness sakes don't start smoking, I'm not a doctor, but I can't see how the nicarteen gum, would hurt you, if you quit it before the surgery. Good luck to you, your doing the right thing. I had my surgery 10 months ago, and I'm at goal. Best thing I ever did for myself. PS. I can eat anything, I don't drink coffee or soda's, just don't want to ruin a good thing. Best of Luck.Kathy

Of course everyone is different. I'm 8 mos post op. I don't think I ever lost my hunger, desire to eat or enjoyment of food. I don't eat as much but I still enjoy all the food. I wish I had lost the hunger but I guess it doesn't happen to everyone.