Sherry77

I quit before surgery then 1 month out I started again. I have cut down a lot however I do buy the occasional pack. It is so hard.

I started gaining weight 5 years ago....and gaining fast. I put on 130 lbs in a little over 2 years. I had myself medically checked for everything. Every test to diagnose something that would cause such dramatic weight increase came back negative. I was so frustrated for a couple of years. I wanted the docs to find something wrong with me medically, then say here is a pill and you'll be back to your 130lb figure. No such luck! I finally had to come to terms with the obvious. I turned 30 (slower metabolism) ate crappy fast food daily, Stopped exercising, and was extremely stressed at work. Yikes by the time I snapped to reality and tried to change my behavior, I was in a strangers body. A body that was once very limber, now could barely bend to tie her shoe, or find any energy after or before work to be active. About 3 months ago I started talking to a friend at work who was having issues with weight as well. WLS entered the discussion, and I voiced an interest in the lap band. My friend mentioned a newer procedure her sister had gotten and demonstrated success.... VSG... I researched the band, bypass, and VSG. VSG made the most sense to me by far. I won't list my reasons in detail, as I'm sure they correlate to many others reasoning. Mid May I went to a seminar at a very reputable center of excellence and took the next step in making an initial consult with one of the surgeons, on June 8th 2012. I made up my mind to get the sleeve and started the approval process. My surgeons office sent all necessary documentation to my insurance company UHC and I was approved because my BMI was 40 or greater within 2 weeks. My surgeons office then required the following clearances: Pulmonology consult, dietary class, psych evaluation, pre-op support group class, upper gi, chest X-ray, and blood work up, etc. I was then able to schedule my surgery date for July 30th. I had to follow a strict pre-op diet consisting of only 4-5 Protein Shakes per day with sf Popsicles, and Jello 15 days prior to surgery. The day prior to surgery I was allowed only Clear Liquids and had to drink a 10oz bottle of magnesium citrate (bowel prep) the night before surgery I needed to gargle with 1/2 bottle of Listerine (my mouth was on fire) I also needed to shower with Hibiclense that night. The morning of the procedure I gargles with the other half of the Listerine and bathed with the other half of Hibiclense. I arrived at the hospital 2 hours prior to my surgery as told. I went to registration, everything was entered in the system already, and they took me up to the surgical floor. The nurses had me gargle with more Listerine, pee in a cup (pregnancy test precaution) and I changed into a high tech surgical robe that they attached a warming hose to. The nurse then hooked up my IV, the surgeon met with me briefly asking if I had any questions. I was then visited by the anesthesiologist, who explained they would inject some happy medicine to make me relax. They then wheeled me into the OR and lifted me onto the OR table... That was all she wrote. I woke up about an hour and 1/2 later in recovery. I had some problems breathing when I woke up ( not too bad) and they continued to monitor my pain. I was then transferred to my own beautiful private room with a view of a large swan pond. I was in pain but it wasn't terrible. They didn't have to put a JP drain in, and I was allowed to shower the next day. I stayed in the hospital for 2 nights. I also did experience buyers remorse. I asked myself why i would put myself through something like this voluntarily, because of the pain, then remembered people on this site recolecting there accounts. The thing that helped me through so much of my hospital experience was the stories others posted on this site. I read so many posts, and educated myself prior to the day of surgery,and it helped. I knew the buyers remorse stage would pass, as it had for others. I am 5 days post op now and let me tell you it is sureel. Im sure I will run into more obstacles along my VSG journey but I know where to turn, and what tools are available. I really hope my story helps at least 1 person going through the pre-op stages. I am thankful this site was available to me.

Surgery July 30, 2012. 67 lbs down.

I am only 7 weeks post op, but here is is a before and update on progress.

Surgery July 30, 2012. 67 lbs down.

I am only 7 weeks post op, but here is is a before and update on progress.

Surgery July 30, 2012. 67 lbs down.

I am only 7 weeks post op, but here is is a before and update on progress.

Surgery July 30, 2012. 67 lbs down.

I am only 7 weeks post op, but here is is a before and update on progress.

I am only 7 weeks post op, but here is is a before and update on progress.

I am only 7 weeks post op, but here is is a before and update on progress.

I absolutely love reading books about weight loss success. Listed below are some of my favorite's so far.
* Jemima J By: Jane Green
* The Perfect Fit. By: Louise Kean
* Your Big Break By: Johanna Edwards
* Good in Bed. By: Jennifer Weiner
I would love for others to share some inspirational reading. I will add some others as well.

Surgery July 30, 2012. 67 lbs down.

I must confess. I am usually sucked in by this show. I consider myself pro-Dr. Oz. He covers some interesting material. Just my opinion :-)

I just turned 39 a few weeks ago. I did not go to my reunion because of my weight. I think that definitely helped spark my decision to pursue WLS. I missed out on the flirty 30s so I'm ready to be 40 and fabulous! I hope to be approved and scheduled for January 2013.

Surgery July 30, 2012. 67 lbs down.

I love Jamima J! I read it every couple of years. Jane Green is my favorite author. Good In Bed is a great book also!

Surgery July 30, 2012. 67 lbs down.

I'm 41, baby. :thumbup:

Dr. Rantis is awesome!!

In western suburbs, sleeved nov 5, by Dr. Rantis.

I am so glad I have found people near Chicago! I got sleeved OCT. 5th by Dr. rantis @ st. alexius !!!