joe_cltnc

It's been a long process to finally arrive at this point! When you're months away it's hard to imagine the day will finally come. I've struggled with making sure I am emotionally ready for this huge change - what it would feel like to have 1/4 of a stomach, what it would be like to (possibly) not eat pasta or rice again, or not drink with a meal. It's been a challenge to "get my head around that". But I also know that I dont want to live like this anymore...and I believe this is a permanent tool to help me do that. I'm excited, but REALLY nervous. Once it's done, it's done!

Hi Tracy: I'm about 2 and half years sober, meaning I dont drink any alcohol - not a drop. I will be sleeved in one week. Yes, as Cowgirl mentions above, there are cases of "transferrence" from overeating to problem drinking. I'm choosing words carefully here so as not to offend folks with the terms "food addict" and "alcoholic", but for me, that's the way I see it. Again, i am not saying that anyone here is an addict or otherwise. I happen to believe that I have a psychological compulsion to drink and once I start, I can't stop (when I was drinking). In many cases, its the same for me with food. For that reason, I believe that the are both issues/illnesses, however you want to call it are related and that they have to do with pleasure centers in my brain that look for any way to be "pleased", whether food or alcohohol or anything else. In eliminating the avenues available to seek pleasure, the brain still seeks them, thus the possible transferrence of addiction. Yes, this is dangerous stuff, and I'll soon be eliminating another possible avenue for my brain - but my brain will not turn off it's compulsivity just because my stomach is gone. Am I scared? Yes. But I know I need to do this for both my mental and physical health. I wish you the best!

That's funny...I thought it was just me, but it makes complete sense that they *might* try that to get a higher BMI. I'm not accusing anyone, but I'm 5'10 1/2" and they had me at 5' 9" I said I was sure I was taller than that and it was as if I'd never said anything! wow...

November 20th in Charlotte (Matthews) with Dr. Pirrello. Getting nervous.

I started May 14 with informational session. Sleeve date is Nov 20th. Aetna has a 3-month nutritionist program to complete before you can send for approval. Package was sent on Oct 15th to Aetna and I recieved approval on Nov 5. Then surgery scheduled for about 2 weeks out from that. I have BMI = 39 with high BP, sleep apnea and early diabetes. The whole process has been surprisingly smooth for me. One week to go before surgery!

Approved! Aetna approved on first time, 3 weeks turn-around. I have BMI = 39 + 2 comorbidities. Official surgery date set for Nov 20th! Getting a little nervous...I've had months to think this through, just hope it's the right thing for me.

Thanks All, I'm still pre-op but have started adding protein shakes to replace 1-2 meals a day to get accustomed. I'd never considered this before, but once I started having the pain... Yes, I get kidney stones, some have passed and others surgically removed.

Does anyone have kidney pain after drinking so many protein shakes? Ive tried different brands and get the same pain. Thanks!

Thank you all! These responses are all very helpful! I am not sleeved yet, but I'm trying to determine if anyone can identify long term memory loss. I know everyone is different and this surgery affects each one differently, but I'm specifically looking for older sleevers (those who have had the sleeve several months or years) who are past the initial foggyness from anestesia or lower carb intake.

Thanks Lioyd, how long have you been sleeved? What made you think it would be worse?

Hello All, I'm new to this board so please forgive me if this has already been discussed. Has anyone experienced memory loss or problems with word recall post-surgery? If you have, could you please indicate time since sleeved. Thank you.