KristinaRN

Hi! I have my first appointment with my surgeon on April 21 also, I can't wait! I have already completed all of the required tests and consultations, but my 6 month supervised diet won't be done until the end of June. From what my surgeons office said (all are different), they will submit it to insurance once my file is complete, then I can schedule my surgery date once I have insurance approval. Like I said though, they all do it a little different. Good luck at your appointment, and make sure to let us know how it goes! Kristina

Wellbutrin is a more enervating antidepressant (some are enervating and some are sedating), so it can definitely exacerbate any tendencies towards anxiety. For this reason, I also take Paxil along with the Wellbutrin; Paxil tames the anxiety portion. There is something called "serotonin syndrome" that can develop when you are on certain enervating antidepressants without an anti-anxiety med to counteract it; I had an episode of this, and it was the worst thing I have ever experienced, worse than a panic attack; I thought I was going crazy. I now know I need both components. It has been a life-saving combo for me, honestly. HOWEVER, since starting this combo, my sex drive has decreased significantly. Now, I must say, I had an unusually high libido before, so maybe I am more "normal" now, I don't know. All I know is it has been a very noticeable difference for me, but it has NOT gone away completely. Hope this helps, and good luck!

You all are so great, thanks for sharing your tips! I am trying to gather as much information as possible before my surgery, and you all are a wealth of knowledge. Thank You!!!

WOW, you look amazing! That is quite a transformation in only 6 months, how inspiring! I see that you had your surgery done in St. Louis, thats where I am! I have been hoping to find a sleeve buddy in the area, would love to chat sometime!

Thank you all so much for the wonderful tips and inspiration! This forum is amazing, I cannot imagine navigating through this journey without all of you and your stories. THANK YOU!!!

I was hoping some of the veteran sleevers could share their Tips for Success please, would be so helpful for a newbie like me! Thanks so much!

Has anyone been to Drs Eagon and Varela, in St. Louis, MO? They are with Washington University, at Barnes. Thanks for any insight you can give!

Truly amazing! You were beautiful before, now you also look so happy and healthy! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I love seeing the success stories, it gives me so much hope for my future. I am so glad I found this site, and can't wait to share my own success story someday!

Only 3 months to go, how exciting! Hopefully I will be right behind you!

Missy--I can totally relate to the desire to not be the "fat girl" in my group of friends! And I am very inspired by your lack of interest in food, I hope I am as lucky! Swizzly--That is too funny! They probably feel embarassed to comment on the weight so have to compliment something else! Either way, enjoy the praise!

I am hoping to be sleeved by the end of the summer, and I have so many things I am excited about! Being able to play with my beautiful daughter, not always tugging on my clothes, feeling more comfortable and confident in my body...so many things! My question is: *For those of you just starting out like me, what are you most looking forward to in your weight loss journey? *And for those of you already sleeved, what have been some unexpected positives you have experienced along the way? I am so looking forward to hearing what you all have to say!

Thanks ladies! I hope you are right, that maybe my tastes will broaden a bit. I have heard greek yogurt is a good choice, haven't tried that yet. Good luck to you!

Hi everyone! I am new to this world, and trying to get as much info as possible. Right now I am in the middle of my 6 month diet plan required by my insurance; I am hoping to get sleeved by the end of this summer! So here is where I need your help and expertise: I need ideas for foods high in Protein, to have post-op. I know I will do Protein shakes, but would also like to focus my food choices on those that are high in protein. Here is my dilemma: I am really picky. I do not like cheese, yogurt, or any seafood. I cannot stomach chicken-tuna-egg-ham salad. I do like meats, scrambled eggs, Beans, and Peanut Butter. Anything else I am missing? I am really nervous about this, thanks for any and all advice you can give!