JerseyGirl68

It is a very personal decision. It is not a cure all or a quick fix. As many have stated it is a lifestyle change you have to embrace to be successful. The surgery is a tool, it's helped me maintain a low calorie diet and not be hungry. I'm physically satisfied with much smaller portions, but I still need to make the right decisions. Some weeks I lose more than others but I try to focus on the big picture. You'll read a lot of success stories and some not so successful. How you make out is primarily up to you. You can only do your best and follow what your doctor lays out for you. If you are committed to a lifestyle change than you are certainly on the right track. Best of luck to you whatever you decide. You can do this!!

Check out this thread, http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/10081-the-official-what-you-will-need-for-your-gastric-sleeve-surgery-thread/ It is pretty extensive and should cover all the bases. Best of luck!!

Congratulations on your decision, and welcome!

Congratulations! Glad everything went well!

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing!

Hey we all have before pics we are not proud of. I know I avoided a camera like the plague. You've done an amazing job! Congratulations!

I started researching surgical options last January, when I committed to the idea of surgery in June, I joined weight watchers to start me off, at that time I was at my highest weight of 355. I felt starting in a good place was going to benefit me overall. Not only to make me as healthy as possible for surgery, but to get into good habits before the restriction set in. I cut out carbonated beverages overall and began walking more. I was 317 when I submitted my paperwork in September and 296 when I went for surgery in December. I'm now happily down to 245 and am very happy I took the steps I did prior to surgery. I didn't have the added stress of entirely new eating habits after surgery, and felt my head hunger was very much under control. Granted I didn't lose huge numbers as some do after surgery, but I'm slower and steady and I'm ok with that. My doctor said losing a chuck before surgery might make the numbers go down a little slower, but again, I'm ok with that. I'm focusing on the big picture. Good luck!

Awesome!! Congratulations all around!

Hello! I'm a 12/11/12 sleever. Surgury weight 296, today 245. Feeling great. No complications. I'm trying to hit 1000 calories a day, around 80gm of protein. I typically get in around 800. I usually eat every 4 hours or so, approx 4 oz at meals, about half that for a snack. I've been trying to incorporate more Fiber in my diet, per my NUT. No problem getting in my Water. Hope everyone is doing well!!

Fantastic Jon!! So happy things are going well!

What a great start! Congratulations!!

Congratulations! You are doing really well! Don't get discouraged. Your body is adjusting and your loss will fluctuate. Many at this point have weeks long stalls and then start the loss again. Keep to the plan your doctor laid out, get your protein and water in and move / exercise as much as you are allowed. Good luck!!

Awesome! Congratulations on your success!

Awesome! Best of luck!!

Mine made lots of noise for the first week or so. It went away gradually. Good luck!!

Bergen county, not far from Giant Stadium.

AWESOME!! Congrats on such a great success!

A big thank you! I value hearing from and asking questions of Vets. You have a unique perspective and a wealth of information to share!

I was cleared for surgery by my primary doc, which was insurance required. My "Pre-op" testing was just bloodwork also, I had an EKG within a few months and they used those results. Prior to getting my surgical clearance I had an endoscopy. Good luck on the 25th!!

I'm so sorry you are having a hard time. What a great loss you have so far!! Are you getting in your Protein? Also were you put on any PPI after surgery? (Priolosec etc) If you know it not to be acid (which can mimic hunger pains) try adding some Protein powder to some sugar free pudding. Or adding a shake to your day. How much Water are you getting in? You can do this, you'll find what works for you. Keeping asking the questions, someone will be able to help.

I must have left as you got there! I agree, my pre-op was a piece of cake compared to some. Some days lunch was my "meal" Sometimes dinner. It flew by. Hope it went well!!

Congratulations!!

I was sleeved at the Valley Hospital in NJ. It was a very good hospital experience overall. All surgical patients are in private rooms, they don't bother you in the middle of the night and the floor I was on was mostly patients who had some sort of Bariatric surgery. The nurses were very in tune to what our needs are. I highly recommend the hospital overall, very good reputation. I was very pleased with the doctors also. Dr. Bessler was the other surgeon I was looking into, when I was researching. Good luck!! Please feel free to ask any specific questions. Chris

I was very afraid of eating too quickly and taking bites too big. Before surgery I purchased a kitchen scale, small spoons & forks and put my food on smaller plates. It definitely helped me early on, and I still use them, just not as often - though I do still measure my food if I can't judge it correctly - anything more than 4oz and I'm overfull. I started cooking and wrapping meals in small containers, just to make it more convenient. I needed to train myself to eat a new way and It worked for me. Good luck!

Hey there, I had my surgery on a Tuesday and went back to my office job on Monday. I walked around as much as possible and didn't lift anything until cleared by my doctor. I was off pain meds a day after I got home, Tylenol was sufficient for me. (thankfully) Good luck!