minxie

It wasn't reversed. The sleeve was too tight. I had difficulty swallowing anything with a consistency thicker than Water and thinner than fish. So things like oatmeal, shakes, mashed potatoes, etc. were out. I threw up a LOT the first 3 weeks. The surgeon went in and stretched the passage from my esophagus to the sleeve through a procedure similar to an endoscopy. Since then I am much better. It's still tight with excellent restriction, but it's not TOO tight. I am happy and love being successful with my sleeve!

The first couple of weeks I regretted it - I was SO tired, couldn't eat, threw up a lot. Turns out my sleeve was too tight. Once that was fixed, I bounced back quickly! I am 6 months out and am almost 100 lbs lighter. I'm training for a 5k this August. I have confidence and am loving every inch of myself.
It's not easy, but it is SO worth it! Literally, this is the best thing I have ever done for myself.

The first couple of weeks I regretted it - I was SO tired, couldn't eat, threw up a lot. Turns out my sleeve was too tight. Once that was fixed, I bounced back quickly! I am 6 months out and am almost 100 lbs lighter. I'm training for a 5k this August. I have confidence and am loving every inch of myself.
It's not easy, but it is SO worth it! Literally, this is the best thing I have ever done for myself.

You sound so happy! I am thrilled with your progress and wish you continued success! WOO HOO!

The first couple of weeks I regretted it - I was SO tired, couldn't eat, threw up a lot. Turns out my sleeve was too tight. Once that was fixed, I bounced back quickly! I am 6 months out and am almost 100 lbs lighter. I'm training for a 5k this August. I have confidence and am loving every inch of myself.
It's not easy, but it is SO worth it! Literally, this is the best thing I have ever done for myself.

How did they fix your sleeve? I thought once it was done that it is not reversible.

The first couple of weeks I regretted it - I was SO tired, couldn't eat, threw up a lot. Turns out my sleeve was too tight. Once that was fixed, I bounced back quickly! I am 6 months out and am almost 100 lbs lighter. I'm training for a 5k this August. I have confidence and am loving every inch of myself.
It's not easy, but it is SO worth it! Literally, this is the best thing I have ever done for myself.

You sound so happy! I am thrilled with your progress and wish you continued success! WOO HOO!

The first couple of weeks I regretted it - I was SO tired, couldn't eat, threw up a lot. Turns out my sleeve was too tight. Once that was fixed, I bounced back quickly! I am 6 months out and am almost 100 lbs lighter. I'm training for a 5k this August. I have confidence and am loving every inch of myself.
It's not easy, but it is SO worth it! Literally, this is the best thing I have ever done for myself.

Having the sleeve has given me the ability to finally lose this weight and get healthy. I don't feel cumbersome anymore....I see my old self emerging again. I can squeeze through much smaller areas....I used to be afraid to sit in a booth at restaurants!!! I can fit in all ALL the clothing lines I sell in my boutique. My blood pressure is perfect and my husband says I no longer snore. I am lucky enough to not have side effects other than done Hair loss which so far isn't noticeable due to thick hair.....taking Biotin to combat that. I am thrilled I finally did this and recommend it to anyone on the fence!

You are NOT alone in this!!!!
I started at 353 and 6 ft. I did look intimidating (as some people told me) because of my size and the fact that I am quiet but, like you, not afraid to speak my mind.
Anyway, I have thought about this. 70 lbs lighter I do feel more vulnerable, but couldn't tell you if it's because I weigh less or because I have worried about this... Krav Maga, huh? Interesting...

Bottoms up!! LOL

My surgery center gave me all kinds of different smoothie recepes...blend strawberry injury with crystal lite and ice cubes, or put chocolate into a cup of Decaf coffee/steamed skim milk (skinny latte at Starbucks) and its like a mocha that was great to have a hot beverage. U can put the unflavored mixed into Jello, or put in hot broth. You cant just drink with milk only, I was going crazy!

Congratulations. You're on your way.

Congratulations!! I'm scheduled for that week too! Good luck to you!

Hey -
I'm a major lurker around these parts, but wanted to share with the *world* that I finally got my approval!
It was kind of a weird situation - -I was originally scheduled for 10/18, but the insurance company put a hold on my case after deciding that I needed another psychiatric evaluation. I had it done and the new approval came through on 10/18, but of course I missed my date. So they pushed me back until 11/8.
I'm to lose 10 lbs by then. I go in for pre-op registration on 11/7.
I AM THRILLED!
My lesson to share for all is to keep fighting. If the insurance company says NO, then please keep fighting. Find other documentation or justification to force them to approve you. Go above and beyond. Call multiple times and ask questions, get the name and reference number of the phone call. Keep your notes. The insurance company is there to work for you. Sometimes you have to make them do it.
Good luck!

Hi evonnrae!
I am sending you as much positive energy and as many prayers on your behalf as I can muster!
We are in the same place -- I submitted my paperwork today, and the insurance coordinator said she would get the letter in tomorrow.
Isn't it exciting and nerve wracking at the same time?!! I am fighting the urge to call Anthem BCBS and tell them to watch the fax machine, pull up my policy and get an approval sent without delay! LOL
Good luck and congratulations!
~ minxie

Call today, then tomorrow, then the next day and repeat ad infinitum until they give you an answer. You are paying a buttload of cash for them to answer the phone, so put them to work.

Why should ex-fat people act any differently than other groups who display this type of behavior? Want to see someone who's really disgusted by smokers? Look at ex-smokers - they're often superior acting. Same with people who had drug addictions.
It doesn't make it right, but I think there is some degree of human nature at work in this equation.

I agree that we have nothing to talk about, as evidenced by your disrespectful tone. What's the point in attacking me for positing a different perspective? Extremely rude and unnecessary. Nevermind the fact that you misrepresented what I said. Duh

CDT -
Way to go! And thanks for the encouragement. Keep up the good work!

I told ppl i was dieting for 2 months before i had surgery, and that i had lost weight, but was getting really frustrated that it wasn't showing yet. After surgery when i did lose 50 lbs over 4 months, they thought it was six. I also told them i'd lost 40 lbs, so if they did the math it wasn't as alarming. 1 yr later, still at goal, still only my family knows, no regrets. No one even suspects as far as i know. I told them i was eating a high Protein low carb diet with smaller portions. Now, when eating in public, no one notices my smaller portions and leftovers on my plate, if they do, i just say something like, i wasn't very hungry, or i have heartburn. Honestly, ppl do not pay attention to details.

Hi everyone,
My surgery is scheduled for Sept. 17 and I'm so excited. Just want to talk with others about the excitement and the struggles. I have looked at sooooo many videos on youtube but I think a forum would be better fit for me. Everyone in my family is tired of hearing about it and dont really seem excited anymore because I have worn it out LOL. Looking forward to hearing everyones story or and telling mine :-)

Hello Community! I normally don't post at forums. I either, never find the time or I am always on the run.
However, I felt the need to post my experience because comming to this forum and reading all the posts, helped me so much throught the process so I want to share my experiece so far.
Everything started six months ago when I learned that I needed the 6-month weight in process for insurance approval. For those of you felling disapointed for the wait, dont worry,it will past fast, so enjoy your six months!.
During the process I learned that I suffered form sleep apnea, That, added to my fatty liver and a BMI of 45 (324 Lbs, 5'11''), helped with Insurance approval the first time.
Procedure was approved on July 25th 2012 and scheduled with Dr. Whitwell for August 8th. Due to the quick turn around I had to start the liquid diet inmeditely and to be honest this has been the toughest part so far. Making the transition from eating anything I wanted to just liquids was really though, especially the headaches and temptations.
Surgery went well, for the next 2 days I felt horrible, I had sore muscles. I was not in a lot of pain but very unconfortable. My appettite was gone. On the 3rd day I was released form the hospital and Saturday and Sunday was very unconfortable with gas pains, soreness and the incisions hurt a lot especially while coughing or moving too much while sleeping. But Monday I started feeling much better and today I just walked the dog for 30 minutes.
I know it is just the beginning but I feel so good already that I wanted to share my experience, My apetite is gone and I feel full after just a few spoons of broth (hard to beleive). If you are doutbting yourself about the surgery, don't. I was there, I was at this forum the night before the surgery reading all kind of posts and the support was amazing!
So far I have lost 38 pounds and I am looking forward to where can I start exercising so I can start a running program!
It is amazing how a few months ago I was depressed without a clear goal in my life. I felt that I just gave up on myself.
Now I look at life in a different way and I feel great about how my wife and kids are so happy about my change!
Thanks and good luck with your journey!