HeyMo35

Stating , "Mexico and Hispanics are tearing this country apart," is hostile and negative! Seriously this is not a forum for stating racist sentiments.

Well, I have to say that was not a very Christian statement. To redeem our sister in the faith let me offer some scriptures for guidance:
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
1 John 2:9
Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.
James 2:9
But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
Also, I have to say going to Mexico to get my sleeve was my first trip to that country and although I was nervous crossing the border, I had a great experience and found the Mexican people to be some of the nicest and friendliest I've ever met. I don't regret my decision and hope one day I can go back on leisure to enjoy the beauty of the land and the people.
God Bless all God's people

I'm in the hospital bed, i have two i.v.'s and I'm ready....talk too you soon..

I have had two compliments recently that just make me feel like such a success with my weight loss.
One of my brothers told me that I just look "normal" I don't look like I was ever morbidly obese. If course, I still have some pounds to lose, but the drop from a 26W to a slim size 14 is such a shift in everything about how you look! I try on clothes and finally feel like they look good. I was cold and could borrow someone else's jacket - that was crazy, to fit in a normal looking jacket and not needing something from the big and wide section.
The other one was last night. I went to a "tryout" for a ladies equestrian drill team. It is fast paced riding and harder then you might think. The coach came up to me and told me I have a good horse and that I am a "good looking rider". I have been complimented on my horsemanship skills - how I handle my horses, but I have never ever ever had someone tell me that I look good doing it. Of course, what he meant was that i know how to ride and would fit in with the group.
You just have no idea how thrilling I find it to be just normal.... I don't need to be sexy, hot or any of that. Just normal is wonderful.
so, what compliments have you received that just really hit you as being so encouraging and heart warming?

I can not believe my day has come so fast!! 10 months in this process and 2 denials of insurance, i am here! my check in time is 6am, surgery at 10am!!! This has been a hard/emotional/nervous journey but im glad i am young enough to still change my life around for teh better! I have lost 31 Pounds Pre-op and i never thought id beable to do it!!! its an amazing feeling before surgury knowing that this surgery is really going to help me!!! So cheers for all the 10/9 sleevers and as well as this weeks!!! woohoo!

My HW was 300 and as of today im 269!! i have some photos so far they arnt 300 and 269 but there are in between the process!!!   

Just thought I'd quickly update :smile1: It's been awhile. I'm still losing inches like crazy. I'm working on toning now. Not much left to do!!! LOL Love ya VST!!!

Here's my most recent updated photos:

Current - 199 Lbs:








Beginning of my LONG journey - 330 Lbs:


ETA a few I took this morning.

Two days post-op and I'm feeling pretty good!
Of course, there is still some discomfort, and the soreness gets pretty bad but other than that, it could be a lot worse.
After surgery, I was counting the minutes till the pain went away, and little by little, it does go away.
I noticed that when I drink a bit too much, my body does a quick hiccup, which HURTS and its a sign to stop. So far, I've had broth, Water, crystal light, and sugar free popsicles. Haven't had any Jello yet, but I never really liked Jello. Might try that tomorrow.
My mouth is definitely missing all the foods (junk) I was eating before this surgery. I found myself biting at my nails today (which I NEVER do) and I realized what a habit my horrible diet was. Not only did I eat horrible foods, but I ate them constantly. So I feel like I need to replace my habit, but with something healthy. I'm still trying to figure that part out, instead of developing a nasty nail biting habit. I have no intention of cheating on my specific diet, but I did smell some Tostito chips today, and my mind wanted them so badly. My stomach, however, said no way. I know it will take some time to get all of my body on one sync and schedule, so I'll have to go through this withdrawal carefully.
I plan on weighing myself tomorrow! I cant wait to see the results! Even if it's not much, I've gotten this far, so it's only a matter of time!
Hope everyone is doing well

Yes!!!! You will...because you already are.

I have BCBS Ca...this is good to know! I have appts next week!
Thk Yu!

My insurance coordinator told me BCBS of CA (Anthem) is the best insurance for bariatric surgery and if you meet the qualifications, it's a slam dunk. Don't worry - they are just reviewing!
After reading so many stories on here, I tend to believe the coordinator. We are very, very blessed with such good insurance benefits!

well I see part way through the postings you had reposted you feel better. I was going to tell you I understand, I am waiting for
surgery and already mentally preparing myself as best I can for what might occur. Not everyone heals as quickly or as painlessly. When I
read your screaming frustration it reminded me of when we give birth. Of course its worth it and joyful at the end...but there are a few moments there sometimes during labor when you wonder what they heck you were thinking when you signed on for this....I look forward to
reading and celebrating your progress!

The first two weeks are the worst... it WILL get better. Remember why you did this in the first place. It's not the easy choice, but it's a good choice. Yep, recovery SUCKS. Getting used to eating less is not easy... but give it a month, give it two months... you will be AMAZED at how much better you feel. There will days that you forget you were sleeved.. until you have a meal and get full with just a small amount of food. But then you will be satisfied. You will have had just a few bites of that corned beef sandwich that you so desire... you will have enjoyed it... and you will be full and happy. Hang in there!!!!

Well what a journey just deciding to have this surgery has been! My insurance made me go to seven consecutive doctor appts to discuss weight and I'm so glad they did because I FINALLY feel good about my decision to get sleeved! I really really REALLY went back and forth with this and thought I would never decide, but one day it just finally hit me. I am 48 years old. I am exactly like my dad (personality, build, etc) and he had SO many health problems in his later years before he died, many of which were related to his weight. Plus I already suffer from various ailments already which he did NOT at this age. So I'm done thinking about it, I finished the 7 appts, they submitted the paperwork (but are very sure I will get approved) and now I just wait for the next step. They seem to think I will be able to have surgery by the end of THIS month! What a TRIP it will be to be skinny again! I'm so looking forward to getting off all meds, having way more energy, and just feeling the way I'm supposed to feel...and not like an 80 year old! Good luck to everyone else struggling with the decision..it will just hit you one day what to do I think cuz it sure did me!

That is so awesome!! I'm going to my first informational meeting tonight! I can't wait to be healthy! Hopefully I'll be approved!

Thats so good to hear!

Well, they use something called a bougie. Ask your surgeon which size bougie they use. My surgeon was willing to go bigger but not smaller than her normal preference. I just chose based on the empirical information. The thing is that there is very little variation between sizes.

I didn't know there was a choice. I just went with my doctor's wisdom. I think he removed 75% of my tummy. Thank God! I am so, so happy that my body is on my side now!

I had my surgery this morning and couldn't be happier. The pain is really not as bad as I expected it to be. I had no complications or problems. It took them 30 min to find a vein but that's not a big deal. I got up and walked today and it felt great!
The only bummer is my mouth is EXTREMELY dry due to the anesthesia. I couldn't have any Water today so I just got a moist washcloth and put on my lips/tongue. I am a bit gassy which makes my stomach kinda hurt but that's to be expected. They made 5 incision sites and they look like they will heal into a small scar. Yay
The pain medicine I am taking works wonders and knocks me out every time. I am feeling rested and hopefully I can leave tomorrow morning!

Mine, too!! Love this!!!

I get it, it's terrifying!
Do it anyway. Do it anyway!
You will not regret doing it....you will regret NOT doing it!
Getting your stomach ripped out won't kill you, it will make you a badass!
It will give you back your life!

Not trying to be mean, but what about the horror stories of people who died from their obesity? Were those not scary enough to chicken you out of being morbidly obese for the rest of your life?
There are risks to everything we do. People die every day. A meteor could randomly fall out of the sky and hit your house while you're sleeping in your bed. Will that keep you from sleeping in your bed at night?
Don't give up!!! Make a list of what's important to you and why you wanted to have the surgery in the first place. Weigh the pros and cons. Take a serious look at where you will be in 5 years without having had the surgery and where you will be if you do have the surgery! IMO, the potential rewards far outweigh the risks.
Good luck with your decision!

This is where i am right now...*sigh*
I'm hoping you can save and get to MX ASAP! Best of luck to you!