Scylla

I'm right behind you! Surgery in two hours! We will do great!

I started this journey a little over a year ago. I went down to Ft. Wayne, Indiana to sit in a seminar about weight loss surgery. I had been to two or three seminars in the past but my insurance never covered the surgery. I had checked and found that my new insurance would cover it and that the closest hospital was in Ft. Wayne. While I was there I found out about a new operation they were offering called the Sleeve Gastrectomy. Once I had heard about it, I knew it was the one for me. No band that can slip and no rerouting of the intestines, sign me up. I checked into the insurance end a little further. I needed six months of medically managed weight loss with my Doctor before I would be eligible for the surgery and even then I could possibly be turned down. My first thought was, "okay she's going to put me on a diet, that's great, but what happens if I lose too much weight while on this six month diet? If they see I can do it on my own I won't be approved." Taking the weight off wasn't the real problem, keeping it off was. During that six months I only lost 30 pounds. Also, during that six months I had found out that my insurance was now covering my local hospital for the surgery. I immediately for in contact with someone there and set up an appointment with my surgeon, Dr. Knapp. After seeing Dr. Knapp he informed me that the decision I had made with the sleeve was a good choice but that he wanted me to lose another 30 pounds before he would perform the surgery on me. He wanted to make sure I would get to my goal weight and losing before would put me on track. I was directed to a program at my local hospital called New Directions. You eat their Protein bars and drink their shakes and you lose weight. I thought, "Oh this is going to be easy." That was one of the hardest parts of having this surgery. The shakes are not very good but thank GOD for the bars. It took me a little over a month to lose the 30 pounds he needed me to lose and my surgery was scheduled for December 11th 2013. A few days before surgery my father was taken to the hospital and put on life support. We weren't sure he was going to make it so I had to make a decision. Continue on with the surgery or push it back just in case. The day of my surgery my father was taken off life support and was moving around and talking. I went to see him before and asked him if it was okay for me to have it and he said of course, so downstairs I went to sign in. I'm getting ready for surgery (I had my mother and one of my good friends with mw) and they take me away. I remember nothing from the time they started to wheel me down the hall to when I woke up in my room. I knew after surgery I was going to have to get up and walk. Once my nurse found out that my father was in the hospital (on the same floor just on the other side in ICU) she had me walk over there to say hi. I called him a few times the next two day while I was in there and people came to visit. That was the start of my new life. Fortunately, I had zero complications after surgery and I was back to work within a week. I'm almost 5 months out now and if I'm honest with you and myself, I eat whatever I want. However, in saying that, you should know that whatever I want is the same things almost every day. When I wake up I drink a glass of milk with my pills (8 grams of protein). When I get to work I eat a Protein bad (14 grams of protein). Sometimes I will drink another glass of milk in between Breakfast and lunch or I'll eat some shredded chicken (8-12 grams of protein). For lunch I eat four pieces of low sodium lunch meat (11 grams of protein). Afternoon snack is a piece of string cheese (6 grams of protein). After work I go workout at the gym for an hour and when I get home my dinner is a chocolate Protein shake (27 grams of protein, not all at the same time). I get anywhere between 65 and 78 grams of protein a day. Once I get rid of the shakes I know it will be harder but when that time comes I'll be ready. Not that's not to say every once in a while I don't eat things that aren't bad for me. Sometimes you just want a piece of candy, so I eat it. I'm not going to deprive myself of anything. As long as I follow the plan and I'm not over filling my tiny stomach I'm in the clear. I do however struggle with Water. I get a solid 6 cups a day but 8 cups make me not feel well.
Since the beginning of this journey I've lost 126 pounds. I've got another 116 pounds to go but I'd say I'm right on track. For those who say it's the easy way out, I hope that one day they understand how hard it is to lose weight and keep it off. This was first and foremost one of the hardest decisions I've ever made but it was the best decision I could have made. Even thought I'm on more medication now that I was before (medicines to make sure I don't get ulcers, for heart burn, a Calcium pill, a multi Vitamin and for my high cholesterol) I'm off my high blood pressure medicine and that's a huge win for me. After my 6 month checkup I hope to be off all the other except my multi Vitamin. If that's not an accomplishment then I don't know what is. Most of us have the surgery to be healthy and be around for our loved ones and that was number one to me. It doesn't hurt that we will look good in clothes eventually, that's just another plus. For anyone who is on the fence about having the surgery please, please make the decision to have it, it's life changing.
*unfortunately my father passed away January 9th but I know he is looking down on me and is very proud of where I am. In the beginning I was doing this just for myself but now I'm doing it for my father and me. Love and miss you Daddy!

That's wonderful! Tomorrow is my big day, and I am pretty anxious! How are you feeling, jerseyjazzell?

Im doing great? I and now sleeved.walking around

Well I'm doing very good. Slight pain. Been up and walking, not much gas pains but I know they will show soon. No nausea. Thanks for all the best wishes.

Good Luck. I'm on way alao

We are on the way to the hospital and I'm nervous and excited! I have waited for this day since September and now I am so scared!

Good luck. On my way as well and just trying to keep calm. See you on the loser bench !

Surgery done. Barium swallow good. Spending the night. Feeling weak but optimistic

I was sleeved on 4.16.14 today I am 6 days out and down 14lbs. I'm so excited hopefully I can keep this streak going. I try my hardest to workout daily, if I miss a day I don't make a big deal. I am so excited, this has been the best decision ever. Can't wait til the summer. # turn up

I started gaining weight 5 years ago....and gaining fast. I put on 130 lbs in a little over 2 years. I had myself medically checked for everything. Every test to diagnose something that would cause such dramatic weight increase came back negative. I was so frustrated for a couple of years. I wanted the docs to find something wrong with me medically, then say here is a pill and you'll be back to your 130lb figure. No such luck! I finally had to come to terms with the obvious. I turned 30 (slower metabolism) ate crappy fast food daily, Stopped exercising, and was extremely stressed at work. Yikes by the time I snapped to reality and tried to change my behavior, I was in a strangers body. A body that was once very limber, now could barely bend to tie her shoe, or find any energy after or before work to be active. About 3 months ago I started talking to a friend at work who was having issues with weight as well. WLS entered the discussion, and I voiced an interest in the lap band. My friend mentioned a newer procedure her sister had gotten and demonstrated success.... VSG... I researched the band, bypass, and VSG. VSG made the most sense to me by far. I won't list my reasons in detail, as I'm sure they correlate to many others reasoning. Mid May I went to a seminar at a very reputable center of excellence and took the next step in making an initial consult with one of the surgeons, on June 8th 2012. I made up my mind to get the sleeve and started the approval process. My surgeons office sent all necessary documentation to my insurance company UHC and I was approved because my BMI was 40 or greater within 2 weeks. My surgeons office then required the following clearances: Pulmonology consult, dietary class, psych evaluation, pre-op support group class, upper gi, chest X-ray, and blood work up, etc. I was then able to schedule my surgery date for July 30th. I had to follow a strict pre-op diet consisting of only 4-5 Protein Shakes per day with sf Popsicles, and Jello 15 days prior to surgery. The day prior to surgery I was allowed only Clear Liquids and had to drink a 10oz bottle of magnesium citrate (bowel prep) the night before surgery I needed to gargle with 1/2 bottle of Listerine (my mouth was on fire) I also needed to shower with Hibiclense that night. The morning of the procedure I gargles with the other half of the Listerine and bathed with the other half of Hibiclense. I arrived at the hospital 2 hours prior to my surgery as told. I went to registration, everything was entered in the system already, and they took me up to the surgical floor. The nurses had me gargle with more Listerine, pee in a cup (pregnancy test precaution) and I changed into a high tech surgical robe that they attached a warming hose to. The nurse then hooked up my IV, the surgeon met with me briefly asking if I had any questions. I was then visited by the anesthesiologist, who explained they would inject some happy medicine to make me relax. They then wheeled me into the OR and lifted me onto the OR table... That was all she wrote. I woke up about an hour and 1/2 later in recovery. I had some problems breathing when I woke up ( not too bad) and they continued to monitor my pain. I was then transferred to my own beautiful private room with a view of a large swan pond. I was in pain but it wasn't terrible. They didn't have to put a JP drain in, and I was allowed to shower the next day. I stayed in the hospital for 2 nights. I also did experience buyers remorse. I asked myself why i would put myself through something like this voluntarily, because of the pain, then remembered people on this site recolecting there accounts. The thing that helped me through so much of my hospital experience was the stories others posted on this site. I read so many posts, and educated myself prior to the day of surgery,and it helped. I knew the buyers remorse stage would pass, as it had for others. I am 5 days post op now and let me tell you it is sureel. Im sure I will run into more obstacles along my VSG journey but I know where to turn, and what tools are available. I really hope my story helps at least 1 person going through the pre-op stages. I am thankful this site was available to me.

I love all the sleeve cruisers!! Hubs and I are going to Alaska! I cruise about 6 to 8 times a year. It's my job! Yes, I know I have a great job!! I think this is cruise 29... But I'm never sure.
Thanks for all the great info.

Me, too! It kinda sucks to make a nice meal for your family and not be able to eat it! I will be sleeved the day after tomorrow.

HI everybody! I swear I posted back in March that I was approved and had gotten scheduled, but I went back and checked and I guess I didn't post it in this group! Ooops! I have been doing a one month pre-op diet consisting of 4 Protein Shakes and raw vegetables per day. My surgery is scheduled for 4/23, so a week from today!

You are gonna be ok.....you are doing this for you and you deserve it. Keep coming back to this website. People here understand and care. God bless you today and always.

After the surgery, as you recover and start feeling (looking) better your husband may have to confront some of his insecurities while you're learning that you - weight = person who doesn't supress every negative emotion. It's a great journey for the most part. Don't worry too much, we'll all be here when you get back.
(I sent you a private message)
Peace

I was sleeved 2 days ago. I know what you mean about lack of support. My husband knew someone who had a horrible experience with the bypass so he really did not want me to get the sleeve. However, once he saw how unhealthy I really am and understood this was not a decision based on vanity, he has stepped up and supports me. I was one to tell myself that even though I am fat, I am healthy. The tests leading up to the surgery showed me how wrong I really was. sleep apnea, Vitamin deficiencies, cholesterol, knee and back pain. I have told many people about this surgery. I refuse to be ashamed for seeking the help I need. Everyone I know has been supportive, even though some are concerned. Embrace your choice, it will give you many more years with those loved ones who are not supportive, because they are afraid for you.

Never thought of that before. Cant really see any comparison at all. You are not disposing of food that others could be eating. You are simply restricting your intake. If it makes you feel any better, you are eating less, leaving more for people that are starving!

Haha! Thanks! I've been on 4 Protein shakes a day since 3/25. The first two days were super rough! After that, it got a lot easier.

Hi there. I am scheduled to be sleeved next Wednesday (!) My insurance company required SIX months of medically supervised weight loss sessions (which was actually seven months because they don't count the initial visit). I could have either met monthly with my primary care doctor or the bariatric nurse at my surgeon's practice. I met with her, and I'm glad I did because my doctor would probably just have weighed me each month. The bariatric nurse actually had me making goals each month for changing my lifestyle and eating habits prior to surgery.
Hope this helps!

Hi All…Northwest Burbs here. I don't have a date yet but I am hoping for late April or early May. The only thing I need is authorization from the pulmonologist. She is sending me for a sleep study so I have to wait for results before I can get scheduled. I decided to have mine at Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove.

Got my date, April 22nd!

I've only had this question on medical forms - like "any unexplained weight gain/loss?" Just in case I'm depressed or something, I guess...
But if an actual person said "did you mean to lose weight" to me, I don't know that I'd be able to hold back on the choice language. I imagine the mildest thing I'd manage would be something awfully sarcastic.... "no, actually - funny story - I was walking along in Short Pump and tripped and fell on a surgeon... Next thing I know, I have 1/4 of my stomach left and I weigh 75 pounds less!!! And $15,000 is missing!! Do you think I should sue?"
But what would probably come out of my mouth would be more along the lines of "JESUS ******* CHRIST WHAT THE ******* DO YOU THINK?!"
I'm just a b*tch like that tho. Especially if I get stressed. Such low patience for inane questions....

Well you are classier than I am.. I vowed to punch someone right in their stupid mouth if they ever accused me of taking the easy way out. First off, there's nothing easy about it. I suffered through two hernia repairs and struggled with all phases of the eating plan because I'm a picky eater. Kudos to you for keeping your cool. I had mine done in Reynosa, Mexico. Best hospital care I have ever had. Too bad there's a stigma surrounding surgery in Mexico.

Ugh.. "the easy way out" ... Have they even done ANY research on the surgery and what post-op is like?? Yeah, ok.. Getting most of your stomach removed, plus the pain after surgery, plus eating next to nothing for a few weeks, gradually eating more but healthy foods, exercising, counting calories, drinking 60+ grams Protein a day... YEP. That's TOTALLY the easy way out.
Sorry for the rant. I give you props for not lecturing her like I would have