Pkdvm

You go ahead and roar. I'm impressed by your strength and sense of humor- both of which are handy tools to have with major health challenges. Wish you all the best.

Congratulations to you! That's my surgery date, too and I'm still waiting for approval. Go us!!!

No, you are not crazy. If you are, then I am also. My date is July 28th, I'm in the middle of a divorce and am basically a single parent to a developmentally disabled daughter who is the light of my life. I think about all of the possible complications, read about the experiences of people who have had tremendous challenges after surgery and it scares me to think that I may be putting my life at risk. Then I remember that my life is already at risk- with hypertension, pre diabetes and all of the lesser problems that come with obesity. The writing's on the wall, do something effective or the chance of severe, life threatening illness is pretty high. I have a good surgeon, with a great team in place. The odds of a serious complication are pretty low- that's why I've seen every "ologist" in the world and been tested extensively. Is it a guarantee of safety-well, no-but I feel that it is a step I'm ready and willing to take to try and regain my health and improve my life. You're not crazy, this is a big deal and if you weren't apprehensive then you weren't well infomed. I wish you peace in your decision and know that you are far from alone in these feelings. Only you know if this is the right choice for you.

Love the Food Rapture comment! Very funny!

I know you said you hate the taste of stevia, and I thought that I did also. However, I tried a brand of all natural protein powder called About Time yesterday and it was delicious. Comes in lots of flavors, I tried the peanut butter mixed w skim milk and it was amazing. You can get single packets on their website of most of the flavors. Good luck!

Oops, sorry. Meant TheCurvyJones, not Curvy Cakes...

Have to say, I just tried About Time peanut butter flavor and it was delicious! Thanks, Curvy Cakes.

Wishing you the best of luck!

What a wonderful NSV! Here's to even more...

July 28th for me! I'm in South Jersey and having surgery at Kennedy Hospital(Stratford). I'm excited/scared and very hopeful that this will be the tool that finally allows me to get healthy.

Wow, you look great! Enjoy that new body because you earned it!

Hi, other July sleevers! We've all made it this far and I wish for you(and me:) safe surgery, smooth recovery and lots of success as we regain our health and take our power back.

Thanks and congrats to you, too! What day?

Thanks! It will be your turn very soon, I'm sure.

I just had to share because you guys are the ones who know how exciting/scary this day is- just came from my surgeon's office and I'm scheduled for July 28th! I put it off until the end of July for a few reasons, but that date will insure that I can celebrate my special needs daughter's birthday with her(she looks forward to it all year), take a mini vacation to recharge my batteries before the pre op diet and try to set myself up for success. After all the months of testing, whoop, there it is.

Happy belated birthday and wishing you the best of luck. I just got my date and now this really seems real.

My first surgical appointment was February 19. I have Cigna and my plan requires 4 monthly nutrition meetings, just had last one this Monday June 9. Had to see all of the "ologists"- cardiologist(nuclear stress test/ echo/consult), pulmonologist, psychologist, gastroenterologist and my PCP. Paperwork was slow to come in, and I had to goose some of them along, but my packet is ready and has just been submitted for approval. I'm seeing my surgeon again Thursday and plan to set a date in late July(my choice due to family comittments). All together about 5 months, and I'm really glad I've had this time to prepare and educate myself. Good luck!

Always nice to hear of smooth sailing. I get my date this Thursday when I meet with my surgeon. Started all of this in February. Good luck to you!

How thoughtful and congratulations!

Good for you! Enjoying the freedom of time at the beach with family, feeling and looking good! You're always so encouraging to everyone else on here, you so deserve the same.

Hi there, I live in South Jersey, am just finishing up my final nutrition class and hope to be approved in the next 2-3 weeks and schedule surgery for late July. I'm also a halloween baby(10/31/58) and can always use a new friend. I wish you the best of luck! Phyllis

You look lovely in both pictures, but so very happy in your current one. Congratulations to you!

Best wishes to you!

Whoa, you look great! Good for you!

As a mom myself, I know that nothing is more important to me than the health and happiness of my children. I'm sure that your mom would be so happy to know that you're taking steps to regain your health, and her loving spirit just wants you to be happy. My deep sympathy for your loss and my admiration for your courage. There are lots of great people on this site, generous with support and information. I wish you every success as you travel this road.