Melanie36

Following- I'm in the same position! The more I read, the more I think sleeve is right for me!

I want to clarify- I am a non-smoker, but I'm sympathetic- I definitely am not trying to pass any judgement! Just passing along what I was told by my surgeon. I truly wish you all the best! Really!

My surgeon stressed that it was the nicotine that caused blood vessels to restrict and that could cause severe issues with the stomach post op and beyond. I can imagine how hard it is to give up smoking and/or vaping, but it will be better for you post op! Please make sure your surgeon is informed of the liquid nicotine use. It's better to be up front than have him/her find out afterwards! Good luck with surgery!!! Keep us posted!

Holy cow, I hope so!!! I wear a 14W--- if I can get into a 13 or 13W it would be life changing!!!! For those solidly rooted ladies like myself, try Barefoottess.com That site has been a lifesaver for me!!!!

I'm so sorry this is happening-- it's funny that they make us see a psychologist, but half of my problem is the stress about the process! :-) My surgeon told our group that if we get declined at first to not panic yet--- that about half the time he has to get on the phone and "chat" with the insurance to push it. Good luck to you! I'll wish for the best!

I've been told either June or July! Not sure which I'm hoping for.... Part of me wants to do this and be done with the surgery, and the other part wants a bit more time! Oh the battles our brains play with us....

Hello fellow losers! What a great site this is here! I'm so glad I found it! I wanted to introduce myself- my name is Melanie, I'm 36 years old, and I am just starting this journey. I've been overweight my entire post-pubescent life, and it's this to do something about it. I'm currently 5'10" and 306 pounds. My goal is 199. I has my first general info session on 3/20. From there, it's been so fast that it's a bit scary! Had the individual intake appointment on 3/21, my first nutritionist meeting on 3/24, and scheduled for second session 4/16. Then, only two more until they schedule me in June or July! Thankfully, I'm healthy enough that I don't have to go for a sleep study. (The doctor shook my hand and said I was the first one he had in over a month- woot!) Right now, I'm nervous about the psychologist exam- I hear he's a bugger. What did you get asked? I've never been to therapy or a psychologist, so I have no clue what to expect!!! Also, truth be told, I'm not 100% sure I will have the surgery. I'm so risk adverse, and there's an element of me that's freaked out! I have been researching this for over 10 years! I also know that I have tried and tried to do this myself and the weight never stays off-- my PCOS and other things are getting worse, and it's only a matter of time until I'm in even worse health.... So why wait until I get worse. I have great health insurance now (cost for all of surgery/visits will be no more than $500 total in 2014) and I have no clue how long my work will keep this insurance plan. Anyway- that's me. Can't wait to get to know you and thanks in advance for your support!

Thanks for the welcome! I really appreciate it! I'm definitely a bit "on edge" about everything, so your kind words were well received!

I'm such a dork-- I just realized I'm wearing that dress in my profile picture!!! :-)

I already own the black and white striped dress- I love it! So versatile and easy to care for.... You won't regret owning it, ladies!