HEARTonmySLEEVE2014

I think its up to the hospital and surgeon's office if you have to pay upfront or do a payment plan. I had to pay my surgeon when I scheduled the surgery and the hospital required me to pay 14 days prior to my surgery date

HEY GUYS! I'm Tamieka, age 29, living in North Carolina. I'm scheduled to get sleeved July 29 2014 at 7:15am. I'm soooo excited, but super nervous.

Central Carolina Surgery

My experience has been a little different. I was sleeved 3 weeks ago to the day. Although I dont really feel hunger, I experience what Ive seen refered to as "head hunger". In the beginning, it was really bad. I found this surprising, bc Ive always been a very picky eater, but I found myself craving foods that I didnt even like. I think this was a result of being on the liquid diet. Everything looked good to me. And everytime a commercial came on tv, it seemed to be a food commercial smh. That was my experience during the two weeks before my surgery and the two weeks after. Now the problem that Im having (although still mental), is that although I can only eat a very small amount, my brain is still telling me to eat more. For example, I had a chicken wing the other day (not a large on, but the little one that would come in an appetizer). I could only eat half of it, and was stuffed. Although physically I knew I could not eat anymore, my brain was saying "really though? 1/2 of a wing?..thats not even right". So although I dont fell hunger, and Ive started to be able to gauge how much my sleeve can handle at a time, its been a big mind game for me.

I went back to work exactly one week after my surgery.I feel like I bounced back really well with no problems problems but I do have a desk job. There was one day in which my energy was low, but I think that was due to low iron. I work 630am-3pm, so I was good while at work, but then just went home and laid low.

That is really awesome! You should be so proud of yourself!

Im experiencing the same problem, but Im only a week out . It started a couple of days ago, but I thought I may have poked myself with something and didnt realize it, or it was from my bra. I will be calling my surgeon's office this morning. Crossing my fingers its nothing serious. I feel a little pain (almost like a ball going down) when I sip liquids (and I thought I was taking very small sips), and Im also more drained today than I previously have been. I hope all this is not connected, and means something is wrong.

I was also sleeved on the 29th, and I came back to work today. Getting all of my Protein and Water in has been a bit of a struggle, but I think Ive finally mastered it. Right now nothing that I can have is very appealing, so Im basically just making myself drink it. Even thought I dont feel hungry, I think Ive been experiencing what Ive seen other people refer to as "head hunger". Everything I see on tv, looks soooooo good (even things that Ive never liked, like pizza lol). I will be so happy when I get to move on to the next stage of eating. Hope and pray for everyone to have a fast and easy recovery.

14 lbs! That is awesome congratulations!

I started my supervised weightloss program weighing 356 lbs (highest ever smh), the Tuesday morning of my surgery I was at 313 lbs. That Thursday when I was discharged I was at 327 lbs (darn IV fluids lol). This morning (8/5) I weighed in at 305.8

I went in for my surgery last Tuesday, and was home Thursday evening. Today was my first day driving and back to work.

Just checking in to see how everyone is holding up. I'm struggling getting all my liquids in.

How did everything go? I was sleeved yesterday as well. Right now I feel like I did 1,000 sit ups lol

I have BCBS Federal-Basic plan

I agree with some of the responses that were posted, but not all. I dont understand the individuals that have more of a judgmental response than a helpful one. No this is not ideal eating behavor after surgery, but what we must remember, is that no one gets to the point of surgery because they have good eating habits. Surgery only fixes the physical aspect of the stomach, not the psychological aspect that led you to this point. This is suppose to be a place where individuals feel comfortable to come to and be open and honest about what they are going through, and are able to receive support and guidance, not made to feel bad and judge. Did you ever consider that your negative remarks, may drive this person to continue more bad eating habits? Im sure she is not the only one that has gone through this, and I commend her on be able to come forth and admit whats going on, and seek help.

Where in NC are you? Greensboro here

I have BCBS-Federal. I was missing a note from my doctor stating that I had not been treated for alcohol or substance abuse in the past year. Once submitted, it only took one day for my approval to go through. HOWEVER, I would have not known until 5 days after the fact. I was approved on a Wed, it just so happened that Friday I had to call BCBS regarding something else, so while on the phone I asked about the status of my request, and thats when I found out I had been approved 2 days prior. I emailed the bariatric coordinator at my surgeons office to inform her. She emailed me that following Tuesday, to inform me that she received the approval from BCBS. So that being said, I would take the previous advice and keep calling to follow up.

Im not sure if I should be scared of this or look forward to it. No longer liking things like sweets, seems to be a positive side effect. However, Ive always been an extremely picky eater, and I hope this doesnt back fire on me. In a perfect world, I will no longer like all of the bad foods I use to crave, but start liking some of the things that I dont eat now. Hopefully I dont just lose the taste for things, but not gain any in return. Im already struggling with this preop diet, bc I dont like anything cream based or milky...oh and I dont like Soup either smh. Ive had to force myself to drink the broth from chicken noodle soup (I mixed in soup flavored protein), and i mix strawberry Protein in strawberry Jello. so far this is the only way I can get my protein in.

Im scheduled to be sleeved on the 29th in North Carolina. Words cant describe how excited and NERVOUS I am. I smile just thinking about how my life is going to change, but then I hesitate to enjoy the thoughts of the journey Im about to embark on, bc I still have thoughts of "what if it doesnt work for me". Yes Ive seen and read soooo many success stories (I think Ive become addicted to looking at wls pictures on instagram lol), but being that I have been overweight since elementary school, I still find it difficult to imagine a life in which things are different.

I have BCBS-Federal and the same thing happened to me. I did not know that I needed to submit proof that I had not been treated in the past year for alcohol or substance abuse. However, after I submitted the note from my primary physician, I was approved the following day. The catch was however, I didnt find out til three days after that, and that is only because I was calling the insurance company regarding something else, and asked if they could check on it for me while I was on the phone. I was the one that let the bariatric coordinator at my surgeons office know that I was approved lol. She did not receive notice from the insurance company until one or two days after that smh.

I think this is a great post! I myself don't have surgery til the 29th, but I have lost 34 lbs since February. The only thing is, when I look in the mirror I feel like I look the same. I have a few clothing items that fit differently, but for the most part I feel the same. It was only until the other day someone at work said "hey skinny, look at you". Although I am faaaaaar from skinny, it felt great that someone noticed my progress. I can already see that I'm going to have to take pictures every couple of weeks to document my journey, so that even though I may not feel different, I will be able to see the difference. VSG 2/29/14 Greensboro NC

Does anyone know how to join the secret Facebook page for July Sleevers?

I'm scheduled for the 29...good luck to you!