At1withself

My surgeon wouldn't set a date until insurance approval too

I live in Loganville and I will be sleeved on 11.10.14. I'm a wife and the mother of a 4 yr. old son. Excited for this new adventure, but still so very nervous. :-)

That sounds like a lot going on. I wish you well.

I live in Loganville and I will be sleeved on 11.10.14. I'm a wife and the mother of a 4 yr. old son. Excited for this new adventure, but still so very nervous. :-)

I am 6 months out and I would definitely do it again. The high points are too many to list...I can shop in regular stores for clothes. I feel fabulous, not only from the weight loss, but from eating so much healthier. I feel more confident out in public. The best part is I know I don't have to worry about ever being on a diet again.
The low point is probably the C. diff infection I got 6 weeks postop. This wasn't a direct surgery related complication (got it from antibiotics I took for a tooth infection) but not being able to drink a lot because of my tiny sleeve complicated things a bit. I had severe diarrhea, so I got dehydrated and needed IV fluids 3 times. As for the preop and post op diet restrictions, I really didn't have a problem with any of it. It's just part of the process and if you really want it, the tiny sacrifice of a liquid diet for a month or so shouldnt be a big deal. My surgery experience was great...it was like being on vacation with my sister and I really had no postop pain.
After about 4 months, I could eat anything I want and I do. I get hungry and eat every 3-4 hours. I make good choices, go for Protein and veggies first and drink lots of Water. I avoid carbs and processed food, but I have had ice cream, deserts, chips and alcohol on occasion. The only thing I've given up for good is carbonated beverages. Anything else is fair game as far as I'm concerned. I don't track or measure anything so I have no idea what my carb/calorie/protein intakes are. I take my Vitamins and I do still have one big Protein Drink (24-32oz / 30-40g protein) everyday so I don't have to think about hitting Fluid and Protein goals. I have at least 7 different Protein shakes in my house and along with Torani syrups, I never get bored with the flavors.
Good luck. Remember, this really is all about attitude and you will be successful and happy if you keep your eye on the end goal and don't get wallowed down on all the little things that come along.

Would you do it again knowing all you know and what you have experienced?
I would go through it again in a second if I had to. It was a big hassle getting all the approvals and it was painful that 1st week post-op, but I have no regrets.
I know first few weeks liquids and protien shakes but can you eat real food again?
I was eating real solid food at 30 days post-op. Just not much, which I was very very happy about. I was eating about 1/4 cup of real food per meal. Mainly turkey hamburger and chicken and refried Beans - my diet is pretty simple. Vegetables and fruits took much longer to get re-accustomed to - around month 6 I was able to add them back into my diet. By month 9, I could eat anything I wanted with little to no grumbling from Frankensleeve. :-)
What are biggest highs and what are worse things?
The biggest highs for me were being in control of how much I could eat and seeing the weigh fall off so quickly (about 15 lbs a month). The worst thing was that 1st week post-op, getting all that gas out of my body was painful and having to sleep propped up (I am a side sleeper and couldn't lay flat for about 10 days).
Can you drink alcohol again once recovered and havre been on this new journey for awhile?
I tried a beer at 6 months, sipped it slowly and had no problems. I'm not much of a drinker anyway, but I occasionally have tequila mixed with my Crystal Light lemonade. I'm a cheap drunk now! 2 shots of tequila and I'm done! :-P

I am having my surgery November10th. I have already been approved by my insurance just waiting.

I'm excited and nervous. Not sure what to expect. How's everyone feeling? Date 11.10.14

I'm excited and nervous. Not sure what to expect. How's everyone feeling? Date 11.10.14

I'm excited and nervous. Not sure what to expect. How's everyone feeling? Date 11.10.14

I just received approval today from my insurance company. The date is 11.10.14

I just received approval today from my insurance company. The date is 11.10.14

I just received approval today from my insurance company. The date is 11.10.14

I just received approval today from my insurance company. The date is 11.10.14

I just received approval today from my insurance company. The date is 11.10.14

Hi, I am a newbie too. I don't have a surgery date, Hope to have it scheduled the last week of October or the first week in November. Let's see things I've done...
I went to a seminar
Initial consult (determined sleeve would be best)
I had an upper GI per my surgeons request (checking gall bladder before & after)
Received clearance from primary care doc
Received clearance from cardiologist
Saw the pulmonary specialist he's ordering a sleep study for me (no word yet)
Met with my fitness coach
Met with my nutritionist once, have 2 more visit
Just had my mental evaluation July 2
So....is this standard for everyone?
Looking for friends to walk beside me on this journey. I'm here for you.
Thanks.....oh and my name is Kelly

I agree with the fact that chatting with other people helps bunches..because I'm so nervous even after all the research I've done..I've never been skinny ever I don't know how I'm gonna look lol

Yay!! Excited for you!
My surgeon requires 2 nights in the hospital after surgery. I believe this is to ensure you are recovered from anesthesia, to make sure you are hydrated and to make sure there are no leaks.
I saw a post where one person was able to go home the same day which seems crazy to me but most seem to require 1-2 nights I the hospital.
Best of luck!

Hello! I just had my first doctor visit and am starting a three month weight management program per my insurance. I will undergo all the testing during this time as well. They say I should be having surgery in September. So excited and so nervous at the same time!!!

Literally just making my first PCP appointment.

I just started all the office visits and lab work. I have a visit with the cardiologist scheduled, lifestyle classes scheduled, psych visit scheduled. I'm very excited to be able to get the surgery, can't wait to get it done so I can get this weight off for good! Best of luck to you all!