sleeveme4152

hey, i just had the same thing happen with my mammogram. with all this other testing going on, who needs this from a routine yearly thing, right? good luck, you'll be fine. i was

I know how you feel, I am waiting on sleep study and upper GI, went to the PCP two weeks ago, and still have not heard from anyone on dates for the other two tests!!! I hate waiting

Two week ago I had my initial consult with surgeon, next step, PCP, did that today, got my EKG today, going for blood work in the AM and waiting for Upper GI and sleep study to be booked. so excited!!!!

I definitely get impatient with the rate of my weight loss. I try to remember that I'm 59 years old and have been on synthroid since my thyroid was irradiated years ago (due to uncontrollable Graves Disease.) It has become clear that any white carbs cause me not only to stall, but to actually see a slight gain. However, the reason I chose to post as a success story is that I did the math today and in 2 months I am more than 1/3 of the way to my goal. Now that seems like something to crow about!

Oh my goodness I can completely relate to your feelings. They were identical to mine up until 2 weeks ago.
I was just sleeved on this past Wednesday and I feel amazing. Sore, yes, but mentally I finally feel free of my cravings and good obsession. Literally it's like food, cravings, and guilt were this massive weight on my shoulders. Now? Completely different. I'm not hungry. I have no cravings. I don't particularly mind that I can only drink Protein shakes, broth, and sugar free Jello. Food has turned into something I merely need to work into my day. Not the focus of my day.
It is super early for me but I now am 100% sure this was the tool I needed to overcome my obesity. I'm sure it will get more difficult to resist my favorites but by then I know I'll have enough positive momentum to keep on heading in the right direction.
And can I tell you how amazing it is to get on the scale and always see a slightly lower number? I've never had that! I'm still bloated and constipated from surgery (sorry for the TMI) but I have already lost 10 pounds from my pre-op diet to now.
It's so scary, yes, but it will change your life. Just prepare for a tough pre-op diet which is horrible for the first few days. By day 5 of the diet I could already see that my cravings were going. It was like the diet started to reset my mentality and surgery finished it.
Good luck!

I had to get new clothes ( pants falling down) . It was fun for a change!! I was able to get clothes I liked and not just because they fit. Went from a 22 to a size 16 in 4 months ! Didn't buy much because I plan on getting even smaller !! I'm a slow but steady 2 pound a week loser

I've been thinking a lot about my journey and my decision for this surgery, I know everyone's journey is different but we all have a few things in common.. we all want to change our lifesyles.. we all love and respect ourselves enough to do it.. here is my journey so far.. (dates, tests, and jumping through hoops)
My Journey to date..

April 14, 2014 - Dr. Jonson Seminar - Highland Hospital - Rochester, NY

May 5, 2014 - Psyche Evaluation

May 8, 2014 - Nutrition Seminar Class

May 29, 2014 - Intake Medical with PA Julie Anne Leo

June 5, 2014 - Cardio Intake Dr. Jason Pacos

June 9, 2014 - Nutrition with Kathleen Dibella

June 10, 2014 - Gal Bladder Ultrasound

June 12, 2014 Cardio Testing - Passed/Cleared

June 18, 2014 - sleep Study intake with Dr. Jacob Dominik

June 25, 2014 - Yearly Mamogram - Elizabeth Wendy Breast Clinic

June 30, 2014 - Dr. Lael Forbes Seminar

July 7, 2014 - OBGYN - Dr. Joan Chism

July 10, 2014 - Sleep Study - Overnight

July 14, 2014 - Nutrition with Kathleen Dibella - One on One

July 23, 2014 - Sleep Study Results - A-Pap prescribed - Hypopnea Diagnosis (shallow breathing) - do not have sleep apnea

Aug. 5, 2014 - Respiratory Specialist - A-Pap pick up and instruction

Aug 11, 2014 - Nutrition with Kathleen Dibella - Passed over for Surgery - received a phone call this same day with appointment for the surgeon.

Aug 19, 2014 - Initial meeting with Surgeon, Dr. Lael Forbes - (will submit to insurance for approval & will be scheduled for surgery after this appointment)

Bcbs of SC denied me and my doctor told me to appeal too. They said If my insurance didn't fall through that i have to pay 25,000 $ up front and they do not accept payment plans. So we'll see what happens. The insurance company doesn't know why I'm specifically needing my surgery, so maybe it'll help if they know. But who knows. I'm so upset right now.

I will try to answer all of your questions the best I can. I had my surgery - the RNY in May of 2004. At the time of my surgery I was just over 220 pounds. My lowest weight after surgery was 124, but truth be told, this only lasted like part of the day. My weight slowly settled at 135 and remained that way until around 2008. At this time, I began noticing a slight weight gain, in fact I remember gaining g to 138 and family members mentioning that it looked like I was gaining. I will say for the first two years or so after surgery I was very strict and cognizant of what I ate, how much I ate, was completely obsessed with the scale, and was working out at the gym like a crack head. My motivation was just very strong...this tended to dwindle as years progressed. I have noticed that I just got complacent...lazy with it all...probably because the success initially was so amazing. I never thought I would encounter issues. It was not until I noticed I was able to eat different foods, and start to tolerate some carbs that problems began...this should been an obvious red flag...but it wasn't. (So foolish on my part)
I cant say I got worried, probably because in my head my initial goal was just to be between 140-150 as I thought this was a great weight.
As time went on, I believe it was at a doctors appointment my weight was 141, some concern but not great concern. It wasn't until a year later in 2009 that I went to 150 and then immediately got my butt in gear and started running. Wouldn't you know it, I lost weight and was right back down to 140 in roughly a months time.
I believe since 2009 a lot of my accomplishments I began to take for granted. I got married after surgery, which initially prior to surgery I never thought I would meet a man who would love me enough. I moved up in rank, completed some tactical schools that most thought I would not be able to do...and some other personal goals were achieved along the way.
Ok so how did I get to where I am now...I simply just gave up. So I am going back to the very very basics...protein, Protein shakes...and working out...I am making sure I remain accountable and am tracking my efforts and I am avoiding nearly all carbs, no snacking and no sugar.....This site has been a great tool for me as well.

Surgery was yesterday at 11 a.m. and went really well. I had my tubes tied as well since they were already in there. The hardest part was right after surgery when I was so incredibly nauseous from the anesthesia. Once that wore off (about 2 hours) I was fine. No gas pain, very little incision pain. I've been up walking, I've peed, and I was able to take my nighttime meds last night (huge pills, no issues). Today they will give me "breakfast" and as long as there are no issues with nausea then I can go home this afternoon!! One thing that is really annoying is the fact that all the IV Fluid makes me have to pee all the damn time. At least I'm not dehydrated.

You will have to stay focused, and be forever vigilant. For me the very thought that I laid on an operating table, allowed myself to be put to sleep, and asked a doctor to remove a large portion of a perfectly healthy organ still amazes me. I realize today that I'm grieving the lost of my stomach, but it's forever gone. I plan to honor my surgery by making a lifetime commitment to the process.

I just found the most fantastic video's on Netflix that have two experts teaching those of us that are overweight how to deal with mental hunger. They teach what are good food choices. The doctor is an eating disordered specialist. Then JJ is an amazing expert nutritionist. the two of them take numerous cases of obese people and turn their lives around to eating healthy again. It is compelling programming. Everyone here should see these videos. I found them on Netflix. One is called Freaky eating and the second one is called Ruby, They are truly inspiring to all of us here on this site.
I learned so very much and I know you will learn a lot to by watching them. They also have one video on a 600 pound lady who gets WLS and succeeds. I think all of you out there will learn from them. Netflix is where I found them and they have taught me so many great avenues to loses weight. I hope you all can go to Netflix and see them yourselfs. So very much to learn from these documentaries. I hope my sharing them with you will help you on your journeys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm 8 months post op, and I'm wearing a size 2!
I never thought I would be wearing a 2. Folding laundry is surreal--surely these tiny pants won't fit...but then they do. Everything fits, it's so easy (too easy) to find clothes. Feeling good!

I'm sorry you were denied. I was self-pay because I didn't want my insurance to raise my rates and because I wasn't patient enough to wait through the process. I decided to have a consult with the doctor and two weeks later I was in surgery. The doctor I used is in FL and much as I thought he was kind of a jerk of a person, he is an excellent surgeon. I never had a single issue, my scars healed perfectly, and I am complication free. The total cost for my surgery paid in cash was 18K. They also have a financing option. I would say perhaps try calling different areas, especially if you are willing to travel. Also, a lot of people have had great experiences with surgeons in Mexico for about 1/3 the price of what I paid. Something to consider...

Sorry u were denied….but why did the insurance deny you?…there are cheaper doctors with excellent reviews…many people go to Mexico so u should research that..also personal loans are available…good luck!!!

Why were you rejected? ContrAct exclusion? Or can you appeal?
Many on here got to Mexico as self pay. There are also a couple threads about competitive pricing in houston -- less than 10K
You can also research private insurance plans through obamacare and pick one of those up temporarily and see if it will cover all the costs.
Self pay can be dangerous. You could go without insurance for complications and future needed surgeries may not be covered.

@@sleeveme4152
I am self pay in Mississippi. 4 years ago the price was 29,000. I put off the surgery due to the price. The costs of B. Surgery has gone WAY DOWN!!!!! I'm hoping for a September Surgery Date and got the self-pay information at the initial group meeting in July. It is 12,500. There are 2 surgeons in this group. One has been doing these procedures for years and has an IMPECCABLE reputation. He is nearing retirement age so 2 years ago he brought in a younger surgeon. This new surgeon did his residency at Cleveland Clinic. (Highly respected for Weight Loss Surgery Research, etc.) I think you could research places that have more reasonable rates yet still have EXPERT and EXPERIENCED surgeons. Good luck with your search!

Hi guys. I was sleeved on 21 december 2012. I started at 110.3kg and now i weigh 49kg. My dress size was a uk size 22/24 and now its a size 8/10. Keep going guys, you will get there.
Just remember not to compare youself to others as we all are different and our bodies work at different rates.

Hi, I am new to the board, I have an appointment on Tuesday August 5th, 2014. I went to the same bariactric center to see about gastric by pass surgery 10 and 1/2 years ago. I still to today regret not going forward with the surgery, my regular Dr. and my husband were not supportive of me, now my husband is on board, and even if I have to pay out of pocket, I am getting the sleeve done. I just hope my process goes fast, and my insurance pays

Done, thanks for the info!!! hope it gets passed, as I am only in the beginning stages... First appt is tomorrow

I have a surgery date - August 18, after starting this in March. I start my pre-opt diet tomorrow. I have my Protein Shakes and have tried a few, not sure on these. Any suggestions? Also where do most people get your chewable vitamins? online?
I am so excited to start this journey. I am 55 years old, actually just had a birthday. As most of you out there have fought my weight for many years. This will be the beginning of my new life.

I posted earlier this week to see when most stomach sleepers were able to start sleeping on their stomachs again, and last night, 5 days post op, I finally did!! Luckily I haven't been dealing with any reflux issues, and I haven't been having pain (just some very minor aches at the end of the day), so I gave it a shot...and slept like a baby, lol. I truly am amazed how fast I've bounced back from surgery! Surgery day and the day after were rough...but less than a week out I really am feeling wonderful! I'm getting the hang of my new eating and drinking habits and couldn't be happier about making this decision!

I'm surprised at some of the questions I see here and on other WLS boards from new VSG patients, like ...
* I just had VSG surgery. What am I supposed to eat now?
* My surgeon says not to drink alcohol until X months out. Can I drink now anyway?
* When can I start eating ice cream?
* I'm four days out and just had chicken McNuggets. Have I damaged my sleeve?
* If you plan to drink heavily, first take a Percocet to calm your stomach.
I totally get that, even pre-op, this surgery can sometimes be overwhelming. But some patients' questions suggest that even though they've just undergone major surgery they haven't read their post-op instructions, understood their instructions, don't believe what could happen to them if they don't follow instructions, or maybe they just never received any instructions at all.
Weird!

I all! I got sleeved yesterday afternoon! Up sitting in my chair this morning! Last night was rough but I made it through! I'll post more when I can!

BTW, if you don't want to tell all the "hip" people at work, don't. It's really none of their business. If they ask how you're losing all that weight just say "eating less, exercising more." Basically, that's the truth. As for your young child, how young? I think that you could explain not eating to him as "mommy has a tummyache and has to eat special food for awhile." Children don't really need to know about their parents health and/or surgeries. They aren't really capable of processing/handling those types of things. They just want to know that mommy's ok and that she's going to stay that way. If he does ask questions I would simply say "they fixed mommies tummy."