Sleeve_Sistah85

Hey guys! My name is Crystal...I have been a Registered Nurse for 7 years and a Certified Nurse Midwife for 2 years. When I went back for my Masters degree my weight really BALLOONED up because all I was doing was working, school and eating...there was no time for diet and exercise. When I graduated midwifery school in 2012 I managed to lose 20lbs...but unfortunately have gained back most of that.

I am sorry your brother was so insensitive. Good for you for putting your foot down and shutting him up! I love my mom dearly, and I think she will be supportive, but she has a big mouth and will also tell the wrong person. Congratulations on your successful surgery...I wish you all the best!

Congrats on the engagement!

Stand firm hun! Try and ignore those negative opinions from others...or just stop telling folks! I find that people are very negative towards WLS and consider it cosmetic or the easy way out. Especially for us folks who are right on the cusp of the 35-40 BMI. Hang in there! You are doing the right thing. You are doing this for you! Visit this Bariatric Pal website often...it will keep you connected and grounded in your decision.

Good luck guys!!! I can't wait to be where you are!

Brooklyn NY

You look amazing!!! Such an inspiration. I also love and wanna keep my boobs. Did you do any special exercises?

Ugh! I hate my upper butt fat! I'm gonna work hard to get rid of it and never get it back!!!

Ha ha...Yassss that's what I'm talking about!!!!

Sorry you're having a tough time with periods...and yes, it's probably cuz of the extreme weight loss and hormonal regulations. The depo is good...or any progesterone only contraception will help.

Cool!!! As far as I know the Mirena (5years) and Skyla (3 years) only have progesterone...it's usually estrogen that causes "issues"...thanks for your input! I definitely don't want no surprises...and I wanna follow surgeons rules about not getting pregnant right away.

Hi my name is also Crystal...and spelled the correct way lol Welcome to the site! I've only been here since Oct 1st and I've learned so much! Good luck with your surgery! I pray for a financial blessing so that you can get your surgery for free????????????

Hey ladies! I met with my surgeon yesterday...plan is to get sleeved April 2015. So much went on yesterday that I forgot to ask a few questions. One of them being allowed methods of contraception. I saw in the pamphlet that it said to stop taking oral contraception a few days before surgery and choose a barrier method but I assume that's because they want your bowels empty...not cuz of the hormones? Anyways....I have an appointment with my midwife Oct 20th for my IUD...the IUD is good for 3 years and I don't wanna get this put in to find out I can't use it cuz it's hormonal and could cause blood clots and post-op complications. Thanks for your insight!

When I called my insurance to ask about coverage they gave me the names of surgeons who are part of the Bariatric Centers of Excellence. What this means is that this facility has a high surgical procedure rate with a low complication rate. At first I couldn't decide cuz there literally a hospital across from my apartment. But I wanna do what the insurance company says so I get approved and so I lower my risks of complications.

I was wondering the same thing. My surgery will be April 2015....my 30th bday is June 2015...hoping to be healed for travel abroad.

Welcome Nikki! I also recently started this process...joined this site Oct 1st. My story is pretty much the same. Battled this weight all my life, honestly tried to lose it and it has been unsuccessful. 1st things 1st...call your insurance. Mine has a 6 month physician supervised diet thingy. They also recommended a surgeon that was part of a Bariatric center of excellence. I called that surgeon and had a consultation with him. I also met with my Primary care physician and started my diet program. Yesterday the surgeon have me a folder with a pre-op checklist, pamphlets, calendars and all sorts of information. He said that since I started in October that the surgery would most likely be in April 2015. I can't wait!!! Lol

Good for you! She's a EKG Tech...not a doctor...damn at least my friend is a nurse practitioner. That tech had no right to give an opinion she wasn't asked.

I'm in the same boat. I am 250lbs but according to most, I don't look it. I hypothetically mentioned to a good friend that if I ever got as big as my mom I would get weightloss surgery...and she flipped out. Saying "you're not that big." Although I'm flattered she thinks I'm beautiful it annoyed me to my core that she wouldn't respect my decision. Fast forward to October when I finally made the decision I only told my older sister...who coincidentally also wants the VSG. As of right now, I've decided to keep it a secret until after the surgery and there are positive results with no complications. As of right now surgery is April 2015...so I will "come out" about my surgery October 2015.

Wow! Its pretty sad that your doctor didnt check this out first. A thyroid panel is a pretty standard test to run on your annual exam...especially if you are obese.

Wow! Watch her...and watch her closely.

I think it depends on your shape and where you carry your weight most....and possibly where you lose it from.

I haven't had my surgery yet but you stated this perfectly well...1-4 are my reasons for choosing the sleeve. I originally choose lap band but I found these forums and read all the horrible side effects and money people wasted on that procedure. I encourage you to do the same.

Is it possible to add friends via the Bariatric Pal mobile app?

Although I have 110 hours of sick time and 4 weeks vacation banked I think I may do the same. Kathy posted a question that I have been pondering for some time now, but quite honestly, I dont wanna be bothered with nosey co-workers. While I know HR cannot ask me what surgery I am having, I work in a small group of women and I know for sure when i make this request for 3 weeks of sick time off I am gonna be hit with questions. I just dont wanna be bothered. Not to mention...This surgery may have complications. If complications should arise I would rather use sick time and short term disability then.

And next time you see them you'll say.."You dont plan to wear that shirt again do you?"...lol...Nah Im kidding. I am also a very sensitive and emotional person so I totally get where you are coming from. But as I got older I had to learn to have thick skin and be mindful of how I carry myself. I guess the others above are right. Say thanks and keep moving or change the subject. Good luck on your weight loss and thanks for sharing.