ristharp90

In the beginning I only told those closest to me. Mainly because I there were so many steps until I had final approval. I didn't want to announce it and then something happen. I am now scheduled to have the sleeve on October 24th and everything has been approved. I've decided to be very open about it. I've realized the people who have had negative comments, which has honestly been very few people, just didn't understand why I was doing it. I had lost about 70lbs on my own before my wedding and then gained about 40lbs back when I started law school. So they thought that I just needed to go back to that and do it the natural way. What's hard to understand is that I've always been obese. ALWAYS! When I lost that weight on my own I was at the gym about 10 hours a week. I don't have that kind of time now. I want to use this as a tool to basically put me on a more even playing field so I can focus on other aspects of my health. But once I explain that people seem to get it. I explain that I think my success in the past was just learning the skills I needed to make this surgery work. Everyone is excited for me. I've also made the decision to tell people because I don't want people to worry that I'm sick when I'm out of work and then hopefully losing weight. I'd rather people actually know what is happening instead of making assumptions. I'm very proud of my decision. I think it's the best thing for me and I know it's going to be a lot of work but I'm so excited for this chapter of my life. I think it's really going to be a major life change and I want those around me to understand what is happening. I know I'm going to need support. Ultimately, everyone is different and you have to do what is best for you. But i felt so much better when the people who I thought wouldn't understand turned out to be extremely supportive.

I can't believe some people only have to stay one night. I had to stay 2, then was offered a 3rd so I took it as my hospital room was way quieter than my house with a husband and kids. They did a swallow test and then monitored everything for over 48 hours. I didn't have any preexisting conditions, other than sleep apnea, so I wasn't at increased risk. Bring a robe or something as they will want you to walk as soon as possible, and whatever home items you want. Definitely lip balm. I had wicked acid the first few days and was miserable. But the pain was tolerable . I didn't feel like I could drive for that first week, because of the Pain when moving my torso. Good luck.

Hi all! I'm having the sleeve done on Oct. 24th. I work full time and go to law school in the evening. I will be taking a few weeks off of work and a week off of class. I was wondering if you all had any practical advice on what to take to the hospital, what your recovery was actually like, and what things I can be doing now to make post op easier. I'm a little nervous because I typically have 16 hour days every day so I'm hoping I will be able to keep up post op. The doctor doesn't seem to think it will be an issue. Fingers crossed!
Thanks!

In terms of driving, I would check your insurance. I was not allowed to drive 2 weeks on my car insurance, even though I was able to, but if you were hit you may not be covered having major surgery.

I was in 3 days. Alot of nasuea and gas pain but keep up with pain relief and just take each day as a time, when you feel normal dont start rushing around as then you may feel sore and do not want to set yourself back take it slow.

My husband and I were 67 when sleeved 4 years ago. I spent 8 hours total in the hospital, I didn’t need a thing. I went home and took l pain pill and that was all. I drove to the store the second morning after surgery. I walked in the mall for two hours, four days after the sleeve. The only thing I can recommend is don’t stock up on stuff. I threw out a ton of stuff we never got around to using, like Protein Shakes and lots of expiration dates. I remember Torani sugar free syrups, all flavors, worked wonders with vanilla shakes. I never even felt I had surgery, if it hadn’t been for the little bandages on my stomach. We were never nauseated, it was just a good experience. The anticipation was the worst thing.