ekstone86

The first few days my cravings were terrible!! Everything on tv looked delicious and bread was especially calling to me. It has gotten better and seeing the weight come off is further reinforcing everything. Don't do it!!

I've always been large. You can see it in my class pictures starting around third grade probably. Even though I've always been large, I don't feel it. I'm still surprised when I look in the mirror even though this is the size I've always been! I'm very curious to see how my brain handles all of this long term.

I'm over 2 weeks post-op and sometimes still feel a little bloated but it's much better. It could also be that I haven't worn real clothes in over 2 weeks lol!

Of all the things I brought I used: toothbrush and toothpaste, hair brush, hair tie, chapstick and lotion. I wore the same thing home that I wore to the hospital, I walked around in the socks they gave me and the gown was large enough so I didn't feel like I needed a robe. I didn't even end up using my phone charger because I was sleeping most of the time and didn't feel like being on my phone!

I did! It's easier for me because I live alone so I don't have to worry about what other people will eat or want to eat. I tried to load up on a lot of things that I knew I'd be able to eat, Jello, etc and haven't eaten most of it. I would get a few of a lot of different things. It's true that your tastebuds will change after surgery.

I didn't experience any nausea but the pain was pretty high for the first two days. It got a lot easier after that. I think I was off all pain medicine by 6-7 days post op. There are so many factors but I would be prepared for a lot of pain. That way you might be pleasantly surprised if it's not as bad as you expected!

My pre-op diet was just low carb/high Protein. The only time I had to do only liquids was the day before surgery. The day after surgery my first meal was liquids and then I moved straight to purees. You'll still do great!

I've found that as my incision pain gets better, my stomach itself is a little crampier.

It will get so much better soon!

Good luck! I'm sure it will fly back. I started my process the beginning of November and am having surgery on Thursday. Thankfully my insurance didn't require the 6 month wait! In the meantime, you'll find a lot of information and encouragement around here.

I passed my leak test! Going home tomorrow my so sore ugh

Thank you!!

I've been pretty open about my surgery and told my close friends and family and a few coworkers. I'm grateful that everyone I've told has been incredibly supportive and excited for me. It's a very personal decision and you have to do what is best for you but no decision is wrong.

Feel better!!

Yay!!!

What I've learned so far is that everyone's journey is completely different! My insurance did not require me to lose weight or follow anything for a specified period of time. My pre-op diet is low carb/high Protein but thankfully not all liquid. It's a rollercoaster and an emotional journey but we're all in it together!

What I've learned so far is that everyone's journey is completely different! My insurance did not require me to lose weight or follow anything for a specified period of time. My pre-op diet is low carb/high Protein but thankfully not all liquid. It's a rollercoaster and an emotional journey but we're all in it together!

What I've learned so far is that everyone's journey is completely different! My insurance did not require me to lose weight or follow anything for a specified period of time. My pre-op diet is low carb/high Protein but thankfully not all liquid. It's a rollercoaster and an emotional journey but we're all in it together!

I see Neda Bahrani with Advocate Medical and love her. I've seen Diana Bibbs and Meghan Closser in the practice and adore them all.

Me too!

I'm working with Dr. Mustafa Hussein at the University of Chicago. I haven't had my surgery yet but highly recommend them. It's a well oiled machine there!

Me too!

My insurance already has it in my chart as in progress and they say to expect 5-10 days. I'm hoping that Thanksgiving doesn't delay me!

Hi everyone, I'm Esther. I've been lurking around the boards for a few days and wanted to introduce myself. My surgeon just sent off the letter for approval this week so I'm hoping to hear back in the next few weeks. If all goes well we hope to plan surgery for December since I've already met my deductible for the year and the deductible double next year (of course it does). The heaviest I've ever been was about 293, over a few years I worked with my doctor and got down to 230 (lowest of my adult life). I started to slowly gain it back and then was put on lexapro and gained 30lbs in 3 months and now I'm almost back to my heaviest. After much deliberation, my doctor and I decided on the gastric sleeve. My friends have been incredibly supportive but I'm looking forward to going through this journey with the rest of you.

Me! They sent the approval letter off this week and I'm hoping to hear back in the next few weeks. My PCP and surgeon are all trying to get me in this year. *fingers crossed* for all of us!