Hi Everyone,

I have been lurking for a few months wanted to take the time to tell my story. I have been researching gastric surgeries for about five years. Like most others, I have tried numerous diets (WW, nutrisystem, atkins, etc.) and lost and gained an average of 100 lbs. over the last five years. I have a few medical conditions that is related to my obesity (HTN, pseudo tumor cerebri, DJD). In October of 2008, I went to the bariatric clinic orientation at cleveland clinic with the idea of being banded. Before meeting with the the nutririonist and the surgical team, I never heard of the vertical sleeve. I was recommended to go to obesity help and that's how I found this site. I am so greatful for the information that I learned from the members on this site. Through my research, forums like this, and recommendation from my surgeon, I decided on the sleeve in June of this year. I received my approval letter from my insurance company in August and was sleeved last week October 7th.

I can honestly say that I was very prepared for the surgery thanks to this site. The preop diet helped me to discover the relationship with food that I didn't know I had. The surgery itself went very smooth; no complications. I had a final leak test on Friday and went home Saturday. I am still sore. I was taking oxycodone from the time I was taken off the pump until yesterday. I decided I needed to be awake long enough to do the recommended walking and couldn't do that with the narcs. I hurts to sit up, stand up, roll over, cough, laugh...anything involving stomach muscles. Other than that i have been okay. No nausea, vomitting, or constipation (yet). I'm working hard to get fluids in, it is very difficult but after reading on another thread about constipation, I immediately picked up my Water bottle.

I know this is the best decision I made for myself. I only told a few people. My husband wasn't thrilled but knew I had made up my mind. I didn't want to have to keep explaining my decision. Even one of the nurses asked me why I did this because I'm not that big. My BMI was 41. I was not up for an argument so I just said it was a personal choice. I was happy that one of the other nurses had actually experienced the procedure and gave me some good tips before discharge.

I just wanted to thank everyone for sharing their experience; i don't feel alone because of you:biggrin0:

how do ya'll get that ticker thingy on? Where do you go?

Do a search for "Ticker" - Alex made a sticky for a ticker tutorial.

Congrats! I just got my sleeve surgery date: 11 Jan 2010. My sister, Stoongal, is recovering nicely from hers. Her daughter (my niece, TimeforMe) and I are going to Tijuana together and we're doing it! Stoongal will accompany us. She led the way for our family.