I am new, just joined today, although I pop on and read some of your posts now and then.

I have a great doctor who just moved from the east coast and he is waiting for his privileges to practice. Hence, my surgery is about 2 weeks out. I will find out the date this week. And Monday I am planning to start the two week preop diet. Originally wanted the lap band, found out I wasn't a good candidate then decided on the sleeve until I changed my mind and wanted the Duodenal Switch. Chickened out of that one, and feel like a flake now. Back to the Sleeve now, and I think I am settled on it for sure.

My story is probably the same as hundreds of you all's...Was thin my entire life, (born a premie at 4#) and started gaining at 19 with the birth control pill, and subsequent pregnancies. Yo yo dieting, start/stop smoking, rich foods, lack of exercise...the usual stuff-- brought me to 350 today. I have recently lost 30 (since March) but am trying so hard to not gain any of it back before the surgery, although it fluctuates daily, mostly in the right direction.

I have been researching wt loss surgery and discussing it with my dear sweet husband (#2) for a couple years. And now, while I am between jobs (got laid off in March) no insurance hoops to jump through since I lost my insurance with the job, the timing is perfect. financing out of pocket so I will take any money saving tips you all can give me. :001_tongue:

I am wondering if anyone actually loses 200 on a sleeve? I am 5'10 large frame and large muscles under a whole lot of fat tissue. If I get down to 150 I am probably looking at being a size 14. Not the 2-8's I see here, but I won't be discouraged. I am afraid of plateauing out. Still, even when I get to 200, I will feel like I have a new lease on life.

Co-morbidities...how much time do you have?

Severe sleep apnea (diagnosed a year ago)

Pre-diabetic with a long family hx of it

Neuropathy in arms and legs

B/P creeping upwards

GERD & Hiatal Hernia

I left some things off, but you get the idea. A ticking time bomb just the same. I used to love cooking, but now I just dread it. And my husband loves eating. He is 6'2 250# could stand to lose about 30 so he has recently been trying to eat better while I am on my better eating habits.

I have two major goals 1.) to be and feel healthier 2.) I know I might be too sensitive, but I am so tired of the cruelty and want it to go away with the weight. I don't know what possesses people to think they can treat obese folks like we're not human, but I am fed up. And after tolerating abuse my entire adult life (even from my first husband) I am so not looking forward to being abused for my decision to do something about it and take radical action. I have heard horror stories of the cruelty for making this decision. Anyone care to share their thoughts on that with me? So I am reluctant to tell many people I am doing this.

Ok, enough of my random thoughts...I'd love to hear from you all.

Anxious to start melting (and scared to death),

~GeorgieGirl1957

Edited July 4, 201016 yr by GeorgieGirl1957

Welcome and gratz on making the decision to change your life. I had most of the same co-morbidities as you. Since my surgery (a month ago) I am already off of my blood pressure meds, my CPAP machine and am already getting some relief from my chronic back pain. It only gets better! Best of luck and keep us posted.

Hey Maddie,

Thanks for your reply.

How did you add the tracker thingy to your thread?

I like it!

For now:

My doc = Dr. John Husted

My BMI = 52

WL Goal = 200 lbs

Sleeve Date = Mid July 2010 (I should have a definite date by 7/8/2010!)

~GG