Hi everyone. I'm Dave, and I live in a small town north of Seattle. I've been lurking for a few weeks, reading and researching. I finally decided it was time to step up and say Hello. I've been working up to this for awhile now, have attended several seminars for the various WLS surgeries available here, and have decided on the Sleeve. I'm a month away from a marathon day at my surgeons' clinic, where they do all the assessments in one day. I expect to have the recommendation for surgery that same day. I'm told my insurance is quick to approve after that, and surgery could happen within about four to six weeks later. So I could easily be post-op by the end of the year.

Your stories are amazing, and I'm really encouraged by all the variety I'm reading here. It tells me everyone's journey is unique, and there is no one perfect way to go through this. I really appreciate the candid posts I'm reading. I'm hoping as I get to the point of having events to share, I'll be able to pass along encouraging words to those walking the path after me. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of this with you.

I'm looking forward to being a shadow of my former self. :scared0:

Dave

Dave

Welcome aboard! From where you are now to being post op is really a whirlwind journey. I am the kind of person that thrived on information about my surgery. There really is a wealth of information, opinion, and experience on this board. I'm sure as you get close you will find you have worries and questions and we are a tight knit little crew here, let us support you.

On a side not, I got to live in the Seattle area for a year and it was bliss. I go back whenever I can and in an ideal world I would live there. (If only I could convince my family and my inlaws to live closer!)

I'm super excited for you. Welcome aboard!!!!

Anna

Hi Dave

Welcome on-board!!!

I'm sure you have made the best decision to have the Sleeve and I hope your appointment goes really well for you. I was like you and did loads of research on the many avenues of WLS.

I'm due to be sleeved soon (October) and I hope to read that you will be joining me and many others as well as we all loose the weight together.

Take care and let us know how you get on at the hospital.

Sue

Hi Dave, welcome and look forward to hearing how you get on.

Jane x

Welcome Dave!

I'm only about 3 weeks post-op, but can tell you it gets easier every day! Congratulations on making the first step and welcome! I'm a bit of a lurker as well, but the information you will get from these boards are amazing! I've been checking it so often to make sure the things I'm dealing with is normal (so far everything has been).

Good luck with assessment day! The time will FLY by and you'll be sleeved in on time!

Welcome, Dave. I wish my surgeons office would did a marathon for me. My surgery is set for December 2. Good luck on your journey. Keep us updated on your progress.

Welcome Dave! My husband grew up in the same little town you live in - small world! What practice are you working through for your surgery?

I'm glad you spoke up, Dave! This group saved me from a lot of isolation and worrying when I got my sleeve. They helped me know what to expect and I could read and share stories of experiences. I'm in the beautiful Pacific NW, too!

welcome dave,you are right about this forum,they are informative and supportive and friendly.i am on here almost everyday.my surgery is sched for 9-15.woohoo!

WELCOME. So glad you found this forum, it's great !!!! You should find everything you need here. Good luck with your insurance approval.:001_cool:

I'm 2 weeks post-op and this is one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Deb

Welcome to the boards!

I found these boards when I was researching my surgery and what a lifesaver.

I hope you stick around and post with us...good luck and I hope the time between now and your surgery passes quickly!

Hi Dave- I too am a bit of a lurker, but am loving the information you can find on this board- my surgery is set for next Tuesday...yikes! Getting nervous, but super excited!

Welcome Dave! My husband grew up in the same little town you live in - small world! What practice are you working through for your surgery?

Thanks, everyone, for the kind welcome. It's going to be a fascinating journey, and I'm looking forward to sharing it with you.

My small town is getting bigger every day, but it seems everyone knows someone who lives, lived, or wishes they lived here. It's a nice town. :confused:

My surgeon is Dr. Ross McMahon and his staff at Swedish Hospital in Seattle. They have a pretty impressive website: www.swedish.org/wls

Dave

welcome, dave; i'm new to the site, too, and hope to have my surgery in edmonds on 7/20, depending on the outcome of my echocardiogram next week. i'm from gold bar, east of snohomish.

Welcome Dave!

I had my VSG surgery 11 months ago today and I could not be happier with the whole experience. It was, without a doubt, one of the very best decisions I have ever made.

Good luck to you on your journey. You will find this to be a great place for questions and support.

Keep us posted.

Best to you.

Brian

Hows' it going?