Hi All!

I wanted to start a thread for African-American sleevers (no worries I HEART all sleevers from the rainbow). I just thought, no scientific proof, that African-American sleevers may respond to the surgery different than our lovely non-African American sleeved sisters and brothers. I wanted to know if we had the same skin issue, hair problems, and other surgery related issues. Also, how to deal with the culture shock. African-American "soul food" may be something of the past... or not. So I was just looking for a space to voice culture related issues and concens.

PS- I TRULY :heart: ALL SLEEVERS.

I keep having second thoughts about getting the sleeve surgery! I think my fear is having any sickness that I don't have right now afterwards. No health problems besides Morbid obese current 246 I have one support group class to attend and one more Nutritionists meeting.Please advice

I keep having second thoughts about getting the sleeve surgery! I think my fear is having any sickness that I don't have right now afterwards. No health problems besides Morbid obese current 246 I have one support group class to attend and one more Nutritionists meeting.Please advice

I'm not sure how old you are, but I'm 35 250 lbs, PCOS, Fibromyalgia, Sciatica, Insulin resistant, and now my blood pressure is elevating. I'm getting the sleeve because I would love to have a child, not become a diabetic and hypertensive, and live a healthy and happier life. 10 years ago I wouldn't have thought I would be like this, but I know next year I don't want to be where I am today or worse with my health.

Here's a story: 9 yrs ago I was having a breast reduction and all my friends/family told me I didn't need it, but my insurance approved it and I had the surgery. 2 months prior to my surgery I found a lump and all the test said it was cysts. My doctor said he'll remove them during surgery. At my first, post op visit, I was told the cysts was a fist sized tumor; I thank God everyday that is was benign. If it wasn't for me doing something that I was best for me, I may have never found that tumor. With that being said, you have to think about what's best for you. VSG may seem a like BIG life change, but to me it's a BIG & BETTER change.

I'm not sure how old you are' date=' but I'm 35 250 lbs, PCOS, Fibromyalgia, Sciatica, Insulin resistant, and now my blood pressure is elevating. I'm getting the sleeve because I would love to have a child, not become a diabetic and hypertensive, and live a healthy and happier life. 10 years ago I wouldn't have thought I would be like this, but I know next year I don't want to be where I am today or worse with my health.

Here's a story: 9 yrs ago I was having a breast reduction and all my friends/family told me I didn't need it, but my insurance approved it and I had the surgery. 2 months prior to my surgery I found a lump and all the test said it was cysts. My doctor said he'll remove them during surgery. At my first, post op visit, I was told the cysts was a fist sized tumor; I thank God everyday that is was benign. If it wasn't for me doing something that I was best for me, I may have never found that tumor. With that being said, you have to think about what's best for you. VSG may seem a like BIG life change, but to me it's a BIG & BETTER change.[/quote']

Say that Badu! Speak knowledge.

Thanks for replying and May you have an successful surgery. I'm 35 too I think it's my nerves. I'm going to talk with my doctor about side effects for one who has ni problems before surgery does that make since?

Thanks for replying and May you have an successful surgery. I'm 35 too I think it's my nerves. I'm going to talk with my doctor about side effects for one who has ni problems before surgery does that make since?

Hello ladies, I'm new to the forum with Chicago...

I've been considering WLS since 2005, but because of lifes ups and downs... I had to stop the journey .

I'm finally in the position to have the surgery. I'm in the beginnig process and I've contacted my insurance company (BCBSIL ***), they of required a letter from my pcp and the surgery would be covered 100% along with the specialist visits (with a referral) with a $10 co-pay. Its really up to my PCP, who I will be meeting for the first time soon. Hoping everything goes smoothly!

Does anyone else have BCBSIL ***? What was your process like?

Hello ladies' date=' I'm new to the forum with Chicago...

I've been considering WLS since 2005, but because of lifes ups and downs... I had to stop the journey .

I'm finally in the position to have the surgery. I'm in the beginnig process and I've contacted my insurance company (BCBSIL ***), they of required a letter from my pcp and the surgery would be covered 100% along with the specialist visits (with a referral) with a 10 co-pay. Its really up to my PCP, who I will be meeting for the first time soon. Hoping everything goes smoothly!

Does anyone else have BCBSIL ***? What was your process like?[/quote']

Hi and Welcome! I have BCBSMI and the requirements are the same unless you have a BMI over 50 which I had so my approval was easy. Good luck to you.

Thanks for replying and May you have an successful surgery. I'm 35 too I think it's my nerves. I'm going to talk with my doctor about side effects for one who has ni problems before surgery does that make since?

I think you'll do fine. I'm very nervous. I live in the New Orleans area, and I'm gonna miss eating all the delicious foods but I have to make this sacrifice so I can live longer and healthier. Pray on it.

Hello ladies' date=' I'm new to the forum with Chicago...

I've been considering WLS since 2005, but because of lifes ups and downs... I had to stop the journey .

I'm finally in the position to have the surgery. I'm in the beginnig process and I've contacted my insurance company (BCBSIL ***), they of required a letter from my pcp and the surgery would be covered 100% along with the specialist visits (with a referral) with a 10 co-pay. Its really up to my PCP, who I will be meeting for the first time soon. Hoping everything goes smoothly!

Does anyone else have BCBSIL ***? What was your process like?[/quote']

Hey I also have BCBSIL and I had to do that too. I went to the seminar where they tell you about everything and then I had to pick a PCP and she understood why I wanted to do it and was happy to ok me doing it. It took 3 to 5 days for them to approve the procedure. I say 3 to 5 days because it was being held up a little because my paper work was not sent in when I was told it would. So for me it was a 4 month process from start to approval with my hospital.

Hey I also have BCBSIL and I had to do that too. I went to the seminar where they tell you about everything and then I had to pick a PCP and she understood why I wanted to do it and was happy to ok me doing it. It took 3 to 5 days for them to approve the procedure. I say 3 to 5 days because it was being held up a little because my paper work was not sent in when I was told it would. So for me it was a 4 month process from start to approval with my hospital.

Yeah, thats why I say I hope everything goes well with the PCP, understanding that I need a referral. But looking at the bright side, I did choose her to be my PCP lol. We'll know on the 10th of August.

I'm so dang on anxious... lol

I had my surgery on April 9th and I'm so happy with the results. I'm down 45 lbs and I feel great!

Pic 1: 2 weeks after surgery

Pic 2: last Sunday

I had my surgery on April 9th and I'm so happy with the results. I'm down 45 lbs and I feel great!

Pic 1: 2 weeks after surgery

Pic 2: last Sunday

You look great, congrats.

I had my surgery on April 9th and I'm so happy with the results. I'm down 45 lbs and I feel great!

Pic 1: 2 weeks after surgery

Pic 2: last Sunday

You look great!!!

You look awesome, thanks for sharing!

Great encouragement!

I had my surgery on April 9th and I'm so happy with the results. I'm down 45 lbs and I feel great!

Pic 1: 2 weeks after surgery

Pic 2: last Sunday

Wow you look wonderful!