Hello All-

Although I only formally registered today, I have been ghosting this site for a couple of months. I can't thank you enough for the posts and comments here. They are so helpful for those new to the process. I am actually pretty far in the process. I was sleeved by Dr. Bonnor in West Houston on March 1st. I've been extremely fortunate to have no complications nor have I struggled with re-introducing foods. Weight loss is going relatively well and that's before adding in fitness (I will return to the gym this week). I almost feel guilty posting that after reading some of the struggles other have endured.

Why I had the surgery: I have struggled with weight since I was about nine. I am thirty-one now and I have managed to lose the same 80 lbs. THREE times in the last ten years. However, each time I lost it I would put it back on along with 5-10 more pounds. I actually first considered weight loss surgery in 2003 but only bypass and banding were options. I have had issues with anemia and felt a malabsorbitive surgery just wasn't a good idea. And, the idea of a foreign body in me just freaked me out. In January 2010, after the third time I gained all 80 pounds (and then some) back I decided to look into weight loss surgery again. I saw Dr. Bonnor and was thrilled to learn about the gastric sleeve. To me, it just made sense. I was then heartbroken to learn that my insurance only covered the band and bypass. Cut to late October 2010, I found out our policy changed and it was now approving the Gastric Sleeve. I started my three month approval proccess immediately and had surgery March 1st.

Because I had "chickened out" on weight-loss surgery so many times before and I knew a change was necessary, I really didn't let myself think about the good, bad or ugly of this life change until AFTER surgery. I knew the me 10 months after surgery would tell me it was the best idea I'd ever had, but the current me who had a love affair with food would totally talk me out of it. Anyway, other than a dark day 5 days post surgery where I was having some serious buyer's remorse, I haven't regretted my decision. I find myself a little bit in awe right now as I live my life without contstantly thinking about food. Literally, in my former life, I was always thinking about what to cook, what to eat, etc. I love that I am now able to focus on so much more. It really feels the world has opened up for me.

Okay, I'll stop here or I could very well write a book. Thanks again to all of you for sharing your experiences. It has helped me more than you can know especially on that dark day 5 days post-op when I realized there was no going back.

Amanda

Hello and welcome! I too felt the same way about the band and bypass, and love not being a slave to food anymore! What I really love is feeling better and looking good!

Congratulations to you! I have less than 2 weeks until my surgery, and posts like yours are so encouraging. You sound like a very smart person who only helps those of us following your progress!

Hello All-

Although I only formally registered today, I have been ghosting this site for a couple of months. I can't thank you enough for the posts and comments here. They are so helpful for those new to the process. I am actually pretty far in the process. I was sleeved by Dr. Bonnor in West Houston on March 1st. I've been extremely fortunate to have no complications nor have I struggled with re-introducing foods. Weight loss is going relatively well and that's before adding in fitness (I will return to the gym this week). I almost feel guilty posting that after reading some of the struggles other have endured.

Why I had the surgery: I have struggled with weight since I was about nine. I am thirty-one now and I have managed to lose the same 80 lbs. THREE times in the last ten years. However, each time I lost it I would put it back on along with 5-10 more pounds. I actually first considered weight loss surgery in 2003 but only bypass and banding were options. I have had issues with anemia and felt a malabsorbitive surgery just wasn't a good idea. And, the idea of a foreign body in me just freaked me out. In January 2010, after the third time I gained all 80 pounds (and then some) back I decided to look into weight loss surgery again. I saw Dr. Bonnor and was thrilled to learn about the gastric sleeve. To me, it just made sense. I was then heartbroken to learn that my insurance only covered the band and bypass. Cut to late October 2010, I found out our policy changed and it was now approving the Gastric Sleeve. I started my three month approval proccess immediately and had surgery March 1st.

Because I had "chickened out" on weight-loss surgery so many times before and I knew a change was necessary, I really didn't let myself think about the good, bad or ugly of this life change until AFTER surgery. I knew the me 10 months after surgery would tell me it was the best idea I'd ever had, but the current me who had a love affair with food would totally talk me out of it. Anyway, other than a dark day 5 days post surgery where I was having some serious buyer's remorse, I haven't regretted my decision. I find myself a little bit in awe right now as I live my life without contstantly thinking about food. Literally, in my former life, I was always thinking about what to cook, what to eat, etc. I love that I am now able to focus on so much more. It really feels the world has opened up for me.

Okay, I'll stop here or I could very well write a book. Thanks again to all of you for sharing your experiences. It has helped me more than you can know especially on that dark day 5 days post-op when I realized there was no going back.

Amanda

Welcome and good luck on your further adventure!

Welcome! Your story sounds so much like mine. I didn't want either the bypass or lap-band either. I knew I needed to do something but wasn't sure weight loss surgery was the way to go. Like you I'm also anemic and was concerned about the malabsorbitive options. I was sleeved on March 16th and am still adjusting to this new way of eating and thinking. I think I will do better when I can actually have real food. Reading posts like yours makes me feel like I'm not alone with thinking about food so much pre-sleeve and to know that kind of thinking can/will change too. Your story is inspiring!! I hope to feel the same as you as I get farther in the journey. Good luck to as you continue as on!!!

I was also sleeved on March 1st and I made the right decision! Sometimes I wish I could have a big fat steak and I'm sure we all do but I'm 32+ pounds down in 4 weeks tomorrow and I feel great! And the compliments arent bad either.

Welcome. And, congratulations!!

Thank you to all of you for the wonderful and warm welcome! Today is one month and I am 34 pounds slimmer. Life is GOOD!

Oh and Pinkbabe? I so feel your pain with the steak! Yum-O! But, lately I keep thinking about just how much food I used to eat and it totally blows my mind. A month ago I could've knocked out a 16 oz. steak, potato, and salad while chugging Dr. Pepper and still have room for dessert. Just thinking about that much food now kind of makes me feel sick. Craziness!