I began seriously considering bariatric surgery in January2011. My husband and I went to an informational meeting with the surgeon I was considering using. Initially I was thinking lap-band but after this meeting, I quickly changed to vertical sleeve gastrectomy because you won't lose as much "excess" weight with the band as you will with the sleeve. Also, there is no foreign object (band) left in your body. So, the decision was made to do vertical sleeve. My husband was skeptical until we attended the meeting. Afterwards he was convinced and very supportive.

My surgeon's office, Dr. Richard Shimer, sent the request to my insurance company (United Healthcare) to see if it would be covered. I did not have any co-morbidities and my BMI was 35.7 therefore they denied coverage. I appealed it but lstt again!! I knew I wanted to have the sleeve whether my insurance paid for it or not....

All pre-op testing was complete and my surgery was scheduled for 4/25/11. I was so excited but not nervous at all!

I am now I am 11 days post op today and have lost 14.5 pounds as of today. I've never lost 14 pounds in my life!!! I am thrilled. I am feeling a little more comfortable in my clothes that were too tight before surgery.

I am on full liquids. I am wondering at the point, how many meals are you having each day? I have read 3 per day and 6 per day. a little confused

Congrats on your weight loss!! I am glad to hear that you had a good experience I am still pre-sleeve but my surgeon is very strict about only 3 meals per day... but from what I've read it seems like 6 is almost necessary for sleevers to get in all of their requirements. I, too, am very interested in reading what some of the sleeve guru's on here have to say.

my surgeon told me 6 small ones a day. post op liquids were the hardest.. cuz i never think of liquids as a meal. but to get everything that you need in, they told me 6. But I have seen on here that so many people are different with what their surgeon requires of them. I know that post op...i was never hungry so getting 6 in felt like a challenge odd compared to where i came from pre op, where NOT eating was a challenge. Listen to your body is my best advice. and make sure that you are getting your protein. and wtg on what you have lost so far! and welcome to the board! :hurray:

hey twin,

I just sent you a message. I am also looking at Dr. Shimer. Glad you are doing well