Introducing Marie from Michigan

Marie from Michigan · May 20, 2011

Hi All:

I am Marie from Michigan. I was sleeved in Grand Rapids, Mi on April 12. I just found this forum for the first time last week upon advice from a friend. I have been doing a lot of lurking and find it comforting and motivating to hear so many stories like mine.

My surgery was "text book" according to my Doctor and I have had relatively few complications. Like most of you, the first two weeks after surgery were really rough, but now at 5 weeks out I am feeling pretty good.

I am still on "mushies" until week six. After reading here, I think my Doctor is pretty conservative when it comes to introducing new foods. But I haven't had any problems so all is good. I am really looking forward to things like eggs and tunafish.

I am supposed to eat 70 grams of Protein and drink 64 oz of Water each day. I make that most days but its a struggle. Calorie-wise, I am averaging about 500-600 per day.

I have lost 38 pounds from my first Doctor's visit, but only 16 pounds since surgery. I went through a stall at 2 weeks that lasted about 12 days. Recently I have been losing about 1/3 of a pound a day. So...not losing weight as fast as others I have been reading about. Hopefully, the weight loss will speed up soon.

After my two week post-op appointment, I was cleared to exercise. I have been walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. So far, so good.

I am going to Disneyland with my family in late June. I am looking forward to fitting into the airplane seat without an extender as well as doing the rides without worring about fitting the seats. Wish me luck!

Middlesister57 · May 20, 2011

Hi Marie,

I am from Grand Rapids also. Who was your surgeon? I went with Dr. Kemmeter from Grand Health Partners.

Lisa

Nancy Rivers · May 20, 2011

I'm from Michigan too, but on the other side of the state in Clio - although I'm mostly living in Cincinnati now. Welcome to the forums. Sounds like you are doing great! Thanks for posting.

Marie from Michigan · May 20, 2011

Hi Marie,

I am from Grand Rapids also. Who was your surgeon? I went with Dr. Kemmeter from Grand Health Partners.

Lisa

Hi Lisa;

Same practice, but my surgeon was Dr. Foote. Did you also have the sleeve?

Middlesister57 · May 20, 2011

Yes I also had the sleeve. My surgery was Dec 14. You should come to the Monday night Peer Support group. We have a great group. It's from 5-6 at GHP on Monday nights. It's great for asking questions and just feeling supported. I've been going for about 2-3 months now. I really look forward to it every week. It's very informal and everyone is so helpful and nice. Please come. We also have a Facebook page if you are on Facebook. Just search GHP Support on Facebook and you will find us.

Good luck in your continued success.

Lisa

Marie from Michigan · May 20, 2011

Yes I also had the sleeve. My surgery was Dec 14. You should come to the Monday night Peer Support group. We have a great group. It's from 5-6 at GHP on Monday nights. It's great for asking questions and just feeling supported. I've been going for about 2-3 months now. I really look forward to it every week. It's very informal and everyone is so helpful and nice. Please come. We also have a Facebook page if you are on Facebook. Just search GHP Support on Facebook and you will find us.

Good luck in your continued success.

Lisa

Thanks for the invite, Lisa. I work some Monday nights. Is it okay if you can only come 1-2 times a month? I have attended the last two Thursday night information sessions and found them helpful.

Marie from Michigan · May 20, 2011

I'm from Michigan too, but on the other side of the state in Clio - although I'm mostly living in Cincinnati now. Welcome to the forums. Sounds like you are doing great! Thanks for posting.

Thanks, Nancy. Looks like your surgery is coming up quite soon. Hope everything goes well.

Middlesister57 · May 20, 2011

Marie,

Yes you can come as much or as little as you like. Some get out of work at 5 and have to come late, and some have to leave early for things. Like I said it is very informal. Just come when you can. I wish they advertised it more because I think it is the BEST!

Hope to meet you soon.

Lisa

Nancy Rivers · May 20, 2011

Thanks Marie. I hope it goes well too. I don't have the date yet, but will probably get it when I see the doc on the 27th of June. At least that's what I am hoping.

ScentsyLady · May 21, 2011

Hi! I'm Sonia from Kalamazoo, MI! I am in the last 2 months of qualifying for insurance coverage. It went slow at first, but now things are moving right along. I am hoping to get a date for the end of July , first part of August.

I am having Dr. Verseman do it at Borgess Hospital. It has been a long road. I like wanted it yesterday, but BCBS is tough on the requirements.

I love this board for just about any information or inspiration you might need. It is awesome to come here and share everyone's experiences, good or bad.

Thanks everyone for all your stories!

Sonia