Hi everyone. I've been a lurker now for a while and given the events of the last few days I felt it was time to come out from the shadows and introduce myself. Reading these forums has given me inspiration and convictions that I am making the right decision to do this for myself finally. So here is my story....

I am a 44 year old woman from New York. Married, mother of 2 almost grown kids (young adult and older teen). I have been overweight for about 20 years, which has gotten to its worst in the past 8 years. At my highest my BMI was just over 40 and it is currently at 39.8. I have sleep apnea and I have a degenerative back disease (osteoarthritis) as co-morbidities. I have played around with 20 lbs for 8 years now - lost gain lost gain, but haven't lost any significant weight in a long time. Five years ago I looked into surgery, but it wasn't covered by my insurance then. A year ago I found out that it is covered now and I began the process then. I went to a seminar, a support group, met with a surgeon once and then started on the list of doctors I needed to see. From the list I chose to go to the psychologist first. When I went to see her and she evaluated me she told me that I didn't seem like I really wanted the surgery and wasn't ready for it. She was 100% correct. I went to her first because I wanted to be talked out of it. So I went into therapy for the past year. I have made some interesting discoveries about myself, my relationship with food and everything else. It was a great learning experience. Over the course of the year I have completely given up fast food, and even the desire to eat fast food. I do still overeat at times and don't always make the right choices, but I makes the right choices more times than not. My outlook towards food has changed. But I am still hungry all the time. So now a year later I have decided that I am now ready for this surgery.

I decided on a different surgeon than the one I had originally chose, mainly because this one takes my insurance in full and the other one was "out of network". I met with him yesterday and I couldn't have had a better experience. He was friendly, easy to speak to, answered so many questions, explained everything so well and truthfully really made me feel comfortable. His office was very nice and friendly also. He gave me a list of doctors to see and I don't have to see him again until I have clearance from all the doctors. Last year when I was given this list from the other doctor I felt like ugh, I don't really want to do this. And now I feel like, okay if this is what I need to do then I'll get it done.

I spent most of yesterday scheduling appointments and I have everything scheduled for the next 3 weeks. My insurance requires 6 months of weight tracking but my psychologist has tracked me for a year and the doctor said that will suffice so thankfully I don't have to wait another 6 months. But I imagine the process between all the doctors and then submitting for approval and then scheduling surgery will take a few months anyway. I am truly okay with that.

Last year I was so freaked out and nervous about the whole thing and yesterday and still today I am just so excited about it. Just the thought of finally being able to get to a healthy weight where I can feel comfortable makes me so happy. I am so glad I decided to do this and so glad I found this forum. By the way, I chose VSG over the lapband because I just don't think lapband would be good for me. The idea of fill ups and unfills and all that nonsense seems like to much of a bother to me, plus I really don't want a foreign object in my body. The whole grehlin enzyme removing area is also a main reason I like this surgery. The only thing that worries me out of all of the possibilities of things that can happen is one thing he said- if for some reason something goes wrong with the size of the stomach and they can't make the pouch the right size for whatever reason, they will have to convert it then and there to a bypass. I soooo don't want a bypass and never ever even considered that surgery. He said he has never had that happen to him, but it is one of those things that he has to make me aware of.

But beyond that little thought in the back of my head, the rest I am so excited about and I just can't wait to get it done!

Thanks for reading!

Gee

Hi everyone. I've been a lurker now for a while and given the events of the last few days I felt it was time to come out from the shadows and introduce myself. Reading these forums has given me inspiration and convictions that I am making the right decision to do this for myself finally. So here is my story....

I am a 44 year old woman from New York. Married, mother of 2 almost grown kids (young adult and older teen). I have been overweight for about 20 years, which has gotten to its worst in the past 8 years. At my highest my BMI was just over 40 and it is currently at 39.8. I have sleep apnea and I have a degenerative back disease (osteoarthritis) as co-morbidities. I have played around with 20 lbs for 8 years now - lost gain lost gain, but haven't lost any significant weight in a long time. Five years ago I looked into surgery, but it wasn't covered by my insurance then. A year ago I found out that it is covered now and I began the process then. I went to a seminar, a support group, met with a surgeon once and then started on the list of doctors I needed to see. From the list I chose to go to the psychologist first. When I went to see her and she evaluated me she told me that I didn't seem like I really wanted the surgery and wasn't ready for it. She was 100% correct. I went to her first because I wanted to be talked out of it. So I went into therapy for the past year. I have made some interesting discoveries about myself, my relationship with food and everything else. It was a great learning experience. Over the course of the year I have completely given up fast food, and even the desire to eat fast food. I do still overeat at times and don't always make the right choices, but I makes the right choices more times than not. My outlook towards food has changed. But I am still hungry all the time. So now a year later I have decided that I am now ready for this surgery.

I decided on a different surgeon than the one I had originally chose, mainly because this one takes my insurance in full and the other one was "out of network". I met with him yesterday and I couldn't have had a better experience. He was friendly, easy to speak to, answered so many questions, explained everything so well and truthfully really made me feel comfortable. His office was very nice and friendly also. He gave me a list of doctors to see and I don't have to see him again until I have clearance from all the doctors. Last year when I was given this list from the other doctor I felt like ugh, I don't really want to do this. And now I feel like, okay if this is what I need to do then I'll get it done.

I spent most of yesterday scheduling appointments and I have everything scheduled for the next 3 weeks. My insurance requires 6 months of weight tracking but my psychologist has tracked me for a year and the doctor said that will suffice so thankfully I don't have to wait another 6 months. But I imagine the process between all the doctors and then submitting for approval and then scheduling surgery will take a few months anyway. I am truly okay with that.

Last year I was so freaked out and nervous about the whole thing and yesterday and still today I am just so excited about it. Just the thought of finally being able to get to a healthy weight where I can feel comfortable makes me so happy. I am so glad I decided to do this and so glad I found this forum. By the way, I chose VSG over the lapband because I just don't think lapband would be good for me. The idea of fill ups and unfills and all that nonsense seems like to much of a bother to me, plus I really don't want a foreign object in my body. The whole grehlin enzyme removing area is also a main reason I like this surgery. The only thing that worries me out of all of the possibilities of things that can happen is one thing he said- if for some reason something goes wrong with the size of the stomach and they can't make the pouch the right size for whatever reason, they will have to convert it then and there to a bypass. I soooo don't want a bypass and never ever even considered that surgery. He said he has never had that happen to him, but it is one of those things that he has to make me aware of.

But beyond that little thought in the back of my head, the rest I am so excited about and I just can't wait to get it done!

Thanks for reading!

Gee

I too am just starting my journey. I had a seminar on August 4th and to be honest a little nervous. My doctor gave me the letter of necessity and said if they have any questions to call. My BMI is 42 and Ihave arthritus inmy back and osteoarthritus in my knee. My feet are starting to hurt and I ccan not stand for too long because of my feet and knees hurt. I am a little afraid that one the doctors or my insurance will not approve me. I am from NY also and will be going to Ellis hospital. So I know what your going through.

Char

Hi everyone. I've been a lurker now for a while and given the events of the last few days I felt it was time to come out from the shadows and introduce myself. Reading these forums has given me inspiration and convictions that I am making the right decision to do this for myself finally. So here is my story....

I am a 44 year old woman from New York. Married, mother of 2 almost grown kids (young adult and older teen). I have been overweight for about 20 years, which has gotten to its worst in the past 8 years. At my highest my BMI was just over 40 and it is currently at 39.8. I have sleep apnea and I have a degenerative back disease (osteoarthritis) as co-morbidities. I have played around with 20 lbs for 8 years now - lost gain lost gain, but haven't lost any significant weight in a long time. Five years ago I looked into surgery, but it wasn't covered by my insurance then. A year ago I found out that it is covered now and I began the process then. I went to a seminar, a support group, met with a surgeon once and then started on the list of doctors I needed to see. From the list I chose to go to the psychologist first. When I went to see her and she evaluated me she told me that I didn't seem like I really wanted the surgery and wasn't ready for it. She was 100% correct. I went to her first because I wanted to be talked out of it. So I went into therapy for the past year. I have made some interesting discoveries about myself, my relationship with food and everything else. It was a great learning experience. Over the course of the year I have completely given up fast food, and even the desire to eat fast food. I do still overeat at times and don't always make the right choices, but I makes the right choices more times than not. My outlook towards food has changed. But I am still hungry all the time. So now a year later I have decided that I am now ready for this surgery.

I decided on a different surgeon than the one I had originally chose, mainly because this one takes my insurance in full and the other one was "out of network". I met with him yesterday and I couldn't have had a better experience. He was friendly, easy to speak to, answered so many questions, explained everything so well and truthfully really made me feel comfortable. His office was very nice and friendly also. He gave me a list of doctors to see and I don't have to see him again until I have clearance from all the doctors. Last year when I was given this list from the other doctor I felt like ugh, I don't really want to do this. And now I feel like, okay if this is what I need to do then I'll get it done.

I spent most of yesterday scheduling appointments and I have everything scheduled for the next 3 weeks. My insurance requires 6 months of weight tracking but my psychologist has tracked me for a year and the doctor said that will suffice so thankfully I don't have to wait another 6 months. But I imagine the process between all the doctors and then submitting for approval and then scheduling surgery will take a few months anyway. I am truly okay with that.

Last year I was so freaked out and nervous about the whole thing and yesterday and still today I am just so excited about it. Just the thought of finally being able to get to a healthy weight where I can feel comfortable makes me so happy. I am so glad I decided to do this and so glad I found this forum. By the way, I chose VSG over the lapband because I just don't think lapband would be good for me. The idea of fill ups and unfills and all that nonsense seems like to much of a bother to me, plus I really don't want a foreign object in my body. The whole grehlin enzyme removing area is also a main reason I like this surgery. The only thing that worries me out of all of the possibilities of things that can happen is one thing he said- if for some reason something goes wrong with the size of the stomach and they can't make the pouch the right size for whatever reason, they will have to convert it then and there to a bypass. I soooo don't want a bypass and never ever even considered that surgery. He said he has never had that happen to him, but it is one of those things that he has to make me aware of.

But beyond that little thought in the back of my head, the rest I am so excited about and I just can't wait to get it done!

Thanks for reading!

Gee

Welcome. I was in your place not long ago and it has been an amazing journey. This forum was the best thing I came across while researching VSG and has been a HUGE resource to me not only before surgery but after. Everyone here is always willing to give you advice (whether directly or indirectly by reading the posts).

Best of luck to you and I hope your journey to the other side starts soon.

Dawn

Welcome! You will do fine and will not need the bypass! I too was all of the sudden just ready for this surgery.Very calming sense of peace came over me, followed by some nerves( I have decided that was the unconscious mind fighting me) and I have NOT regretted my surgery one time! This absolutely the best thing I have ever done for myself my entire life!

Welcome! You'll do just great!

Thank you all so much for taking the time to read my story and for providing me inspiration. What I have found amazing about these boards is that everyone is so positive. I don't get any negative energy here at all and I love that! It seems like everyone loves there sleeve and I can't wait to love mine too!

Congrats on taking the leal, I myself is doing the same thing:-) I am going to dr. Oritz . I am a self pay, and would like to follow your sleeve surgery with you!!!:-)

im a newbie as well.. great to finds such a site! i have read through many threads on this site and have had many questions answered... awesome......

Glad you took the time to get your head together first before your surgery. You have set yourself up for success. Cuz the sleeve is only a tool. And now you are Ready to begin this most awesome journey! Good luck and keep us posted.

Yes, welcome! Sounds like you've come a long way and are ready to do this! Thanks for taking the time to introduce yourself...I look forward to reading about your journey!

Susan

Welcome! I think most of us have the same concerns as you do, I just remind myself that there is no side affect of this surgery that could be any worse than the slow death that we guarantee ourselves with continued obesity. I get sleeved next Friday, my approval came quickly, so I feel like I'm diving in head first ! It still seems surreal. Everyone hear on the BB is great, full of information and encouragement. It will quickly become your "go-to" source for any question you have. Best of luck to you on your journey!

Welcome! Be sure to keep us updated on your progress so we can be excited with you