Hey everyone my name is Leeda, Im 24, living in Orlando.

Im on my way to getting sleeved god willing before the end of the year. I've done 6 months of weight loss visits with my doctor, I've lost 20 lbs so far, Im 240 now, and I can not wait to get the surgery. I was originally interested in lap band but after I visited with the doctor he recommended the sleeve and Im sold.

Im jumping through the insurance hoops as far as getting the psych and nutrition eval. Im concerned bc when I visited the surgeon their pre determination office said I needed 6 months consecutive of going every month, but when I was going to the doctor some visits she said only come back in 6 weeks. So in 6 months I've had about 4 visits. I've called the insurance company and they say I should be fine with just those visits, but I guess Im hoping for the best planning for the worst. I might have to start my 6 months all over again who knows.

Im so glad to meet everyone on here and read the stories because they are so inspirational, everyone keep up the good work =)

I dont think youll have any problems, good luck on your journey!

I dont think youll have any problems, good luck on your journey!

Thank you, you too =)

Welcome to VST! I'm sure you'll find a lot of great information here.

Welcome to VST! I'm sure you'll find a lot of great information here.

I know, I have already found so much information. I see you just got yours done in June, how is it? I bet you were super excited/nervous when you went to have it done. Well good luck with your journey, I know it will be a wonderful one !

I've been very fortunate. Other than the typical hurdles of the first month, I have been doing well. I think my rate of loss is about average. My downfalls are not quite hitting my water every day and exercise. But we can't change all our old bad habits overnight. I just started drinking propel zero which is helping me get more water down, and this weekend I start a yoga class. Baby steps...! I wish you the best!!

I've been very fortunate. Other than the typical hurdles of the first month, I have been doing well. I think my rate of loss is about average. My downfalls are not quite hitting my Water every day and exercise. But we can't change all our old bad habits overnight. I just started drinking propel zero which is helping me get more water down, and this weekend I start a yoga class. Baby steps...! I wish you the best!!

Thats so good =) What kind of hurdles are normal in the first month? Im a little clueless I have read a little about gas and what not. How much water are the doctors asking you to drink? A lot of people say its hard to drink after the surgery, were you a big h2o drinker before the surgery? Sorry, Im just curious =)

I had diarrhea for about 3 weeks straight. (this is pretty normal--liquids in, liquids out) It will get better as you transition to solids.

I had this painful lump in my throat when I tried to swallow. It was worse with Water. I didn't get anywhere near 64 oz the first 2 to 3 weeks...which is bad...I was very fatigued and nearly dehydrated. I was drinking about 16 oz a day...not enough! I just couldn't force it down...but I should have tried harder. My sleeve was so swollen it literally wouldn't fit. The trick (I learned later) is to take tiny sips ALL DAY LONG. I probably drank this amount before surgery. And again, time just fixed this problem...magically at about day 21 I could get more water in at a time, I gulped all day and night for a day and a half and avoided going to the hospital!

I had the terrilbe shoulder pain from gas...and I know this sounds repetetive, but it's true...nothing really helped that, it just went away by itself in about 3 weeks. That's what I mean by typical...time heals all wounds...literally!

welcome to the greatest wealth of knowledge about the sleeve! i love this place. the insurance is the one that counts and if they say ok the surgeon is on board no problem. i just got sleeved 3 days ago so im knew to it. the main problems i have been having is swallowing as well. it feels like a brick going down and i can only drink about 1/8th of a cup of anything before i am to full to continue and i have to wait about 40 minutes to attempt to drink anything again due to stomach pains. everyone i talk to sy the same thing that it will get better. even with the problems i love it already due to the hunger being totally gone. i dont even think about food right now. totally happy. i have already lost more than 3 pounds since the surgery! totally cant wait for real loss.

welcome to the club and i hope you get your surgery date sooner rather then later. it will be the best decision of your life.

Hey just wanted to update I finally got my surgery approved after 1 year of going back and forth with the insurance company. Im waiting on a call back from the doctor to schedule and see what time would be best for me. Im wondering I can just get it done during spring break from school or if I would need more time to recover. Either way Im getting it done and Im so excited and happy. Thanks for all the support !