Hi Yall,

I am not sleeved yet but getting acquainted with the VSG forum. I have my consult with Dr Nick Nicholson (Plano) tomorrow. I went to a seminar on July 26 and had to appeal an insurance denial before I was approved just a few days ago. I am so ready to get this ball rolling.

At this point I am gathering up all my questions for the doc. My head is sort of swimming at the moment with so many thoughts and feelings. I am going through the elation of getting the surgery approved but also feeling a little scared and, to be honest, sad, about having to go through the pre and post-op struggle of liquid diets and the pain of surgery aspect. I know this will all be a mere after-thought after it's all said and done but I am sure you can relate to those pre-op feelings. You ahve all been there, done that, right?!

I have gained and lost large amounts of weight several times. Been yo-yoing since I was in the 7th grade and I'm 49 now. My most recent weight loss was two years ago. It took me 13 months on Medifasat to lose 85 lbs. By the time I was done with that nasty stuff (shakes, puddings, Soups, etc) I rebounded in a big way and gained it all back plus some.

I plan for this to be my final weight loss hurdle. I KNOW the sleeve is the answer for me. No more stupid diets! I want and need to eat small portions of healthy food and this is going to be an important tool to that end.

I'm curious, what is the psych visit like? How about the NUT visit(s)? I am hoping to be given some firm dates for appts and especially a surgery date tomorrow.

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

Nice to cyber meet yall. I am feeling blessed to connect with you Sleeved Dallas Divas!

Welcome, fellow diva. I had surgery with Dr. Nick on 9/6/11 and have no complaints with he or his staff. I attended his seminar on 7/12 and on 7/26 received my approval. No NUT visit, no PSYCH evaluation. I guess with my BMI and co-morbidities, United was like APPROVED...

Anyway, I will tell you that the pre-op diet is a bit tough, but once you get past day 3 you are home free. 5 bars/shakes per day and 1 meal consisting of 5 oz of grilled or baked meat and 2 cups of non-starchy vegetables. It's funny, but I remember that one meal being the "BEST" burger, chicken whatever I had eaten in a while.

After surgery you will be lethargic, you will question your choice because of the pain aspect. I can tell you from personal experience though, embrace your pain meds and sleep, sip, walk (repeat).. At Day 5, I seemed to turn a corner and I was so much better.

Now, at 3 weeks out I am having some pain on my left lower abdomen which they say is normal. It's where the nerves are reconnecting with one another. I was like, I am okay with them staying away from one another.. HEE

I lost 11 pounds pre-surgery and 17 after surgery. But, for the past 9 days nothing.. I think I need to up my Water so my body is hanging on to what I have and causing me to retain. FUN...

Anyway, good luck tomorrow. I only have one regret about my surgery... (that I didn't do it sooner)... I am here if you need a friendly ear..

Thanks for writing Rebel. Congrats on being three weeks out from surgery! You are on the other side and going strong, right?!

There is a real "move it thru it day by day" aspect to this journey and I am thankful that you shared some great tips and advice with me.

Good to know about the lethargy. I have a very active 11 year old son whom I homeschool so I need to plan for lots of stuff he can do to keep busy school-wise while I am not feeling much like teaching after surgery. Thank goodness for educational videos.

Increasing your Water intake sounds like the way to go to push your body thru to more weight loss. The big flush...

Thanks again Rebel!

Mamasez (Leah)

Welcome, fellow diva. I had surgery with Dr. Nick on 9/6/11 and have no complaints with he or his staff. I attended his seminar on 7/12 and on 7/26 received my approval. No NUT visit, no PSYCH evaluation. I guess with my BMI and co-morbidities, United was like APPROVED...

Anyway, I will tell you that the pre-op diet is a bit tough, but once you get past day 3 you are home free. 5 bars/shakes per day and 1 meal consisting of 5 oz of grilled or baked meat and 2 cups of non-starchy vegetables. It's funny, but I remember that one meal being the "BEST" burger, chicken whatever I had eaten in a while.

After surgery you will be lethargic, you will question your choice because of the pain aspect. I can tell you from personal experience though, embrace your pain meds and sleep, sip, walk (repeat).. At Day 5, I seemed to turn a corner and I was so much better.

Now, at 3 weeks out I am having some pain on my left lower abdomen which they say is normal. It's where the nerves are reconnecting with one another. I was like, I am okay with them staying away from one another.. HEE

I lost 11 pounds pre-surgery and 17 after surgery. But, for the past 9 days nothing.. I think I need to up my water so my body is hanging on to what I have and causing me to retain. FUN...

Anyway, good luck tomorrow. I only have one regret about my surgery... (that I didn't do it sooner)... I am here if you need a friendly ear..