I have some flexibility in taking time off from work, but if I want to do the sleeve this year (I have insurance approval in hand for 2011!) the only time I can take 2-3 weeks off in a row is December. Pre-op diet would start right after Thanksgiving and so I would be either doing pre-op diet or freshly sleeved through the holidays.

I could take more time off in the spring, but need to double check that my insurance doesn't change with the new plan year and risk my coverage.

I guess I consider taking the step to getting the weight off as a good gift to myself, but I also want to be careful to be setup for success. Would any of you who have already been sleeved be concerned about scheduling surgery over the holidays??? What would you advise your friend/sister based on your own experiences? It does have a certain appeal to know that by the first day of summer, I could very well be 80-100# lighter!

I'm right there on the same page with ya sister!!!! This new year is going to be different, no more fad diets, no more slaving at the gym to shed 2 lbs a month. I'm starting 2012 1 month post sleeve!!!! Yep-eeeee

It is probably not the ideal time. I do worry a little. I would rather not have a lot of extended family around, just my immediate ones, but it is what it is. I will deal with it. My desire to begin 2012 already sleeved and somewhat recovered is much greater.

Having said that, I know I won't pick a date before November 12 though. I have awesome tickets to see Sting in concert and I won't miss it! We have to have our priorities straight, ya know.

I'm scheduled Nov. 15th. Yikes!!! I'm nervous! My insurance is good until end of the year too, so I'm in the same predicament as you. I could reschedule for December, but I'm honestly trying to read everything I can to prepare myself mentally for the Nov. 15th surgery. I have had carpal tunnel surgeries on both hands, shoulder surgeries on both shoulders (one was Sept, 14th), foot surgery 3 weeks ago, and several others within the past 2 years, none of which I was nervous about. I am really a mess about this one, though. I can't figure out exactly why, except for the possibility of complications & the restrictions afterwards. There seems to be such an emotional preparation that goes into this procedure for so many. Anyway, I need to make up my mind about keeping the Nov. 15th date or rescheduling this week so my husband can turn in some vacation time to be home with me & the kids a couple of days after surgery. Sorry I can't help much with your situation...but sometimes it helps to just know someone else is in the same predicament as you. Good luck with your decision! You will do fine no matter what you choose!