Hey guys! I'm new here and soon to be sleeved on the 20th of November! I came across this forum through a google search and it was exactly what I was looking for. I've been reading a lot of helpful stuff here the past few days and it's really been like a good friend that understands me and helps me get through my pre-op liquid diet and all other queries I have. A big thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and providing such a vast amount of information.

I'm 24 years old, currently based in Dubai, UAE, where a majority of the population is either over weight or obese. I myself am morbidly obese weighing 447 lbs last I checked at my doctors consultation. However, I'm blessed with a good height so I don't think its too obvious visually. I've always been over weight for my age since the time I was born. However, over the past 6-8 years i've gained weight at a scary rate. I've attempted going on diets, joining the gym, paying for personal trainers but all of that only worked temporarily. I've lost 30-40 pounds previously when I've tried hard but then maintaining a strict diet on a long term basis never worked out. But now the weight has started taking a serious toll on my health and work. I've started experiencing leg and back pains, breathlessness, sleep apnea, extreme laziness etc. So to put it in a nutshell, the past 2 years haven't been very pleasant...mentally or physically.

I've been contemplating to go for bariatric surgery for the past 2 years and now i've finally gotten to it. In Dubai, no insurance covers this sort of procedure so it all comes out of our own pockets. Hence its taken a while for me to take this step. I'm currently 3 days into my pre-op liquid diet and it's just been terrible for me. I get extremely tempted since i'm surrounded by hotels and restaurants where I live. And i've never denied myself completely of food before, ever. I have 2 glasses of the Isopure Dutch chocolate Protein shake daily which doesn't taste too bad, but it felt really sickening today. No clue how i'm going to last for another 13 days! I'm just trying to stay focused on the prize. I've become really moody so its hard to talk to a lot of people, but isolation isn't helping either. So i'm really glad i found this forum. It really helps me just going through success stories and other people's journies.

I'll try to keep posting updates. I'm really looking forward to the next few months. Although my doc has warned me that i'll be regretting my decision for the next 6 months . Is it really that hard?? I have an idea of what to expect but I hope it isn't too rough. From what I've read, each persons journey is unique in its own. Here's hoping for a 'not too unpleasant' one for myself.

Godbless!

Congrats to you!! My surgery is scheduled for November 15th!! I, thankfully, only have to endure a one week liquid diet. I start mine Tuesday, and I'm sure I'll be super tempted as well lol. Just gotta stay strong!!

Good luck and best wishes!!

Glad you found this site. I have been obsessed with it since July. I think you will continue to love it and learn a ton. My surgery is on the 16th and all I keep thinking is that most people here regret not having it done sooner! A few have had complications and they STILL love their sleeves. I think the toughest are the first few weeks not 6 months. We can do this!!!!!!!!

Please come introduce yourself on the forum for us, November sleevers. You too VSGme!

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/26418-banana-babes/page__hl__%2Bbanana+%2Bbabes__fromsearch__1

How is everyone doing November sleever, I have not heard from you guys, I am doing great lost 50 pounds already and extremily happy.. can eat bits and pieces here and there but never my whole small plate...

Hope to hear from all of you..

Susan