Hello everyone! This is my first post and hopefully I will do it right. I am from Louisiana and will have my sleeve surgery on Dec. 16th by Dr. Merriman of Shreveport. My weight has been like a rollercoaster ride since highschool. I thought about having lap band, but after doing alot of research and reading forums on this sites, the you tube video's (which are very inspiring) and not to mention that my insurance company will only pay for one bariactic surgery in a life time, this is the surgery for me. I know that it will be a life style change but I am honestly ready. My current weight is 231lbs and my goal is 150lbs. I'm sort of nervous about the surgery, though I know in my heart it will be the best Christmas gift of all. My son recently got married and after seeing the wedding photos of myself was very embarrasing but at the same time they are very motivating. My daughter will be getting married also the end of next year and I have made up my mind to get off of the weight rollercoaster and to be a healthier person!

god bless you!

how long did it take for your insurance to approve you?

i pray to be sleeved by dec 20th. good luck to you & keep us posted!

Congratulations!! I am 11 days post op and this is so far the best decision I ever made FOR me. I was also scared and nervous, however, my surgery went well and even had a hernia repair while I was under. I didn't have alot of pain except about an hour or so after the recovery room. Got a shot of morphine and was good to go. My two suggestions are: 1. Get up and start walking as soon as you can. I walked within a few hours of surgery. Made it so much easier the next days because the hard part is getting up, it hurts using those stomach muscles. 2. Do exactly as your dr and nut say. Don't stray from their orders on the liquids, etc.

I dont get hungry so I have to constantly remind myself to drink my liquids, water, etc. Some people have this and some are starving during this beginning time period. I think it all kinda levels off once your able to eat soft and solid foods. The liquids tend to leave the stomach quickly.

Best of luck to you, I believe you'll never regret this decision!!!!

Sleeve Diva, Welcome to VST! Congrats on making such a wonderful decision for yourself!!

Good luck on your journey!!