I an just starting my journey to the sleeve! I currently weight (& and this is big for me to actually announce it my husband doesn't even know how much) 393. I am 5'5. When I look up my ideal weight for my age and height it is apparently about 140lbs. Which means I need to lose 253 lbs! I know I have a larger frame and frankly I don't know that I would look good at that weight the goal weight I have set for myself though is between 150-175 ( pretty big range but that could change once I see how I look smaller, I can't even picture myself smaller) so even with meeting the 175 I still have 218 to lose! I am currently 27 years old. I have been reading a lot of other member posts and must say it is VERY encouraging! I so can not wait to get this ball rolling! I do have a question for those who have lost a lot of weight, how bad is the excess skin, and is there anyway to make it less of an issue. I know the surgeon said if you were younger is wasn't as big if an issue because your skin has more elastic. Can't wait till when I can say I'm post op and a loser ( haha wow never thought I'd look forward to being called a loser lol)

*UPDATE* my initial consult us scheduled for January 2nd at 1:30. As far as insurance looks like I'm required to do a 7 month diet and an 8 week phone thing with a program called healthy roads. They said they ate typically scheduling appts 6-8wks after insurance approval. So if all goes well I'm looking at August for my surgery! I am so stinking excited this just totally made my Christmas!!!

Awesome!! 1st step outta the way! Now lets get to losing! Isn't it exciting?! I am constantly thinking about it lol

I can't stop thinking about it either! I wanna shout it from the rood tops but I'm not telling anyone. The one people who know are my mon, my husband, my best friend who is also planning to have surgery & my husband best friend/cousin!

Awesome!! 1st step outta the way! Now lets get to losing! Isn't it exciting?! I am constantly thinking about it lol

It won't be easy but you can do it. I've lost 192 lbs in the last 11 months and I just completed my first triathlon. Set the goals (don't worry about stalls, they will happen) and reward yourself. Also get to know your local Goodwill center (the place where you drop all the clothes you currently off... and most of those that you buy on the way down). It's a really exciting trip to Healthville!

Woohoo do update!!! Had my initial consult today!!! Meet with the surgeon and my patient navigator. Went over medical history and scheduled more appts. Surgeon said I would make an excellent candidate for the sleeve. I have an order for a massive amount of blood work (including stool sample) I have an appt scheduled for and upper endoscopy ( where they put the tube down your through to check for hernias and stuff I have two appts scheduled for the 18th one for my behavioral health and one with the doc that will be doing my diet!!! I also have to have a mamogtam done as well and pay $100 for education classes. I am sooo excited to have this ball on a roll!!!!

awesome! It feels so good to finally have a ball rolling and a direction to go in! Congrats!!!

Hey Guys!! I was sleeved on Dec 19th.. So far I've lost a little over 21 pounds since surgery... I'm excited and very hopeful that we will experience great success on our journey to wellness!!!

I'm trying not to be so scale conscious and forget to enjoy the journey!! Let's keep in touch!!!

Tina

Definitely you can do it. I'm still in process, but at age 64, I'm pleased with my progress. Work your program and do not compare yourself to others. Re: loose skin, with 200 pounds to lose you'll probably have some, but it won't be as bad for you younger folks as it is (and will be) for me at my age. However, I'd rather have the loose skin than all the weight. Favoredone made a good point. Don't focus on the scale. Focus on your new lifestyle. I wish you happiness on your journey!

Welcome! I'm 36 years old and my highest weight was 394. I had my surgery back on July 21, 2011. I lost 23 lbs on the pre-op diet and lost another 72 lbs in the 6 months since the surgery for a total of 95 lbs. I was so excited yesterday when the scale read 299.5 (only us heavier ones can appreciate this kind of victory) I am finally in the 200's....and the best part is I will NEVER be in the 300s again.

It really was the best decision I have made. Before surgery I was wearing anywhere from a 28-32 pants and 3X top. Right now I am wearing 24-26 pants (I'm bigger in the hips and thighs, although the pants are too big on my waist) and 18/20 top...yea! I'm actually enjoy getting dressed in the morning because everything in my closet either fits or is too big...unlike before when it was stressful each morning to try to find something to fit and look professional. And when I go shopping in the clearance section of the plus size stores, I can actually find 18/20s...because we all know the bigger sizes go first. So my clothes are actually becoming cheaper.....

I also notice that I am not as anxious when going places. For example my sister and I went out to lunch and I used to immediately look for a table (instead of a booth or chairs with arms because before I wouldn't always fit comfortably)...but this time we sat outside in the wire patio chairs and I fit...and I loved it. Again, only some of us can appreciate these situations. My confidence is soaring. I cut 6 inches off my hair and am starting to wear less frumpy clothing (although I still know my limits

My husband loves me regardless, and has always said I am pretty....but yesterday he told me "You're HOT!" I couldn't believe how good this comment made me feel as we couldn't stop staring at me as I was walking out of the room.

In a nutshell - it does work. And it is wonderful! Best of luck on your journey!

Well, I called BCBS and it's official, my paperwork is being reviewed. I've called everyday to check to see if they had received it and as soon as they said yes, I had my first full on panic attack sitting at my desk. I broke out into a cold sweat and my heart started pounding. LOL! I'm ok now, but why now all of a sudden?

Hi guys.... Im new here 2. was sleeved on 5th Dec. weighrd in at 219.7kg... (horrified myself). nearly 7 weeks on and im currently 194.7kg. am thrilled. Am getting married in July so hope to have a good bit more down by then.

Hi there, I'm new to this forum too. I am 34 yrs old with a top weight of 438. My goal weight is 225-200 pds. I am 5'10 and think this will be a good weight. When I look back at the happiest times in my life, that was the weight range I was in. I am at 408.5 now and look forward to breaking into the 300s. The small victories will keep me motivated, and eventually I will hit my target.

I dread having the loose skin, but I plan to weight train and exercise. I hear drinking plenty of Water will help. I pray I have good genes and most will strink. If not there is always surgery or Spanks...lol

I currently weigh 397.8 pounds. My top weight was over 435. I don't know how much over as my scale only went so high. I am waiting to hear back from the insurance company and to attend my seminar. I have read the book and have a list of questions. I really want to be healthy before I am 30. I feel like I have so much life that I haven't even lived yet. Most people are starting to settle down and I feel like I haven't even gotten the chance to live yet. Here is hoping that 2012 brings a new me. My birthday is November 23. I will be 29. I hope to have a date by then at least.

Welcome, I Am Done. I'll keep you in my prayers--hope all goes well for you.

Thanks