Hello everybody, I found this forum a couple of hours ago and have been lurking on it ever since.... I just learned about Vertical Sleeve a few days ago and I'm meeting with my doctor tommorrow to see what she thinks/knows about it. I have been around 200 lbs for years with high blood pressure and asthma and my BMI is over 33 so I hope she will recommend me as a candidate for this surgery. I have learned a lot in the past couple of hours from reading your posts. Also I have a good friend who has lost almost 100 lbs with a lap band but I didn't think that was for me. Seeing her go through all the nausea when eating, I thought that the whole thing wasn't worth it, but I have undergone a change of mind. The sleeve seems so simple in comparison to the other surgeries, and I'm sooooooo tired of being fat, ugly, and tired. Cheers and good luck to you all. Carolyn

Welcome Carolyn The sleeve has been a HUGE blessing in my life. I was obese in my 30's and I now have a normal BMI and FEEL GREAT in my 40's You are going to love sleevie wonder

Thanks for the kind welcome, sleeve4me!

congrats on taking the first step.. i did a lot of research before i decided to get the surgery and what i found was amazing. I would definitely recommend you read up on all your options before you make a decision, but im sure you will realize that the sleeve is well worth it.

I was sleeved 8 days ago and even tho i have my ups and downs, i still think its the greatest decision i have made for myself. and the support on this site is amazing. everyone is very welcoming and willing to help you out and give support and advice when needed. Its like were all a family here too.

So if you do decide to go thru it.. you can rest easy to know that you will make friends here that will probably become life long.

Good luck to you on your journey. and keep us updated with your progess.

Ya it seems right for me. The liquid diet part will be hard I think. At only 8 days post you are still a newbie too sort of, I will be following your progress, and wishing for the best for you. Thanks for the warm welcome!

yes definitely a newbie.. so ill check in on you to see how you are.. its nice having being able to compare when you are both starting out.

Thanks, but I can't imagine that I'll get surgery within the next 6 months so you'll be an old hand by then! I'll use you for inspiration!!

Curious, Welcome to VST! I'm almost 4 months post op and down 70 pounds. This was the best decision I've ever made for myself. I had a ton of co-morbidities, and they are almost all resolved. I'm a few pounds away from my doctor removing my bi-pap because my sleep apnea should be completely resolved by then.

Like you, I've had friends who have had other surgeries and I was repulsed by what they went through. One gal had a gastric bypass in the late 90's and was always running to the bathroom because she ate one bite too much. Then, after she lost her weight, she had major plastic surgery and I was "privileged" to see the stitches. UGH. Others have had different surgeries and gained back all their weight. I knew I wanted something that I could live with for life and that would help/make me resolve my food issues.

For me, the sleeve has done that. I'm still a work in progress, but it helps me decide to eat what I should eat rather than stuffing myself with junk. By the time I meet my nutritional requirements every day, I don't usually have room for junk. However, I can still have a treat if I wish to do so without worrying about dumping syndrome.

I am glad you're doing your research and I hope you'll choose the right weight loss surgery for you.

Good luck on your journey!!

Thanks for the welcome, Lissa. I guess one thing I 'm wondering about is follow up help.... if you have surgery in Mexico, what happens when you need to see the doctor about follow up care. Thanks, Cheers, Carolyn