Hello everyone! I am a 32 year old married woman from Warren, Ohio. I am currently going to school to become an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) and have 2 more semester to complete. In the meantime I am a cashier at Sam's club. I began my journey with the sleeve in July 2011 by attending a seminar on the different weight loss surgeries available given by Dr. Ben-Meir of St Vincent Charity Hopsital. From that point on I knew this was something I wanted to do it was just finding the funding. I went home and discussed everything I had learned with my husband, who was on board until he found out the cost. In the next few weeks I did some research to find out what if any my insurance would cover. They did not cover any type of bariatric surgery no matter the reason. We realized then if this was something we were gonna do then we would have to figure out a way to come up with funding. With me in school and not able to work full time taking out a loan was not an option because thinggs were tight as it was and we could not afford another bill. It took some creative thinking and the support of both my family and his but we were able to come up with a plan that allowed us to start repayment after I have finished school. Once we figured everything out I made my consultation appointment. My husband and I were so impressed not only with Dr. Ben-Meir but also with his staff. Everyone was so kind and helpful. I was immediately assigned a patient advocate that I can call anytime Ihave any questions! She has been amazing through this whole process. Not ever having suregery before I was quite nervous and scared.

The day had finally come for me to have my surgery 12/19/2011. Luckily I was scheduled first thing in the morning and had to arrive by 6:00am so I did not have much time to think about it once I had arrived. I had my surgery and in my room by 1:30pm. They had already removed the tube from my throat and had my morphine pump implated. The only thing I can remember from the recovery room was the pain until I was given the morphine pump. Dr. Ben-Meir was in to see me twice a day while in the hospital. The nursing staff was extremely helpful and pleasant!

The time came when I could finally go home!! I couldn't wait. The only problem I had thru the entire process was not being able to toilet myself. As an OTA student this was even more difficult for me to accept. I just was not able to twist the way I needed to reach my backside. This was something I never considered. With the help of my husband and mom I made it through. Here I am 7 days post-op, I have lost 17 pounds, and am most importantly independent when it comes to using the restroom!!!!! I still have pain when sitting and standing and when laying on my side but it is getting better with each day! I am looking forward to seeing where this journey is going to take me! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and will have a Happy New Year.

Hello everyone! I am a 32 year old married woman from Warren, Ohio. I am currently going to school to become an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) and have 2 more semester to complete. In the meantime I am a cashier at Sam's club. I began my journey with the sleeve in July 2011 by attending a seminar on the different weight loss surgeries available given by Dr. Ben-Meir of St Vincent Charity Hopsital. From that point on I knew this was something I wanted to do it was just finding the funding. I went home and discussed everything I had learned with my husband, who was on board until he found out the cost. In the next few weeks I did some research to find out what if any my insurance would cover. They did not cover any type of bariatric surgery no matter the reason. We realized then if this was something we were gonna do then we would have to figure out a way to come up with funding. With me in school and not able to work full time taking out a loan was not an option because thinggs were tight as it was and we could not afford another bill. It took some creative thinking and the support of both my family and his but we were able to come up with a plan that allowed us to start repayment after I have finished school. Once we figured everything out I made my consultation appointment. My husband and I were so impressed not only with Dr. Ben-Meir but also with his staff. Everyone was so kind and helpful. I was immediately assigned a patient advocate that I can call anytime Ihave any questions! She has been amazing through this whole process. Not ever having suregery before I was quite nervous and scared.

The day had finally come for me to have my surgery 12/19/2011. Luckily I was scheduled first thing in the morning and had to arrive by 6:00am so I did not have much time to think about it once I had arrived. I had my surgery and in my room by 1:30pm. They had already removed the tube from my throat and had my morphine pump implated. The only thing I can remember from the recovery room was the pain until I was given the morphine pump. Dr. Ben-Meir was in to see me twice a day while in the hospital. The nursing staff was extremely helpful and pleasant!

The time came when I could finally go home!! I couldn't wait. The only problem I had thru the entire process was not being able to toilet myself. As an OTA student this was even more difficult for me to accept. I just was not able to twist the way I needed to reach my backside. This was something I never considered. With the help of my husband and mom I made it through. Here I am 7 days post-op, I have lost 17 pounds, and am most importantly independent when it comes to using the restroom!!!!! I still have pain when sitting and standing and when laying on my side but it is getting better with each day! I am looking forward to seeing where this journey is going to take me! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and will have a Happy New Year.

Congrats!!! We're sleeve sisters!!! I was sleeved on the 19th as well!!!... Glad that you're doing good.. I haven't weighed yet.. I'm tempted... but I have my 1st post-op appt tomorrow... and I'm waiting until then.. Congrats again!!!

Congratulations!!! I had my sleeve on the 19th as well and am feeling better with every day. I weighed myself this morning and lost 17 lbs. What a great Christmas present. Good luck with your recovery and congrats again

OOOOhhhhh, I can't wait to see weights from both of you!! Ray, Welcome to the loser's bench!! Tina, I can't wait until you update your face pic with that big smile of yours!

Ray, thanks for telling your story and I'm glad you found VST!

congrats!!!!! i know what you mean. wiping my backside is not easy but some how, i manage! i was sleeved the day after you. i havent weighed myself yet but im going to wait to see how much i weigh at my first post op appt.

the pain is still there but im so over it! i wish i had a remote control for life to fast fwd to a month from now where i can eat foods (so i could get in protein) & i wont have much pain & i will be able to be more active. everyday does get better but i just wish i didnt feel so stuck.

Congrats and welcome!!!

Congrats everyone! Keep up the good work and welcome to the Loser's club!. I only weigh every few days...and each time I've lost weight.

RayRay,

I'm only a week ahead of you, but what a difference a week makes. I thought that I had made a mistake, based on the way I was feeling, until my 8th day post-op. Now, I feel great, have quite a bit of energy, and am struggling to juggle the Protein, Water, and Vitamin requirements. As long as I stay home, I'm fine. When I'm away from home, well, let's just say that I'm not as organized as I should be. Anyway, welcome. I love this site, because I find answers and support here. You will, too.

How crazy! I have a feeling we may have been at the same meeting in July! I too live in Warren, and am scheduled to have my surgery at St. Vincent's on March 4th! Any advice or support would be much appreciated!