I am new to the forum here, and about 4.5 - 5 months out to surgery. I did my first dr. visit the 8th of December, and have to be on dr. supervised diet for 6 months prior to surgery per my insurance (BCBS). So far have not lost on my diet, but have increased my protien, and started slowly on some exercise.

I am planning to have my surgery in Decatur, TX, by Dr. Stowers. Anyone have experience with this facility???

At this point I am excited and nervous. Hoping I have made the right decision. I have had friends so far that are supportive, and those that have to tell me every horror story they know. Some that tell me of friends that have been very successful, and of course all of the failures.

Welcome! I can tell you the sleeve has been one of the BEST decisions of my life! I am so happy with the results thus far...I am 17 months post op.

New_Hope, Everyone knows a "friend of a friend" who had some kind of WLS and failed at it. I actually met the "friend of a friend" last week that I was told about. She looks really good, but, when we chatted, I found out that she had GB, so she didn't fail at the sleeve.

There is a ton of info right here for you to see the real life stories and experiences of other sleevers. I think having my sleeve was the best decision I've ever made for myself. I feel like a whole new person, and I've lost nearly one whole person already, at 4.5 months out!

Don't let the horror stories freak you out. There IS a risk of complications with any surgery, including VSG. Do your research and be sure that you know what to expect afterwards.

Good luck!!

Thanks everyone for the support. I will feel better once it is over. I think one of the reasons I am nervous is that about 1.5 years ago, i had a very small outpatient finger surgery. 3 weeks later I felt like i had a bug bite on my bottom. DH looked at it and said it looked like a mosq. bite. One day later I could hardly sit down. DH looked at it again and said he thought I should see the doctor. So, I made an appt. the next day. He said it was a very small boil. Nothing to worry about. He lanced it and told me to come back in two days. I was so sick for the next two days I was miserable. Ran a 104 temp most of the time. Went back to the doctor, and the rushed me into the hospital and did surgery. Two surgery's later and 11 days in the hospital, and I was finally able to come home. About a week later, I was finally able to sit in a chair. Now I am somewhat afraid of surgery. I know the odds are everything will be fine, I just get nervous, lol.

I am having my surgery in the morning with Dr. Stowers. I know three others that have been through his office and all have had great results. Good Luck!!

I'm just getting back on. I hope everything went great for you. Keep me up to date on how you are doing.