1-Week Post Op Sleeve And I Feel Great !

[Bonnie0810 0]

Hi everyone, my name is Bonnie. I am 5 feet tall and was 223 lb when i started my journey last November. I have insulin-dependent diabetes, sleep apnea (using CPAP at night), high blood pressure and have had both knees operated on. Since November, i have been working toward my life changing surgery. I am 62 years old and have finally come to realize that if i do not do something now, especially when i have all the tools in my reach, i would be crazy. I jumped in with both feet. My first step was going to the seminar. My doctor was so confident and knowledgeable. I was given the pamphlets and appointments were made. Then the work began, losing the 10% required for the surgery. It was hard work and i worried that I was not going to be able to do it. I had failed on every other diet (i wish i had all the money i spent in my lifetime on diets of all sorts). It was taking too long for me to lose the 22.3 lbs i needed to lose. At my next weigh-in appointment, one of the nurses talked with me about my worry. She was so supportive and understanding that i pushed forward. I did not make the goal by the time my surgery was scheduled, but by the time the surgery was to be performed, but by the grace of God, i made it !!! ... i went through the dieting, appointments with the pulmonologist, cardiologist, psychologist, labs and GI testing. I was doing it. i really did get caught up in the optimism and support. Last Wednesday night, the night before the surgery, i was worried, really worried. Like most, i was worried about the unknown. I heard some horror stories about not being able to handle certain foods, the nausea and the vomiting. I was told and i believe that if you listen to the doctor and follow her instruction, you will not be sick. From the beginning, if you do not drink when you are supposed to drink or eat when you are supposed to eat, the possibility of these things happening is very real. No drinking when eating. Stop drinking 1/2 hour before eating and begin 2 hours after. Must follow progression of foods, Clear Liquids (see through liquids) for 5 days, full liquids for 2 days, then pureed foods. I struggled and did this for a week AND i lost 8 lbs. I feel great (don't get me wrong, it was still surgery on your abdomen with the incisions and piercing pain when you cough) BUT it goes away. I keep thinking over and over, i will not have to ask for a seatbelt extender this year on the airplane for vacation and i will not have to take pain meds for my legs. My journey is moving forward ...I hope everyone who is contemplating this surgery goes forward and succeeds. Don't wait until you are 62. I feel wonderful right now, even with the fear of sneezing, about the 30-some lbs i have lost so far. Good Luck to everyone. Thank you for listening.

[hadouni 301]

So happy to hear you're doing so well! I had a great experience too! It's kind of sad that we have to get so heavy before insurance cares enough to help.

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,281]

Hello hello hello!!! congrats on all your success so far! Keep up the positivity... it will ALWAYS keep you motivated. :smile1:

[dominique 34]

Congrats and welcome! I'm glad you found us.

[twoboysandagirl 109]

Bonnie our states were similar... I am 5.3 but was 226.5 pounds when I started the work. Had to lose 10 pounds prior to surgery. Now I have been at or below goal for 8 months now. Your are so right....listen to you doctor and follow the plan and I believe with your attitude and determination you will be here where I am in a year! Great to meet you. good luck on your journey.

[smkeller 3]

Bonnie, so nice to have company - I was 63 when I was sleeved six months ago. It was definitly one of the best things that I have ever done. I did, however, research (doctors and facilities) for a year and listen to a lot of experienced advice which I wish everyone would do before launching themselves off into this serious surgery. I had all the things (except the knees, well one knee), and all is better now. Still have sleep apnea, but not as serious as before, but no fatty liver, HBP, or Type II diabetes. Best of luck with your recovery. You are a brave girl, and I know that you will be rewarded for it.