Hi,

I am new to VST and have been looking around for a few weeks. I find everyone so helpful and nice. It is very uplifting to see so many people willing to share their stories and help those who are in need of some encouraging words. I am just startin out on my journey ( I have my initial consult next week) but I am interested in so many things in the "Sleeve" world. As a girl in her mid 20s I am so ready to start my life and feel that in order to do that I need to be happy with not only my body but my health. I have genetics going against me on both sides and can't remember a time where I was not overweight. I try to picture myself thinner and it just is not something I think I have ever seen. I am so looking forward to all the healthy benefits of being at a healthy weight. I don't want to worry my life away with diets anymore. I have already started exercising more and drinking nothing but Water (ohhh I hate water!) but I am so ready for a life style change that will stay with me forever. Some questions I have are just little things...

How long from initial consult till surgery is normal?

Is there a required amount for your pre-op diet weight loss?

How is the liquid diet post-op? Do you feel like you are getting enough or even too much?

Any encouraging words for someone who is ready to start this journey with bells and balloons!!!!????

Thanks

Brooke, Charleston,SC

Just make sure this is what you want for ever. You may not be able to eat some of the things you love. you may get reflux which nexium fixes for me. You may feel panicky normal with many people but will pass. weight loss is great but does depend on what you put in your mouth. no sugar means no sugar but splenda is great. good luck to you Brooke. I am very happy with my sleeve lost 45 pounds so far my next weigh in is on wenesday. i am 6 weeks post op

Hi Brooke,

Welcome to the group!!! Congrats. I think the timeframe between initial consult and surgery really depends on whether you are self pay or insurance and your Dr's schedule. I was self pay and had my surgery scheduled about 30 days past my initial consult. I am on the Pre-op diet right now and I don't have any directions from the dr as far as how much I need to lose, I just need to stick to the diet. The diet does work, in just 5 days I have lost 10lbs. The protien shakes IMO suck!!!! My dr fortunatly allows me to have some lean chicken with the shake and I feel full when I am done. It's more of a mental struggle than a physical one. About day 2 of the diet I struggled with energy but after that it's been a breeze.

I guess my words of encouragement is to stay focused and remember your goals. When you get to the pre-op diet phase you can start to question yourself and you just need to take a step back and remember why you are doing this and tell yourself that this is the right decision.

Gene

Hello,

I went the insurance route and it took about 7 months from my first Dr appt to the surgery. I was sleeved on 5-29. So far so good. Little frustrated right now but I know it will get better as time goes on. I know I made the right choice. Good luck in your journey. I have spent a lot of time on here reading everything I can too.

Lori