My name is Debbie and I had a gastric sleeve procedure done on June 11, 2012 by Dr. Collin Brathwaite at Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, New York.

I am 44 years old and had considered this surgery for about a year. At first, I was convinced that I was going to have a lap-band. After researching and attending support groups, I learned of the gastric sleeve procedure. Quickly, my mind was changed.

I was a slender person until I had my children. I had 3 children in 5 years and just got heavier and heavier. I also suffered from depression after the loss of my Parent's while I was still in my 20's. Life had never been the same for me once I started to pack on the pounds. The day I signed the papers to have the surgery, I was 5'2" and 252 pounds. Like most of you here, I have been on some form of diet since I put the weight on and have been unsuccessful at losing more than 25 pounds on my own. I do also have hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's disease.

I want my outside body to match what I feel on the inside. I am tired of feeling disgusted with myself. I always feel like the biggest lady in the room and it is humiliating. I want to be able to buy clothes that actually look nice on me and that I like, not just buy them because they fit. My husband loves me regardless, but he deserves to have a healthy wife. My children deserve a Mother that will be healthy enough to see their children when they are born. I just feel that If I didn't do this surgery, I wasn't going to live to be a Grandma and that scared me.

I did my two weeks of liquid diet before the surgery. Honestly, I think I was just in the right frame of mind because I didn't think it was a big deal. I went in to have the surgery on June 11th, 2012 and wasn't the slightest bit nervous (which I found odd). While in surgery, they found that I had a hiatal hernia, so they repaired that too. I woke up feeling sore, not in agony. I tried to not take any pain killers, but the nurses convinced me there was no reason to be uncomfortable. I stayed in the hospital for two days and went home. I really didn't feel bad at all, still just sore. I only continued to take Percoset for two more days. I did my walking to minimize the gas discomfort and I adhered to the liquid diet that I was told to keep.

I am in my 3rd week of recovery and still feel good. I am losing weight. Today, I weighed 217. I am still very tired. I have gone back to work and could easily nap at my desk. I am still taking it easy and trying to get all of the Protein drinks in. My re-introduction to foods has gone smoothly. The only issue I had is when I ate a hard boiled egg too fast. It was hurt to breathe and felt like I was choking (I knew I wasn't because I was breathing and talking). I learned a lesson. EAT SLOW!

I have enjoyed this sight and love to hear about everyone's personal journeys. Congratulations to everyone that has done the surgery. Best wishes for those that are considering it. I can tell you that it is by far the best gift I have ever given to myself.

Good Luck!

Debbie

I'm fairly new to this site too and was just sleeved 5 days ago on June 25th. We have similar stories and are the same age. I too am doing great with the recovery. Still a bit sore in one spot and a little tired but doing everything they are telling me to do. I look forward to using this site to gain buddies who understand what we are going through, It's been great for that. Congratulations on your success thus far. I feel truly grateful that I made this decision.

These types of posts make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. YAY! To both of you, welcome!

Hi so I am pre surgery, I am in the early stages of the process and I have a question, I know I am a boredom eater and I am afraid this will follow me after surgery. Does anyone have any advice about stopping this action?

Congrats Debbie and welcome! I am glad you are doing well, keep up the good work. I too had a real easy time, no issues whatsoever. Best wishes to you!

Congrats to you too Christine!

Tigger, you will find that you wont be able to boredom eat...your sleeve will let you know! Just make sure to eat good foods and you will do great.

Thanks kimmy*custis, that makes me feel better I am just so afraid of failing

I am also new to the forum and I am excited about my surgery for July 18th. The hospital called today to confirm the details and it has finally sunk in at my life is going to change....for the better! Congratulations on your successful surgery!

I, too, started packing on the pounds after having my kids. I had a hysterectomy and then a thyroidectomy because of complications of Hoshimoto's Disease. After that, it is impossible for me to lose the weight. I seriously cannot remember te last time I felt full... It has been years!

I am amazed by the number of people who cast judgments of professionalism based on weight. Trying to promote as a woman is hard enough, but an overweight woman.. Geeze!

This is a great site!! I like that I can chat with people who I can relate to and who can relate to me. Some of my best friends think that I did something uncalled for and drastic by opting for a vertical sleeve. They don't get it. They have never walked a mile in my shoes and been judged by society.

I do have a question because I have just started to eat meat. Sometimes my stomach hurts for a few seconds after I swallow it and then the pain subsides. Does this mean the meat is not agreeing with me or is it just because I am still healing (I am just about 3 weeks postop). It feels like it takes my breath away, just for a moment. Has anyone ever experienced this?

Rafter Jones...congratulations, you will be so happy! Best of luck to you!

Good luck to you, your weight loss is amazing so far! I sure can relate with feeling like the biggest person in the room. Where I work, we wear uniforms and I am well aware that it isn't flattering on me. Congrats on making the decision to be healthier & happier!

Hey Deb! Welcome.

I enjoyed reading your story as a lot of what you wrote resonated with my feelings about myself as well.

I can't wait for my surgery in 23 days and join you. Good luck on your journey! I know you'll do fantastic.