Let's get to know each other before our surgery...I'll go first.

My name is Amy (37 years old). I live in central FL with my husband and two kids, 3 yo DS and 4.5 yo DD. I work in IT doing technical writing and operational readiness. I love photography and have a small side business, and when I'm thinner, I really enjoy running and spinning.

I was banded in Nov 2009 at 374 lbs. From my banding until Dec 2011 (2 years), I lost 198 lbs. I was thrilled! Despite the occasional vomit and inability to eat certain foods, I was still 99.9% happy with my band. Right after Christmas this year, however, I got a terrible upper respiratory infection. I coughed and coughed and coughed. I coughed until I puked, which caused a slip.

I got a complete unfill in early January. Once the slip was fixed, I started getting fills. But then my band developed a leak and slipped once again. Since the surgeon I was seeing was less than helpful, I found a new surgeon, Dr. Domkowski, who finally treated me without acting like I was crazy, as my last surgeon did. Based on his recommendations and test results, we decided to do the removal and sleeve in two separate surgeries.

Dr. D removed my band on August 3, 2012. Because of the extent of damage done by the band, including scarring and pulling the fundus through the diaphragm, I am waiting around four months to be sleeved. I'd love to be banded on November 25, which would have been the three year anniversary of my band.

I've gained about 70 lbs since December. Sigh. The good news is my surgeon is not at all concerned about my weight gain. He is 100% convinced that I'll lose it all once I'm sleeved, since I was so successful with the band. I'm a bit of a goody two-shoes, and I followed the rules to a "T", and I intend to do the same with the sleeve.

I hope the next four months fly by!

(Toledo here).

Hello! We lived in Toledo until two years ago when we moved to FL!

Hello fellow November sleevers!! My name is Kezia. I am 36 years old. I am married and have 3 kids, ages 20, 7, and 6. I am a LPN in a very busy ER. I am very excited/nervous to have my surgery on November 27, 2012 (no Thanksgiving dinner for me either!). I wanted to be off of work for Christmas with my family, which is why I picked this date. Plus 7 is a lucky number . All I keep thinking about is how much next summer is going to be different. I will be able to play with my kids and enjoy the outdoors! My Bari doc asked if I ever go outside because my Vit D was so low. It was funny at the time, but now I think it's just a sad statement about the state of health that I am in. I look forward to the change!

BostonGeorge...of course you're going to have anxiety. It's so totally normal. And yes...I'm starting to get anxious too and mine is not until 11/20. When we all started this process, the surgery was way off in the horizon. But now it's within site. And once we gt on the losers bench, it's going to seem like a whirlwind. It's a long process but its so worth it. We are truly here for you and it's going to be amazing.

Let us know anytime you need support. That's why we're all here.

BostonGeorge...of course you're going to have anxiety. It's so totally normal. And yes...I'm starting to get anxious too and mine is not until 11/20. When we all started this process' date=' the surgery was way off in the horizon. But now it's within site. And once we gt on the losers bench, it's going to seem like a whirlwind. It's a long process but its so worth it. We are truly here for you and it's going to be amazing.

Let us know anytime you need support. That's why we're all here.[/quote']

Thank you so much. That means so much to me. I truly appreciate it. I'm trying to get a grip :-)

Help!! I have been having such anxiety lately about having surgery in 2 weeks. I haven't been able to eat (good thing) or sleep bad thing) I feel like something is going to go wrong. I'm having such a hard time accepting that when I'm put to sleep I have I control. I'm starting to think really negative. I'm really scared. anybody else feel this way?

George, OK, so now I'm jealous!!!! You can't eat? Swear to goodness, My appetite has been so strong. I've eaten bad things that I haven't even touched in years. I'm nervous and anxious. I have hives from the anxiety so actually sleeping is easy since I have to stay drugged up a bit to control the itching.

I bet you'll get a gazillion responses to this post because I'm sure each and every one of us is experiencing similar feelings.

Isn't it great to know you're (we're) normal? Only a crazy person wouldn't have some fear, doubt or anxiety of some sort. I just wish mine killed my appetite instead .GRRRR!

Thank you so much. That means so much to me. I truly appreciate it. I'm trying to get a grip :-)

George, I also am very afraid. I am a nurse and see the complications daily. I try to remind myself that the complications of being overweight for the rest of my life are much more scary. My new favorite quote is from Bill Cosby, "Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it." We are in this together

George' date=' OK, so now I'm jealous!!!! You can't eat? Swear to goodness, My appetite has been so strong. I've eaten bad things that I haven't even touched in years. I'm nervous and anxious. I have hives from the anxiety so actually sleeping is easy since I have to stay drugged up a bit to control the itching.

I bet you'll get a gazillion responses to this post because I'm sure each and every one of us is experiencing similar feelings.

Isn't it great to know you're (we're) normal? Only a crazy person wouldn't have some fear, doubt or anxiety of some sort. I just wish mine killed my appetite instead .GRRRR![/quote']

thanks :-) that made me laugh. I am trying to stay calm over the next 2 weeks. I'm trying my best to stay calm!

George' date=' I also am very afraid. I am a nurse and see the complications daily. I try to remind myself that the complications of being overweight for the rest of my life are much more scary. My new favorite quote is from Bill Cosby, "Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it." We are in this together <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. I know the benefits outweigh the risks. And I have heard so many stories how this surgery had changed people's lives in the best ways. I'm just so nervous of the actually surgery. And you are right that the complications of being overweight are far worse. I appreciate the encouragement so much!

hi Im new on VST Im from Ireland and traveling to tijuana to get my sleeve done. surgery is on the 19th of November. its really scary traveling around to the other side of the world to get sleeved but to have it here it would cost $22,000 and we don't get covered by insurance for elective surgery even if you are considered obese. ok my name is Sarah Im 31 i have two gorgeous girls 5 and 17 months . i had the lap band. it slipped during my second pregnancy so had to have it removed at 5 months pregnant. since then i have gained 70lb . i was really scared the last few weeks even thinking of canceling but since i have found this site Im much more positive . thanks guys x

WELCOME SARAH!!! You are making a long trip but I believe it will be life changing and give you joy. Also a more fufilling life with those wonderful girls without being plauged by weight or the other conditions associated with being overweight.... I wish you the best in your travels and journey to Mx. I will be going to Mx also with Dr. Garcia. I will be sure to keep you in my thoughts as will the rest of the NOVEMBER SLEEVE FAMILY!!!

Is this anxiety talking or is the "no nail polish" rule reason enough to back out of surgery??? Really, all this extra protein and the biotin have made my nails beautiful and now I have to strip these these puppies of their beautiful color. Boo hoo.

I am scheduled for Nov. 5' date=' I was denied once, original surgery date was July 2nd (paper work was sent too early) Hoping that this time around i will have my surgery without any problems.

I am 37 (will be 38 in September) married and a mother of two sons ages 20 and 14 and a 17 year old daughter.[/quote']

I'm November 5th too! Best wishes!

George' date=' I also am very afraid. I am a nurse and see the complications daily. I try to remind myself that the complications of being overweight for the rest of my life are much more scary. My new favorite quote is from Bill Cosby, "Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it." We are in this together [/quote']

I know what you mean. I'm a CVICU nurse. I'm a little afraid too. I like the quote.

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. I know the benefits outweigh the risks. And I have heard so many stories how this surgery had changed people's lives in the best ways. I'm just so nervous of the actually surgery. And you are right that the complications of being overweight are far worse. I appreciate the encouragement so much!

George what about asking your doctor at your pre op for some anxiety meds. I read that doctors will give a small prescription of ambien to help you sleep. May be worth a try.

Hi Debbie' date='

I' m sorry to hear about your husband. However, I'm sure he loves you and wants this for you, too. Unfortunately, life can be stressful. The rule is "Just don't give up!". Be encouraged and realize that this is for you. You deserve this for yourself and are worth it. I'm sending prayers for you and your husband. I'm scheduled for the end of November. When are you scheduled? We will cheer you on.[/quote']

Hey there! Thanks for your encouraging words! lord knows I need them right now. I am slowly getting ahold of myself and have gone back to the gym this week. Yeah me! I am not sched yet, but November is the last month for me to be seen by my pcp, so once that is done will take 2 weeks to get approval by ins co. I am grateful I serve a God who does not let me go! Thanks again!!

OMG got my date November 7th... Surgeon said I need to start liquids tomorrow or NLT the end if the week... I have to shop and get some things as I really did not expect they would come back with a date so close:) I am scared Now!