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!

Hi I'm Nov 20th also! 62 days to go!!

I know, right!? Cannot wait!

Hello November sleevers, my surgery is set for November 30th. I was originally set for October but had to postpone. I am 40 years young, married with 2 grown kids and first grandchild due in February. I am so excited to be able to still have this surgery! Good luck to everyone on their journey.... so glad to be a November sleever

Hi everyone! My name is Maureen i dont have a date set yet just finished all the pre op tests. Everything checkd out so now going in for insurance . The only requirement there was bmi of 40 no prkblem there either I HOPE I can schedule for 11/15 my birthday is Nov 5th thjs is the best birthday present I can give myself.

I am mom of two grown kinds. I have horses and dogs. I am currently raising service dogs. Oh and married 26 years hehe. Good luck cant waig to start preol diet!

Hello and welcome! Good luck

:-)

Hello November 2012 sleevers ! How's everyone doing today? Just wondering if any of you are going to Dr. Alvarez around the 30th? Also do I have a sleeve sister by chance?

Got my results today from the upper endoscopy biopsy they took last Monday. Positive for h pylori. I hope this doesn't affect my surgery on November 20th. Doesn't help that I'm allergic to penicillin and erythromycin. This sucks!

Sorry to hear that... I'm sure everything will be okay , I have read on here that some others tested positive for H pylori and still was able to have surgery. Good luck with everything

Wow remind me never to respond on my Kindle... I really can spell!!! hehe

Got my results today from the upper endoscopy biopsy they took last Monday. Positive for h pylori. I hope this doesn't affect my surgery on November 20th. Doesn't help that I'm allergic to penicillin and erythromycin. This sucks!

H Pylori is very common. Are you having symptoms? If not it may not be an active infection. I don't think my doc does an Upper GI....they've never mentioned it. I don't think it would affect your surgery but it would depend of course on your individual surgeon's protocol. H Pylori is easily treated. There are millions of Americans with it. Try not to worry....

Hi everyone! My name is Tara. I am getting sleeved on November 17th by Dr. Alvarez. I'm so excited and cannot wait to start my weight loss. My husband is deployed and comes back in December we do not have kids yet. He is being very supportive and I'm just counting the days until we start our new skinny lives together..he lost 60lbs when he joined the Army. Good luck to all!

Hello Tara, and welcome! Good luck on your journey.... I'll be going to Dr. Alvarez on November 30th

Hi everyone ! My date is November 9th...I am ready ! I will be 53 on surgery day as its also my birthday! Married with 6 children ,most of whom are grown . I have one child left at home still in high school. I have about 70 pounds to lose. I LOVE November !

Hey all

My names Ashley and I'm a 24 year old college student from New Jersey. I have been battling weight since I was born. I don't remember a time being a normal weight. After 3 failed weight watcher attempts in 2 years...and many before then, I decided I need more help then that. I will be sleeved on 11/15 after a very painless approval. I have a sister getting married this coming may, and myself in 9/2014 so I cannot wait to drop this weight!

Congratulations and welcome! Very cool... November seems to be growing in numbers lol..... the more the merrier, I can't wait for November to get here