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, Ainsleet. It's nice to see a "mature" person on here. I'm 63 and was thinking that I may be the only grandma getting surgery. Congratulations to US!

Sadly, I'm mature too! I've wasted my entire life being fat -- I'm hoping this will be the start of my second "birth".....

I agree.... I'm considering November 30th my "new birthday" , a fresh start to a new and healthier life. one that I plan on living to the fullest...

Welcome George, nice to see some men among us. I have had quite a few surgeries, nothing to be afraid of, besides they will give you some nice sedatives beforehand to calm you down. You know what my motto has been for years? "I would rather have surgery than a cold". A cold, you just keep trudging along doing what you have to do and feeling horrible. Surgery, it is socially acceptable to recover.

Welcome George' date=' nice to see some men among us. I have had quite a few surgeries, nothing to be afraid of, besides they will give you some nice sedatives beforehand to calm you down. You know what my motto has been for years? "I would rather have surgery than a cold". A cold, you just keep trudging along doing what you have to do and feeling horrible. Surgery, it is socially acceptable to recover.[/quote']

thank you so much for your kind, encouraging words! I really like that motto about the cold :-) I am going to try and stay calm during the next few weeks. I have to realize that I've work so hard for this and it's going to change my life in a good way! Im glad I found this site. People who haven't struggled would never understand

change cold to what ever feels right for you.

I'd rather have surgery than a heart attack, or shame, or be fat.... you get the drift.

Just got all the info from the Dr. lots to read and a lot of instructions. I got approved for two Weeks paid time off plus FMLA from my job and everything is coming together. Just waiting for my passport and plane ticket to come in the mail and saving some more money to pay for the rest of my surgery...crazy! 40 more days..ready!

change cold to what ever feels right for you.

I'd rather have surgery than a heart attack' date=' or shame, or be fat.... you get the drift.[/quote']

I get the drift. And you are so right. I'm glad I'm taking care of this while I'm faulty young. Im going to steal your saying :-)

Hello November Sleevers -

My name is Yael and I'm 50 years young! I live in Israel, but am orignally from Rhode Island. Insurance here is different, but still a process! I'm married and have an 18 year old daughter entering the Israel Defense Force in November. My second daughter is 15 and quite the teenager.

I'm looking forward to having the sleeve. Originally I was scheduled for the band on 10/17/12. After meeting with the dietian I've changed my mind and now must meet with another surgeon. That appointment is 11/7. He said he has open dates for November.....so I hoping I can get this done soon!!!!

Looking forward to chatting with others going thru the same experiences. There are support channels here....but my Hebrew is terrible and would never be able to be on a site with Hebrew speakers (typers).

I'm looking forward to the next 50 healthy years of my life!!!!

Hello Yael and welcome! You'll find that this site is full of friendly , helpful, and informative people.... I know it has been really helpful to me. Congratulations and good luck on your journey

Welcome Yael ! So very glad to have you ! Keep us updated on our progress.

I have my next appt on the 17th of this month ( next week ) and am anxious to speak with my doctor. i was scheduled for the band but called and told them i wanted the sleeve instead. I hope to hear about my approval from my insurance on this new procedure. I already had my approval for the band. Woo Hoo ...exciting days ahead !

Welcome Yael. I hope all goes well for you and all my fellow November Sleevers! Would it be too early to suggest a New Years contest? Lol. It's a good incentive for us. Haha!

I think a New Years contest would be awesome! A great motivation to succeed.... I'm in

I figure if some are at the tail end of the month, they still have a full month to participate. And what a way to start the new year right. I plan on hitting 2013 running. Lol

I'm in!

Sent from my iPhone using VST

Sounds good to me!