My Story

[Catherine Shinn Habhab 97]

Hi everyone!

I'm so happy to find this site.

I've been overweight since birth. I used to say that I was the healthiest fat person around....and then it hit. Basically it hit my joints and back. My glucose was 90, triglycerides were 36! Doctors couldn't believe it. Then my ankle gave out, my knee, bone spurs, etc

I live in Lebanon....as in Beirut, Lebanon....not Lebanon PA or NH. Actually I live in south Lebanon and had my surgery in Beirut. After reading so much about VSG online, I can tell you that things sure are different here pre and post surgery. I've read that many people go to Mexico and have a coordinator. I had thought that there is no way that I'd go to Mexico for surgery.....but hey most of you wouldn't come to Lebanon either lol.

I made the decision that I wanted surgery but couldn't afford it...about $7500 cash. Then I got good news from hubby's insurance and a coworker that had had the surgery and confirmed that our insurance would cover most of it. The insurance coverage is kind of a new thing here......some mentalities believe that this is cosmetic surgery Anyway, I had a consultation with a surgeon and he scheduled that surgery 24 days later. No weight loss program pre surgery, no interviews, no coordinator, no psychiatrist....etc.

Unfortunately, with all of the above "NOs" comes; no health food store, no SF syrups, no powdered Peanut Butter, etc This makes food choices quite boring. Just this past year two local companies have been make o% fat flavored yogurts, so I'm celebrating

The surgeon here doesn't prescribe Vitamins for the first month and keeps you on liquid diet for the first month, doesn't even mention Protein Drinks. I had to go back to work 15 days later, and I knew that I was not going to be pampered, I needed some energy. I researched on the web and started following guidelines of a Dr Chebli from Northwestern University. I drove an hour to find a GNC store and bought whey Protein.

Today is my one month post surgery anniversary;) At two weeks I had lost 12 kilos, 26.4 pounds. I'm suppose to go for my monthly visit tomorrow, but due to political issues (reminder: I live in Lebanon) I have to postpone till next Friday.

Sorry, this is kind of long.....but another "NO" here....no support groups.

[firebelle10 80]

Thank you for sharing your story. Sometimes we forget that we do have a bit of convienience at our finger tips.

Wishing you all the best on your journey!

[enigmachik 403]

Welcome to the board. It sounds like it's challenging to be sleeved where you are. You can cross one "no" off your list; you now have a group of people to support you, right here! Come chat with us anytime you need to meet up with like-minded people, have questions, struggles, and triumphs!

[Kristi64 33]

so wonderful you found this sight. even though i have all the luxuries at hand the best one of all has been this website and the people on it. it sounds like you are soing great and i admire your determination. keep up the good work and take advantage of this awesome sight and the wonderful people on it.

[Catherine Shinn Habhab 97]

Thanks engimachik!

I noticed that you belong to a Boston sleevers group. Are you from Boston, or living there? Hubby and I met in Boston. I love that city!!

[enigmachik 403]

Yes, I live just outside of Boston. I love it here too Well, except for the cold. lol.

How did you and hubby meet?

[lortesha86 14]

oh my dear...

first i would like to say congrats. for ur loss 12 kg is yaaay lol

2nd .. i live in saudi arabia and i almost have the same thing that ur talking about... so i know what ur talking about

but dont worry we can do it

my surgery schedualed 3rd of january and i realllllllly cnt wait

goood luck dear

[mggonzal 54]

Hi everyone!

I'm so happy to find this site.

I've been overweight since birth. I used to say that I was the healthiest fat person around....and then it hit. Basically it hit my joints and back. My glucose was 90' date=' triglycerides were 36! Doctors couldn't believe it. Then my ankle gave out, my knee, bone spurs, etc

I live in Lebanon....as in Beirut, Lebanon....not Lebanon PA or NH. Actually I live in south Lebanon and had my surgery in Beirut. After reading so much about VSG online, I can tell you that things sure are different here pre and post surgery. I've read that many people go to Mexico and have a coordinator. I had thought that there is no way that I'd go to Mexico for surgery.....but hey most of you wouldn't come to Lebanon either lol.

I made the decision that I wanted surgery but couldn't afford it...about 7500 cash. Then I got good news from hubby's insurance and a coworker that had had the surgery and confirmed that our insurance would cover most of it. The insurance coverage is kind of a new thing here......some mentalities believe that this is cosmetic surgery <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> Anyway, I had a consultation with a surgeon and he scheduled that surgery 24 days later. No weight loss program pre surgery, no interviews, no coordinator, no psychiatrist....etc.

Unfortunately, with all of the above "NOs" comes; no health food store, no SF syrups, no powdered Peanut Butter, etc This makes food choices quite boring. Just this past year two local companies have been make o% fat flavored yogurts, so I'm celebrating <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

The surgeon here doesn't prescribe Vitamins for the first month and keeps you on liquid diet for the first month, doesn't even mention Protein drinks. I had to go back to work 15 days later, and I knew that I was not going to be pampered, I needed some energy. I researched on the web and started following guidelines of a Dr Chebli from Northwestern University. I drove an hour to find a GNC store and bought whey Protein.< /p>

Today is my one month post surgery anniversary;) At two weeks I had lost 12 kilos, 26.4 pounds. I'm suppose to go for my monthly visit tomorrow, but due to political issues (reminder: I live in Lebanon) I have to postpone till next Friday.

Sorry, this is kind of long.....but another "NO" here....no support groups.[/quote']

I hope everithing keep going fine.. Please make sure you have enough liquids.. Try chicken broth it has some nutrients.. Also take Multivitamins, B12 vit (for increase energy) and zink to mantain healthy your skin, hair.

[Catherine Shinn Habhab 97]

Yes, I live just outside of Boston. I love it here too Well, except for the cold. lol.

How did you and hubby meet?

I was working as a hotel clerk and hubby was the best friend of our security guard. A lot of the guard's friends came around for the free coffee and leftover donuts lol

[monique 90]

Welcome! We have your back. Continue to progress, all those No's are far behind you. The best is yet to come. :-)

[mwrarr 244]

Nice to see you here!! :}

347*294/284/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | (twitter) @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

[dwbrown1978 26]

Welcome to these boards! I found a lot of support and encouragement here. I hope you will too. Please keep posting and let us become your support group. Congratulations on your decision to take control of your health.

[Catherine Shinn Habhab 97]

Nice to see you here!! :}

347*294/284/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | (twitter) @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

love your goal rewards!

[mwrarr 244]

love your goal rewards!

Thanks! :} I use the app so I can't see them, & forget they are there on my website siggy. Lol I'm hoping to actually be able to make some goals finally, with the surgery...

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 347*294/284/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | (twitter) @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com