Hi Everyone! I just registered for this site after doing some researching about the sleeve.

If you would have asked me 10 years ago, when many of my friends began their journeys with WLS, if I would pursue it, I would have said absolutely not but now my mind has decided otherwise. In July 2012, I went for my first consult, thinking that I would proceed with the bypass, after totally ruling out the band. However, in the last month or so, I have stronger feelings towards going with the sleeve.

I just completed all of my testing and am in the process of scheduling my second consultation to discuss surgery choice.

So far, here is my information:

I am a 41 year old female. I have struggled with my weight my entire life. My highest weight was 335, lowest weight was 260 and currently am 296.

My consult was with NY Bariatric Group and my surgeon is Dr. Spencer Hollover. The hospital of choice is Mercy Medical Center.

I need your help!!! Please provide your honest feedback, both positive and negative, regarding your own journey with the sleeve.

I would appreciate your responses and your support...

Thank you so very much!!!

We have similar stats, I am 41 also, highest weight was 305 and currently at 271 after losing a little bit in my 3 month journey heading towards surgery. I was one who always said there was no way I would do a weight loss surgery and it was coming across information on the sleeve that changed my mind. I really like that they remove the stomach but leave your digestive system alone that always really freaked me out. At 41, I think I am at an age where I'm not doing this for anyone but me. I did a half marathon (walked of course) and remember being so proud of myself crossing that finish line. That now, is my motivation. I want to do races, small long all different kinds. So, when I get freaked out about why I am doing this, I close my eyes and picture that finish line. I love this site because you do hear the good, bad and ugly of the surgery. My information is currently at Aetna awaiting approval, and I really hope to be scheduled soon. Whatever you decide, good luck on your journey!

Good for you. I don't get morphine I get Dilaudid. I take that through a IV when I have flare ups with my Crohns and it does the trick. Congrats and good luck

Good for you. I don't get morphine I get Dilaudid. I take that through a IV when I have flare ups with my Crohns and it does the trick. Congrats and good luck

Thank you so much !!! Yeah I think I took the same thing it's God in juice ????

Thank you everyone for all of your support...you are all AMAZING!!

Well, I had my second consultation with my surgeon. He reviewed everything and said he was going to seek approval from my insurance company. Low and behold, they received the approval from my insurance company in two days!! We are in the process of selecting a date...

This went really fast!!

How are all of you doing??

Well, just went for my 6 week check up since my Sleeve. I am down 41 lbs. and THRILLED. The new way of eating takes a bit to time to adapt and so glad I can have chocolate peanut butter shakes and can drink various fluids without any trouble tolerating water to V8 juice. My friend had trouble with some types of vegetable juice but I am not experiencing this. I just started eating cereral, crackers, salads, fresh fruits, fresh veggies, most meats (not beef, not ham) so am eating mostly chicken or fish if I am going to have meat. Puddings and soups are lifesavers as unflavored proteins can be easily mixed in. (if you use UNJURY protein powder, make sure soup is not over 140 degrees F or it will clump, so cook and then cool to that temp and then mix it). I can also now eat Premier Protein Nutrition Bars (I like chocolate peanut butter or double chocolate crunch) and I nibble on a few almonds along with it. Still can't eat an entire nutrition bar all at once, can finish about 2/3 of it, but I am getting in my proteins, so happy about that. Dr. just said I can now go to the pool, so that will help alot because I have to have a knee and hip replacement and then back surgery so walking and biking is out of the realm of possibility. Spending about an hour floating on a "noodle" and riding it like a bicylce in the pool and feel tired and exhilirated that I can enjoy this FINALLY. I can tell you that whatever I eat, I am full after 3-5 bites no matter what I am eating. I am sipping noncarbonated beverages all day and evening and just barely getting in 64 ounces about 75% of the time. I feel so good having lost 41 lbs already considering I have been stuck in a chair for several years due to the hip, knee and back problems, but they tell me if I lose 9 more pounds I can have my hip done and that will give me tremendous relief. So feeling pretty darn good. Just had my lab work and have gone from 5 medications to 1 medication,(just Synthyroid) no more high blood pressure, now averaging a wonderful 110/70 with no meds and it's been like that since 2 weeks post surgical. No more cholesterol problems, no more pre-diabetes, etc. No more sleep meds and so glad I took this path. Hope you all are having great results also.

As far as my journey with the sleeve.. now (4 months post-op), I feel it was a great decision, however make sure you're extremely comfortable with your doctor. I was also one to say I would never in a million years have WLS, but here I am post-op! This journey will change your life. I had an extremely painful recovery, which I now know is very rare.. but I still would go back and do the same thing over again. Feel free to message me with any questions! Good luck!

Thank you for sharing! I'm do happy for you! Keep up the great work & stay in touch. My date is scheduled for May 20th & I start my liquid diet on Monday!

As far as my journey with the sleeve.. now (4 months post-op)' date=' I feel it was a great decision, however make sure you're extremely comfortable with your doctor. I was also one to say I would never in a million years have WLS, but here I am post-op! This journey will change your life. I had an extremely painful recovery, which I now know is very rare.. but I still would go back and do the same thing over again. Feel free to message me with any questions! Good luck![/quote']

Thank you for your support!!