Just joined up and looking for help and support as I start this journey. I have my first consultation this Fri 5th April with Mr Shaw Somers and can't wait to get my Gastric Sleeve surgery. I'm nervous about the surgery like everyone but I firmly believe this is what I need to give me a long term solution to my life-long yo-yo dieting. My knees ache so much and I'm 46 not 76! I need to lose about 8 stone so I hope I can get this weight off for good! I have previously lost 10stone on weight watchers but I've re-gained 7 stone in the last 5 years and now my knees hurt so much I'm struggling to exercise. So the surgery it is. Just hoping I can get a date really soon, I'm anxious to get on with this journey now!

Hi, I have just joined too but I'm two weeks post op today. So far it has been a breeze as I was really lucky and didn't have any complications or weird side effects. The best advice I can give you is walk as soon as possible after surgery and sip sip sip water to keep hydrated. I could only do water the first two days after surgery but I thing that gave my stomach a good break and after I was good with anything. I can already take bigger sips of water and eat slim fast, soups and yogurt daily! Best decision if my life!

Hiya musiclover,

I'm from the uk too... Been sleeved for nearly 3 years ( in July) and this was the best decision I've ever made!

I've lost and maintained just over 5 1/2 stone - I still want to lose more but my body seems to be happy here. I've tried all the diets going with no success, so like you surgery was the only way forward!

I'm sure you'll do great, especially as you've done so well in the past with weight watchers!

And check you out.... I've seen your surgeon on the telly and he comes across as such a gentle, kind and skilful man!

This is a great site for info and support... If you have any questions, just ask!

Wow thanks guys! I came skipping out of my first appointment with Mr Shaw Somers today! He's agreed to the gastric sleeve for me and I'm having it done on 21st May!! Whoop whoop!! Just waiting for all my pre-op information to be sent through now. I'm so excited!! He is a lovely man too although we spent half the consultation talking about music as I'm in a band and he used to play guitar.. nice guy! The same day as my op he's rushing off to be on 'Embarrassing Bodies' on the telly.. my husband said 'I hope you're not going to be on it'... thanks!! I wouldn't dream of it by the way.. so the date is set! Fantastic!

I'm hoping to have a sleeve with Mr Shaw Somers, how are you doing now Musiclover?

hi, this is a great group with a lot of UK sleevers unlike a lot of groups which are more USA based, I have read loads and had a lot of my questions I did have answered by either asking or reading other posts which is great.

I get my operation on the 3rd March, start my pre op diet on the 17th feb. I cant wait to begin my new life.

Have you thought how much you want to shed, or are you going for a clothes size, or is it when you feel right?

Good luck to you, I can't wait!!!

I really just want to get to a weight where my body isnt in daily pain.

Yeah, I know what you mean. Also you look toward the future, it'll only get worse unless we do something about it.

Your time is coming, I'm excited for you, no pain, all gain

Hello all, I am 5 months post op and from the UK. Welcome . I would be happy to help if i can. Best of luck.

Hi fatgirlsim

How you doing post op? It's always great to how much everyone is dropping pounds, but how are you feeling? Willow wants to be out of pain, I do too, but sounds as though Willows suffers more.... I've heard that energy levels can be low, and other complains. I want to feel better, besides how people treat you, you know, more able to get around, join in with activities without terrible pain, not huffing and puffing and being able to charge around the supermarket without my back killing me. Although I don't think I'll regret the procedure, I don't want to be held back.....when I have it done......

Best wishes.

Hi fatgirlsim

How you doing post op? It's always great to how much everyone is dropping pounds, but how are you feeling? Willow wants to be out of pain, I do too, but sounds as though Willows suffers more.... I've heard that energy levels can be low, and other complains. I want to feel better, besides how people treat you, you know, more able to get around, join in with activities without terrible pain, not huffing and puffing and being able to charge around the supermarket without my back killing me. Although I don't think I'll regret the procedure, I don't want to be held back.....when I have it done......

Best wishes.

Hi lucky,

I am doing well. Had my valentines day and my 5 th month anniv. I have lost some weight as well now officially overweight!! I am feeling good, I am not into exercising but my work is strenuous, walk when I can. In fact I have so much of energy that I feel I am going hypomanic!! trust me, if you tried everything and nothing worked, go for it! I did not do it because of people, to be honest never felt any issues there but it was health I was worried about. I am 38 and did not want to wait till i have DM Ht etc. My height is also not to my advantage and it really put me range of severe morbid obesity. I don't weigh myself daily, and concentrate on my Proteins and enjoy with my family once a week. I wish I had done it earlier.

regards, fatgirl...hopefully slim soon.

Good for you Fatgirlgettingslim,

It's amazing how many people really do want to get healthy, when you read stuff about the procedure in the press it's l about vanity.... and the easy option. ha... easy for those that don't have to worry about their weight, or are addicted to the gym. I'm looking forward to being more active, without being a great source of entertainment for others, and being out of pain.

I'm not telling many people that I'm going for the procedure, I'm tired of trying to convince people of my sound judgement. And they are trying to do the same. So, just not telling anyone else. When customers and friends have noticed the weight loss (before Christmas) (not now though) I said I have seen a dietician, because my surgeon sent me, as I'm having a hernia repair, and he wants me to be as fit as possible for the op. It's a cop out, but it's easier. I can't wait till I'm in your 'overweight' club, must be thrilling, and to l good too.... Good luck and long may it last

Good for you Fatgirlgettingslim,

It's amazing how many people really do want to get healthy, when you read stuff about the procedure in the press it's l about vanity.... and the easy option. ha... easy for those that don't have to worry about their weight, or are addicted to the gym. I'm looking forward to being more active, without being a great source of entertainment for others, and being out of pain.

I'm not telling many people that I'm going for the procedure, I'm tired of trying to convince people of my sound judgement. And they are trying to do the same. So, just not telling anyone else. When customers and friends have noticed the weight loss (before Christmas) (not now though) I said I have seen a dietician, because my surgeon sent me, as I'm having a hernia repair, and he wants me to be as fit as possible for the op. It's a cop out, but it's easier. I can't wait till I'm in your 'overweight' club, must be thrilling, and to l good too.... Good luck and long may it last

Thanks ducky

Good to see some new names here - pre sleevers, don't worry - you will be fine! Just follow the guidelines you are given, listen you your bodies and go with it! Remember the sleeve isn't a magic bullet and there will be tough times, but when your health improves and you start to look good it is all worth it.

One little thing about exercise though - try and build it in around the 6mths post op mark; that is what I did. I did gentle walking and a little swimming before then. The only reason I say that is that it will help with body shape as you lose weight. I'm not talking Lara Croft here (I wish) but as the fat goes it is good to have a strong muscle base and the health benefits are worth it.

Good luck to those who are waiting - and keep up the good work to those who are losing!!

Thanks for the tip about the excercise coops, I had wondered when we should start some form of excercise into the mix so that answered another of my questions