Hello everyone,

My name is Sandra and I am considering getting the Gastric Sleeve surgery. I'm waiting on approval from my insurance to start the process. The first step is to enroll in a 6-week course and upon completion, I will be informed if I meet the criteria to have the surgery.

I am 5'5", weigh 225lbs, have asthma, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, neuropathy and three herniated disks (lumbar area). I'm in constant pain from the fibro and the herniated disks. Im not sure if I will qualify for the surgery but I am staying positive. I have been yo yo dieting for more than a decade. Im tired of dieting. Im very depressed and feel hopeless at times.

I am really scared about the procedure. Any advice from anyone out there? Thanks!

Insurance likes to make you jump through hoops. I was upset about this at first, I just wanted to get on with it. But I am glad now. For most of us, it seems; we have to see a NUT (3 times) and a Psychiatrist. This keeps you from jumping right in without knowing everything you're getting in to as well as makes sure this is the right decision for you.

You have medical problems, and you're over weight, so you probably will be approved. Spend the six weeks really researching this. Follow this forum, you can find everything here. My favorite threads are the one's that deal with complications. Real people will tell you what can and has happened to them. Most will say it was still worth it, but is is worth it to you? The more time you spend here, the more you will learn. Ask questions and keep us up to date with your decisions, hopes and fears. We will stick with you as well.

I have one more NUT visit at the end of this month then my forms will be submitted to my insurance, If they approve it, I will be given a surgery date. Fingers crossed!

Hey there Sandra and welcome. From your description it sounds like you will certainly get your approval. Oh - and the waiting period and the course you have to take are major bummers but probably for the best. Make sure you understand what your new eating habits will consist of. That's really the hardest part, learning how to eat again and adjusting to the changes.

So that just leaves your apprehension about the procedure itself. It does seem scary, but really it's not. The surgery carries very small risk of complications. While there are some that have a bad experience with the sleeve you will find that the majority of us had no major issues and a fairly easy recovery, if not an excellent recovery. Don't fear the surgery:) Easier said than done, yes, but it is a routine procedure and your Dr surely performs many of them. You got this! I wish you the best of luck and just keep on posting your concerns here - we will be there for you the whole process.

Thank you for your advice. I'm glad I can come and express myself freely in this forum and know that someone out there understands me.