Hello all! I am in the Pre-op stages of my journey. I've had the surgeon consult, nutrition consult and had an esophageal minomitry done. This week, I have the psych consult and endoscopy scheduled. My surgeon will be Dr. Kelvin Higa. I'm 36 yrs old-I'm 5'6, 230 pounds. I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I'm nervous and excited about this whole process. Would love to connect with people for support! Thx:)

Hi! I had my surgery on 5/16. I'd be happy to buddy up if you want. I also use My Fitness Pal to track my 'food' (I'm still on liquids and soft foods), exercise and progress. If you'd like to friend me there too my username is Chopperq23.

Congrats on getting to this point! It's a tough road, but there's lots to look forward to!

Hi Zenandnow! Thanks for replying. How has your experience been so far? Where did you have your surgery?

Hi AHM2013! I had surgery in Concord CA with Dr. Cirangle. I would say overall my experience has been good, although I've struggled with a few issues (all self-created). I'm a very impatient person, so making myself go slow - whether it's in my eating or my expectations of progress - is very challenging. The progression from liquids to soft foods has been difficult because I am impatient to get to 'regular' food. I've also had a few instances of the 'foamies' because I'm still learning how to gauge when I'm full or eating too fast. That part has been the hardest, because when it happens it literally takes hours to resolve (at least for me). I've also had to adjust to the fact that although I need to incorporate soft foods into my daily intake, I HAVE to maintain my Protein intake. I had about three days where I missed my protein goals by a LOT, and my energy just plummeted. Thankfully it was over the weekend and I could rest, but I've learned that for me, it is crucial to get my protein in.

I also struggled with feeling really depressed the first week post-op. It decreased the second week, and has gotten better in the third week although I still have moments of regret. But they are fleeting and I know I'll feel differently as I progress. I just remind myself that it's normal, many sleevers feel this, and it passes for all but a very few people. Besides - it's not like I can reverse it! Believe it or not, that fact alone helps me get past it. No sense dwelling on what you can't change.

As of today I am 23 lbs down from my starting weight (2 lbs pre-op and 21 post-op). I feel that 20+ loss a lot, in my joints, in my comfort level in moving around, and a little bit in my clothes - but it hasn't really become noticeable to the people around me. This is a double-edged sword for me, because I absolutely hate being the center of attention, but I do want some validation that I've lost 23 lbs! I haven't had a loss like that in years, and it took me months to achieve it, so I kind of wish it was noticeable. But again - I have to have patience, it will come.

Although I like the idea of being able to wear smaller (and cuter) clothes, I really did make the decision to do this for my health. I'm lucky in that I didn't have any major pre-op health issues, but it was just a matter of time before I did. Nobody dodges that bullet. Minor issues were snoring, joint pain, lower back pain, lack of energy, and my inability to do stuff I wanted to do - either because I physically couldn't do it or because I didn't want to be the fat girl doing it!

This forum has helped me a lot with getting past the negatives & focusing on the positives. This surgery isn't easy, and anyone who says it is is either lying or has had a drastically different experience than most people (always possible, and I have read some posts on here from people who breezed through, but I think they're in the minority). But it's not about the 'easy', it's about the 'worth it'. And I definitely think it is. I also think that the negative things I've experienced up to this point will fade (kinda like childbirth!) and I will be glad I took steps to become healthy.

Probably more than you wanted to know, but I hope it helps!

Best,

zen

ZandN, thanks so much for all the great info. It was not too much information. For a newbie like me who is really nervous, it was perfect! I too am nervous about it being irreversible and living a horrible life for as long as I live, but I try and focus on living healthier. I Don't want to be addicted to food and I want to walk up stairs without being out of breath or my knees hurting. I want to run after my kids and take walks without dreading that feeling of having to get up off the couch because my back hurts. Thanks again for your responses.