I live in St Charles, MO and I am going to Mexico for my sleeve because I am a self pay. I have great insurance but it doesn't cover anything weight related. I am so excited for this new journey to begin.

Hey stl people I'm confused i was really pushing towards the sleeve then i started wanting the band did any body go through this and y did you pick the sleeve

I'm so confused I'm scared of being really thin after this surgery cause I've never been thin and really still want a little meat on me

Yes I too thought about the band but the more I learned the more I didn't want it. The erosion and slippage and other complications I decided to go with the sleeve and the reason why I went with the sleeve is least invasive and by removing the stomach that contains the hormone ghrelin that makes us hungry would be removed. I was sleeved on Aug. 21 and no regrets. Good and luck and will be thinking of you.

Hey stl people I'm confused i was really pushing towards the sleeve then i started wanting the band did any body go through this and y did you pick the sleeve

I'm so confused I'm scared of being really thin after this surgery cause I've never been thin and really still want a little meat on me

I wasn't interested in the band because of all the complications I read about as well as the ongoing maintenance. Also, not all insurance may pay for the adjustments and addressing complications. So, if you change insurance companies when you have the band, this is a risk. I also didn't want something foreign inside me --- can't really rationalize this one but it was just the way I felt. I researched all of the options and felt the sleeve was by far the best option for me. I do think there are some surgeons in STL who are most comfortable with the band so they may push this option - not sure if this is what's happening to you. I think it's a personal decision so only you are going to be able to determine what is best for you. I can say I'm 100% happy with my sleeve, I've had no complications and I'm happy with my progress. Best wishes to you with whatever choice you make.

I totally get not wanting a foreign object in your body, I feel the same way that is part of why I choose the sleeve. maybe it's a Missouri thing, lol.

Thank all for.responding i think im leaning towards the sleeve again but how is it taking the vitamins everyday cause at this time im on no meds so how is.this routine going for u

Hey STL just found out im approved so excited waiting on phne call from nurse on surgery date

Hi from St Charles! I was sleeved on Monday 12/2 at Mercy in Washington with Dr Hawver. I can't say enough about how great she and her staff are. Cathy, the program coordinator, was so very helpful. It's been 5 days and I think I'm doing pretty good. Weird to always be sipping on something and burping a LOT but I'm down 5lbs since surgery and 24lbs since beginning the program. So glad I found this site!

Hi from St Charles! I was sleeved on Monday 12/2 at Mercy in Washington with Dr Hawver. I can't say enough about how great she and her staff are. Cathy, the program coordinator, was so very helpful. It's been 5 days and I think I'm doing pretty good. Weird to always be sipping on something and burping a LOT but I'm down 5lbs since surgery and 24lbs since beginning the program. So glad I found this site!

Congrats. I'm in St Charles too. I was sleeved Sept 13th in Mexico. I was self pay and couldn't afford to do it in the US. I've lost 65 pounds. Still have another 100 to go but it's been so easy. I found out yesterday that I'm no longer diabetic. That is awsome.

Keep us posted on your progress. When you start feeling better and can work out get in touch with me. I really need a workout buddy.

I am from St. Louis and now 9 weeks out. Down 27 pounds.

Hi everyone posting for my husband...we are from De Soto and he was sleeved on Dec 19th by Dr Minkin and im considering it as well

Hi Devotedwife,

Welcome to Bariatric Pal,

I had Dr. Scott who is a partner with Dr. Minkin. I hope your husband is doing well since his surgery.

There is a site for family members getting information for their spouses. It is new just launched last week. Here is the url.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1016-family-and-friends-new/

Hope to hear from you soon and how your husband is doing.

I'm also from the area, just across the river in granite city. I was sleeved Oct 21st by Dr.snow at mercy Jefferson. So far I'm 39 lbs down.

Cescelli,

I had my band in 2007 done by Dr. Wagner a partner with Dr. Snow from HOAB.

Congrats on your great loss.

It's been 4 weeks since surgery and I'm down 20 and 38 since entering the program. I am at my lightest in probably 25 years. So glad I had this done!

50notFat,

Congratulations on your loss. I am glad I had my surgery also.

Hey everyone. I got sleeved Sept. 25, 2013 by Dr. Morales at DePaul. I have had absolutely no trouble or pain ever (I'm wondering if he really did the operation). I've lost only a total of about 35 pounds and that includes 10 pounds lost before but I am a grazer (just figured that out as I wasn't before). I need to stop it.

I feel so much better than I did before and even though I've lost more weight before, I never could keep it off so that's why I finally went this route. I haven't really exercised much other than a little walking as I'm too tired after work to do anything else. My new years resolution is to start walking the mall again. Used to do 4 miles a day when I lost the weight the last time and want to get back into the routine, it's just that first step.

Anyway, anyone going to the SSM New Years party on the 15th at DePaul the weight loss institute is putting on? I'll be there. Hope to see some of the forum members.

Rick