I'm totally new here, was set on the band until Tuesday when the doc said sleeve. So I dove in and read about the sleeve and found the before and after pics thread. Everyone of you are amazing! Can this even be real that I too can be healthy again, and perhaps love myself?

I too went into the process for WLS thinking I would get banded. But after doing research and seeing how many people have given up on the band, ( not to mention the complication rates) I started looking at the sleeve. I never was interested in a Roux-n-Y but the sleeve looked promising. I did more research and talked to my surgeon. He said I should do great with the sleeve. The important thing to remember is it is like every other WLS, you get out of it what you put into it. The sleeve is a tool. There are ways around any method of weight loss. But unlike the "go it alone" method, when you put effort into the sleeve you WILL get results. Plus there are less side effects and other negative issues. ( Yes there are some, but from what I have read in my research they are much less than band or bypass ) I have one last clearance to do before paperwork is submitted to insurance. I cannot wait to start my journey in earnest and to be the healthy me I dream of!!!

Hello and Welcome!!

There are some amazing transformations here for sure!! Read everything you can, be aware of the risks and complications so you are fully informed.

You will find a great community here of very gracious folks willing to help, encourage and inform.

Best of luck to you!!

It's definitely the real deal! Sleeved in June, down 70 pounds total, and just amazed at how my life has improved. Best decision ever. It can be a difficult journey, mentally as well as physically, but just embrace the journey and all the things your doctor recommends and you will never look back!

You won't regret the sleeve. I had mine done Aug 21. I knew I didn't the band, after reading about bypass, and how invasive it is it was a no brainer to have the sleeve. I am a few days away to start in eat real food and not pureed or soft food. It is getting harder and harder to get the shakes in and the jell-o and puddings. Eggs or great but I am so ready for phase 3. good luck to you.

I don't think any one is getting the lap band anymore..most are having it removed, then getting sleeved....I don't even think the drs recommend it...I am still pre-op..I started in March 2013...It is a lot of work, and you have to be physically & mentally ready for this life-time journey..You will have many ups & downs..You'll have to quit all "bad habits" for me it was diet coke & smoking....I wish you all the best..& I'm sure you can do it right along with the rest of us...It is not a dream...right now might seem like a nightmare, but its all real..and I can't wait...

I was planning on the band also...but thankfully about 3 months into my "6 months insurance required wait time" I did some research on the sleeve and switched.

My VSG was almost 3 years ago and at the time the band was still quite popular. I credit many bloggers who were honest about their band experiences that helped me realize that I did NOT want the band. Then I had a bit of fear because my surgeon had only done 14 VSGs before mine. But I trusted him as a surgeon and knew that he was the right surgeon for me. So I pushed any fear aside and took a leap of faith. So glad I ended up with the sleeve!

I've had many doctors telling me that I am a good candiate for WLS for a couple of years now. I'm having issues with my veins in my leg they won't do the sugery because of my weight. I was looking for people who have had the sleeve surgery and found this site. Not sure what of all that is involved but have been enjoying reading everyone comments and information.

Question how long is the process from 1st time walking into the doc office until the day of the surgery?

4 months. May-August

I've had many doctors telling me that I am a good candiate for WLS for a couple of years now. I'm having issues with my veins in my leg they won't do the sugery because of my weight. I was looking for people who have had the sleeve surgery and found this site. Not sure what of all that is involved but have been enjoying reading everyone comments and information.

Question how long is the process from 1st time walking into the doc office until the day of the surgery?

Welcome!! I am so glad your doctor suggested the sleeve. Your success is going to be completely up to you and if you want success then your sleeve will help you greatly to achieve it. Keep with us and do a lot of reading and ask questions. We are here for you!

May 1st to July 9th. With insurance. :-)

I've had many doctors telling me that I am a good candiate for WLS for a couple of years now. I'm having issues with my veins in my leg they won't do the sugery because of my weight. I was looking for people who have had the sleeve surgery and found this site. Not sure what of all that is involved but have been enjoying reading everyone comments and information.

Question how long is the process from 1st time walking into the doc office until the day of the surgery?

I've had many doctors telling me that I am a good candiate for WLS for a couple of years now. I'm having issues with my veins in my leg they won't do the sugery because of my weight. I was looking for people who have had the sleeve surgery and found this site. Not sure what of all that is involved but have been enjoying reading everyone comments and information.

Question how long is the process from 1st time walking into the doc office until the day of the surgery?

I started everything in the beginning of march...all class & testing done. Still waiiting for a surgery date...probably will get scheduled for end of october if all goes well...so 6 to 7 months I believe is the average wait..

I started everything in the beginning of march...all class & testing done. Still waiiting for a surgery date...probably will get scheduled for end of october if all goes well...so 6 to 7 months I believe is the average wait..

Are you talking about start to finish?

I started in Nov 2012 and surgery was Mar 2013 but my insurance only had a 3 month pre op diet req.