I was approved this week for sleeving, pretty excited, I am about 285, 6', and am 'near diabetic' (if that is even a term), with mild/moderate sleep apnea. I have struggled with weight/diets since my early 20's, I am 34 now. Biggest worry is people I do tell, that I want to tell, thinking I am taking a shortcut, but I know this is only a tool and there is a lot harder work ahead then just counting points or exercising, this is going to be a complete lifestyle change for me. I want to get involved in these forums for support and engage with people on the same path.

So my 1st question; my pre-op appointment is this Thursday, the mentioned there was a chance to have surgery before the end of December, would you do it before Christmas? I have a week off around the holidays, so it would be great vacation wise, not having to use more time, my family is fine with it. Seems logical, but curious as to your thoughts ... either way it would be a great beginning to 2014 if I did in Jan as well ... Thanks!

I say go for it I was sleeved last Wednesday. I look at it this way I had 33 yrs of over eating on the holidays. My boss at my pt job asked me why not wait I said I'd rather get it done now before I second guess myself. Now I'm off from that job until after christmas due to the heavy lifting. Plus get it in before your insurance deductibles go back to zero in the new year.

I see your surgery was pretty recent. How long was your stay for? I was reading about some hospitals listing the days following surgery as "observation" and thereby increasing my co-pay. How do you feel 6 days out? Thanks!

I say go for it. I am scheduled to have my surgery on November 26th. I am ready to get it done so I can get started on the new me. My family is OK with it and I am making pie to freeze for there desert on Thanksgiving. I am 65 years and have had many holidays of over eating I won't miss it at all.

My wife wanted me to wait until after the holidays. I have enjoyed overeating all of these years that I decided now is the best time for to get sleeved. I will still enjoy the holidays, but with smaller portions. Insurance helped my decision too, I also met my deductible this year, so it made sense to have the surgery before next year.

I was sleeved on 11/4.

I feel great 6 days out I'm already off the pain meds haven't thrown up once knock on wood.

I am having my surgery Dec. 16 in Mexico. I am also pre-diabetic. My work slows down in December, allowing me a week off/half days for a week when I return and I get my bonus which is helping pay for my surgery. I'm striking while the iron's hot! I could care less about Christmas eating related festivities, I'm ready to do this!

Thanks for the replies! I have my pre-op appointment today, kind of excited. I guess my biggest fear and not that I will overeat, but emotional eating/grazing. I need to be able to work on that sort of eating, or is that less of an urge with the VS? Just worry instead of eating a pack of Ring Dings in 5 minutes, I'll eat it over an hour ...

I had my surgery last December 10th, and while it was different going through the holidays without being able to eat like in the past it was also helpful to get past that time which is classically difficult when it comes to eating habits. I stayed in the hospital for three days then was off work for 2 and a half weeks and started back to work the day after Christmas, essentially making it through that whole time of parties and what not staying home to recover. Good Luck.

I had my surgery two days ago (11/26/13). I was in the hospital 24 hours after my surgery. Not hungery at all, forcing the liquids to prevent dehydration.

Did not miss the Turkey and trimmings today.

Insurance deductable was a big driver that and wanting to get started.

I say get it done as soon as you can! Had mine done one week ago today. Liquid phase during Thanksgiving. No big deal for me. My eating had gotten so out of control, it had to change. Good luck to you!

Last week I decided to push it until Jan. 6th, I think it's best. I wasn't 100% comfortable sharing this with my in-laws and not eating over Christmas would raise questions that I am not comfortable with right now. That should be another topic, being comfortable sharing this. My wife's opinion is I should be happy to share since it's for my health and family. But I guess early on I don't want that extra stress, maybe 2-3 months post-surgery ... hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

I had my surgery last December 10th, and while it was different going through the holidays without being able to eat like in the past it was also helpful to get past that time which is classically difficult when it comes to eating habits. I stayed in the hospital for three days then was off work for 2 and a half weeks and started back to work the day after Christmas, essentially making it through that whole time of parties and what not staying home to recover. Good Luck.

I'm scheduled for surgery on December 10 of this year. I'm also planning to go back to work the day after Christmas. Planning to skip the Christmas eve and day festivities but I'm ok with that this year .

I am having surgery on December 23. I thought about waiting but I have been working towards this for some time. It does mean Christmas will be quiet! We always made a big deal of the holidays and everyone came to our house. My adult sons will be visiting their in laws this year with a promise that next year we pick up where we left off. I plan on a quiet holiday with my wife

My wife and I both are getting sleeved this month. She is scheduled on the 16th and I am on the 30th in Tijuana. I will probably be on one of the hardest points in the pre-op diet on Christmas day when everyone else is enjoying turkey/ham, I'll be looking to start on all Clear liquids.

I'm not worried about it though. Look up some before and after photos and get some motivation!

I am scheduled for December 11th. Besides wanting to have surgery ASAP, insurance was also a big reason for me. I did not want my deductible and out-of-pocket copay to reset on January 1st. As far as the holidays, we recently moved pretty far from family, so it will just be the wife, kids, and me. No worries. Barring any unexpected complications, I will be back to work on the 30th. Since I have only shared with a handful of trusted people at work, most will assume that I took a long end-of-year vacation. I got plenty to eat this Thanksgiving, which after having been on the pre-op diet for three months, reminded me of how incredibly gluttonous we are. Ugh, disgusting. So, I'm not concerned about the upcoming holidays at all