I, my name is Steven, I am in Los Angeles and am 46 years old. I have been in both inpatient and outpatient treatment for B.E.D. (Binge Eating Disorder). I have been on every diet you can think of, and nothing has worked. In November, 2012, I contracted MRSA Pnemonia. I have been on oxygen ever since and and basic cold gives me bad bronchitis, which sets me back to zero in my getting off Oxygen. My Pulmonologist has recommended getting the sleeve, my RD and my wife (who is a doctor) do not want me to have the surgery. The Pulmonologist has said I will never get off the oxygen until I loose the weight (about 70-80 lbs.)

I am very nervous about the surgery, and am even scared to call the surgeon. Today, my internist recommended the sleeve as well.

I am going to make an appointment with the surgeon, but am really scared.

The pre-op liquid diet sounds tough, if I can't stick to a basic diet, how am I supposed to handle this? I have sleep apnea and sleep with a CPAP, also have mild diabetes type-2, high BP, and high cholesterol.

What about my medications, how will I take them after the surgery?

Any support is greatly appreciated.

I was really scared too when I was going through the classes and when I met with the surgeon. I kinda had to just look at things as putting one foot in front of the other. I made it through all my classes, surgeon meeting, etc. and had my surgery on 4/30. It was the BEST decision I could have ever made for myself. I did not have much pain after surgery and have been using my new tool (my sleeve) to help me with my weight loss. I really can't tell you enough how happy this decision has made me. It's a life-changer.

My advice to you would be to look at it as one foot in front of the other. Take things one at a time. I know my surgeon was very nice and that helped. I am sure your surgeon will do everything they can to help you too. Good luck!

Thanks

Hi Sbagdan-

I was always one of those who was never going to have surgery because to me it seemed so drastic. I found out that there was a free information night given by one of the surgeons and told myself 'this doesn't mean I'm getting it, but I should inform myself of all my options'. I went and was quite taken back by the presentation and statistics. Still, I wasn't convinced though. So I did more research on my one. I took it literally one step at a time and always kept in my mind that if I didn't want surgery, then I could back out at any time. Somewhere along the line I began to feel empowered-like for the first time I was taking control of my health and then I knew it was the right decision. Surgery isn't for everyone, but you'll never know if you don't start some where. Luckily you've come to the right sport where there is a ton of info from people all over the world-at every stage. The funny thing is, I have not come across one person on here yet that has said 'boy I wish I never had that surgery done'. Best of luck to you-no matter what you decide.

Thanks for the post. It really does help. I am going to make an appt. with the doctor. More to come.

Well I did it, I scheduled my initial consult for may 28, 2014 - next Wednesday...

Just wanted to say good for you on making your appointment. It takes guts to make that first step!

Regarding your medications, your surgeon can obvi speak more specifically on this, but there is a good chance that you will reduce and/or eliminate the need for many of your medications. I know for sure that is true for many people with regards to BP and diabetes meds at the very least. There is also a good chance at resolving your sleep apnea as well (if it is caused by the extra weight).

Please keep us posted and let us know how your consult goes!

Will do

Hi Sbagdan-

I was always one of those who was never going to have surgery because to me it seemed so drastic. I found out that there was a free information night given by one of the surgeons and told myself 'this doesn't mean I'm getting it, but I should inform myself of all my options'. I went and was quite taken back by the presentation and statistics. Still, I wasn't convinced though. So I did more research on my one. I took it literally one step at a time and always kept in my mind that if I didn't want surgery, then I could back out at any time. Somewhere along the line I began to feel empowered-like for the first time I was taking control of my health and then I knew it was the right decision. Surgery isn't for everyone, but you'll never know if you don't start some where. Luckily you've come to the right sport where there is a ton of info from people all over the world-at every stage. The funny thing is, I have not come across one person on here yet that has said 'boy I wish I never had that surgery done'. Best of luck to you-no matter what you decide.

That describes how I am feeling. I made my first appt for a consult for June 12th. Initially I was very uncertain. I previously lost 130 pounds but have gained almost 80 back. As I have read more and more I have gotten more comfortable and feel hopeful.

OP ...Hang in there..I am right behind you.

Thanks

I am concerned about the preop diet but I hear people saying they could do it because they knew it was only temporary. Best of luck to you!

I'm new here too, but reading the wealth of info on here is empowering me and I am getting excited to move forward and take the next step. best of luck to you. know that you have hundreds here to provide guidance and support.