Hi Guys,

Just joined and looking forward to next steps. I've been contemplating and researching Bariatric surgery for years. Finally "pulled the trigger" and thought I'd have to wait for a drawn out approval process. It was approximately five weeks from initial consult with surgeon to the pre-op appointment when I set my surgery date. Full insurance approval happened within two weeks.

I'm feeling really blessed and nervous. Excited is a better description. I'm 43 yrs old and have ALWAYS been a big guy. Looking forward to turning the page to a better, healthier, longer life!

Congrats and good luck...

You've pretty much got my same stats. I can tell you it will be a hard effort. The weight is not just going to fall off. Stick very close to your guidelines for the first few weeks and then when you're cleared for workouts and all foods, get in as much liquids and Protein as you can each day. And casual walks won't do it either. I go to the gym and spend about one and a half hours each time with pretty vigorous workouts. It will be slow at first, seeming like your bod is in horrible shape..(which it is) but you will improve rapidly. Actually very fast. It's quite remarkable how quickly you will build strength and stamina.

Each session will be an encouragement for the next.

I find that even with eating lots of meats and fish, I still need to add in a couple of protein supplements each day to reach my goals. Throw in a shake or two and maybe a power bar and you will get there. Don't fret the stalls as they are just the body trying to salvage body mass as you lose. I usually bounce the calories up & down a little to throw the metabo- off and the stalls break. As long as you stay on course the weight will continue to come off. After about the 6 month mark, it will slow down and you will have to step things up a bit to keep losing. Keep in mind then......you are building muscle and it weighs more than the fat. So if you don' appear to be losing pounds.....you're probably losing inches and gaining more muscle. Good luck with your journey.

GUYS ROOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@@jrob04 Welcome. I have nearly the same stats as you and @@Recycled too. He sums it up really well. I am 5 weeks out today. I have been hitting the gym as hard as I can, I am not always the best with my Water intake and Protein can be hard to get in at times, but I assume that will be easier once I completely heal in the next week or so. first 2 weeks post-op can be trying, but I just think about what the future has in store for me. I am down 28lbs since surgery date and 46lbs since I started my journey back in July. I think it is well worth the pain. I can't wait to see where I am at in a few months. I have found that logging my calories on myfitnesspal helps me track where I need to be. you can also add several members on here for motivation, meal ideas, and general support. I added @@Recycled to myfitnesspal to get his meal ideas too. this place is a great tool/resource. keep us all updated with your progress and again, welcome!

Thanks for all the positive feedback and tips! I've felt like was out here on an island alone until I found this site! Thanks.

jrob...welcome..I'm new to this site as well...I felt the same way as you until this site. It is really a great tool. I am starting the process myself. Got my first appointment November 17th and I hope it goes smoothly and quickly as yours is. I'm ready to start a new life!!!

@@nymetzfan11 : Good luck and welcome! I've found, as I'm sure you have, everyone here to be very supportive and welcoming. Good luck with your appointment. I found that keeping a detailed file and log of every visit, conversation, etc. helped in going throught the approval process. Ask lots of questions of your surgeon and utilize the patient advocate if available. They really help!

Jrob04, Good luck with the Surgery today....Keep us posted as to how everything went. I had my first appointment on 10/14 and have to go through the 6 month insurance ordeal. I am going to do the best I can between now and surgery time, hopefully losing 30 lbs or so.....excited for the journey.

Good luck. It took me almost 18 months to decide what to do but glad I did it. It is not a freebie but if you stick with what you are told to do it works like a charm.

Hey guys, I just joined bariatric pal. Thanks for all of the great advice. My sleeve is scheduled for November 6th. Looking forward to sharing my progress and getting advice along the way. Take it easy.