Yesterday, I took the first step on changing my life to what I would call “A Healthier Me”.

After several months of research online, reading publications, reviewing studies and listening to the audio book “The Big Book on the Gastric Sleeve” countless visits on the BariatricPal.com forum along with several visits to different bariatric seminars – I found myself closing in on my decision. What I found very helpful was the videos on You Tube by Lauren Vento – that was the turning point for me - it help me realize that “yes” having the gastric sleeve surgery is for me and although surgery sounds very scary, I can choose to think about this in a positive way. .

Took the first big step - I did it!

I had my first visit with the Surgeon today Dr. Neil Floch, and I have to admit I was pretty excited and after researching my insurance company guidelines I knew exactly what to expect. I think I was the last patient, so I felt a little rushed by the nurse, but once the doctor came in, he was really relaxed and very prepared for the list of questions I had for him, which I got from the Big Book. He ask me if I knew what procedure I wanted and why. I told him I wanted the Gastric Sleeve because it was not as evasive as the Gastric Bypass and the Duodenal Switch, and it did not have the long-term complications that can come from malabsorption and the Vitamin deficiencies. As we continued on with the conversation he ask me many questions concerning my health, my history and what led me to where I am today. I mentioned my life long journey struggles with yoyo dieting and losing the battle and failing somewhere along the way and gaining back twice as much. At 5’6”, 250 lbs, and a BMI of 40 with sleep apnea, I can only say it is time for change. I really enjoyed talking to my surgeon, he is really great and I knew when we were half way through our talk that he was the one.

This is my first post of many to come.

I am so glad I found all of you.

j

I went for my initial consult today. I have a BMI of 41.2 with no major comorbidities, just acid reflux. I am 5'7 and 265. My surgeon seems to think that my sleep study is going to come back with a sleep apnea diagnosis because the circumference of my neck is 17 inches and I have many of the other symptoms, daytime tiredness, morning headaches, lots of tossing and turning, etc.

If you don't mind me asking, when/how were you diagnosed with sleep apnea and what were your symptoms? She kind of told me we were riding on this and that being diagnosed would be the only way to get me approved for surgery. I'm freaking out a little here!

That's awesome! Welcome!

I went for my initial consult today. I have a BMI of 41.2 with no major comorbidities, just acid reflux. I am 5'7 and 265. My surgeon seems to think that my sleep study is going to come back with a sleep apnea diagnosis because the circumference of my neck is 17 inches and I have many of the other symptoms, daytime tiredness, morning headaches, lots of tossing and turning, etc.

If you don't mind me asking, when/how were you diagnosed with sleep apnea and what were your symptoms? She kind of told me we were riding on this and that being diagnosed would be the only way to get me approved for surgery. I'm freaking out a little here!

Hi,

Thanks for your question.

I have a big neck too, but there is more to diagnosing sleep apnea then just have a big neck - and just so you know, I have an appointment next week to see my sleep specialist - so I have not been officially diagnosed but rather self-diagnosed. What I did is that I purchased a fit bit with the intention to monitor my steps, but then realized I can also monitor my sleep too. So that's what I did - and after just the first week, my results showed up to 15 disturbances in just one given night. I also recorded myself for the night and I heard myself snoring and realized that WOW, my breathing also stops. I do not need a doctor to tell me I have sleep apnea - I know. Additionally I wake up every morning feeling fatigued and tired - always feeling like I had no sleep. My surgeon was actually quite impressed with my method on figuring this out, and though the use of the fit bit was a cool idea -he did agree that he does strongly believe I have sleep apnea. I would never encourage anyone to self -diagnose - you should always consult with your doctor. Thankfully this is part of the pre-op process - so I will see if I am right on my diagnosis.

Also keep in mind - check your insurance policy guidelines. For mine at my present weight of 250 lbs with a BMI of 40 I just barely make the thread line to be approved for the surgery - so this has me a little nervous. However, once I have a firm diagnosis on my sleep apnea - that will place me in a different qualifying bracket of 35-39.9 with associated comorbidities - so this will work in my favor should I want to lose a some weight prior to the surgery.

I would not worry to much on it - just take one step at a time.

J

Thank you so much!

I always wake up feeling extremely tired and throughout the day it's hard for me to concentrate at my job because I am exhausted. I could literally sleep anytime or anywhere. Most nights, I do not have trouble falling asleep, but I do have struggles to stay asleep without tossing and turning. I hate to wish myself to be diagnosed but my surgeon said it would be the main thing that helps me. So I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Welcome Jadama22! Sounds like you're on the right path in your journey to have a sleeve. Good luck!!

@@bncbabe2015 -- When you have a sleep study, not only do you learn if you stop breathing while sleeping, but also if you're getting enough oxygen when you breathe. Even though I did not snore, my husband encouraged me to have a sleep study done a few years ago. What I learned was not only do I have sleep apnea (fortunately not severe), I also have hypopnea which involves episodes of overly shallow breathing or an abnormally low respiratory rate meaning I was not getting enough oxygen during the night. I had more episodes of the hypopnea than apnea. Once I started using a CPAP, I slept better and felt better overall. Granted, using CPAP isn't sexy at all, but this is about my health and not whether or not I look sexy. My husband loves me regardless . He uses a CPAP machine, too. It can literally save your life.

Hi!! When I turned 40 my dh told me that I stopped breathing when I slept. Ugh.....The next day I was in my doctors office and he sent me in for a sleep study. I had many of the symptoms and knew something wasn't right. I had MAJOR headaches in the morning (there are reasons why), could fall asleep very very quickly and go right into a dream state any time of day. It was soooo difficult, so I just drank more caffeine and ate snacks to stay awake. During my sleep study I found out I stopped breathing 265 times in 6 hours! Wow! So I finished the process and a few weeks later I was fitted for my c-pap machine. I use it ever night for the last eight years. I really didn't understand what a good night sleep actual was before my c-pap. There is an adjustment period once you get fitted for one, but it changed my whole life. I was awake and not always taking naps or feeling exhausted every day. Hope you're tests go well and if you have any questions feel free to ask. ????

It's not that I WANT to be diagnosed with sleep apnea..but at least if that's what's wrong with me and I'm properly treated, I will be able to rest better! When I wake up my covers/pillows are in the floor from tossing and turning, I do not feel rested in the least. I also wake up with headaches and I could literally sleep any time of the day. It's hard for me to concentrate at work and I work at a bank so concentration is very important! Sometimes I will be asleep and the next thing I know, I am jerking and waking up! Its that "feel like you're falling off a tall building" feeling.

Hi!! When I turned 40 my dh told me that I stopped breathing when I slept. Ugh.....The next day I was in my doctors office and he sent me in for a sleep study. I had many of the symptoms and knew something wasn't right. I had MAJOR headaches in the morning (there are reasons why), could fall asleep very very quickly and go right into a dream state any time of day. It was soooo difficult, so I just drank more caffeine and ate Snacks to stay awake. During my sleep study I found out I stopped breathing 265 times in 6 hours! Wow! So I finished the process and a few weeks later I was fitted for my c-pap machine. I use it ever night for the last eight years. I really didn't understand what a good night sleep actual was before my c-pap. There is an adjustment period once you get fitted for one, but it changed my whole life. I was awake and not always taking naps or feeling exhausted every day. Hope you're tests go well and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

Hi,

I have been the same way -my first appointment with the sleep specialist is tomorrow, so hopefully I am scheduled for my sleep study soon. I don't know what it is to get a good nights rest anymore, so I am hoping that with the c-pap this will help me too. Thanks for sharing.

It's not that I WANT to be diagnosed with sleep apnea..but at least if that's what's wrong with me and I'm properly treated, I will be able to rest better! When I wake up my covers/pillows are in the floor from tossing and turning, I do not feel rested in the least. I also wake up with headaches and I could literally sleep any time of the day. It's hard for me to concentrate at work and I work at a bank so concentration is very important! Sometimes I will be asleep and the next thing I know, I am jerking and waking up! Its that "feel like you're falling off a tall building" feeling.

Hi,

I feel the same lately and when I wake up in the morning, I am so irritable because I feel sooo tired. I hate waking up constantly in the middle of the night and feeling like I have just been spooked up out of sleep. Very frustrating - but hang in there, from reading other stories, once diagnosed and treated, sleep can be a wonderful thing once again

I went for my initial consult today. I have a BMI of 41.2 with no major comorbidities, just acid reflux. I am 5'7 and 265. My surgeon seems to think that my sleep study is going to come back with a sleep apnea diagnosis because the circumference of my neck is 17 inches and I have many of the other symptoms, daytime tiredness, morning headaches, lots of tossing and turning, etc.

If you don't mind me asking, when/how were you diagnosed with sleep apnea and what were your symptoms? She kind of told me we were riding on this and that being diagnosed would be the only way to get me approved for surgery. I'm freaking out a little here!

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea last month. I stopped breathing 13 times in an hour, and my oxygen levels dropped dramatically. It was more so when I slept on my back than on my side. My symptoms were my snoring! Sometimes it got so loud, I woke myself up! I've had my bipap machine for almost a month, and I have yet to get a good nights sleep! I heard it takes a while to get used to your apparatus. Hopefully I won't need it for long!!