Insurance, possibly the most rigorous part (to-date) of the whole gastric sleeve journey, has approved my procedure. It took 3 days to approve after my surgeon's office finally submitted all of the paper-work. I'm scheduled for surgery in the middle of June, first patient of the day -- my hope is that the surgeon is well rested and on his "A" game.

My program is through Washington University in St. Louis.

http://www.weightlosssurgery.wustl.edu/

The program has a ton of requirements, similar to many others.

I started exploring Bariatric programs and options in December 2015 and joined this site in January 2015. Bariatric Pal has been tremendously helpful in answering my questions and sometimes even entertaining. I hope to be able to contribute more about my experience post-surgery and give back to others.

Good luck to all!

@@no onions Welcome!

I started my journey about two months before you and stopped in Dec. I didn't feel comfortable with the questioning of why I had decided to do the band. I had changed from sleeve to band for my adult daughter, she didn't want me to do anything permanent and I was ok with either it or the sleeve. My original choice was the sleeve (which is now 22 DAYS old). I too was first in that day for surgery on the 6th of May. Remember you prob wont be able to drink until you do the leak test. for me that was about noon the next day. I was dying for something to drink. drink plenty of Water as late as possible (mine was midnight) for hydration.

Keep us posted, we have a spot here on the losers bench for you!

Thanks so much for the kind words! Will definitely update on my progress. I may even add my (horrible) photo! :-)