Hello WLS family!

I am in the beginning stages of the pre-op process. I just had my initial consult with my surgeon on 4/9 and I have my first appointment with the nutritionist this afternoon.

My insurance only requires 3 months of supervision by a nutritionist prior to surgery, so I will be looking at an operation sometime in July or August.

I came here so that I can surround myself with people who have been where I am, or still are. I have received mixed reactions from my friends and family about my decision to do WLS, ranging from full support, to something close to anger or embarrassment.

I have been reading through the posts here and I can see that this is certainly an exceptional group of people. I have already learned so much.

I would really love to hear all of your individual stories. What made you decide that the Sleeve was for you? What were your fears and struggles, and how did you overcome them? What are you still struggling with? What was your journey to surgery like? The first few days post-op? How much weight have you lost? What are your favorite post-op foods and exercises? How did your families react to your decision?

I would really love to see your responses if you have a moment. I sincerely look forward to getting to know all of you.

Also, I am located up in Nor Cal near Roseville if any of you want to get together for a walk or something

Well definitely let us know what you discover! It's always very interesting to me to see the wide variety of hoops that different insurance companies come up with to make us jump through lol

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Lol! Will do!

MamaRhea- the upper GI is easy. In and out in about 30 minutes. They have you swallow barium quickly. And then take pictures standing and then you lay down for pictures and on your side, etc. they watch the barium go down I was in and out in 30 min.

Hi Sarah!

Looks like we will be having our procedures at about the same time! The 20 pound weight loss requirement may seem daunting, but I am sure you can do it! From what I understand, we have to go on an all liquids diet for 2 weeks prior to surgery anyway, and if what I have read is correct, most people lose at least 20 pounds during those 2 weeks anyways. So that might make it easier for you lol.

Thanks! I think 20lbs won't be too hard. I've lost 40lbs repeatedly over the years, it just keeps coming back. The motivation this time is that once it's gone, it's GONE. This is such a weird feeling! Knowing that by this time next year, I'll be in a totally different place with regards to weight and health. So exciting!

Edited April 16, 201610 yr by SarahSleeve

Hi Sarah!

Looks like we will be having our procedures at about the same time! The 20 pound weight loss requirement may seem daunting, but I am sure you can do it! From what I understand, we have to go on an all liquids diet for 2 weeks prior to surgery anyway, and if what I have read is correct, most people lose at least 20 pounds during those 2 weeks anyways. So that might make it easier for you lol.

Thanks! I think 20lbs won't be too hard. I've lost 40lbs repeatedly over the years, it just keeps coming back. The motivation this time is that once it's gone, it's GONE. This is such a weird feeling! Knowing that by this time next year, I'll be in a totally different place with regards to weight and health. So exciting!

Yes! I have these moments that I think, Wow...next summer I can finally wear shorts and a tank top. I am so excited because I finally have some hope of getting this weight off for good and keeping it off.

@@Amurillo04 I'm 47 years old and only starting on my WLS journey. I wish I took this step when I was younger. No matter what diet of the month I was trying - I never lost "enough weight" and ended up gaining everything back plus a little more. Every year I found myself larger and larger - then I started with the health issues that go along with being obese and I finally kicked myself in the a@@ and said enough already - I need help - I can't do this on my own. Good for you for doing this when you are still young! :-)

Congratulations everyone on your journeys. I wish everyone the best of luck. I was really nervous when I started the process. I had a 3 month supervised weight management program to complete and had various appointments appointments. I am on the 4th day of the pre-op diet and scheduled to be sleeved 28 April 2016 so I am counting the days.

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@@Amurillo04 I'm 47 years old and only starting on my WLS journey. I wish I took this step when I was younger. No matter what diet of the month I was trying - I never lost "enough weight" and ended up gaining everything back plus a little more. Every year I found myself larger and larger - then I started with the health issues that go along with being obese and I finally kicked myself in the a@@ and said enough already - I need help - I can't do this on my own. Good for you for doing this when you are still young! :-)

I agree. I am 54. Wish I had this option when I was 21. I had already spent my childhood overweight. By the time I graduated nursing school at 22 I was 244 pounds. My life has been wonderful, don't get me wrong. But your self esteem, your comfort level is so different thin. Good luck to all.

Hello, i'm starting the same journey at the same time with you!

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Hey I am almost on my 4th out of 6th appointment with my doctor and we should probably have the sleeve around the same time as my last appointment is the end of June. I would love to have a person to discuss my worries and excitement with

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Hey, I'm the same way! I should have it around July or August!

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Hey I am almost on my 4th out of 6th appointment with my doctor and we should probably have the sleeve around the same time as my last appointment is the end of June. I would love to have a person to discuss my worries and excitement with

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Hey, I'm the same way! I should have it around July or August!

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It's super nerve racking isn't it? Waiting those 6 months lol

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Hey I am almost on my 4th out of 6th appointment with my doctor and we should probably have the sleeve around the same time as my last appointment is the end of June. I would love to have a person to discuss my worries and excitement with

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Hey, I'm the same way! I should have it around July or August!

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It's super nerve racking isn't it? Waiting those 6 months lol

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I just did the blood work,psyc, and nutritionist. Now need to do the meetings. And was told to practice eating one meal for 30 minutes.

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Hey I am almost on my 4th out of 6th appointment with my doctor and we should probably have the sleeve around the same time as my last appointment is the end of June. I would love to have a person to discuss my worries and excitement with

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey, I'm the same way! I should have it around July or August!

Sent from my SPH-L710T using the BariatricPal App

It's super nerve racking isn't it? Waiting those 6 months lol

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I just did the blood work,psyc, and nutritionist. Now need to do the meetings. And was told to practice eating one meal for 30 minutes.

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My coordinator told me to do my blood work and upper gi toward the end of my 6 months because they only are valid for about a month for some reason lol. One of my problems is that I eat super fast I should try eating slower too

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Hey I am almost on my 4th out of 6th appointment with my doctor and we should probably have the sleeve around the same time as my last appointment is the end of June. I would love to have a person to discuss my worries and excitement with

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey, I'm the same way! I should have it around July or August!

Sent from my SPH-L710T using the BariatricPal App

It's super nerve racking isn't it? Waiting those 6 months lol

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just did the blood work,psyc, and nutritionist. Now need to do the meetings. And was told to practice eating one meal for 30 minutes.

Sent from my SPH-L710T using the BariatricPal App

My coordinator told me to do my blood work and upper gi toward the end of my 6 months because they only are valid for about a month for some reason lol. One of my problems is that I eat super fast I should try eating slower too

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I have to start school in September for nursing so there was no wag i could have the surgery at thst time. I started this journey in july snd chickened out. So i was told i had to start over but i explained to them i had a cat accident in late February and herniated my disc in my lower back. The doc were telling me i would recover fast due to my weight.

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