Hello all. I'm new here and this is my first post. I'm 27 years old and suffer from PCOS, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. Yesterday, my doctor recommended I have the gastric sleeve done. I feel like it's a huge decision to make, so I'm trying to research as much as possible and make a well-educated decision. I have a few questions if any of you don't mind answering:

-what made you decide to go ahead with the surgery?

-did you attend any seminars/info sessions prior to making your decision?

Thanks all for your time! ❤️

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I decided to have the surgery after my mother got it and lost 100 pounds and kept it off for going on four years now. Most centers around me at least require you to attend a seminar before they make an appointment for you, it may be like that around you too. I don't personally have any of the weight related issues that you have but it very well may help them. It is a huge decision to make so you really need to think about it because it is a huge life change. My surgery is August 8 and I started my journey in January so you will have plenty time to think about it before you actually get the surgery.

I decided to have the surgery after my mother got it and lost 100 pounds and kept it off for going on four years now. Most centers around me at least require you to attend a seminar before they make an appointment for you, it may be like that around you too. I don't personally have any of the weight related issues that you have but it very well may help them. It is a huge decision to make so you really need to think about it because it is a huge life change. My surgery is August 8 and I started my journey in January so you will have plenty time to think about it before you actually get the surgery.

Thank you! I'm definitely going to attend a seminar beforehand. My doctor has made sure that we've documented my (failed) attempts at weight loss over the past 6-8 months.

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I had to watch a video online or attend a seminar at my bariatric center (I opted for the video). And then I watched every youtube video I could find of folks talking about the gastric sleeve (the folks who had it, not the doctors talking about it). I found blogs to read. I talked to people who had it. And then I found forums. This site was invaluable to me as I researched the procedures, especially since I wasn't sure at first which procedure I wanted.

Welcome! And good luck as you make your decision!

I did attend a seminar prior to meeting with the surgeon. At the seminar, one of the doctors explained the different procedures and a couple of folks who had the surgery spoke about their journey. There was an opportunity to ask questions. They sent us home with a packet of materials to review and followed-up with a call a few days later.

For me, to have this surgery was a huge decision. I entered the program not sure that I would go through with it. After lots of research, reading, and discussion, I decided this was a safe option to help me get on track to a healthier lifestyle. But WLS is just a tool--the choices and changes are up to me. I will be successful because I choose to follow my doctor's advice, make healthy food choices, exercise, and get the support I need. As much as there is a physical component to the changes you experience, there is also a mental/emotional component that you must recognize and address.

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I had difficulty deciding whether or not to be sleeved. I'd never had surgery but had all of the typical health problems.

One of my many doctors encouraged me to do this, as he mentioned that he couldn't keep increasing meds forever . I was VERY reluctant to do this but moved forward anyway.

Now, 2.5 years later, down 150+ pounds, and all health problems gone, I realize that this saved my life and was the best decision I've ever made.

Go for it!!

@@CortneyReed18

I had tried everything and wasn't losing enough weight to make a difference in my health. My health seemed to be rapidly declining at a young age. I finally decided that even if I died on the table, it would be better to die fast than to die slowly, which is what I felt like was happening to me.

I attended a seminar because that is the first required step at most programs.

Short term surgery is a big life change, maybe the first 6 months, but long term I don't think it is. At least I don't feel like it is.

Thank you for all of your encouraging responses. My biggest worry is that I have a 4 year old son who relies on me to care for him. Did any of you experience a lot of sickness?

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You know what really, truly convinced me to go ahead with the sleeve? Instagram.

I had been considering it for a few weeks and then I discovered the WLS community on Istagram and was convinced. Finally, I could see women like me who made a choice to change their lives. And change they did! These women look and feel great, and support each other every step! I highly recommend searching the VSG hashtag on there when you are doubting what to do, it is so inspiring.

I did attend a seminar before I had my first consult. I attended a seminar at my 2^nd choice clinic, and it really cemented two things for me. 1. This was the right surgery for me. 2. My #1 Clinic was the right choice. I just didn’t feel comfortable amongst the people I met at the seminar.