Good afternoon Sleevers,

I began my journey on September 14, 2016 the day after my birthday. I attended the mandatory class that every Bariatric patient has to go to, I scheduled my appointment with them to meet with the doctor in 2 weeks. In my persistent nature I kept calling them and they were able to see me sooner, I was seen the following week.

I met with the wonderful Dr. Neff for the second time (he is amazingly sweet, funny and knows his bariatric business). At this meeting I received a long list of Pre-Screening Requirements that had to be completed.

1. Medical approval from PCP
2. Lab Work (oh the joy! the drama with my veins)
3. Radiology (boy did that juice you swallow suck)
4. Behavioral Health (basic questions)
5. Dietician Evaluations (Cherri @ their office is AMAZING)
6. Cardiology
7. Pulmonology
8. Gastroenterology (Endoscopies suck especially when they tell you you have a teenie weenie ulcer)
9. Endocronology (skipped this as I didn't need to go)
10. 5 more things that didn't apply to me that I don't want to bore you with lol

After I arrived home with my beautiful folder with all of this information I second guessed myself and decided to re-think the surgery for a week. I can tell you I wasted a week. After I came to the realization that this was the best decision for me (252 pounds and single mother of 2) I began calling and making appointments to see all of the mandatory doctors I had to see. Of course each doctor told me they had a 2 month wait. I'm happy to say that all of my visits and blood work were completed by November 3, 2016. I was approved for Sleeve on November 7, 2016. I saw my doctor on November 9, 2016 and we were able to schedule my surgery for November 21, 2016.

I can say that I learned a lot about my body, waiting in doctors offices and listening to their elevator music and reading old copies of people magazine (when wifi wasn't avail) and that the only thing I am suffering with is a Vitamin D deficiency (go figure, I live in NJ we don't get much sun in the Fall and Winter months).

I'm 36 years old want my life back, I want to be able to be healthy, to run with my kids, not be embarrassed when I go to the park with them, be able to work out with them, go to the beach with them without having to cover myself up and to set a good example for them.

I'm excited, thrilled, elated and can't wait to start over. I want this so badly I can taste it. I'm confident in my decision and confident that I will be able to re learn how to eat with the amazing tool and opportunity I've been given.

Health and Happiness to All,

NJ1980

@@NJ1980, congratulations! I'm glad you have your surgery date. It is just around the corner. I know you are super excited!