Hi Everyone,

I've been reading these boards for a while but first time posting. I decided to post today since I officially scheduled sleeve surgery! My journey has been interesting thus far but not nearly as long/hard as some posts I've read. I originally started thinking about wls over 2 years ago. I had always been thin growing up and it wasn't until I had my first child that I began to gain weight. Actually after I had my first child I lost all the baby weight and fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans 2 weeks later (size 5). But it did not last long as I found my appetite had increased and the weight would not come off like it used to. That was over 16 years ago. Since then I've tried numerous diet & exercise programs. Bootcamp, weight watchers, slim fast, intensive bootcamp, jenny craig, well you get the idea. Each time the same thing would happen, I would lose a bunch of weight and then slowly regain the weight lost and some. I grew tired of the see-saw but never really thought about wls as my immediate friends & family view it as taking the easy way out. Also at 5'4 and 220lbs (my heaviest to date), I was looked at as not having the large amount of weight which would deem wls appropriate. In other words, you don't have that much to lose so you should just work out and eat right. That stuck with me for a long time. I think during the exercise and diets the lowest I came down to was about 180lbs.

Anyway about 2 years ago I began intensely researching wls. But before making the decision, I decided to give myself one year to do it on my own without surgery. Well a year later and although I initially lost 20lbs, I gained it all back and am at my heaviest weight to date. That was it for me. So I began the process of getting approved for surgery. Since I have BCBS, the only requirements were BMI over 40 or BMI over 35 with co-morbidities. Every doctor I checked out online was in-network so I made a couple of consultation appointments to feel them out. Next I just had to have 2 dr. visits (the consultation satisfied 1 visit) and one psych consultation. At both consultations I received a script for blood work. The one I ended up going with was more thorough with their bloodwork requirements, while the other one set me up with a surgery date on my first visit. I didn’t go with the second one because I felt like they were treating me in a rushed manner because of my “easy” approval requirements and it felt kind of like they were a salesperson.

The first place, (nj bariatric center) I felt they were more professional and I felt more comfortable with the doctors but the office staff leaves much to be desired. I almost went to look for another place because of my dissatisfaction.

I decided to go to a different psychiatrist rather than the one associated with my doctor’s office just due to logistics of when they would be in the office (I missed my first appt. and so had to reschedule for one a month later). I found one that had Saturday hours and met with her and she was able to write my report and send it off that same day.

My bloodwork came back with some issues requiring follow-up: had low iron so was put on iron pills, EKG came back with something troubling on my heart so had to see a cardiologist to get cleared (the cardiologist required 3 visits before clearing me).

So I finally got all of my “extra” clearances and met with the doctor for the second time to go over the results of my tests. I was then told that now that I was cleared I would be called to schedule my surgery. The next day I was called and was offered surgery dates as early as June 5 but I decided instead on July 12 because my daughter will be out of school by then and able to help me around the house.

So here I am. I still have to get some pre-surgery bloodwork done at least 2 weeks before surgery. I also have to meet with the doctor again to sign some consent forms and I have to view a video on the surgery. So from my first appt on 2/10 to my scheduled surgery date of 7/12 it will have taking me approximately 5 months and some of the delay has been self-inflicted. I am excited and nervous.

Aaaand I'm still sick. Why is why I haven't written that much. This is ridiculous. I have a cough and sore throat that won't go away. I finally made a dr's appt for later today so hopefully I'll get some relief soon.

As for food, it's been hit or miss lately. For example, I had a piece of fried chicken the other day was fine. Had a protein shake from retro fitness and was on the toilet almost immediately after. Had sausage, egg, & cheese croissant (minus the croissant) one morning was fine. Had baked turkey for dinner and almost threw up. I mean it really doesn't make any sense.

Bread is a no go for me, like even a piece, it feels like it gets stuck in my throat and then later it just sits. So I mean I've tried twice and both times same thing has happened so I'll just chalk that up to a loss. It's not a big deal.

I would like to have vegetables but my protein is filling me up. I tried having some green beans the other day first before eating my protein just so I could get some veggies in. I just don't feel like it's a good thing not to have ANY veggies.

So that's where I'm at now. I'm starting a new job soon so I need to switch offices for my follow-up visits with dr & nutritionist.

So yeah still sick. It's manageable but annoying. I have this persistent cough that won't go away. Dr. Says it's a touch of bronchitis and has me on inhaler to clear my lungs.

On the food front I've notice I have to have wet meat. Meaning anything in gravy or some sort of liquid. It can't be dry no matter the meat. I had salmon the other day which was too dry so I ended up feeling sick from a small bite and not being able to eat it. But as long as I keep to that principle I can pretty much eat any meat now.

I had mussels and chorizo in broth that was delicious. Mediterranean chicken. I did have these spicy lamb meatballs that didn't agree with me though.

I did have a little pasta yesterday, the small elbows, with some ground turkey and tomato sauce. Went down no problem.

My clothes are fitting better. I had a suit that was tough to zip up now going up easily so yay for that.

My friends and family keep commenting on how little I eat now. I'm just like whatever. The other day family went out for ice cream asked if I wanted to go. I declined.

How are you doing with your cough and throat now? How's your weight loss going? I've been following you since your surgery, I'm curious about you!
Wish you the best.