My Gastric Sleeve surgery is set for April 2018. My journey began in June 2017. I was a go getter from the start and completed everything as soon as I could. I knew I probably drove my doctor's nuts but I was determined to finish this one way or the other. Unfortunately, my drive was not enough and I was stuck waiting on everyone else with long wait lists, not hearing back timely, etc. 10 months later I am getting the surgery.

I cried when I got my surgery date. It all started from one phone call after years of diet, exercise, personal trainers, pills, doctor appointments, before I got the urge to Google possible options. I had never had surgery aside from my wisdom teeth removed and so this was a huge leap of courage. I found out all the requirements, looked up a surgeon and program that could do it, contacted my insurance company found out any other remaining information, verified surgeon and program were in network, and kept on running ever since.

I am terrified for this surgery but mostly its because nothing is certain. I am the type of girl that creates a spreadsheet to clear my mind. I love plans, numbers, details, and viewable goals. There is nothing I can plan with this. I have watched almost every YouTube video out there, done countless hours and days of research, have 2 binders made up organized into tabs and stages, and have kept up to date with many forums.

I however have not really posted to many forums until now. So I think instead of taking this scary, crazy, unbelievable, amazing journey alone, I could be in contact with some amazing people starting their journey's around mine so that I can not feel so overwhelmingly alone during this process..

My husband no matter how sweet he may be is tall, and skinny and will not understand the restrictions I am under. I have told very little people about this surgery and they are to keep it surgery however these friends and family will not be able to understand anything I'm going through.

I love to offer support and am excited to begin this journey with you guys.

Let's be strong and change our lives together!!!!!

Hi,there. Welcome to Bariatric Pal. I make lists also, bet most of us do. Happy you have a firm date, I'll cry when I have mine, I know I'm worth it but there are days when I'm not sure anyone else thinks so. I ran into a snafu in my weight journey and I will know Tuesday if it's ironed out. Send some good thoughts my way, okay?

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Have you guys thought about creating a facebook group? I am asking because I am in one from 2017 and these ladies really have helped me a lot and really have kept me accountable to myself. I think you guys would benefit from a group like this. You can invite people who are having surgeries and you guys can encourage each other. Trust it is a lot easier when you have people who are dealing with the same issues. Just a thought.

It is okay to be scared due to the uncertainty of it all. The amount of weight you lose and how fast is not certain. The amount of loose skin is not certain. But what is certain, is that you can regain your life back and better your health from this. Truthfully, there is nothing you can do to prepare of the surgery. I was like you, I did it all, read it all, watched it all and I still was not prepared for what was to come.

I was not prepared to deal with my dependence of comfort foods, although I thought I had. Hell that first week, I cried at food commercials because I was depressed. I was not prepared that this would be an uphill battle for me with stalls lasting months.

But I was prepared to fight. I was prepared to keep pushing forward and not give up on myself. Like I tell others, the reason/reasons you had the surgery, is your anchor. Hold onto it because this can be hard.

I have a google spreadsheet that I have used to keep track of my weight every week. I also keep track of my inches.

Although it was scary, I would not go back for anything. I think you all have the ability to succeed. Help each other like my group helps me. Without them, I would have been lost.

Good luck!!!!

2 hours ago, kakatlady612 said:

Hi,there. Welcome to Bariatric Pal. I make lists also, bet most of us do. Happy you have a firm date, I'll cry when I have mine, I know I'm worth it but there are days when I'm not sure anyone else thinks so. I ran into a snafu in my weight journey and I will know Tuesday if it's ironed out. Send some good thoughts my way, okay?

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Good thoughts and hang in there. The point of this forum is to be there for each other. I look forward to hearing your progress and am crossing my fingers that everything gets worked out!!

41 minutes ago, Sleeve1stFitNext said:

Have you guys thought about creating a Facebook group? I am asking because I am in one from 2017 and these ladies really have helped me a lot and really have kept me accountable to myself. I think you guys would benefit from a group like this. You can invite people who are having surgeries and you guys can encourage each other. Trust it is a lot easier when you have people who are dealing with the same issues. Just a thought.

Absolutely, this sounds like a great idea!! Is there a link to this new Facebook group you are creating or is it still in progress. I would love to join!

26 minutes ago, mitchjoann132010 said:

Absolutely, this sounds like a great idea!! Is there a link to this new Facebook group you are creating or is it still in progress. I would love to join!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/341461593034430/about/

Edited February 18, 20188 yr by Sleeve1stFitNext

Hi, I am new here too. I have my 1st INFO meeting Wednesday Feb 21 st. I was refferred by my PCM. We are military so all this will take place in FT STEWART, Ga. I was very suprised with a phone call the day after my referral. Its was from General Surgery dept to set up the info meeting. I found out we have a few nutritional visits , blood work, and psych eval then meet with surgeon. I also have a fit husband of 22 yrs who is very supportive. I will tell my mom and my adult girls when the time is closer. My mom loves me but can be quite negative. So it would be great to have friends thru this journey. It will be a little while before i know a date. Have to get a gew things done 1st.

Thank you for his and your services. As a support person to him you fulfill a very valuable service also I for one am proud to know you, I'd like to say I'd shake his hand but I'd probably hug you both instead. I am excited you are starting on your weight journey. Which surgery are you planning? I will be a RnY but I'm friends with all the sleevers on here. I liken these surgeries to rifles and shotguns, different but they both shoot well and they get the job done. To be honest your,timeline looks a lot more efficient than average. Many out here have 5-7 months of prerequirements before our surgeon's office set a date. If we can we will help you with any questions you have. I'm pre surgical myself but have been on Bariatric Pal several months, there are a lot of veteran WLS patients still active they mentor us along the way. I've learned a lot from them. If you like I'll tell you more of my,personal story but right now I hope to make you feel welcome.

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37 minutes ago, Kat0000 said:

Hi, I am new here too. I have my 1st INFO meeting Wednesday Feb 21 st. I was refferred by my PCM. We are military so all this will take place in FT STEWART, Ga. I was very suprised with a phone call the day after my referral. Its was from General Surgery dept to set up the info meeting. I found out we have a few nutritional visits , blood work, and psych eval then meet with surgeon. I also have a fit husband of 22 yrs who is very supportive. I will tell my mom and my adult girls when the time is closer. My mom loves me but can be quite negative. So it would be great to have friends thru this journey. It will be a little while before i know a date. Have to get a gew things done 1st.

It is a long journey to gain the approval from your insurance company. I had to complete.

Educational Seminar

Dietician Group Meeting

Support Group Meeting

2 Dietician Visits

1 Psychiatric Evaluation

6 phone courses from insurance with a trained nutritionist and exercise specialist (2 to 4 weeks apart)

Pulmonary Clearance

Cardiac Clearance

Gastroenterology Clearance

H. Pylori Breath Test (tested positive so had to do treatment for a month then retest)

Monthly Weigh Ins

PCP approval

Proof of Diet, Exercise, Medication

Mandatory Meeting to turn into insurance

Insurance Approval

It is not a short journey but well worth it. I feel all this hard work will make the hard work of losing weight post op not seem so stressful. Pre Op approval is the hardest part. Log your journey so you can look back and see everything you accomplished. Don't give up. Its very worth it!!

I told very few people. I sort of lost a friend due to her not understanding the lifestyle changes and constantly into drinking and eating. I gave up smoking and alcohol cold turkey. Coffee is the hardest thing to give up but I still drink it and chew gum. I stopped drinking out of straws and lost 17 pounds from changing my lifestyle. 17 lbs in 10 months is not much which is why I need the surgery to help.

Keeping it private helps block the negativity. I would have quit the journey if I listened to all the negativity. The truth is you do not know all the work that goes into it unless you have been through it. My husband goes to all of these meetings with me so he understands mostly. A lot of people say its the easy way out. There is nothing easy about this!!

I will go over with surgeon on what surgery is best. @mitchjoann132010, the hospital is on a military base which does the surgery. Since we are not referred off base, some are, as long we met the requirements and do the classes mentioned we are good. My dr could add on more test if he feels its needed. Your journey has been alot so far but looks like you are almost there. And its not a easy way out. And we all have different journeys. And I know you will succeed. You seemed to be as sweet as they come and we all need friends in this.

Thank you @Kat0000 I believe a strong support group is essential to our success!! I am happy to see individuals that will contribute to building each other up!! I hope for the very best for you and hope everything goes smoothly. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you and am sending good thoughts your way! Keep me posted with how everything goes!!

What concerns do you guys have so far? For instance..

How will I get enough protein in after surgery when I wont be able to eat much?

Doubts about whether or not my hunger can actually be controlled? I know I won't unhealthy but it would be new to not be hungry.

How will I be able to drink enough water?

Not being able to eat and drink at the same time. (I have a dry mouth and have to use a special toothpaste and mouthwash. I don't want to choke..)

No caffeine. (Black Coffee)

Will I be one of the ones not losing weight even though I follow the plan?

How about you guys. And do you guys have any advice on any of these.

What are you guys looking forward to most after surgery? Let's keep the inspiration up. For instance...
Crossing my legs again.
Painting toes without any hassle.
food not being on my mind constantly.
My contour on my makeup being emphasized more.
Snapchat filter not slimming my face but instead it's done naturally.
Wearing shorts again.
Not being looked at weird because I'm a chubby girl wanting a salad.
Not hiding my body under layers of clothing.
Not having only my face complimented.
Not being embarrassed to run on the treadmill because my weight makes me feel like I'll break it.
Not being looked at weird in the gym.
Saving money on groceries.

Bending over to tie my shoes without being breathless.
Not having my heart pound out of my chest when I am walking fast.

Dressing in my old cute outfits again. I'm a fashionista.

Wearing High Heels Again!!!!!


How about you guys? Anything you're looking forward to? No matter how silly!

i certainly can add to this long list of great things to come.wearing a normal swimsuit w no shorts or coverups,shopping for clothes in any store i want,instead of combing the plus size sights,looking for fashionable clothes in my size or shoes that aren’t extra wide,being able to dance for hours on the dance floor w/out sweating & feeling winded,to be able to take a zumba class & not feel self-conscious,to b abe to train for a marathon,well i could go on & on as u can tell,lol

I went to Sam's Club today and bought the Premier Protein shakes.

I hate protein powder because no matter how you mix it thry still have a gritty consistency. I heard the shakes are creamier and not gritty.

Sams Club sells the 12 pack of shakes for $16.66. I bought the following:
4 Banana and Cream
4 Oreo and Cream
1 Peaches and Cream
1 Strawberries and Cream

At 2 shakes a day this covers me for 60 days and gives me at least 60 grams of protein a day meeting my minimum.

My surgery is April 18 and my liquid diet technically does not start until April 6 however I'm starting a diet of 2 shakes and 1 low carb high protein meal now February 28. This way if I give in I can pick back up and succeed 2 weeks pre op.

I also want to lose as much as I can pre op so I can have an easier recovery.

My HW was 235 and CW is 220. Lets see if I can get under 200 before surgery. I'm 5 feet tall on the dot.

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