Hi Sheila, having my sleeve on Monday!!! so many emotions, but mostly excited. the past 2 weeks have been a challange, doing the liquid protein only, but many have said that is the hardest part. It was not easy, and I was pretty sick the first 4 days, but turned a corner, and it has become just a little easier each day. Don't get me wrong, of someone would put a pizza in front of me, I'd be hard pressed to turn my nose at it. But, I'm keeping my eye on the prize and realizing that this is all for the best.

Good luck with your journey, it may seem long at times, and can get frustrating, but once you make up your mind to do it, everything is worth it!!

Hi Ladies! :-) I was wondering what helped you choose doing the sleeve over the gastric bypass? I just went for my consult and i choose the sleeve but i have to admitt that even though i know a bypass is risking the thought of just 80% of my stomach just being discarded kind of scares me! but i also hear that there are a lot more risk and complications with the actual bypass. So i am up in the air a bit still and was just wanting some input/feedback. Thank you and congrats to everyone on their weight loss! :-)

I researched a bit and found the bypass it for severly obese. I don't like the thought of my insides being rerouted. I have 2 coworkers that had the sleeve done and they love it. I choose the sleeve because I don't mind losing most of my stomach and according to results, you lose the most weight fast. And I'm just at the BMI limit for obese. I do have a coworker that is getting the bypass done in December.

Hi NewMe!
Have been away a couple of days and so glad that I am here to read that you are going in for your "Sleevie" tomorrow morning! I will be thinking of you and keeping you close at heart :) This is the beginning and your hard work will pay off. I just know it! When you can.. please report back and let us know how you are doing and if you need support, love and encouragement... this is the place. I will see my surgeon tomorrow for my first check up and weigh in since my initial consult. I cannot believe that a month has already gone by!! Only 5 more monthly check ups and it will be my turn for surgery! Wishing everyone on this post well!

Hi Honeybeeme! In reply to your question.... I chose the sleeve because I did not want to experience some of the side effects reported by the other surgeries... including the Lap-Band which initially was my first choice. Yet after becoming educated on the different surgeries, I had a change of heart. I knew that ultimately the decision would be mine, however I respect my surgeon and was willing to take his direction as to which surgery would be best for me. After my initial consult, he too agreed that the sleeve would be appropriate for me. Good luck to you in whichever road you plan to travel!

Good evening all my new DS/Sleevies! Just sharing some encouraging news. Had my 1st month pre-surgery visit with the surgeon. He was very pleased with my first month's weight loss. 11.9 lbs down since my consult on 9/29! This past month went by so very fast.... only 5 more visits before surgery! I know that I am headed smack dab into the middle of the holidays and so far I am strong and steady.... mostly because I know I have finally had my fill of not feeling my best, not being able to physically do the things I really aspire to do and knowing that there are others in this group who are celebrating their successes each and every day!!! Thank you all!!

Just Checking In! Hope everyone is doing well! Proud of myself today... I forgot to pack my salad for lunch today... only a lonely baked boneless chicken breast and protein powder with unsweetened almond milk.... I was in the lunchroom at work lamenting about the small lunch and said to a co-worker how hungry I was. She jokingly said at her home when family members get hungry... they call it "Getting Hangry" as in "Angry" I laughed! As I was a bit cranky... it turned out to be a 12 hour day... on the way home I stopped at the market. The old me would have certainly grabbed something "Quick" to tide me over.... not this time... even though I shopped on an empty stomach..... I waited until I arrived home... it was later than I like, yet I ate my protein, veggies and now I am here typing content and feeling blessed....

I received very good news from my insurance. Since I saw my preferred provider in July and August, those 2 visits count toward my 6 month diet/nutrition program. That means I can get my sleeve in January instead of March. I am so excited. I finally met the Dr. that is doing my surgery and he told me that I gained 3 pounds. ugh! He said on this 6 month diet program they like to see me lose weight. Not a drastic change but at least a pound or two....not gain weight. I have been eating more and eating larger portions. I am always so hungry, I don't know what to do. I bought some protein mix and that seems to fill me up for a few hours. January can't get here soon enough. I want a dating life again.

Hi Everyone! It's been a few months since I've posted....still on track for my surgery slated for sometime in April. I am pleased to say that following my Dr's plan of action...I am down 36lbs since 9/29/14. This is the prelim weight that I am working on prior to surgery.....my next pre op visit is 2/23...So needless to say I am becoming a bit anxious as April approaches.....Thank you all for your continued support... also, to my fellow Sleevies who have had surgery this past Autumn...How's it going for you? Take Care... ShelaBug

Congrats on losing 36 lbs! On track and ready to go! Well done.

A bit about why I chose the sleeve: with my back and legs, there may be a time when I need to weigh the risks of NSAID's (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) with the need for pain relief, and with bypass, that is absolutely not an option. Too great a risk of ulcers. With the sleeve, it's not recommended, we're actually told not to take them, but if I make it to 70 years and need them, it may be a choice.
Also, I was overweight due to lack of mobility, not able to move enough to burn the normal amount of calories from a balanced diet. I was not an emotional or addictive eater. My doctor explained the pouch makes it harder to "eat around" the program, so may be a better option for some.
I know that if I don't pay attention to what and how much food I put on my plate, I can easily overeat. Although 1/2 a low carb wrap or sandwich satisfies my hunger and keeps me full until the next meal, I have the ability to eat a whole one with only minor discomfort. If my friends with pouches pulled a stunt like that, they would lose both halves in short time.
Luckily, I rarely have trouble paying attention to portions and choices, only when pizza is involved, but even then, I'm able to just eat until satisfied, then quit. Love my sleeve!!

Thank you for your insight MNMama and your encouragement! Funny you should mention Aspirin... I WISH I could take Aspirin, Aleve, Ibuprofen....any of the anti inflammation wonders.... alas...I am allergic. The cruelest cut for someone with an autoimmune disorder like I have...Psoriatic Arthritis... and tonight I am in pain!! The hurt will pass and I will endure.... Knowing that this weight is coming off is so darn exciting! What's more exciting is the chance of keeping the weight off once and for all. For some reason...I just know that the Sleeve is the right choice for me....the time is right.... I knew that I would be able to lose weight prior to surgery...like I've explained in earlier posts...I've lost substantial weight before... 97 one time and 113 another through good ole fashioned diet and exercise....IT'S KEEPING THE WEIGHT OFF that I had trouble with... so, with a much smaller stomach...at least I will have a fighting chance. With the support of my family, friends, co-workers and DS...how can I fail? Happy Heart Day!!! Talk again soon!

Hi Everyone! My last post was Valentines Day.....and after six months prep for the Gastric Sleeve....47lbs lost..... My surgery day is set!!! It's May 5th!! Cinco de Mayo!!! I am excited.... nervous.....and feeling blessed and anxious all in one! I will start the 10 day clear liquid prep on Apr 24th. Hopefully my surgery will go smoothly (I feel I am in very capable hands) I may even get to go home the same day of surgery....that is if I am found to be "air tight" Surgery day sounds like it will be very busy....getting up and walking soon after recovery... a CT Scan...upper GI.....I really would rather not spend the night....however, if I need to... I will make the best of it. Any pre-op advice from those that have been through this will be welcome and appreciated. Take Care! ShelaBug

Hello!! I missed your initial post, but it is nice to "meet" you! Congrats on your pre-op weightless and congrats on getting your surgery date!!

We have something (other than weight loss) in common... I'm allergic to aspirin and ibuprofen, too!! That's one of the reasons I went with RNY (plus GERD and issues with insulin - pre-diabetic).

My big tips - take earplugs to the hospital and hot-herbal tea calms a cranky pouch (or tube, in your case)!!

JJ

Thanks "JJ" It's nice hearing back from you! You are truly one of my DS mentors.... I've read many of your posts and your pictorial of your journey really gives one a sense of what it takes to embrace our new bodies and also the possibilities that can come with an open mind and determination to succeed. I don't feel alone in this endeavor.... It's one thing to have the support of your spouse....your children....friends....the medical team....yet it is very special to connect to those who have walked in your shoes. You are an inspiration and I am thankful that our paths have crossed. TTYL ShelaBug

Good Evening my DS mentors! Well.... it's getting closer and closer to Surgery Day! Had my final consult with the surgeon today and was I surprised to find that I am not as healthy as I thought I was...sheesh!!! You would think peeling off 51 lbs pre surgery would give me better numbers :( So, I must have two iron infusions prior to surgery....vit B12 injections once each week....and added vit D. I had the whole nine yards of diagnostics this past week.... bone density scan, spirometry (breathing test) Abdominal ultrasound, blood work and the BIG BURP...the upper GI....THAT was an experience! Still trying to rid my body of the barium that I had to drink... kinda like drinking liquid cement!! Anyway, I start my clear liquid / sugar free 10 day pre surgery beginning this Sunday....wish me luck! Hope all of you are doing well... the ones who are successfully living life years later and the ones that are starting out just like me :)
ShelaBug