Disclaimer: Before you read this, know that it was written while I'm at work answering phones and catering to people in my office, so there are probably several run on sentences and errors. No time to proofread!
I was sleeved on October 18, 2011, and I still can't believe how fast the time has flown by.
Initially when I got sleeved, I had a hard time adjusting to this new lifestyle because I had to re-train my thinking and control my desires to eat for no reason. Once I was able to get accustomed to "eating to live" instead of "living to eat" life became simple, the weight fell off, and I've been the happiest with myself that I've ever been. I used to say "I love me" when I was overweight, but I think I was saying it as a defense mechanism to convince everyone around me that I was happy even though I was fat. That was true to an extent - I love the person that I am, my personality, my generosity, my sense of humor, but I didnt love being fat. Now when I say "I love me" its probably 90% true. I still love who I am, but i'm finally loving the physical me because even though my new body is flawed with excess skin it still allows me to enjoy life more. I'm no longer afraid of breaking lawn chairs, or not fitting in theatre chairs, or sweating profusely because I'm so overweight. I'm willing to attempt things and activities that are more physical, and the self consciousness will rear it's ugly head, but then it quickly goes away when I remember that I am no longer grossly obese. It's amazing how much your perspective on EVERYTHING changes once you shed a massive amount of weight. It's the greatest thing ever.
My life for the past 5 to 6 months has been "normal". When I say that I mean that I have stopped living like I'm sleeved and have begun living like this is my normal life. I dont get on the scale incessantly. I havent counted calories or checked in to myfitnesspal, etc. I monitor what I eat (which is usually the same things over and over) but I dont obsess about it. I havent been to the gym as much - aw hell, i havent been to the gym all summer. In my defense, I was working and just never made the effort to get there. I do have plans to get that regimen back in place, but I'm not sweating it. I'm living my new normal life.
Shopping has turned into a delight. I was initially traumatized when I had to shop for my new body. I was still losing weight and just didnt know how to put things together for my slimmer thighs, but flabby tummy and arms. It took me some time to figure out that 3/4 sleeved tops are my best friend; that it was ok for me to go into the junior's section to find clothing (they have some cute clothes for the younger chicks! lol); I also realized that i didnt just have to stick to one section to get my outfits together. I was accustomed to dealing with whatever tents Lane Bryant and the Avenue offered, because those were my only options. I've been sleeved, I've been liberated....and I've been shopping!
I wasnt sure how much weight I wanted to lose initially because I'm on the taller side of the scale and didnt want to appear to lanky or "sick" as people like to say. I figured that if I lost about 60 to 70 pounds, I'd be content. I've lost 75 pounds, and I'm happy with that. My weight fluctuates up and down 2 lbs depending on my time of the month, but it's been steady and consistent for the past 2 months. I dont know if I'll lose more when I get back into the gym, but if I dont, I'm totally fine with that.
My social life has changed somewhat as well. I never revealed my weight loss surgery to anyone so everyone has been speculating on how I've lost the weight. I told some that I drastically changed my diet and used protein shakes to kick the weight loss off, I've even given some of them some recipes and my meal plans. Sometimes I do feel guilty for not sharing my real secret, but at the same time it's my business and I dont want to be judged based on that. So as I planned it, my secret will go to my grave with me unless my husband and kids decide to spill the beans. I havent officially lost any friends, but I do notice a distance from some people who I thought would be happy for me. Ive actually been called "skinny" amongst friends, but not in a happy way, more like if being skinny is a bad thing. go figure.
this is totally random, but I hate it when people tell me not to lose anymore weight because I'll begin to look sick. I always comeback with "why didnt you tell me not to gain any more weight when I was fat? Surely I looked sick then?"
that usually leads to some real uncomfortable silence. I love it!
I consider myself a sleeve success story. I'm not saying it was an easy journey, but I am saying it's an easy journey once you lay the path out. Dont set up unrealistic goals for yourself based on what others are doing. I would read other people's success stories and see that they lost 75 pounds in their first 4 to 5 months of being sleeved. It didnt happen that way for me because it wasnt supposed to! Each of us have to individualize our journeys. I was not the model sleeve patient - i dont take vitamins as often as I should; I drink soda; I dont go to the gym consistently; I hardly drink water. These may be the factors for my weightloss not being in the 100s. But I'm FINE with that. My decisions, my choices, my journey. My happiness!
If you aren't sleeved yet and are reading this, I suggest that you continue to do your research and know what you're in for when you have this surgery. It's life changing in every aspect - physical, mental, and social. Some of it may not be all good, but it's most certainly worth it in my opinion. I'd take 10 pounds of loose flappy skin over 75 pounds of unnecessary fat any day!
Other than having my children and getting married, this has been the best thing to happen to me. I'm forever grateful to whoever came up with this procedure.
Its been 5 months and 63 pounds ago that I was sleeved. After my first couple of weeks of being sleeved I couldn't see THIS happening, I thought I would never get here. Here for me is just about at goal. I'm currently 189 pounds, and I guess I will settle at 185 just because I think 185 sounds better than 189. When I started this journey I had no idea of what my goal weight was. The experts suggest that someone of my height and age should weigh somewhere around 150; if I went down to 150 i would definitely look like a q-tip. I'm very happy and comfortable where I am now. I am able to fit into a size 10, which blows my mind because I started this journey wearing a size 22. I'm finally accepting my new size. Early on I was having a hard time visualizing myself in this thinner body. I was struggling when I went clothes shopping because all I've known for the past 25 years is plus sized clothing. when I finally realized that I had to shop in the "regular" sized stores, I was so intimidated and unsure of myself (weird right?). I would wear clothing and everyone would rant and rave about how thin I looked and even though I would see myself in the mirror, the change wasn't as significant to me as it was to everyone else. A couple of weeks ago I went to a beauty pageant with a friend of mine and she asked me to wear something short because she wanted to wear a cute short dress that she recently purchased. I agreed. I had to run to a store and purchase a short dress because frankly I've always felt like I was too big for short dresses and didnt have one. I ended up buying a cute black dress with a nude lace overlay that was slightly form fitting and stopped right above my knee. I tried it on and could not believe how great I looked. no girdle, no spanx, just me. I had a tiny belly bulge, but hey, i've got four kids, I'm entitled to it! I wore that dress that evening with my 5 inch pumps and looked like a freakin supermodel (well I felt like one anyway!) My husband, kids, and girlfriend couldn't stop telling me how great I looked, and I was finally able to agree with them. My AHA moment!
This surgery has done so much for me. I'm no longer gorging, and even when I have the desire too, I just can't because I'm sleeved. I sometimes get cravings for super sweet junk food that's no good for me, and when I try to indulge, my craving is usually curbed after the first or second bite, because I'm sleeved. My health concerns regarding diabetes and high blood pressure have eased because I'm so much healthier and even going to the gym. All because I'm sleeved!
My issues with self esteem and confidence have been taken care of...yes, because of my sleeve.
I know that every now and then I will doubt myself, but I promise you it won't be as much as it was before my sleeve. I'm eager to live and try new things - the things I wouldn't do before because I thought I was too fat and didnt want to bring attention to myself. My relationship with my hubby has rekindled as well. We were ok before I was sleeved as he has been nothing but supportive and caring through our 10 years together, but now that I'm more confident, I'm willing to do more and try new things with him (get your minds out of the gutter). I'm more anxious to go out of the house and just see what life has out there to offer. It's a great feeling. I'm over the moon and under 200 lbs!
Just yapping about the changes I've noticed since being sleeved. Some NSVs, some new revelations.
My relationship with food is more enhanced. Since my portions have decreased so much, I really have to savor and enjoy the food that I’m eating. I used to scarf my food down like I was afraid someone was gonna take it away from me. Now I actually TASTE and appreciate the food I’m eating. I used to taste it before too, but dining is now an experience for me where as before it was a task. Does that make sense to you? For example, I’ve been making Spinach Lasagna for my family for years, and they all rant and rave about how good it is. Before I didn’t really eat it, but this past New Years, I had a spoonful, and actually tasted all the herbs and different flavors of the cheeses. That was a great EXPERIENCE for me and my tastebuds.
I LOVE going to the gym. A year ago you couldn’t even pay me to step foot in a gym! I guess with the weight loss and the boost of confidence, I’m no longer worried about looking like a fat person trying to lose weight. I get to Planet Fitness, plug my headphones in and I become one with that treadmill, or bike, or ellipticall machine. I have never been this amped and motivated to get in shape. I think getting in shape is the key to this – I’m not focusing on losing weight because that is happening any way. I’m focusing on toning my body and getting my endurance up and seeing that progress makes going to the gym a very enjoyable experience.
I don’t know how to shop for clothing anymore! It’s like I’m a stylist trying to give someone a makeover! I’m not complaining because it’s fun! I’m trying on clothes that I would never have considered in my pre-sleeved life. I got so accustomed to going right into Lane Bryant and the other big girl stores and settling for all the oversized blouses and tent like dresses they offer us. I’m not necessarily ready to shop in a skinny girl store for all my clothing yet, but it’s nice to be able to walk into a “regular” store and have the option to wear some of their clothing and not just the jewelry. I loved to shop before, but now that my options for stores to shop in have doubled, I’m in heaven!!!
On another note, my ass and boobs have left the building. I wasn’t a Dolly Parton Kardashian candidate before, but now my profile looks like that of a door. You gotta see how I’m going after that glute machine in that gym. SMH. Been looking for “booty pop panties” on EBay and Amazon.
New adventures in grocery shopping too! I was never a label reader up until about 2 years ago. Even then I was really only focusing on finding foods that had aspartame in them because I’m trying to stay away from it as much as I can. I would also glance at fiber content, as I like to know that my fam is eating foods rich in fiber. Now I find myself comparing everything to see what has the most protein in it.
I am losing my hair. It’s coming out at the root. It’s my fault though because I’ve been neglecting my vitamin regimen as usual. I know, I know. Gotta get my vitamins in, it's essential to my well being.
I can see my pubes. My stomach hung so low before that it covered my lady parts.
I have gotten comfortable with telling people that I’ve changed my eating habits when they say “What are you doing to lose the weight?”. I tell them that my portions have gotten way smaller, and I’m more aware of what I’m putting in my mouth. I tell them that I’m also going to the gym, trying to get to a healthier place. Who says I have to mention the part about being sleeved?
I sat in the movie theatre with my sons to watch the Chipmunks movie the other day. The seat was comfortable. Its usually to snug and I end up having to scooch my self forward to get out of the seat without bruising my hips. Now, no problem. Will definitely be going to the movies a lot more from now on.
I have to brush my teeth several times a day. I guess since we have to chew our food so much that we’re more susceptible to plaque. I just know that I hate that feeling – the cheesy film that you feel when you run your tongue across your teeth. Instead of twice a day, I’m up to 4 to 5 times for toothbrushing. Flossing is becoming more frequent too.
I have to get my wedding rings sized. They look like hula hoops when I put them on my finger now.
Everytime I see someone who is obese I want to run and tell them about the sleeve.
I’m realizing that since I’ve gotten more accustomed to my sleeve, the less I get on to VST and the less I have to vlog about on Youtube. I now understand why so many people are all in for months at a time, and then they just disappear and return a year later to announce their “surgiversary.” Once life with your sleeve becomes normal, there isn’t much to report.
October 18th, 2011 was a monumental day in my life. The three months leading up to that date were anxiety filled, and I spent every waking moment on VST and YouTube gathering all the information I could about being sleeved. No matter how much research you do, you're still never fully able to comprehend how much your life will change - in my case for the better.
While in the hospital after being sleeved, things weren't so bad, in fact I was expecting to be in a lot more pain than I actually was. I anticipated that it would be excruciatingly bad, but in comparison to my 3 sections and one natural birth, the pain was minimal. I was able to walk by the second day (very slowly of course) and didn't experience any of the gas issues that people talk about during their experience. Even my nurses and surgeon mentioned how I was doing so well. Physically, I was the ideal post op patient. Mentally however, I was a frickin MESS!
My first couple of days home were a little rocky as I was having issues with my acid reflux meds. The omeperazole they prescribed for me didn't agree with my system, so I had to go on Nexium. No big deal, I had a rough day and a half till we worked that out. But the real issue I had with getting sleeved was the restriction. I knew that I signed up for this surgery because restriction would be the ONLY way that someone like me could ever lose weight and keep it off. I don't have enough will power to stop myself from eating for no reason. Even as a sleeved woman, if there is a piece of food near me I have the urge to eat it - not because I'm hungry, but because its there. With the sleeve though, I have to make a conscious decision before I eat anything or suffer the consequences. Am I willing to eat that food and suffer from "dumping" or feeling overly full for several hours, or even vomiting because it doesn't agree with my new tummy? These are the things that go through my head now before I stuff my face for no reason. My sleeve has made me a conscious eater.
Although the restriction is just what I needed, as you'll see in my previous blogs, I resented this sleeve for not allowing me to be greedy and eat any and everything I wanted. I resented this sleeve because I couldn't just take it back to the store and get my old tummy back. I resented this sleeve because I wasn't in control. I had to do what my sleeve liked. I had to submit to my sleeve and finally after a little over 2 months I can say my sleeve and I are a team. We're in sync. I'm not holding up my end of the bargain as I should with my protein counts, but Im working on it. As long as I keep my sleeve hydrated and give her some stuff to eat every few hours, she's good. No belching, no vomiting, no gurgling, no problems.
I said all this to say that loving my sleeve wasn't necessarily an easy road to get to. Sometimes when you read the posts of those people who have been successful with their sleeve after many months, the "bad" stuff tends to get left out and you're left with these expectations of happy sleevedom and when you do get sleeved you wish you'd never done it. It happened to me. No one told me about the resentment stage and no one told me that I might have buyers remorse in my first few weeks of being sleeved. No one told me that I would feel trapped, and angry, and want to stay in my bed for weeks until it all got better.
I hope this note helps that person out there who is nearing their surgery date - know that the road to recovery may not be easy at first, but when you do get accustomed to your sleeve and new lifestyle it will all be worth it in the end, and you'll be able to pass the info on to the next new sleevester..
Just venting, not necessarily bad stuff, just some things only my VST peeps would understand...
I was at a family event yesterday, and everyone commented on how skinny I looked. I've only lost 30 lbs, and they are ranting and raving. Did I do the sleeve for nothing? I coulda lost 30lbs without surgery if I really tried hard...
What kind of damage am I doing to myself? I'm not taking in much food, but I feel wonderful. I havent had more than 400 calories yet...i just dont have an appetite...will my body go into starvation mode? I'm taking vitamins, does that help me in anyway?
What am I supposed to do about my clothes falling off me? I find that every week I'm needing to belt and try to re-wok the clothes that I have but when your pants are literally falling off you and you dont have money to buy new ones, whaddya do?
I'm still baffled at the fact that I'm not as interested in food as I used to be. My tastebuds have become so picky that I was able to turn down some of my favorite foods at a family event. I had two jumbo shrimp, not because I desired them, but because i was tryna get some protein in.
My brain has not caught up with the fact that my weight loss is becoming visible. I think that I wasnt really expecting to look different until I lost about 50 pounds or more, so its very hard for me to believe that I really look that different, even tho my clothes are falling off me. Such a mind screw that its hard to understand until you really live it yourself. so weird.
I'm losing my boobs. They keep slipping out underneath my underwire. Go ahead laugh, I crack up everytime it happens.
Someone called me "skinny minny". My jaw hit the floor (in my head) and i quickly turned the compliment back on her because I got so uncomfortable with the attention. Im turning into a weirdo.
Disclaimer: These are strictly my opinions and in know way mean to deter anyone from pursuing VSG.
I was sleeved on October 18, 2011. In addition to my new stomach, I've got new realizations about things and would like to share...
This sleeve thing is MAJOR surgery. I knew that when I was going in, but you dont fully understand the magnitude and seriousness of it until you wake up with that pain in your gutt.
I was not mentally prepared for this surgery. Yes, I had the psych eval. Yes, I researched every possible thing I could think of to make sure I was prepared. I read posts from people who were newly sleeved and complained of pains and troubles during their recovery, but I definitely lived in that "That wont happen to me" world. I figured those people had to be doing something wrong to cause them so much grief. Boy did I get a wake up call after my surgery.
Getting sleeved removed 85% of my stomach. My desire to eat for no reason in massive quantities is still very strong. I wish I could sleeve that part of my brain. I havent stopped wanting to have some steak and fried chicken since my surgery. If only they made lobster flavored ice pops, I might find some of my desire to eat real food quelled.
"Sharting" is no joke. Dont take your gas for granted, it may be more than just air in that bubble.
You will question your decision to get sleeved. You will feel trapped when you realize that there is no turning back. Unlike conventional diets where you can cheat just a little and get back on track; if you try and cheat with a new sleeve, you could kill your self.
There are an awful lot of food commercials on tv. No wonder our country suffers so much from obesity. While in the hospital most of the commercials I saw were about food, cars, and Kim Kardashian's wedding.
Learning to read my new stomach is still kinda hard even after 6 days in. It gets frustrating, and at times it makes me angry. My old stomach would growl, I'd overfeed it, and all would be well. This new stomach is so picky...sometimes what I think is a small sip will piss new stomach off, and new stomach will give me the worst spasm ever. New stomach dont take no s***.
Coughing, sneezing, and laughing are tools of the devil. Boy do they hurt like hell.
I thought my couple of days in the hospital would be good for me because I'd be able to get some rest. WRONG! I didnt get more than 4 consecutive hours of sleep at a time because there's always an injection that you need to get, or some kind of medication, or a doctor needs to see your incision sites, or the nurse needs to check your vitals, or they need to deliver your nasty fluids for you to try and ingest, or someone needs to clean your room, or they want you to walk, or you gotta go to the lab and drink that nasty stuff so they can check for leaks, or you gotta go pee, or someone wants to offer you communion, or your roommate's family comes to visit and is loud and smells like cigarette smoke and cabbage and stays until visiting hours are practically over in addition to that hospital bed being hard to get totally comfortable in.
I cant stop thinkin about food and what the first real spoonful of food I'm going to have is.
Someone asked me if I would do this again. I havent had any weight loss yet, so I'm not totally sure. I'll have to revisit this post and answer once I see the difference in a couple of months. I just hope this pain and discomfort and food craziness in my brain is all worth it. I think my biggest problem is that Im throwing a tantrum because i havent had real food in over 2 weeks. I know restriction is the only way i will lose weight, but I really resent not being able to do what I want to do - be in control of what I want to eat and when. For now my sleeve is calling the shots, and that's a harder pill to swallow than the Prilosec the doc prescribed for me.
Yesterday I spent a couple of hours at the hospital to pre-register for my surgery on the 18th, to meet with my nurse practitioner, and to meet with the nutritionist.
The nurse practitioner gave me 2 prescriptions to fill before I get to the hospital so that I would have them when I got home after surgery; Omeparazole and Lortab Elixir. She gave me some papers with discharge guidelines and stuff to do or not to do before and after surgery. She asked me if I had any questions, and reminded me that I could call or email her at anytime if I needed to speak with her. She is frickin awesome.
I met with the nutritionist who gave me the guidelines for my pre-op fast. I already had them, so what she told me wasnt a shock or anything. She expressed that most patients lose the bulk of their weight in the 1st 9-12 months and that she really hopes I understand how important it is to stick to her guidelines and those of the surgeon. She said she has a good record so far with the surgeons - meaning all of her clients who have gone in for surgery have had "shrunken" livers. She threatened me, saying I better not mess up her record! I asked her if surgeons really turn patients away for having distended livers and she said that she's heard of it happening, just not to her patients. Imagine getting opened up for surgery, then closed back up and sent home because your liver was too fat? SMH. I would die! Anyhoo, she too reminded me that she was just a phone call away for any questions I may have even if I thought they might be stupid, I should ask her. She's kinda awesome too.
She highly recommends the Bariatric Advantage High Protein Meal Replacement Shakes and their control bar for snacking. I told her I didnt want to invest my money in that stuff, I preferred to go into my local Vitamin Shoppe and purchase my protein stuff. She gave me a list of things that were pretty good, and I ended up with with Nectar Chocolate Truffle. Delish!
I went down to the pre-admission testing office to give blood and have a cardiogram performed. My PCP will review my blood work and give the final thumbs up on my surgery (hopefully) and I'll be all set to go for October 18th!!!!
One thing that alarmed me during my discussion with my NP....she asked me how much time I took off from work and I told her that I would be back at work the following Monday after my surgery (surg is on a Tues). She asked me if I really thought that was enough time and I explained that I really dont have much time because I had to use so much of it to go on all these pre-op appointments! I sit at a desk all day and dont lift anything other than mail, so I told her I thought I'd be ok. My job thinks I'm having gall bladder surgery, so I may be able to squeeze an extra day off, but I'll play it by ear. Cant miss too much work, people are losing their jobs around me left and right, cant give them a reason to let me go.
Well, that was my day yesterday. I'll be traveling out of the country on family business, so I'll be taking my Nectar with me. I just hope they dont give me a hard time at the airport....
I have been dreaming of this day for the last 3 months. It played over and over again in my head. My phone would ring, and it would be my coordinator telling me that she has good news for me...I'm approved!
It happened exactly the way I envisioned it. She called, I answered, she said good news, and I squealed with delight. Dreams really do come true huh?
So she said the next available date to schedule me is October 18 which is fine with me. I have enough time to get my brain and body ready for the change that is about to take place. I dont plan on having a "one last big meal" adventure, as I read a "dos & dont's" post by Lil Miss Diva that helped me to realize that I have to end my fat thinking. Food isnt going anywhere. Theres no need for me to consume it in large amounts before my sleeve, I'll just be making it harder for me to lose weight afterward. Instead, I'm going to try and jump start my body and mind by going on a pre-pre op diet. It's crazy how that one phone call has changed my thinking.
I'm walking on marshmallows in clouds of cotton candy next to my silver unicorn and harem of naked men who all look like Idris Elba and Boris Kodjoe. That's how happy I am right now!
Lately I've been having the urge to organize and clean everything in my path. Last Saturday I rearranged my closet, drawers, make up kit, my kids closet, their drawers, and washed every bit of laundry that was in sight. Today I reorganized all the file cabinets in my office and rearranged my desk. This may not sound so out of the ordinary to some of you, but for me, doing all those tasks (cleaning tasks) all at once in a fell swoop like that is a rarity. In fact, the only other times I've gotten the energy and gumption to clean so fervently was in those last few weeks of all my pregnancies. There's something instinctual in a woman that gives her the drive to "prepare the nest" when she's expecting a baby. I KNOW that I'm not pregnant, so I'm guessing that my behavior may be because i"m anticipating this surgery. The birth of the new me is coming and I guess I'm just gettin my house and job life in order.
Another theory that I have is that this is all stemming from my CPAP machine. My energy levels have improved greatly. Initially I wasnt convinced. I guess I was in denial about my apnea. But I"m so grateful now because I'm able to get things in order and I dont feel as sluggish and as cloudy as I used to. Everything seems to be falling into place. I'm even more ready for this sleeve than before.
Just wanted to share my insight and positive attitude with yall. Thanks for reading! Sorry about the typos and/or grammatical errors, it's kinda hard typing on a telephone keyboard sometimes! lol
By the way, check out my vlog on YouTube. My channel's name is "Sleeviewonderland".
Please comment and subscribe, I'd really appreciate it!
Here's the link: My Vlog - Sleeviewonderland
Met with my surgeon last week. Forgot to bring my list of questions, but I did manage to ask him about bougie size. He said he uses a 40, finds that his patients fare better with the 40 versus anything smaller, especially in terms of acid reflux. His success rate is pretty good (I asked him and of course I expected him to say that), hasnt had any sleeve patients die on him and hasnt had any leaks, but he assured me that if there were any complications he and the hospital staff will do their best to accommodate me and make sure i'm well before I walk off their premises.
He also told me that i'll need to bring my cpap machine with me to the hospital. I havent gotten it yet, the medical equipment company is supposed to come to my house on Friday to give it to me and show me how to use it.
I'm also struggling with these damn vitamins. The gummy ones are no problem, but the vitamin D pills sit on my chest all day no matter how much I drink to wash them down. The worst though is the chewable calcium tablets that I purchased. It's like chewing on sweet sand and baby powder. so gross. I cant believe I have to take this crap. I've been a naughty nellie, though. I have iron pills and I havent taken one yet. I know I need them, but I just hate being constipated and having that metallic taste in my mouth. I know, I know, I gotta man up and do what I gotta do.
I'm scheduled to visit the psych dude tomorrow, and once he sends the letter to my doctor's office my paperwork will be submitted to the insurance company. I cant believe I've actually jumped through all these hoops! I guess I shouldnt rejoice just yet, still need to hear what the verdict from the insurance company will be, so I'm trying to play it real cool.
I've been having wonderful dreams lately. Cant remember them all in detail, but I do remember that I seem to be pretty slim and sexy. I guess since I've been visualizin my self losing weight (if I can see it, I can be it!) it's carrying over to my dreams. I still havent told anyone other than hubby, but I am thinking of doing a video blog as suggested by my sleeve sister. I think it will be nice to see the transformation for me, and for anyone else out there on this journey.
I'm cuttin out right here. until next time sleevers...
:tounge_smile:
So, it’s been a while since I’ve visited VST. I felt like I was overdoing it. I needed to rest my brain a bit from all the sleeve business. I guess as I get closer I’m getting a little overwhelmed and nervous about the whole thing. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still 100% ready to do the daggone thing, I just felt like I was letting it consume me, and I needed a bit of a breather.
So since I’ve been here last I had an echocardiogram done. I gotta admit, I had no idea what an echocardiogram was, just thought it was a more high tech EKG. In a way it was. The best way I can describe it is to call it a sonogram for your heart. It was painless and very interesting to see the chambers of my heart and also to see it beating. I got nervous cause the tech would take snapshots of my heart from different angles, but she said “hmm” a lot during the process. I asked her if something was wrong and she said “no, I just moan sometimes”. I know that she’s not allowed to give me medical info or diagnoses, so I worried and worried until I heard from the doctor that things looked good. I also did a stress test – had to run on a treadmill that inclined and sped up every three minutes. I did pretty good, lasted about 10 minutes on the stupid thing. I was ready to give up after 5 minutes, but I wanted to prove to my doc that my heart was strong so I pushed through that ten minutes like a champ. It felt like an eternity, but I made it! LOL
The nurse who tended to me during the stress test (they strapped a heart and BP monitor to my mid section while I was on the treadmill) asked me why I was doing the tests. I explained that I was trying to get clearance for bariatric surgery. She smiled, and didn’t say anything. I could tell she wanted to say something, and I was ready for her if she was gonna give me the “you don’t have to do surgery to lose weight” speech. Instead she told me that she recently had to have her lapband removed because of the complications it caused. She tried to live with it for 11 months. She lost about 16 pounds total, and dealt with incessant vomiting and acid reflux. It finally slipped, and she decided to have it removed. She said she’s maintained the 16 pounds she’s lost since she removed it, but she would never do any type of WLS again. She wasn’t bitter, she just chalked it up to it not being for her. I told her that I was having the sleeve and she didn’t even know what it was. She said she wished that the sleeve was available when she was pursuing WLS, but wonders if she wouldn’t have had the same problems. She doesn’t regret doing it, but is pissed that she’ll be taking prilosec for the rest of her life. It was a nice conversation. AND she didn’t judge me or try to make me reconsider my own decision. I wished her luck and went on my way.
I am finally going to meet with my surgeon today *biting nails*. I’m hoping for a date in early September which is right around the corner so I have to hustle and get this psych eval done. I’ve been taking off from work so much for these appointments that I have to be really careful because my boss is definitely taking notice. The psych eval is the last test I’ll need to submit to my insurance. Gotta hurry up an git er done!
I also found a “sleeve sister”! We’ve only known each other for about a month, but this VSG journey is bonding us and is making the process so much easier to go through. We’re working with the same doctors and are able to compare notes. We have many things in common, and had a really heartfelt talk over dinner last week that I appreciated more than she’ll probably ever know.
I went to my junior high school reunion this past weekend and was horrified at the aftermath of pictures that captured me in all my 250 pounds of flesh and flab. I’m not in denial, I know that I’m obese, but dammit, I didn’t realize that my arms looked like ham hocks and that I would look like a circus tent in my maxi dress that I thought would be flattering. I have that little piece of fat that almost hangs over my elbow point, and seeing it in pictures brought me to the lowest of lows. I’m fat. I’m obese. I’m so unhappy with me right now it’s not funny. *Note to self* Must remember to disable the "tagging" feature in Facebook.
To top things off, my girlfriend who I haven’t seen in about 8 months decided to roll out with me to the reunion. She comes to my house to pick me up, and this heffa has lost at least 75 bleepin pounds. She has on a form fitting dress and she looks like a freakin goddess standing next to big ol hulkin me. This hussy didn’t even tell me that she had lost all that weight! I know what you're thinking..and no, I didn’t ask her if she had surgery. I wanted to, but realized that if she wanted me to know she would have told me. Am I a little salty about that? Just a tad. Wait, no. Because I’m not letting anyone know of my plans for surgery, so I can dig where she’s coming from.
I went on and on about how fabulous she looked and was truly amazed at her transformation. She used to be short and round, but somehow she seemed a little taller now that she’s slimmed down. She could have worked hard and exercised and changed her eating habits to achieve this monumentous weight loss, but I really don’t think she went that route. I would bet money that she had some sort of WLS. So just to confirm my suspicions, I watched her eat. There was an abundance of food at the reunion…ribs, burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, Spanish rice, mac n cheese, corn on the cob, fried ckn, bbq ckn, turkey wings, pasta salad, garden salad, fruit salad, cookies, cakes, pies. Before the weight loss her plate would have been piled up with “a little bit of everything” on it. When she got back to our table she only had a bbq rib (a very small one) and about a half cup of Spanish rice. I sat and watched her pick at the rib and chew a small piece of it for the longest time. Then she had a spoonful of rice and pushed the plate to the side. To further confirm my suspicion, I brought her a bottle of water to drink. She told me she didn’t want it, she’d probably have something to drink later on. BINGO!
I think after I’m sleeved, I’ll share this story with her. I’m a little disappointed that she didn’t trust our friendship enough to let me know she was planning to have surgery, but like I said before, I understand why she didn’t say anything. The funny thing is that while she got lots of compliments on her weight loss, no one asked her how she did it. Throughout the course of the day we were talking about how one of our classmates resembled Raven Symone and my friend blurted out “I think she had the surgery!”. Everyone nodded in agreement, but my eyebrow went way up into my hairline. That was definitely confirmation for me. I just got quiet for a minute and daydreamed about next year’s reunion and my hope of sauntering my newly found fabulousness amongst my schoolmates.
So yeah, I wrote that title just to rope you in.
Well it's true, sorta...I've been officially diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Ordinarily I'd be upset and worried about it, but for this situation, I'm happy to have it. You see, this apnea is my saving grace as it helps to qualify me for surgery. I had a 39.5 BMI, no co-morbs, and was worried that things wouldnt work out in my favor. But they did. I'm so glad they did!
I met with my NP today and she told me to go full steam ahead with making all the other tests and stuff I need - psych eval, cardiologist, gall bladder sono, upper endoscopy, and chest x-ray. She said the sooner I get those things done the sooner I can schedule my surgery date. I also havent met with the Nut yet, so I made an appt to see her on Thursday.
I started looking into WLS toward the latter part of May, so it's only been about two months for me, but I swear it feels like I've been pursuing this forever! I cant think about anything else, my poor hubby has gotten to the point where he just nods and doesnt even try to respond cause I'm like a motor mouth about all the things I'm gonna do when I lose the weight.
Back to the sleep study thingy....I didnt think I suffered from it, but now that I think about it, it makes sense. I could sleep 12 hours straight and still wake up tired as ever. Honestly, I thought I was a light sleeper because I havent slept soundly in six years since my first son was born. I'm just accustomed to jumping up in my sleep, but maybe it was/is apnea all along. I'm not looking forward to sleeping with a mask on my face, but I am curious to see how different i will feel after using the CPAP. Oh, I just realized that I didnt mention it, but I have to go back to the sleep study center on Thursday eve so they can check my pressure (that's what the sleep center rep said), and I figured she was talking about the cpap business. So I'm looking forward to another night away from hubby and the kids (stop lookin at me like that, I dont take these little mini vacays for granted) in that cozy little fake hotel room.
Today was a good day. Alot of my anxiety was relieved, now I can concentrate on getting these tests outta the way so I can get to my sleeve!
Now I gotta figure out how to fix up my signature into a "to do" list so I can be fancy like the rest of you!
The post below is quite amusing, and comes in parts so you'll have to find the post on VST to get the entire story. It's so well written and informative, it'd do you good to read it, especially if you're contemplating surgery in Mexico.
http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/21117-new-name-sleeved-in-seattle/page__pid__178955#entry178955
I'm home! I'm home! Oh, it's so good.... Well, I promised details and I won't sugar coat it but I want to start by saying: I have no pain (except for the first day...) and was up and walking within hours of surgery, have no nausea or reflux. I'm drinking 40+ oz of water, some broth, and eating jello with no problem. I have NO hunger. I've been walking 1/2 mile or more per day.... If I woke up with amnesia and someone told me I had major surgery on Thursday, I'd say, "Liar."
RECAP: I'm a self pay, Mexico patient. My story "sleeve" story started about six weeks ago when I begrudgingly attended a WL Seminar to hear about the 'band'. I went thinking maybe things had improved and maybe, just maybe it was time to reconsider getting the band. Then, the clouds parted and heavenly music played~~Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Wow. Shiny. Must know more...
Fast forward to July 6. I fly out, San Diego bound with my dad in tow (resume includes lots of Mexico experience, big guy--big arms, street smart). I'm 43 and 19 years married with teens. So, there is no hang-up about hubby not being with me...he's just not the best choice for me because he cannot stand to not understand what's going on. Mexico is not conducive to making my baby a calm companion. No harm, no foul...he is happy to stay with the kids on this trip!
Before we hit the gate, Ricardo (our driver) is on the phone finding out if we are curbside yet. We agree to call as soon as we are...and sure enough, 2 minutes later we are safely ensconced in the silver Honda Civic, weaving our way toward the border. Ricardo speaks EXCELLENT English and is very knowledgable of the whole "sleeved in Mexico" process. He probably picks-up and delivers most of Dr. Kelly's patients...and he also runs for another. Anyway...all that to say that he is an excellent source of info, he's got the Doc's on speed dial, and is professional in that he calls ahead to confirm details with you. Good guy! As a side note, if you mention the theory that chewing gum is NOT allowed because it causes your stomach to make and release stomach juices/acids, he will have to pay me a royalty. So I appreciate your help there.
Arrive Florence Clinic and are met by Trish as Ricardo delivers us to the reception area. The bldg. looks just as pictured on the exterior, the garden/courtyard is nice. I would liken the reception area to a 'nice' office or professional bldg. That changes as we are led to our room in the back corridor. The impression is less professional office and more motel. It's clean and you'll have everything you need, but really...it's like a motel room with surplus hospital furnishings.
I'm given yet another health history form by the head nurse, Jessica. She speaks very good English also. Trish is a bubbly joy, Dr. Kellly is quiet and trying to greet me and give instruction/answer questions, Jessica the head nurse is speaking rapid spanish to a trio of nurses, and things are frankly, CHAOS. Everything happening at once. I found it amusing that no one respects that the Dr. is speaking and everyone has their own agenda. It feels like I'm standing on some trading floor. Eventually Trish and Dr. Kelly leave...and I'm left filling out the health history form that Jessica was requiring.
There is some discussion about whether I will or will not have labs tonight, the people have gone...then they are there...then I am getting my IV so they can kill 2 birds with one stone. Take blood, get I.V. si? hahahha Let's just say that I am one of those that has to hydrate well before having blood drawn. So, as Maria (not so good English...Ok, virtually none) is trying to find a vein in my right hand, I'm suggesting she try my left as I am right handed and will need that hand for things. Important things, like wiping my butt? OK...I know that there is one or more of you out there that are worried about the 'bathroom logistics/gymnastics' of dealing with hygiene will having several incisions in your belly. Am I right?
Maria can't locate a vein by touch and understands enough of what I'm saying to move to the left hand. After about 10 minutes, she decides she needs to find someone 'to help' si? Si!
In about 2 minutes, Maria returns with 2 other nurses. Oh great, this one is NOT listening to my suggestion of 'left hand please' and Maria cutely tries to convey the same message. NOPE, guess the boss has arrived. She massages my hand for about 10 minutes and is pumping the 'ball' of my thumb. She's in. I have half a roll of tape now on my right hand holding this fragile accomplishment in place. Bathroom issues are now raging in my head as, gulp, I have also started my period that morning. OMG This is NOT going to be OK. Si? NADA!
-----I gotta take a break and go to bed. I'm tired after my trip today and need to take a shower! A loooooooooooooong shower followed by a looooooooooooong sleep in my own bed. I'll finish tomorrow.
Source: NEW NAME? "Sleeved in Seattle"
I had my sleep study done last night. I think I “passed” with flying colors.
If you know my story, you’ll know that I’ve been worried about not qualifying for surgery because my bmi is too low and I havent been able to put on the weight I need (20+ lbs) to get it at the 40 mark. I took some measures to get my weight up at my last appointment, but it still wasn’t enough to get my BMI up high enough so we were counting on my blood work to show something – high cholesterol, diabetes, anything….again, no success with that either. My NP let me know that my last option was to be diagnosed with sleep apnea. We scheduled the sleep study for last night, and I’d like to give you a quick rundown of how it went.
If you’ve never had a sleep study done, here’s a jist of what you can expect.
I arrived at the sleep center at 9:15 and registered. The center I went to emailed me a packet of information and forms that they asked me to bring with me on the night of my study. I had to answer one part when I arrived, and then I gave the packet back to the tech. She was very nice, showed me to my room, and gave me a quick tour of the floor – showers, pantry, her station, etc.
We chatted it up a bit as she asked me why I was having the study done. I told her that I was hoping to have VSG surgery and she mentioned that she was considering WLS herself . She instructed me to change into my night clothes in the bathroom (the cameras are in the room) and that she would be back in a few to wire me up. She came back in the room at about 9:45 and the wiring process began. She put little glops of this pasty adhesive stuff on my face and scalp (imagine super thick Vaseline with Elmers glue added to it). While she was wiring me she explained that the pasty stuff was for the leads to adhere and give better readings while attached to me. Long story short, she put wires in my scalp, chin, neck, chest, back, and legs. She put tape on a few of the wires, which felt like I was getting waxed when she had to remove them the next morn. She also wrapped some kind of belts around my torso, and taped an oxygen monitoring device to my left index finger. I kind of felt like Swamp thing when I stood up to get into the bed. The room was really cozy as I was able to adjust the temp to my liking. There was a nice tv mounted and I vaguely remember watching some of 30 Rock while she wired me, and then the 10 pm news was on by the time I laid down. The bed was comfy, but the pillows were super flat. I could have asked for a couple more pillows, but I wanted to use everything I could to get my snoring on so I dealt with the flat pillow and laid down on my back (I ALWAYS snore when I sleep on my back). Lights out, time to go to sleep.
At home I usually sleep on my stomach or my side, and I don’t snore much as per my hubby, but I definitely drool like a teething baby. My sleep study sleep was completely different...
I remember waking up a few times during the night because I was snoring so loudly. You know it’s bad when you wake your own self up with your snoring. At one point I felt like someone stuffed 100 pairs of tube socks in my mouth because it was so dry. I think I had a few episodes of apnea because I kept waking up from my own snoring. I did end up on my side eventually, and had to turn back over because the wires were making me uncomfortable. Next thing you know the tech is in the room (at 6 frickin 15 in the morn) chirpy and jipper as ever to wake me up. I sat up and felt like I had slept on a ton of bricks and had a bag of sandpaper in my throat. It took a few seconds for my eyes to adjust and focus, but I was coherent enough to remember where I was. I asked the tech if she got a good laugh outta my snoring, and she said “don’t worry honey, you’re gonna get your surgery”, and that made my day. She reminded me of where the showers were and I got myself ready to get outta there.
So all in all, it wasn’t bad at all. I wasn’t worried about actually doing the study, I was worried that I wouldn’t “pass”. Oh, did I mention that I had a nice large glass of wine with my dinner before about an hour before? I’m sure that helped. *wink*
I absolutely love this post and am so happy that I found it (Big Thanks to the author, DougNichols). I realize that everyone's experience may be different, but it was great to get a general jist of what to expect when I finally get my surgery done. It's long, but well worth the read, and pleasantly laced with humor. If you're like me and really curious about what you may experience on your day of surgery, take a look at this...
This is my step by step guide to what you'll probably experience getting sleeved. I'm writing this because I really wanted a step-by-step experience before I went and couldn't find a detailed one. Keep in mind, this is what I experienced but written to help you understand the overall process. Your experience will vary based upon complications, previous surgeries, etc.
That said, here we go:
After not eating or drinking anything past midnight, you'll arrive at the hospital early in the morning, probably like 6am'ish. Personally although I could eat the day before, I only drank soups because I imagined the pain of pushing out a BM immediately after surgery would hurt - bad. And I wanted none of that. My plan worked perfectly. Advice: Eat nothing the day before.
You're guided to a lonely little room and given a hospital gown to put on plus some cute socks. Your family can hang out with you, and be there until you're actually wheeled away. The operating room nurse will come in, asking questions about your medical history, allergies and all that. Followed by another nurse who is charge of inserting your IV fluid line. Then the Anesthesiologist shows up, asking the same questions both other nurses did. Almost like nobody reads your chart. You might get a surgeon visit, asking if you're ready to go and telling you a little about the surgery. He can meet your family members, and after an hour or so they wipe off your belly with a pre-OR towel to clean it off and begin the cart race down the hall.
The Anesthesiologist says he's giving you something to warm you up - it'll actually knock you out LOOOONG before reaching the OR.
You'll wake up to an excruciating pain in your stomach, like someone stabbed a sword completely through your chest. You can't breathe in fully because of the pain, and might panic a little. You're in a well lit room with several nurses and other people, but separated by thin curtains. You can hear the person next to you very clearly as your nurse hooks up your morphine and hands you a little black button to press. You'll press it - A LOT. It beeps once if successful (every 10 minutes), and three quick beeps when you got nothing.
Then they roll you into your room where family is already waiting. You'll tell them that it hurts really bad, but God bless morphine as you begin watching the clock to see when the next fix will be.
Press, beep, sleepy time.
Whirrr blip bop beep leg warmers.
Press, beep, sleepy time.
Whirrr blip bop beep leg warmers.
Repeat for several hours.
Another sound vibrates through the room. A whizzzz blip blop beep every few seconds. That's the leg massager. It's attached like a bandage wrap around your knee down to your ankle, with wires connecting to the end of your bed. The funny sounding device mashes different parts of your leg, like a weak blood pressure machine, every few seconds to ensure deep vein thrombosis doesn't set in. When you're ready to walk around (which won't be for a while), you can either yank your leg up and pull the plug out or have the nurse disconnect manually. Keep in mind that it'll start beeping like a flat-lined heart monitor if you do it yourself, and they might get annoyed.
Now comes your primary nurse who'll write her name on a little chalkboard along with your "tech". My tech was Sunny, which was an awesome name! The tech rolls around a little cart containing a blood pressure machine and thermometer. You'll hear the squeaky cart roll in once every few hours, at which time she'll ask you your name. You already know my name from 2 hours ago, did you forget or what? Like someone else snuck into your room?
After she leaves, along comes the "breathing nurse" who has a third-grade toy with a ball inside. She instructs you to stick one end in your mouth and suck on it until you reach 2800. Of course, you still can't breathe in all the way because it hurts like the Jesus, but she makes you try. You say "dude I can't breathe, hurts" and she's like "whatever". This is to avoid Pneumonia so be sure to not skip this, even though you want to bounce the plastic toy off her forehead for putting you in so much pain.
Every couple hours I played with my new plastic ball toy, pressed my black button and sat around in pain. You won't be able to roll over on your sides because it hurts A LOT. The main nurse will instruct you to do it however, in order to get out of bed. After some time the marching, way too happy, morale officer of the floor will arrive with something like a cute dog. Mine was eating a candy bar, so I wanted to slap her too. She asks if I wanted to pet the dog - uh dude I can't reach down that far. Show him to my mom.
You'll get a menu with a number to call for some chicken or beef broth. I chose chicken my first round, along with a powdered protein packet and apple juice. No way you'll eat the whole thing, maybe like 1/4 the bowl and 1/3 the apple juice container. It was quite yummy, and I didn't realize I was hungry.
If you need to pee, they force you to use this big plastic jar to see how much fluid is coming out. Once you fill it up, they get all excited and measure it then dump into the toilet.
Twelve hours goes by, and you're bored. There's only so many reruns of American Choppers you can possibly watch on television, so it's time to get up and walk around. You beep the tech to unhook your legs, then roll onto your side (OUCH) and get out of bed like some 108 year old man in violent pain. I had timed a morphine shot before attempting this, just in case. But it made me really dizzy, not recommended.
You'll also have 2-3 new friends during your walk: Catheter, On-Q pump and Drain. The catheter is where your pee goes. Personally, I didn't need one but many people do. In that case, there's no need to pee into the large tupperware container. Second is your drain, which consists of bright red Kool-Aid looking stuff the nurse will squirt out every few hours. And finally a big ball labeled "On-Q Pump". MAKE SURE these are clipped to your hospital gown. You do not want any of those items hanging free, because they will pull out of your body over time, leaving a nasty mess on your stomach. And that's bad.
Now they unplug your morphine/IV mini-tower and you begin a journey down the hallway holding onto it in tow. Everybody leans on the tower, no biggie. Just don't expect it to carry you, or that tall monster topples over like Godzilla at the end of the movie. There's a spot to hang your pee jar on, but don't do that or nurses get really pissed off cause it might spill in the hallway. I figured everybody would be excited to measure it, so I'd take it to them as I walked. They weren't at all enthusiastic.
After two laps, it's time to return to bed. It hurts a lot, so you'll mash the black button like a Pavlovian dog until the morphine kicks in. By now, 12 hours have elapsed and it's time for bed. Be sure to get some food before the kitchen closes, which was like 7pm for me. I knew I stayed up until like 1am, so I wanted reserve food. Into the nurses' refrigerator it went to be heated up later.
Now here's an important point: Those protein powder packets turn into nasty floating white stuff in your broth when microwaved. Don't add it to your last meal of the day that you're planning on reheating.
After watching Craig Furgeson be silly on the television, it's sleepy time! Or not - the squeaky cart rolls in, and Sunny tech girl asks your name AGAIN. Honey, it's still me for the love of God. Then the nurse checks on you, ok I'll breathe into my toy now that I'm up. And finally more sleep.
At 6am yet another nurse arrives to take your blood. I'm sleepy, whatever - just hurry up. Sunny's back AGAIN asking my name. It's rush hour traffic. They unhook your morphine and switch to oral pain killer liquids. Everytime you get dosed, they ask your name and birthday AGAIN. I should have had it tatooed on my arm before I arrived. Time to eat, walky time.
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP! While I'm laying there, my mini-tower new walking buddy starts behaving like he's having a seizure. I never plugged him in after the last walk, and his little battery is getting low. Be sure to re-plug!
How many nights you stay depends upon your insurance and pre-arrangements. I highly recommend you stay as many nights as possible. Can't stress this enough: Trying to get fluids in at home (which hurts!) vs. the IV fluids is a huge leap. Don't be in a rush to leave.
You're given a large stack of papers describing the medications they prescribe upon exiting the hospital. You'll need someone to drive you to the pharmacy to get all of them filled. You MUST have these meds, they include the pain medication which will be vital that first night out. You also need someone to drive you back to the hospital in case of any complications. Things to have at home BEFORE you arrive:
- A thermometer (mandatory). If you feel horrible and need to call your surgeon, he'll ask your temperature. "I don't know" is the wrong answer - have a thermometer at home.
- A blood pressure machine (mandatory). You can buy these for like $40 that go on the wrist in case your arm is too fat to hold a standard velcro wrap. If you've been on blood pressure medications BEFORE surgery, they will knock your BP into the very-low-danger-zone afterwards, so this is vital to keep your eye on. If this happens, call your primary doctor immediately to see how you need to adjust those drugs.
- A heating pad. Absolute God-send after you've just painfully rolled out of bed to pee.
Anyways, this was my experience! I hope this assists someone who wants more information about what happens behind the hospital doors.
Source: Step by step guide to the VSG experience!
Hah you doowin? *Wendy Williams Voice*
I've only started this WLS research process since last month. In that time I've scheduled myself to attend a truck load of Info Sessions, but only attended one last week at NYU. I'm scheduled to attend a session at Lenox Hill Hospital tonight, but after reading some not so nice reviews on the hospital and one of the surgeons, I think I'm gonna stay with the NYU team. I'm scheduled to visit Dr. Stiles who is a PCP there on Friday.
I originally started with the intent of getting banded, and quickly learned about the other WLS out there. I was really interested in plication, but since it's not readily covered by insurance, the sleeve is definitely the option for me.
I have become OBSESSED with WLS in the past couple of weeks; I think I've watched at least 20 to 30 YouTube vids concerning the sleeve and the people who've had good and bad experiences. I'm also finding that time seems to be slowing down all of a sudden, seems like my appointment on Friday will never get here, and my appointment with the surgeon and nutritionist that are scheduled for 6/22 seems like eons away.
I'm really concerned because my BMI isnt quite at the 40 mark (38.3). I've been trying to gain weight to increase my number just so there's no issue with me getting approved. I have no co-morbidities as of now, maybe the sleep apnea test will show that I'm in need of this surgery.
I'm also concerned about out-of-pocket costs. Trying to anticipate what will not be covered by my insurance Empire BC/BS. So far it seems as though they're pretty easy to deal with, I cant wait to speak with the Finance Coordinator at NYU to figure out what my damage can/will be.
*deep sigh*
I was hoping that writing a little something in this blog would kill some time, but no, Grandfather time is still just moseying along. smh
I just read this whole thing back and laughed at the part that said "I've been trying to GAIN weight". Irony is such a comedian.
Anyhoo, if you're from NY and or you have Empire BC/BS and/or you just wanna share your experience with me, I'd greatly appreciate it. I cant find many reviews on the stay at the NYU Langone Center, so I'd like to hear it first hand from someone who's had theirs done there with those surgeons.
Is it just me or is this site a little hard to navigate at first?
Do I have to put up one of those ticker things or will I be looked down upon?
Why isnt there a group for NYers? We are the most awesomest city ever...smh
*deep sigh again*
toodles.
