To anyone who'd like to hear about me....here goes!

My name is Sandra. I just got my approval/authorization on Tuesday 3/27/12 for Gastric Sleeve Surgery. I had started the process last year with o-band going through the psychologist requirements, having an endoscopy and consultation with the surgeon. I was doing all that until I found out they weren't in my insurance network and my out-of-pocket would be expensive...so i stopped pursuing it. That is until, This past January (2012), I decided I was tired of being in denial that i loved myself no matter what and was happy. I wasnt. I weigh 300lbs and i am 5'9. I've always been bigger then the other girls around me. I am always being told you have such a pretty face. It takes me so long to get ready in the morning because my wardrobe consists of leggings (I havent worn a pair of jeans in YEARS!!!) and loose fitting tops that i try to use to hide everything that bulges out. I plan out where Im going to go according to if i feel ill fit in the chairs...just sad. I hate the fact that im not living the life God blessed me with! I am: Diabetic type 2. Have PCOS. Sleep Apnea. and dont have periods on my own EVER! (it takes progestrone shots and all that other stuff just to get it to happen)

I went through St. Josephs hospital bariatric program (Orange, CA) and begand the program. I had to attend to support group meeting, a nutrional evaluation, a psychologist evaluation. I completed all that within 2 months. I went ahead and had my primary doctor write a letter of medical neccesity for the surgery and included my sleep study diagnosis from the sleep study i had done at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. St. Jospehs submitted it all to my insurance on March 14th. Got my approval 13 days later on the 27th.

Ive scheduled my surgery date for May 10th. 8am. My pre-op work will include: EKG, blood work and chest x-ray. I need to be on a week liquid protein diet prior to surgery.

My questions!

1. If ill be strictly on liquids before surgery is there an amount everyday drs expect you to drink?

2. How long does an EKG last?

3. Has anyone out there had surgery through st. Josephs as well? how was your experience?

4. How soon are you to begin exercising?

5. how long will the surgery last?

i have so many more but i cant understand why i blanked out! lol. any advice is welcome and very much appreciated!! thank you!