Diamondstar

I I weighed 238 the day of surgery I am 5"3 I did wear a 16 though, however my bmi was 42. I was sleeved on 4/6/2011. I am already tired of hearing things such as; you can't just exercise?, girl I think you can walk that off, you aren't that big. I havent had someone say this is the easy way out yet, I think it will bother me. Everyone doesnt know I am diabetic, have sleep apnea, have some serious joint problems, and acid reflux. Wearing black and spandex I can look somewhat normal. Women in particular are funny. A co-worker had a gastric bypass a few years ago. She got down to a size 5, she is in her 40's. The other women who were normal like a size 10 or so are jealous its ridiculous. You made the best decision for you. I wish you well on this journey.

Congrats you look great, I am so happy for you. I am 11 days post op, I too went in initially wanting a band, I am so glad I chose the sleeve, I cant wait to be in your shoes. Best wishes as you embark on your new journey!

I have been on pureed food since 4/13/2011, but its not working out. I cook my food and add broth to it. Even though I took a long time to eat, I thrown up twice. I just tried today after three days of just shakes, milk, and clear liquids. I'm not hungry, but I know I need to advance to real food, any advice?

Thanks. I'm sitting up right now just had a Popsicle. I will be going for another walk soon.

FINALLY!!(I can't believe I'm really here) I was sleeved on 4/6/2011. I just came home from the hospital, right now I just have a bunch of gas I want to thank everyone for telling their story, giving advice, and just being supportive. I need a nap, I will follow up soon I have tons of questions.

I am on day 3 of my 14 day pre-op diet. Im doing much better than I thought I would be. I finally got cleared to start after my surgery had to be postponed. My surgery is scheduled for the 6th of April. I am getting both excited and nervous. It is finally going to happen.

Congrats, I'm excited for you. I'll be at the pre approval stage soon, so I will pick your brain, I wish you the best

Thanks Nikki!

Hi ATL girl! You could be right about the differences in surgercial outcomes. I know first hand of a few differences as it relates to health. I have experieced cultural issues as it relates to my own healthcare. If I wear my hair too short I suffer from Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (hair bumps and scars that occur mostly in African Americans). There are varying degrees despite the hype alcohol and OTC products don't always work. I got really frustrated after seeing 3 dermatologists and none of them could help me with any creams or pills they gave me. All of them were awesome Dr's who had great bedside manner, but they were all Cacasian. Finally I felt I needed to travel out ot the area. I went to the National Medical Association's website to see if I could find an African American Dermatologist. There was one about 60 miles away. I went to him and immediately he recognized the condition which he said is common in African Americans and Hispanics because of the curl pattern we tend to have in our hair. He wrote a script that I had to take to a small phramacy because it had to be mixed by hand. I told him about my issue he said all of the Dr's I went to were great physicans, but most were probably trained trained in an area where there was a disproportionate number of African Americans, one he knew for certain came from Iowa. He also explained a few other skin differences. He told me that skin cancer is vey rare in African Americans because of our melanin. However when we get it our survival rate is very slim compared to Caucasians because if we get it it is a rare and much more aggressive form. When I was in undergrad I completed an internship at the National Institiutes of Health. I found out that transplant recipients who are African American in most cases have to receive a slightly higher dosage of anti-rejection drugs because our bodies respond differently. We can still learn allot from each other despite our background. I joined Vertical Sleeve Talk last week, everyone is so resourceful and I have seen so much I never knew much about. I am in the beginning stage of all of this I went to a seminar recently wanting a lapband and came out wanting the Vertical Sleeve. I have a consult with my surgeon on 2/14. I do know my insurance company covers the switch, bypass, lap band, and sleeve. The coordiator has already got the ball rolling on that, wish me well.