ReeseMae

Thank you Joni and WillowsKnot for sharing. It's encouraging to know we are not alone. I applaud you both for how far you've come so far. I am confident that we will all reach our goals! One day at a time. Hearing from all of you that are walking the same journey helps me to remain positive. Have a great weekend everyone!

I am also four months out and it seems like in the last week or so my hunger has returned with a vengeance. It's really scared me. I wasn't prepared and found myself taking in too many calories. It is so important, now more than ever, to keep track of what I'm eating and prepare. I got lazy and relied on the reduced appetite too much. Now is where the rubber meets the road and I've got to work harder to put to work everything I've learned. I've been on a stall for about two weeks. I'm not sure if it's taking in too many calories or if it's a normal stall. But, I'm going to continue to take it one day at a time and do my best. This opportunity is one in a lifetime and I refuse to let it go to waste. I've been successful thus far and am halfway to my goal. I will not give up now!!! I'm thankful for this forum to be able to get support from those who have been on the same journey. We are not alone and that's very valuable. How is everyone else doing? Starting Weight - 331 Surgery Weight - 311 Current Weight - 252 Total Lost - 79 (59 since surgery) Surgery Date - 4/19/12 (four months)

Hello, I was sleeved on 4/19, so I'm 1 month post op. For the most part things have gone smoothly. I was reading in another post that after having VSG that we are no longer slaves to food. I partially agre with this statement. But sometimes I still feel like a slave to food. I feel like I constantly have to eat in order to get in my daily Protein. I get full so quickly even when I eat slowly. I've been sticking to the diet my doctor has advised. If I don't constantly have something to be eating, I won't get in all in. So, sometimes I still feel like a slave to food. I don't want to eat all day, especially when I don't feel hungry. But, I also want to make sure my body gets what it needs. I had the surgery to be healthy, but if I can't get in the proper nutrients, I won't be. And I have such a struggle trying to get in all my Water. On a good day, I can get 32 oz in. Adding the 8 oz from my Protein shake that's 40oz, but I feel like I should be doing better and I don't always get in 32 oz. And sometimes water gives me acid reflux. Does anyone else experience that? It seems weird to me. Perhaps I need to be a bit more patient. I know being only a month out is still very early. But, I hope that at some point I will be able to eat a 1/2 cup of food in one sitting and not feel like I can never finish it. It seems like I waste so much food because I can never finish it. There are times when I am hungry and I'm learning to understand what my body is saying. But, I eat so little and I'm full. Sometimes 1/4 cup is a challenge to get down. But, I do have to say that I am very grateful that I no longer have the instense sugar cravings I had pre-op. That is such a blessing! Any feedback from you experienced sleevers would be much appreciated.

Thank you for the advice and encouragement. I'll have to try and remember that it will all come with time. And you are so right that it's very much a mental process too.

Today is my one week surgiversary! I made it. I was sleeved on April 19 th. The first few days were challenging, but it's so true that each day gets better and better. I'm only taking half of the pain meds and only once or twice a day. I'm able to walk to both of my sons bus stops when they get home from school. It's been hard to get all the Water and Protein in, but each day I get in a little more. I'm happy for the progress even though it's small, but every day counts. I'm so thankful for this forum and those who share. On the tough days I came here for support and information and it truly helped a lot. I know that things will continue to improve. A few things I've learned so far: 1. Never trust a fart and when you feel like you have to go, for heavens sakes GO! 2. Listen to your body and trust its cues. 3. Let people help you even when you think you can do it. One small task may take you over the edge before you realize it. 4. When you feel good, keep resting! Don't overdue it. 5. Keep a positive attitude and remind yourself that things will get better. I have lost 14 pounds since surgery. I lost 20 pounds before going into surgery. Overall I've lost 34 pounds and it feels fantastic! Good luck to all those who have yet to be sleeved and keep going to all those who have recently been sleeved! God Bless!!!

Thank you!

Hi babypumas! I was sleeved on the 19th too. I'm feeling pretty good. It seems like one day you'll wake up and notice how good you feel. It just gets better and better each day. Hang in there! Keep up on your meds and keep resting.

I understand the nervousness and I think a lot of people experience that. Just go into it with a positive mindset and you'll do great! Good luck!

Hello everyone! I am so excited! Things are moving along smoothly so far. I just recently introduced myself to the community here. So, now I will give some details about my journey so far. I have been thinking about surgery for the past 5-6 years, but now is the time. I'm glad I waited because I am happy about the option of VSG versus the LapBand or Rouxen-Y. Not that those options are inferior or bad, but VSG is the best choice for me. Back in October 2011 I attended a seminar at the Ohio State Univery Medical Center Bariataric Surgery Program. The surgeon himself spoke and then several of his patients spoke as well. I was happy with what I heard and decided to pursue it full force. I also did some research on all the programs here in Ohio and found many positive reviews about this program. We had to make some health insurance changes so that the surgery would be covered. Overall, our insurance will cost more this year, but when the plan covers the surgery at 90% with a max of $1000 out of pocket cost, you can't really beat that. So, after the new insurance was in effect in January, I called the program to schedule my initial consultation, which was on January 13th. Everyone was nice and great. I had my EKG done and spoke with the Dietician, which I really liked. I learned a lot from her. They gave me some follow up items to do, which included the Psych Eval. My Psych Eval was on February 9th. Dealing with the psychologist office staff wasn't fun, but the psychologist himself was great and I enjoyed what he had to say. And just like with the Dietician, I learned a lot from him. I received a call from OSU on February 15th and they let me know that they received the Psych Eval information and that I was cleared. Woo hoo! The next step was to submit my fle to the insurance company for an approval and schedule my nutrition classes. My nutrition classes begin on March 7th and my last class will be on March 28th. Yesterday, February 22nd, I got a call that I was approved for surgery from the insurance company. YAHOO!!!!!!! So now, I just have to complete my nutrition classes, have my pre-op appointnent with the surgeon and then get a surgery date. I am elated that things have worked out so well. I have been diligent to be in contact with all of the different offices to ensure that they had everything they needed from me. I'm sure it was due to my persistent and constant follow up that things happened well. I'm positive they got tired of hearing from me. Lol. I anticipate a surgery date no earlier than April, but most likely in May. I've already begun to adopt the lifestyle of a sleever by drinking Protein shakes and eating a diet of high protein and low sugar. I've already lost 11 pounds by doing this. My goal is to lose 20-25 pounds before surgery so that I am in the best health I can be before they cut me open. I hope all of you are having a great week. I'm very thankful for this forum and to be able to share my journey, learn sooooo much from all of you and have the encoruagement of such a supportive community. God Bless you all! ReeseMae

Hi Longer-Life, Thanks! People often tell me that I look like different ethnicities. I've gotten just about everything imaginable. I love it! I'm actually bi-racial. My father is African American and my mother is Caucasian. I love the diversity. Pictures can be deceiving too. I'll have to post some more. It looks like you are half way to your goal. That's awesome!

@IowaAndy - Initially my insurance didn't cover it either. So that's why we switched to my husband's insurance. I am so glad to have it covered. I know there are many like you who have to work so muh harder just to get to surgery. I admire that! Thanks to everyone !

Thanks! I'm glad things have gone smoothly for you as well. I know there are many people who have to jump through so many hoops. I'm thankful this was fairly painless. Good luck on your surgery Monday. I pray it goes as well as things have so far. :-)

Hello, I am a 31 year old wife and mother who works full time. I have been contemplating WLS for several years. I recently began to do some serious research and have decided that the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is right for me. I feel that this is the right time in my life to make this life long change to be healthy and the best me I can be. I'm not only doing this for myself, but also for the benefit of my family. I know the journey will not always be easy, but I am confident that I can accomplish the goals I set. I have a strong faith and know that God will be with me during this process as He always has been through anything I have faced in my life. "He will never leave me nor forsake me." I also have a great support system in a very loving family and several close friends. I have had my initial consultation with the Ohio State University Medical Center Bariatric Surgery program. I have turned in my initial paperwork and will have my Psych Evaluation this Thursday. After my Psych Evaluation, my file will be reviewed for final consideration by the program. If they consider me to be a good candidate, my file will be submitted to my insurance company for approval. I am very excited for this process. I hope that everything goes smoothly, but I am prepared to do whatever it takes to be successful. I am thankful for groups and forums to learn from those who have blazed the trail ahead of me and to seek comradery in those who are on the journey now. I look forward to meeting some great people here!

Thank you everyone for your very encouraging words. I value the advice from those who have traveled the road ahead of me. I currenlty wear a size 26/28 and cannot wait to say that I am no longer "plus sized". However, at this point, I can't see myself as not being a "big girl". I can't see getting under a 14 or 16. I hope I don't lose too much! I love my curves and so does my husband. But, most importantly, I want to be healthy regardless of my dress size or the number on the scale. I want to be able to run effortlessly after my energetic boys. I can chase and run with them now, but I tire quicker than I'm comfortable with. I attribute being able to run after them to being fairly young, but I want to enjoy life to the fullest quality. Before I know it, 10 or 20 years will be gone and my youth will be fading. I want to take action now! I am very concerned about the emotional journey that is so very importatnt in all of this. I want to be as prepared as possible, but I know that I can't prepare for everything. I'm sure there will be things I will have to address head on when they meet me. I think I'm up for the challenge, but want to be realistic at the same time. I think coming to forums such as this one is a huge benefit. Being able to hear from and share the experience with others who actually understand is invaluable. Sometimes it's hard to be vulnerable, especially to those you don't know, but in the end it makes for a richer life, in my opinion. Thanks again to you all! I look forward to getting to know you all. And Helen, thank you for such kind words. That was definitely a bright spot in my day! ReeseMae :heart: :heart:

I am at the beginning of my journey, but I'm going through OSU Medical Center in Columbus.

Hello, I'm in the beginning of my journey too. It's nice to meet people who are on the same path and it's also great to see the success of those before us. I'm hoping that I can adopt new healthy habits with the help of this great tool. Depending on if things go smoothly, I'm hoping to have my surgery within the next 2-3 months. My insurance doesn't require the 6 months diet, which can be a good or bad thing. I'm trying to incorporate healthy choices now, just as Joiebean suggests. I'm ready to be a healthier me. Good luck in everything.

Hi Lyn T, Thanks for replying to my post. Being as positive as possible helps to make things better. Where are you in your journey? I am very lucky that my insurance company does not require the 6 month diet beforehand. That is VERY rare from what I hear. I have heard lots of good things about the OSU program and I'm confident that I'll be in good hands. I look forward to hearing more about your journey. -ReeseMae