w8in2bthin

Hi Everyone, I have been lurking for a few months wanted to take the time to tell my story. I have been researching gastric surgeries for about five years. Like most others, I have tried numerous diets (WW, nutrisystem, atkins, etc.) and lost and gained an average of 100 lbs. over the last five years. I have a few medical conditions that is related to my obesity (HTN, pseudo tumor cerebri, DJD). In October of 2008, I went to the bariatric clinic orientation at cleveland clinic with the idea of being banded. Before meeting with the the nutririonist and the surgical team, I never heard of the vertical sleeve. I was recommended to go to obesity help and that's how I found this site. I am so greatful for the information that I learned from the members on this site. Through my research, forums like this, and recommendation from my surgeon, I decided on the sleeve in June of this year. I received my approval letter from my insurance company in August and was sleeved last week October 7th. I can honestly say that I was very prepared for the surgery thanks to this site. The preop diet helped me to discover the relationship with food that I didn't know I had. The surgery itself went very smooth; no complications. I had a final leak test on Friday and went home Saturday. I am still sore. I was taking oxycodone from the time I was taken off the pump until yesterday. I decided I needed to be awake long enough to do the recommended walking and couldn't do that with the narcs. I hurts to sit up, stand up, roll over, cough, laugh...anything involving stomach muscles. Other than that i have been okay. No nausea, vomitting, or constipation (yet). I'm working hard to get fluids in, it is very difficult but after reading on another thread about constipation, I immediately picked up my Water bottle. I know this is the best decision I made for myself. I only told a few people. My husband wasn't thrilled but knew I had made up my mind. I didn't want to have to keep explaining my decision. Even one of the nurses asked me why I did this because I'm not that big. My BMI was 41. I was not up for an argument so I just said it was a personal choice. I was happy that one of the other nurses had actually experienced the procedure and gave me some good tips before discharge. I just wanted to thank everyone for sharing their experience; i don't feel alone because of you:biggrin0:

Thanks for all of your responses. TK, yes I did have my surgery in Cleveland. I left the house for the first time today and I think I overdid it. I am so weak and tired, but the fresh air felt great. I also got on the scale for the first time since surgery and was pleasantly surprised. I was told that I may not lose weight initially because of water and swelling. I carried a weight of about 250 lbs all year. The day I started my preop diet I weighed in at 254. The day of surgery I weighed in at 240. Today I am 231.5. How wonderful is that at 6 days postop:w00t:

Thanks Ky, I have learned so much by surfing the site. I am having my procedure at the Cleveland Clinic. I feel anxious but very prepared. I don't usually participate in on-line forums but was encouraged by the clinic; best thing I could have done to get ready:thumbup:.

I get sleeved 10/7/09. I'm excited and grateful for sites like this. I feel more prepared for surgery and the pre-op diet that will start next week.