janice

I am just starting my journey to bariatric sleeve surgery. I have struggled with my weight all of my adult life. I am tired of getting up every morning and the first thing I think of is my weight. I am a successful dieter but have problems maintaining my weight loss. I had lost about 60 lbs and had problems with ruptured disks in my back, well guess what I was in pain so what did I do, Eat. I have gained all of the weight back in less then a year. I choose the sleeve because in comparing all of the surgeries this seems to have all of the pluses that I want. My main concern was the loss of nutrients in the total bypass. I also thought about the band an the idea of a port and the possibility of slippage was a huge negative for me. I am confident that I have made the right decision. I am self pay so my journey to surgery should be short. I started with a Dr. in Milwaukee but the trip is 5 hrs. each way and that is just too much. I found a Dr. near Minneapolis that provided the Blis post surgery insurance. That is very important to me in that my insurance will not cover any part of my surgery even any post oprative problems. I am excited and love to read posts from others who have been through the procedure. I plan to try and post daily near my surgery date to help others like me understand just what happens.

Am I normal, I have so Many What If's, What if............. I have complications I can't go back to work in a week It hurts I can't eat because of nausea I am making a mistake I am a burden to my family I can't follow the plan...........great dieter, terrible retainer I make my life worse etc., etc., etc.,

I saw a diatician for the first time yesterday. She went through the whole routine. I am wondering, she said that you needed to chew everything 30 times. Is this true with the sleeve, I thought that was just because the opening was so small with the band?

Oh, Ok sounds good. At least it is not forever...thanks.

YellowRose where are you? Are you OK?

I am also self pay and would not consider surgery without back up insurance. It is kind of difficult to find a doctor who does offer Blis. They offer it in different ways, the original office I checked with included it in the package. The doctor I am seeing right now charges $2,000 for the insurance. Please post how this goes for you, I am really interested. Good luck.............Janice

Met my surgeon last night. Dr. Baker in Friedley Mn at Unity Hospital. I was very impressed with the facility. The hospital has a total wing dedicated to bariatric surgery. I finally got my first appointment. You are started with a nurse and only see the Dr. one time before surgery.

I am not scheduled yet but I am self pay and the total should be around $20,000..................thanks to my dear husband it will be paid up front. They do give a cash discount.

You are not only a good story teller but an inspiration. On your own 2 days after surgery with no complaints!!! You are amazing, hope I do that well........Janice

So excited for you, all of us wait for this day. Just keep in mind why you decided to do this and think how your life will be after. Before you know it you will be telling us all about your surgery and months after. Good luck and post as soon as your can, can't wait to hear.

Haven't had my surgery yet but it will be about 20,000, sounds high compared to some of you. Mine will be close to Minneapolis and will include Blis insurance. I also checked out Milwaukee and the cost is about the same.

Thanks for your encouragement, I am excited but waiting. Keep me posted on your progress, I would love to hear everything about your journey.

This feels like a suspense novel you can't put down.................waiting for more.

Love your story, can't wait to hear more!