nygurl

Hello all, I'm brand new to not only this forum, but to this whole world. I have struggled with my weight as long as I can remember...I have tried every option out there- hitting the gym in boot-camp style 3 hours day for 15 weeks, lost 10 pounds...weight watchers 16 weeks, lost 15 pounds...BodyByVi shakes program lost 8 pounds....walking 6 miles/day and my own healthy diet routine lost 10 pounds...Adipex for over two years now- down 20# total. Nothing seems to work, I have become so uncomfortable in my own body that I know it's time for a change. I've exhausted my efforts. I met with my doctor for the first time and really discussed my options for bariatric surgery. I'd never even heard of "gastric sleeve" unitl yesterday. Based on the reserach I've done so far- I'm leaning towards it over the lap band (I've heard SO many horror stories about the band..). I'm a little scared about the permanence of the sleeve...anyone have any thoughts on this? I'm 27, and afraid I'm going to do something to my body that in 5 years science and research shows was a terrible choice. Currently I'm about 80-90# heavier than I'd like to be, my bmi is 36.5 and I have terrible back aches, migraines, and knee pain every day. I'm ready for a change, but scared about making the decision. I have a seminar on 1/15 that is put on by the surgeon I was referred to, so I'm hoping to get more peace of mind then, but I welcome any input or insight anyone has for me as well

I have been reading the "struggling sleeve" section...just to make sure I'm taking in all angles..again, trying to balance knowing, and freaking myself out lol. Seems like a lot of people have problems with simply getting anything in at first...lots of complaints of feeling weak and drained. I'm a little worried about that, but it seems, even on the posts where people are upset- they ultimately get the hang of it- and lots of folks here supporting them, which is nice. Surgery is scary no matter how you prep for it- just seems everyone I've talked to about this all say, "wow- that's really permanent, are you sure???" which is making me question it all the more. Ya know?

I'm just getting started with BCNMi and this process. I went to my dr yesterday, my bmi is at like 36-37, but I've had some other health issues that she feels are related (back pain/migraines) and she's thinking that will be enough to qualify me. I'm not sure if the requirements for lap band are different than the requirements for the sleeve or not, I have a seminar I'm going to through my potential surgeon on 1/15, so hopefully I'll have more info then, and I'll be happy to share- whereabouts in Michigan are you located? I'm downriver, and going through Henry Ford Wyandotte at this time...apparently my doc likes them b/c they do all the legwork and arrangements for everything you need to get your insurance approved. They have the dietician on staff, they can do the psych eval there, etc- so I'm hoping going to a place that can walk me through it step by step will help with the approval process fingers crossed.

yes I have had my gallbladder removed, it acted up following my last solid weight loss..which apparently is pretty typical. I'm just trying to get an idea becuase work, and my children also need to be taken into consideration when I make my final choice. My husband is obviously around to help, but I read one the hospital's site where it said 3-4 weeks until you can return to work, although that lead me to believe it must have been the actual gastric bypass they were referring to.

Thank you! You are exactly what I needed! lol I'm really glad I found this site- becuase I think regardless it's going to be a journey I'll want support on, and while I have an amazing husband, and a great family- nobody can understand it like someone that has done it...so thank you very much. My seminar is in 11 days, so I'll have more info on the options then...but I feel a lot like you both do, I want to do this and do it right, and do it once... Chitowngirl you look GREAT! How inspiring! Ok, on to the next question...how was recovery? Like...actual SURGERY recovery? how long were you out? how was the pain? etc.

Thank you I'm trying to find a good medium or balance of information and personal input- seems like those that don't have my problem are like- surgery, that's ridiculous- just diet you, really have to try, you have to want it...like anyone wants to be overweight..? But I also have done some digging and was SOLD on the lap band, only to realize all the research I'd been doing was on a "lap band" sponsored site- they sell it- of course it's all great stories. I just want my life back, I want to be healthy to be around for my kids- and I'm scared to make a choice that I think is healthy now, to find out it shortens my life in the long run...am I overthinking this?? I'm trying not to be like- yay! surgery and I'll be normal! (although, I have had that cross my mind...can't lie). Just wanting to be sure I make the right choice.