Roo101769

I am 43. I have PCOS. ( diagnosed at age 25) I have a BMI in the 50s. I have been where you are, and continued the path from there. Only you know what is right for you. "Diets" do not work. You cannot diet your way to a permanent healthy lifestyle. It is about serious, lifelong changes. I did not learn this until many years of being fat had passed. Yes, I dieted. I joined health clubs, took classes. Yes, I tried to lose weight. But I never fully committed to the idea this is FOREVER. The sleeve is forever. Once I have the sleeve there will never be another day in my entire life I don't have the sleeve. I will die with the sleeve. I have finally surrendered to forever, and the sleeve is part of that future. You have your life to live and must decide how you wish to live it. But do this much, decide for yourself. DO NOT allow anyone to make the decision for you.

Healthygal...Another aspect I think is we are now held accountable. If we slip, our new stomachs will certainly let us know. We don't have to worry about the overindulging, just what the quality of the food we consume is. When we are going the " do it on our own" route not only must we fight the mental fight of what to eat, but our stomachs allow us to eat so much more. When we are no longer physically hungry, we only have to deal with "head hunger". ( which is totally hard enough to deal with ) And I can speak from my own experience...When I am emotionally weak just a little bit of hunger will break me. If that physical hunger is missing, I truly believe I can maintain myself and my willpower about my choices. I think everyone who has the surgery does have a point of "do I really need to do this?" The answer for me is a resounding YES! I would so much rather struggle to maintain a healthy weight than never to obtain it in the first place!!!

Right now I am feeling great amounts of stress and anger. I called my surgeons office to see if the pulmonary clearance had been issued yet. ( Was tested Friday- knew I might be pushing it) I also wanted to verify they had received the paperwork from my PCPs office for my two years medical records and his letter of recommendation. And the answer is.....NO! Week before last I went through this run around and I "thought" I had it worked out. My PCPs office said they had never received the request, but would be more than happy to submit to the surgeon once they got it. (the request) I called back the surgeon and gave them that information and a fax number they could send the request through directly. The surgeon's office said they would handle it. Obviously it wasn't handled. I do not know who is dropping the ball here, but it is starting to really piss me off. I know the surgeon's office did send out requests for records that I had signed off on in the beginning because my orthopedic doctor had to have me sign their version of one. ( Because they did not accept my surgeon's version) That was over a week ago. So whether my PCP is being slow or my surgeon is, I have no idea. But I am taking the bull by the horns and I will make sure the paperwork is transferred, if I have to take it to them myself!!! I have a call in to my PCP about it. When they return my call I will ask if they can just do it ( send records / letter) on my request. After all, I have to give my approval for the records to be released. I have read many stories on this site about people experiencing the same issues. What I don't get is why this is such a widespread problem and why it is acceptable??? In my job and many others, if we did such a shoddy job we would be terminated / replaced. I suppose it is because they have us by our proverbial "balls". What are we going to do about it? Not get sick? Never need doctors to keep records? Go someplace else? ( that will do the exact same thing) No wonder health care costs in the U.S. are so out of hand. The bureaucratic BS is insane!! I would like to be fair and patient and say "well they are busy" and "everyone wants their case to be important". But when I am doing half their work for them, and they still can't get it done? I am busy at my job too. Everyone wants me to get things done that need done NOW. Yet I can manage it. Been here 18 years. If I were not competent enough to get the job done I certainly would not have it. It just galls me to no end the case is so not the same when it comes to the medical field in general. Our records are computerized, how hard is it to obtain or send files via a computerized system?? Needless to say I will have to stay on top of this issue. My hopes for an October surgery date are waning. This month has passed by so quickly already. Even if the records are sent this week, and the final clearance is in by Friday, they probably still would not submit to insurance until next week. Then however long it takes for my insurance to decide on it, could be another few weeks. ( I pray to be in the lucky group of "just a couple days" for approval. But I will not hold my breath for that to happen.) Given the steps I have to do after approval, before surgery, it is looking less and less likely I will get in for October. I had just hoped to be far enough healed before my daughter's birthday and the holidays start, but I may not get that. The best laid plans........

Pookeyism has pretty much said it all in her post. Everyone has a "why". Why did I do it? Why couldn't I do it on my own? I am not sleeved, yet. And that being said I have no long term advice I can give. But I can give you what my heart believes. The sleeve makes it possible. If it were possible to a healthy weight without the sleeve, then all of us who have been here would not be. Obesity is not a choice anyone wants. I truly believe the sleeve, as a tool, makes us stay true to what needs to be. Weight loss is just as much of a mental battle as it is a physical one. I feel the sleeve gives you a break on the physical fight, so that we can spend our energies on the mental one. The struggle is redefining our relationships with food. What it means in our lives. The sleeve covers the physical aspect of hunger and over indulging. We have to work on the "why" we are eating and "why" we are choosing what to eat. And as far as struggles with gaining back weight... I believe that, once a healthy weight is obtained, we are much more likely to want to keep it than let it slip. I think most people who write about struggling to keep the weight off long term mean in excess. Even naturally thin people struggle to keep off the pesky extra 10-15lbs. But people who fight obesity have never had to worry about such low amounts, it is all new. I honestly cannot imagine at this point what struggling to just lose 10lbs to be a healthy weight would be like! I think long term sleevers are describing that, not the amounts of weight we face pre op. I do not believe I will EVER be able to get as heavy as I am now once I have the sleeve. I have no intent of it. Because at the end of the day we do go through a LOT of pain, money and possible side effects to get where we need to be. It should serve as a reminder and a testament. I have surrendered myself to the fact I cannot do it alone. It is all about personal choice, and this is mine.

If I get down to a size 10 (maybe I should say when-lol) I will probably faint first...then get up and dance! Amazing experience I would guess. Congrats! Keep up the great work!

I had my pulmonary evaluation completed Friday. Not wanting to be too big of a pain in the butt, I am waiting until tomorrow to call my surgeons' office to see if they have the results and to verify everything is complete to turn over for insurance approval. ( which should go through as I completely qualify, but I am still nervous about) After they have the insurance approval my surgeons' office will schedule the date. During the time between they do the EDG or whatever it's called, (scope the digestive track) I will have to do an online class about the surgery ( not a very long thing), do my 10 day liquid diet and whatever pre op tests or bloodwork they may require and meet with the surgeon on more time before surgery. I am still hopeful I can get in sometime in October but I realize that may not happen. As long as I get in before the end of the year is all I really hope for.

I have a four year old and pretty much NO ONE to help me once I come home. Sure, I have a nephew down the street who will be able to pop in from time to time, and I am sure one of my friends will be over too. But once I am home it will be pretty much all me. Luckily my daughter will be staying a few days with her sitter ( who is like family) while I am in the hospital, and possibly a day or two once I am released. My other big concern is my dogs. In a lot of ways they are harder to care for that my daughter!! LOL But I am not sweating it. I got through C section recovery by myself for the most part ( with an infant to care for) and two DVTs/ PEs that included hospitalization and weeks of down time. This will just be another thing I will get through!!!

I am in the same boat as endless80. I have been very open about my decision to pursue the surgery. I have also been very lucky that I have not encountered much of any negative opinions. Sure there are questions, but I really don't mind answering them. And of course some will be concerned. Not for the fact I chose weight loss surgery, but because it is a MAJOR surgery! Once I am done and healed and living my life those concerns will pass. I know two people following my journey who are either wanting the surgery or working towards it, so I know my choice has made a difference in their lives. I think overall people know of my struggles and understand this will help me and is not a "bad" thing. But to be fair, I also realize their are a lot of people in the world who would judge and be negative about it. While it is totally NOT their business, nor is it right that they want us to lose weight yet criticize how we do it, they still exist. So I get that it is a personal decision whether you share your story or not.

Life without peanut butter? I agree it all depends on your NUT and surgeon. I am allowed once I am sleeved. But it is with common sense. It is very high in fat and calories, although it does have some health benefits. That PB2 powder sounds worth a try. But as with everything else, moderation. We don't go through all of this just to ruin our hard work.

The closer you get to an ideal weight the harder your body will fight to hold on to any stores of fat. This I know. But since I have yet to be sleeved, I am not able to advise on how to work past a stall. I read a post this a.m. from a lady who was doing the 5 day pouch test. She was sleeved 2 years ago and had gained some weight back. She was looking to get back on track and had decided to do it. Basically you go back to liquids for two days, then pureed food for two days then soft food on the fifth day. Sort of the condensed version of post op. Might be worth a try?

My boobs have never seen a perky day in their life. They went from zero to floor length in nothing flat! LOL I know from previous experience in weight loss that the girls will be leaving rather quickly once the excess fat drains out of them. ( Which is usually the first place the fat exits) So I will also be following the "roll and tuck" method listed above. Thank Heavens they invented the Miracle Bra. Never, ever thought I would have to pad any part of my body in my life!!! Well, it will be worth it. I will look HOT! (with my clothes on) HAHAHAHAHA

When I chose my "magic number" goal weight I picked 140lbs. On the BMI chart that is the highest weight in the "average" range for my height. 141lbs would be overweight. So that is my target. My surgeon and NUT and everyone that has asked agreed it is a good number. After years of 200, 250, 300+ I am quite sure 140lbs will be more than "skinny" for me. LOL

Very interested in hearing what your results are once you complete the 5 days. I have yet to be sleeved, but I am very curious about long term maintenance. This sounds like a very reasonable and "do-able" method of getting back on track. So much better than without the sleeve for sure...LOL

Looking great! I think the part where you say you feel lighter is what is most important. Numbers on a scale are just that, numbers. I totally believe the best way to judge your success is how you FEEL! The better you feel, the more successful you are....Congrats and much future success!!!

Hello...my name is Rhonda and I am a carb-aholic. LOL

The past few days have been really hard for me. I don't know exactly why. I made the cake for my friend and wasn't too tempted until I got to the end while icing it. Then they had the shower and I decided to eat. While I didn't eat a whole lot it was stuff I had cut out of my life. I had the whole "this will be my last carry in I can eat" thing going on in my head. ( I went for my last clearance that morning) So I indulged. Made me feel heavy and bloated. After eating well since August 1st it was a wake up call to how I had been living. But today I have been crazy hungry. It's like I woke a sleeping beast inside me. I worked so hard to put it to sleep and one day undid that. I spent the day at my grandmother's house so it was hard to eat well. Breakfast was an Egg White Delight McMuffin from McDonalds and coffee. Not the best but not horrible. Then by two o'clock I was hungry again. We went to Subway where I got a footlong flatbread club to split with my grandma. Again, not horrible. Except I also bought cookies. Ideally they were for my four year old and grandmother. But before I even realized what I was doing I ate some. I am so upset with myself. The worst part is, as I lay here writing this, my stomach is growling. I am still hungry! This is all just reinforcing to me why I need this surgery. I need a tool to help me stay in control. I know I also need to work on my emotional side, why I give in to temptation. I feel I need a "sober eating" coach. Like in AA when you have a sponser. Someone to call when the temptation is great.. Someone to talk me down. Right now I could use that for my eating compulsions. I really pray I can get the surgery soon and begin living with a stomach that works with me instead of against me!

I totally agree with you SeaLegs. It was only after I indulged in carbs that I wanted to eat and eat. I have been maintaining the high protein/ low carb /low fat & calorie lifestyle since August 1st. After the first week it was pretty easy to stay content with it. But after having the sweet icing and cake all I have wanted to do was eat. Today has been a bit better. I have been staying busy, which makes avoiding the food cravings easier. I think I am like you kltklass, a carb adict. It might have something to do with I have PCOS. While my insulin levels are normal, the way my body uses insulin is out of wack. So staying away from carbs probably is the best idea. I really appreciate the support from you all. I am confident the sleeve is exactly what I need and I am so glad I am taking the steps to be where I need to.

You must do what makes you feel safe and comfortable. But do not feel shame for making the decision to live your life. You may be saving your life, you may be changing your body to be able to live the life you dream about. Whatever the reason that has lead you here, be proud that you are a strong enough person to get it. There is such a social stigma about being overweight. I have said time and again it is the last overwhelmingly acceptable form of bigotry left. In a country where the majority of the population is overweight or obese, most still feel it is ok to be negative to others who are struggling with their body size. But the few of us who come to terms with the fact we need help getting past this, we can be made to feel inferior for it. I actually find that very ironic when you realize just how huge the diet industry is. Most everybody is trying to drop weight at some point or another, yet people who seek a surgical option are wrong???? Crazy. I personally have been very open. I am not ashamed. I don't really care if people react negatively because this is for ME, not them. I will say I haven't had anyone really be against it. Most realize a thinner me will be a healthier me and support me in my journey.

I am just now getting ready to have my paper work submitted to my insurance, so I have not had the surgery yet. But I can tell you I have done a LOT of research on the sleeve since deciding to go ahead with WLS. I was never really interested in the bypass due to the things that go along with it. I don't call them "side effects" because it seems to be the norm rather than the exception. Dumping syndrome and malabsorbtion are just a byproduct of that surgery. Neither are things I really want to deal with. And while I do want to get the weight off, it isn't a race for me. So a few pounds lost faster doesn't make much difference, in the long run I will lose what I will lose. As posted above you have to follow programs for either surgery to have the most success. Also, the sleeve is a bit less evasive in my eyes than the bypass. Originally I thought I was going to get banded, but I soon ruled that out once I saw all the issues that they have learned about them. My biggest source of information about the sleeve has actually come from this site! To be able to get it directly from a large pool of people who have actually had the surgery is the best form of research in my opinion. You will hear about things that your doctor may not tell you. You will hear all about the possible problems or things that turned out to be non issues. It is real, first hand knowledge that is invaluable. And I have found one constant for the most part....No matter what the journey the vast majority of people are happy the did it and would do it again! That is enough for me to know I have made the right choice.

I am so sorry your day stinks. But I have to tell ya, it made me smile! Chin up, tomorrow it all starts again...LOL Seriously, I hope you get a break soon. Take a little "me" time and find a way to enjoy it.

Today I had my pulmonary function testing done. It is the last clearance I need before my paperwork is submitted to insurance!!!! I am really hoping for a quick approval and to be scheduled sometime in October. That is my prayer. I am an October baby anyway. It would be great if I could have the same month for my "rebirth" of sorts too! I am so hopeful and excited. Fingers crossed and God willing...

I have a picture on my profile of the cake, just don't know how to attach a thumbnail here. Maybe this is it..

Yes, it is a complete oxy moron that a person who is in the process of getting approved for a sleeve is baking cake. But that is what I am doing. A good friend and co-worker is getting married soon and we are throwing her a shower at work. I was asked ( rather nominated) to make the cake for it. I am pretty well known for my baking skills. (Yep- another stereotype. A fat baker!) I heard through the grapevine she is not having an actual wedding cake at her wedding, so I decided to go all out and make her one. I am also completely insane and have a masochistic side! LOL What the HECK was I thinking? And this ain't gonna be your average thrown together, out of a box cake either. Nope. It will be three tiers, all double layer. The bottom will be devil's food with butterscotch caramel filling, the second layer is marble with chocolate ganache and the top will be white with raspberry filling. And if I wasn't already a glutton for punishment I am making my own homemade buttercream icing for it and decorating it with fall leaves I am making by hand out of gum paste! Really? REALLY?? And here is the kicker....I have NO formal training whatsoever. I just got a burr up my butt that I could do this. I jumped on the internet for ideas and it snowballed. This is also a loooong process. Last night I spent 5 1/2 hours baking the bottom layer of cake (2-14" cakes) and making the gum paste. Then I rolled it, cut out the leaves and started to paint them. Had to stop as they were still too tacky. So today at lunch I went home and painted a few. Tonight I am going to make the other two layers of cake ( 2- 12" and 2 -8") paint the leaves, and crumb coat the first layer. ( after I make a batch of icing) This is all after working an 8 hour day, and I also have to entertain a 4 year old! Tomorrow I will finish icing and decorate the whole thing for it to be ready for Friday. If I did this for a living it would be ok. It is kind of fun to be creative and make something. But to work a full time job, take care of a preschooler AND do this on the side.....well it isn't as much fun as I had thought. Yet here is the weird part. With all the cake and sugar and smells around me last night I had to make myself stop and eat something! I get so focused on getting done I don't want to eat. And once I stopped for the night I was so tired I didn't care about food. So maybe baking IS the key to weight loss...Hmmm

I am still pre op but from all I have read from those already sleeved ( and my own online research) alcohol should be avoided. First of all, it is empty calories. Second, your absorption rate has been significantly changed, so a very small amount can have a much more intoxicating effect. Basically, you become a cheap drunk. LOL I do understand many people who have WLS swap addictions. They are not mentally able to conquer the demons that caused their overeating, but now they cannot physically overeat. Or they may just have addictive personalities.. Either way they move on to other addictions, be it drinking or gambling or even sexual addiction. That is what the pre op psych evaluation is supposed to determine, if you are ready mentally to be successful. But many of these evaluations are done too quickly and not thorough at all, so I think a lot of folks slip through that would benefit from additional counseling.