50notFat

It's been 4 weeks since surgery and I'm down 20 and 38 since entering the program. I am at my lightest in probably 25 years. So glad I had this done!

Hello! My name is Laura and I live in the St Louis area. I work in IT and have for about 18 years. I had sleeve surgery Monday, Dec 2. My insurance at work finally decided to cover most of the costs so I decided it was time. I am 49 and really didn't want to turn 50 overweight, hence my handle. I originally had decided to get the band but then did more research at the urging of my endocrinologist. She had suggested the sleeve and after doing research (and watching a procedure on YouTube) I decided that's what I wanted to do. So far I'm doing great physically with only a little bit of pain but a TON of burping. Fortunately I had someone who gave me advice before surgery about what to have on hand afterward so I could get my Protein and enough fluids in. One thing I've had problems with is picking a goal weight. People ask me how much weight I want to lose but I don't think in terms of weight, I think of size. I've been overweight all my life so I have no idea what weight would be best for me. I'm 5'5" but am pretty muscular from playing sports. I carry most of my weight in my belly and flabby upper arms. I know I'd really like to get to be an average size and have set my 1st goal at fitting into a size 12. The thought of not having to shop plus size stores makes me happy! Right now I'm borderline 20-22 and I honestly have no idea what it will take to get to a 12. I think once I hit that I'll reassess and see where I want to end up. How have others decided a goal weight? Really glad I found this site and am happy to have company along on my journey.

I do have the chewable gas-x but haven't used them too much because the burping isn't painful, just annoying. I'm hoping I'll work through it eventually. Every now and then I get a larger bubble that actually hurts but I just try to breathe deeply and that seems to help. Thanks for the words of encouragement!

Congrats on your surgery! Have you been drinking enough and getting your protein? A friend told me about Chike protein coffee drinks and protidiet chicken soup (found both on amazon). Both are pretty tasty and are a change from water and protein shakes. My friends couldn't believe when I told them a sugar free strawberry jello cup was 4 servings to me but I take my time getting through it. Hang in there! I'm so excited for both of us!

Yes I had to do a sleep study which was "unremarkable". No apneas but still had to get a cpap that I never used. I've been to both of her offices because of schedule constraints but go to O'Fallon if I can. Other than the cpap fixation she really is great. I had a very good experience.

Zoumommy Dr Hawver did my surgery Monday 12/2 and I'm happy with how it went. I'm a little ticked that she required a cpap machine that I didn't need and am having problems returning but the surgery and recovery has been great.

Hi from St Charles! I was sleeved on Monday 12/2 at Mercy in Washington with Dr Hawver. I can't say enough about how great she and her staff are. Cathy, the program coordinator, was so very helpful. It's been 5 days and I think I'm doing pretty good. Weird to always be sipping on something and burping a LOT but I'm down 5lbs since surgery and 24lbs since beginning the program. So glad I found this site!