redlove1446

Hey guys! My name is Erica. I was sleeved on Monday, too. I can't believe it's done and I'm back home already. Here's my story: I have PCOS and have steadily gained weight since I had my first period in the 3rd grade. Everyone just figured at some point I would lose the weight but none of my docs ever recognized the PCOS. Then, about 7 years ago I had an episode where my vision doubled and the right side of my face went numb. Docs didn't know what it was and kept prescribing different things and bed rest. Finally, vision returned and so did the feeling. Everyone thought it was a nervous breakdown. That was the first time I hit over 300. I lost some weight after that on Atkins and working out but PCOS messes with your hormones and makes it very hard to lose. So, I never got out of the 290s. Lo and behold, 3 years ago I had another instance with my right eye. Except this time, I went blind. I couldn't see out of that eye and it was very painful. I went to see a neurologist who ordered a ton of scans and discovered I have Multiple Sclerosis. Well, I was definitely relieved to know what was going on but in the midst of discovering this, she also found a tumor on my kidney. I had to have it removed right away because it was malignant. I was on bed rest again after the surgery for 6 weeks and ballooned to about 340. I've kinda been stuck here for a while now. I decided to have the sleeve for my health. I need to be able to have medical scans when necessary, I need to be able to just live. Since I started pre-op, I lost about 20 lbs. of course, I did three weeks preop vs two. Im trying not to weigh myself again until my follow up visit with my doc on the 14th. Besides, after the surgery, we are still swollen and carrying gas for a while so I don't want to weigh that. My surgery went well. I had energy, I was walking, it was great. The gas pains were a bitch the first night but the walking did help. Now that I'm home I am freaking exhausted. Probably also had to do with the lack of sleep you get at a hospital and my MS but oh my gosh, I can hardly keep my eyes open today. Thanks for having me on the losers bench with you guys. We have an incredible journey ahead of us and I'm rooting for all of you!

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April 21st! Feels good to be here with you guys

Hey Brit. I am uninsured so I'm using CareCredit to cover surgery. It's almost $15,000 not including the cost of the EGD which is about $2k here in San Antonio. Maybe try getting the CareCredit to cover the deductible and any extra fees? I'd rather be paying the $3k deductible than the $1k/mo I'm going to have to pay for the next 18 months. Ya know? As far as the pre-op diet goes, my doc has a specific brand he sells, as well. However, my Nut is all about saving money. She recommended several brands that could be used for shakes. Make your own or Atkins 4/day with a small meal (3oz meat and 1nonstarchy veggie) or 3 Premier Protein and 1 small meal. Atkins strawberry tastes like strawberry milk and the PP choc is pretty good. I didn't like the strawberry PP. It is difficult to maintain the first few days when you're adjusting. If you can get through the first 3 days, you can make the two weeks. you just have to remember this is a step toward the new you. I have to keep reminding myself, as well. And, I have to admit I've added one or two extra ounces to the meat portion. In essence, you're just trying to get your body to hit Ketosis where it starts burning fat vs carbs. I've lost about 12 lbs in two weeks and I stillhave one week to go before the surgery. Ahhhh!! Good luck!

Thanks for the info Kindle! I love those tips. I'm surprised you found all the cream flavors! Lol Maybe I just don't pay enough attention to that section of the soup aisle. The drinkable yogurt sounds like a great option, as well. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I'm sure this has been asked a million times but I'm new so don't be too harsh. I have my VSG on the 21st and was wondering if anyone has input on store bought broths for Stage 1. Or even recipes for your own homemade?

I am scheduled for the day after Easter, too and I'm as nervous as you guys. It's weird because I had kidney cancer two years ago and was completely calm going into that surgery. And, that was open surgery! This time it's less invasive and I'm freaking out! I am trying to keep calm by prepping myself. Walking for ten minutes every hour I'm awake, Listing what I need to take to the hospital, getting all my vitamins, trying to "meal" plan. It's just got me going all kinds of bonkers! I wish all of you the best of luck with your surgeries! Keep posted on here to let us know how you are doing.

Thanks so much for the input everyone. I appreciate the tips and I will def stock up on Popsicles and visit your Pinterest page!! Thank you!

I have PCOS. I am pre-op but I think the surgery helps you lose weight which should help with the PCOS symptoms. If, however, the hairs are fully-matured, the only recourse is laser-type removal. I had the same issues as you. Except I felt like I had a beard. I went through Ideal Image and most all of the hair is gone. I still have 3 more visits in my package so I hope those stragglers go away. Best investment ever. I can now put my head on my boyfriends chest without making sure I have something between us. Good luck! P.s. I am also on metformin and spironolactone to prevent new hairs from forming.