Justine44

Hi all...I to had the band removed in 2013 by Dr. Uchal here in Jacksonville, Fl. I was in pain for a short time after especially where the port was. However, with time the pain and numbness subsided. For the past year now I have been debating to get the sleeve operation. Last July Dr. Uchal, Jody (Bariatric Nutricionist) and I met to discuss the option. I was asked to lose at least 25 lbs before he would consider it. I went back in Sept with my goal being met. However, with all the emotional strains I was going through at that time, Dr. said "No" to performing the surgery because he knew my mind set and my emotions weren't ready for me to fully succeed. I was not happy with the feedback and was angry for a little bit. Deep In my heart and mind I knew he was right...After that day, I decided to put aside the surgery mindset and some family matters to concentrate on Myself. It was all too much stress for me. I knew I had to FOCUS... Well,Yesterday I met with Dr. Uchal and Jody here in Jacksonville once again. I lost 50 lbs since last July!!! and you know what? I just took control and really just made it about me while still being there for my family just in smaller doses. Kind of like my food consumption and food choices. It took quite a bit of adjusting. Please don't get me wrong... I love my family to infinity and they too had to adjust to me not being so overly involved. I had to accept many things and accept that there will always be challenges and happenings beyond my control. The only person I have control over is me...I can still love and be supportive to them within My Boundaries and be there in emergencies. So, that being said, the Dr. and Jody agreed that I was Truly mentally ready to move forward in order to succeed with the sleeve surgery. Now I just need to be approved through my insurance while still deciding if I should proceed with the surgery. While thinking to myself "I think am strong enough and have the Will Power to do this on my own BUT..." I have struggled all my life with being Obese since the age of 7. So, Do I or do I not proceed with the surgery? The band put me in a whirl spin of years of pain and frustration. So, anyone who is Sleeved post-op, could you please tell my your struggles, pain levels, ups & downs, hair loss, deficiencies, food tolerance, depression if any? Thanks for reading & All the best to US!!...