JaneJaneDoe

Surgery 12/31/14. Self Pay. Height 5'4". Starting Weight 188lbs. BMI=32.3 Today 176lbs and BMI=30.2 (lost 12lbs and 12 days post-op) Feeling great!

I was able to sleep on my side at day 4 post-op. I would sleep with my binder/girdle on (they gave me one in the hospital... tight Velcro girdle thing). It really helped give support to the incision sites. I wore it about 80% of the time for my first week post-op. And YES, I think a body pillow would really help too! I'm 10 days post-op. Down from 188lbs to 177.2 this morning (5'4"). Absolutely zero regrets!

@thetaxlayd, I'll try to detail as best I can. Please know I work at a desk, computer work, thus no manual labor required. Surgery: WED 12/31/14 Work: MON 1/5/15 (5 days post op) I worked a 1/2 day Work: TUE 1/6/15 (6 days post op) I worked a full day Work WED 1/7/15 (7 days post op) I worked a full day --- I did go to bed on TUE at 8pm! OFF on THU Work FRI 1/9/15 (9 days post op) I will work a 1/2 day Physically, today (7 days post op), I'm only having minor issues with one of my incision sites, it is still tender. I'm moving around pretty normally. Also, I am low on energy. Today I've had 60g Protein (two Premier Protein shakes) so hoping my energy will get better and better as I am able to take more protein into my system. Ask any questions for more info. Love to help those pre-op in any way.

I was sleeved 12/31/14... 6 days ago and have lost 9lbs. Went back to work on the 5th. I was so scared before, but so very glad now!!! Hang in there. You'll do fine. Just focus on what your surgeon tells you and before you know it.... you will be a week out! Think positive thoughts!!!

@Tubbs, I am 45 and 5'4" and weighed 188lb when I had surgery on 12/31/14 (BMI 32)... a mere four days ago (self pay). My final weight goal is somewhere between 135 and 142; I'll just have to see how I feel when I get close to goal. I have yoyo dieted for years. I love to exercise, have run multiple 1/2 marathons, one full marathon, was a certified personal trainer in my 20s and 30s. Then I gained 18 pounds in one year. Was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It's been a huge struggle trying to get and maintain a healthy weight! In 2012, my endocrinologist prescribed phentermine and I was able to lose down to 155, but as soon as I stopped taking it... well, the weight came back and more! Ugh! It was so frustrating. Then I recently had a hysterectomy and my GYN told me I really needed to lose weight. So I went to a health/wellness clinic to have all my blood work done... high cholesterol, pre-diabetic, and they wanted me to do a sleep study (because I snore really loud... my poor hubby wears ear plugs at night to sleep!). Well, I asked the wellness doctor, "if the sleep study shows I have sleep apnea, what will be the next step?" And he said, "Wearing a CPAP machine every night." I cried. Instead of treating a symptom of my snoring (sleep apnea), I wanted to treat the real problem... my weight! So I started researching and talking to hubby. Thankful he was completely on board and even plans to have VSG soon too (insurance will pay for him, so he has to go through six months of appointments). At first I was thinking lap band, but once I educated myself I decided the sleeve would be the best option for me. I had my first visit with the surgeon on 12/5/14 and my surgery was 12/31/14... quick! All that to say, four days ago I had surgery and I am thrilled. Yes, it's hard, but I know this tool will allow me to get to a healthy weight. I have to do the work and it won't be easy, but I am committed. Some research that I've read says that low BMI patients have a great success rate. I hope this has encouraged you to continue researching and meet with a qualified surgeon to see if you are a good candidate. If yes, I would say, "GO FOR IT! Become a healthier YOU!" Best of luck!

I'm the last of the December group. Sleeved 12/31/14. I'm doing pretty well. I was able to have two bowel movements on 1/2/15 which shocked me because I typically constipate very easily. I was thinking it would be a week before I would be able to go. I stayed in the hospital one night. and have only had pain Rx twice (at night before bedtime). I only have one incision that bothers me; the other incisions don't bother me at all. Tried to get out and run a couple errands with hubby today and was fine... except for lack of energy. I know I'm not getting enough protein/calories. I log everything on myfitnesspal app. My weight started at 188 and today was 183.4... almost 5lbs down in three days (I'm 5'4"). Would love to hear updates from all the other December sleeves. Happy New Year!

@@Docgerri ,Yes I was a nervous pre-op. Anticipation is hard! My Surgery was just 48 hours ago, 12/31/14. Stayed one night in hospital. Walked like crazy. On scale of 1-10 (10 being worst), I had pain of a 3 or 4. I have been able to drink Water and decaf tea with sips, eaten broth, eaten a couple sugar-free popsicles. ZERO nausea. ZERO gas pains (I've walked a lot). ZERO pain getting fluids done. Sitting here I am having ZERO pain. I do have pain when I have to roll over in bed or get up off the couch, but I'm not sure I would even classify it as pain... it's more of a tender abdomen and the incision sites. It's been easier than I anticipated. Also, I am one that gets easily constipated, so I was thinking it would be 5 to 7 days before bowel movement. But I pooped this morning... a mere 48 hours post surgery. So in a nutshell, my experience has been pretty good and the odds are that yours will be too! Hang in there and keep us posted.

Hi! I have had three C-sections plus one vaginal birth; I have four kids total. Most recently I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy (In Aug2014, Dr. took tubes, cervix, and uterus). HANDS DOWN, I would DEFINITELY say that the VSG was the easiest for me, just had the VSG on 12/31/14 so it is fresh in my mind. C-sections were hell! VSG has been quite okay for me. Please be cautioned that we all tolerate pain in different ways. Good Luck on your journey!

Praying all goes well. My surgery is at 9:30am tomorrow! I'll be right there with you. Best wishes!

sonosuzy, how are you today? Looks like your surgery was 12/22. I'm scheduled for the sleeve on 12/31 and am freaking out a bit today. It is one week away... nervous! I just have read through and noticed your were feeling the same and wondering how you got through it all. Best wishes!

Oh my goodness, I so needed to see this positivity today!! THANK YOU for posting! My surgery is 12/31 and today I went to the hospital for pre-op blood work, EKG, signing consents, etc. and I kind of am freaking out! Thinking how scared I am and the risk involved. I logged on to see some positive and be encouraged and ... well, it really helped to see your post. THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS! It sounds like you are on a path to better living. You should be so proud of yourself!

I'm starving right now! I started (on my own initiative) pre-op of two Protein shakes per day plus one low-carb sensible meal. I'm so hungry!!! Surgery is 12/31/14. Pre-op apt is 12/24/14.

http://www.amazon.com/Musclegen-Research-Genepro-Genetic-Tri-Protein/dp/B00K6OSDYA/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Thanks! This really helps. I am scheduled for surgery on 12/31 and plan to go but things this weekend. Cutting out sugars and starting pre-op diet of 2 Protein shakes per day plus one healthy meal (lean protein with veggies). And lots of Water. All advice is much appreciated!!!!

I'm 12/31 and it does feel like a long wait. Not excited about liquid diet during the holidays, but ready to get this done!

I'm Dec 31st! 16 more days... I guess I'll be the last of the December group and 2014. I am so very ready. Since I'm the last of the group, I'll benefit from all you other December folks and your stories / advice. I have to say, I am so proud of each one of you for making this hard, life-changing decision. This is a commitment to a new life. And, unlike some people say, this is NOT the easy way out. It will have ups and downs... and we will endure and make it to the other side where we will be happy and healthy. We will love life! Congratulations to us all. We deserve this. It's a Christmas gift to ourselves. Blessings to each of you!

Very curious to know if the nausea has gone away for you guys that posted. My surgery is 12/31/14 and I would really like to hear that you all are doing much better and that it was a phase.

You look fantastic! You even look taller in the "after" pic. Keep up the great work! And, thanks for sharing; I know how difficult that is.

My surgery is 12/31... New Year's Eve! I'm freaking out about the 7-day liquid diet for pre-op. Not because of the diet, but it will be during Christmas and much of my family will be around and they don't know (only hubby knows). So, somehow, someway, I hope to stay under the radar!!!!!

@@PALOMA, looks like you are doing really well. I'm mentally preparing for a slow loss. In 2012 I lost 32lbs in five months (on Rx phentermine), but it came right back. I'm thinking I'll lose at a similar pace after surgery. But with that said, I was thrilled to get 32 lbs gone! I am very excited about cleaning out my closet and eliminating some fat clothes... maybe eliminate the first round of fat clothes by March?! I'm self pay too. All together $14,500. At first I was thinking, "no way I am paying that much." But after conversing with hubby and knowing we have paid $10k+ for vacations and furniture, why not for myself and my health? Thankfully, we have the ca$h and he is completely onboard and supportive. I can't believe I will be doing this in 23 days. I am excited and nervous.

@@Zane's Mom, thanks for the suggestion. That is perfect and a great plan to use.

My first pre-op on 12/5/14 went well. I'm scheduled for surgery on 12/30/14!!!! I am 5'4" and weighed 188 (33 BMI). The doctor thinks I am a great candidate and likes that I'm confronting the problem before it spirals out of control and I become heavier. And he also thinks I will be able to obtain great results (obviously I have to follow the protocol well to obtain those great results... so there is still work to do to get to a healthy weight and then MAINTAIN it in lieu of the yoyo). I'm so excited and also a bit nervous at the same time. Requirements for surgery since I'm self pay were: (1) meet with nutritionist (which I did during my first pre-op apt), and (2) have a psych evaluation. As it was instructed, I am to go online to the psych website and take a couple exams. Then I have either a phone call or a facetime with a psychologist. Seems harmless, but I'm still nervous about that. I'll let you know how that goes. I'm also nervous about having to eat a liquid diet for the seven days prior to surgery... that's over CHRISTMAS. I am very fine with the liquid diet. The part I don't like is that I will be around my family and they don't know (only my hubby knows), so I have to try to stay inconspicuous. Not sure how I will accomplish that... that is the nerve-racking part!

Any suggestions on what questions I should ask at my pre-op appointment tomorrow?