Tori Loukas

Hi, my name is Tori! I found this site thru Facebook---on one of the Bariatric Sleeve groups. I was sleeved on September 9th, 2014 by Dr. David Miles at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC, the southeastern part of the state, on the coast. I got surgery because of several co-morbidities such as arthritis, sleep apnea, asthma, high blood pressure and just plain hating being overweight---not fitting in restaurant booths, feeling self-conscious, all the bad stuff that goes along with obesity. I am now in my fifties and have been heavy since I was 30. I was actually anorexic as a teen, so I have my issues about food. I am a food addict and in recovery---know it's an inside job---inside my head, that is!
 
My experience so far with the Sleeve has been AWESOME. I've lost 50 lbs. so far and am 3 months out right now. Everything has gone so smoothly and my doctor's staff says it's because I follow what they say as much as I can. No nausea, no discomfort so far. I was off pain meds the second day and also went home from the hospital that day. I now, at 3 months, am finally getting some energy. The worst part of it was the fatigue. I am more self confident, I am becoming a new person little by little! I don't like the sagging skin and am working with my doctor on how to get a tummy tuck and breast reduction paid for by Medicare--( I am on disability since 1995). But that is going far ahead into the future right now.
 
Here, I am hoping to connect with others in this process who are considering, planning for, or have had the Sleeve surgery. I don't know anyone else who's had it in face life!
 
I am a people person, love animals, am an artist all my life though not working right now due to all the co-morbidities of obesity. I live on the beach and am just starting to love life thanks to the surgery and my recovery from food addiction. I miss food sometimes but know many times it's only addiction talking to me so I change my thoughts. I am never hungry and hope it never comes back!
 
So having said all of that, let me just say--I am very happy to be here, and would love to get to know y'all! B)  :)