sa111antha

I am a newbie as well. This is my experience pre-op so far: What surgery did I choose? I went to an education seminar before even visiting my surgeon for the first time. I learned A LOT! I had read the internet from cover to cover about the types of procedures, and I had read every thread of every forum I could think of...but everyone had their own opinions on what was the best. The education class really sat me down and allowed me to choose which surgery was right for me. I chose the vertical sleeve procedure. For my medical issues, my weight, my BMI, it was the best surgery for me. The band would not have produced the amount of weight loss I wanted to achieve, and the bypass had a lot of complications and side effects that I didn't want to endure. (malnutrition, etc.) Some/lots of people have no complication and no side effects, but it wasn't worth the risk to me. You should read as much as you can, and attend an educational seminar. It will help you choose what is right for you. Also – my insurance would not cover a dime of the surgery. Gotta love working for the government. So I am a self-pay. The cost between the surgeries was also a factor in my decision. What was the general reaction from family and friends? This is a touchy subject for a lot of people choosing to do weight loss surgery. For me, it has been an eye opening experience with regards to my true friends and family. My family so far has been wonderfully supportive. My dad was a bit shocked and was concerned about going under the knife, but after sitting down and giving him an educational class…he came around and is really excited. I have told a couple of close coworker friends who are really excited for me. My biggest surprise was my best friend. She and I have been best friends for over 25 years…and she doesn’t support me what so ever. She told me I was “giving up” and that I should just “join Weight Watchers” instead. (Background…our entire life; I’ve been the fat friend. She was the stick figure. And I think she liked it that way.) Now with the “threat” of me becoming smaller, she is freaking out. I can only assume she is afraid that the dynamic of our relationship will change…maybe she will come around after she sees the health benefits this surgery will provide me. After her reaction, I have been very selective about who I tell. A coworker of mine had Gastric Bypass a few months ago, and the comments that came from the chicken pen of lady coworkers were horrible. I heard things like “If she’d just put down the fork she wouldn’t need surgery.” “She is going to look horrible with all that skin drooping off of her.” People’s comments can be hurtful, but if you are like me…and have grown up heavy…you learned to deal with the comments a long time ago. I am strong, and love myself, and am doing this for me. Not them. What was the biggest surprise during the process? My friend’s reaction so far has been the biggest surprise. I was also anticipating months and months of fighting insurance and doctors’ visits and testing…so when I decided to self-pay, I was surprised at how quickly the process became. From my first consultation with the surgeon to my surgery date will be exactly 2 months. June 18th can’t get here soon enough J How long was your recovery? I am still pre-op so I don’t know for sure…but my surgeon said that I will stay the night of my surgery in the hospital and get to go home the next day after running some tests. If everything is okay, then I will get to go home. I have read that everyone’s recovery is different. I’ve read some people go back to work in a few days, while others take several months. I hope to be one that only takes about a week. It depends on your procedure, your body, your pain levels, and what you do. I would say if you built houses for a living, going back after a few days would not be a wise choice….but if you sit behind a desk for 8 hours, returning sooner might be more realistic. Below are your questions that I’d like answered as well. I look forward to reading everyone’s account of their experience. How fast did you lose the weight? How has your life changed since having the procedure? Would you do it again? Any regrets? What should I be aware of? What, if any, foods do you miss that you can no longer have?

My date is set!!! June 18th. Excited...nervous...scared...but mostly EXCITED!!!

I am in Texas. Getting my sleeve in Bryan/College Station on June 18th. Would love to find someone willing to be my mentor through this journey.