Slim-Shady

I had day surgery, as did my sister. Until I started reading the blogs, I didn't realize how uncommon that was. We knew from the beginning it would be that way, unless there were complications or issues. We were done back to back, the first two of the day, and the only ones getting sleeved (everyone else that day were getting bands). We were in by 8, and headed home by 2-3 p.m. We did the leak test immediately following surgery, after which, we were in recovery. There, we consumed liquids, and got up frequently to walk. Once we were deemed ok, we were discharged. Our next appointment was one week later where our inclusions were checked, and the tape removed. Neither of us had an issue with the process. We rather preferred it that way.

I guess I was different all the way around because a psych elvaluation was not required, nor did/do I need it. Really glad it wasn't required because it would have only served to make my wait time longer!

I haven't looked into prices yet. I'm about to start. I know my insurance company doesn't cover plastic surgery, so I've been taking my time since I'll be paying out of pocket.

Hahah! I'm laughing because I'm experiencing the same thing! I had been showering since the procedure, and Saturday was the first time I had taken an actual bath in months. Boy was I surprised! It was pretty uncomfortable.

I plan to get plastic surgery to get rid of extra skin; tummy tuck, contour, lift, etc. Looking for recommendations on how close to my goal I should be before I do anything. Should I be at goal? 10, 15, 20 lbs away? Any suggestions from those who've done it/researched it?

I am still amazed by this @@Daisee68! One minute I'm stuffed the entire day from what I ate the day before, and the next, I can eat more than I expected! That's probably one reason I worry about stretching my sleeve! Guess it's all part of the learning process. I am still amazed by this @@Daisee68! One minute I'm stuffed the entire day from what I ate the day before, and the next, I can eat more than I expected! That's probably one reason I worry about stretching my sleeve! Guess it's all part of the learning process. I am still amazed by this @@Daisee68! One minute I'm stuffed the entire day from what I ate the day before, and the next, I can eat more than I expected! That's probably one reason I worry about stretching my sleeve! Guess it's all part of the learning process.

Thanks everyone! The encouragement is great!

Does anyone else obsess over their stomach stretching? I'm about 9 months post op, and I find myself worried that my sleeve will stretch. Who else worries about this? I'm pretty sure this is normal.

Always a hot topic! My suggestion is to keep it to yourself until you are absolutely sure wether you want to share it! You cannot un-tell it once it's told! I did not tell anyone, and I don't plan to. I'm a very private person, in every aspect of my life, so not sharing this is nothing new. I have a very big family, and everyone is always in everyone else's business, and food is the center of most gatherings, so I can relate. When I was only a few weeks post op, I was selective about what events I attended. When I did attend, the focus was not on me, or what I ate. I was mindful to pay attention to others (to note whether they were watching me), but I was able to do that without being noticed. I did that to ensure there was no unwanted attention on my eating habits, and there wasn't. I also moved around and socialized with everyone as much as I could, so it looked like I was eating on the go, and I didn't appear to not be eating. What helped me more than anything was the truth though. I had started my healthy eating prior to the procedure, and that part wasn't a secret. When I attend functions, I'm eating less, and folks are not surprised that I'm not eating like I use to. Even when people try to get me to eat things I can't, shouldn't, or don't want to, I tell them I'm not eating stuff like that anymore. They attribute it to my healthier eating. I would however, suggest that while you're on liquids at least, you avoid big functions because that will be more dufficult to explain away. I didn't go to any functions during my liquid stage. Good luck on your journey!

Buying new clothes is SO exciting! I love going in the stores and trying on clothes now. It feels really good to be out of size 18/20 and 2x's -- bye bye Lane Bryant and ALL plus sized clothes and clothing stores! I haven't reached my goal yet, but I've come a long way! Hold on to the clothes you can't wear right now, and buy clothes at discount stores like Mashall's and TJ Maxx until you reach goal. You will find yourself needing new sizes pretty quickly, and this will save you some money. Good luck on your journey!

My doc said I could use them after 2 weeks, and I've been using them ever since! In fact, it's very hard to drink without a straw. I was quite anxious to start using them before my two weeks was up!

Whew, glad to have come across this post! I was getting nervous about my sleeve being stretched, since as others have said, it seems like I was able to eat more overnight after the 5th/6th month. I think we are all so nervous because we don't want to go back to where we started; I know I am. Thanks for sharing your stories everyone! I feel MUCH better now!

At 6 months post-op, it's hard for me to get liquids in be it fast or slow. I use a straw, and that helps tremendously! Hope this helps you. Good luck!

As everyone else mentioned, it will depend on your doctor's schedule, and your insurance. My sister and I did it together, and it took us two months from our initial appointment to surgery. We had our EGD at the end of May, which basically guaranteed insurance approval. Our longest wait was finding time on our surgeon's calendar. We didn't have any of the pre-surgery requirements others here have had; no nutritionist, psychological evals, group sessions, etc. All of that will depend on who you go with, and what they require. We were fortunate that we didn't have to endure any of that! We even found out what our out of pocket costs would be at our initial appointment. Our timeline: May 13, Initial Appt May 29, EGD July 14, Surgery

Thank you @@proudgrammy! No, we won't entertain plus size again! What's that? That's all in the past! Being able to support one another is SUPER COOL too! We can relate to one another where others might not be able to. My sister is not on the board. I'll have to get her to join.