edodd

Today is my one year surgiversary! 11/17/15 - the day I chose to take my life back and learn to put myself first again. #tbt to both the biggest challenge and best year of my life. I am forever grateful for all of the support I have been given by so many wonderful people in my life - doctors, an amazing nutritionist, counselor, friends, colleagues, students/athletes, and, most importantly, family. I could not have accomplished my goals without their constant love and support. Here's to an even better 2017. #2016ismyyear #hardworkpaysoffs #healthierandhappier #110lbdifference HW 244 SW 223 CW 133 Size 20/22 to a size 2/4

8 months post-op! HW 244, SW 223, CW 143!! Loving my sleeve!

Some days, I still see myself as the person on the left in the mirror but am finally starting to accept that's not who I am anymore through pictures. Such a hard thing to get past mentally. Here's to being under 20 pounds from goal. Loving my sleeve! #happierandhealthier VSG 11/17/15 HW 244 SW 223 CW 153

Hello all, I'm new to the forum and thought I'd reach out for the first time. I am 27 and used to be extremely active. However, five ankle surgeries over the past several years have left me in chronic pain and with limited mobility. After the recovery from my most recent surgery in December my orthopedic specialist actually recommended the procedure in trying to protect the integrity of my remaining peroneal tendon. While my parents and others do not necessarily understand why I can't just "go to the gym more," I am having this surgery to increase my health and quality of life while decreasing the pain and negative side effects of my many ankle surgeries. I am just wondering how long your pre-op process took? I started with the program at CMC in Manchester, NH back in April at 244lbs. I am currently 228 lbs or 3.5 lbs away from my pre-op goal of 224.5lbs. With one more "lifestyle changes" class tomorrow and a psych evaluation on Monday I am on target to reach my goal and all requirements before I meet with the program director July 9th to gain approval for my sleeve gastrectomy. (My insurance will cover the procedure at 100% once I complete 90 days in the program which will be 7/9.) After that I would be set up to see one of the surgeons and book a date for surgery. As a teacher and coach, summer is really the only time I have to devote to the surgery and necessary recovery time. Hoping my open availability will help! How long did it take to schedule and have your surgery once you were approved? Thanks! Liz

A year ago I never could have begun to hope that I would be where I am today. Feeling so very grateful! (VSG 11/17/15)

5 months post-op! HW 244 SW 223 CW 164!!! Loving my sleeve!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! ☘ Today marks 4 months since surgery HW 244 SW 223 CW 175!!

3 months post op today! HW 244, SW 223, CW 180. Hating the hair loss but loving my sleeve!

Pre-op, 1 month, 2 months! Surgery was 11/17. This is the first time I am impressed - we are truly our own worst critics. Here's to taking the journey toward health and happiness one day at a time. (HW 244, SW 223, CW 195.)

6 weeks out! This year the "new year, new me" mentality is not just a New Year's Resolution, it's a reality! Here's to an amazing 2016! HW 244 SW 223 CW 197

Clear liquids tomorrow and surgery at 7:30am Tuesday morning, 11/17! Can't believe it's finally here! While I am a surgery pro at this point and know what to expect pre-op, things got very real for me this weekend and I am a little nervous to say the least. Here's to hoping everything goes as planned!

@@pyra28az I added you on fb - Elizabeth Sarah. Thanks for organizing this!

I have BCBS NH and it took about 7 business days for me to receive my approval letter. I was ecstatic when I checked the mail yesterday. I completely understand how you feel! Deep breath! You'll get yours soon Best of luck!

@@losing100# absolutely! A little about me - I'm a 27 year old teacher from NH. 5'3" HW 244, CW 226. I am having a VSG on the recommendation of my foot and ankle specialist. I have had 5 ankle surgeries that have readily increased in complexity and resulted in chronic pain and instability. In the hopes of saving my one remaining peroneal tendon on the right side/prolonging the need for additional orthopedic surgeries, I have successfully gone through this process and am ready for the life changes ahead!

@@losing100# - my surgery is also 11/17 and my pre-op diet starts 11/3 as well. Just got my insurance approval in the mail today! Just over one more month to go!

I'm in Manchester, NH.

@@NJE123 best of luck to you too!! Here's to lesson planning to be out through Thanksgiving break

I will be starting my pre-op diet 11/3, having my surgery 11/17, and will be discharged from the hospital 11/19 as long as all goes well. My birthday is 11/20 so surgery really is a gift to myself this year. As a teacher and coach I always put others before myself and I have finally decided that this year it is time to put myself first. With all of my ankle issues I am so very thankful for this opportunity and I am not worried about missing Thanksgiving at all. We are actually celebrating my birthday with my dad's this weekend so that I can start to get into the swing of the pre-op diet early. Hoping to hit 210 or below before surgery! Here's to a happy and healthy November!

Just got my date - 11/17! Had to wait until volleyball coaching season was over. My pre-op diet starts 11/3, I meet with an anesthesiologist that day as well, and meet with the surgeon again 11/12 for any last minute questions. So happy that this is finally happening.