Laken Camp

Hey guys! I was wondering how many of you had a large amount of excess skin post-surgery? I'm scared that I'm going to get the sleeve and struggle with even more body issues than I had before. I haven't had an appointment with a surgeon yet, but I am in the process of getting the surgery approved and covered by my insurance company. So, overall, things are moving in the right direction. I'm excited but so nervous. My biggest fear is that I'll regret the surgery when I'm older and more established in life.. (I'm 22 years old). I've struggled with my weight my whole life. I workout every other day and normally eat healthy foods, but my thyroid disease has inhibited my bodies ability to lose weight like a normal woman in her twenties. I've had my fair share of battles with food over the years, and I've been to support groups for eating disorders. I'm just so tired of working so hard to be healthy/fit and the image in the mirror displaying the exact opposite. Anyone out there struggling with the same issues? Are my worries normal or am I just overthinking this whole thing?

Is there one thing that led you to choose gastric sleeve over other weight loss surgeries? Or is it more about what your doctor is comfortable with based on your weight loss story and your current health? I've been researching the bypass, band, and sleeve (I'm leaning towards the sleeve, obviously).

I'm starting my last year of college this August, and I'm hoping to get sleeved before then. I'm nervous for the same reasons. I want to find time to workout to avoid excess stress and to hopefully help my body adjust to the hormonal process that the surgery unavoidably offers. My school and work schedule leave little time for a workout, but I joined a gym that holds workouts as early as 5 AM. I'm hoping to squeeze in at least three early morning workouts a week. It's just a matter of managing your time in a way that promotes a healthy lifestyle. That sentence sounds so cliche, but I've found that it's true. College is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to adulthood, so I think life just gets busier and harder from this point on (which SUCKS). Just give yourself a realistic goal when it comes to implementing gym time. Whether it be working out one day a week or three days a week, stick to it and it's automatically a win.

I have only told one person, besides my parents, and she is my best friend. She conveniently had the surgery last summer, so she's been helping me with the process. Honestly, I don't see myself telling many people if I am able to go through with the surgery. That doesn't take away from my excitement, though! If you're starting to feel overwhelmed, I would advise you to tell someone you really trust. Everyone needs an outlet at some point.