Getting Started

[JudyJudyJudy 7]

Hello to the sisterhood of sleeves, I'm sure there's a few bothers too! I've been asking questions, and getting great responces from

very helpful people. I'm 48 @ 235 lbs. with a BMI of 39. The last time I was a normal weight was in 1981 the year I got married the 1st time. After 2 babies in two years, my weight started growing and

has never stoped. I'm relatively healthy, with the acception of the normal problems that come along with carrying and extra 100 lbs around everyday. I have back problems, and I see a chiropractor regularly. I have hypertenion occationally. And I have high triglycerides. At my best I weighed 135 lbs. I would love to be there again. I think it is possible now, because I see it here among the photos and stories. I've been wanting this for a very long time, and I finally have the oppertunity to get it done, thanks to my wonderful Grandfather. He didn't know it at the time, but he left me the means to change my life, in the best way possible. Thank you Paw Paw.

I have a wonderfully handsome husband who accepted me just as I am, 7 years ago @ 225 lbs. I also want this for US, to make our life together even better that it already is. I can see nothing but good things for my future.

I dream of the day, when my legs no longer rub together and create blisters. When I can actually cross them, instead of crossing my ankles. When I can paint my toe nails without having to be a contortionist. When I can bend down and tie my shoes without having to hold my breath. When I won't have to be embarrised to buy cloths in the PLUS SIZE dept. When I can look in the mirror and like what I see. When the size of my body doesn't limit my sex life.:thumbup:

When I want to be in photographs, instead of running from the camera. When I feel pretty again. I long for these things so badly.:blushing:

With the support of the ladies here, I feel anything is possible.

I look forward to my journey

Judy

[stoongal 10]

A HUGE welcome, JudyX3---

Love your story, brought tears to my eyes as I, and so many of us, relate to your experiences with the extra 100 lbs. We will indeed be sleeve sisters, all of us, and support each other in any way we can.

We are grateful to those who have gone before us to give us the advice we ask for as they understand what we are going through.

Anyway, thanks you for sharing your story, and keep them coming (your posts that is)

Donna:001_cool:

[JudyJudyJudy 7]

Huggs to you Donna...thank you for your kind words. I will most definately be here for the duration.

[Norma 10]

Welcome Judy! It sounds like you have a great attitude and lots of support. Hope you enjoy VST and ask any question you have.

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

Welcome! I started out at 235 as well. I am 140 now and it was not hard to get here at all. According to my height, I still have an overweight bmi, but I don't really care. I wear a size 10 and the skin on my arms is gross. I am afraid if I lost any more weight, my face would look even saggier than it does now. I am happy to weigh 140 in a size 10 at 57 years old, 58 next month. It sure beats a size 24.

You will be thrilled with the sleeve. I look forward to hearing more of your journey!

[JudyJudyJudy 7]

For me it's now or never. I want to do this before I turn 50. I am going to try to exercise while loosing in order for my skin not to sag so badly. But I have a feeling it will anyway. I would also be happy at 140 or 150 for that matter. I'm in 20's some 22's. I hate my fat upper arms, and inner thighs, and my stomach....sigh....when I had the two c-sections a year apart, it created that bikini line scare which made the extra fat fold over it. So I'm sure I'll have extra skin in that area for sure. But like you, it will be being the way I am now. My husband has assured me that we would take the next step and have that taken care of if I want. So I'm so ready to get started. I won't have my first consultation until Oct. 22nd....waiting is really hard. THank you so much for writing. Hugs....

Judy

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

I was doing weight training/weight lifting for 3 years before surgery and my arms are still gross. I don't have much of a problem with skin in the tummy area though, and I had 2 C sections too.

[JudyJudyJudy 7]

THat is good to know, that the stomach area is not too bad.....thank you....as far as our arma, I guess it's just the price we pay for being fat all those years....at least for me it is. How long did it take you to loose your weight? How many months?

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

I lost most of mine with the band but weight loss is much faster with the sleeve. I had my band taken out because I was throwing up in my sleep so I had to keep it unfilled and quickly gained back 15 lbs.

[cajun 46]

Judy,

Welcome to the forum! I can totally relate to all your comments, and am newly sleeved, less than one week. Already down six pounds since the surgery and feeling great.

I hope you continue to come to the board and read as much as you can. I learned a lot of things that helped me prepare well for the surgery. It made me so confident that I was not nervous at all, and am able to deal with what ever challenges crop up along the way. You will too! Best of luck to you!

[JudyJudyJudy 7]

Don't worry I will stay around. I'm doing my best to get my surgery as soon as possible. BTW has anyone ever heard of or used Global Medical Services, with Dr. Leino? I'm researching it now. It's a LOT cheaper than anything I've found in the States. It's in the Dominican Republic (the caribbean) THey offer a 7 day stay at a resort, with a 2 day hospital stay for your surgery. Everything together including airfare and taking my husband came out to about 10,500.00 Unbeleavible !!! Tell me something GIRLS? Is it too good to be true?

[Bob_350lbs 105]

Dang, great price, just do your research. I had mine in the states, close to my home. So, I can't help regarding the Dominican Republic, and don't recall ever hearing about a surgery there.

I wish I would have done this sooner. I started researching 2007, when I was 50. The money thing stopped me, ins wouldn't cover it, so I bit the bullet and had it done. The thing I love the most, now that I am 8 wks out is that I can only eat very little, which is great, I want to eat so much more (head hunger, not physiological hunger). My stats and hx is a lot like yours, and I believe that I could not have done this w/o the sleeve. I have always worked out with weights, but my arms are going to need some work. The stomach is fine, but my inner thighs bug me, but that can be hid easier. Regarding the face, eventually it will sag anway. So PS is a matter of personal taste and choice..oh and $$..

Edited September 29, 2009 by Steph_123

[Tiffykins 673]

Don't worry I will stay around. I'm doing my best to get my surgery as soon as possible. BTW has anyone ever heard of or used Global Medical Services, with Dr. Leino? I'm researching it now. It's a LOT cheaper than anything I've found in the States. It's in the Dominican Republic (the caribbean) THey offer a 7 day stay at a resort, with a 2 day hospital stay for your surgery. Everything together including airfare and taking my husband came out to about 10,500.00 Unbeleavible !!! Tell me something GIRLS? Is it too good to be true?

I find out his surgical stats.

How many sleeves has he done?

Leak stats?

What size of bougie does this surgeon use?

How many leak tests are performed?

How long has he been doing bariatric surgeries all together?

Also, ask about the facilities/hospital. I have certain requirements just for my own comfort level and peace of mind. I would never have surgery performed at a "surgical center" and in some countries (Mexico) they certifies these little in and out facilities as hospitals. For me that is not enough. I want an on-site ICU department, not just ICU capabilities. I want a blood bank on hand, not a place that can have blood delivered in a matter of minutes. Price is great, but sometimes, you get what you pay for. I know in this economy money is a huge concern, but it's surgery, major surgery at that, and I think there are some amazing surgeons out there with great prices, but just research, research, and do more research when you think you have it all figured out.

I would also look on obesityhelp.com for his patients. Message them, ask them for the good, bad and ugly of their experience.

[soon2loseit 1]

Hi Judy,

I am the same stats as you are. I am going to be a self pay too. I will be having my surgery in Mexic because of the cost and the fact that I live only about 20 mins from Tijuana. I have done research upon research and found that every where else in the world is cheaper than the states. I usually go to the obesityhelp.com boards. There is a weath of information regarding surgeons and their track record. There is a ton of people who get the surgeries in other places. Try to check out the other website and click on the find a surgeon area.

Congratulations on deciding to get the surgery. I too have decided, I just now have to get the money together.

Best of luck,

Shannon

[Bob_350lbs 105]

Great advice Tiff..make sure he uses a 32 french bougie, anything larger and the regain was sig after 2 yrs (Mac has the stats)..the 32 bougie has same long term success as the Rny, without bypassing a portion of the intestines. And you have a fully functioning mini-stomach. If something goes wrong, are there specialist who provide care? How many VGs has he done, % of complications, leaks, PE, etc. All very important. I chose a surgeon who has done over 2000 VGs and started doing them in '02, he can also do the DS, RnY, revisions, and the band, but mostly now, it's the VG. And, great aftercare too. I paid more to be in the states, and my surgeon met my criteria.

Edited September 29, 2009 by Steph_123