My Vertical Sleeve Journey

[heath0827 3]

Good Morning Everyone,

My Name is Heather and this is the first time I am visiting this wonderful site. I am 35 years old and have recently been approved for vertical sleeve gastrectomy. at this moment I weigh 400lbs.

My journey began in November when I took a fall and became painfully aware of just how badly my weight affected my health. I wasnt hurt badly but doing little things became a monumental task because of my weight. It was like having the curtain pulled back on my life and I realized just how many adaptations I had made for my weight without even realizing I was doing so.

I had thought about weight loss surgery on and off for the last few years but had not yet come to the point where I said enough is enough and I need to do something until now. I went to my initial seminar in Feb and had my first meeting with my surgeon a few weeks later. When I went to the doctor the surgery I was interested in was bypass because I had read, and heard so much about it. Sleeve was something I was not that familiar with. After meeting with my surgeon Dr. Rantis and hearing more about the sleeve and the benefits vs. bypass I agreed that it was the best option for me.

We submitted for approval with my insurance and I agonized for two weeks worried to death that we would not get approval. When I found out that Insurance approved it was like the world came off my shoulders and I could breathe. Next week I am doing all of my requried doctors appointments and I am hoping to be able to set a surgery date very soon. While I am a little nervous about surgery I am anxious for it to be done so I can begin the process of getting healthier.

[JDHenin 165]

Hi heather. First, congrats on making this life changing decision. Me and you are identical. My journey began last August. I weighed 400lbs. I am also 35. I was sick when I got on that scale and saw that number. Although not surprised it was so high. I had to do 6months of pre surgery studies and documented weight loss attempts in order for my insurance to approve it. So in those 6-7 months I lost 70 lbs on my own. Dr wanted me to try to lose 40. But I was determined. Sooooooo this past Monday the 9 th I had my surgery! I went in at around 331. My stupid battery on my scale died so I haven't weighed myself. Which in a way is good so I'm not obsessing. Anyway, You made the right decision. We're too young to feel this crappy. I don't know if u have kids but I have a six yr old and want to more involve in fun stuff with her. Im so sick of being the fat mom and the biggest person in the room. So excited for you keep us posted on your journey!

[JDHenin 165]

Sorry just realized your name. Didn't mean to call I heather if it's not! Lol

[heath0827 3]

thanks for the support, and you were right it is Heather

[Carly 56]

Welcome and hope you get your date soon. You will find much helpful information and inspiring, supportive folks here!

[Sleeved&Hopeful 182]

Congratulations on your life changing upcoming surgery!

[GonnaBeSkinny 7]

Im going to be 34 in June and I also weigh 400 pounds. It has really affected my life horribly, and I really cant wait to begin the journey to better living. Im just starting out on this process, so I know I have a long road ahead of me. But I KNOW it will be worth it in the end.

[ho11ieberry06 39]

Heather your story hits so close to home with me. I'm so excited for you! I am still in the process of getting approved by my insurance. It seems like the 6 months is taking forever, but the closer it gets the more excited I get. I have about 1 more month left before the doctor can send my paperwork into the insurance for approval. I know I will be nervous waiting to see if I get approved and I just hope everything goes right.

Did you have to lose 10% of your body weight? If so how did you do it?

Holly

[Amom2twins 58]

I am so happy for you that you got approved by your insurance. You are making a great choice by joining this community. You will find lots of support & helpful advice. I started off very close to 300 lbs & was sick of being the fattest girl at work, out of breath from just walking, and was starting to not fit into booths at restaurants. I wouldn't take this decision back for the world. Good luck & keep us posted on your journey!

[xsstacie 5]

Congratulations! You've made a great choice! I, like you, weighed 400 lbs! In fact...i actually got up to 425! I am so happy that I made this choice! Be compliant!

[xsstacie 5]

Also...interestingly enough, my md did not make me go on a liquid diet first! I actually ate Mexican food the vending before surgery! I think that he is the only doctor that I've known that doesn't follow that protocol! Anyway...for me, my appetiite has totally changed! I used to love bread and now I'll take a bite and I'm satisfied! I have now lost 135 lbs since 12/19/11. The crazy thing is that because I got my mind prepared, it hasn't been difficult at all!

[cosmogirl70 14]

Heather your story hits so close to home with me. I'm so excited for you! I am still in the process of getting approved by my insurance. It seems like the 6 months is taking forever' date=' but the closer it gets the more excited I get. I have about 1 more month left before the doctor can send my paperwork into the insurance for approval. I know I will be nervous waiting to see if I get approved and I just hope everything goes right.

Did you have to lose 10% of your body weight? If so how did you do it?

Holly[/quote']

Hi Holly, I am also 1 month away from having my dr send in for the approval with my insurance. I have been going through the 6 month process and I know what you mean about it seeming like it is taking forever! I am a bit worried since I haven't lost much in the past 5 months. I'm not sure if the insurance companies frown on that. How have you been doing since you started your 6 month wait period?

[ho11ieberry06 39]

Hi Holly, I am also 1 month away from having my dr send in for the approval with my insurance. I have been going through the 6 month process and I know what you mean about it seeming like it is taking forever! I am a bit worried since I haven't lost much in the past 5 months. I'm not sure if the insurance companies frown on that. How have you been doing since you started your 6 month wait period?

It's been rough! It's hard to find the energy to get out and exercise when you weight 325 lbs, like I do. I have really been focusing on my eating. The last month or so I've been drinking Protein shakes and have incorporated way more potein, chicken and fish in my diet. I've lost some weight but I still have a lot more to go. It scares me that the insurance co will turn me down because I'm required to lose 10%. But I have to keep trying. I started walking and swimming too.

[Its_Me 4]

Welcome! this site is an amazing place with a wealth of knowledge and information. I have been approved, I see the nutritionist and psychologist tomorrow. Not sure what is after that.

Best wishes on your journey