Another Newbie Waiting

[danielbyhalf 16]

So I am another Pre-Op Sleever here.

Trying to figure out how to start feels like I am posting a singles ad .

I decided in March that I wanted to persue the idea of weight loss surgery. Contacted my insurance and got my list of doctors. Went to the first doctor and didn't get a warm fuzzy from him, so I decided to try a different surgeon, Jorge Levia, he is very imformative actually did an exam prior to anything else, and has a great track record.

so here we are in June and I have a June 25th surgery date at Memorial Herman Memorial City Hospital. And while I am excited about where this is going to lead me and the health benifits of it I am scared to death of the surgery itself, and the immediate aftermath.

I am starting at 6'2" and about 380, not sure where I am going to end up, but I am just hoping for healthy. I have sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, restless leg syndrome, Fluid around the heart, an enlarged left ventrical and who knows what else. I would love to hear from any sleevers that have apnea and can tell me how this resolved their apnea.

The idea of the pain afterwards and the diet is a bit disconserting. I am sure I will do fine but there is still a bit of stress. I am currently on a program to loose some wieght before the surgery to reduce the fat in my liver and that is a depressing process, it is protien smoothies twice a day not to bad but depressing. I know that I am one of many out there but I appriciate any advice.

Also if anyone is in the Houston or the Cypress area that was recently sleeved or is going to be sleeved around this time it would be nice to have a sleeve buddy. If you have made it through this tirad I appriciate it.

[sdb1147 54]

Hi there danielbyhalf and welcome to the site. I pretty much am in the same position as you statistic-wise, except a bit shorter. Just weighed myself this morning and I'm down to 290 having started a self-imposed sort of diet after weighing in at my initial meeting with the weight loss surgeon (302-lbs.). I have Type-ll diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.

I attended several seminars and walked away in most cases unimpressed, except for Dr. McMahon from Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA. There seemed to be a 'connection' established with him while making inquiries at the seminar. So at this point I've gone through most all the hoops and this Thursday I'll be going in for some additional blood tests & an endoscopy. Providing nothing negative is found, I'll be another step closer to surgery.

I'm going through Medicare and the doctor assures me that he doesn't see any problems with approval. He did insist that my blood sugar levels be below 150 and would require me to bring my meter in to verify such. I've been doing really well watching my eating habits and practically cutting out carbs completely.

I'm not having second thoughts about the surgery at this time, but I have been doing a lot of thinking about the diet prior to and post surgery. I'd like to think of myself as a mentally strong individual, but changing my entire lifestyle/habits is going to be challenging...at best. Been raised my entire life with the attitude of "eat everything on my plate at each & every meal". That's got to change and what I'm working on now.

Best of luck on your journey and wish you the best. Stay in touch & I'll do the same.

[Patrick Curl 424]

If it helps - I'm on day 7 of a self-imposed pre-op diet - mostly liquids ..(took the weekend off though... but didn't indulge too much-just a little) - I'm also 650 pounds so I know where you're coming from and I have sleep apnea.. I also am pre-op. I'm pretty certain that the sleep apnea will improve with this surgery, and a lot of your other health issues as well. If I can do the Protein drinks anyone can, it's simply mind over taste.

Just make up a list of your biggest reasons for losing weight - mine are in my signature so I can see them everytime I post something and it helps me stay motivated. You need a strong reason you really need to envision yourself in those circumstances...

I see myself with my wife, having our first baby, then eventually I see our family at Disney world--and woah I'm riding all the rides! (Right now not possible - weight = infertility; and no way I can fit in a roller coaster - but in my mind I can see it..and it feels good..) Create some good images of the things you want in life- then nothing will stop you!

[alovio 76]

I too was scared about the surgery aspect, I started at 458 back in nov. I was sleeved on 4/20 weighed u=in at 390. Today I am at 351 moving along well. the surgery was nowhere as bad as I thought it would be. Most painful partwas imediatley after you wake from surgery. But then they put you on a pain pump and everything is well after. Few days about 4 you'll feel some abdominal pain, the pain is like when you use too do a ab workout and you were sore. You can do this. Biggest adjustment is the eating a few bites and i am full, I still have that fat guy mentality but I can not consume nowhere the same amount of food as before. Figuring out when your full is the hardest so you wont over eat. hands down best thing I ever done for myself. loosing ten pant sizes and 2 shirt sizes makes me feel like a new man. Good luck , and remember walk , walk , and more walk.

[alovio 76]

Oh ya I also have sleep apnea, in six months I am gonna retest to see if i still need it. I feel like I really dont need it but I will wait to see what doc tells me.