Newbies My Gastric Sleeve Story 9-26-2013

[Powderkeg42 15]

Hi, I am a pre-op Gastric Sleeve candidate. I started thinking about Bariatric Surgery about 2 years ago. My insurance did not cover the surgery or seeing a nutritionist. Therefore, this year in June we were able to change our medical plan to Kaiser Permanente who offers the surgery. I am a wife, mother and grandmother. I was downsized from my job about 4 years ago. I lost my mom during that time and went into a depression. I picked up weight because of my depression, a surgical procedure and my age, which has been very difficult to loose. I recently started a new training and speaking business. I stand on my feet for hours and because I saw numbers on the scale that I have never seen in my life, it was taking a toll on my body. My back, knees and feet hurt (I feet is a new symptom because of the weight). I am in the second month of the evaluative process that my insurance requires before surgery approval. I am excited and anxious about this new journey. I have told only a few people about what I am doing because the second person I told was very discouraging. Therefore I am very selected about who I tell. I am a part of a private Facebook page called "Sassy Sleevers" and this website was mentioned there. I have been watching a lot of YouTube videos and posts from different places. I am glad there are forums like this because it makes it easier for me to get honest information about this life-changing journey. I look forward to sharing in your success and sharing with you mine as well. Thank you for joining and supporting me as I become sleeved for life!

[Jerzygurl 372]

Welcome to the forum!!! I'm still in process too....hoping for surgery soon!

This is a great place, lots of information, lots of support and plenty of understanding and shared life experiences!

[Powderkeg42 15]

Jerzeygurl, you are certainly much further along thanks me. I will be following you and wishing you well. I have gone to 2 weight loss classes, with one to go. I have to go to 3 support group meeting, I have one down and two in the next two weeks. I have 4 trips to the nutritionist, my second one is in a couple of weeks. I am not looking to be sleeved until around March of 2014. Trying to learn as much as I can. I thank you for reaching out to me. We are close in age, me being older. thanks

[KristyM 44]

Welcome! Welcome! This will be THE BEST thing you will ever do for yourself. Yes, you will have negative folks, but in reality, their negativity is rooted in concern for you: afraid of what might happen to you, in the worst case scenario. But, WLS has come so far since the early days, and I think the Sleeve is the best option, at least for me: it is less invasive, you are able to eat, you won't have the malabsorption issues that other WLS results in, etc. Both of my sisters and a close freind had Bypass, and it just wasn't for me. They are happy with their choice and I am happy for them. It is smart to do research and watch videos, but try to limit those--they scared me and I almost backed out of the surgery after watching some hair loss and excess skin videos.

Being healthy is the most important motivation for you, I am sure. Yes, it will be a challenge, but you will be so wonderfully surprised how easily you will meet those challenges. You sound prepared, which is one of the most important things to help you during your journey. If you are a woman of faith, being Spiritualy prepared is important, too. If not, finding a group of like minded friends, and this forum, will be an invaluable resource of encouragement to help you prepare. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and do question everything!

You will not regret this, and you will be so glad you made this decision to change your life!!

Best wishes!

[Powderkeg42 15]

Thanks KristyM, you are right the negative feedback came from my daughter, who I know is scared for me. I have to get this weight off of me once and for good. I have been on almost every diet known to man. I don't have any co-morbidities but have a family history of hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease and fatty liver. That is not what I want for my life. I am doing this for me and I won't let anyone stop me. I have several people who Gastric Bypass, but have made the decision for Gastric Sleeve for most of the reasons you already stated. Thanks for the support. By the, I am a very spiritual person and I have been building up my faith. I appreciate you reaching out in support of my decision and journey. BTW - you look AMAZING! I will soon be your sleeve sister.

[ArnoldS 46]

Welcome, Powderkeg42.

[McButterpants 2,846]

Welcome to the forum! Congrats on starting your journey.

I, too, am new to the forum and found this a great place to gather information, network and get some great support from others that have gone thru exactly what we're about to do.

Good luck to you. I wish you much success in your journey.

Hey, PowderKey42, I'm shooting for an 11/14/13 date, too!

[Blondiee 278]

Hi PowderKeg42! I will also be having my surgery through Kaiser (West Los Angeles) hopefully in November. Good luck in your journey and welcome!

[Powderkeg42 15]

Hi PowderKeg42! I will also be having my surgery through Kaiser (West Los Angeles) hopefully in November. Good luck in your journey and welcome!

Hey Blondiee, I heard the Kaiser in California has a wonderful surgery center. Congrats and I will be following your success.

[Mrswynter22 38]

Welcome Powderkeg42

[Mrswynter22 38]

Thanks KristyM' date=' you are right the negative feedback came from my daughter, who I know is scared for me. I have to get this weight off of me once and for good. I have been on almost every diet known to man. I don't have any co-morbidities but have a family history of hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease and fatty liver. That is not what I want for my life. I am doing this for me and I won't let anyone stop me. I have several people who Gastric Bypass, but have made the decision for Gastric Sleeve for most of the reasons you already stated. Thanks for the support. By the, I am a very spiritual person and I have been building up my faith. I appreciate you reaching out in support of my decision and journey. BTW - you look AMAZING! I will soon be your sleeve sister.[/quote']

My daughter is the same way she don't want me to have the surgery only because she is afraid for me which is understandable. But I am singing like you nothing or no one is going to stop me, I'm taking back my life

[Powderkeg42 15]

My daughter is the same way she don't want me to have the surgery only because she is afraid for me which is understandable. But I am singing like you nothing or no one is going to stop me, I'm taking back my life

Mrswyntr22, how old is your daughter? My daughter is 29. My youngest daughters and husband are on board. I haven't told my son yet. I think he will be okay though. How far along in the process are you? Maybe we can support each other as we make a decision for health and life.

[Mrswynter22 38]

My daughter is 18 almost 19 she's the baby and I have three boys. My boys are like do it because if it's making you healthy go for it. But my daughter is a little over protective lol. But she will soon give in lol when she see that I am losing the weight and looking good.

[peachie86 63]

Hi Blondiee,

I just had my surgery at Kaiser WLA the nurses were very helpful and I am very comfortable with my surgeon Dr. Um.

[peachie86 63]

Hi Powderkeg42,

Welcome to the site! I find the forum has given me a lot of information and support. I have only spoken to my family and a few friends about my choice to have WLS, so I was glad to have somewhere else to vent.