bete924 1 Posted December 4, 2013 Hello to all of you. Thought I would make my appearance as tomorrow I'm taking the first step to get sleeved. The center I am going through requires a informational seminar first. I am registered to go tomorrow evening. I'm hoping to get surgery done by March at the very latest! I'm excited for this new journey in my life. Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DirtyHarriett 94 Posted December 4, 2013 Congratulations on your decision. It is indeed life changing. My process took 11 months from first meeting to surgery. Personally, as much as I hated all the meetings at first, I am now grateful as I felt very prepared, peaceful and comfortable with the entire process. Wishing you great success on your journey! You are starting in a great place as the experts here have provided much guidance and support. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
honeyg317 107 Posted December 4, 2013 Good luck on your journey! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bete924 1 Posted December 4, 2013 Thanks to the both of u. 11 months seems like such a long time. Thankfully a few of my coworkers just went through the process & our insurance doesn't require much at all so that's why I'm shooting for a few months out! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HotMessPrincess 39 Posted December 4, 2013 Welcome and congratulations! It's certainly an exciting journey. My pre-surgery process took a startling 32 days from my initial consultation to my approval for surgery, so I was quite happy with that. I've been morbidly obese over 20 years and have considered the surgical option for the past 2 years. I'm now on Day 8 post-op and I totally agree with the wisdom of soaking up as much information as you can. Another thing I've found invaluable is these forums and a group on Facebook called The Sassy Sleevers. Reading the experiences and testimony of other sleeve patients gave me countless questions to ask my nutritionist and surgeon. It helped prepare me in a way I didn't even realize was possible when I started this process. Excited for you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bete924 1 Posted December 4, 2013 Welcome and congratulations! It's certainly an exciting journey. My pre-surgery process took a startling 32 days from my initial consultation to my approval for surgery, so I was quite happy with that. I've been morbidly obese over 20 years and have considered the surgical option for the past 2 years. I'm now on Day 8 post-op and I totally agree with the wisdom of soaking up as much information as you can. Another thing I've found invaluable is these forums and a group on Facebook called The Sassy Sleevers. Reading the experiences and testimony of other sleeve patients gave me countless questions to ask my nutritionist and surgeon. It helped prepare me in a way I didn't even realize was possible when I started this process. Excited for you! Thanks. Good luck to you on your new life! I've been reading up on everything I possibly can except for the possible complications. I don't want to scare must just yet. Lol I'm going to a well known & experienced bariatric surgeon & I have faith. That's awesome that you didn't have a long wait! I'm hoping my wait goes fast! Will know more tomorrow! Thanks for letting me know about the group on Fb, I'll be sure to check them out as well! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crvedro 1 Posted December 4, 2013 I'm in the same boat - I have my first appointment tomorrow with my surgeon, a nutritionist, a nurse, and an insurance specialist. I'm also hoping to be able to get this process done in a quick manner - my insurance waives the need for a physician monitored diet in cases of a BMI 50+. I am right at 50, I've been researching obsessively for about 3 months, and I am full of ready! I hope we can share this exciting journey!! 1 bete924 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Noor1969 150 Posted December 4, 2013 Tomorrow you're taking the first step to a happier, healthier life! Isn't it exciting? I'm due to get sleeved hopefully in February and I'm looking forward to it like a little kid looks forward to Xmas. Please keep us posted! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bete924 1 Posted December 5, 2013 Crvedro & Noor good luck to you both. Crvedro- that's awesome how you have an appointment with all 3 tomorrow. I have blue cross/ blue shield insurance & a bmi of 51. From 2 coworkers that are currently going through the process one got the lap band in just a few weeks and the other one is just waiting for her appointment with the psychologist and she will get a date. So I'm hoping to move things along as quickly as possible. I've been reading a lot as well. The more knowledge the better! Noor - it is exciting! February will be here before u know it! I never imagined that I would actually go through with weight loss surgery, but I believe it is the best choice I can make at this time. I'm a single mother with 4 young kids, and they need me around! I owe it to MYSELF & to them to get healthy & off of this blood pressure medicine! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crvedro 1 Posted December 5, 2013 T-minus 3 hours to my appointment. My husband isn't able to join me, so I'm taking my mom, who just had a RNY in October. I'm really super nervous about my weight. I've been losing weight as a result of a newish, more active job (and nerves about this appointment!), and I'm right at the 50-BMI border. I've never wanted to be heavier before, but I sure do now! Bete924 & Noor, are you planning to tell people? I'm torn over this. Obviously my family will know, but I think there is a stigma that goes with bariatric surgery, and I don't want my career, at least, tainted by it. Is that hypocritical? I want this sooooooooo bad, but I don't want anyone to know I want it. Thanks for listening to my rambling. Did I mention that I'm nervous? :-/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bete924 1 Posted December 5, 2013 Crvedro - good luck today & remember everything will be fine. Try & always remember why you started the process & keep pushing forward. My family knows & thankfully have been supportive & will have to play a large role in caring for my kids while I recover. Many people at my job now know as well & some are supportive & some not so much just because it's a surgery & along comes the risks. As long as I have my family with the support from my babies... I could care less what people have to say. They aren't paying for it nor am I asking them for an approval! Lol Relax....YOU GOT THIS! Keep me posted! My informational seminar isn't until 530 PM & I am in Pennsylvania so I have a little over 12 hours. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crvedro 1 Posted December 5, 2013 bete924 - I'm thinking of you while you're in your seminar - sending positive vibes and encouragement! My appointment went pretty well. The doctor agreed that the sleeve is probably the best option for me, considering my age and lack of comorbidities. He seems like a nice, competent type of fellow. The nurse and dietitian were both nice, as well. I barely (and I mean barely!) made the 50 BMI threshold that allows me to have the surgery sooner rather than after 6 months of dieting - as if I haven't dieted for the majority of my life! Initially the nurse measured me at 5' 5" and that threw everything off. I had a 49.6 BMI with that height. So I asked her to remeasure me and got the correct height of 5' 4.5" which put me at 50.4. Woohoo! Now off to find a psychologist and have my PCP sign off. I can't want to hear how the seminar went. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
