beginner and would love to know your story.

[Mrs. Goodridge 14]

Hello everyone. Im new to the sleeve group, never considered it to be an option until giving it more of a look. Yesterday i went to meet me surgeons to see if he would accept me into their program. he was a very lovely person. calm, patient, and he let me talk. Everything was fine, and we were going over what to look forward to when he looked at my chart and say that i was only 24. He made it very clear to me that he doesn't like to operate on anyone 26 and under because of their immaturity. But after about a minute he said that theirs a difference in maturity between and 26 yr old with no children, than a 24 yr old with 3 children ( which is myself) and he accepted me into the program. I was so happy (not that i let it show) I have tricare prime (military insurance) so its nice to know my surgeon will be there every step of the way. He told me that he would only do the sleeve for me being that im young and motivated. I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW YOUR SLEEVE STORY. I will be having surgery in july, and im nervous, scared, and excited all at the same exact time. thank you for your support and story

[Unbesleeveable 110]

Good Morning,

Welcome...As you look at different post and click on names, their stories are available for your view/reference. I am still pretty new to this forum, but it is giving me a tremendous amount of support, insight, knowledge, feedback, case scenarios and points of view. I'll post my story below

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Hello, I am new to this forum, I am having my VSG on 02/27/2014 (18 DAYS)
Just a little bit about my background, I am 38y/o married woman residing in PA. I started this journey a little less than a year ago when I was diagnosed with gallstones 4/2013.I seen a surgeon, had a hidascan and was advised that I would need my gallbladder removed (2 days later). Two weeks after the surgery I was presenting the same symptoms that landed me in the ER just a few weeks prior ( lump in my throat, acid build up, pain, heartburn and regurgitation) uuuggghhhh. I had to have an upper G.I performed and it was then I learned that I had GERD, beginning stages of Reflux esophagitis and a Hiatal Hernia! This led me to seeing another specialist and several procedures being performed over the next 2 months; Endoscopy, Nexium regiment, Gastric Emptying Study & Bravo PH inserted...all to no avail.

Finally in July I met with yet another specialist(surgeon) who asked me to consider Bypass surgery to reduce the weight rapidly and decrease the symptoms of the GERD. WHAT! This was something that I had never considered despite the fact that my weight seemed to be ballooning out of control. I was told that she wanted me to consider it and if the answer was a yes, she wanted to operate in 3 weeks time. WOW
After having the multiple disciplinary panel meeting on 07/15/2013, Life kicked me in the gut when I got home. I learned that I had exhausted my medical benefits and was not eligible for use until APRIL 2014 !!! How was this possible I asked...well, as it turned out I had limited benefit insurance instead of major medical. I took a few days processing and had realized that I wanted this surgery for myself, I wanted my outside to match my inside. Though I am a very confident woman and carry myself with class, dignity, respect and not to mention I exude sexy... I wanted this change!

As luck* would have it, my job was having an open enrollment at the time and I decided to go with the companies insurance( I had a choice of 2) In August I decided that I was going to do this surgery for myself, I began to research bariatric surgeons and decided to watch the video and go for consultation. That same week I attended my 1st out of 5 Lifestyle class and took the 1st step towards a more physically healthy me. I met with Dr. Carol McCloskey 09/24/2013 (she was extremely nice) We discussed the options of Bypass vs. Sleeve. I was leaning toward the sleeve due to not wanting malabsorption issues and or any other potential medical issues stemming from Bypass surgery. I followed the criteria that was required from Dr. McCloskey; EKG, Chest X-Ray, CBC, Psychological evaluation and nutrition consult.

In Early October the Physicians assistant called and told me that I had a Vitamin D deficiency (not uncommon in PA) but I needed to take highly concentrated script for 8 weeks and then otc form thereafter.

EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER

On November 26th 2013 after having returned from a trip to Vegas and also a 10 day Cruise, We took a test and discovered that I was PREGNANT with my 1st child!! 1st ultrasound on 12/6/2013 confirmed pregnancy and I had to contact the surgeon to postpone surgery. My psychological evaluation and nutrition appointment was coming up on 12/10/2013. I was given the option to still complete the appointments and then surgery could be rescheduled 4 to 6 months after giving birth. (I opted to continue with the appointments on 12/10/2013) SADLY, on 12/16/2013 I learned that the heart had stopped beating and that there would be no life emerging from my womb right now.
I had a D&C performed 12/23/2013 and was processing what was/wasn't anymore. Life had to move on.

Finally 1/2/2014 I contacted Dr. McCloskeys' office to see if I could get back on track with surgery, that is when I learned that my surgery had been submitted on 12/16/2013 and approved on 12/19/2013.!!!!
What a breathe of fresh air, I need this, I wanted this! I am hitting the ground running from the old me...

I have my pre op and final consult with my surgeon on the 18th of this month. I have started taking necessary steps in order to assure my preparedness for my upcoming surgery. I have started to train myself to eat; Yoplait Greek 100 yogurt 12g of Protein, Isopure liquid Protein 40g Protein and Premier Protein shakes 30g protein...I have the organic low sodium Vegetable & chicken broths, sugar free Jell-O, popsicles & puddings, 2oz cups, shakes, immersion blender, organic pureed baby foods(Earths Best) measuring cups, spoons, smaller portioned plates, 3oz bowls with lids for storing...and to avoid waste.

Now I am just passing the days away, I do find that my mind is trying to play tricks on me and tell me that I need to eat even when I am not hungry. This was not an issue until last week, I was not required to do a liquid diet phase prior to surgery(except for the day before) BUT I am going to start one on Monday so that I will understand the dedication that it will take once I have surgery.

Thank you for taking time to listen/read...Best wishes to all of you and I will see you on the losers bench.

Edited February 15, 2014 by Unbesleeveable

[Mrs. Goodridge 14]

Thank you so much for your story. i have clicked on many name, not everyone has updated their story, but i have come across so many who have. again thank you. and congrats on your journey