New here and thinking of getting the sleeve....

rll22

First off let me introduce myself....I am 40, have struggled with my weight my whole whole adult life, tried tons of diets, gyms, workout routines, and I have never been very successful. I have put off surgery for years telling myself I'll do it on my own and well it has never happened! Now I am choosing to get my weight under control before I hit 400 (Currently 360). Not quite 100% sure on surgery yet, but I need to change my bad habits and mindless eating. Looking forward to a lighter more active me! (Just have to remind myself that several times a day....food cravings are no joke!)

JamesAztec

I strongly recommend bariatric surgery to most people that are severely obese.

KCSF

I did the same thing that you are doing before my surgery... research and reaching out to others who had it before me. Some of the craving go away and some change but some you may have to fight for a long time because they are mental and not physical. Read the other posts and follow all of the recommendations of your doctor and nurses to the letter. They are there to help you be successful. Good luck (in whatever you decide)

professor700

No one can tell you to get surgery or not get it. They can only tell you their experience. Heres mine; VSG is the best physical choice I have ever made in my life. I am free, finally.

pneschich

5 months out VSG. I researched, I went to several clinics informational meetings, I attended support group meetings. I listened a lot and asked questions. I had a 6 month requirement from my insurance. I used that time well. I lost 50 and got my head right. I was ready by 5 months but not much sooner. Nothing can really prepare you for the "after" but it has been a life saver for me. Blood sugar- normal, BP- low normal, cholesterol with treatment normal. Energy level is off the chart. I feel physically better than I have in decades.

The negatives. I hate eating, I no longer enjoy it. The digestive issues constipation or Loose stool randomly. There is frustration at times with the new way of living.

I would do it again tomorrow the change has been so remarkable. I haven't regretted it once. Losing the weight is easy. It's between the ears where this is hard.

rpyle111

Beautifully said, @pneschich. Post surgery is not without issues, but compared to the positives, they are small. Much like the liquid diet and first few weeks afgter surgery, the negativs become a blur among the positive changes we receive.

rll22

@Pneschich I just started almost a month ago....went to a seminar about the process and surgeries offered, seen the coordinator (wait time for me is 6 months but right now there might be a chance that it would be approved in 3, which I'm scared about) going to support group meetings, eating less, and tracking everything I eat. I know in the long run this is probably the best decision I've ever made, but now I have to stick to it to get me as ready as I can be!

pneschich

@rll22. The only other advice I can offer. Be very comfortable with your clinic. They are everything. I don't mean they need to sugarcoat everything. They shouldn't. The pre and post plan needs to be there. Your first 2 weeks post shouldn't be a mystery to you. Your nutritionists should be knowledgeable and helpful AND available. You seem to be on the right track. Your new lifestyle changes before the surgery. Its too much to change after.

martabeerich

I would tack on to the above comment by pneschich. The clinic, doctor and staff are really important! My particular doctor and his clinic are very out of the ordinary in their approach, and I would not have been as successful without their particular nutritional orientation. I have friends who have not been as successful there. (Plant based, not protein based.) Make sure you find providers that are a fit for you.

rll22

Thank you all for the advice. My primary dr is very helpful and so far has been helpful in starting the process. My coordinator has already given me a run down of the surgery and the first four months afterwards including literature on the process and what my diet will look like.