Believing I've Made the Right Choice! - Houston, TX

December 12, 2013 was my surgery date I was a little nervous but a little more anxious to just get it done. My process was so quick that I was in shock all the while believing something was going to go wrong and I wouldn't be able to have the procedure; but to my disbelief surgery date has come and gone. I showered and prep for the procedure as instructed proceeded to the hospital arriving at 4:45am, surgery schedule for 7:30am. I was quickly checked in and in the pre surgery suite where they labeled me with all the arm bands and put the IV in. Soon after that the anethesiologist arrived explaining his role and the medications, then my surgeon whom asked if there wher any final question or concern "Which there was none, but it felt good to be asked". Off we go during my surgery a hernia was discovered and repaired at the same time 1 1/2 hour later I was moved to recovery. When transported to my room I was still very much groggy; when I was fully awake it was then the pain hit me when attempting to use the restroom (assisted of course) but never fear the morphine pump was locked and loaded. I remained in the hosital for 2 days the 2nd day was only because of the terrible nausea and lightheadeness that over took me. I walked as much as I could throughout the cooridors( which really help with the gas and the Gas X strips totally took care of all the gas) Bright and early Dec 15, 2013 I was ready to go home; the ride home wasn't bad since I had my own pillow which I place across my abdomen to cushion from the seatbelt and jolts. I experienced a little discomfort but not major pain I never use the liquid Vicodin only liquid Tylenol for maybe 3-4 days.
Eating and drinking was quite difficult in the beginning but eveyday was alittle bit better, I still believe the biggest challenge is getting enough protein. I found different supplements to help me along like the Beneprotein powder and ProMod which is a liquid protein supplement; neither are great tasting but help do the trick nonetheless. I am currently eating what I believe to be close to the amount of protein required per day and probably about 40oz of water/fluids per day (but still somedays are better than others).
My presurgery weight was 267.8pds I am now just 6 weeks post op and my current weight is 237pds. So thirty pounds in 6 six weeks I think Im on to something. I recently started working out I was walking alot during the holiday but I prefer more gym style type of cardio. Good luck to all you I will continue to pray for all your success and hope you will do the same for me. Will update with pictures real soon.

Hello everyone my name is Andrea I am a 40yr old woman who has been dealing with the battling the bulge for 1/2 my life. Early on in my youthful years I was fairly average weight, I stand 5'3" ( 5'2 1/4" per some others) and at age 21 prior to eldest child birth weighed between 135-142lbs depending on which week it was. If I notice my jeans a lil too tight I'd do some fad diet ie diet pills, cabbage soup etc and loss maybe 7-10pds. but oh that was then and then was many moons ago. During my pregnancy I gained 76pds for delivery weight of 207pds. Miserable but in denial I carried myself around weighing 175pds trying to fit into all those pre pregnancy clothes, until the best boss in the world brought me 3 new outfits to work; surprised but grateful I of course said thank you but why did you do this she replied "Because I'm tired of seeing you walk around the office in those outfits that you USE to look good in, when they fit." WOW but okay I got it so I got my head together went to a diet doctor got some diet pills, water pills, b-12 injections, and worked out religiously 4-5 time a week. Boom 2 1/2 months later down 25pds at 140pds and looking good. I kept this weight off for a good while feeling great but another bump in the road I decided to get a nor-plant birth control device before I could even realize 1 weighed even more and looked absolutely horrible at 228. After paying to have this devices removed I again repeated the denial then the eureka moment when I realized yet again its time to do something. So again I revisited the diet pill and gym some results but not what I expected; needless to say this cycle has been on going now for 19yrs of my life. To my current situation I married and moved to Texas had 2 more children literally back -to back and to add insult to injury both deliveries were by C-section 11 months and 3 weeks apart ( 2nd baby 7 weeks early). I just was unable to keep up and or lose weight as I had done previously in my younger years. So in the last 4-5 years I have done the diet clinics but no more Adipex for me (they make my head hurt so back can't lift my head off the pillow), Atkins, Quick Weight loss had great result but the money I spent don't even want to mention wwwaaayyy ttttttoooooo much, (plus gained all back plus some once I started eating regularly) along with countless other fad diets and tv infomercial purchases to finally say okay enough is enough I need something a little more permanent. I had already saw up close and personal how weight loss surgery could help my best friend and cousin both had gastric bypasses they look wonderful I might add that I found myself a little green with envy. I had looked into a lap-band but during the consultation was told my insurance would not cover any portion of the cost this was an upset but glad today because I don't think I would have like the port and re-adjusting too much. I took that at face value thinking maybe its not for me since I wasn't financially able to cover any procedure myself. My cousin was the person whom had first spoke of the sleeve to me because I had never heard of it, so I did a little research and was intrigued especially since I never really cared for the invasiveness of the bypass. Still believing I had no coverage but still having the desire to have a sleeve I was just about ready to talk with my husband about borrowing from savings to have the surgery. Then I day just sitting at the computer I decided to my insurance benefits online and do a little investigating to see if there could be anyway they pay something or anything toward the procedure; to my surprise after the surgery tab there was a drop down menu and bariatric was listed but with only 1 provider Memorial Hermann Hospital. I proceeded to their website which had the standard BMI calculator but also a webinar so I completed the webinar and was directed to another screen asking if you want to move on "and you know I did" I quickly entered the information and soon after received an email from the benefit coordinators stating someone would be in contact with me via telephone. I patiently waited later that afternoon I received a phone call the coordinator took all my insurance info stating she would be in touch as she received any information. Then the waiting began apparently my insurance company was going through some type of system update and nothing was able to be verified for days but the coordinator kept me abreast via email so I knew she was still on the case. Either 7 or 8 days later she called stating she finally got my insurance verified and I have coverage of 80% of the total cost also since it's toward the end of the year my deductible has been made and I have paid most of my out-of-pocket expenses. THANK YOU LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!! The benefits coordinator asked if I wanted her to provided me with a list of physician's WELL OF COURSE I DO! She did and even call the office for me whom later called to schedule an appointment in a matter of 5 more days I had my initial consult. October 17, 2013 my process began I weighed in at 260.2 and I was then approved by surgeon for a gastric sleeve my insurance company only required a nutritionist consult and psych evaluation. October 21, 2013 appointment with NUT (of course referred by my surgeon) letter from NUT completed 3 days later. October 28, 2013 appointment with psychiatrist (again referred by surgeon) psych eval. complete letter from psychiatrist completed the next couple of days. Nov 3, 2013 contact with surgeon office all letters completed and already submitted to insurance company for authorization. Nov. 13, 2013 WHAT! Yes I am approved, following week completed blood work and echocardiogram surgery date scheduled December 12, 2013 1st surgery patient of the day Thank You LORD!!!!!!