Mary E. Estakhri, MD

I'm feeling excited as tomorrow is my pre-op class. I can't wait to go and get the date my life will finally start again. For the last 8 years, I have battled with my weight. I gained 50 pounds with my first child, and was never able to take it off, and then after my third child, I just gained more weight, developed plantar fasciitis, and just harder to move and harder to do any exercise. I'm hoping I can get a surgery date. I will update when I get back! Updated on 15 Oct 2016: So I got the call for my doctor's office, and I got my surgery date! 10/27 will be the start to my healthy life. I'm so excited I can't contain myself. At the same time, I'm anxious because we have a weekend full of people coming over to our house that will involve a meal!! I don't want to gain any weight as I have to weigh-in at my goal weight and have a couple of pounds to go for my pre-op appointment on the 19th. I've only shared my decision with my husband and my mother. My sister who is very close in relationship and proximity, doesn't know. I don't feel that she will be supportive. She has struggled with her weight her entire life, and I know she would just take a negative attitude towards my surgery, as "the easy way out" and you all know, that is not the case at all. Do any of you out there have any advice as to how to keep your surgery private? I would love to hear your experience. Anyway, I hope I can get to my goal weight of 206 for the pre-op appointment, I'll be devastated if they have to postpone it... but I need to stay positive. I'm drinking 3 Premiere Protein Shakes a day, and lots of water.... Wish me luck! Updated on 25 Oct 2016: So one more day, and I'll be making my way to the hospital!! Now, surviving that one more day on clear liquids ONLY and NO protein is going to be tough! As I'm typing, I'm nursing a good headache :(... I have had: Coconut water, 3 sugar free jello little cups, water, and Gatorade... I can't wait to get some protein in me!! Thank you all for Sharing your experiences and getting me to this point.. I am excited about the next step! Got to keep my eyes on the prize... Updated on 29 Oct 2016: I'm home and I'm sleeved!! I had my sleeve and was doing pretty well and came home the next day. I'm still having some pain on the larger scar, and it feels like its' a bit like a pull inside. I struggled drinking, I had a TON of gas, and I'm finally getting it out now. There are these strange pressure pains I get at the top of my stomach... like under my breasts... I think it's all the gas inside me.. but if anyone knows otherwise, please let me know. I get that same pain when I drink too much... I'm literally putting a tiny sip in my mouth to swallow. I've been able to get a whole protein shake in me during the entire day, and a total of 30 oz of water/liquid. I've been pretty good walking, but I still have that pulling pain on my right side... SW: 205 CW:209( I was 212 when I left the hospital!)