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POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS

57yr old with Health Issues looking forward to Gastric Sleeve and enjoying life again:) - Austin, TX

ORIGINAL POST

First, I would like to thank each and every one of...

Shirlee 57
$11,000
First, I would like to thank each and every one of you that have shared your stories on realself. I follow so many of you, that it is like I kinda know you a little already. I haven't told anyone that I am having this surgery except my husband of course and my best friend Suzy(my Sister). I have 5 brothers, and I am sure they would all support me, and the same with my Dad, but choose not to say anything. Definitely NOT telling my Mom cause she is a petite little thing...she always has a comment...I had Aunt Dorothy's thighs...and if you lost weight you wouldn't be in pain, etc. I just moved to Texas and I haven't met anyone yet, but I am setup for support classes which I am in need of. My family lives in another state up North. With what I have learned from all of your incredible journeys, I finally made the decision that I am going through with getting sleeved myself on Jan 11, 2016. My pre-op weight was 229.4, and I am 5ft 3in. I am self pay unfortunately, d/t my insurance won't pay for the sleeve, but will Gastric Bypass. As I have read each journey I really got caught up in all of the emotional trials that you all went through. I would be for getting sleeved one minute, then the next minute I would be questioning myself??? All the questions I had about every aspect of the sleeve surgery would be answered as I read your stories....it was awesome. I am so thankful that I found realself. Because of how honest every one has been, I know what challenges I am facing and I pray that I will be able to handle them....I just want to be done already...like two years down the road done...lol. I have my biggest supporter, my husband, Faith, Prayer and all of your continued journeys to see me through and I am so thankful:) I have been dealing with chronic health problems the past 12yrs, thus gaining weight from being inactive after 3 spine surgeries, joint and some other major surgeries, etc. I had to retire earlier this year, d/t chronic pain et unable to perform my job after 23yrs....it was hard to give up what I loved doing:( Losing the weight will benefit my life in so many ways, like breathing, walking without pain, so many other things....living and enjoying life again:) I cannot wait to meet my new tool and get started on my journey.

Shirlee 57's provider

Dr. Eric

Replies (11)

December 21, 2015
Good luck in your journey! I feel like you do in that this site has really helped me to decide and know that it might not always be easy but it will be worth it!
December 21, 2015
Thank you so much! Wow....Your surgery is just around the corner.....I am excited for you:) I Hope and Pray that Our Sleeve experiences will be smooth sailing for the most part and tolerable for any other part that we must endure, and "Yes" definitely worth it!!! Good luck with your Journey classygirl:)
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December 23, 2015
Good luck, you are making a good decision.
December 23, 2015
Happy Anniversary:) You are awesome! I am having a hard time again with trying to talk myself out of the sleeve:( Is this normal? I definitely will try that yummy looking Pizza:)
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December 23, 2015
Awww, thanks. It has been a year of many changes: physical, mental, emotional, health, and more.
I hear of so many people going back and forth with the decision of being sleeved. Yes, it's a major surgery with risks. But, all surgeries carry risks. And so does obesity. Can't argue with that.
Once I made up my mind, there was no turning back. Even when my husband told me not to do it, I was determined to take back my life. Most times it has been easy, some days not. I was super lucky with zero complications, I wish you an easy recovery as well. You have to come to terms with your decision and keep moving forward. Keep researching and reading reviews. I think you will do great.
December 24, 2015
Thank you for your response. I worry about the weight stalls:( I hardly exercise @ all...d/t my chronic pain issues. Will I continue to lose as long as I am eating healthly and being as physical as I am capable of? I clean house, do laundry, etc, but I don't walk very far or often right now because my feet hurt. Another issue is I always need a PRN pain pill if I do too much, which is usually the case. How do I take a pain pill when I need a bite or two of food and H20??? I will be starting on Pain patches a weeek prior to surgery for pain relief instead of the 24hr Extended Release I use now, so maybe that will give me enough coverage. Hopefully my pain issue will improve, d/t insurance approved Me for a Pain stimulator for my lower back (and an upper one @ a later date). With it being implanted, I decided to put it on hold until I lose the weight with the sleeve so not to cause problems. I have a decision to make. Thanks again!
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December 24, 2015
I can't answer any of the pain meds questions, sorry.
Any amount of exercise will help. You aren't expected to run a marathon, just do what you can. Get some hand weights, you can get moving in a chair. That's how I started. I honestly didn't exercise much. I have an active job and get in 16,000-20,000 steps at work daily. I did more stretching at home than anything else.
December 25, 2015
Good Luck to you on your journe! You have such a ppositive attitude. Just as much as you aappreciate others for sharing their story, we appreciate you for sharing yours as well. Happy Holidays!
December 26, 2015
How do you feel today?...Merry Christmas!!....How much weight have you lost thus far? Did you stay away from the tamales?....I am still having problems enjoying food any longer!...Every time something enter my stomach, I begin feeling nauseated and sick and sweaty and wanting to vomit!.....Do miss my old eating habits of delicious foods, like rib eye steak sandwiches, chicken baskets, with french fries!...My LUST for food, has simply gone away!.....Feeling lost and not able to eat what the people are enjoying eating, such as tamales, ham, pies, prime rib, the list goes on!...If I were to eat these foods, I would probably throw it up, that scares me!...How bout your taste of foods, has it to, gone away, do you get sick when you eat something?....AMM
December 26, 2015
Hello! I haven't had My Gastric Sleeve surgery yet, so unfortunately I cannot answer your questions:( Sorry!
January 11, 2016
GOD bless you tomorrow.
I will pray all goes well.
God willing im having sleeve surgery 1/19/2016