POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS
34 Y.o. with Lifetime Weight Battle Decides to Get Gastric Sleeve - India
ORIGINAL POST
Hi All, Here's a little about me: I'm 34 years...
$6,500
Hi All,
Here's a little about me: I'm 34 years old, 5'4, ~260 lbs,with no kids and am currently living abroad. (I mention this because it makes my situation a bit more complicated.) I have struggled with my weight pretty much all my life. I guess I was normal-sized until I was around 7 or so, and then I started to blossom...aka get chubby. My weight has yo-yoed quite a bit with me being able to take off between 45-65 lbs a couple of times in the last 15 years, however, I of course, can't seem to manage to keep it off. I would definitely say I have had an eating disorder (I was anorexic for a period during my teenage years, but would mainly identify as a compulsive over eater) and I can admit that this must be some kind of addiction (I mean, if I could stop on my own, I would have by now...I certainly know what to do!). I come from a family of alcoholics, where either you are one, are married to one, or have an eating disorder. I've done a ton of research both on eating disorders and nutrition; at this point, I think I know everything there is about nutrition and the workings of the mind...and yet according to the charts I'm morbidly obese. I even tried OA for a few years, managed to lose 65 lbs in about 6 months and then eventually lost my "abstinence".
So I have been living abroad since February. First I was in Abu Dhabi and now that it's summer, I'm traveling in Thailand. I'm a pretty impulsive person, so 2 months ago this wasn't even a thought in my mind. But I've just gotten to the point where I'm fed up with this problem. My weight is too big a part of my story and I've definitely let it hold me back in many areas of life. I want to live as full a life as possible, and at this point...I can't even hike up those beautiful mountains I see every morning. I'm also beginning to worry about my health as I do want to have children one day and am aware that being this heavy could cause many complications.
So...I have scheduled an appointment for the gastric sleeve procedure in Mumbai, India with Dr. Ramen Goel. My surgery date is a week and a half away! (ahhh, the nervousness begins!) I do not have insurance and will be paying for this partly with cash and the other part credit. I was given a pre-op diet which is essentially low carb with one or 2 protein shakes as meal replacements a day. I have to admit, I haven't been an angel on this diet as I'm in Thailand and can't read Thai. Also I live with a host mom and am fed at work by our cook, so I don't have as much control as I'd like. There's definitely been some sugar here and there and a bit of rice too. I hope this isn't detrimental and will try my best to tighten up in the week ahead.
I'll try my best to keep everyone posted on my progress, and please, if you've ever heard of or know anything about my doctor, please fill me in. I couldn't find many reviews on him other than his site, though he seems pretty legit.
Here's a little about me: I'm 34 years old, 5'4, ~260 lbs,with no kids and am currently living abroad. (I mention this because it makes my situation a bit more complicated.) I have struggled with my weight pretty much all my life. I guess I was normal-sized until I was around 7 or so, and then I started to blossom...aka get chubby. My weight has yo-yoed quite a bit with me being able to take off between 45-65 lbs a couple of times in the last 15 years, however, I of course, can't seem to manage to keep it off. I would definitely say I have had an eating disorder (I was anorexic for a period during my teenage years, but would mainly identify as a compulsive over eater) and I can admit that this must be some kind of addiction (I mean, if I could stop on my own, I would have by now...I certainly know what to do!). I come from a family of alcoholics, where either you are one, are married to one, or have an eating disorder. I've done a ton of research both on eating disorders and nutrition; at this point, I think I know everything there is about nutrition and the workings of the mind...and yet according to the charts I'm morbidly obese. I even tried OA for a few years, managed to lose 65 lbs in about 6 months and then eventually lost my "abstinence".
So I have been living abroad since February. First I was in Abu Dhabi and now that it's summer, I'm traveling in Thailand. I'm a pretty impulsive person, so 2 months ago this wasn't even a thought in my mind. But I've just gotten to the point where I'm fed up with this problem. My weight is too big a part of my story and I've definitely let it hold me back in many areas of life. I want to live as full a life as possible, and at this point...I can't even hike up those beautiful mountains I see every morning. I'm also beginning to worry about my health as I do want to have children one day and am aware that being this heavy could cause many complications.
So...I have scheduled an appointment for the gastric sleeve procedure in Mumbai, India with Dr. Ramen Goel. My surgery date is a week and a half away! (ahhh, the nervousness begins!) I do not have insurance and will be paying for this partly with cash and the other part credit. I was given a pre-op diet which is essentially low carb with one or 2 protein shakes as meal replacements a day. I have to admit, I haven't been an angel on this diet as I'm in Thailand and can't read Thai. Also I live with a host mom and am fed at work by our cook, so I don't have as much control as I'd like. There's definitely been some sugar here and there and a bit of rice too. I hope this isn't detrimental and will try my best to tighten up in the week ahead.
I'll try my best to keep everyone posted on my progress, and please, if you've ever heard of or know anything about my doctor, please fill me in. I couldn't find many reviews on him other than his site, though he seems pretty legit.
ShelleyP's provider
Replies (9)
June 26, 2015
Wanted to post pics so people can see the yo-yo. Up down up down. I've never gotten to the point where I'm actually thin, I normally stop between 195 and 200 (which is a 14 for me)and then head back up again. Right now I'm at an all time high.
June 26, 2015
Wanted to post pics so people can see the yo-yo. Up down up down. I've never gotten to the point where I'm actually thin, I normally stop between 195 and 200 (which is a 14 for me)and then head back up again. Right now I'm at an all time high.
July 11, 2015
You are beautiful my dear!
July 11, 2015
I am just starting all of this. Each day has been interesting to say the least. I am thinking about how I feel about food and what I eat. Especially am thinking about portions and ingredients and what will eating be like after!
July 11, 2015
you are so brave....said a prayer for you .. to wish you the best. ..let us know ...how it went
July 12, 2015
Yes, I posted an update below of my experience. I'm now on my 5th day post op and feeling pretty darn good! Best wishes on your procedure. Just remember the first day is the hardest and each day after you feel better and better.
UPDATED FROM ShelleyP
5 days pre
Ahhhh! Less than one week away!
Ok guys, I'm starting to freak out. My surgery is scheduled for July 7th...so 6 days away! I've got so much on my mind right now and so much stress. Yesterday I applied for a medical visa to India and apparently, I'm really cutting it close because I fly out on the 6th. Fingers crossed that everything goes well and I'll get it Friday evening.
As for my diet....ehhh. I've been in contact with my Dr. and his staff via email and phone only. They sent me a one pager that I should be drinking protein shakes 1-2 times a day and essentially a low carb diet otherwise. Well, ummm, I'm in Thailand and all the labels are in Thai. In addition, since I'm living with a host mom and eat at work whatever the cook makes, I can't say I've been totally low carb. I see that most people on here lose a rack of weight with their pre-surgery diet. I don't think I'll be able to say the same. The selection of sugar free and protein supplements is seriously lacking and I think there might be some sugar in my powder...making it relatively yummy :) The nurse sent me an email the other day and actually said I could have a light breakfast and lunch the day before surgery and then only fluids afterwards. Did anyone else get this recommendation? I'm hoping to be down a few pounds on the day of surgery, but it probably won't be anything miraculous.
As for afterwards, I'll be staying in a hotel in india, solo :( after surgery for about 5 days so i can check back in with the doc before I leave. Then I'll head back to Thailand and let my host mom take care of me for another week. At the beginning of the 3rd week out, I'm planning to continue my travels on down to the south of Thailand. I haven't planned much yet, because I really have no idea what kind of shape I'll be in. I'd love to explore, do some hiking and swimming, but I know that I may just be laying low and doing some walking on the beach.
Please send some love and messages my way as I'm pretty anxious at this point and don't really have a strong support system over here. I'd like to know what you think of my pre-op diet and whether I need to really tighten up. I'd also like to know whether those who have had the surgery done think I'll be fine to do some traveling starting at 3 weeks post op.
As for my diet....ehhh. I've been in contact with my Dr. and his staff via email and phone only. They sent me a one pager that I should be drinking protein shakes 1-2 times a day and essentially a low carb diet otherwise. Well, ummm, I'm in Thailand and all the labels are in Thai. In addition, since I'm living with a host mom and eat at work whatever the cook makes, I can't say I've been totally low carb. I see that most people on here lose a rack of weight with their pre-surgery diet. I don't think I'll be able to say the same. The selection of sugar free and protein supplements is seriously lacking and I think there might be some sugar in my powder...making it relatively yummy :) The nurse sent me an email the other day and actually said I could have a light breakfast and lunch the day before surgery and then only fluids afterwards. Did anyone else get this recommendation? I'm hoping to be down a few pounds on the day of surgery, but it probably won't be anything miraculous.
As for afterwards, I'll be staying in a hotel in india, solo :( after surgery for about 5 days so i can check back in with the doc before I leave. Then I'll head back to Thailand and let my host mom take care of me for another week. At the beginning of the 3rd week out, I'm planning to continue my travels on down to the south of Thailand. I haven't planned much yet, because I really have no idea what kind of shape I'll be in. I'd love to explore, do some hiking and swimming, but I know that I may just be laying low and doing some walking on the beach.
Please send some love and messages my way as I'm pretty anxious at this point and don't really have a strong support system over here. I'd like to know what you think of my pre-op diet and whether I need to really tighten up. I'd also like to know whether those who have had the surgery done think I'll be fine to do some traveling starting at 3 weeks post op.
Replies (22)
July 2, 2015
Good luck! I'm hoping for sleeve over Labor Day. Also out of pocket. Same story as everyone here for sleeve. I can't wait. I'm tired of wasting so many thoughts on weight and food. Jeez.
Good for you for your adventurous spirit! You will do awesome.
Good for you for your adventurous spirit! You will do awesome.
July 6, 2015
Girl, I feel you on the whole wasted thought thing. I mean, just think of what we could have accomplished in the time we were stressing about our weight and thinking about food!
July 2, 2015
My prayers are with you. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Evelyn n Atlanta !
July 2, 2015
Love love love being sent your way!!!! I'm here anytime... Just had my endoscopy and colonoscopy this morning. My surgeon required the endo... glad he did because they found a polyp abs removed it... And I was cleared internally for surgery
July 2, 2015
Will be thinking of you on the 7th! Maybe try to get some English labeled food items while you are there. Ask Md. about swimming and traveling. Best of luck. Post when you can.
Replies (30)
This is Evelyn in Atlanta GA and l am only 6 weeks postop and down 25 lbs.
I am happy you have made this decision to a better healthier life for yourself. We are a very supportive community and we openly share our experiences. We all have the same common goals.
I am happy for your decision just know and always remember this is a (Tool) and not a quick fix. It will work well for you if you follow the rules and restrictions.
The first six months is the honeymoon phase and you will lose your vast amount of weight during this time if you use the tool properly. All Proteins no Carbs, no eating 30 min before or after eating. Your new little tummy won't be able to handle both at the same time.
Just follow all the rules provided by your surgeon Pre amd PostOp.
Best of Care to you and keep us posted ....Evelyn in Atlanta
Yes I did not really start feeling completely normal until about 5 1/2-6 weeks. I started walking the very next day after surgery was not moving very fast but it helped with the gas pains. No I have more energy than I know what to do with. My little doggie sure enjoys it because she and I get out more. On my 6 week check up the Dr. advised me to begin using resistance bands and hand weights if I had not already. Muscle weighs more than fat but takes up let room and that is why you begin to see the loss inches. Don't let the scale discourage you. I only weigh myself once a week every Wednesday only because I had my surgery on a Wednesday and I can keep of with the weeks I am PostOp.
Don't stress youself out you will be feeling well with lost of energy soon...hope you are taking your vitamins because you will feel tired and slugish if not. Besides because you are eading so muc less now you need all the vitamin and minerals that you will get form your supplements. Good Luck and stay in touch. Keep up the great work !.......Evelyn n Atlanta !