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POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS

35 Y/o Mother of Two - Portland, OR

ORIGINAL POST

I've been reading all of your posts for the last...

lightenmeup
WORTH IT$19,000
I've been reading all of your posts for the last month and thought I should introduce myself and hopefully (eventually) help others in this journey as many of you have already unknowingly helped me.
Let's see....I was a very active child and teen, swimmer, ballet dancer, runner. I didn't have a weight issue until about 10 years ago, one day I woke up nearly 100 lbs heavier. My BMI is 36 and I've tried it all, I was even vegan for several years.
I started out this journey with the intent of getting the band...changed my mind to the sleeve. I'm self pay, so I'm not having to go through the insurance fiasco. I've done all the required work ups (labs, EKG, nutritionist, psych eval, etc) just waiting on my pre-surgery appointment which isn't until July 7th which is kind of a bummer-I won't get my surgery date until after that appointment.
Good luck to you all, I'm excited I finally made up my mind to make this change!

lightenmeup's provider

Emma J. Patterson, MD

Bariatric Surgeon, Board Certified in General Surgery

Replies (18)

June 11, 2015
The best of luck with the surgery. I had the sleeve 6 months ago and lost 70 lbs so far. Best decision you can make to lose and KEEP the weight off if you dedicated to a healthier lifestyle.
June 11, 2015
Wow! Awesome job! It's so great to hear how well everyone is doing with the sleeve.
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June 11, 2015
You are doing a great thing for your future. So glad to hear that you have had nutritional counseling, that is the foundation for your success. You will do great with this. Welcome to the sleeve community!
June 12, 2015
Thank you! It's definitely helped me be more mindful about how much protein I'm getting in!
June 12, 2015
Good luck to you. Can't wait to hear how it all goes for you.
June 12, 2015
Thank you so much! I can't wait!
June 30, 2015
Hello! Nice to meet you. I am 4 weeks out from my Vsg surgery. I have YouTube videos you can check out. Jeanne Daw is my name. I never chose a handle. It's just me being me. Lol I was never heavy as a child or young adult. 1999 after my hustorectomy is when I started gaining. I also have Myfitpal. Chow
June 30, 2015
Nice to meet you too! I just subscribed to your channel, I've been obsessively watching VSG YouTube channels....contemplating doing one as well, if only to see my own transformation. It's amazing to see the changes in people from week to week! Not just the physical changes!
July 1, 2015
Hi.. Lightenmeup my name is Beth or my screen name is flipflops81
I just read your intro. I'm not sure if your stats. I am nervous about that as well. I thought I would introduce myself because we have similarities that may help both of us help each other. I'm a 34 yr old mother of 2. I did all of my classes and have everything under my belt. Well except for surgery which is in 2 DAYS. Yes 2 DAYS. Your pre op is next week and it will fly by! The past months have passed by but for some reason this past week before surgery has fine so fast. My kids are out of school and home so I'm sure that has helped time pass. Oh and I just got a puppy so he's been keeping me busy. He's a family dog of course but atleastfor the time being I am his person.

Ok so as I mentioned I didn't ad my stats in there but we are same height as well. I can chronicle my journey with you so you no d of know what to expect if your okay with that?

I'm not sure who you have on your journey but I have very few people that know about mine. I interviewed a dog sitter today and after I hired her and we talked, I told her what I was doing. The sleeve. Her reaction reassured my decision in the fact that I have not told anyone what I am doing. About 5 people know. My mom and sister think its great and are excited, my husband wants me to be happy and if this makes me happy he will be there. I don't want those judgey stares from people that think I am taking the easy/lazy way out. So I decided to tell my hanful full of supportive people and to wait until after to Tell others. If I tell them, they will notice and have to tell them something and I'm sure I will be so excited I will probably share when it's all and done and when I'm skinny.

Until then I don't want negative comments or disaprovals of how I should try this or that and don't have surgery it's so extreme.... Blah blah

So if you wanna talk I think we can help each other as our family stats and our numbers are similar.

Hope to hear from you soon.
Beth
July 1, 2015
Hi Beth! My name is Sarah and I'm so glad to meet you! TWO days?!? Very exciting! I feel like I've been waiting forever...but really my first appointment was only June 5th, so it's been a fast process for me. Can't wait until I actually have a surgery date!
As far as telling people, I'm the same way. I told my parents, ONE of my sisters (I'm not telling the snooty one), and a close friend. I haven't quite figured out what to tell people after I've lost weight in a short period....guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there.
I would love to keep in touch and help each other out, share our stats, etc.
Good luck on Thursday! Looking forward to hearing how it goes!
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July 6, 2015
Tell them you made HUGE changes! No need to go into details. This is my plan. Two know so far. It might get to five people. Not many more though...
UPDATED FROM lightenmeup
1 month pre

Sleep Apnea

lightenmeup
Well crap. The sleep clinic just called with my sleep study results and I do have Sleep Apnea. I'm so surprised! I guess I'm doing all of this right in time!

Replies (2)

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June 12, 2015
One step closer to being approved!
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July 3, 2015
I too have sleep apnea. The size of your neck and other things contribute. It's not that bad. It's good to know you have it. It will most liked go away after surgery. You are like me in the aspect of I found out in the processes of getting tested for my sleeve that I was diabetic. I was devastated. 2 weeks after surgery I was cured. Don't worry. You are doing the right thing. It's gonna be great.
UPDATED FROM lightenmeup
14 days pre

Omg. Photos.

lightenmeup
Well here's the before. I was horrified when I saw these...taken just a couple days ago. You see yourself in the mirror everyday....yet it's so much worse in pictures. Ugh.

Replies (12)

June 30, 2015
I know what you mean about seeing yourself in photos. I avoid having pictures taken but you are beautiful regardless of your weight. Thanks for posting your before pictures.
June 30, 2015
Thank you! I really, REALLY, did not want to post before pics, but seeing everyone else's has been really helpful and motivating. It's only fair I guess:)
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July 1, 2015
That is so true! I feel the same way when I take photos too. Please know that You're beautiful!
July 2, 2015
Thank you:)
July 2, 2015
I feel the same!!!! I don't get it. My reflection in the oven doesnt look as bad as pictures do. I HATE pictures!!!!!
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July 3, 2015
You know what's gonna be so cool? I look at my pictures now and say... Is that really me? This is crazy. I look so much different. This can't be real. I'm so excited for you. Your future is gonna rock in just months. Buckle in for an amazing journey. Get ready for guys looking at you and looking behind you to see if they are looking at someone else but it's you now. You are gonna think back to this message and laugh in your head.
July 3, 2015
I hope so!!!:)
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July 3, 2015
I know so.
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July 11, 2015
Hailmaryviles, your photos are inspirational!!
July 3, 2015
I agree. I will post mine when I get a little closer to my surgery date. Still going through the nutrition classes required by my insurance. Three more months to go. I can hardly wait!!!
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July 11, 2015
How are the classes? I start my first one next week.