Big Man, Big Decisions

[GrinderMedic]

Hello sleevers!

My name is Ben and I'm 30 years old. I'm a Paramedic in KY and have worked in EMS for 12 years. I have also been overweight my whole life, which makes my job very difficult at times. While working in a physically demanding job, I'm still almost 400lbs currently.

Recently, a long time friend of mine had a gastric sleeve performed and has lost almost 110lbs in less than one year!

Of course, I became curious and found that it is covered under my current insurance policy.

I have my seminar and consultation scheduled for June 5th and hopefully all will be well. I'm still nervous about the whole idea and have been watching a ton of videos on YouTube on the subject. Anyways, I look forward to interacting with everyone on this wonderful forum and wish you all the best of journeys!

-Ben

[luke]

Welcome to the boards Ben. It's a nice place with nice people. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

[rescue]

Welcome to the site,

[Aquajog]

I am 62 ..had my surgery in Feb. should have done something years ago !
Learn all you can about the surgery .it makes so much of a difference in so many of the things we do.

I was one never to walk around the block if I did not have to.. Now walking 4-5 miles a day.
Good luck !

[Marvinator]

You should be nervous. Its an unknown and its surgery. But as you continue to research you will hopefully develop a comfort level like I did over time that will reduce the nervousness to a level far lower than the desire to reduce the weight and become healthy and happy again. And if you dont find that comfort level then you know this procedure isnt for you. Personally, it was the only procedure that I would have considered. Now I recently heard that there is some called gastric plication instead of gastric sleeve which seemed like it was essentially a sleeve but reversible. I dont know too much about it but if I had heard about it when I had my surgery I would have looked into that since the irreversible part was a scary thing at first. Whatever you do, I wish you the best and hope you find something that works for you. Given that you are only 30, you have an opportunity to avoid all the nasty health issues that come with weight as you get older. Good luck and please be very diligent about your research.

[SethP]

Welcome the boards. Do your research and get informed and that can alleviate alot of your concerns. It is by far the best decision I have made other then giving my life to Christ and marrying my lovely wife. I was a self pay client and I have no regrets of spending 15k for the surgery and would do it again in a heartbeat. I only wish I would not have wasted 4 years doing research and dragging my feet. Godspeed on your journey.

[bmiller140]

Welcome. I suggest that you purchase a book titled "Weight Loss Surgery: The Real Skinny" by Dr. Nick Nicholson from Amazon. He is a Bariatric surgeon in Dallas and covers most things you will want to know as you make this decision. My surgeon is part of his practice and my surgery is May 29th. I am on my pre-op diet now.

Be sure to learn everything about your insurance coverage. They all seem to have different requirements to get approved.

Read as many postings on this site as you can. We are all friends here so don't be afraid to ask questions.

Good Luck - Bonnie

[Sonyav]

Hi Ben,
Ime 5 weeks out from surgery. Yes do your research.
I have had no problems with surgery, I just find the emotional side of it more. Now ime off of the liquid diet etc I find it sad I can't enjoy food like I used to. I get excited about eating then get a big let down. It's a part of my life that is over.
Ime sure this will pass, on the up side ime excercising every day, have more energy, people are noticing my weight loss.
And ime moving across the road from the beach so guess where ime going to be in summer. Lol (ime in Australia )
All the best,
Sonya

[Froo72]

Welcome You'll find no shortage of friendly & helpful folks here. Much success to you!

[brenda2013]

Welcome! im just 9 days post op but already feel better then I have in a very long time!!

[MELR]

Welcome. Of course, as suggested, do your research. When you decide, I think it is key to choose the right surgeon. Research and check credentials. Please do not take people's word for how good a surgeon is. Check with the medical boards he/she is supposed to be associated with and check for any possible lawsuits or disciplinary actions. I say that because I did find one surgeon in the states that listed several endorsements of medical associations and when I called them, he was not even a member.

Good luck and best wishes on your journey.

[Metread]

Welcome! I'm 43 years old, 13 weeks post op and I've lost 67lbs so far. I am soooo happy I made the decision to be sleeved.

[Mich-D]

Welcome. Apprehension about surgery is natural. I had surgery 1/7/14 and my only regret is not doing it sooner. Do your research and ask questions.

[Peg]

Welcome Ben, this forum is Soo helpful ask lots of questions,and people are very nice and give you honest answers.also if I may suggest,read some of the other posts on various topics on this forum.it has helped me a great deal.and last keep us posted on things.best of luck to you I will look forward to your posts

[nasher6]

Hi Ben
Welcome aboard!!
I was fortunate to have friends with medical and dietary backgrounds whom stepped me through the process and have guided me post surgery.
As with others here my only regret has been that I did not do this earlier. However, I am enjoying my new slimmer life and would not change it for the world.
Good luck to you as you commence your journey.
All the best June