Step 1! Suggestions - What to expect ?

[RLambert0125]

Hello! My name is Becca I am new to the site! I am considering the Sleeve and am scheduling my very first appointment! I have seen several doctors through out my life about my weight and nothing ever works. I have PCOS as well as a thyroid problem and losing weight is next to impossible. I have tried everything! My last diet I gained weight and couldn't be more discouraged. But I have a husband and a 16 month old who are my entire life and I must do something to change and to be healthy! I just wanted to hear realistic expectations of the process in actually having the surgery. As well as ANYTHING else you would like to share. I am excited to begin this journey and hope I am on here typing my success story and have one of those trackers to show the world what I've done! Currently I'm about 305lbs. My ultimate goal would be 140! I know it's a long road to get there buy some day I will! Thanks in advance for the info!!

[Truebody]

Answer for you - spend a lot of time on this site and read blogs and follow forums. It's a fairly organic process and you are best taking it all in at your own pace.
Another thing - answers to almost any question you have can be found here. Pop a couple of key words in the search box and you're away!
Welcome.

[Rox]

This forum played a huge roll in helping me research and get a real idea of what I could expect.

[Terri P]

Hello Jen and welcome to gastric sleeve!!! I was just sleeved myself almost 2 weeks ago and can only tell you to expect a lot of Dr.visits, evaluations, tests and usually a 3 month evaluation from a dietitian before most insurance Co's will consider covering the surgery. If this is what you want, go to it! I started at 296 and am now at 276, my goal like you, is a long way out, but we have to have faith!!! Good luck and send me a message if you have any more questions that I can answer.

[Breen]

Read, read, read! It's all here. Right down your thoughts to come back and see what others have experienced. No two stories are the same so it's important to learn different things from all kinds of different people. Good luck to you and keep us all posted!

[rohanpinto31]

yes you definitely have a long road ahead but dont give up and loose hope .you can reach your goal of 140 some hard work and strict diet can help you achieve that .good luck

[MrsB0324]

Information is power and preparation is key! Find out all you can from this fourm, other websites, and your doctor. Once you are armed wth the information, sit down and really evaluate everything before making a decision because once you turn the page and decide to take this journey, you will be in for a ride of ups and downs, stalls and gains, but in the end, it will all be worth it becuase you CAN and WILL reach your goal if you put in the work, have the right mindset, set realistic expectations, and go in knowing the good and bad of it!! Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do!!

[mlrisser]

At one point or another, just about anything you'd want to know has been talked about on this site. It's amazing! The people here are incredible, very uplifting and positive thinkers. We all lean on each other for support and it's a give and take relationship!

As far as what to expect, that all depends on you! How motivated are you to get this surgery done? Have you located a surgeon that you feel comfortable with? Do you have insurance? What are their requirements? Some are more sticky than others. Some have mandatory 3,6,9 or even 24 month requirements for a medically supervised diet. I recommend that you do lots of reading on this site first, if you have insurance, check with them, make sure it's going to be covered or what your portion will be, meet your surgeon get a feel for him or her and most importantly - start preparing yourself mentally for the life change you're about to make. Start taking smaller bites, chew each bite for 30 seconds. Practice sipping fluids slowly. Stop using a straw now. Get on an eating schedule. Start planning what your future meals will be. Get rid of the junk food out of your house.

These are just a few steps I took to help myself and honestly, I think it helped me a lot.

Best of luck

[alchaley]

I'm new here too and have similar current/goal weight like you. I'd love to keep chatting with you as we go through this process together. I have my very first consult with my dr. on July 1st so I have a long road ahead of me. I'm hovering around 300lbs now and would love to get to 175!
This is going to be a hard road for me but with all of the health problems I am ready to get rid of, I'm ready to get this party started. I hope we can chat our way through this.
Looking forward to hearing more...good luck!