Newbie Here

Hello all, my name is Crystal. I am a 37yr old disabled mom with three teenagers and a husband who works out of town a lot. I have severe rheumatoid arthritis and I am waiting on the insurance approval for the sleeve at this time. A friend introduced me to this site. The support and answers to questions are awesome here. I have been having really rough days due to severe pain and getting blue waiting on the insurance.  Since being diagnosed with severe depression, which had a lot to do with my weight & self image and the RA dx I have gained 90lbs from all the meds. Anyone else have the sleeve because of the side effects of medicine?  How do you prep yourself for surgery, I heard about a liquid diet but what is usually the length we do that? Are there any out there that regret has the surgery? and why? I am so excited I can't think of anything else anymore. Did anyone get so anxious that they couldn't sleep while waiting? Well, I think that's all the questions I can think of right now. It is nice to be involved in a support group that doesn't judge or ridicule others. Wishing all well.
crystal

Hello Crystal, and welcome to our group! I am so sorry it took me a bit to approve your post. I have been busy as can be and didn't realize there was a post here awaiting approval.

As far as surgery prep, it varies with each surgeon. Some require a long and rigorous liquid diet prep, others require none at all, most require something in between.
I remember when I was where you are and so consumed with the hopes and thoughts of wls. I had RNY July 21st 2008 and have NEVER regretted it for a moment! The only regrets are that I didn't do it much much sooner. I wasted so much life tossing the idea around for so many years. I too had my moments when I couldn't shut down the thoughts and get good sleep.

Just use this time to research and learn and ask every question you can think of, so you are best prepared to succeed for life. Many go into this thinking the surgery will get them skinny and keep them there forever, and that simply is not the way it works. Immediately after surgery we must instill new and healthy lifestyle changes and keep them for life. Regain happens more often than you might think. Don't let yourself be one of the sad statistics.

I am glad you found our group. I look forward to following your journey!

Welcome to the family Crystal.  I had RNY, the sleeve was not offered where I had surgery at the time I was preping for surgery, I have not researched it much, but do have friends at local support group that have had the sleeve and much success.  I do not regret my surgery, just glad that I finally got brave enough to do this for myself. 

Patrece already addressed the pre op diet.  Do do what you can to lose any weight before surgery, the lost weight makes the surgery easier on you and the surgical team.  Start using salad size plates and smaller bowls for foods to assist in smaller portions.  Drink your 64 ounces of fluids a day helps to keep yourself full and satisfied as you prepare for surgery.  Getting used to sipping on fluids during the day, this will be life after surgery.  I feel best when I get in more than the minimum fluids a day.

The ball of feelings, up, down, excited, anticipation, all wrapped up together is normal.  If you have access to a local support group, get involved, knowing that there are others that have made it through helps.  Post often, read posts, new and older, there is great info.  Ask any and all questions, we try our best to share from our own experiences.  I hope some that are post sleeve also reply.  Hugs and let's be loser's together.