And so it begins...Kirsty's journey to a sleeve!!

Hello lovely people. I'm sure a few of you already know me as iv been lingering around for about 6 months now. I decided it was time I started a proper diary now things have finally started moving for me

Since I was 16 I have battled with my weight and for most of it iv lost the battle.

Iv tried all sorts as I'm sure everyone has. The typical diets like weight watcher, slimming world, slim fast etc. Iv even tried medication like orlistat and sibutramine.

I had great success on sibutramine I lost 5 stone buy taking the medication (no longer on the market) which suppressed my appetite so I was able to stick to a low calorie diet.

After all that weight loss I had a tummy tuck and felt great. I later had my 3rd child and since then it's been down hill with my weight.

I had severe postnatal depression in 2011 and Iv only recently overcome that battle. That didn't help with my weight. Lots of comfort eating, not going out, not exercising, taking part in family activities. All this and too much food obviously contributed to me now being at my heaviest.



I am only 27 and have 3 young children and I feel my weight and healt problems (arthritis and asthma) are causing me to waste my like and I miss out on so much. I feel like iv spent my whole life dieting but getting no where. I want to be health and live long so I can enjoy my family and the way my weight is now I just can't do that. I'm ashamed of how iv let myself become me and my family deserve better.

I saw my gp in April and he mention weight loss surgery but I wasn't sure. After some time to think I went back to my gp in may where he happily referred me for wls at walsall manor.

I was referred directly to tier 4 as there is no tier 3 in place local to me and as me and my gp have a long record of our efforts dating back to 2008.

I had my first appointment with the Bariatrics team at walsall manor 18/09/2015 where I saw a physician who discussed the operations and went over my medical history. He assured me that as I'm generally healthy I won't need lots of appointment but that I would still b looking at a wait of about 6 months until surgery. I then saw the specialist nurse who was lovely and went over what the doc had already told me in a little more detail. After that I saw the dietician who went over my lifestyle and eating habits. She set me a goal to lose 5% of my weight which is 1 stone. Iv already lost 4lb in 1 week.

All the team kept telling me my next step is group education session and to see the psychiatrist but that none of this will happen until after Xmas as they are very busy. But to my surprise I have my education session next week 08/10/15 and I'm seeing the psychiatrist 20/11/15 so just 9 weeks from my initial appointment.

I have to meet my 5% target for when I see the psychiatrist as he will b looking to see my commitment to change.
After this all that's left is to see the surgeon and consent to the operation and then pre op and anesatist.
My surgery should b around march time but with how fast things are moving I feel it may be even sooner.


I can't believe how quickly things seem to be moving I feel very lucky.
I'm hoping to make some more amazing friends, share our stories and advice and just to have some where I can come to talk about this massive journey I'm on as iv only told 1 person (my husband) so really don't have anyone to confide in.

Feel free to ask any questions and I'm looking forward to hearing about everyone else's fantastic journeys.

Kirsty xx

Great start to a diary, looking forward to following your progress.

Loving the Loop said:

Great start to a diary, looking forward to following your progress.

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Thanks hun in find it weird that anyone would care what I'm doing lol. But I find it fascinating to read everyone's journeys so u suppose it's the same.

Are you pre or post op chick?

Kirsty xx

7 weeks post op, and less of the chick thanks

I was like you when I started a diary, who'll care about my journey. While I do hope people read it I find it just helps me personally to type out a few random thoughts each day and document how things are going.
So just do it for yourself, as you mentioned I also found other peoples diaries interesting & helpful so hopefully someone might think the same of yours or mine, everyone's journey is different.

Loving the Loop said:

7 weeks post op, and less of the chick thanks

I was like you when I started a diary, who'll care about my journey. While I do hope people read it I find it just helps me personally to type out a few random thoughts each day and document how things are going.
So just do it for yourself, as you mentioned I also found other peoples diaries interesting & helpful so hopefully someone might think the same of yours or mine, everyone's journey is different.

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Haha no more chick I promise.
What procedure did you have and how are you getting on

Kirsty xx

xk1rstyx said:

Haha no more chick I promise.
What procedure did you have and how are you getting on

Kirsty xx

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I had a mini bypass, though why they call it mini I don't know.
Its going great, onto solid foods but have no hunger at all, have to make myself eat something which still blows my mind. All the stats are in my signature so wont bore you with them. its been the best decision ever.
I'm sure you'll be the same. Just follow all the instructions, I'm a bit of a goody two shoes and stuck to my doctor and dieticians instructions to the letter.
March isn't far off its a good time to start getting into good habits, 3 regular meals, no snacking, regular exercise and, this is an important one regular hydration. Fluids intake after surgery is hard.

New Year, New You.

Loving the Loop said:

I had a mini bypass, though why they call it mini I don't know.
Its going great, onto solid foods but have no hunger at all, have to make myself eat something which still blows my mind. All the stats are in my signature so wont bore you with them. its been the best decision ever.
I'm sure you'll be the same. Just follow all the instructions, I'm a bit of a goody two shoes and stuck to my doctor and dieticians instructions to the letter.
March isn't far off its a good time to start getting into good habits, 3 regular meals, no snacking, regular exercise and, this is an important one regular hydration. Fluids intake after surgery is hard.

New Year, New You.

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I don't understand the difference between a bypass and a mini bypass to b honest. I'm definitely going for the sleeve I'm so excited. Im doing good with the 3 meals a day and no snacks but I need to be more active and make sure I drink more.

Kirsty xx

So Thursday is my education session at Walsall manor I'm really excited for this. Been doing ok on my diet need to lose 10lb to hit the target set by dietician and I have 6 weeks to do it so should be ok. Need to get active tho been poorly lately and had a poorly little girl so lacking motivation and my joints are really painful so that doesn't help. Going to see GP Friday to maybe get some stronger pain relief as the naproxen doesn't seem to be doing the trick.
Will update Thursday after iv been to the group session.

Kirsty xx

What a disaster my cars bloody broken down so looks like im going to miss my educational session at hospital which will set me back a month as the next one isnt until november. Absolutley gutted. Gna try to get there but not looking good

Well luckily i made it to my group session at walsall manor where 3 people talked to us about pre and post op diets and what to expect while at hospital.

The dietician talked about the liver shrinking diets iv decided to go for the milk and yogurt one. About the different stages post op. About how we need to eat slowly, chew properly, small portions. A lot of which i know from research. She did tell me that the pre op diet is for a minimum of 3 weeks i thought it was just 2 weeks.

The bariatric nurse talked about what will happen at hospital, said that on the day of surgery she will weigh us and that it must b less than when we were in clinic last. Said that it will b a long day waiting around seeing all the team agen then go down to theatre. After op she said we can only drink water at first and we need to get up and about straight away if possible. And if all is well ee should b able to go home 24 hours later. She mentioned pain from gas and that walking helps.

The pharmasist talked about medication and vitamins. Said i will have to give myself an injection the night before surgery then twice a day for 20 days post op. For 28 days will need to take vitamin drops, an antacid tablet and a vitamin D and calcium tablet. After the 28 days just to take an A-Z multivitamin which i aslo have to take whilst on pre op diet.

So a day packed full of information most of it i already knew. I did feel a little over whelmed at the meeting i think its finally starting to feel real now.
They said next step is to see psychiatrist and once he signs off on me then the rest will b pretty fast. Consent with the surgeon, anesatist then get my surgery date. Im seeing the psychiatrist the 20th november 6 weeks away. I cant wait but need to make sure i meet my weight loss target for when i see him.

Kirsy xx

Sjwood said:

Hi Kirsty nice to hear that things are moving along nicely for you have you got an idea how long it will be for your op it's exciting stuff but also scary how's the weight loss going xx

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Hiya they told me 6-8 months which would b march-may anf i wouldnt see psychiatrist till after xmas but im seeing him 20th november and they said after he signs me off it shouldnt b long so providing he gives me tho ok and doesnt need to see me agen im hoping feb-march time. Seems to be moving faster than they said it would. Weight loss is ok lost a little bit iv gotta get to target for when i see psychitrist and was given 4 months but now only have 6 weeks insted so im hitting the diet hard. I want this surgery so bad so im gna do what ever i can to get it.
and yes i am getting a little scared but i know its the right choice.
how are you getting on?

Kirsty xx

Sjwood said:

Great that your appointment has been brought forward might just speed things up I really stuck in with the weightloss as I too want this so bad made me keep going I had my appointment yesterday with surgeon and it went great looks like my op isn't too far away his words that's when it hit me that this is actually happening he booked my endoscopy while I was in room just waiting for the date to come in post then it's usually no more than 4 weeks from that date he also said not to loose anymore weight which I'm happy because I really have give it 100% and my hard work has payed off I'm starting to get scared now just happy I have people on here to talk to really helps I really hope your next appointment goes well and your soon on to next step don't forget to update me xx

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Wow thats great for you. What procedure have you decided to go for? Do you think your op will be before christmas. How come you need to have an endoscopy. How much weight have you lost, they asked me to lose a stone. I jus wanna get the pyschiatrist to sign me off first time and not call me back for extra appointments cyz that will slow me down. I had post natal depression in 2011 for a few years hope he dont hold that against me.

Kirsty xx

Sjwood said:

I'm really hoping for the bypass yeah it's beginning to look like it could be before Christmas it's came round so quick everyone at sunderland hospital has an endoscopy funny how some places do it n some don't I've lost over 2 and a half stone and I still need to do pre op diet so will loose more then they only wanted me to loose 1 stone at the beginning well post natal depression is in your past and your over it that's great having a baby was the reason you ended up with that as I say it's in the past now they should judge the way you are now I've never had to see psychiatrist so really don't know anything about it it's so nice to talk to people who are round about the same in their journey xx

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How longs your journey been start till now. Did you have to do tier 3? Can i ask what your bmi is now and how u decided on the bypass. I think im going to for sleeve im 99% sure thats the right choice but im going to listen to surgeons advice when i see him also. What pre op diet are you going for and how long have you got to do it for?
Oh and whats your name lol
Kirsty xx

Hiya thanks for keeping us updated in having my first appointment with dr Khan on 21st and doing my research on procedures n process, excited n nervous to get started

Lpshuntlucy said:

Hiya thanks for keeping us updated in having my first appointment with dr Khan on 21st and doing my research on procedures n process, excited n nervous to get started

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Hiya you mentioned you did weight management at your gp what did that involve and how long was it? The hospital is tier 4 the last stage lol. Whats your bmi atm if you dont mind me asking.

I will give you a heads up tho my letter said appointment with mr Khan but when i went didnt see him or a surgeon saw the physician whos a doctor and he goes over your medical history, what you've tried to lose weight and draws pictures of the procedures lol. Then the specialist nurse anna who is lovely she agen goes into the different ops in a little bit more detail i said i wasnt interested in the band so she gave me information to take home on the sleeve and bypass. Then the dietician georgia who talked about my eating habbits and gave me advice on some changes to make and set me a target of losing a stone by the time i see psychiatrist which was supposed to b after xmas but is now 20th november. They said once he signs me off then i get to see the surgeon. May b different for you just thought id share how my appointment went. I had the education group meeting yesterday which was 3 weeks after my first appoinment. They talked about pre and post op diets. What happens in hospital and about vitamins and medication.

I know thats a long post but i know when i was in your shoes waiting for my first appointment i was so anxious so knowing what to expect will hopefully help ease your nerves a little. All the team are lovely i was so scaeed i felt sick and almost backed out and i also felt really embarrassed in the waiting room but everyone is lovely.

Hope this helps and feel free to ask as many questions as you like.

Kirsty xx

xk1rstyx said:

Hiya you mentioned you did weight management at your gp what did that involve and how long was it? The hospital is tier 4 the last stage lol. Whats your bmi atm if you dont mind me asking. I will give you a heads up tho my letter said appointment with mr Khan but when i went didnt see him or a surgeon saw the physician whos a doctor and he goes over your medical history, what you've tried to lose weight and draws pictures of the procedures lol. Then the specialist nurse anna who is lovely she agen goes into the different ops in a little bit more detail i said i wasnt interested in the band so she gave me information to take home on the sleeve and bypass. Then the dietician georgia who talked about my eating habbits and gave me advice on some changes to make and set me a target of losing a stone by the time i see psychiatrist which was supposed to b after xmas but is now 20th november. They said once he signs me off then i get to see the surgeon. May b different for you just thought id share how my appointment went. I had the education group meeting yesterday which was 3 weeks after my first appoinment. They talked about pre and post op diets. What happens in hospital and about vitamins and medication. I know thats a long post but i know when i was in your shoes waiting for my first appointment i was so anxious so knowing what to expect will hopefully help ease your nerves a little. All the team are lovely i was so scaeed i felt sick and almost backed out and i also felt really embarrassed in the waiting room but everyone is lovely. Hope this helps and feel free to ask as many questions as you like. Kirsty xx

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They tried different diets pills saw fitness coach etc my vim is 52 I have a condition called idiopathic intracranial hypertension which can cause blindness and is thought to be related to weigh so I've been referred by neurologist and gp to Walsall I also have a lumber peritoneal shunt ( a tube from spine to stomach to drain spinal fluid from around my brain ) and have been told that the best procedure for me because of my shunt is the gastric sleeve ( band could slip knock shunt out and I wouldn't be eligible for a bypass)

xk1rstyx said:

Hiya you mentioned you did weight management at your gp what did that involve and how long was it? The hospital is tier 4 the last stage lol. Whats your bmi atm if you dont mind me asking. I will give you a heads up tho my letter said appointment with mr Khan but when i went didnt see him or a surgeon saw the physician whos a doctor and he goes over your medical history, what you've tried to lose weight and draws pictures of the procedures lol. Then the specialist nurse anna who is lovely she agen goes into the different ops in a little bit more detail i said i wasnt interested in the band so she gave me information to take home on the sleeve and bypass. Then the dietician georgia who talked about my eating habbits and gave me advice on some changes to make and set me a target of losing a stone by the time i see psychiatrist which was supposed to b after xmas but is now 20th november. They said once he signs me off then i get to see the surgeon. May b different for you just thought id share how my appointment went. I had the education group meeting yesterday which was 3 weeks after my first appoinment. They talked about pre and post op diets. What happens in hospital and about vitamins and medication. I know thats a long post but i know when i was in your shoes waiting for my first appointment i was so anxious so knowing what to expect will hopefully help ease your nerves a little. All the team are lovely i was so scaeed i felt sick and almost backed out and i also felt really embarrassed in the waiting room but everyone is lovely. Hope this helps and feel free to ask as many questions as you like. Kirsty xx

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My bmi is 52 I have seen dietitians tried all the doctors diets n pills saw a fitness coach n all that jazz

I was referred by both my go and neurologist as I have a condition called idiopathic intracranial hypertension which can cause blindness and is believed to be related to weight I have a lp shunt which goes from spine to stomach draining fluid from around my brain so I'm not eligible for bypass and a band isn't ideal cos they can slip n it could damage my shunt apparently sleeve is perfectly safe with it tho

xk1rstyx said:

How longs your journey been start till now. Did you have to do tier 3? Can i ask what your bmi is now and how u decided on the bypass. I think im going to for sleeve im 99% sure thats the right choice but im going to listen to surgeons advice when i see him also. What pre op diet are you going for and how long have you got to do it for? Oh and whats your name lol Kirsty xx

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I was referred by GP in January got my first appointment there and then but first appointment wasn't till march it's went really quick from then. No I didn't have to do tier 3 I think I'm choosing bypass because it suits my eating habbits best with dumping will keep me away from anything naughty I started this journey with bypass in mind without giving the others a thought I have read up on them but sticking to bypass plus dietician said bypass will be best suited to my eating habbits I would be really upset if they said I was having anything else i think my bmi is about 37 that's why the surgeon said on Thursday he's not bothered about me loosing anymore weight as my bmi is quite low I'm going to do the milk pre op diet dreading it lol im sure he said 10 days I would be doing it for and my name is same as yours lol xx

Sjwood said:

I was referred by GP in January got my first appointment there and then but first appointment wasn't till march it's went really quick from then. No I didn't have to do tier 3 I think I'm choosing bypass because it suits my eating habbits best with dumping will keep me away from anything naughty I started this journey with bypass in mind without giving the others a thought I have read up on them but sticking to bypass plus dietician said bypass will be best suited to my eating habbits I would be really upset if they said I was having anything else i think my bmi is about 37 that's why the surgeon said on Thursday he's not bothered about me loosing anymore weight as my bmi is quite low I'm going to do the milk pre op diet dreading it lol im sure he said 10 days I would be doing it for and my name is same as yours lol xx

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Haha a surgery buddy and a name buddy lol
thats a gd bmi not too high i think with the bypass you will b able to get to your goal it seems like you have made an informed decision to suit your habbits which should bring you great sucess.

Your lucky i have to do milk diet for 3 weeks. Im actually looking forward to it tho but my biggest fear is that i will do the milk diet and then op will b cancelled and is end up being in milk diet for ages or having to start agen.

I suffer with arthritis so i worry the bypass if i got malnutrition its could affect my bones and make things worse im already in a lot of pain. The dumping worries me but i dont really have a sweet tooth so think the sleeve would suit me better. Need to see if surgeon agrees as well tho i think he will.

Kirsty xx

xk1rstyx said:

Haha a surgery buddy and a name buddy lol thats a gd bmi not too high i think with the bypass you will b able to get to your goal it seems like you have made an informed decision to suit your habbits which should bring you great sucess. Your lucky i have to do milk diet for 3 weeks. Im actually looking forward to it tho but my biggest fear is that i will do the milk diet and then op will b cancelled and is end up being in milk diet for ages or having to start agen. I suffer with arthritis so i worry the bypass if i got malnutrition its could affect my bones and make things worse im already in a lot of pain. The dumping worries me but i dont really have a sweet tooth so think the sleeve would suit me better. Need to see if surgeon agrees as well tho i think he will. Kirsty xx

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Would be really good if we got our ops around the same time what would be the odds of your op been canceled just think positive but I get what your saying 3 weeks is long enough without doing it longer malnutrition was one of my worries and I brought it up with the nurse she said aslong as I do as I'm told and do it right I will be fine it's people who don't follow things right that it goes that way Im
Happy with that but will bring it up with surgeon at my next appointment just put my mind at rest a bit more xx