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I haven't been on this forum in forever so thought I'd make a post. :-) I will be 9 months post op in 3 days after being sleeved on 11/21/16. I started the WLS process on April 11, 2016 after basically being overweight my entire life. At my highest weight I was 398 pounds wearing a size 28W pant and 4X top. I lost 100 pounds over a few years and would always regain and lose down to around 300 after that. In Feb 2016 my PCP told me my blood work showed that I was just points away from being diabetic (runs in my family) and that unfortunately my BP meds were no longer working even though they were now at the highest dose I could go. She said if things didn't change drastically and quickly I may not see my 40th birthday. (My family has a history of heart issues and death before 40). I had already completed a full year supervised diet and workout program and had lost and regained the same 20 lbs. My body was just happy between 280 and 300. She suggested WLS and I had my first consult a few months later. At the consult I weighed in at 298.6 pounds and was wearing a size 24W pant and 3X top. After my 7 months waiting period due to insurance requirements I was sleeved on November 21, 2017. This morning I weighed in at 175 pounds and I am in a size 12 pant and can wear both a women's L top or a Juniors XL. I am off my BP meds, my blood work is amazing and I just feel so much better. I turned 33 this year and have 4 children and feel better now than I did in my 20's pre kids lol. Anyways here are some before/after pics. Some are highest weight to now and some are post op to now follow me on Instagram @sleevedsummer

If you're quick to heal and rebound (like I am), you will probably be fine physically, but you will need to plan your meals. You will most likely be on liquids (maybe pureed at that time depending on your plan) which can be challenging in certain environments. If you will be staying in a home - no problem, if you are staying in a hotel you'll need to think through how to manage your nutrition. Also, most people find that while they are physically fine, there are repercussions that they are dealing with (less stamina as your body adjusts to a longer term calorie deficit), soreness, mental and emotional fatigue, irritability, etc.) Also you may want to consider how "food centric" your vacation will be. Some things (and some people) are heavily oriented around food/eating. It really supported me in the first 6 weeks not to be around what I considered food oriented activities. While on liquids I just MISSED EATING. I missed the taste of food, I missed chewing, I just missed it. That did pass after the first two months, but I also had very little of those kinds of activities in my environment and that really worked for me and let me keep my mind focused on other things.

I will second GBLADY41's critique of BariatricPal MX and Dr. Illan. I was sleeved on 8/7/2017. It was awesome, and the charge was only $4,600. I received the best care ever at Oasis of Hope Hospital. I can not emphasize enough the value and piece of mind that I felt knowing that everything was taken care of for me. All I had to do was fill out an online questionnaire, pay a $500 down payment to hold my surgery spot, and show up at the San Diego Airport. Bariatric Pal MX and Dr. Illan both receive an A+ from me on everything. Give them a try. You will not be sorry!

So hey all...Ive been trying to follow my nutritionist guidelines of at least 70-80 grams of protein, and no more than 50 grams of carbs.....but....Ive been going over the carbs. Its because of my favorite veggie....beets. Any thoughts? I don't want to give them up, it's just a veggie...they are not even sugared or pickled

How are you feeling?

I'm having my band to sleeve revision (hopefully simultaneously) at the OCC in Tijuana Mexico with Dr. Ariel Ortiz,

I track both calories and macros. My trainer at the gym has me on a 60% protein, 30% carb, 10% fat split. staying at 1000 calories, works great for me.

Good luck! Wishing you a smooth surgery and speedy recovery!

I bob like a cork when swimming.. my kids could hang off me like a raft... sorta reminded me of the mom on The Incredibles.

I know you hate to hear it, but the first summer after surgery it's a good idea to keep those scars covered. That will give them the best chance at fading for future summers. The sun can darken the scars, making them more visible permanently. At the very least, use plenty of sunscreen on them. Congrats on getting your bikini body, that's awesome!