BlueOctoberGirl

I think most of us have been there either on a ride or airplane. I am over 2.5 years out from surgery. I can honestly say I will never forget those feelings nor do I want to. It is the drive that keeps me strong on my weight loss/maintaining journey and has taught me to have compassion for the people that are still struggling. You will be on that coaster in no time and be running off to get back in line!

I had my TT surgery in mexico also and it was a great experience!

I so agree with the heating pad and chapstick. The heating pad was great when the gas pains came. Also used it on my lower back becasue I was cold.

I lost at least 50% of my hair. It was a horrible and scarey time. It does come back! My hair is so thick now! Its scarey but you will get thru it. When it starts coming back you will notice it right away! Good Luck and keep your head up. Its so worth it in the end!

Hey guys, So i have decided to have my plastic surgery with Dr. Bello. He works with Dr. Aceves. Has anyone gone back to have a "Check up" with Dr. Aceves? I was thinking since i am going to be there i might as well make sure everything is working the way it should. What do you all think? Denise

I am 1yr and 8 mo out. I love dark meat chicken now and used to hate it. Dont like rice or potatoes anymore. Cant stand lemonaide or any kind of juice. It used to be one of my favs. I will like something and eat it for a month and then one day hate it. So funny how everything changes!

I had them put on a ring gaurd. Cost me $7.

try Protein bars...I cut a bar into four pieces and it thru the day. If my stomach growls i eat a piece and it satisfys my hunger. They are kind of heavy so it stays with you better then a shake. I hope this helps.

HI, Thank you! I am staying around 140-148. I have been in the range for about 2 months now. I thinking once i get the skin off my belly that will be my weight for good. I have not changed my diet. My body just knows when to stop losing I guess!

Hello all, One year ago 1/5/11 I had my surgery with Dr. Aceves. It was the best decision that I have ever made. I thought I would share my before and after stats. Started at 282 - Now 142 - Down 140 Pounds Started at a size 3X top - Now Medium Started at size 24 pants - Now a 4 Even dropped a shoe size! Now can wear a small VS panty! Love that! Went for a plastic surgery consult on Tuesday. Hoping to have my tummy tuck and breasts done in March. The doctor told me that I will be a size 2 or smaller after surgery. I run and work out and can really enjoy my life. The journy started off pretty rough for me but sooo worth it in the end. The only things I still can not eat are white carbs like flour, bread and rice. Not real good with grease either. But hey...I should stay away from those things anyway. Have a happy and healthy 2012! Denise Banning

It is so funny how different everyone is! I still can not handle potatoes, rice, white bread or any fried food. Those are good things to not be able to eat I guess. The problem is I eat Ice cream at least 3 times a week. Just a little but enough to make me happy!

Whew I just ate Chipotle and was feeling really guilty. I went to the website and added up my meal. I got a Fajita bowl (No rice), chicken, extra onions and peppers, tomato salsa, black Beans and extra corn salsa. It was sooooo good! The entire bowl added up tp 550 calories and 49grams of Protein. I ate about a third of it. So that is 183.33 calories and almost 17g of protein. I think they are a great fast food option! Before surgery i would have added cheese and sour cream. That is where the calories come in. I am so excited to have a new place to eat out!

WOW!!! Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you! We had our surgery 2 weeks apart. I started on a softball league. It is just flat out amazing the stuff we can do that seemed impossible just 9 months ago!!! YAY!!!!

CONGRATS!!!! That is so awesome!!! I found a shirt that I fell in love with at the store and it was too big...they did not have a medium! Yes a medium! So I called around and I am driving to the store that is an hour away just for that shirt! lol Big differance going from a 3X to a Medium! YAY for us!!!!

Hey guys, My name is Denise and live on Maryland's beautiful Eastern shore in Centreville. I work in PG County. I have been married for 9 years and have a little boy that is 5 and my daughter is 3. I also volunteer with dog rescue. Pets with Disabilities and Bull Breeds are my thing! I had my sleeve done on January 5th in Mexicali by Dr. Aceves. It was a great experience. I am having follow up care with my PCP. He has been great about taking care of my since my insurance would not cover the surgery. I started off at 282lbs and as of this morning I am 177lbs. I was told that my metabolism was only working at 9% of the normal person. No wonder I could not lose the weight! I have always ate lots of veggies and lean meats so the transition has not been that hard for me. I love playing softball and have even joined a league. I never thought I would be able to do that again! I showed up because I was asked to fill in, the guys did not know I had the surgery. They had got me a 2X jersey! lol I said no thanks I need a medium! It was a great moment! I am so happy that we are all on our way to a healthier life!

Thanks so much everyone!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello everyone, After stalling at 98 lbs down I have finally hit 100 pounds lost. I am so excited. I started out at 282 and weighed in at 182.9 this morning. I am 22 weeks out from surgery. I have gone from: 24 Pants to 12-14 pants 3X shirt to a Large shirt 45.5 BMI to a 29.4 BMI Love my sleeve!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You look great! Congratulations!!

WOW 5 months??? I am so sorry I was complaining! I sure hope it moves soon for you!!! I will be content with my 184 pounds for a while longer! lol Thanks so much for the info. I need to learn patience...that has never been a strong point for me!

Hey everyone...just need to vent! Why is it that my body decides to stall right when I am about to achieve a goal?!?!!? Ugghh it is so frustrating! So I salled at 204 pounds for 3 and half weeks when I just wanted to hit Onederland. Now I am only 2 pounds away from losing 100 lbs and I have been stalled for a week. I wonder if it is psychological or something? lol Anyone been thru this? So, Has anyone found a good way to get out of a stall??? Thank you!

Hi! I went to Mexico also. Another great thing about the sleeve is that there is not a lot of care needed when you get back. I just went to my Primary Care doc for bloodwork. He also perscribed my Nexium for me. So when it comes time to get my Upper GI done, he is writing it up that he wants it conducted because of my acid reflux! Hopefully, you can talk to your Primary care doc and work something out with him/her. I was in the same boat as you. My insurance would not cover any part of my surgery. I do have AFLAC though. I was so excited that they paid me even though my surgery was out of the country. I received $2,000! I hope this helps, Denise B

You look great!! Congratulations! Keep it up!