PhatGurl80

Hello everyone! Well, I don't even know how long it's been since my last post. I know i haven't been the best at documenting my journey or updating on my status. 10 months into post-op surgery there are many things that have changed in my life. Not just the dropping of over 70lbs, but I also got married And, I wont' be looking back at my wedding photos 10 years from now cringing at how big I am. I started off this journey weak and tired. I was so frustrated and angry at myself that I've actually let myself become so overweight. I was 5"6', 31years old, and weighed right at a whopping 270 lbs! I decided to get the surgery after my friend went through the process and was successful. I decided 9 months before my wedding that I better do it now if i"m going to do it. Since then, I've had to learn how to live a whole new life. Although I feel like i went through a fairly easy recovery stage, eating in and of itself is still a challenge for me. I am stronger and healthier than i've ever been 10 months after surgery. With that said, my "i'm full, STOP!" receptors aren't as strong as I thought they would be. I go through daily occurrences of being overly full. I have battled extreme cases of acid reflux (which I new take a daily medication for). Today I am at 197.00 which is only 22 lbs away from my final goal! I have no wedding to look forward to, but I have my whole life to look forward to. Kids...anniversaries...new homes...all that seems a bit brighter now that I have been through this process. I love me now and that's probably the best benefit that I can see coming from having the Vertical Sleeve. Enjoy the picture...that is of me and my new husband

Hey you guys email me and we can set up a meetup in New Orleans or Metairie. We could try meeting up at one of the parks for a walk and to share our stories Vtkeeta@hotmail.com

Hey there. There have been a couple people I've connected with who live in New Orleans and has gone through the surgery. I have yet to meet anyone face to face but would love to be a part of the group. Are you on Meetup.com? I am also an organizer of a couple Meetup groups in the area: Couch 2 5K Meetup and NOLA Newbies Meetup...

Congrats! Im approaching 6 months post op with Dr. Garcia and ive had no issues. Have a speedy recovery!

Just stick to your plan, and you'll do fine! My first Mardi Gras post sleeve as well

Happy Valentine's Day everyone one! Today I'm at 210.6 -- I"ve been kinda of wavering up and down between one or two pounds, but i'm counting the 210.6 as reaching my goal! SW - 270 Weight at beginning of Challenge - 221 Challenge Goal: 210 Current Weight: 210.6 Ultimate Goal: 175 I'm getting closer to Onederland! I can almost taste it

You had me at "bacon-wrapped shrimp".....yummmmmmm

LOL. I was surprised by the tube too! I've never had ANY type of surgery before and I remember waking up with that tube and I started panicking! They must of saw me struggling so the tube was taken out pretty quickly after waking up. But sheesh!

Regular pills make me ill too. I started taking adult gummies that I found at Sams Club. I like them because you can kind of just suck on them and let them melt in your mouth. So far, almost 5 months out, I haven't had any issues with them.

Congrats, you are doing great! @Iowa, I asked Dr. Garcia for my surgery video when I was there in Sept. My fiance also managed to get a pic of the removed stomach. Ack! They probably have it on disc and might be able to just burn u a copy.

Glad to hear you are doing well!

Congrats! Get some rest and have a speedy recovery!

I have been using bio oil since Sept/Oct but my scars are still dark and very noticable. Perhaps its because darker skin tone? Would love to hear from anyone of color about what worked for them. And if its too late to switch to something else...

So happy for your Barbie! As long as you do your research and feel comfortable about your decision that's all that counts. I think the most important thing is to establish a relationship with the surgeon/staff that will be taken care of you. Please feel free to PM me if you have any other questions!

Going back to the original question...... I had surgery with Dr. Garcia in Sept. Ive lost 58 lbs to date and had a very quick recovery. Very little pain after the first two days. I had surgery on a Wednesday and went back to work on the following Wednesday. Carebat the hospital was good and my documented germaphobe fiance even had good things to say. You can read more of my experience in my blogs. Good luck to you.