minimii

thank you all for your kind words.......It is a slow come back as I have nurses coming in every day to handle the wounds. I cry a lot when I think of how easy it is for some. Then how it went for me.
But....I am alive and have lost 100 lbs at least...so there is some good news.
You know what is interesting...I have no clothes that fit me...I missed out on that part of being excited about getting new clothes.....
Since I am house bound for another 2 months as I also got a parting gift of a level 5 bed sore on my ass......so I can't wear slacks or anything that would make me really see the difference in my size...
Is all this worth it.......I think so..could not go on the way I was....What happened makes me shudder.
5 surgeries later......I just didn't expect all that......it was the longest 5 months I ever lived..
I am eating solids now and 1 Protein shake a day.....Can't eat much though....have not found my limits....

Ok im give yiu guys some stats to start off let you know where I started. Oct 2011 I wieghed in at a whoping 458lbs . Started ckasses for surgery in dec 2011. My sugery date was april 20 2012 that day I weighed 391 lbs. Today I weighed myself I weighed in at 236lbs. Cant beleave it myself. I feel better today or actually this past year, better than I did throught my 30's and most of 20's. By the way im 43 years young and feeling younger by the day. I cant tell you ive followwd all rules cause I havent. I started off walking graduated to running and now I beed to get. Myself back on track. Feeling great comes with new found excitment for doing things. I've ever been a couch potatoe for last 15 years. I really feel good. Sometimes I miss the food' but I would trade it for anything. I went fro size 58 pants 6xl shirt.....to a size 36 pants 2x shirt. I even fit into some xl shirts. Of course there is excess skin but ill take trade off anyday. Eating wise I can eat pretty much anything just cant eat alot. Maybe 5 bites and im done. Well good luck everyone check out pic I posted big difference.

I had my sleeve surgery 10 months ago yesterday! I started at 308 and now am down to 180- I've lost 128 lbs! I could not be more proud of myself. Going from a size 24 pant and 3x shirt to a size 9-10 pant and medium shirt feels amazing! I struggled for 23 years with my weight! I can honestly say I have no regrets! To me I lost 447 lbs because I got rid of a guy who brought me down and wouldn't let me shine!! I have now found love with an incredible man who supports me and loves me unconditionally!
I am proud of everyone who has had or going to have the sleeve! Be proud

Here's a coupon for a free single serving of Panda Express Surf & Turf. We went today and it was a perfect size portion for me. It had three shrimp, three pieces of beef, and some veggies. I couldn't finish it and it was pretty good. Of course I wouldn't suggest going there all the time but it was a nice treat and it had Protein and veggies. There were a few potatoes mixed in too if you wanted carbs, but I skipped it. You can also just show the coupon on your mobile device instead of printing it.
The wife and I also rode our bikes there and back, which was about 7 miles round trip.
http://www.pandaexpress.com/coupon/full/Free-SST-Coupon?utm_source=web&utm_medium=mobile&utm_campaign=Samurai%2BSurf%2B%26%2BTurf&noredirect

I was 332 lbs...... I flew to Mexico with my mother to embark on a journey to change my life!! All I can say is WOW... what a difference one year makes!! I have surpassed my goal and have lost 135 lbs. Dare I say that my journey has been relatively "easy"???? YES!! It has!! There was no pain.... only a general soreness in my abdomen..... No gas, no nausea, nada!! I have a little reflux here and there but daily a daily OTC med that keeps everything under control. I have exercised... some... not a lot and my body has transformed!!!
My surgeon Dr. Ariel Ortiz is AMAZING!! He and his staff were very accommodating and have been extremely supportive. I have made lifelong friends with other patients and refer to them as my "sleeve sisters"!!!
When I look at my "before" pic I can't even believe that I let myself get that big. I have always been a happy and confident girl and even at 332 lbs I still felt beautiful. I am definitely an advocate for this surgery as it's changed my life... I am still the same happy and confident girl but my "light" is shining a lot more brighter now!! I feel as if my outside finally matches my inside!!!
In honor of my accomplishments I had an incredible photographer take some pictures of me... I was blown away when I received them.... I've posted my before and after pics... WOW!!! What a difference!!!
For those that are contemplating this surgery.... DO IT!! If your insurance doesn't cover then go to Mexico as they have top surgeons and incredible care!!! I obviously have to recommend my surgeon and his clinic www.obesitycontrolcenter.com. I cannot thank them enough for their service, hospitality and support!! I am TEAM ORTIZ all the way!!!

SW: 226
Date of Surgery: 202
CW: 142
Height: 5'2"
Feeling like I do: PRICELESS!

I woke up this morning and weighed this morning and I am no longer obese, my BMI is 29.9!!!! I'm over weight!!

GREAT NEWS!!!! I just went to my Nutritionist / Doctor for my 3 month follow up and i have lost 100lbs OMFG i cant believe it ! I just broke down and cried when i seen that on the scale i am no longer in the 400lbs weight group .
I am not in the 300s OMG!!! I was 487lbs i am now 390lbs WOW!! Im so happy! I was feeling down lately because i couldnt weigh myself on home scales because i was to heavy But now i see the light at the end of the tunnel! LIFE DOES GET BETTER!!!

9months Annv. today. I hv lost 94.8 lbs. and 68 inches.
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Wow... All if this just because 1 poor woman said that she did not have a good experience with her stay and treatment while in Mexico?
Makes me wonder...

Lost 145 sleeve June 12 2012

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I would have it again. Here's the deal - I went into surgery with a 35 BMI. I have absolutely NO comorbities. None whatsoever. I did it because I'm tired of the weight loss battle. Plain and simple. I knew the risks of surgery up front. I will admit to not fully understanding the emotional changes that would take place but I am a reasonably intelligent adult and have since developed an understanding and am dealing with it accordingly.
I'll admit to doing this for predominately vanity reasons. Big deal. I knew my risks, made my decision, and went to Mexico to appease my own vanity. Big deal. It was my time, my money, and my choice. And I'd choose the same thing again. I don't wish complications on anybody. That is a truly tragic thing and my heart goes out to those with regrets or who have experienced a loss. The bottom line? Know your risks, make an informed decision, and hope for the best. That's all anyone can do. Don't judge anyone else for the decisions they make. If they ask for your experience then tell them and let it be.

Sharing my experience is by no means throwing anyone under the bus. It is just that, sharing my experience which - I should point out - is the purpose of this forum. As for me choosing not to believe The Driver (Abraham) when he told me that the drainage was to be expected, you surely are reading more into this than was said. Had I not believed him, I would have made a mad dash to the hospital on my own. Instead, I waited around, continuing to drain excessively until the next morning, at which time I choose to pay more attention to my body than to a non-medical person with only driver's license - not a medical one. And to be clear, I'm not sure where you're getting your information, but in our conversations yesterday, Janese never mentioned to me that she was on a plane. She said that she stayed home to visit with her son. Please get your facts straight.
I'm glad that you had a positive experience. I wish I shared in that with you. But I (and I'm sure others as well) question your passionate and overly negative response to my experience. Do you work for ALM? Have some personal relationship with Janese? I don't believe my narrative was negative at all. It was merely factual, a retelling of MY story. Everyone on this forum (well, almost everyone) is mature and sensible enough to make their own decisions on which company to choose after reading through the myriad of factual experiences. I don't have a dog in this fight; hence I'm not shouting from the rooftops the ALM is god-awful and not to be used. I'm merely presenting my experience to help those who come behind me just as those who went before me helped me. I assume that is also why you are sharing yours. But no need to berate me or worse, try to call my intelligence or judgment into question because we didn't share the same experience.

I really want A boneless wing from Wingstop....a lemon pepper flavored one at that!

"Thanks for playing ball with us Mom. I can't ever remember you playing with us before." Those words were music to my ears after I decided to get out in the back yard with my two sons and husband for a game of wiffle ball. I hit the ball, ran the bases and caught my husband's fly ball. We all laughed and had a great time. Five months ago I would have been listening to that laughter from inside the house. By the way, the son that said those words is 13 years old! I am so glad I still have time to make some new and better memories with my kids. This surgery is the best decision for myself and my family that I have ever made. If you have not had it yet, you won't be sorry! It changes your life for the better.

You know what? I had those exact same worries during my preop and directly after my sleeve...Those thoughts exactly.....every social thing EVERYTHING is centered around food! I though to myself that I would never be able to partake in anything social again! I had forgotten about those thoughts until you had brought them up! lol I have gone to many social gatherings in the last year....the first one was about 6 weeks out....I just pushed a bit of food around on my plate....but I really did connect with everyone there! I have actuallly become more social now because I feel more comfortable in those settings. My relationships with family and friends have improved because it is not about the food anymore, it is about the people. When I go to social gatherings, I eat some kind of protien...fish or some other piece of meat and then I also have tastes of things that are really good. I dont care too much for sweets anymore, I dont feel good afterwards.. As for alcohol, I used to drink a few times a week especially duriing the summer, party party party, now I dont really care to.. of course summer is coming again and I am sure I will drink more. These issues didnt become the big thing I thought they would. I just roll with it and do my best. If I want to continue to lose, I have to make the right choices. sometimes I focus on having a good week instead of a good day. Hopefully this will happen for your husband too. I hope you and he do well with this, it is hard and I know you want to support him...and I think there should be more support for family....kinda like al-anon. cuz yeah, how do you know what to say or not to say??? Good luck!

Today Marks My Fourth Month Since My Life Changed Forever Lost A Total Of 104 Pounds I'm Very Proud Of Myself All The Hard Work & Dedication Paid Off I Love It
Previous Weight 330
Current Weight 226

I have this picture that I hate of myself before surgery... I decided to try on the clothes I was wearing in the pic and what a difference! I'm so happy and excited! I love losing weight!
I've lost 58 pounds in 11 weeks.

Channing Tatum. *sigh*

Eye candy. Yep, I saw Magic Mike...

I feel ya on that. I have a hard time ordering food knowing I'm only gonna eat about a fourth of it before I'm stuffed - I hate to waste the money. I don't always eat my leftovers, most of the time I end up throwing it away or my kids eat it up.
I luv my new tool, and all the weight I have lost because of it. I just hate feeling like I'm wasting money on food. I am starting to get my hubby to order stuff we can share, or I'll get one of my kids to order something we can shares....like everything else, its a work in process
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