LutheranChicTN

Just thought I would say hello. I am in Murfreesboro too. This is my first post. I am very early into the process, and honestly am not sure whether I will get approved by my insurance or not. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I am also going to MTMC, but haven't met with a specific Dr. yet. Dr. Eckles did my initial seminar. I am doing my psych and attending support meeting next week. Have had a physical and am waiting on labs and letter to be sent to insurance company. That's about it. It's good to know there are people nearby that have gone through this process!

Hi everyone. It's been a long time since I've dropped by, but I just want to give an up date and a word of encouragement. I had my one year post-op yesterday. It was a bit late (2/14/12 surgery), but anywho. I was down #160 (335-175), twenty dress sizes (28-8) and over 252 inches. If I can do this, anyone can. I had my toes in the grave. I was on 21 meds and the doc told me I would die that way...whether I lost weight or not. Because of my problems he (my PCP) didn't think I would lost a huge amount (50-60#), but he encouraged me to have it do so I could 'feel a little better about myself.' Well, I'm glad to say I proved him wrong. I did lose weight and a lot of it. I also lost all of the meds and the cane/walker/wheelchair. I am a WALKING miracle. I give praise to God for my healing. Now because I was instantly miraculously healed, but because he allowed me to find the path and the means (insurance) to get what I needed to be healed. I do believe God instantly heals somethings in some people, but I also believe he uses the hand of good physicians to administer healing. This is the way he chose to give me mine. I encourage anyone that has had a long, unyielding struggle with obesity to talk to a doctor about WLS... Sleeve in particular. If you are on the edge trying to make up your mind, take my advice. Do it! You are sick? In pain? Lonely? Depressed? What are you holding on to! You have nothing to lose, but all of that. Are there risks? Yes. Is it hard? Yes. But come on. We all know the fat has a 100% chance of causing complication/death. Is it really that much of a gamble to take a 1% chance with a surgery. You're more likely to get killed in a car wreck on the way to get your next fast food burger. Do yourself and your family/friends a favor and choose life. I did and I would do it again and again.

Before surgery (28, 335#) and on my 1 year Surgiversary (8/10, 178#)

At my 1 year post op (8, 175#) holding my old size 28 skirt.

Side view. Now a size 8.
Sent from my iPhone using VST

Hello,
My name is Brittani. I'm 25 years old and I"ve lost 297 pounds. Yes, you read that correctly. 297 pounds in 1 year and 7 months! I am happier than I have ever been.
Some major changes have happened in the last ~2 years. All for the better. Some happier than others, some not. I'm in the middle of a divorce. BUT, and some people may critisize me for it but I'm choosing to sharemy happiness, I am in a WONDERFUL relationship with my boyfriend. He is everything I have ever wanted and needed, and continues to amaze and surprise me with everything I've been missing in my life. I've been with him since October, and my ex-husband and I have been separated for over a year... It was time for me to allow myself to be happy.
ANYWAYS, I've lost a lot of weight in the last while. Downsides, I have a lot of loose skin, but I'm comfortable. I'm loved just the way I am and I love myself. UPSIDES! I DON'T WEIGH 500 pounds!!!
My daughter Zoe is growing and is almost two. I had my surgery when she was 3 months old. It was the hardest decision of my life to leave her. I flew to Mexicali Mexico and had surgery under Dr. Alberto Aceves. It was the most wonderful experience of my life and the best experience I've had in a hospital to date. And I've been in the hospital quite a few times.
So far the only hard part has been knowing my limits. Sometimes I push myself to eat more when I know I shouldn't, and I pay for it by praying to the porcelein gods, lol.
ProTip: Don't eat and drink at the same time, unless it is a TEENSY TINY sip! You can/will vomit. No beating around the bush here. lol
I have a few goals for the coming years. I want to have some cosmetic surgery done. My arms and my breasts are my biggest problems. Baggy saggy is all I can say... I want my legs and tummy done, but those and the ( oYo ) Boobies aren't getting done till I'm done having babies. Because I do plan to have more. My arms, those will be done by this year. I DEMAND IT! lol kidding kidding, But no, I want to do them by the end of next year at the latest. Just have to save up the money!
Alright my lovelies. I have to go to bed. But I am uploading two photos. My before and after at 200 picture, and then a picture I took last week at the Renaissance Festival. Prety sure I've changed a lot.
Love,
Bri

Let me put this in perspective for you. If you have surgery, there is a risk of complications, both on the table and afterwards (stricture, leaks). That risk is very low, less than 1%. If you don't have surgery and continue to remain obese and probably gain even more weight, there is a 100% chance that you will eventually have complications from obesity, even more so than you already have. Almost every obese person has issues with self-image, walking, being out of breath while trying to do the simplest tasks that require physical exertion, not to mention inability to find clothes that look/feel good on the obese body. Eventually, eating badly will clog our arteries, lead to any combination of: asthma, arthritis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, pneumonia, heart failure, blood clots (from inactivity), varicose veins, etc. So, when it comes down to it, it's LESS risky to have WLS than it is to remain obese. Dr. Oz said something that has stuck with me: "If you're 100 pounds overweight...it's like having cancer. You'd operate to remove a cancer, so why wouldn't you have WLS". At 18 +months out, I've had resolution of all my comorbidities, lost over 120 pounds, and I'm living a wonderful life that I couldn't have predicted pre-op. WLS changed and saved my life and I think it will do the same for you. Good luck on your journey!

I first checked out Hospital Angles with Dr Corvala, but changed my mind after doing further research.Not that there was anything wrong with Dr Corvala from what I could find but I went for Dr. Lopez instead because of specializing in High BMI surgeries.

Thank you!! Mind you, I didn't pick either of these MDs (my insurance did), which makes it a little more difficult, But the new surgeon does happen to be male, and he does have a wayyyy better attitude about surgery and who needs it, so you might be onto something suggesting a male surgeon!! My PCP is male also, and he's never disappointed me. I've never had a female doc before and this might stop me from ever using another female doc again!

In 2 days it will be my 7 month surgiversary.
I still have a ways to go, but I feel like a whole new person!

I started At 540 pounds , i have lost 230 pounds and the weight is still coming off. I had the VSG 15 months ago. It is possible to lose large portions of weight

Hey guys I would like to start a forum topic specifically for people going to Mexico to have their VSG in April 2013, so we can share our concerns/questions and our journeys!!! I would also like to start a private Facebook group for those who would like to join!!! Just private message me with the email associated with your facebook account and I will send you an invite!
A little more about me...
Surgery date: April 9th
Location: Tijuana Mexico
Surgeon: Dr. alejandro lopez Ortega and Dr. Jaquiline Osuna
Agency: alighterme
Current preop weight: 280
Goal weight: 150
Age: 31
Ht: 5'6"

Mine is April 9th at Mi hospital with Dr. Lopez/and Osuna -- I will be staying at the Marriot and went through a lighter me.com, would love to meet some of you all there!!!!

April 8th Dr Lopez in TJ at MiDoctor

Don't worry it will be all for something! You will do this and the weight will come off. You will do great!! Best wishes.

Omg.. What a sweet loving mom! You're so blessed. Don't worry about success.. Once you're on your way you will love your journey and always see the light at the end of the tunnel.. Or scale in our situation

I love this thread. I'm pushing 400 lbs and started 2nd guessing my choice for the sleeve. I'm going to Mexico next month. I'm happy to see so many higher lb/BMI people doing so well. It gives me hope.
Amanda Rae

i was 485lbs on dec 21 2012 i was on pre op diet for 3 weeks and had my surgery on jan 14th 2013 and i had the sleeve done and my current weight is 427lbs so obviously something is going right!

I'm having Sleeve surgery on April 9th with
Dr. Cabrera at MI Doctor. Hopefully we can get together at the hospital and the Marriott! Come on April!!!

WOOO HOO. YAY US! Mine is April 8th as well! TJ Mi hospital with Dr Elias Ortiz! Go April!

April 8th Dr Lopez in TJ at MiDoctor

April 8th Dr Lopez in TJ at MiDoctor

April 8th Dr Lopez in TJ at MiDoctor

if i were you I would email again and see if she answers then i would call the company it self and try to speak to someone. I am using alighterme and they have been great!!

Woohoo!!!!

Dr. Ariel Ortiz in TJ on the 8th. Can't wait!!!!

I might see u there im gonna go apr10....fingers crossed

April 8th Dr Lopez in TJ at MiDoctor