alese-inFL

Hello....
My name is Alese...I live in sunny southeast Florida outside of Fort Lauderdale. I am actually 71 yo now and at my goal of 130 lbs.
I did go down to 125 lbs and was very happy there but my husband, family and friends thought I was too thin. I love hearing those words-"too thin". I do fluctuate between 130-135 lbs with a BMI in the "normal" range. Hallaluyah! I am also 5'4.5" but not always at that height. With osteoporosis I dropped from 5'7" to what I am now. Aging is the PITS!
I started out at 235 lbs before seeing my gastric surgeon, Dr. Michael Perez in Fort Lauderdale. At the time I was seriously considering WLS-I only knew of two procedures. The gastric by-pass and the band. I had a pancreas-kidney transplant 11 yrs before due to Kidney failure from Diabetes...I was on dialysis for alittle over one year and a half so I knew the gastric by-pass was not for me due to the absorption issue of my anti-rejection medications. I was resolved to have the lapband. I had my first appt. with my surgeon who introduced me to the 'sleeve' that it was the procedure for me. My insurance (Medicare) had not heard of the sleeve, at least in Florida so actually only had to wait a couple of months before the sleeve made its way down to FL and was approved within a week or so by Medicare.
On July 30, 2013, I had the surgery, no issues....then I found I couldn't get the large vitamins/minerals down, hardly was hungry and the biggest problem for me was the 'water' intake b/c as a transplant, Water is vital.....I was dehydrated alot and had to have IV fluids sometimes for 7-10 days and would gain 10 lbs off the bat! YIKES! Frustrating....After about 7 months and showing great weight loss I was able to drink more water but still had bouts of dehydration but not as often....
I am 1.5 yrs post transplant and feel wonderful. My health issues that were damaged from the complications of diabetes are still with me, but I DO NOT have diabetes, am not on insulin nor dialysis, naturally from the txp. However, I do still have severe back pain that may have lessened (but not enough for me!) I am visually impaired and had to give up my career as a Realtor and cannot pass a driver's sight exam! So am dependent on my husband...
In Summary: The sleeve is the best procedure out there, for me! I would suggest it to anyone who is not certain which procedure to go through. The band has some side issues that were not good for my new organs as it could 'come loose', float around and worse. I used the website Obesity Help when I was questioning which procedure to use--the band people exploded with why I should not have that one..as mentioned above. I am happy for their advice and I know I did the right procedure.
I am new to this site and am happy I found you.
Take care and Be Well.
alese or alese-inFL
12/30/2014

Hello....
My name is Alese...I live in sunny southeast Florida outside of Fort Lauderdale. I am actually 71 yo now and at my goal of 130 lbs.
I did go down to 125 lbs and was very happy there but my husband, family and friends thought I was too thin. I love hearing those words-"too thin". I do fluctuate between 130-135 lbs with a BMI in the "normal" range. Hallaluyah! I am also 5'4.5" but not always at that height. With osteoporosis I dropped from 5'7" to what I am now. Aging is the PITS!
I started out at 235 lbs before seeing my gastric surgeon, Dr. Michael Perez in Fort Lauderdale. At the time I was seriously considering WLS-I only knew of two procedures. The gastric by-pass and the band. I had a pancreas-kidney transplant 11 yrs before due to Kidney failure from Diabetes...I was on dialysis for alittle over one year and a half so I knew the gastric by-pass was not for me due to the absorption issue of my anti-rejection medications. I was resolved to have the lapband. I had my first appt. with my surgeon who introduced me to the 'sleeve' that it was the procedure for me. My insurance (Medicare) had not heard of the sleeve, at least in Florida so actually only had to wait a couple of months before the sleeve made its way down to FL and was approved within a week or so by Medicare.
On July 30, 2013, I had the surgery, no issues....then I found I couldn't get the large vitamins/minerals down, hardly was hungry and the biggest problem for me was the 'water' intake b/c as a transplant, Water is vital.....I was dehydrated alot and had to have IV fluids sometimes for 7-10 days and would gain 10 lbs off the bat! YIKES! Frustrating....After about 7 months and showing great weight loss I was able to drink more water but still had bouts of dehydration but not as often....
I am 1.5 yrs post transplant and feel wonderful. My health issues that were damaged from the complications of diabetes are still with me, but I DO NOT have diabetes, am not on insulin nor dialysis, naturally from the txp. However, I do still have severe back pain that may have lessened (but not enough for me!) I am visually impaired and had to give up my career as a Realtor and cannot pass a driver's sight exam! So am dependent on my husband...
In Summary: The sleeve is the best procedure out there, for me! I would suggest it to anyone who is not certain which procedure to go through. The band has some side issues that were not good for my new organs as it could 'come loose', float around and worse. I used the website Obesity Help when I was questioning which procedure to use--the band people exploded with why I should not have that one..as mentioned above. I am happy for their advice and I know I did the right procedure.
I am new to this site and am happy I found you.
Take care and Be Well.
alese or alese-inFL
12/30/2014

Hi Loopylulu...thank you for your response to my post. It has been so long that I have been away from this forum that I forgot what to do and couldn't figure out how to reply to you...Anyhow, DUH...I had to Log In....
Good question you have. I read in your bio that appears we had our sleeve around the same time but mine was in late July and our weight and BMI very similar....My final weight loss was to 126 lbs but for my age that was too skinny and I had too many wrinkles...my jean size was 6....now I have gained more weight than I wanted and just slipped out of my size 8 jeans to a size 10!! This must stop so I am happy I received your post bcz I need to jump start and get back on the bandwagon. I weigh now 144 lbs, though it is a good weight I prefer to be around 135 lbs. Not alot of weight to lose but if I continue this will be a real problem. I am 5'4" though I was 5'7"l...
Tell me about you??? How are YOU doing? AND, where in FL do you live?...I am in SE FL outside of Fort Lauderdale...
My best, alese

Hello....
My name is Alese...I live in sunny southeast Florida outside of Fort Lauderdale. I am actually 71 yo now and at my goal of 130 lbs.
I did go down to 125 lbs and was very happy there but my husband, family and friends thought I was too thin. I love hearing those words-"too thin". I do fluctuate between 130-135 lbs with a BMI in the "normal" range. Hallaluyah! I am also 5'4.5" but not always at that height. With osteoporosis I dropped from 5'7" to what I am now. Aging is the PITS!
I started out at 235 lbs before seeing my gastric surgeon, Dr. Michael Perez in Fort Lauderdale. At the time I was seriously considering WLS-I only knew of two procedures. The gastric by-pass and the band. I had a pancreas-kidney transplant 11 yrs before due to Kidney failure from Diabetes...I was on dialysis for alittle over one year and a half so I knew the gastric by-pass was not for me due to the absorption issue of my anti-rejection medications. I was resolved to have the lapband. I had my first appt. with my surgeon who introduced me to the 'sleeve' that it was the procedure for me. My insurance (Medicare) had not heard of the sleeve, at least in Florida so actually only had to wait a couple of months before the sleeve made its way down to FL and was approved within a week or so by Medicare.
On July 30, 2013, I had the surgery, no issues....then I found I couldn't get the large vitamins/minerals down, hardly was hungry and the biggest problem for me was the 'water' intake b/c as a transplant, Water is vital.....I was dehydrated alot and had to have IV fluids sometimes for 7-10 days and would gain 10 lbs off the bat! YIKES! Frustrating....After about 7 months and showing great weight loss I was able to drink more water but still had bouts of dehydration but not as often....
I am 1.5 yrs post transplant and feel wonderful. My health issues that were damaged from the complications of diabetes are still with me, but I DO NOT have diabetes, am not on insulin nor dialysis, naturally from the txp. However, I do still have severe back pain that may have lessened (but not enough for me!) I am visually impaired and had to give up my career as a Realtor and cannot pass a driver's sight exam! So am dependent on my husband...
In Summary: The sleeve is the best procedure out there, for me! I would suggest it to anyone who is not certain which procedure to go through. The band has some side issues that were not good for my new organs as it could 'come loose', float around and worse. I used the website Obesity Help when I was questioning which procedure to use--the band people exploded with why I should not have that one..as mentioned above. I am happy for their advice and I know I did the right procedure.
I am new to this site and am happy I found you.
Take care and Be Well.
alese or alese-inFL
12/30/2014

Hello....
My name is Alese...I live in sunny southeast Florida outside of Fort Lauderdale. I am actually 71 yo now and at my goal of 130 lbs.
I did go down to 125 lbs and was very happy there but my husband, family and friends thought I was too thin. I love hearing those words-"too thin". I do fluctuate between 130-135 lbs with a BMI in the "normal" range. Hallaluyah! I am also 5'4.5" but not always at that height. With osteoporosis I dropped from 5'7" to what I am now. Aging is the PITS!
I started out at 235 lbs before seeing my gastric surgeon, Dr. Michael Perez in Fort Lauderdale. At the time I was seriously considering WLS-I only knew of two procedures. The gastric by-pass and the band. I had a pancreas-kidney transplant 11 yrs before due to Kidney failure from Diabetes...I was on dialysis for alittle over one year and a half so I knew the gastric by-pass was not for me due to the absorption issue of my anti-rejection medications. I was resolved to have the lapband. I had my first appt. with my surgeon who introduced me to the 'sleeve' that it was the procedure for me. My insurance (Medicare) had not heard of the sleeve, at least in Florida so actually only had to wait a couple of months before the sleeve made its way down to FL and was approved within a week or so by Medicare.
On July 30, 2013, I had the surgery, no issues....then I found I couldn't get the large vitamins/minerals down, hardly was hungry and the biggest problem for me was the 'water' intake b/c as a transplant, Water is vital.....I was dehydrated alot and had to have IV fluids sometimes for 7-10 days and would gain 10 lbs off the bat! YIKES! Frustrating....After about 7 months and showing great weight loss I was able to drink more water but still had bouts of dehydration but not as often....
I am 1.5 yrs post transplant and feel wonderful. My health issues that were damaged from the complications of diabetes are still with me, but I DO NOT have diabetes, am not on insulin nor dialysis, naturally from the txp. However, I do still have severe back pain that may have lessened (but not enough for me!) I am visually impaired and had to give up my career as a Realtor and cannot pass a driver's sight exam! So am dependent on my husband...
In Summary: The sleeve is the best procedure out there, for me! I would suggest it to anyone who is not certain which procedure to go through. The band has some side issues that were not good for my new organs as it could 'come loose', float around and worse. I used the website Obesity Help when I was questioning which procedure to use--the band people exploded with why I should not have that one..as mentioned above. I am happy for their advice and I know I did the right procedure.
I am new to this site and am happy I found you.
Take care and Be Well.
alese or alese-inFL
12/30/2014

Hello....
My name is Alese...I live in sunny southeast Florida outside of Fort Lauderdale. I am actually 71 yo now and at my goal of 130 lbs.
I did go down to 125 lbs and was very happy there but my husband, family and friends thought I was too thin. I love hearing those words-"too thin". I do fluctuate between 130-135 lbs with a BMI in the "normal" range. Hallaluyah! I am also 5'4.5" but not always at that height. With osteoporosis I dropped from 5'7" to what I am now. Aging is the PITS!
I started out at 235 lbs before seeing my gastric surgeon, Dr. Michael Perez in Fort Lauderdale. At the time I was seriously considering WLS-I only knew of two procedures. The gastric by-pass and the band. I had a pancreas-kidney transplant 11 yrs before due to Kidney failure from Diabetes...I was on dialysis for alittle over one year and a half so I knew the gastric by-pass was not for me due to the absorption issue of my anti-rejection medications. I was resolved to have the lapband. I had my first appt. with my surgeon who introduced me to the 'sleeve' that it was the procedure for me. My insurance (Medicare) had not heard of the sleeve, at least in Florida so actually only had to wait a couple of months before the sleeve made its way down to FL and was approved within a week or so by Medicare.
On July 30, 2013, I had the surgery, no issues....then I found I couldn't get the large vitamins/minerals down, hardly was hungry and the biggest problem for me was the 'water' intake b/c as a transplant, Water is vital.....I was dehydrated alot and had to have IV fluids sometimes for 7-10 days and would gain 10 lbs off the bat! YIKES! Frustrating....After about 7 months and showing great weight loss I was able to drink more water but still had bouts of dehydration but not as often....
I am 1.5 yrs post transplant and feel wonderful. My health issues that were damaged from the complications of diabetes are still with me, but I DO NOT have diabetes, am not on insulin nor dialysis, naturally from the txp. However, I do still have severe back pain that may have lessened (but not enough for me!) I am visually impaired and had to give up my career as a Realtor and cannot pass a driver's sight exam! So am dependent on my husband...
In Summary: The sleeve is the best procedure out there, for me! I would suggest it to anyone who is not certain which procedure to go through. The band has some side issues that were not good for my new organs as it could 'come loose', float around and worse. I used the website Obesity Help when I was questioning which procedure to use--the band people exploded with why I should not have that one..as mentioned above. I am happy for their advice and I know I did the right procedure.
I am new to this site and am happy I found you.
Take care and Be Well.
alese or alese-inFL
12/30/2014

It comes on TLC . This month they have been doing a marathon of where are they now episodes. I go up and down about this. I couldn't stand Penny but I liked Olivia. Some people on it don't want to exercise or eat right or just want to lay in bed. I cant stand that. Some of these people were so huge they had not left there home in years. I have hated so many of the changes and complications I have had from this surgery, but I didn't go thru all this to just lay in bed and wait for death. Part of the agreement these people have with the network filming them is that the surgery is paid for by TLC. So they really don't have to worry about any insurance covering it. Same with the skin removal, so they shouldn't take it for granted. But several of them just want to continue to eat like before.

My suggestion is to enjoy your Journey! You could never please anyone anyway. Those who will think you did the wrong thing and those who think you did the right. Those who will envy you and vice versa...At the END of your successful journey you will notice how those same people will be so HAPPY and PROUD of you and wish they could have done it along with you.
Don't listen to the nay sayers....Your the VIP in your journey. Don't stress, just know your going to be the WINNER at the end. Once, you reach your goal and at maintenance, the losing part is the fun and easy part....maintaining the wt loss is where the nay sayers will be ready to pounce. Always keep in mind who you are doing this for---YOU !!!!
HUGS, alese

Thank you Carrie but I only drink one Protein shake a day since I've reached my goal and the amount of Protein drops down after quite a few months on the program.
I am always afraid to try new flavors for fear of what you experienced. I am certain of chocolate and even then I've tasted some poor tasting choc. flavors.
Go to this website/blog http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ This gal loves to cook and updates all kinds of recipes to be eaten on this program. She goes by the name of Eggface. I bet she would have some good ideas on how to utilize your different flavored samples of protein...
Good luck, alese

Hi Lauren...
It is Syntrax nectar Sweets. Go to www.syntrax.com I did buy mine at the Vitamin Shoppe in Pompano Beach, FL, however, I think it is carried all over. Not only that, you might mention where you live when you write to them and see if they have distributors in your area. The powder is a whey Protein Isolate, that my surgeon nutritionist said is what to buy not the concentrate....at least at the beginning of your wt loss. Also, look that product up on google as well.
You should be able to find the product either by online or in your area. I may have paid approx $50.00 for a 32 oz (2 lb) size. Hopefully there are many flavors you might like. I like chocolate myself.
Hugs, alese

CONGRATS Erica....
Your doing so well. I am alittle over 1.5 yrs and have reached my goal....Sometimes I am lower than my goal but with so many bones showing I try now to keep my weight at the 130-135 range...I go down to 125 occasionally. I am 5'4.5" and actually love being that thin!!
Keep up the good job!
Happy and Healthy NEW YEAR!
alese or alese-inFL

My suggestion is to enjoy your Journey! You could never please anyone anyway. Those who will think you did the wrong thing and those who think you did the right. Those who will envy you and vice versa...At the END of your successful journey you will notice how those same people will be so HAPPY and PROUD of you and wish they could have done it along with you.
Don't listen to the nay sayers....Your the VIP in your journey. Don't stress, just know your going to be the WINNER at the end. Once, you reach your goal and at maintenance, the losing part is the fun and easy part....maintaining the wt loss is where the nay sayers will be ready to pounce. Always keep in mind who you are doing this for---YOU !!!!
HUGS, alese

My suggestion is to enjoy your Journey! You could never please anyone anyway. Those who will think you did the wrong thing and those who think you did the right. Those who will envy you and vice versa...At the END of your successful journey you will notice how those same people will be so HAPPY and PROUD of you and wish they could have done it along with you.
Don't listen to the nay sayers....Your the VIP in your journey. Don't stress, just know your going to be the WINNER at the end. Once, you reach your goal and at maintenance, the losing part is the fun and easy part....maintaining the wt loss is where the nay sayers will be ready to pounce. Always keep in mind who you are doing this for---YOU !!!!
HUGS, alese

CONGRATS Erica....
Your doing so well. I am alittle over 1.5 yrs and have reached my goal....Sometimes I am lower than my goal but with so many bones showing I try now to keep my weight at the 130-135 range...I go down to 125 occasionally. I am 5'4.5" and actually love being that thin!!
Keep up the good job!
Happy and Healthy NEW YEAR!
alese or alese-inFL

My suggestion is to enjoy your Journey! You could never please anyone anyway. Those who will think you did the wrong thing and those who think you did the right. Those who will envy you and vice versa...At the END of your successful journey you will notice how those same people will be so HAPPY and PROUD of you and wish they could have done it along with you.
Don't listen to the nay sayers....Your the VIP in your journey. Don't stress, just know your going to be the WINNER at the end. Once, you reach your goal and at maintenance, the losing part is the fun and easy part....maintaining the wt loss is where the nay sayers will be ready to pounce. Always keep in mind who you are doing this for---YOU !!!!
HUGS, alese

My suggestion is to enjoy your Journey! You could never please anyone anyway. Those who will think you did the wrong thing and those who think you did the right. Those who will envy you and vice versa...At the END of your successful journey you will notice how those same people will be so HAPPY and PROUD of you and wish they could have done it along with you.
Don't listen to the nay sayers....Your the VIP in your journey. Don't stress, just know your going to be the WINNER at the end. Once, you reach your goal and at maintenance, the losing part is the fun and easy part....maintaining the wt loss is where the nay sayers will be ready to pounce. Always keep in mind who you are doing this for---YOU !!!!
HUGS, alese

Hello....
My name is Alese...I live in sunny southeast Florida outside of Fort Lauderdale. I am actually 71 yo now and at my goal of 130 lbs.
I did go down to 125 lbs and was very happy there but my husband, family and friends thought I was too thin. I love hearing those words-"too thin". I do fluctuate between 130-135 lbs with a BMI in the "normal" range. Hallaluyah! I am also 5'4.5" but not always at that height. With osteoporosis I dropped from 5'7" to what I am now. Aging is the PITS!
I started out at 235 lbs before seeing my gastric surgeon, Dr. Michael Perez in Fort Lauderdale. At the time I was seriously considering WLS-I only knew of two procedures. The gastric by-pass and the band. I had a pancreas-kidney transplant 11 yrs before due to Kidney failure from Diabetes...I was on dialysis for alittle over one year and a half so I knew the gastric by-pass was not for me due to the absorption issue of my anti-rejection medications. I was resolved to have the lapband. I had my first appt. with my surgeon who introduced me to the 'sleeve' that it was the procedure for me. My insurance (Medicare) had not heard of the sleeve, at least in Florida so actually only had to wait a couple of months before the sleeve made its way down to FL and was approved within a week or so by Medicare.
On July 30, 2013, I had the surgery, no issues....then I found I couldn't get the large vitamins/minerals down, hardly was hungry and the biggest problem for me was the 'water' intake b/c as a transplant, Water is vital.....I was dehydrated alot and had to have IV fluids sometimes for 7-10 days and would gain 10 lbs off the bat! YIKES! Frustrating....After about 7 months and showing great weight loss I was able to drink more water but still had bouts of dehydration but not as often....
I am 1.5 yrs post transplant and feel wonderful. My health issues that were damaged from the complications of diabetes are still with me, but I DO NOT have diabetes, am not on insulin nor dialysis, naturally from the txp. However, I do still have severe back pain that may have lessened (but not enough for me!) I am visually impaired and had to give up my career as a Realtor and cannot pass a driver's sight exam! So am dependent on my husband...
In Summary: The sleeve is the best procedure out there, for me! I would suggest it to anyone who is not certain which procedure to go through. The band has some side issues that were not good for my new organs as it could 'come loose', float around and worse. I used the website Obesity Help when I was questioning which procedure to use--the band people exploded with why I should not have that one..as mentioned above. I am happy for their advice and I know I did the right procedure.
I am new to this site and am happy I found you.
Take care and Be Well.
alese or alese-inFL
12/30/2014

Hello....
My name is Alese...I live in sunny southeast Florida outside of Fort Lauderdale. I am actually 71 yo now and at my goal of 130 lbs.
I did go down to 125 lbs and was very happy there but my husband, family and friends thought I was too thin. I love hearing those words-"too thin". I do fluctuate between 130-135 lbs with a BMI in the "normal" range. Hallaluyah! I am also 5'4.5" but not always at that height. With osteoporosis I dropped from 5'7" to what I am now. Aging is the PITS!
I started out at 235 lbs before seeing my gastric surgeon, Dr. Michael Perez in Fort Lauderdale. At the time I was seriously considering WLS-I only knew of two procedures. The gastric by-pass and the band. I had a pancreas-kidney transplant 11 yrs before due to Kidney failure from Diabetes...I was on dialysis for alittle over one year and a half so I knew the gastric by-pass was not for me due to the absorption issue of my anti-rejection medications. I was resolved to have the lapband. I had my first appt. with my surgeon who introduced me to the 'sleeve' that it was the procedure for me. My insurance (Medicare) had not heard of the sleeve, at least in Florida so actually only had to wait a couple of months before the sleeve made its way down to FL and was approved within a week or so by Medicare.
On July 30, 2013, I had the surgery, no issues....then I found I couldn't get the large vitamins/minerals down, hardly was hungry and the biggest problem for me was the 'water' intake b/c as a transplant, Water is vital.....I was dehydrated alot and had to have IV fluids sometimes for 7-10 days and would gain 10 lbs off the bat! YIKES! Frustrating....After about 7 months and showing great weight loss I was able to drink more water but still had bouts of dehydration but not as often....
I am 1.5 yrs post transplant and feel wonderful. My health issues that were damaged from the complications of diabetes are still with me, but I DO NOT have diabetes, am not on insulin nor dialysis, naturally from the txp. However, I do still have severe back pain that may have lessened (but not enough for me!) I am visually impaired and had to give up my career as a Realtor and cannot pass a driver's sight exam! So am dependent on my husband...
In Summary: The sleeve is the best procedure out there, for me! I would suggest it to anyone who is not certain which procedure to go through. The band has some side issues that were not good for my new organs as it could 'come loose', float around and worse. I used the website Obesity Help when I was questioning which procedure to use--the band people exploded with why I should not have that one..as mentioned above. I am happy for their advice and I know I did the right procedure.
I am new to this site and am happy I found you.
Take care and Be Well.
alese or alese-inFL
12/30/2014