mlmanney

Well, I was six months post this week and finally took some comparison photos.

195 lbs - high weight
188 lbs - surgery weight
144 lbs - today's weight (well, 143.3 lbs, but I rounded up)

I am 51 pounds down and only NINE pounds from my goal weight!!!! And, I have lost 61.25 inches... crazy! Hips are 34" and wearing size 4!

Statistically, the lower your bmi prior to surgery, the more "successfully" you will maintain your weight loss. I am a week and a couple days out and I think to gain back it would take serious effort because it is not easy to eat a lot. People with higher bmis may be dealing with more food issues and they are counted in the whole count of success rates. Don't forget that. You will be fine. Stick to Protein first and keep aware you don't want to regain. Use the time before surgery to process the level you are going for this and cling to this so you don't forget later. That's my unprofessional approach, for what it's worth.

Hi, I'm currently going through the process to have the sleeve done through Walter Reed with Dr. Whorlton. Is anyone else currently going through Walter Reed too?

Made it through day one of the pre-op diet-woohoo!!!

Just made my appointment for my consultation!!! I've been thinking about it for years and I am finally taking the steps!!

I had my surgery this morning at 7:30am. When they woke me up in recovery I had killer gas pains in my abdomen and left shoulder. I used my pain pump generously and did a lot of moaning.
The next thing I knew I was in my room and sleeping while the nurses bustled around me. I remember using my pain pump a few more times. The belly gas pains were gone and the shoulder gas was more an annoyance than painful. Then I told them I needed to use the bathroom to pee. They told me I'd only been out of recovery for an hour so I would need to use a bedpan. No thank you! They were extremely hesitant to let me get up and walk so soon but I needed to use the toilet. They did hover over me the entire time I was peeing because they were afraid I would fall forward and land on the floor. I was fine! They were shocked that I was doing so well, absolutely no pain, nausea, or dizziness.
I then went back to bed and slept until 2 or 3, never using the pain pump. At 3 I got up to use the bathroom again and this is when I felt the searing pain in my abs. It felt like I'd done 500 crunches. In all my months of research and reading the forums I had somehow never come across even a mention of ab pain. Seriously, it's BAD. But only when in get up or need to move in my bed. Just laying in bed I don't feel it.
I then took a lap around the hospital floor. My nurses were in awe of me. My vitals have been amazing all day and I haven't used the pain pump since morning. My surgeon came to check on me and was so impressed that he's already cleared me to go home tomorrow instead of Wednesday.
Aside from the ab pain I feel amazing, like I didn't even have surgery. I came in thinking it would be a breeze and it has been! I just wanted to share because it's been such a great experience for me.
Time to drink another refreshing ounce of water! Looking forward to Jello and popsicles in the morning!

I am august also but no date set yet. Hopefully I will be able to get some idea next week of when it will be. the unknown causes more anxiety that if I just had a date......trying to stick to the diet plan and stay on track.....summer vacations are killin' me! eye on the prize!

I am so excited. August 24.... Already counting down... 6 more weeks!

Hello all,
I am in the beginning phase of surgery at Balboa. So far, it has been a good experience. I am about halfway done with phase 1, and should be able to meet with the surgeon by the beginning of July. I like that there is a check list to follow of exactly what I have to do prior to surgery. I live about an hour away, so getting to some of the classes is a pain, but it will all be worth it.
~Diane

I'm a military dependent and had my sleeve done at Travis AFB in CA. Id like to hear other people's experience through the military.

I am a marine wife and had my surgery done at Balboa in San Diego! Nice to meet you Mrs. Fly!

I love it when someone asks a question then tells us what NOT to say. It truly tickles me.