Andrew Galinauskas

An update, So I did hit a bit of a platu for 2 or 3 weeks but have been right back to kicking ass again. Down to 232!

Hello all. I am just about 6 weeks post op. My target was around 90 pounds (or rather I should say the doc "expected me to lose" 90 pounds within a year)

I have been very strict with the diet and drinking lots of Water and I am down almost 40 pounds in 6 weeks. Did anyone else start fast and slow down? I know it will eventually level off but I cannot help but think if I am 45% to that goal, that I may far supass it at this rate. I have better photos but not avaliable at the moment. Anything you can share from your expierence would be awesome! Thanks in advance!

Hi! I felt the need to share my story because when I began this journey I relied on these forms to provided me with hope, advice and courage. First my surgery was through Ready4Achange with Dr. Fernando Garcia in Mexico. With the flight to San Diego it cost me around 5,000 US. Starting I was 230 pounds and a size 16-18 and I was 25 years old. I wanted this surgery more then anything, I worked two jobs for six months to save up. My surgery date was November 18th 2013. So its been a little more then a year. Today March 31st 2015 I am 165 and a size 10. I would have the surgery again in a heart beat. I feel healthier today. Since the beginning of my dieting career, I have wanted the number on the scale to prove to me that I am healthy and happy. Now it doesn't matter what the scale says because I do feel healthier and more confident. I make better food choices and I am not afraid of the gym. I would also like to add... change is hard and scary, for me at least it is, but taking the plunge was worth it.

Some things I recommend:

1. Research (the doctor, the hospital and the aftercare)

2. Make a list of all ur concerns and talk to your doctor directly (or over the phone if you plan to go out of the country.)

3. I almost made the mistake of going by myself. Go with a loved one or a friend. You will need their help and support before and after the surgery.

4. Find a support group (most surgery's that have been approved by insurance provide these groups) but if you plan on having surgery away from your hometown then it can be hard. I joined OA aka Over Eaters Anonymous where i could talk to others about my growing pains with the sleeve and get support.

5. This is truly an amazing tool in your tool box. Its not going to solve all your problems but it will change your life!

I hope I have given back what was given to me!

If you have any questions just let me know and thank you for reading my story and below you will find my before and after pics!

*VolleyGirl*

You look amazing! awesome job!

I have a hard time believing any baritric Dr. said it's ok after 12 days or ever 3 months...One person even admitted they never asked their Dr, which would indicate they did not listen or their program was very poor with information. The main concern with alochol is ulcers, not even the extra calories. Also carbination from beer. Your stomach is not fully healed even 1-2-3 months out.

Jesus people you realize you are not supposed to have any alochol for like 6 months right? where the hell did you people get this done? They clearly do not have high standards if you were not informed on how long to abstain. I get not everyone will wait 6 months but some of you waited like 2 weeks...You realize you will sabotage your entire surgury by drinking right? Booze is a big reason why we were all so fat. the smallest stomach in the world will not stop you from gaining weight if you drink your calories.