alegna242

Tiff, it feels real good to "hear" that from Ms. Queen sleeve herself! You are the most inspiring person on here and I myself amongst others always look to you for advise, insight and the best darn before and after pictures on this site. Thank you for what you do!

Thank you to everyone that has posted congrats and well wishes. For those whom are pre-op you will succeed because this surgery is a successful one. (of course there are exceptions). I feel the reasons I have been successful despite not having a set workout regime are: #1 My soul issue was I ate too much, besides too many carbs I ate pretty well thus the sleeve took care of that main problem. #2 I was and still am not a sweets person. No addiction to pop or sodas for me. Once I got off the carb craze I felt the benefits of Protein I was hooked. I still have a weakness for garlic bread tho:) #3 I have not been overweight all my life. Until bad birth control at 15 and pregnancy at 18 I was never overweight my whole life! I came into this world premature and severely underweight actually! I can only imagine how much more difficult it would be if I was at a BMI of 40 since I could remember. #4 I was 27 when I had my surgery. Not to discourage anyone that is older but you know what they say about age and weight loss....... Anywho- that's my take on this. I feel though anyone with a great attitude can achieve success with this surgery. It helps to have a supporting people in your life. I did not get to my goal weight until I was 11 months out so make sure you pack patience! Easier to say then do, I know. Now I have a lot of stomach fat to go and stretched skin so I am still in size 10 even though I am 146. I *think* that wouldn't be so predominant if I worked out. but I know no matter what I'll need a TT. But, I can always try working out and see that's the great thing! Thanks again to all that may read! -Angela

CONGRATS! It's amazing the difference you feel everyday! I'm a year out today as well! Keep up the good work!

I plan on definitely getting a Tummy Tuck. The apron I have is very bad a noticeable. I've lost 74 pounds and still wear size 10 jeans because it's so large. I think I would be at least a size 8 or even a 6 without this apron. My breasts have deflated some but are still TOO BIG! I'm still in a DD from an H and I hate it! They sag but always kind of have been because of size. I'm thinking of a lift or slight reduction to a full C or D. BUT, until I pay of this surgery in 4 years I can't get anything done! but a "mommy makeover" is in my future!

Tiff, I think you need to win the crown or the best sleever! You RAWK the sleeve!! Looking good! :tongue_smilie:

Maddie ~ Thank you! I appreciate your congrats and comments! Lil'miss ~ I'm not sure of the lingo lol, surgeversay, sleeversary I think they all are quite fine here! I'm not sure if I'm spelling them right lol! Thanks for the comments hope the best with your surgeries!

I stopped mine once the last pack was finished right before my surgery date. I didn't have a period for 2 months! I was really worried for awhile. Your cycle will be messed up for a long time but use a "back-up" method for sure!!

I haven't weighed myself in weeks. I was stalled at 153 for about 6-8 weeks, after the initial upset I just decided not to worry and just not weight myself! I decided to weight myself and exactly 11 months from my surgery here I am! Now a lot of people have met goal A LOT sooner then me, that's ok, I do not go to a gym, I do not walk for miles and miles, I'm just playing the what comes of comes off game, I do not deprive myself of food, I eat good, I eat bad. I don't stress. And here I am. Thanks

Thank you for all the replies, wow what a lot of new faces on here! I cannot believe it's almost been a year! The restriction is what keeps me on the right track! I can eat more than when I first was fully healed but It has been enough to keep losing, slowly. One of these days I will start working out and who knows where I'll be! No less than 140 though, although I am short I do not look good less then 135-ish it makes me look gaunt. I think in the next few months I will see how close I can get to 140 and I know I will be happy there until I can get my TT which is at least 4 years down the road when I get this paid off. To those in a stall from holy %$#@. I was stalled out at 160 for a very long time, I slowly creeped down to 153 where I sat for about 6-8 weeks, I honestly thought to myself, well Ang. this is it, this is where your helping hand stops. To my surprise the sleeve is still rocking! Too all that may read, don't underestimate yourself or this surgery! And I found this picture of myself from May of 09' my husband said the other day how hard it is for him to see a difference sometimes, that is until I told him to look at this! at least my hair looked good And today,

I was a lightweight: BMI of 40.2 5'2" 220 I had my surgery 7/30/2009 and so far I have lost approx 65lbs in 8 months I have about 5-15 to lose but I am cool with whatever- I haven't really started a workout routine so it's all good. If I get to 150 awesome, if I get to 140 fantastic! But it's all good either way!

If there was a Sleeve Achievement Award on this site, you would be the winner!! SIZE 6!!! MY GOD!!! I need to start working out like you!! Hooker boots ARE FUN!!! I love your dress to! I think you need to post pics at least once a week!

All I can suggest that you walk as much as humanly possible right now. It is amazing what that does for your recovery. I know this is the last thing that you want to hear but It will help. I had a freak out moment a few days after my surgery, I think it was mostly from the lack of food, and the discomfort gets to you after a few days makes you on edge, and you just give in. It will pass. Remember you've made it this far! Best wishes!

Shanda! Gorgeous! As usual! I am in love with your smile!! You have the confidence! It is radiating from you! Love your look my dear, you are a class act! Where do you go to for support meetings? I went to my re-re-re scheduled 4 1/2 mo post op (more like 6 mo when I finally got there) like 3 weeks ago, Man, the new location is way far for me! He was busy, busy as usual!! I CAN'T WAIT for your next update with wedding pics! Like Dr. Alanis told me, keep do'n what your do'n! XOXOXOX

I'm glad that you were able to figure out the problem, I hate to laugh at your misfortune but, that was funny! If I find myself slaving to the scale I just throw it into the closet, outta sight outta mind! It works for me!

Well, it's been 6 1/2 months and I thought I would post my progress for the first time. I am down 60 pounds (ticker says 59). My surgery was mostly un-eventful except for some nausea while in the hospital and for 2-3 days after I got home. Chancie helped me a lot on here. Looking back this is to be almost expected. Dr. Alanis is a fantastic surgeon and I would recommend him to anyone in the Houston area that is looking for a experienced, caring, low-cost surgeon in the states. As far as my home life, my husband and I have such a better intimate relationship, not because anything has changed for him, but for me. As a mother I am more involved as a whole, not this person that dreads to get up or go out but welcomes it. I love planning the next thing to do. For the first time ever I welcome the Texas summer! I'm not this aching, person in mental and physical pain anymore. Right now in my loss, I am in a slight stall. This is mostly from my own doing, I have been eating mostly whatever I want, just in smaller portions. For the last 6 months I have been watching, watching, watching, what I eat, feeling guilty when I mess up, and stressing. I am just wanting to step away from that mentality for awhile. I know these last 10-12 pounds from my goal will come, I just am not going to allow myself to worry over it. I have not had a exercise regime this whole time, I'm just more active as a whole. I know when the time comes that I want these last dozen pounds gone I will lose it, and I will have to work out. I'm happily neutral right now! My stats are: Weight: Pre 218-222 Now 161-163 Goal 150 Jeans: Pre 20-22 Now 14's Goal ? 12-10 ? Shirts: Pre: 2XL-3XL Now M-L Goal: Maybe all Mediums? Shoes: Pre: 8 Now 7-7.5 Goal: none really So, for the first time ever I thought I would post some pics!! I don't have many pre-op full body shots of myself, for obvious reasons, but you'll get the idea. BEFORE: 3/2008 BEFORE: Galveston 2008 NOW: In old slacks NOW: Fixing to go out! XOXOXOX!!

Ha! Thank you!!!! I should probably re-do my signature, I payed a total of $11,500. My loan was $10,500, and I saved up $1000.00 on my own. But, either way if I look like a million bucks, I'm out wayyyy ahead! Thanks!

You are correct. And that is what I wanted to change the most, my outlook on life, I think that was what suffered the most, and when that does everything starts to crumble. I'm not going to lie, yes I want to lose weight and look good, but what does that matter if you are in a fog? You will do well, anyone that has the right frame of mind will.

Thank You!!

I really have no advice, but I just wanted to say I am sorry for everything you are going through and best wishes on recovery.

How did I miss this? SHANDA! You are beautiful!!! OMG! you and your future hubby look so proud! Rightfully so I may add! You have such a wonderful glow! Keep up the great work lovie!

Well Thank You!

yea you caught my smirk it feels good!