Kimmes

Its hard to believe that 365 days ago I flew to San Diego and then went to Mexico to be sleeved by Dr Ramos Kelly. Oh my; a lot has changed in the past year... This was me as I left my husband in Minnesota and took off for Mx: Size 16, 239.8 pounds. Not very happy actually pretty depressed and scared to death about the adventure I was about to undertake! My initial goal was to reach 155 pounds which I was able to do in less than 10 months - November 1st, 2011: 155 pounds My journey was not all that hard - actually it was pretty easy - I am a focused person and I stayed focused on Proteins first, low carbs and exersize - working out with a trainer 2-3 days a week. Tomorrow is my one year anniversary of one of the best decisions I have ever made! I am currently 144.4 pounds (Have been this weight for about 3 weeks now - up or down only a few ounces). I am wearing a size 6 or some 4's. Here is a couple of pictures taken this week: And one last one in my new size 27 Miss Me jeans! My only regret is not doing this sooner and not taking more pictures of my journey! I am in a good place right now - do not want to lose any more weight - trying to maintain where I am currently or within 5 pounds. I am healthier than I have been in 15+ years. I have energy and finally like the person I see in the mirror. I am pretty tall so lose skin is not so bad - I cannot complain - no rolls or hanging skin, no bat wings. OH and not BOOB - could wear a training bra again I think (may address that later this year!) This journey was so worth it - I would do it again in a heartbeat. I would recommend my surgeon to anyone - the entire experience was truly a blessing. Thank you to all those who went before me and provided me with their insight and advice! Your support has made the journey so much easier and enjoyable. If anyone is considering VSG or just starting your journey - stay focused - stay the course! You can do this! I will be 50 years old this year and really feel under 40! Have a health and happy new year everyone! Kim

Awe COOPS I love you! No secrets here... just oily skin that I hated as a teen but now that I am "middle aged" I am so glad to have it! But I am a bit of a "beauty product fanatic". I always am trying new products etc. My current thing is a SkinMedica peel at a spa every 3 months... I love it! It refreshes my skin - and I have posted previously that since I lost weight my facial skin was sagging.....so Juvederm injections to the rescue! I can see me having a neck lift or some sort of skin tightening in the future...hate my neck and lines around my mouth.... I will age kicking and screaming! I know it sounds vain... but I think I am worth it! Kim

I am almost a year out - Jan 6th. I cannot believe how far I have come. I am waiting to do a big one year update but wanted to share a few pics that might inspire a newbie or someone just starting their journey... I was 239.8 when I started this journey: My goal was 155 - I made it NOvember 1st - just under 10 months out. Today I am 144.4. Here is a recent picture: Its hard to believe how far I have come. I love the journey I have taken and where I am going. I have made some wonderful supportive friends on this site - God has blessed me in so many ways - amazing! I am looking forward to 2012 as I continue this journey and move on to maintaining. If you are thinking of VSG or on the fence....DO IT! Kim

I just want to jump in and wish each of you health, happiness and continued success in 2012. Everyone of us is unique and loses at our own pace. You have all done amazing on your journeys and I am sending prayers and good vibes that you each achieve you personal goal in 2012! Hugs and love - Kim

Diva - Well stated response. I too went to Mx and had a wonderful and successful surgery with no complications. My daughter is an RN @ U of M Amplatz Children's Hospital and another in medical school. They both stoke with my dr (Dr Ramos Kelly) prior to surgery and researched with me. The RN could not believe the attentive care that I received after surgery both at the hospital and hotel. Had I had the surgery here in the US the plan was - outpatient surgery with a follow up visit 1 week after and again 1 month after. I was in the hospital in MX for 3 nights after and at the hotel for 2 days after. I saw my surgeon at least 2 x per day for those 5 days. There is good and bad anywhere in the world. People come here to research and learn from others. I can only comment on my own personal experience.

Congrats - how romtatic. He's a keeper! And the ring is beautiful!

Cheers to everyone! 2012 has arrived! Health, happiness and success in your weight loss journey is what I am wishing for everyone! 2012 - watch out! Lets make some wonderful memories in 2012.

Amen! sending back prayers of health, happiness, peace and continued success!

MTG you are BEAUTIFUL! What a transformation and you look so healthy! You have arrived - keep doing what your doing it is working! I have followed your journey and you have always inspired me! Your updates are excellent resources for newbies and veterans alike! Love you sleeve sister - Happy New Year!

COOPS - You have inspired me on my journey! You went before me and I have read each of your posts and admired your determination and focus! Thank you for always sharing your story! I love being called a "Big Loser" - what a nice compliment - lol!

You are doing amazing! We all transform at a different pace - each journey unique! Heres to continued success in 2012!

Thank you for all the compliments sleeve sisters and brothers! I am greatful that I was able to have this life changing surgery. I feel so blessed! The support, information and advise we find on forum has kept me focused on doing the right things and accountable. I know that some people are just exploring their options, some are just starting their journey, some are post-VSG and are on their way. I used to look at before & after pictures and dream about the possibility of someday posting my own - those pictures kept me motivated and encouraged! So if I can pay-it-forward and help one person on their journey - that would be awesome. Cheers to the New Year! I am sending you all wishes for a happy year filled with health, prosperity, success, love and loads of fun!

I am first to weigh in I guess... Saturday Dec 31st - Happy New Years to all my VSG sisters and brothers. My New Years Eve weight: 144.4 lbs. LOL I did not budge an ounce this past week -over the Christmas Holiday! Amen and thank you sleeve - in past years that would have been a 3-5 pound increase due to the holiday feasts, grazing and such. Not this year! Surgery Jan 6, 2011 5'8" Starting weight 239.8 Goal Reached: November 1, 2011: 155 Current: 144.4

Good for you - you look amazing! My anniversary is on Jan 6th! It's been a wonderful journey!