Hi Sleeve family,

Even though I've been busy, Ive promised to keep you guys updated on my progress with pictures. For those of you who dont know me...I was sleeved in September (almost 6 mos ago). Its been a wonderful experience, Im feeling GREAT! Im getting married in only 8 weeks and now Im about to up my cardio/weights so that I may speed up the toning/weight loss process.

I am still attending my WLS support group meetings and I am so glad I had the sleeve. All the sleeve people in my group are doing the same or better than Bypass patients!! My surgeon said the sleeve will be the new gold standard and he would rather give all his patients sleeves than anything else! Oh yeah, I will be having my tummy tuck around Christmas time (as its already time for one) lol

So drum roll please....Ive lost about 70 lbs in a little under 6 months. One thing Ive learned DONT compare yourself to others because you will get dissappointed. Everyone's body is different and we all lose @ all our pace!!!! Just keep doing what you are doing new sleevers! Here is my now pic! (Taken early Feb)

chicken and a waffle (yum).....WELL, the sleeve showed me who was boss. All I was able to eat was one section of the belgium waffle and 3 bites of the chicken! I was so dissappointed! LOL But I was glad that I'd had the sleeve because if this would have happened pre op, I would have had 2 belgium waffles and 2-3 pieces of chicken! That experience really MADE me appreciate the sleeve! Big Time! Now I dont even had the desire anymore because I realized I cant eat enough to enjoy the food anyway! LOL. I dont think my brain has caught up with the new me yet.

So thanks to you all for helping to encourage me throughout this process (Special shoutout to Tiff, Vegas Angel and Alegna) you guys ROCK! and you helped me as a preop (when I didnt think I was going to be able to have the sleeve). So as far me, Im still working Full time, Going to School Full Time (im getting a Master's) and planning a Wedding Full time. Im a busy girl! My next update will be my wedding photos after May 1, 2010~ I love you all! Thanks for your support!!!!!!:thumbup:

Congratulations Shanda you are beautiful.

Thanks Lan,

How have you been? I think we were sleeved either on the same day or the same week. WE are sleeve sisters.....

Your lookin good! bet the fiance loves the new you too huh???? Your going to make a beautiful bride! Keep up the excellant work!

Thanks thin,

Yes he does love the new look. However, I was bigger when we met so he liked the old look as well. Thanks for the well 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

Thanks Alegna! I attend my support group meetings @ Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital (which is WAY far from where you live). Maybe you can try calling a local hospital to see if they have WLS group meetings. I know @ my group most of us had surgery elsewhere but they welcome everyone!

Yes his new office is far for most. Interestingly enough, I live right down the street (lol). I am noticing that he is GETTING more and MORE busy with each visit!

I have referred 2-3 people to him and they are all scheduled for their surgeries (unfortunately) they are all getting the lapband because they are afraid of the "permanancy" of the sleeve or bypass. But hopefully they will still be succesful!

Yes I will post wedding & honeymoon pics. We are going to Miami for 2 days after the wedding, then cruising from Miami to the Bahamas and the Grand Turk Island of Turks & Caicos. So we will take plenty of pictures from both events...so be on the look out for them in May!!!!

I see you are almost @ goal girl! You are working your sleeve darling! Are you still working nights?

You were already beautiful before, and now you are absolutely radiant. Congratulations on your success!

You were already beautiful before, and now you are absolutely radiant. Congratulations on your success!

Thank You~Having the sleeve done was a very good decision~

Congrats on your journey as well Shandra.. you look awesome!! It is sooo very good that "old timers" like yourself still have time to post and keep us updated on your journey. Thanks sooo much for this website, to you, folks like Tiff and VegasAngel who really find newbie, like myself encouraged. I will be sleeved on March 19 and my do I have sooo many emotions.. I am not looking to change my mind; just periods of anxiety and self defeat that things had to come to this. I am attempting to put on my "big girl panties" and deal; however, much emotions. In reading your post, right now, you have definitely brought be continued encouragement and support.. Thanks soo much for your post.!

Congrats on your journey as well Shandra.. you look awesome!! It is sooo very good that "old timers" like yourself still have time to post and keep us updated on your journey. Thanks sooo much for this website, to you, folks like Tiff and VegasAngel who really find newbie, like myself encouraged. I will be sleeved on March 19 and my do I have sooo many emotions.. I am not looking to change my mind; just periods of anxiety and self defeat that things had to come to this. I am attempting to put on my "big girl panties" and deal; however, much emotions. In reading your post, right now, you have definitely brought be continued encouragement and support.. Thanks soo much for your post.!

Brenda,

No problem! Im glad I can be inspiring to someone. I was a pre-op once and I WAS VERY nervous! You will be pleased with the sleeve! Trust me, it has its up's and down's however its well worth it. Im not @ goal but im confident that I will reach it soon. Congrats on your surgery date! I pray that you have an uneventful, complication free surgery!