Hi, I know there's a DC group that maybe I should be in since I live within spitting distance of Piggy County but I lived for 27 years in Carroll County (8 in Melrose--just north of Manchester and 19 years near Uniontown, about 5 miles west of Westminster) and think of myself as a Baltimorean in exile, and hey, I *do* live in Howard County...

Only 5 more days until my op. Fortunately, I've been spared the dreaded pre-op diet, but tomorrow I'm going out shopping for Protein Shakes, sugar free pudding, popsicles, and drink powder.

As I mentioned earlier, I used to live in Carroll County. I moved from central PA when I fell in love with a Baltimore boy, who I married. We were married for 26.5 years, he died in early 2005. A few years later, I got a job in Silver Spring, and I've been living in the DC area since then. I have two sons, one who is in college and lives with me (who has promised to take care of me, post-op), one who lives near Silver Spring with his girlfriend.

I'm looking forward to tossing my HBP meds and lessening the pain I have from osteoarthritis. Anyone one else have experience with St. Agnes Hospital and/or Dr. Averbach.

I'm Shanny, from Baltimore. I'm a 35 year old mother. I grew up in Northwood - I've lived in Essex for about 5 years, and now I live in Hamilton for the last 6 years.

I had my sleeve done in February and I've lost 78 pounds so far. My surgery was done at GBMC by Dr. Liao. It is by far the best decision I've ever made. In the beginning I regreted it because I couldn't eat anything and the feeling of my restriction was HORRIBLE. But, then it got better. Now, it's just normal to me. I do miss ground beef, pork and fried foods. I miss crabs (I dont' know why but Old Bay seasoning makes me so sick now and gives me horrible heartburn, and foaming). This is a life change, but I didn't expect it to hit me so bad in the summer. This is worse than staying away from cake and Cookies during the winter holidays.

Wishing all of Baltimorians good luck on their journey!

I'm trying to remember the last crab I ate that tasted as good as buying new clothes in smaller sizes felt.

But, seriously, I had a temp job once in McCormick's Consumer Affairs department and it might be worth asking for samples of other "Old Bay" seasoning mixes and see if they give you the same problem. Maybe something like this? http://www.oldbay.com/Products/Old-Bay-Less-Sodium-Seasoning.aspx

My assignment there was supervised by a woman named Patti, who was gung ho into Weight Watchers. Wonder if it worked for her or if she got surgery, finally?

Hey I'm Laura I talk a lot so people refer to me as "Loquacious Laura"

I had VSG April 5th 2010 at Frnaklin Square Hospital by Dr Christopher You.

1 Month before my VSG Holly asked me if I would be interested in being their before and after model for their magazines and brochures. It has been wonderful helping others. I carry the brochures with me I talk about my experience with everyone, it usually comes up. I can not tell you how many people have asked to keep the brochures for them self's or loved ones and since the # to get into the info session is there I let them have it.

I also help out the Bariatric Institute at Frnaklin Square by coming to the information sessions for a quick Q & A potential patients and their families can ask me questions and get answers from a actual patient. The nurses and surgeons can tell you from their perspective but have never had it done them self's so I know I'm helping others and it makes it all so worth it.

I am also not shy or scared to reveal scars or admit the good the bad and the ugly.

I am working on brochures right now, photos and stories of myself as an obese child -adult not revealing how i lost the weight (vsg) but that my weight loss was a result of a program at my hospital lots of dieting and fitness.

The brochures will be handed out to students as I talk to them about childhood obesity, I plan to team up with the PE teachers as well as nutritionist and head out to schools around the area. Not many people are willing to face a room full of judgmental and brutally honest kids. I don't know how it's going to go. Hopefully be inspirational.

<a href="http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa432/myvsgsuccess/?action=view&current=beforeandafter611.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa432/myvsgsuccess/beforeandafter611.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Hey guys,

My name is Denise and live on Maryland's beautiful Eastern shore in Centreville. I work in PG County. I have been married for 9 years and have a little boy that is 5 and my daughter is 3. I also volunteer with dog rescue. Pets with Disabilities and Bull Breeds are my thing!

I had my sleeve done on January 5th in Mexicali by Dr. Aceves. It was a great experience. I am having follow up care with my PCP. He has been great about taking care of my since my insurance would not cover the surgery. I started off at 282lbs and as of this morning I am 177lbs. I was told that my metabolism was only working at 9% of the normal person. No wonder I could not lose the weight! I have always ate lots of veggies and lean meats so the transition has not been that hard for me.

I love playing softball and have even joined a league. I never thought I would be able to do that again! I showed up because I was asked to fill in, the guys did not know I had the surgery. They had got me a 2X jersey! lol I said no thanks I need a medium! It was a great moment!

I am so happy that we are all on our way to a healthier life!

Hi All,

My name is Toyia, and I live in Baltimore... I am having my sleeve on Aug. 8th at Holy Cross Hospital with Dr. Cantor.

I started at 245 lbs...and I am down to 233. I am on day 4 of my pre-opt diet...

I am happy that I found this group.

I look forward to talking to you all...

Toyia