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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.

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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!

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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?

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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>

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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!

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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

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    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

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