Hello all!! My name is Lisa, I am from Duluth, MN and am 11 months post op from my Sleeve.

When I started the whole process it was just invigorating knowing my whole life was going to change! My surgeon is Dr. Matthew Bettendorf; and he currently works for Essentia Health in Duluth, MN primarily as a weight loss surgeon, specializing in VSG.

When I started my liquid diet after about 4 months of Dietician visits, I was at a top weight of 318lbs. as of today's date I currently weigh 192lbs and am looking to lose about 30 more!

I have trouble still getting in the proper amount of protein, but can eat most things. I have had some trouble with pork and chicken if it's not chewed really really well. I also can sadly no longer eat sushi. Not sure why, but it bums me out!! This is just the BEST decision I have ever made for myself in my whole life. When people ask me if I have regrets, I always tell them NO WAY! If I could I'd do it all over again in the blink of an eye.

Being that I am 11 months out I have slowed way down in the rapid weight loss but am still consistently losing weight. I just need to exercise more and drink more water. :-) that would be my biggest piece of advice, even for those like me who HATE exercise, DO IT! It makes a HUGE difference in the end. :-D

Hi Lisa!! You are so right about the exercise and water. Exercising is about the hardest thing to do but it is sooooooo worth it! ! My sister and I meet at Lifetime Fitness at 4:00 a.m. 3-5 times per week and get our workout on!!! We motivate each other!! We were both sleeved on the same day, same surgeon, same hospital, etc. Keep up the good work and I'm sure you'll loose those 30 lbs in no time flat! Take care!!

Thank you so much!!! I'm hoping to shed those last 30 by the end of summer/beginning of fall. I'm getting my gym membership back in a couple weeks so that will WAY HELP! 4am is CRAZY but that's AMAZING! Good luck to you and I'm sure you will have just as much success on your journey!! It's a crazy life change but SO WORTH IT!!

Keep up the great work! I am from the Twin Cities and visit Two Harrbors often! :-) I am so excited to type that I have lost weight like you!