I'm 5'5 and my starting weight was 244.5. I had high blood pressure, joint pain and cervical arthritis (in my neck). I have been between 230 and 244 for over 15yrs. I use to weigh 136 but when i got pregnant with my last child 15yrs ago i got sick and gained over 60lbs during the pregnancy and 40+ afterwards. I have never been able to get the weight off! Me being blessed as i am : ) carried the weight well! Mostly in my breast and thighs which seem to be a favriote for the lovers of the thick girls...lol (this was not helpful at all!). So, being accepted and encouraged to keep my voluptuous shapely body, i just stayed the way i was. At 40 i am not willing to live this way another day! So, i went to a Weight Loss Center in Newport News VA that had FULL support and began my journey.

I chose Dr. Clarke at the Center For Weight Loss. This was the best thing i ever did! He has weight loss university, gym onsite, fully stocked and loaded store onsite and online with everything you need for life...lol Also, webinars, podcast and you have to meet with one of hIs personal trainers at least three times post op. Also, he has an amazing support group that is informative and fun : ). This Dr. is so down to earth that after one of the support group meetings he had a line dance coach to come in to show us more things we could do to move and he was out their dancing with us! Love this Dr. and ALL his staff! I am with them for an entire year after my surgery under his supervision and can maintain afterwards as well.

On to the Sleeve! So, i had mine on 8/15/11. I went in at 8:30am and into surgery at 11:25am. I had no clue that i was allergic to narcotics so it landed me an overnight stay : (. I went home the next day and things have been good thus far. The only issues i had were days 4-7. I could not drink the Protein. It was yummy but after less than an ounce, my tummy felt like it was full and about to pop open from the pressure (ugghhhh!) so i was only getting about a 1/2 a cup a fluids a day and it was not fun. Dr. took me off the protein and said get the Water in because its the most important. Everything has been great from there. I drink at least 2 bottles of 16oz water, maybe a lil apple juice (6oz) and a few Popsicle's. I have had Dannon plain yogurt and add in a lil sugar free jelly, pudding and im fine. I still cook for my family everyday and make sure they get what they need, and some days i wish i could chow down with them but after the doc told me the found fat on my liver...ummmm i'm good!

So, 244.5 day of surgery and 9 days out 222.4!!!

I have my two week follow up on the 30th to hopefully move to soft/puree stage (please God). And thats my lil journey thus far. My goal weight is 153.

I am looking for any members that are in the 757 area that meet offline or any group that may meet offline once a month in VA

You go girl!! Makes me even more excited to have mine done! Keep it up! I har mine on Tuesday!

I'm right behind you jillw8. Having my surgery on Thursday in Mexico with Dr Kelly. I'll be 50 in April and there's no way in he** I'm ging to be fat and frumpy. Sometimes I start thinking about the things I have binged on and wonder if I will miss them. I miss them already being on the pre-op diet. I know I have to change my whole attitude about food. It's like losing my best friend and comforter........which is so wrong. The Lord, my family and friends are my comforters. Not longer will it be food. I'm so grateful for this surgery. mrskhicks your weight loss is amazing!

Congrats!!!! The sleeve is amazing. I can't wait to hear about all of your future success!

Thanks! How did your surgery go? I've been so focused on getting to eat mushy food that i couldnt do anything else...lol Now i never look fwd to eating! Ugghhhh! I am now looking forward to the 3 month mark! All is well with me and i have had no issues other than learning how to eat again.

Thanks! Me too! I lost 27lbs so far but i was told today that the weight loss may slow down now : ( but im game for it all! This time next year its on!