My name is Laura. I am from Huntsville Alabama. I grew up thin and active but when I got married I gained a lot of weight!! I was my highest ever when I got pregnant at 354. Thankfully I got pregnant very easily and had an easy pregnancy and delivery. I actually lost weight while pregnant!! So now I am 324. My son is six months old and I want to be a healthy fun Mom. I dont want to pass on bad eating habits to my son. So I went to Dr. Mailapurs seminar on Tuesday and his support group on Wednesday. My appointment with him is next Tuesday. I went to the seminar wanting the band but walked away thinking the sleeve. After research on the band it seems like it is not very effective and lots of bother with fills ect. I really dont want the bypass. I do not Like the whole rerouting of things aspect of it and malabsorption. Also I am a self pay so thankfully I do not have to wait on approval from insurance.

I was self pay too, so didn't have to do a lot of the things prior to surgery so from my consult to surgery it was only a matter of weeks.

I saw a few surgeons and know people that went to Mexico for a third of what I paid. Even tho I know I paid more than anyone I know, I felt my surgeon and the location to my home was right for me. That's what was most important to me.

The first week I refer to as hell week. I learned a few things after surgery I didn't know and was mostly prepared otherwise.

I'm almost ten weeks out and haven't lost a lot get. It's been very very slow for me. I'm at -18 but I'm truly happy with how much better I feel everyday. I started at 244 so if u weigh more you'll lose faster to start. So don't at all gauge by my loss.

The gas and burps were and still are a huge part of this. Walk walk walk!!!! Have someone rub your back in circles to help u burp. Like u would with a baby!

Drink LOTS of water! I'm a dasani Water addict cause it the only one I can drink room temp. Cold water is hard to handle for about two weeks. After a few weeks switch to smart water for the electrolytes it offers..

I pre bought all my Vitamins per my dr's advice, through the beariatrics online site, and I was so sick taking them all. After week 4 my doc gave me a b12 shot and took me off the vitamins. Said wait another month then start again but instead of all the individuals 3 times a day take my b12 shot monthly and buy the Vitamin crystals instead. They're a package like crystal light u pore in water twice a day. I will start those soon.

Good luck and keep talking to people here. It's an amazing resource.

I just moved from Huntsville a few years ago. My last child who is 14 now, was born there. I lived there for 12 years. (Madison area). Welcome! I was self pay also here in San Antonio. I went from seminar to surgery in 9 days! I went to a saturday seminar, made my appt on Monday and then had surgery the following Monday! I had a one week liquid preop diet, lost 9 pounds, and now I am 8 months out and 80 pounds down! It really works and after the first couple of weeks, it will be smooth sailing. It is hell week during preop and getting used to sipping such small amounts but that will pass. You will lose and plateau, in a pattern, over and over. Dont worry if you didnt lose what you thought right off the bat. Your body has to adjust and you have to be pateint! Just remember that when you are in a stall. It will pass! Good luck to you!

My name is Laura. I am from Huntsville Alabama. I grew up thin and active but when I got married I gained a lot of weight!! I was my highest ever when I got pregnant at 354. Thankfully I got pregnant very easily and had an easy pregnancy and delivery. I actually lost weight while pregnant!! So now I am 324. My son is six months old and I want to be a healthy fun Mom. I dont want to pass on bad eating habits to my son. So I went to Dr. Mailapurs seminar on Tuesday and his support group on Wednesday. My appointment with him is next Tuesday. I went to the seminar wanting the band but walked away thinking the sleeve. After research on the band it seems like it is not very effective and lots of bother with fills ect. I really dont want the bypass. I do not Like the whole rerouting of things aspect of it and malabsorption. Also I am a self pay so thankfully I do not have to wait on approval from insurance.

Laura Dr. Mailapur was my surgeon. His staff is excellent and they will work with you every step of the way. I am so glad I went to him. I was sleeved 4/2. If you got any questions just let me know. Good Luck!