Let's get to know each other before our surgery...I'll go first.

My name is Amy (37 years old). I live in central FL with my husband and two kids, 3 yo DS and 4.5 yo DD. I work in IT doing technical writing and operational readiness. I love photography and have a small side business, and when I'm thinner, I really enjoy running and spinning.

I was banded in Nov 2009 at 374 lbs. From my banding until Dec 2011 (2 years), I lost 198 lbs. I was thrilled! Despite the occasional vomit and inability to eat certain foods, I was still 99.9% happy with my band. Right after Christmas this year, however, I got a terrible upper respiratory infection. I coughed and coughed and coughed. I coughed until I puked, which caused a slip.

I got a complete unfill in early January. Once the slip was fixed, I started getting fills. But then my band developed a leak and slipped once again. Since the surgeon I was seeing was less than helpful, I found a new surgeon, Dr. Domkowski, who finally treated me without acting like I was crazy, as my last surgeon did. Based on his recommendations and test results, we decided to do the removal and sleeve in two separate surgeries.

Dr. D removed my band on August 3, 2012. Because of the extent of damage done by the band, including scarring and pulling the fundus through the diaphragm, I am waiting around four months to be sleeved. I'd love to be banded on November 25, which would have been the three year anniversary of my band.

I've gained about 70 lbs since December. Sigh. The good news is my surgeon is not at all concerned about my weight gain. He is 100% convinced that I'll lose it all once I'm sleeved, since I was so successful with the band. I'm a bit of a goody two-shoes, and I followed the rules to a "T", and I intend to do the same with the sleeve.

I hope the next four months fly by!

Well...my sleeve date was nov.27 2012...here it is june 25 2013...and im am so proud to say I started at 470lbs...and I am down to 310lbs...I went for my cjeck up yesterday and was so geeked about my numbers...im hold true to a lil less than 1500 calories a day..im getting my protein in everyday...and im working out everyday...life is so different now...I looked at my pre-op pic vs. Yesterday's pic..and to be honest...it was a real moment for me...I cant..wont mess up this second chance at life...

Hi everyone, I'm really glad that they have this app for sleevers to be each others support system. I was sleeved nov1st so almost 8 months out & My highest weight & surgery day was 328 & now I'm 220 so that's 108 down so far. Also I've attached my before picture & afters along the way to show.

Me at prior surgery on left & the right photo is at a little over 3months post op.

Me at prior surgery on left the right photo is at a little over 6 months post

Me at 7 1/2 months

Also having my 9month check up on July 9th mean while my 9 months isn't Til August 1st. At that time or the next day I will post newer pics

Hi everyone, I'm really glad that they have this app for sleevers to be each others support system. I was sleeved nov1st so almost 8 months out & My highest weight & surgery day was 328 & now I'm 220 so that's 108 down so far. Also I've attached my before picture & afters along the way to show.

Me at prior surgery on left & the right photo is at a little over 3months post op.

Me at prior surgery on left the right photo is at a little over 6 months post

Me at 7 1/2 months

Also having my 9month check up on July 9th mean while my 9 months isn't Til August 1st. At that time or the next day I will post newer pics

Way to do it. Keep it up. you are looking good! Ainslee

Way to do it. Keep it up. you are looking good! Ainslee

Thanks ainsleet & you too.

Hello everyone!!! It's been awhile since I posted anything on here. Things didn't go like I imagined they would.... had a lot of problems , but now finally on the mend. To date I have lost a total of 77 lbs , went from a size 22 to a comfortable 14.... Not at the size I was hoping for being 7 months out , but I'll take it!!! Just now able to tolerate food. I'm taking in 600 calories a day , which got me is good . Glad everyone is doing so well.

Hello everyone!!! It's been awhile since I posted anything on here. Things didn't go like I imagined they would.... had a lot of problems , but now finally on the mend. To date I have lost a total of 77 lbs , went from a size 22 to a comfortable 14.... Not at the size I was hoping for being 7 months out , but I'll take it!!! Just now able to tolerate food. I'm taking in 600 calories a day , which got me is good . Glad everyone is doing so well.

SO glad you are back with us!! You look great. Just keep it up, slow and steady wins the race.

Ainslee

Thanks!!!!! Feels good to be somewhat back to myself. I got really depressed for awhile .... I gave a new meaning to " buyers remorse" . I still have some trouble eating , take it day by day , but am glad of the decision I made!!!

Sent from my iPhone using VST

Hello everyone!!! It's been awhile since I posted anything on here. Things didn't go like I imagined they would.... had a lot of problems , but now finally on the mend. To date I have lost a total of 77 lbs , went from a size 22 to a comfortable 14.... Not at the size I was hoping for being 7 months out , but I'll take it!!! Just now able to tolerate food. I'm taking in 600 calories a day , which got me is good . Glad everyone is doing so well.

do you mind telling us what happened?

Not at all.... My new tummy wouldn't tolerate any food or liquid for that matter. My Gerd became extremely worse, no meds would help. I stayed dehydrated.... In and out of the hospital getting I.V's . My surgeon said that I was in a cycle that he referred to as 'Marianne" syndrome.... It starts with not being able to hydrate yourself and continually vomiting . I'm doing some better, can take in 600 calories on a good day. Finally have the right acid meds... thank God for Protonix!!!!

Sent from my iPhone using VST

Not at all.... My new tummy wouldn't tolerate any food or liquid for that matter. My Gerd became extremely worse' date=' no meds would help. I stayed dehydrated.... In and out of the hospital getting I.V's . My surgeon said that I was in a cycle that he referred to as 'Marianne" syndrome.... It starts with not being able to hydrate yourself and continually vomiting . I'm doing some better, can take in 600 calories on a good day. Finally have the right acid meds... thank God for Protonix!!!!

Sent from my iPhone using VST[/quote']

I'm a protonix user as well...it was a lifesaver! Keep getting better, we're here for you.

I'm a protonix user as well...it was a lifesaver! Keep getting better' date=' we're here for you.[/quote']

Thanks so much.... I've missed you guys!!!!

Sent from my iPhone using VST

Greetings everyone's it's been a long time but work has been crazy. Wanted to check-in with y'all. Nov 9 I had surgery and from that day to now I'm down 170 LBs I'm feeling amazing.

Greetings everyone's it's been a long time but work has been crazy. Wanted to check-in with y'all. Nov 9 I had surgery and from that day to now I'm down 170 LBs I'm feeling amazing.

Wow you look great

Greetings everyone's it's been a long time but work has been crazy. Wanted to check-in with y'all. Nov 9 I had surgery and from that day to now I'm down 170 LBs I'm feeling amazing.

You look amazing!!! Congratulations on the weight loss

Sent from my iPhone using VST

Greetings everyone's it's been a long time but work has been crazy. Wanted to check-in with y'all. Nov 9 I had surgery and from that day to now I'm down 170 LBs I'm feeling amazing.

Wow you look awesome!