Hey guys, I'm Becky and I'm new here. I have been stalking the forums for a couple days and decided to start a post. I'll be keeping an updated log of my progress with pictures, weight, and measurements so be sure to check back!

Here's my story:

I'm 19 and have been morbidly obese since middle school. I was extremely athletic when I was young, gymnastics and competitive cheer along with riding horses since I was 5. I was always bigger than other kids but mostly it was muscle. My parents got divorced when I was 8 and it ripped my world apart, I had issues with depression and ended up going on Zyprexa which is now I believe off the market due to the insane weight gain. I gained 100 lbs over 4 months, it was CRAZY! I stopped cheering shortly after because I was too heavy to be wearing a skimpy uniform. So, that just made me gain more weight and lose muscle. I was heavy in high school and it just kept getting worse. I have dieted and can get down to 200 lbs but it all comes right back when you stop the diet. My weight really holds me back emotionally and I'm starting to get high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, etc. I'm now in college to get my BSN (nursing school) and am in a sorority. I have been with my boyfriend for over a year and he is my other half, we live together and are really happy. He is also overweight and is trying dieting, he supports me 100% and is right there cheering me on with every step I take. I'm extremely lucky to have him with me and he promises to take good care of me after I get out of surgery. My mom is also a huge part of my life and support system, she is my best friend and my own personal cheerleader. Between her and Matt, I'll be in great hands post-op. So, my life pretty much rocks and losing weight would just be the icing on the cake so I can't wait until I slim back down! Maybe, I could even cheer in college...that would be a dream come true!

So far my journey has been wonderful, I became interested in the sleeve after my most recent weight loss fail and am at my highest weight ever! I started calling around early November looking for a surgeon who could get me in before the end of the year. I found Dr. Ricks in St. Louis and his nurses said it'd be tight but was possible. I went in the next week for my first appointment and good goly gosh is he just the sweetest guy you will ever meet. He's got a bedside manner that rivals any doctor I've ever worked with, I instantly felt comforted. We chatted for about an hour and he answered all of my questions, he set up some tests for the next week and off I went. I went in for testing and to meet with the nutritionist which all went smooth as can be and then I awaited a call letting me know about insurance. After 2 weeks, I got that magical call letting me know that I'm approved for surgery! We set up a date, December 19th which is the week after finals. I go in for my nutrition class and my blood work Monday then surgery the next week. Luckily I'm only on clears and shakes for 3 days prior to surgery...so no dying of hunger for weeks like others have to endure!

Starting weight: 260

Starting measurements:

Arm: 18”

Forearm: 12.5”

Hips: 54.5”

Waist: 44”

Bust: 48.5”

Thigh” 30”

Calf: 17.5”

Shoulders: 52”

Neck: 16”

Here are my before pictures:

I'll be sure to keep you guys updated as the days fly by!

Hi Becky, just checking in...how are you doing?

I'm doing better, things are starting to go down without pain. I have some kidney problems and saw my doctor today, I was completely dehydrated which is not acceptable for my body. She yelled at me and told me to force fluids, she told me not to actually puke but to get close to it. I need to be getting 80 oz of water a day and I'm getting about 30 so I'm working hard to get my water intake up. I feel like I'm constantly drinking but I'm not actually getting that much fluid down so I'll have to work harder. I'm also not losing much, maybe that has to do with the dehydration. I started at 262 and I'm at 247 and it's been 3 weeks, I'm hoping I'll start losing soon it seems like I'd have to...I'm only getting 500 calories a day. Other than still getting tired easily, I'm doing pretty good.

BECKY first of all congrats...I was sleeved 12-12-12. KEEP UP GREAT WORK

I understand kidney problems I just recently spent a week in the hospital and two different surgeries. My Dr. is telling me Water water water...I think only fellow sleevers can relate how hard that is!

I really need to try harder!

Keep us updated, take care

If both of you don't mind me asking, what kind of kidney problems are you having? Did you know prior to surgery that you had kidney problems?

15 pounds in 21 days? Actually sounds like you're doing pretty great to me! Keep it up and good luck with the water. I hope it gets easier for you soon.

Congratulations I hope you do get to cheer again!! ????

Thanks guys! I'm trying as far as the kidney problems, I've had chronic infections since I was born and have had 2 surgeries to correct anatomical problems. I knew going into the sleeve that I'd have trouble with getting enough fluid in but I figured I'd get the hang of it eventually. I'm working super hard to get my fluids in, we shall see!

I found finding that one thing I love to drink makes it easier. I drink a huge cup of coffee in the morning, then a protein shake, then 24 oz bottle of water sometimes with crystal light (1/2 pkg for light flavor) during the afternoon. In the evening I usually have at least 2-3 glasses of iced tea (Mio sweet tea) I almost always get in over 64 oz of fluids.

I was admitted to the hospital yesterday. I still can't get any food or water down and it seems to have gotten worse. They did an upper gi X-ray and found out that I have a stricture in the opening of my stomach so basically everything is just super swollen so it's painful when anything goes down. My doctor wants to scope me and try to dilate that area to see if that helps so he's figuring out when he can fit me in. In the meantime I'm in the hospital bed. I feel ok except when I eat or drink so at least most of the time I'm not too miserable. I'll keep you guys updated as I figure out what's going on.

Hope things get better soon! Wishing you speedy recovery

Hope it goes ok. Seems like quite a few are having a very hard time getting anything down after surgery without a lot of pain or vomiting.

Glad you are following up with your surgeon.

Take care, let us know how it goes.

You have not updated in awhile. I hope you are doing well.

I hope she posts an update soon as well.

Yes Becky, are you doing better these days? Its been awhile since we've heard from you.