Hi everyone!

I've been a member of VST for a few days now and i can't seem to find very many people from South Florida that have sleeved or are in the process. I would LOVE to meet people and make some friends through this avenue as i feel like i will need every bit of support i can get once i'm sleeved. I think it would be very nice to be able to meet up and help one another out post-sleeve. Hope there are many of you out there as I would love to hear from all of you!

@@ClinicalNurse82, that is great to hear. Thank you. I've done all the requirements and now I'm waiting to find out what's the next step. I know there is a class to attend and the 2 week pre-op liquid diet. How long ago did you have your surgery? How many nights were you in the hospital? I'm sorry, I'm just loaded with questions.

I had my surgery with Dr. De la Cruz on August 25, 2014. So, I'm six months post op. I was in the hospital one night. I also had a hernia repair, so I won't lie, I was in pain for the first week and just out of sorts for the next week or so after that. But, now everything is okay.

I am 25 pounds away from my goal weight and 40 pounds away from my dream weight. I'm wearing regular clothes (no more plus sizes) and it was the best thing I could do.

It's a lifestyle change and you have to adapt to eating very small portions and never drinking with your meals. The times I have gotten sick have not been from overindulging, but things like eating too fast or drinking fluids with my meals. My palette has changed and extreme sweets make me cringe now.

@@Cris in Miami, Thank you for sharing and congratulations. I am a ball of emotions right now. I'm adding one more week of a liquid diet as a personal challenge for myself. I want to be the best I can be. I meet with Noel on Tuesday for the pre-op class. What can I expect during this session? I want to be prepared. I've been doing a lot of self-talk to empower myself for the journey that lies ahead. If you don't mind me asking, how much have you lost since your surgery?

@@Cris in Miami, Thank you for sharing and congratulations. I am a ball of emotions right now. I'm adding one more week of a liquid diet as a personal challenge for myself. I want to be the best I can be. I meet with Noel on Tuesday for the pre-op class. What can I expect during this session? I want to be prepared. I've been doing a lot of self-talk to empower myself for the journey that lies ahead. If you don't mind me asking, how much have you lost since your surgery?

The pre-op class is with Noel and Melissa in the lobby of the office. Basically, it's what to expect day of, and the days/weeks after. They will also give you information on vitamins/supplements to take after, as well as the type of diet to follow for the first month, what you are able to eat/drink.

Honestly, I don't even remember what I weighed the day of surgery. I have a rough idea. I lost about 14 pounds during the two weeks of the shakes and did not cheat once. The first three days of the shakes were horrible. I had such a headache. The rest of the time was a breeze.

I think since the surgery, I have lost about 50 pounds. Again, I don't remember what I weighed exactly. I just know I had to give away my entire wardrobe, even PJs. I had to buy all new clothes, including bras. Just don't go crazy buying lots of clothes because within a month or so, those new clothes won't fit anymore. I never wore a belt before and now, wear one because the jeans I bought are now too big. And I don't want to keep spending more money, LOL.

@@Cris in Miami, WOW! Thanks for all the info. Congrats! That awesome weight loss. I can't wait. Starting Monday, I want to track my progress. I want to see how successful I will be. I don't want to waste money on a new wardrobe either. I know I will need some new clothes but I don't want to go crazy. Can I ask you about the shakes? I think I remember them telling me that I have to buy the shakes from them. Is this just for the pre-op diet?

@@MaryC94, yes, the shakes are for pre-op. For two weeks before the surgery, you drink only the shakes (five per day). The goal is to shrink your liver and have you lose weight before surgery. A two week supply was $225 and yes, you buy from his office. They weren't bad. They come in assorted (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry), though I asked for only vanilla and strawberry. They don't taste bad and you get used to it after the first three days. The key is getting through the first three days. I remember crying on day two and telling my boyfriend I was miserable, which was mainly due to headaches. But again, after the third day, I was fine.

After the surgery, you will drink protein shakes as you aren't eating much and need to ensure you get your protein. I still drink protein shakes, mainly on my way to work as my first meal of the day. Try different ones until you find one you like. And I prefer ones that are already made. I bought a huge bag of protein powder at BJs and after a week or so, decided it was too much hassle to mix my own. I'm always on the go, so grabbing a premixed one out of the fridge is my answer.

I have found I do not like Muscle Milk Light (too sweet), cannot stand Pure Protein (tastes like chalk), but can handle EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control (get it at Walmart; $5 for four shakes). My favorite is Premier Protein, which is 30 grams of protein per bottle and the vanilla is pretty good. Haven't tasted the chocolate as I'm more vanilla. Upside is, great coupons in the paper every few months for $4 off. Downside, can only find it at one Walmart (in Pembroke Pines, where I live). But, you have to try out which ones are good for you. Noel will give you a list, which will become your Bible.

Edited March 6, 201511 yr by Cris in Miami

Palm Beach Gardens area. Sleeved 3/19/15

@@p3aCH3s hi I am currently pending approval & if approved will be sleeved by Dr Wizman. How did your surgery go?

@@p3aCH3s hi I am currently pending approval & if approved will be sleeved by Dr Wizman. How did your surgery go?

Hi gina, surgery went very well with Dr.Wizman. he's very fast , I had zero complications.congrats on your new journey. I would be more then happy to help u with anything during your process

@@p3aCH3s thank you I will keep you in mind. I'm glad your surgery went well!

I live in Broward FL. I am getting sleeved at north west hospital with Dr Wizman on March 25

Hello p3aCH3s. I'm also in Broward and getting g sleeved with Dr Wizman. Wanna be buddies!????

I live in Broward FL. I am getting sleeved at north west hospital with Dr Wizman on March 25

@@p3aCH3s thank you I will keep you in mind. I'm glad your surgery went well!

Hello Gina, I also pending my surgery date with Dr Wizman. I'll be going to Aventura Hospital due to insurance, possible surgery date Aug 10.

@@Shortlynx2 congratulations! I am still waiting for insurance. We are pending a first level appeal currently but there could be up to third level before a final determination. ???? The wait really sucks.

@@Shortlynx2 congratulations! I am still waiting for insurance. We are pending a first level appeal currently but there could be up to third level before a final determination. ???? The wait really sucks.

I don't have full insurance approval yet but my plan has been good at approving things so far. Hoping I don't have to pay out of pocket for surgery. Too late to back out now.