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I could use some help with a project from fellow florida wls patients!



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Hey Ya'll! I'm Allie. I'm 23 years old and a photographer in the Orlando area. I was sleeved in July of 2012 and I could not be happier with that decision. Over the course of the last year and a half I began looking at pictures of myself old and new. What a difference! Of course my physical appearance has changed greatly but what I found is that even more so my confidence began shining through me, so much so that my personality emerged in photos of me and you could tell I was no longer afraid of the world. So I began looking into the before and afters of some friends in my support groups and began to see that as a trend. After seeing the beauty of the transformations for each and every one of them I've decided to start a project. For this project I would like to follow some people on their journey from as early as possible until a year or maybe even further out. I would set up a time every few months to maybe come take a few snapshots and really try to capture them as a person and their journey through the images. I understand its a vulnerable position to be in but I believe this series really has a place in this world. To give us a voice. I don't think shows like my 600 lb life give a good perspective on what its like to undergo these transformations. Its hard emotionally and physically and there is nothing easy about what everyone seems to call the easy way out. I'd like to start locally in florida with this project if i can get any volunteers and then maybe branch out to other states. So i turned to this board to see if maybe anyone was interested in taking part. I'm really looking to tell our story from OUR perspective. I wish I had thought to do this from the beginning of my journey so I could have self portraits and lead by example in this series but unfortunately since I did not and am always behind the camera all i have are a few iPhone snapshots that won't really get me anywhere. So if anyone is interested or has any commentary to add please feel free to reply to this post!! hope to hear from you soon! and thanks for taking the time to read my mini novel :P :D

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Hi. I'm interested in documenting my sleeve journey. I got sleeved in January.

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Hi. I'm interested in documenting my sleeve journey. I got sleeved in January.

Great! Where are you located? :)

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Orlando/west palm beach.

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Hey Ya'll! I'm Allie. I'm 23 years old and a photographer in the Orlando area. I was sleeved in July of 2012 and I could not be happier with that decision. Over the course of the last year and a half I began looking at pictures of myself old and new. What a difference! Of course my physical appearance has changed greatly but what I found is that even more so my confidence began shining through me, so much so that my personality emerged in photos of me and you could tell I was no longer afraid of the world. So I began looking into the before and afters of some friends in my support groups and began to see that as a trend. After seeing the beauty of the transformations for each and every one of them I've decided to start a project. For this project I would like to follow some people on their journey from as early as possible until a year or maybe even further out. I would set up a time every few months to maybe come take a few snapshots and really try to capture them as a person and their journey through the images. I understand its a vulnerable position to be in but I believe this series really has a place in this world. To give us a voice. I don't think shows like my 600 lb life give a good perspective on what its like to undergo these transformations. Its hard emotionally and physically and there is nothing easy about what everyone seems to call the easy way out. I'd like to start locally in florida with this project if i can get any volunteers and then maybe branch out to other states. So i turned to this board to see if maybe anyone was interested in taking part. I'm really looking to tell our story from OUR perspective. I wish I had thought to do this from the beginning of my journey so I could have self portraits and lead by example in this series but unfortunately since I did not and am always behind the camera all i have are a few iPhone snapshots that won't really get me anywhere. So if anyone is interested or has any commentary to add please feel free to reply to this post!! hope to hear from you soon! and thanks for taking the time to read my mini novel :P:D

I will like to be part too. I'm in Orlando-Kissimmee

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Great! Thanks! I am in New York for a family emergency. I will be back on Sunday of this week and will get in contact with you all

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<p>Hey Ya'll! I'm Allie. I'm 23 years old and a photographer in the Orlando area. I was sleeved in July of 2012 and I could not be happier with that decision. Over the course of the last year and a half I began looking at pictures of myself old and new. What a difference! Of course my physical appearance has changed greatly but what I found is that even more so my confidence began shining through me, so much so that my personality emerged in photos of me and you could tell I was no longer afraid of the world. So I began looking into the before and afters of some friends in my support groups and began to see that as a trend. After seeing the beauty of the transformations for each and every one of them I've decided to start a project. For this project I would like to follow some people on their journey from as early as possible until a year or maybe even further out. I would set up a time every few months to maybe come take a few snapshots and really try to capture them as a person and their journey through the images. I understand its a vulnerable position to be in but I believe this series really has a place in this world. To give us a voice. I don't think shows like my 600 lb life give a good perspective on what its like to undergo these transformations. Its hard emotionally and physically and there is nothing easy about what everyone seems to call the easy way out. I'd like to start locally in florida with this project if i can get any volunteers and then maybe branch out to other states. So i turned to this board to see if maybe anyone was interested in taking part. I'm really looking to tell our story from OUR perspective. I wish I had thought to do this from the beginning of my journey so I could have self portraits and lead by example in this series but unfortunately since I did not and am always behind the camera all i have are a few iPhone snapshots that won't really get me anywhere. So if anyone is interested or has any commentary to add please feel free to reply to this post!! hope to hear from you soon! and thanks for taking the time to read my mini novel :P:D</p>

Hi Lex!

I didn't even know this board was here! I'm in the Tampa Bay Area. My surgery date isn't until July. I'm definitely interested in documenting my journey.

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I will be supportive! Hello everyone!

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    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

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