Carrie T

One year ago today I got on a plane to San Diego to have my VSG in Tijuana. I can't believe that was a full year ago! All I can say is... SO FLIPPING WORTH IT!!!!! My experience has been nothing but positive. I stuck with the post op diet, but discovered pretty quickly that I can eat and drink what ever I like. So, it still comes down to choices. It is so empowering to no longer be confused or bogged down by diet and weight thoughts. Without trying every new fad under the sun and simplifing my diet with my smaller tummy, I am now completely in tune with what I need and what I want. The last 4 months I have been maintaining and I have let myself 'enjoy' the holidays. I didn't gain at all! To drop my last 20 pounds, I am back to Protein shakes, bars and very low carbs. I have learned that my body goes straight into weight loss mode when I am high protein. A final thought...I am constantly reminding myself..."How much would I weigh and how would I feel about myself if i hadn't taken care of myself by having VSG?" That scares the heck out of me! So...if you are on the fence, or thinking about other surgeries, please feel free to ask me any questions! GOOD LUCK and HAPPY 2013

I should have added pictures...and I'm not sure where my ticker went... Just about 70 pounds down from my heighest weight.

I have had a cup of regular coffee every day since Day 5 after surgery...I can give up carbs, but coffee? Never!

Milk of Magnesium is the VERY best! It's very effective without cramping. Benefiber, metamucil and fiber gummies never worked for me.

I found you!!! I hope that your flight home went smoothly and that you are still feeling well

I'm real too!!!! I just had my surgery this week with Dr. Kelly and am back home today safe and sound and feeling great

I just came back today from my surgery with Dr. Kelly (VSG was on Tuesday, the 3rd). I went through Christi Bearden @ Successfully Slimmer. I spoke with Dr. Kelly myself about what's up with all the coordinator stuff. He told me that he is really trying to get out of having to work with so many coordinators and that the 'contract' with some of them are up soon. Dr. Kelly ROCKED!!!! My surgery went so smoothly (less than 45 minutes)and his bedside manner, communication and support were top notch. LOVED HIM

I thought that each day got a little easier...and the fast weight lost felt good too! It's worth it!

I had a 2 week preop diet and lost 15 pounds. My surgeon said that he could tell that I followed my diet and my surgery was only 40 minutes. It's tough...but worth it!

I am getting ready for my flight tomorrow and surgery on Tuesday...so needless to say, I am freaking out with you!!! So excited!!!!

I'm with you! I am a week and a half into my pre op diet and am supposed to start my 3 days of clears tomorrow. I REALLY miss bread! I didn't realize how much I was eating in carbs. I do have to say, after 4 days of liquids I am losing my cravings and feeling full after my Protein drinks. So...I am here to say it does get easier!!! Good Luck!!!

I am Jan. 3 with Dr Ramos Kelly in TJ... even though the excitement of the holidays are here, I almost can't think of anything but my surgery. I started my preop diet today and took all of my measurements. UGHHH...I can't wait!!! Anyone else headed to Mexico?

Thank you so much for starting this thread! I am 5 weeks away from surgery and your do's and don'ts cam just at the right time. And like the others already stated...I too look at your words of support and wisdom to all of us that are at different stages in our journey. Thanks so much!!!

I will be sleeved on January 3, 2012...I can't wait!!! Is there a jan 2012 group yet?

I'm heading down Jan. 3 to see Dr. Kelly. Sorry to miss you guys! Keep posting your journey!!!

I have BCBS of Washington and have had a consistent BMI of 38/39. Because I don't have any co-morbidties, my qualifying BMI needs to be 40. My insurance rep told me that I would have to be at 40+ the entire 6 month supervised diet. If I fell below that at anytime I would not be approved for WLS. Mexico...here I come!

I have my surgery booked with Dr. Kelly in January, but told my husband I'd give our insurance one more try... I have a BMI of 37-38 with no co-morbidities. With my insurance I have to be on a 6 month supervised diet. I get that I would need to be at 40 to qualifiy, but I wouldn't want to stay at 40 for the entire 6 months. When I called BCBS I asked and the rep said that my ending weight needed to be at 40, or 35 with 2 co-morbidities. Does that sound right? Thanks for any input or experiences that you can share to help me out!

I'm using Christi there as well...she's been great! I'm going to Dr. Kelly though.

Does anyone know how or when a new group gets going? I'd love to start connecting with the sleevers that start their journey in January.

Thank you for sharing your day to day...I appreciate the detail and the honesty!

I read it too...it was under 'top news' and labeled 'radical,' so of course I was curious. I couldn't believe it was about the sleeve! I am just speechless...and like you the coments got me a little crazy...that's exactly why I'm not telling anyone but my husband, my mom and my boss.

I am flying in on Monday Jan.2 for a Jan. 3 surgery with Dr. Kelly. I was given the day to fly back (I didn't choose it) home...it's Saturday, Jan.7. I hope that helps!