diochick

The ice at sonic is amazing. The closest thing it can be compared to is hospital ice. The best kind for chewing!

It was originally used as part 1 of a 2 part surgery, but they saw so much success with the sleeve on its own, they started using it as a stand alone procedure.

Wow, looking amazing! Wonderful job!

Every doctor certainly is different, I was on liquids only for 1 week post op, then mushies for 6 weeks. My dr also recommends refraining from drinking 30 minutes before eating and 60 minutes afterwards. I usually just see the 30/30 recommendation.

Surgery date I was 271, 3 months out I weighed 220, so 51 lb loss for me at that point

You look amazing, and you can just see how much happier you are now. It's like you're glowing! I wish I had the courage you do! I'm down 90+ lbs, and still don't go in front of the camera. I'm hoping to start working on that soon though

I've had the occasional soda, it's my only source of caffeine and working 3rd shift with 2 small kids, sometimes caffeine is necessary. I haven't noticed any changes other than increased gas, and increased acid. I'm still losing, still have the same restriction etc... I usually do diet only because too much sugar now makes me feel weird. I don't chug it by any means, ex. a 20 oz bottle will last me far beyond my 10 hour work shift.

I feel ya! I was sleeved march 12, current weight 198, starting weight 281. Almost 100 lbs dropped. Only people to say anything about it? My husband and mother in law- the only 2 who know about me having this done. It's so frustrating, and messes with my mind. I feel like maybe I'm not looking as svelte as I think I do, but then I slide on my size 18's (down from a 24) and think- the difference is so amazing, how could anyone not notice?

I love underhunder! However, isn't that what the term "century club"means or is my sleep deprived mind mixing things up on me again?

With everything I use my highest ever weight, which is the day of my first consult. So if someone asks how much I've lost total I just calculate from there. It was the starting point of my journey.

My starting weight was 281 and I'm 5'6", so I'm in a similar boat. I was sleeved almost 6 months ago, and am currently down to 198. My surgeon asked me what my personal goal was at the beginning of this journey, I said 170, which is the lightest I ever remember being, and it seemed doable. This would still leave me in the overweight category. I was told my goal was perfect, as that's where they would expect me to land. I've since shaved an additional 20 lbs off that goal which would put me at 150, and the normal range. I think the sleeve will assist you in getting to the surgeons goal, after that it's hard work and exercise. I go to the gym 2-3 times a week, and I'm seeing slow but steady results. As it's been said before-the sleeve is just the tool, it's how you use the tool that decides how well it works.

I remember the anesthesiologist was hilarious when I went for my egd. It took me forever to have to finally pee before I could go in the room. I forgot they'd need me to so I went before we arrived. He was teasing me about it before knocking me out, saying "it was either you go on your own, or we string you up by your arms, put a bucket underneath you and scare you!" Hahaha, that's about all I remember from that convo, since I was in sleepy town soon after. I got Claros because my work schedule left mondays or thurs as the best appt day for me, and he had the first available appt. El Chaar did my information seminar though, and he was great. Seems very warm, and informative which is a great quality to have. I was sleeved 3/12, and have had 0 problems. You're in excellent hands

I didn't know they do the surgeries together. I never met with Dr El Chaar, but Dr Claros was fantastic. He did a wonderful job, and his staff is excellent as well.

I'm a gigantic fan of the musician Ronnie James Dio, and I'm a chick, hence diochick

I originally planned on going to Hazelton, but found out they don't accept my insurance. I ended up going through St. Lukes, which it had been my first experience using them for anything (I live near Tamaqua/Hamburg but always go through Lehigh Valley). The dr is amazing, the nurses and the staff at the hospital were fabulous. I can't recommend them enough!

Hey, I'm from PA also. Allentown area as well! I'm glad to see other pa people here! Baris- where did you get sleeved? I went to St. Lukes, with Dr. Claros.

I was cleared to have mushies 7 days after surgery. The first item on the food suggestion list was chili, and we were specifically told to not be afraid of flavor or spice. My husband made chili as usual (super spicy) and it was wonderful.

I hit onderland this morning and it feels soooooo good! I weighed 270 on the day of my surgery- 3/12- this morning: 199! I haven't been in the 100's for close to a decade. I'm not going to be walking at all today, I'll be floating!

Mine are bright red still, sometimes purple looking, and I was sleeved in march. I have a super light complexion though. (one of those people who burn just thinking about the sun) so I know thats the reason behind that.

I haven't come across a thread like this yet, so I was wondering what others have done to keep their rings on their fingers during the "inbetween" stage (post surgery, yet no where near goal). My ring has been slipping off my finger, there really isn't anything holding it in place. I don't want to go without it, and I don't want to pay for a jeweler to resize it, when in a few months the potential is there that it will need to be resized again. Any good quality products, or tips anyone can recommend? I've googled different products but everything just has such negative reviews, I don't want to spend money on something that doesn't work. Thank you

Thanks for all the great tips, I'll have to stop by my jeweler and see what they can do. I don't want to take this one off, since it's technically my 2nd wedding ring (this one is just a white gold band) since I used to take my original one off daily, and it went missing. 3 years later it still hasn't turned up, so I'm a bit paranoid. Sadly I don't think one of the "smaller ring" ideas would work, since what I have now would be one of those type of rings. If they could soder those little balls in mine, that would be terrific!

Oh, and #5: I drink diet soda 2-3 times/week. I feel guilty doing it, but I need the caffeine and do not like coffee.

I confess that I am still mentally addicted to food I am still trying to cope with the fact that I'll never eat certain foods again (subs, a plate of just pasta, etc...) I need to eat waaaaaay more protein than I currently do, er, actually, I need to eat more in general than I already do. If I get 2 meals in/day it's amazing. I haven't told anyone except my husband and mother in law about the sleeve, yet after losing 80 lbs, not a single person (other than the 2 of them) has commented about my drastic weight loss, and it has seriously messed with my head.

First appt with surgeon: 281 Day of surgery: 270 This morning: 201! I love my sleeve

I'm 70 lbs down, yet when I look in the mirror I see the same person pre surgery staring back at me. I've only dropped maybe 3 pant sizes, still in the plus size dept however. I've known a few people who have had wls and they dress so differently than they used to, me? I'm still covered up every chance I get. Baggy clothes, layers if possible. My brain has a lot to catch up with.