@DomLorenVSG

YAY! I'm a low BMI too, but I had a lot of complicated factors. I was only BMI 33 at 216 lbs. I'm 3 weeks post op and already 196, I'm hoping to meet my first goal at 169 by 3 months so I don't have to take any more insulin meds. You give me such hope! YAY!!!!!

This morning I stepped onto my scale to discover I hit One-derland! Last I checked I've been hovering between 200.6 and 200.2, this morning I was 198.0.(I checked several times just to make sure). A lot of this had to do with working out. I'm 20 days post op, and I survived my first water polo practice last night. Note to all those who about to start workout regiments... STRETCH before doing the activity. I got to the pool deck late because of my class and I threw on my swim cap and goggles and dove in- BIG MISTAKE. I felt everything in my body shift and have a ripping sensation. IT WAS NO BUENO. No damage was done, but I think I shocked my body. I took it slow on the conditioning portion, swam steadily- backed out of the sprints, and then did fine during ball handlng and shooting drills. I opted not to scrimage my first couple of days back to prevent anyone from kicking me in unnecessary areas. All in all practice was a success but lessons were learned about listening to your body. Today is my first masters swim practice at lunch then round 2 of water polo practice tonight. It's looking to be a long week, but I'm totally ready to "embrace the suck." Nothing is more motivating to work out than to see your numbers go down! ‎8/17/12 Post-op 20days 5'9 HW 216 CW 198 (-18) GW 169

Today is exactly 2 weeks post op, and I'm down a total of -4.2 this week, even though I've been stalling the last 3 days. I'm finally over having to run to the bathroom every 5 minutes, and my stomach seems to be liking grits and hummus which is great to finally get some food down, so I'm taking the stall as my bodies readjustment period. Over all my clothes are fitting me perfectly and I felt better than I have in months. I'm really just happy I had any weight loss at all this week. My steri-strips are off, all incisions are healed, and Dr. A said I could return to swimming/water polo training this Tuesday... so next week should be interesting!! Sleeved 8/17/2012 Height: 5'9 Heighest Weight: 216 1st Goal Weight: 169 2nd Goal Weight: 145 Week 1 (8/24): 204.8 ( -11.2) Week 2 (8/31): 200.6 (-4.2)

I had various symptoms of PCOS since I started my period when I was 12 years old, years of misdiagnosis, and misreading symptoms led to so many procedures and doctors blowing me off. Even when I was covered in fibrotic tumors and cysts and needing surgery when I was 19, my surgeon just said it was "random"... it wasn't until 2007 when I got pregnant after a couple of miscarriages the doctors discovered I had triplets. When the specialists started reviewing my history, the extreme periods, extreme weight fluctuation, hormones, severe back and forth cycstic acne- they finally diagnosed me. While 2 of my 3 kids passed away, they heavily medicated me and tried to get the pcos under control after I birthed all three of them. I've only had two serious episodes since, but right after I was sleeved I went through a horrific period again. I'm praying that with this weight loss my body will stop being ravaged... I see stories of hope on here and I'm so thankful.

I just called my bank and did a wire transfer for both the deposit and full amount. The girl that got sleeved the same day as me brought a bank check with her. It was really that simple. And the bank they use is an AMERICAN bank in Eagle's Pass, Texas so there should be no extra fees associated or extra questions etc. I did mine and it took maybe 5 minutes on the phone with my bank with the information that Susan gave me.

I've been having issues in the morning, my doc says when your stomach is empty over night sometimes it has an over abundance of acid so even drinking Water first thing in the AM makes me queezy. He just added to my perscription of prilosec to help keep my acid reduced as much as possible. My friend wrote about this and was right on the money with what my doc said: Expect to be on a PPI (proton pump inhibitor) after surgery. If your surgeon does not bring this up, please be proactive and ask about being on one. If he/she doesn't prescribe one as a matter of course, generic over-the-counter PPIs (NOT antacids) are available and quite inexpensive. PPIs are Nexium, Prilosec and Protonix; antacids are Pepcid, Tums or Rolaids. Many, many people have posted that Prevacid does not help, despite falling into the PPI category. It didn't do anything for me. The feeling of hunger immediately post op? Most often it's acid and a PPI will control it. Burning heartburn or acid reflux post op? Get on a PPI, not an antacid. A really noisy new sleeve? Could be acid and a PPI will help. It could also just be a healing tummy, though, and is very common. Do you feel pain, pressure or like food is coming back up when you lie down? It's acid. Take a PPI, and don't eat immediately before you sleep. Sleep with your head inclined until the PPI controls the problem. Everyone is different. I was only in need of a PPI for 3-4 months post op, though in times of stress (and apparently, pregnancy), I feel the need for one short term. More common seems to be 6 months of use and some people need them for a year.

Today is exactly 1 week post op- I was sleeved last Friday 8/17 weighing in at 216 lbs and hating myself. This morning I stepped on the scale and weighed in at 204.8 lbs for a loss of -11.2 lbs. While I'm relieved the numbers are going down instead of up (especially from gas and bloating post op) I'm also very humbled. Last night I went to an event with my water polo team and I realized that this surgery has literally changed my attitude and stopped my self loathing dead in its tracks. Everyone said I looked so happy and glowing- especially after just having surgery (I told them all it was for stomach ulcers ) and I was all smiles. I laughed so hard, I actually almost hurt my incesions. Best night I've had amongst friends in a while- and everyone noticed. Along with losing weight, I'm also losing a lot of personal emotional baggage that was tagged onto this weight. I finally see a light at the end of the tunnel, and it gets brighter one pound at a time... VSG: 8/17/12 1 Week Post Op HT: 5'9 HW: 216 CW: 204.8 1st GW: 169 -11.2

Hunger. I have NONE. My entire life I've been hungry. I just could never say no to seconds or thirds and lord help me if it was one of my favorite foods or desserts. I always failed at diets because I would work out then come home starving and always over it (even it was super healthy food). Today, I'm 7 days post op, and I HAVE NO hunger. I'm dealing with a bit of stomach acid, but the moment I take my antacid medication the grumbling disappears. Hate to say this is a miracle, but for me- this is absolutely life changing to wake up and not be starving. Hallelujah.

Absolutely, my doc said I will get hunger back, but it will be faint compared to now. I actually a couple of different issues (PCSO and an insulin issue) and both contribute dramatically to my appetite. I kept thinking before my surgery, omg 4 weeks post op liquid diet? HOW in the world???? I'm one week out and I have ZERO desire to eat, even when food is right in front of me. It is just so new and different for me to feel this way. I feel like a burden has been lifted off me. Like I'm not depriving myself of food- I've always felt like I was in starvation mode, and right now I'm perfectly content.

Drum roll please.... I'm 6 days post op, weighed in for surgery on Friday at 216 lbs, and according to my brand new scale I purchased yesterday, I am 206 lbs! That's -10 lbs in 6 days. Holy smokes. Today is also my first day back at work and I'm feeling pretty good, I have a desk job which helps a lot, and I'm really trying to remind myself to sip every 2 or 3 minutes. I already made the mistake of trying to multitask and walk and drink at the same time in the hallways and I doubled over with chest pain because I took a huge gulp- I don't want to scare my coworkers thinking I'm having a heart attack. Lol. I'm definitly going to go home at lunch and lay down for an hour and just do nothing so that I pace myself and give my tummy some down time as well. Last night I helped coach a little for my club sport, then afterwards we all went to grab a bite to eat, I sat there with my Powerade as they all ate huge amounts of food, and I was almost perplexed- I had NO hunger what so over. It all smelled good, but I had ZERO temptation or desire to eat anything. They all kept saying they felt bad I wasn't eating, and I just chuckled and said don't worry about it because I DON'T WANT ANY! It was so AWESOME! So over all I'm doing great. Incesions are bit sore, but compared to a week ago I feel like a rockstar. Dr. Alvarez cleared me to swim 15 days post op and the count down is on! Once I get to full liquids on Monday and get protein shakes in my diet I know I'm going to be ready to start working out (in moderation). No regrets. At all. While I know this will be a long journey, I feel like I'm finally taking steps forward NOT backwards. I look forward to weighing myself rather than dreading it! Yay! I was sleeved Friday, August 17th, 2012 and I plan to do my weekly/monthly blog updates on Fridays to keep track a little bit more accurately. But 6 days post op this is what I got: Stats: Height: 5'9 HW: 216 CW: 206 1st GW: 169 2nd GW: 145 3rd GW: 135

I was terrified of this journey- as any sane normal person would be... but I was out before I knew what hit me and when I woke up I lift up my hospital gown because I didn't believe them when they said it was done. HOLY smokes! It was easier than getting my wisdom teeth out! THey kept me well drugged and I just chilled in bed and watch'd tv. I was so anxious I had a hard time sleeping but the team was amazing to me. Jessica the nurse and everyone where just fantastic. I've never had a doctor and his team treat me that well for that many days. No regrets... only wish I'd done it sooner!

I'm 6 days post op and LOVING IT. Yes, I'm a bit sore, yes the travel kind of sucked post op- but over all... Dr. A blew away any other surgery I've ever had. This was easier than getting my wisdom teeeth out... and yes, I'm serious about that. I was scared to death of traveling and not waking up and pain, etc... guess what. I'm here. I'm alive. And I'm doing great. No regrets what so ever. SOOOO happy I'm going forward and NOT backwards. I actually look forward to getting on the scale! NEVER thought I'd ever say that. Every single bit of communication was accurate from Dr. A and his staff. From travel, to schedules, to hospital stay- couldn't have been better. Some times you have to make a leap of faith, so glad I choose Dr. A!!!!

Drum roll please.... I'm 6 days post op, weighed in for surgery on Friday at 216 lbs, and according to my brand new scale I purchased yesterday, I am 206 lbs! That's -10 lbs in 6 days. Holy smokes. Today is also my first day back at work and I'm feeling pretty good, I have a desk job which helps a lot, and I'm really trying to remind myself to sip every 2 or 3 minutes. I already made the mistake of trying to multitask and walk and drink down the hallways at the same time and I doubled over with chest pain because I took a huge gulp- I don't want to scare my coworkers thinking I'm having a heart attack. Lol. I'm definitly going to go home at lunch and lay down for an hour and just do nothing so that I pace myself and give my tummy some down time as well. Last night I helped coach a little for my club sport, then afterwards we all went to grab a bite to eat, I sat there with my Powerade as they all ate huge amounts of food, and I was almost perplexed- I had NO hunger what so over. It all smelled good, but I had ZERO temptation or desire to eat anything. They all kept saying they felt bad I wasn't eating, and I just chuckled and said don't worry about it because I DON'T WANT ANY! LOL! So over all I'm doing great. Incesions are bit sore, but compared to a week ago I feel like a rockstar. Dr. Alvarez cleared me to swim 15 days post op and the count down is on! Once I get to full liquids on Monday and get protein shakes in my diet I know I'm going to be ready to start working out (in moderation). No regrets. At all. While I know this will be a long journey, I feel like I'm finally taking steps forward NOT backwards. I look forward to weighing myself rather than dreading it! Yay!

3 days post op, flying home tomorrow, and boy do i feel better! Everyday I'm feeling better and better! I'm sip, sip, sipping and trying to take it easy. Everything is going just as I was advised, almost feels a little surreal. Hard to believe that I'm done! Now it's onto recovery and I'm so excited to feel better so i can start walking and running and working out in a few weeks. All smiles

I'm slllleeevvvveeeddd! I got sleeved by Dr. Alvarez on Friday the 17th. I'm 2 days post op, and doing well. Passed the nausea and gas, and feeling ok. Dr. Alvarez and his staff have been awesome. Couldn't be more pleased! Planning on my first weigh in 2 weeks post op so I can clear all the IV fluid and bloating from my system.

the losers bench..... omg I just about died laughing! AWESOME! Love it! You're in our thoughts and prayers!

In May, when I literally sat in my closet and couldn't find one thing to fit me, I sat in the middle of my closet and cried. I cancelled my dinner plans with friends. And I just sat there crying completely alone in my closet. My weight had officially taken over my ability to have a social life. I had already given up dating months if not years ago, but now I was having to give up my friends and social life out of shear embarrassment. I had to invest in a box of rubber bands just so I could wear my pants to work. I never even had to do that when I was pregnant. My maternity clothes don't even fit me now (I know because I tried them too). Enough was enough. I want my life back.

The thing that pushed me over the edge in my decision to get the sleeve was the idea of "I'm not only losing this weight, but it's staying off. No more yo-yo dieting." I can lose 20 lbs in about 3 weeks easily. In fact I've done it so many times I can't even keep count. But I've lost, and ALWAYS gained back. Turns out I'm really good at losing water weight, and not so much as losing actual fat. So even though I look forward to losing 2lbs here and there and that first 20 lbs again, the difference is- I can breathe and know it's not coming back to bite me in the butt like it has so many times before. 2 lbs in a week, is okay. 2 lbs NEVER coming back is even better.

I'm planning on using my blog as my monthly/bi weekly update page. I haven't posted anything yet, but I saw another person on here, and I loved her blog. She tracked every month on the anniversary of her procedure. She posted front, and side picks, along with Height, Highest Weight, Current Weight, and Goal Weight. Scrolling through her blog over the course of 9 months- it hit me like a ton of bricks. I liked her style so much I'm going to do the same thing, I might even add some measurements of my "problem" areas that are the worst that I know will thin down. I''ve found a couple of great blogs and galleries to help track- i'll share them with ya'll: 1) http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/user/18927-blackanese25/ 2) http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/user/2891-blackberryjuice/ I'm excited! Just more motivation!

Because my BMI isn't over 35 they aren't making me do the pre-op liquid diet which is nice, the downside is that I have insulin and blood sugar issues because of my PCOS and a couple of other complicating factors- if I don't eat steadily I get the sweats, shaking, and severe stomach cramps. By the time I realize how bad I am, I always end up binge eating. I'm the typical "you need to eat protein every 2 hours and track your food" type, but even when I've been extremely careful and watchful I still over eat. I loathe myself when I go over board and half the time I'm trying to do, or eat the right thing. A lot of this also has to do with the fact that I'm an athlete so my brain thinks I need 3000 to 5000 calories a day, even when I'm not training as hard when I'm in my off season (during the Fall I swim 4 to 6 hours a day and in the Spring 2 to 4 hours a day). Right now I'm barely getting any exercise compared to what I normally get, and a month out from starting to train again but my body still wants to eat like I'm training hard core. My body is bi-polar! :/