Krista

Hi everyone! I just realized that it was a year ago today that I booked my surgery in Tijuana with dr. Ponce de leon, so I thought I might share some before and after pictures! So far I am down 98 lbs (got to 100 almost a month ago, but ended up putting a few lbs back on, not sure how!) Things have been pretty slow over the last few months, but I feel great! I am so grateful to have met the people I've met along the way (I've got three wonderful sleeve sisters, and the most wonderful coordinator, Trish) I can't wait to see what the next year brings! So here I am at the hospital on the morning of my surgery, May 10th 2012. 371lbs And here I am in March, at 100 lbs lost, 271lbs. Please excuse the horrid expression on my face, it was pretty early in the morning And a comparison shot of my face. A bit of a difference! I still have a long way to go yet (another 50-75 lbs) but I'll get there eventually!

Thanks so much!! I've got to admit, I've found myself falling back into a few bad habits I'm hoping to get outside now that spring seems to here to stay, there are some new trails I'd like to explore and a few others that I know about and have never been able to tackle. Gotta do some damage control and get things done!

Thanks so much, everyone!! It's been a great year for sure!! Couldn't have done it without my super supportive family (who had their doubts at first, for sure!) Can't wait to see how things are in another year!

I know what you mean, Holly! I thought Dr. Leal was pretty cute too when he came in, then all of a sudden he popped the buttons on my johnny shirt to do my cardiogram, I had no idea it meant having a boob hanging out! Lol! Dr. Hector was a cutie too, he had the whitest teeth I've ever seen!

Kansas girl's videos are great, she's been doing awesome! She had her sleeve done a week before mine so we've kept in touch, and BeautyVGSJourney is who I believe you were referring to We actually made plans to have our surgeries on the same day, and were in the hospital and at the hotel together (my hubby and I actually appear in her post op video, we all went to the beach for the afternoon!) Her videos are great and so full of information, she really did her research!

Hi gang, I'm hoping I might be able to ask for your opinion. I am almost 5 months out (May 10th) and for the last month and a half to two months, I've been gaining and losing the same three to four pounds. I lost 74 lbs very quickly, but have reached a stand still. I was 371 on surgery day, and am at 297 (sometimes a little less) I'm hoping that I am not finished losing yet, is this possible? I've been eating pretty much the same since I started back on regular food, but I haven't been exercising as much as I should. Perhaps it's time to start cutting back on calories and getting to the gym or for a walk on a regular basis, or do you think I will have to be happy with what I've lost?

I must admit, I haven't really been as diligent as I could be keeping track of calories and carbs, but still lost quite a bit of weight in a hurry. I'm thinking that the initial big loss was water weight, now I really need to crack down on everything and start keeping track of those calories and carbs, and adding in the exercise. I just tend to worry over absolutely everything, which led to wondering if I was done losing or not. Hopefully things will be back on track in a few weeks time!

Thank you both so much for the input! I did have a few mini stalls along the way, but this is my first major one. I'm keeping my fingers crossed in hope that it's not permanent!

Hi everyone! Yesterday was my 3 month surgiversary I was sleeved by dr. Ponce de leon in Tijuana on May 10th, and each month on the 10th my hubby takes pictures to compare the my progress, just wanted to share the latest with you! I am so, so happy that I made the decision to make the trip to Tijuana! Here I am on the morning of surgery, 371 lbs And here I am this morning, three months later and about 69 lbs lighter! My apologies if they are a little on the big side, haven't figured out how to resize things! Have a fantastic weekend everyone!!

Thank you so, so much everyone! It's been quite an experience, that's for sure! This was my first ever surgery, as well as my first ever time flying, so I was a massive bundle of nerves leading up to surgery day, but I'm so glad I went through with it. The board has been such a huge help, it's so great to be among a great bunch of people who know exactly what I'm going through. Thanks again!!

Thanks! It's still a work in progress, but I try to put my fork down in between bites and really pay attention to chewing well. I haven't been measuring like I should, but I would say I can eat about 4-5 ounces or so.

I was sleeved a little earlier in May, on the 10th. I am down almost 65 lbs (started at 371) My biggest challenge has been slowing down while eating. I used to eat so, so quickly, and it's been hard to break a lifelong habit.

I tried the Twisted Cherry flavor, and used that for quite a while. I also bought the Carribean Cooler and Lemonade flavors, but never even tried them. Sort of kicking myself now, since I am unable to return them

Hi there! I had my surgery with Dr Ponce on May 10th, and everything went wonderful! Even though like it was mentioned, he doesn't speak much English, he was still very kind and patient. I was a bundle of nerves on the morning I had my surgery, and both he and Trish reassured me that everything was going to be fine. They were absolutely right on Some of the nurses don't speak a whole lot of English either, but they understand when you are in pain or feeling nauseated, and are very quick to respond to anything that you may need. I'd reccommend him to anyone!

Another of Dr. Ponce's patients here! I travelled from eastern Canada to TJ, had never been on a plane before and had never had surgery of any kind before. Trish helped calm my nerves and any concerns I had, and was amazing through the entire process. Dr. Ponce and the staff at INT were awesome as well, and I would recommend them to anyone!

Congrats!! I don't know if I could've gotten through all of this without Trish, she's the best!!

I also had my surgery with Dr Ponce De Leon, and would recommend him to anyone! And I cannot say enough good things about our coordinator, Trish My nerves were awful leading up to surgery, and Trish helped bring me back to earth

It seems as thought May 10th was a popular day! I was also sleeved on the 10th, and as of last Tuesday, am down 26.5 lbs since surgery. I seem to be stuck since then, but I go back to my doctor to get weighed and have my first batch of bloodwork done next Monday, so I'll know for sure then. Sharon, you have another facebook add!

Hi everyone. I was just wondering about energy levels. My surgery was on May 10th, and I am on my first official day of full liquids (although I did try a soup yesterday) My energy level has been very, very low. I was just wondering at what point should I start to feel better? Right now I feel as though I could sleep for a month. I've been trying to get my water and some protein in, and have been getting about 30-40 grams of protein (as instructed on my clear diet) Please tell me this gets better!

I think that's another problem that I have. When I do feel pretty good and get out for some activity, I tend to do too much and come back in to sack out on the couch. For instance, I was feeling ok a little earlier and went out to work with one of my horses a little bit. I didn't even do too much with him, just lunged him (had him working around me in a circle while I stand mostly still) but that still zapped every bit of energy I had. I do take a childrens gummy multivitamin (by recommendation of the pharmacist) and a calcium/vit D chew twice a day, and a B12 in the mornings. I'm glad to hear that it will improve eventually, thanks everyone!

That's great that you got to meet Trish and Dr Ponce beforehand I did have Trish as my coordinator, I don't know if I could've done it without her!

Hi everyone. I am a week out from my surgery and doing pretty well for the most part. I am having difficulties getting my liquids and protein in (I'm getting in about 50 oz of water, and probably 30 grams of protein) I'm still on the clear liquid phase, so I have been playing around with adding unflavored Unjury to crystal light and chicken broth. Can't exactly say that I'm a huge fan. I'm now starting to second guess myself, wondering if this was the right thing to do. Is this a normal phase to go through at this point? I am already down 26 lbs since a week and a half before surgery so that's nice to see, I'm just having a hard time mentally.

Thanks Lissa, it's good to know that this will pass! I think another part of my problem is that I haven't taken my antidepressants since the day before surgery (last Wednesday) I'll start back on them tomorrow morning when I take the rest of my medications and hopefully things will start looking up