Crystal Lavoie

I've lost 55 lbs in 3.5 months and I'm 5' 3". I'm very happy with my loss. I think you're doing great as well. Word of advise, never compare your journey or loss to anyone elses. We are all so different and no two journeys will ever be the same. Be proud of every single pound lost. You've worked hard for it no matter the time it takes to lose it...fast, slow or average. Keep up the good work.

I also wore those tight full leg stockings they made me wear for surgery, to prevent blood clots. Works great for high altitudes.

I PROMISE YOU this will pass quickly. I had a leak and even still, would do this again. I'm 3 months post-op and 54 lbs down. Worth every single moment, both good and bad. This will be your life saver just as it is mine. Word of advise, ditch the protein for now. You need to focus on getting your clear liquids in and staying hydrated before you work on protein. I couldn't and still can't stomach plain water. I highly recommend Mio. It's much better than Crystal Light. Keep your chin up. You can, AND WILL, do this.

My suggestion....don't walk at all. Get them to wheel you around the airport as soon as you get in, on and off the plane. Only walk to get to the bathroom. And don't carry your own bags. They will do that for you too. You don't want to over do it. Once in the airport and past security, I purchased a couple of bottles of juice for the plane. Then when I transfered, I bought another for the second plane ride.

fatchickgonewild.blogspot.ca It's my own blog of my journey.

Likely not a leak. I had mine at almost 3 weeks out and that was late, so 4 months seems not likely.

Congratulations!!!! I'm 3 months post-op and 53 lbs down. I recently made it to Onederland myself. I'm 197 as of this morning. We rock!!

Zip lining, hiking, playing at the playground with my baby, walking, buying clothes I like and looking good in them and of course, more fun in the bedroom!!!

Smooth Move Tea....tastes good and works wonderful. I use it about once a week. You can find it in the grocery stores tea isle.

Yah, I'm pretty happy with my results!

I've lost 53 lbs so far. Have 37 to go to reach my first goal.

fatchickgonewild.blogspot.ca

I was in the hospital for 17 days total. Originally we started with a CT scan the night I ended in the hospital, then a swallow test the next morning. I was almost 3 weeks out when my leak was detected. By then I was barely able to eat or drink, had abdominal pain, severe left shoulder pain, fever and was passing out. I had a small leak with an absess and air had gotten inside of me, causing severe infection. They immediately put a picc line in, refused me food and drink for 15 of the 17 days I was in the hospital, I was on 1900 calories of TPN for the 15 days and was also given 4 types of antibiotics. I had 3 more swallow tests while there and each revealed that the leak was not healing. I had my surgery done in Mexico and I live in Canada, so my sleeve surgeon could not do follow up. This being said, the doctors who treated me here were not happy that I had surgery in Mexico and therefore didn't treat me as well as I should have been treated. My sleeve surgeon (Dr. Castaneda...amazing, amazing doctor) kept in touch with me almost daily for well over a month and tried to suggest to the docs here that they should put in a stent. They refused. After my last swallow test revealed that the leak was still there, my docs decided they would do no more for me, took me off TPN, had me eat and drink on my own and 2 days later I was sent home. They told me if my symptoms came back, I should just go back to the hospital and they would admit me again. Otherwise, no need for follow up. I was very nervous to go home but I'm now 3 months post-op and I haven't had any further issues. Someone special has been watching over me! I've lost over 50 pounds and recently made it to Onederland!! Very happy that it turned out well, although it was rough going for a while. In the beginning I regretted getting sleeved, but now I would do it again! I have a 6 month old baby girl who needs a healthy mommy....and I'm getting healthier each day! Take care of yourself and if you ever need to chat, please do. You can also follow my journey on my blog at http://fatchickgonewild.blogspot.ca/ Merry Christmas!

Not sure if you're asking me? I was self pay for surgery and had the wonderful Dr. Castaneda do my sleeve in Puerto Vallarta, MX. I live in Saskatchewan, Canada so flying to PV for leak care just wasn't an option. If I hadn't been so sick and could have made the trip, I would have received way better care from Dr. Castaneda than I did from the doctors here. They did as little for me as possible...unfortunately. Dr. Castaneda checked in on me almost daily for a month and tried to make suggestions to the doctors here but they wouldn't hear of it. As for medical bills for my hospital stay, its all covered through Canadian health care and insurance through my wifes work.

Late leaks happen, which really means the leak was likely there from the start but wasn't detected until late. There was nothing I could do to prevent it from happening. I didn't break any rules. Since my leak was small, there were early signs but they were pretty minor so docs didn't really think that's what it was....until it was. Advice...just take it easy, don't break the rules, allow your stomach to heal and if you feel something is wrong, see your doctor. If something is seriously wrong, you'll know. The day I ended up in the hospital, I knew! I just knew.

I've been where you are....regretted getting the sleeve. I was 3 weeks out when a small leak and absess was found. Spent 17 days on TPN in the hospital...no food or drinks by mouth. Tons of meds, 4 leak tests total, CT scan, depression, dehydration, vomitting, passing out, pain...it was horrible. But 3 months out, 51 pounds down and finally in Onederland, I'd do it all over again. You'll get there....I promise. Just keep your eye on the prize.

The noisy, rumbling, gurgling stomach is very normal. I am 3 months post op and have it every time I eat. Not sure if and when that goes away.

Google It Works and find a rep in your area. Mine came to my house and did a wrap on my stomach. In 45 minutes I lost 7 inches total. Have been using wraps once a week for the past 3 weeks, plus the defining gel, which had helped firm up my skin and reduce the cellulite look. I love the products and will continue to use them for my entire journey.

I'm using It Works body wraps and defining gel as I lose weight. Had been helping thus far. I'm almost at 50 lbs lost in 2 1/2 months. As for your plateau, switch up what you eat, possibly increase your calories and change your exercise routine. Bodies become used to routine and need to be tricked. Good luck!

Wahooooooo!!!