KristenVSG2014

That's interesting. I know he was with ALighterMe at one point then he partnered with Mexico Bariatric Center but then he started Specialized Bariatrics with his wife. As far as I can tell their website is still up and running, they even updated it recently. Have you spoken to their coordinator, Cathy?

Thanks! It's definitely a lot of hard work and dedication but I would do it all over again. I hope you have a good experience. If you have any questions I would be happy to help.

@@mdlange, when you feel well enough can you give us an update?

I was sleeved by Dr. Lopez last November but it was at Mi Doctor Hospital. You can find my experience here: http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/320791-Kristen%27s-Journey-From-Pre-Op-and-Beyond

I love your stall post. I've read it at least 5 times now because it's a good article!

Before and after. Less than 50 pounds to my goal weight!

Update! Weight as of February 1 was 208.6. That's a total loss of 52.2 and 81.4 since my highest weight! 2/1 Measurements Neck - 13 1/2 Liver - 38 Waist - 37 Hips - 44 Arm - 14 Thigh - 24 1/2 Total Lost Neck - 1 1/2 Liver - 7 Waist - 8 Hips - 9 Arm - 2 1/2 (each) Thighs - 3 (each)

Try to find a place with benches (like a park or mall). One week out I went to this lovely park and walked (more like strolled) one mile but I had to stop and sit on the bench three times. If I felt at all I needed to rest, I did. Just take it easy and don't get too exhausted. This early out it's not about burning calories, but more about helping your body to heal and getting a regular exercise program started.

Becca!!! So happy to hear from you, buddy. I was staying at 30 g or less a day and he wants to me to try and double that. He said 30-35% of my calories should be from carbs and I had mine set at only 15% because of my PCOS. (Edit to add: He also stressed the importance of getting carbs from HEALTHY sources only like starchy vegetables, fruit, Beans, etc. NOT French fries, Pasta, bread, etc.) On a side note, my libido has gone waaaaaay down. I simply have to interest. Strange because I've never had this issue before. Oh yeah. And now I have periods. I didn't miss those...not one bit. So I know my hormones are regulating. My body is just a bit whacky right now!

What they said ???? Good luck!

I had my 3 month checkup with PCP today. He was very happy with my progress and gave me a prescription for Omeprazol. He is ordering new bloodwork. I printed charts from MFP showing my last 3 months of calories, carbs and protein. I told him that I'd been very tired, sore, irritable and depressed. He looked over everything and said I needed to increase my carbs. Apparently when you stay in ketosis for long stretches it depletes your glycogen stores and eventually your body starts to cannibalize itself without a ready source of energy (carbs). That explains why I'm sore for 3-4 days anytime I exercise. So I'm going to increase carbs and see how it goes!

If you need the full amount you can try to apply for an unsecured loan. It isn't only about credit, it's also about your debt-to-income ratio. If those aren't really great they may ask for collateral. If a traditional bank doesn't work, you could try CareCredit but the interest rates may be much higher.

Sure my knees were starting to hurt and I've had back problems for many years...I was insulin resistant with PCOS and borderline blood pressure. My decision to have this surgery was because my pants were too tight and I was sliding dangerously close to my previous highest weight. I felt like I had wasted my 20's and I wanted to spend the next decade of my life at a normal size, enjoying things I would never done at my previous weight. I don't think it's superficial to want to be "normal". I'm not asking to look like a supermodel. I just want to be comfortable in my own skin. But I do think it's superficial when people I know start being nicer to me because I'm smaller. That irritates me. Discrimination irritates me. But that's another topic.

I had the sleeve surgery in Mexico on 11/3/14, one week before my 29th birthday. I'm 5'7, my highest weight is 290 and my weight when I decided to get surgery was 261. I have PCOS and have always fought for every single pound I lost. It seemed like I could follow my diet perfectly 95% of the time and workout but that 5% would set me back every single time. I used to joke that I could look at a potato and gain 5 pounds. It's kinda true. Since I decided to get surgery I'm down over 50 pounds and over 80 since my heaviest weight. The biggest piece of advice I have for you is to follow a low carb diet as much as possible after surgery. This can make you or break you with PCOS and insulin resistance. Also, my periods have started back, although I forgot how bad cramps can be and now I miss not having one! I work at a bank so I just told my boss I needed a loan and I was approved on the spot. I didn't go through A Lighter Me or Dr. Kelly so no advice there.

The good: I'm down 50+ lbs since surgery, 80+ from my highest weight. Today was my 3 month surgiversary. I go see my PCP tomorrow to run bloodwork. I am in a tight size 14, very comfortable size 16. The bad: I still have some pretty bad heartburn so I guess I'm going to be on PPI's for a while. Unfortunately I've noticed some increased hair loss. It's not noticeable on my head yet, only in the shower and brushing my hair. I also have had depression that I can't shake for about a month but I don't know if there's any correlation to my surgery since I have a lot of stressors in my life right now.

You can eat the wrong things whether you have bypass or sleeve. I know someone who had bypass and while she lost weight, she has now fallen into bad habits like Coca Cola and other sweets. She was never able to reach her goal weight and blames the surgery. I had the sleeve and while I've been very successful considering I'm only 3 months out, it's been because I went in knowing that my success depended on ME and what I chose to put in my mouth. My sleeve is simply a tool. I actually have had a few dumping episodes with the sleeve...from milk and sausage, not sweets. But I LOVE my restriction. I went on vacation last week and was able to eat 1-2 bites of carbs (Mac & cheese, key lime pie, cheese grits) a few times and I was totally satisfied. I also lost weight despite not tracking my food for a week. But I also stayed active and never ate more than 3 meals a day. If you follow the rules (Protein first, veggies next, carbs last, no soda, etc) you will lose weight no matter which surgery you choose. This is more of a mental challenge than a physical one. Be prepared for that.

I normally get a "wave" go through my stomach and chest. I know once I've gotten that feeling to stop. It's hard to explain. But one more bite and I'll have that uncomfortable pressure in my chest that takes 30+ minutes to go away.

Gorgeous!!

SUCCESS!! I accomplished something I've always wanted to do - paddle boarding! :-) I can't imagine doing this 50 pounds ago. It requires a lot of balance and focus. The wind and current were really strong too. Woo hoo!!!

"If it's too good to be true, it usually is." Save that money for a personal trainer or tummy tuck. ???? http://www.hellawella.com/why-you-shouldnt-waste-your-money-on-body-wraps/17466

Body wraps are a pyramid scheme. All you lose is water, not fat. Rub yourself down in some coconut oil and wrap yourself up and you'll get the same result. Don't waste your money.

Sleeved 11/3 and I'm down 51.4 pounds so far. Halfway to my goal weight!

I'm 800 calories, minimum 60 grams of protein, try to stay under 30 grams of carbs. I get 72 ounces of water.

I have PCOS and when I lost a lot of weight about 4 years ago the same thing happened to me. Periods from hell, clots the size of golf balls. I became anemic during my period and would crave red meat constantly. My Gyno said she believed my PCOS was masking underlying Endometriosis and when I lost weight and began regulating my hormones it exposed how heavy and severe my periods were. They were so bad she suggested putting me on Mirena IUD. It took about 6 months for my body to regulate but now I never have any blood. I still have a period, just no need for a pad or tampon. Just make sure if you decide to get an IUD you research it. I personally would not have chosen the Mirena IUD as a contraceptive alone because it doesn't prevent ovulation, it prevents your lining from building up. That means your egg could still be fertilized but not able to implant in your lining. I believe life begins at conception. But my husband had a vasectomy years ago so I got it strictly for health reasons. I love it!

I'm 5'7. Thanks for reading!