Am1e

I was banded march 2010. Originally lost 25 lbs in a year, then gained it back the following year. I had a revision surgery where Dr Ortiz from OCC removed the band and did the sleeve surgery at the same time. I lost 20 lbs in the first month. And I am still losing weight. There's some ups and downs but I wish I would have chosen the sleeve originally. I LOVE it. I no longer feel hungry. I see that I used to eat for boredom and other emotional reasons. My advice - drink plenty of fluids! The one night I had a bad time was dehydration. Luckily I got it corrected without ER visit through phone consult with the dr at OCC. But it feels terrible! I was weak, felt like vomiting, and thought I was going to faint. I don't think you will fail with the sleeve. For me it is an awesome tool. In the beginning I was thinking about all the things I can't wait to eat, but now I don't even care about those things. I just want to put in the very best foods since I barely eat any food. I'm sure you are going to do great!

Isn't that exciting!! You look great, BTW.

I have been to Dr Ortiz twice. Once in 2010 for a lap band and then Nov 2013 for a revision to the sleeve. Loved him and his staff both times. My band didn't have issues, I just moved to West Texas and couldn't find an in network provider to continue fills, adjustments, etc. I like all the people in his office. These are the ones I have talked to or remember specifically: Miranda, Carolyn, Lori, Dr Ortiz, Dr So, Dr Martinez. I email them whenever I have a question and they call me or email me back very quickly. If anyone were to ask me, this is the place to go. I preferred going back to Dr Ortiz over trying to find a US doctor who could have possibly got my insurance to pre authorize surgery. Especially the 2 doctors near me in west Texas. I wish my other health care providers in the US were as good as OCC.

I say 2 just for a bit, cause you will be looking at a 1 being first in no time.

So awesome! But girl you need to get used to (just for a bit) putting a 2 first in your weight!!! Look at your post, right where it says CW: !!!

So awesome! Love all the pics.

I am 5 weeks post op revision from band to sleeve. I have had several emotional lows. I think it is a combination of everything. Medications, anesthesia, the pre-op and post op diet. I used to medicate these emotions with food. But I am so happy because a side effect of the diets is freedom from food addictions, IF you just never go back. I am only 5 weeks out but I have switched from sugar to stevia. No soda at all. No sweet tea at all (which is my favorite drink of all time). If I just force myself to have 0 calorie sweet tea (stevia sweetened) from now on and never go back, I can be free from it. So when I am low I try to focus on the weight I have lost and the weight I will lose. Also a walk or 10-15 min on the elliptical will release the same endorphins that cookies and candy would have. I have been trying to use exercise (easy stuff since I am only 5 weeks out) to replace my food addictions. I hope it works. Imagine going for a run instead of eating that tub of ice cream. I hope I can be THAT person.