Who Are You?

[navywife1978 19]

I'm Jamy Duran, 36 year old civil engineer by trade, I had to quit work three years ago because I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis..

I have one daughter who is 13 and a wonderful husband who is recently Navy retired Boot Camp instructor. I like music and flowers, I love to cook and my favorite kitchen gadget is my artesian kitchenaid mixer that I got for Christmas . ????

I'm Jamy Duran, 36 year old civil engineer by trade, I had to quit work three years ago because I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis..

I have one daughter who is 13 and a wonderful husband who is recently Navy retired Boot Camp instructor. I like music and flowers, I love to cook and my favorite kitchen gadget is my artesian kitchenaid mixer that I got for Christmas . ????

I'm Jamy Duran, 36 year old civil engineer by trade, I had to quit work three years ago because I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis..

I have one daughter who is 13 and a wonderful husband who is recently Navy retired Boot Camp instructor. I like music and flowers, I love to cook and my favorite kitchen gadget is my artesian kitchenaid mixer that I got for Christmas . ????

I'm Jamy Duran, 36 year old civil engineer by trade, I had to quit work three years ago because I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis..

I have one daughter who is 13 and a wonderful husband who is recently Navy retired Boot Camp instructor. I like music and flowers, I love to cook and my favorite kitchen gadget is my artesian kitchenaid mixer that I got for Christmas . ????

[navywife1978 19]

I'm Jamy Duran, 36 year old civil engineer by trade, I had to quit work three years ago because I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis..

I have one daughter who is 13 and a wonderful husband who is recently Navy retired Boot Camp instructor. I like music and flowers, I love to cook and my favorite kitchen gadget is my artesian kitchenaid mixer that I got for Christmas . ????

[Mariod811 4]

Hi

I am Mario De Giorgio a 60 year old male and I had my surgery on Jan.8th 2015 .Just 2 short months ago . I am down 34lbs since then .

But I am down a total of 52 lbs. since we started last Nov.2014

And I am down a total of 78 lbs. from my all time high of 344 lbs., 19 months ago .

I have dropped 5 pants sizes from a tight 54 waist to a very loose 44.

Sorry to say I do not see it when I look in the mirror ,although everyone tells me I look amazing ?

My personal goal is to be healthy I am off all meds.no sugar,no Blood pressure no nothing .

My doctor Mitchell Roslin and his staff and Northern Westchester Hospital were fantastic

Just a funny side not I was holding my 2 older grand daughters 2 and 3 yesterday and their total combined weight is 59 lbs.

Wow that's less than what I lost ( I feel great ) My family and friends were and are great support

Mario De Giorgio 914-536-0007

[theskinnyone 22]

I am a 40 yr old mother if 2 amazing kids. I have been married to my husband for 15 yrs ( I almost have him trained????). I am a pediatric nurse. I was banned11/11. Lost about 50lb but never found the "elusive sweet spot". The last year i had the band was awful. The port had migrated to under my ribs and i vomited all the time. It was too tight and that was my fault for pushing for more fill.... Hoping for more wt loss. Band removed 11/14???? and sleeved 3/2/15. It has been a long journey with a lot of self discovery.

[Gr8bowler 43]

Hello, My name is Wayne. I am 31, i work in Surveillance in a Casino in Philadelphia, PA. I am engaged and plan to get marrried in 2 years. I enjoy Philly sports, fishing, playing poker, golfing and bowling. I was in a bad accident 7 years ago and have 2 buldged dics in my lower back. Getting this surgery will help me lose the weight I am not able to lose anymore by working out and exercising. I am looking forward to becoming a new person and living a healthier life. My goal is to get down to around 225 and run my first marathon with my friend.

[Brenda300 2]

My name is Brenda B. Most of my life i had been happy, healthy,and involved. My weight flucuated, but i was running 2 businesses, taking vacations, loving life. In 2008 I was diagnosed with LAM, which precipitated a double lung transplant. It was then I gained 132 pounds, onto my already 180 pound body. My transplant team was adamant about losing weight.

After 2 years, I finally committed to having surgery done. The sleeve was chosen for me, because of all the med I am on. Surgery commenced Feb 19 2015, and I am down 32 pounds so far. So many questions, and looking for support out here.

[jrod3675 5]

Finally ready to give this a try. My name is Jarod. I'm 38, single with no kids. I have a 8 year old brother that I help my parents take care of. I've been over weight my whole life. I've tried every diet, legit and fad,there is. I could always lose some weight quick but always gained it back. I've developed severe sleep apnea, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol. I finally woke up thought about it. My family is important to me and they are having health issues of their own so they shouldn't have to worry bout helping me but I should be able to take care of them so I decided it was time for a change. I am getting sleeved Monday March 16. I'm on day 11 of my preop diet and it has been the hardest thing I've ever done. I've wanted to cheat but every time I get the urge I get on here and read everyone's posts and it helps me get my mind back on track. Already have lost 23 lbs in 11 days. I'm nervous about surgery because the most severe thing I've had so far is my wisdom teeth out. I'm hoping I will be one of the lucky ones with no problems but if I do I will just have to hang in there because you all showed me it will get better.

[ElleTx 14]

Hi my name is Elle. I'm 35 yrs old, mother of 2 beautiful children: daughter just turned 5 & a son who just turned 2, and I've been married a little over 6 yrs. I've been with the same global cosmetic brand for almost 14 yrs, and I'm so happy that I made this decision to have the gastric sleeve procedure.

I have been battling my weight since the age of 9 yrs old, and I have done all the diets and work out fads. I remember doing Sweating to the Oldies in elementary!

I'm 5'4 and my highest weight 286. I honestly kept the weight off for quite sometime, but life happens... I work all the time, skip meals regularly, and I started to feel guilty when I would try to sneak out for a workout in the morning before work & not utilizing that time with my children/ husband.

I finally made the decision to have the gastric sleeve procedure done & my husband was definitely against it at first. After many conversations; he excepted the decision I made.

My surgery was on Monday 03/09/15, and the first 2 days were the worse! 24 hrs of nothing in the system after the surgery & then the nasty liquid for the x-rays of my stomach.

My doctor informed me that my stomach was not the normal "J" shape & it took much longer with larger incisions to size down my stomach. Has anyone else had this issue?

I am so relieved to find a forum where people can reach out to each other for support!

[deb1327 15]

Hi my name is Debbie 47 married 30 2 kids 2 grandkids weight is238 5.2tall I'm trying to get the sleeve surgery and I don't kno if my insurance is going to cover have ask a lot and no one gives me the same answer .Have see physician asst nutritionist group pcp is all for it have high blood pressure and sever asthma see physician assistant and nutritionist on Monday my BMI is 44

I live in ma and have Medicare for insurance

[MoMo12onTheGo 66]

@@deb1327 .. Hi Deb, I have medicare and they require 3months following a diet your surgeon sets up for you with NO WEIGHT GAIN.. and I mean NONE.. not an ounce. I am 5'1, weigh 210 and they qualified me. So, good luck.

[arrical8 9]

My name is Arrica

A little about me, I am a mom to 4 kids, I work full time, and I am morbidly obese. I have always had weight issues; always been the heavier girl in the crowd. I have been dieting my whole life, but in September 2010 I decided to do something about it for good. I began my journey to lose weight and become healthier using the Medifast program. On the morning of October 14, 2011, I celebrated 150 pounds lost.

Later that same day, I also celebrated a new pregnancy and two weeks later was told I was having twins. My weight loss journey came to an abrupt halt. Over the course of my pregnancy, I gained 129 pounds.

Since the birth of my twins, I have been gaining and losing weight, trying desperately to get back to the size I once was. I now weigh 186 pounds more than I did on October 14^th. I currently have a BMI of 55.5

I have talked about Weight Loss Surgery for 20 years. I began researching my options, surgeons, and attending seminars 12 years ago. I started getting serious 2 years ago and I am currently looking at the gastric sleeve. I will be a self pay patient.

My goals are to be happy in my own skin again, lose weight, move more, and become a better me.

I know I have the motivation and will power to lose the weight again; I just need the support and accountability the gastric sleeve will provide me.

[crazyffhfan 44]

Hi! My name is Angie. I'm 38 years old and I have surgery one month from today. I am so nervous. I don't know whether I should read stories about the surgery, or come here and read about who you all are. But I did this first, so I'm going to tell you all a little bit about me. I have three beautiful daughters....ages 15, 7, and 5. They are so precious and perfect to me. I love them and they bring me great joy! Then there is my husband.....OMG!!! I have not ever in my life met someone so perfect for me. He is not the father to any of my children, but he loves them like they were his own. Each of my kids has a different father, please don't judge, because I wouldn't change that for the world! My husband and I lived together two years, and we got married on 2/15/15. Everyday since has been like a total dream come true. Just being with him and my girls makes me feel so blessed! Regardless of the daily struggle I have with my "fat suit" as I call it, I am able to see the many blessings God has given me. And yes, Jesus is an INCREDIBLE part of my life. HE is my everything.

Now, to be honest I am getting very nervous, even scared. When I thought surgery wasn't going to be until the summer I was cool. But today leaves me one month away. However, even with the nerves, I'm still excited to take this "suit" off. I want to feel better, move better, be better. I know that God has a plan, and I am praying with all I have that this is successful and just a complete blessing. Not only for me, but for my little ones. I want them to have mom around for a good long time!

Back to me: my husband and I LOVE to go sing karaoke. Some of my favorites to sing are "Sparks Fly", "So Small", anything by the Judds and Natalie Grant. (Gotta have some Christian music in there!) Yes, I'm a Christian, I go to an awesome church in Houston, called Crossroads Fellowship. It is awesome! The majority of my time I'm listening to music that is uplifting, Christian music is my favorite....KSBJ and Air1 lift my spirits.

I'm also an accountant. I LOVE LOVE LOVE numbers and working with them at my job everyday! With three kids and my husband being disabled, I have a lot on my plate. But my boss and coworkers work with me and give me a free flexible schedule. I can't tell you enough how great it is to work where I do. It's awesome. Oh, and my undergraduate degree was in Catholic Theology. Hear that? Catholic! HA! The church I attend now is Assembly of God. So different, but both so wonderful on so many levels. I have a great respect for Christian beliefs.

Well, that's about it of me. Any questions, let me know. This is actually my first post. Hope you all have a great and blessed day!

[dkh 5]

Hello fellow losers!

My name is Donna. I will turn 60 in a couple of weeks. OLD!!!! I am a retired R.N. I have been obese since I as 5 y/o. Was put on my 1st diet when I was 9 y/o. Got a "Molina" Lap band back in 1993, which helped for about 2 years. I lost and regained 100#. I have heard that a lot of people have had problems with Dr. Molina's procedure.

I am 4'11" and weigh almost 250 big ones. Bigger around than I am tall.

I am getting a sleeve as soon as the money is saved and I can get to Tijuana from Houston, TX; hopefully, early summer. Dr. Elias Ortiz will perform my Gastric Sleeve Revision.

I'm not married...for now. I have 2 beautiful daughters, 5 awesome grandchildren and 1 precious great grandson. I have a lot to live for and I'm ready to become a big loser!!

Edited March 18, 2015 by dkh

[dkh 5]

Hi Angie! Be Blessed!

Hi! My name is Angie. I'm 38 years old and I have surgery one month from today. I am so nervous. I don't know whether I should read stories about the surgery, or come here and read about who you all are. But I did this first, so I'm going to tell you all a little bit about me. I have three beautiful daughters....ages 15, 7, and 5. They are so precious and perfect to me. I love them and they bring me great joy! Then there is my husband.....OMG!!! I have not ever in my life met someone so perfect for me. He is not the father to any of my children, but he loves them like they were his own. Each of my kids has a different father, please don't judge, because I wouldn't change that for the world! My husband and I lived together two years, and we got married on 2/15/15. Everyday since has been like a total dream come true. Just being with him and my girls makes me feel so blessed! Regardless of the daily struggle I have with my "fat suit" as I call it, I am able to see the many blessings God has given me. And yes, Jesus is an INCREDIBLE part of my life. HE is my everything.

Now, to be honest I am getting very nervous, even scared. When I thought surgery wasn't going to be until the summer I was cool. But today leaves me one month away. However, even with the nerves, I'm still excited to take this "suit" off. I want to feel better, move better, be better. I know that God has a plan, and I am praying with all I have that this is successful and just a complete blessing. Not only for me, but for my little ones. I want them to have mom around for a good long time!

Back to me: my husband and I LOVE to go sing karaoke. Some of my favorites to sing are "Sparks Fly", "So Small", anything by the Judds and Natalie Grant. (Gotta have some Christian music in there!) Yes, I'm a Christian, I go to an awesome church in Houston, called Crossroads Fellowship. It is awesome! The majority of my time I'm listening to music that is uplifting, Christian music is my favorite....KSBJ and Air1 lift my spirits.

I'm also an accountant. I LOVE LOVE LOVE numbers and working with them at my job everyday! With three kids and my husband being disabled, I have a lot on my plate. But my boss and coworkers work with me and give me a free flexible schedule. I can't tell you enough how great it is to work where I do. It's awesome. Oh, and my undergraduate degree was in Catholic Theology. Hear that? Catholic! HA! The church I attend now is Assembly of God. So different, but both so wonderful on so many levels. I have a great respect for Christian beliefs.

Well, that's about it of me. Any questions, let me know. This is actually my first post. Hope you all have a great and blessed day!

[blacktee92675 120]

Me? I'm a husband of 30 years. A father to two responsible college grads with their own budding lives. I'm a son to my 72 year old mother, and a brother to my Navy brother who has been transporting Seals and Supplies to the Middle East for the past several years. I'm a friend to many, and aspire to be a servant to others.

After serving in the Navy for several oversees operations including the very first Gulf War, I had a choice to either follow a cycling career, or go into business. As you might guess, the fact that I'm here means I chose the latter. With that business career came security for my young family and more financial success than I expected. Unfortunately it also introduced me to a lifestyle that made it easy for me (personality/character flaw) to get into the unhealthy cycle of gaining and losing weight. Global travel and a seemingly unlimited expense account for client entertainment caught up with me, and my bike was collecting dust.

During the past 20 years I gained and lost countless pounds. I would put on weight, then diet and exercise my way back down to a fighting weight. The last weight loss ended in 2009, at which point I was back to amateur bike racing, and peddling about 250-350 miles per week to keep in shape, depending on travel. Then global travel picked up and so did the client entertainment ... Back to 383 pounds.

Our second child graduated in December of 2014. Finally done paying for tuition! Time for a permanent change, otherwise face the consequences - missing kids weddings, not being there for grandchildren, etc. We've been looking for assisted living for mother in-law (those places are like resorts)' and I don't see many 80+ year old obese people. So what to do?

I started a sabbatical at the end of January. Not an easy decision on a single income household. This sort of decision takes careful thought and planning. My intention is to take 6 months off to help make this a permanent change, and ramp back up to at least 200 miles of weekly cycling. It will also give me some time to think about what I do next in my career. The door is open to go back to work for my previous employer, which I may do. That said, I have decided I will NOT be going back to a position with global or even national responsibility. Enjoying another 30 years with my bride, and being there for my kids and (someday) grandkids is much higher priority.

Life choices are interesting. I don't have any regrets for making the decision to follow a business career instead of cycling. It was the responsible thing for a young father to do. On the other hand, that choice has a ripple effect that that leads me to post this message to all you fine people. I mentioned a passion to serve. God's plan for me is perfect, regardless of what I think. Perhaps this journey is part of that plan, and will prepare me for some sort of future service to others.

That's me.

Day 11 post-op at 6:40am.. Time to get in a quick 15 miles on the bike! The doc cleared me for easy rides last Monday, so I rode 13 miles on Tuesday and Wednesday. Felt great so adding a couple miles to the ride today. The road to 100 miles a week is easy. Getting a 300 mile week is a little harder. :-)