This time last year............

[barrbdoll 287]

I was 332 lbs...... I flew to Mexico with my mother to embark on a journey to change my life!! All I can say is WOW... what a difference one year makes!! I have surpassed my goal and have lost 135 lbs. Dare I say that my journey has been relatively "easy"???? YES!! It has!! There was no pain.... only a general soreness in my abdomen..... No gas, no nausea, nada!! I have a little reflux here and there but daily a daily OTC med that keeps everything under control. I have exercised... some... not a lot and my body has transformed!!!

My surgeon Dr. Ariel Ortiz is AMAZING!! He and his staff were very accommodating and have been extremely supportive. I have made lifelong friends with other patients and refer to them as my "sleeve sisters"!!!

When I look at my "before" pic I can't even believe that I let myself get that big. I have always been a happy and confident girl and even at 332 lbs I still felt beautiful. I am definitely an advocate for this surgery as it's changed my life... I am still the same happy and confident girl but my "light" is shining a lot more brighter now!! I feel as if my outside finally matches my inside!!!

In honor of my accomplishments I had an incredible photographer take some pictures of me... I was blown away when I received them.... I've posted my before and after pics... WOW!!! What a difference!!!

For those that are contemplating this surgery.... DO IT!! If your insurance doesn't cover then go to Mexico as they have top surgeons and incredible care!!! I obviously have to recommend my surgeon and his clinic www.obesitycontrolcenter.com. I cannot thank them enough for their service, hospitality and support!! I am TEAM ORTIZ all the way!!!

[Ballermom 803]

Wow. You look Fantastic. Congrats

[FeeIsMe2 508]

Awesome! Congrats!

[lyndeeboo 68]

What an amazing transformation and testimony!! I'm still in the waiting stages and seeing posts like this take away ANY doubt and fear that I might have. Thank you for this!

And seriously, can you look like any more of a SUPERMODEL?!?! You are gorgeous!!!

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

what a difference one year makes!!

barrbdoll

I don't see as well as i used to

hun is that really you??

OMG

It is you, it is you!!!

what a difference!!!!

good for you - realizing how special you are - and spending a little money to have great pictures of your new self

goal, how great are you!!!

is your sexy pose considered X rated??

terrific weight loss!!

good job

i know you will continue your success through your longer, healthier, happy life

congrats

[barrbdoll 287]

LOL!!! YES that's ME!!!!

I used to be a plus size model when I was younger (20 years ago) and even then I was 230lbs... I'll be 39 this year and I feel better now than I did then!!! I think I may have submit my pics again and try to pick up a few jobs!!!!

Thanks Everyone!!!!

[Ljp 157]

What a mighty transformation! You look fantastic!!

[tannak 60]

I wouldn't have known you were the same person looking at both pictures!! Awesome job!

[asmaclare 38]

Wow wow wow. My surgery is Thursday and I'm starting to get nervous and scared again. This is exactly what I needed to see. Congrats to you!!!

[barrbdoll 287]

Wow wow wow. My surgery is Thursday and I'm starting to get nervous and scared again. This is exactly what I needed to see. Congrats to you!!!

You are going to do great!!!! Just keep positive!!! This may be hard to believe but I wasn't nervous a single second!!! Clear up when they wheeled me into the OR and the Anesthesiologist told me he was about to give me the best margarita of my life!!! LOL I was so in "the zone" that nothing was going to stop me from being successful! I firmly believe that a positive mental mindset is one if not THE KEY to a successful surgery, recovery and overall weight loss!! Just understand that stalls will happen and don't be hard on yourself when you see the scale at the same weight for a month. I lost the majority of my weight in first 7 months. The last 6 months I have lost 25 lbs.. Everyone's journey is different so just enjoy the ride and try not to compare yourself with others..

Best of Luck!!!!

[aroundhky 1,174]

I was 332 lbs...... I flew to Mexico with my mother to embark on a journey to change my life!! All I can say is WOW... what a difference one year makes!! I have surpassed my goal and have lost 135 lbs. Dare I say that my journey has been relatively "easy"???? YES!! It has!! There was no pain.... only a general soreness in my abdomen..... No gas, no nausea, nada!! I have a little reflux here and there but daily a daily OTC med that keeps everything under control. I have exercised... some... not a lot and my body has transformed!!!

My surgeon Dr. Ariel Ortiz is AMAZING!! He and his staff were very accommodating and have been extremely supportive. I have made lifelong friends with other patients and refer to them as my "sleeve sisters"!!!

When I look at my "before" pic I can't even believe that I let myself get that big. I have always been a happy and confident girl and even at 332 lbs I still felt beautiful. I am definitely an advocate for this surgery as it's changed my life... I am still the same happy and confident girl but my "light" is shining a lot more brighter now!! I feel as if my outside finally matches my inside!!!

In honor of my accomplishments I had an incredible photographer take some pictures of me... I was blown away when I received them.... I've posted my before and after pics... WOW!!! What a difference!!!

For those that are contemplating this surgery.... DO IT!! If your insurance doesn't cover then go to Mexico as they have top surgeons and incredible care!!! I obviously have to recommend my surgeon and his clinic www.obesitycontrolcenter.com. I cannot thank them enough for their service, hospitality and support!! I am TEAM ORTIZ all the way!!!

Holy.......wow!! Hum a na, hum a na!! Way to go and congrats!!

[marmir 8]

Omg! You look great! And younger too.. I am hoping for similar results as yours!

[AuntB 19]

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[rdoactv 218]

Awesome job. U look beautiful.

[Nicolanz 1,484]

Wow Wow woweeee! You are so beautiful! You were actually my inspiration to get sleeved. I saw one of your post while pre op and said, " yup, I'm doing this!" Congratulations!