a little update with photos on my progress post surgery

[chocolatepuppy]

You're looking good Michelle! Good for you!

[mbsmum]

Congratultions on your weight loss. Good luck for the next 8kilos

[robinh]

Congratulations on your wonderful progress! My niece had that surgery and it's a tough one.

[pomtzu]

Lookin' good, girl!!! Keep up the good work - it is so worth it in the end.

My son had lap-band surgery in Sept 2011 and lost 100 lbs in under 12 months. He looks great, feels great, and has kept the weight off too. His weight is right where it should be, and he looks like he did in high school - and he's 44 yrs old!

[Pinot's Mom]

You look great! So glad your health has improved with the loss! Congratulations!

[Taz_Zoee]

That is awesome!! Great job! I know how hard losing weight is. But it's so rewarding to see the results. And it is discouraging when you stop losing as fast as you were. But I weigh myself each week and as long as I didn't gain weight I count that as success!

[Freedom]

Well done! Has the diabetes gone completely, as well? Sounds like you are doing well, keeping on track.

Psst! It is ok to smile for the camera!

[carole]

WOW you look fantastic,awesome, you must be feeling heathier and fitter now.

[caseysmom]

Not to steal your thread but i had my first weight loss surgery class. My insurance (kaiser) covers gastric bypass, sleeve, and lap band. Sounds like they do more gastric bypass than any of the others. Only problem is when healthcare laws change on January 1, 2014 they are not sure if it will still be covered. I am doing things as fast as I can to get it done this year.

My blood pressure is high so have to go on meds for that we are starting with water pills. My cholesteral and glucose were all good thanks god. Once I do my mammogram tomorrow my doc will schedule me with the surgeon. I am also paying to get a resting metabolic rate test which will basically tell you how many calories your body burns a day.

I am starting to drink lots of water and eat better and I already feel better. The worse part will be cutting out coffee at first. I had to go in for blood with no coffee felt like a walking zombie.

[kittycats_delight]

When I did my blood work and stress test pre-surgery I also had to go caffeine free. Can I suggest if at all possible steering away from the sleeve. The sleeve starts to fail around year five and you will end up having to get another surgery (usually gastric bypass). If you decide the more invasive route go gastric bypass if you can. The sleeve has the most stitches off all these surgery and the highest rate of sepsis occurring. It is the one that has the most likelihood of a stitch letting go within the first 48-72 hours which is the most crucial time as the stomach needs upto 72 hours to seal itself off again where it was cut. And besides that it kinda defeats the purpose in my opinion to get the sleeve if 5 years later you have to go get the bypass done anyway. I figure if you have to get it done anyway why do surgeries when you can do one. Keep us uptodate on your progress and let us know your decisions. :-)