My name is Shelia Im 36 years old and the mother of a 8 year old & a 5 year old. I was never really fat until I started having kids. Now at my present weight I weigh more than I did when I gave birth to either of my kids. I am really thinking of having this surgery. I have my papers from MCV right here in front of me and have started filling them out. However anyone that has has this surgery & would like to contact me and tell me how they feel about it and how they feel about Dr DeMaria or Dr Kellum I sure would be very happy to hear from you. Im a very big Pepsi drinker, and Im praying to God that I can lose that habit soon, so I will be ready for the let go of it lol If you email me could you please include like what you eat and drink of a typical day, Im really confused about that and I have started to try to make me a food diary so I can see what I need to do. Also on the meds & vit's you have to take for life. ANYTHING you want to tell me to help me I would love. Im in good health except for being round. I cant tell you what size I wear I wont buy clothes, cause they look big enough to fit a cow, & they either wont go on my butt or are skin tight lololol PLEASE EMAIL me, @ [email protected] Thank you so very much !!!!!!! Shelia

I have gone from a 3X to a size 10/12-It's a wonderful life!!

I can't believe it's been a year already since my surgery. Last year I used to imagine how much weight I would have lost in a year and couldn't really see myself losing as much as everyone else on this site. But, I am happy to announce that 1 year later, I have lost 147 lbs.! I have gone from a size 34 to a size 18. I feel great, physically, emotionally and mentally. Congratulations to all you posties celebrating and keep up the good work!

Ebony, This is the BEST thing I ever did for myself. On one hand it was the most "selfish" thing....and on the other, the most "selfless" thing. I have gone from a size 24 (252 at my highest weight, and I am 5'4") to a size 4. The confidence I have regained as a result, has been worth every second. But, I must add that I am one of the lucky ones. I have had very few problems, and have taken VERY good care of myself. Be aware that this is a life changing event, NOTHING will ever be the same. Feel free to email me if you want or need anything else. Brenda [email protected]

Hi Everyone, a year ago I was a size 32 and now I'm a size 22 and I feel great. I ahve about 90 more pounds to go but I figure patience is the key to everything. if there are any of you who had the VGB please contact me..and congratulations to all of you.