• Name: Audrey Wilson-Howell
• Age: 44
• Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
• Surgery date: May 9th, 2014
• Testimonial date: June 9th, 2014
• Surgeon: Dr. Almanza

I was not always an over weight woman. Actually was rather slim as a child. Was moderately muscular during my Marine Corp enlistment. Even owned a heath club and trained new members to use free weights for a few years after the corps. Yep, I was quite buff back in the day. That was then. This is now. Life happens. 1997 was the year my last of 3 daughters was born. I agreed to take Depo-provera after for worry free birth control. What a mistake. I gained 90 pounds as a side effect. My set point changed. My marriage changed. My health changed. My life changed.
Diet is a four letter word. I have lost remarkable amounts of weight by dieting in the past. Once, I kept the weight off for almost 3 years. But on May 9th 2014, I found myself weighing in at 266 lbs, 5'3" tall. My blood pressure meds (2) were just doubled in April. My Flexeril was no longer keeping the body aches at a tolerable level. I had just doubled my Cymbalta to help with the pains. I was headed down a very worrisome road. But..
I had the SLEEVE on May 9th, 2014. Today is June 9th, 2014, and I weighed in at 235 this morning. Already lost 31 pounds! It has not all been without consequence. The first week post-op was total HELL for me. But I survived and you will, too. But please note, the first week is wicked. You WILL need someone to help you. I'm a tough chic, but dayyyy-yum.
After the first week, I was craving foods I couldn't eat. Sometimes I would try to eat them knowing I shouldn't. I regretted it. You will do the same thing. (LOL) So, I have been close friends with yogurt and cottage cheese. Bean soup is also nice to me. Message me if you want more specific details about anything.
Life is very different. I don't regret the surgery, but I do miss eating favorite foods a little. I'm trying to change my perspective from: eating for enjoyment -to a new perspective: eating healthy to live. I think I'm gonna do well. I am feeling better... and- I no longer take meds for blood pressure management. And my need for flexeril is seldom. Not sure how that all happened, but it did. =)
I'll get some pics taken and post soon.

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* This is an actual testimonial, however, your results may vary. For more information, please read our Testimonial Disclaimer and Risks of Surgery.