Dr. Rickford performed my sleeve gastrectomy in November 2017. I have lost a total of 80 lbs so far and plan to lose 20 more. He is patient and has a wonderful bedside manner. My experience was great and I had absolutely no complications after surgery.

I'm schedule to see Yily on April 6, 2016 to have the following: Tummy Tuck Liposuction on Flanks, Abdomen, Back , and Arms Brazilian Butt Lift I rounded my budget to be 6grand. After I pay for my ticket, supplies, hotel, and medication it may be just about that. I'm taking Iron pills beginning today and Monday I will begin to change me diet up. I want to safely lose about 40lbs, I have 7-8 months to get it down pack. My current weight is 235. Goal is 190-200. I'll take any advice anyone has to offer as I hope this is the only and last time I have to Updated on 3 Sep 2015: I will post a pic of my front view and possibly my back view monday morning along with my weight. Updated on 4 Sep 2015: So, I forgot to tell you gals little about myself. I'm 27, a mom, a wife, a employee, and a college student. Yes I know I have a lot going on. So I have put two deposits down, 1 for Yily for April 6 and 1 for Almonte for March 10. I chose March 10th with Almonte because thats the day before spring break starts. So I can have my 7-8 day stay out there and a few days in the house. I will be taking about a 3-4weeks off work and just be attending school, I study accounting. April 6th would be six weeks before school is over if I go ahead and register for the spring. Almonte works magic I see, I'm not worried about going for round 2 because I will do everything I need to do with my body to maximize my results in round 1. Her work is amazing, its not over exaggerated and the scarring isn't bad at all. So far Almonte has my attention. Other news, next week I'm going to get my HEMO level check just to see where I am as of now. Afterwards I plan on purchasing liquid iron, vitamin -c powder and drink my 8oz green juice daily. Updated on 12 Feb 2016: So much has happened, whereas I won't be seeing Yily no time soon. But that doesn't mean I'm not doing something. I had found a doctor that does Weight loss surgery, in Washington D.C. and guess what...my medicaid covers it. So I'm expecting to get the gastric sleeve this summer. I go for my consult in a couple weeks. And from there, supposedly "I'm scheduled 2-3 months later". Be back ya'll. Updated on 22 Feb 2016: I went to my info session and I felt reassured that I was in the best care. Other women were there of different shapes and sizes as well as men. Many had asked about the infamous loose skin. I'm actually not worried about loose skin, I may have it but it won't be much. Nothing that will be noticable. Dr.Rickford offers 3 different surgeries, I'm interested in the gastric sleeve only. Hopefully he believes thats the best one for me as well. I had went and gotten my referral today, and I go to my next appt March 1 for my one on one consultation. I first must part take in six nutritional classes, and there on should be a breeze. Updated on 26 Feb 2016: Well I got a call from my PCP today and received some news. I'm pre diabetic. Yes I said it. I was so nervous not understanding what it meant. I just knew it sound like I was about to have it though. I asked what should I do, she said these things. 1. Go to a nutrition class. (started that on Tuesday anyways) 2. Exercise daily, at least for 30 minutes. (Tomorrow morning will 1st day) 3.Eat more GREENS (So, because I love a colorful salad I'll be eating a salad twice a day) 4. Go back and get my glucose level tested in 90 days. Pls support me on this journey, I want to be healthy its bout time I live like it. Updated on 1 Mar 2016: So, today I had my one on one consult with Dr.Rickford and his assistant Mel Williams. I must lose at least 15 pounds, and began eating healthier. I also got my list on different specialist I must see before my pre-op diet to get it approved through the insurance. He agreed the sleeve would be the best fit. I began my first nutrition class on April 7, which is an hr long. Updated on 15 Apr 2016: So I had went to my second nutrition class yesterday 4/14/2016. In this class we spoke about the changes we've made or want to make, weight management, and calories. We were also reminded of the required weightloss needed to be eligible for the surgery. My first weight in was 260 whooping pounds, yesterday I weighed in at 250 lbs. Can I say Yes!!! I am only required to lose 15-20 lbs and I still I got four months to do that. Half of the battle is already won. I have done different things to get those 10 pounds off. I drank protein shakes very often, laid off the red meat, drank much more water, and exercised more. Updated on 13 May 2016: So far i have lost 14 lbs, so that means i just gotta lost two lbs within two months. EASY! I now have to start seeing some of the required specialists so that i can be fully prepared. I have two more nutrition classes and then my preop. I'm so excited. Updated on 26 Aug 2016: So I had gotten the gastric sleeve surgery on August 17, 2016. I feel like this journey has gone so fast. The first day I felt so bloated, but it got better as the days went on. I was lucky to have my medicaid cover this surgery, because I sure didn't have the funds. Updated on 26 Aug 2016: So far everything is going great. I have been requested to stay outta work for a month because I do a lot of moving and not too much sitting. I have been drinking much water and between 2-3 protein drinks a day. Updated on 26 Dec 2016: I have made up my mind to see Fatima Almonte to get my mommy makeover done!! She quoted my $5300 and I am happy with that. The only thing I have to worry about is my iron intake. My weight is 183 height 5'4 so thats fine. I like my thickness, just want to lose some of the stubborn fat. Will post pics as soon as I place the deposit to let you know its real. The goal time frame is August 2017. Updated on 3 Jan 2017: Hey Ladies, and rare Gents!! I'm here now to document my NEW ME journey. Early in 2016 I had a gastric sleeve surgery losing 70 lbs. So with my current weight being now 181 I'm the weight I want to be and under the required BMI level. I am without a doubt going with Fatima Almonte, her work is amazing and I just know I will be too! Little info about me, I'm in Washington DC age 29. I wanted this surgery two years ago but at 260 and a BMI of 41ish I wasn't getting anything surgical done. I'm planning to go in Mid-late July 2017 and hopefully not alone. My first check in Feb I will have a date, and this time I'm going through with it. I'm getting a tummy tuck, liposculpture and a bbl. Down below I will post up to date pics. I do have a worry, just a worry. I have low iron, been anemic for a very LONG time. So lets see I now have 7 months to get my hemo up to 14 thats the goal. So on 12/27/16 I begin taking iron pills daily, as well as my hair and nails vitamins because it has many daily vitamins in those capsules as well. I want to begin eating foods rich in iron like clams, muscles, and oysters as well as my green veggies. Any advice I'd greatly appreciate it. Updated on 7 Feb 2017: Remember I started at 260. Updated on 23 Feb 2017: 166, gastric sleeve done me right! Updated on 21 May 2017: Started at 260, now I'm 157 Updated on 13 May 2018: Almost 2 years later I'm holding at 150. I cannot believe it! The last time I seen 150 was in high school, and then again it was 160. I believe I've been a inspiration for my husband to whereas he's now going through the nutrition classes to have the gastric sleeve in July 2018.

Hello I am 42 years old and schedule to have a Sleeve Gastrectomy done on 12/11/2017. pre-op appt is set for k 12/07/2017. I started this journey 7/05/2017 at 260 Ibs and as of 11/17/2017 I weigh 250. my Heavy weight was 295. I finish all my clearances within the two 4 month time frame. I'm very excited now that it's within my sights. I could have lose more work but between working two jobs, the only excising I do is walking for 1 hour everyday and for the last month I been watching what I eat heavy, but still there should not be any excuses. Hopefully I have lost some more weight when I go in for pre-op appt on Thursday. here are some before pictures Updated on 5 Dec 2017: My heaviest was 295 smh Updated on 8 Dec 2017: Well yesterday I Did my Labwork and my surgery is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, December 11, 2017. Pray for me and by the way this liquid diet sucks lol but it for the greater good. I lost 3 more pound so my current weight is 247. Here are my stat again HW 295 CW 247 GW 160 - 170. With me luck. Updated on 11 Dec 2017: Well I am having my sleeve don’t today at 11 am. So nerves but feel so good. Pleas pray one Updated on 12 Dec 2017: Well let me say this the first two days are unpleasant but you can get through them. Even though I didn’t think so lol. I don’t know what my current weight is but my HW 295 my Sleeve Surgery day weight was 246 and my GW is 165 - 170. Updated on 14 Dec 2017: Well I still don’t know how much I weigh today can not wait until Tuesday to see but here are measurements the day of surgery left arm 16.1 right arm 15.2 left thigh 30.1 right thigh 28 and a half hi waist 41 mid waist 42.2 low waist 42 hips 47 a half and neck 16.3. Now today December 14, 2017 left arm 15 and a half right arm 15.1 left thigh 29 and a half right thigh 27.5 high waist 40.2 mid waist 41 and a half low waist 40.6 Hips 46.3 neck 15.5. So as you can see I lose inches in 4 day. Yay Updated on 17 Dec 2017: I did lot of walking and moving around yesterday at my Isra’s’ Christmas Party that it wore me out lol. I be glad when my activities and nervy level goes up. Well I did achieve my first BM (I know TMI) but I was starting to worry. It was just a little one but process is process right Updated on 19 Dec 2017: Well I’m only 8 days out and down 10 pounds yay, My doctor said that real good so I’m excited. He also up my protein to 85 to a 100 grams a day and I am still in liquid for another 2 weeks which will be a total of three weeks. So just to review my status HW 295 SW 247 CW 237 GW 165 - 170. J am also 5’9 Updated on 25 Jan 2018: Well hey everyone I am currently 226 lbs so that only 10 lbs from my last doctors visit on 12/19/17. So I’m kind of bum of just losing that but my doctor say that’s great so I will leave it there Updated on 8 Jun 2018: Well I just did my 6 month check up and Here are my stat HW 295, SW 246 CW 211 GW 160 - 170. My doctors say I am doing get and on my next 3 month visit I should be under 200 I will keep my finger crossed.Pictures coming in a minutes Updated on 8 Jun 2018: Don’t be Seeing the weight come off but people and pictures are all the proof I need

Consult went great. Dr. Rickford is very nice and very clear about the procedure. My insurance requires a 6 month waiting period but I am going to verify that. I start nutrition class in March and I am required to take 6 of them prior to surgery. I am really excited and will keep you updated with my journey. Updated on 12 Jul 2016: Hi all! i havent been on here in a while. Just wanted to update you with my progress. I have my last class (pre-op) at the end of this month and have my appointments lined uo for medical clearances. I didnt know i couldve been making appointments during the 5 months i was attending my nutrional classes, but no worries. I have made hald of my appointments pretty easily and they are all coming up. Im looking foward to surgery. Im hoping I can schedule it for September or October. Updated on 5 Dec 2016: Hello All! its been a while. I have a tentative surgery date of 12/19/16. I started my liquid diet today. Its hard to keep up, but im getting it all in. I cant wait! If anyone has any tips, please feel free to post! xoxo Updated on 28 Nov 2017: one year sugerversary coming up! I'm down 65 pounds and loving the journey. Starting to look for docs in my area for a mini tummy tuck. Im so excited.

Hello my name is Marquita originally from Baltimore growing up I never had a weight problem until I turned 20 I had my first child at 33 and I decided a year ago to go for bariatric surgery last year I was 3:25 today 1997 I did that in one year on my own I tried almost everything pills powder shake you name it so I also have been taking high blood pressure pills for two years now no matter what I did my pressure will not go down and it got to the point I felt like I was scared to eat anything about a week ago my primary doctor put me on water pills my pressure was 201 a week ago for the last 4 days my pressure has been down 118 awesome so a friend of mine ask me about considering bariatric surgery I was kind of scared and felt like old I can do it on my own I've done it before and recently I just decided to go for it I've done my research checked out Hospitals and found out that one hospital in my city let's my insurance pay for everything cool huh so I've done the informational session and my assessment when I met the surgeon Dr Rickford is so amazing and very patient and not to mention handsome haha anyway he wants me to do lose 20 pounds prior to the surgery I guess I could do that but of course is hard because now I'm at 297 I'm 5 foot 1 I will be posting pics the first pic is when I was 3:25 and the last pic is the most recent so till then peace Updated on 26 Sep 2016: Hi friends, its been awhile, well i am done with my 5 month nutrition class, and i was told by the nutritionist that i will have my surgery the last week of October 2016, i will be getting it don e by Dr Rickford, have anyone had they're sleeve done by him? please let me kn ow. i go to my pre op class ,,,,9I think that's what it is) next week to get educated on starting my two week liquid diet. i have went to all my appts except three gas,sleep and therapy, got to get it on the roll. I got to my gas appointment today, after that therapy and sleep, although I was told my surgery week, I have yet to know if amerihealth approved yet, im not sure how the nutritonist was able to tell me my surgery week. well anyway it has been a rollercoaster with trying to lose weight. i love the protoen powder i use which is Eas whey protien powder. I mix it with water and stevia for tast3. I keep bouncing between 296-303, i was 325, so I guess with the liquid diet it might help, so thats all for now . Updated on 12 Apr 2017: March 27 2017 The first week was rough the liquid it's was so hard getting my water intake and I mean it was painful trying to get rid of that guy 3 days after my surgery I was able to pass gas for days after the surgery I took my first it was wonderful haha but I must say that Tom's work very well for me so right now I am on almost three I have been on clear liquids the first week of my surgery and since then I have been on full liquids on the 5th of March I will be on parade food and I am looking forward to it I miss you but all and all I am grateful and I have lost 45 and I feel wonderful the only thing about it is that my size 22 are falling off of me so I am wearing leggings my size 3x shirts are starting to drag a little my stomach has went down I was also given a IVC filter to stop blood clots from forming I have heard bad things about this device but I tell you the surgeon that did my surgery my vsg dr. Marc rickford he is amazing he is at Providence hospital here in DC and I did my research on him my family did my research on him he is most serious about what he does and his staff takes very good care of you I feel wonderful I do not feel like I had surgery almost two weeks ago I feel totally blessed and I thank the good Lord for the strength for my body to withstand the pain because I did hear horror stories so now I am doing wonderful I have learned how to listen to my body I drink slowly I do get full faster even when I feel the most hunger but it is teaching me that I have to listen to my body and that is what I'm doing getting this surgery was a true blessing and I feel wonderful I have been 325 until last year when I got down to 309 that is when I started my journey to get sleeved when I went into surgery I was 288 I am now 264 pounds wonderful I feel just wonderful and my journey just began God bless Updated on 11 Aug 2017: Feeling Great! I'm 244lbs, fresh from a 2 month stall of 250lbs Struggled with water intake , but it's getting better, went from wearing 3x down 2 x and 1x I went from wearing a size 22-26 to sizes 18-20, I've been taking off water pills and the surgeon is thinking about taking me off my pressure pills. I began as 325 lbs I am now 244 lbs, my new goal for the next 30 days is to reach 230lbs????