nowatgoal

So much FUN to see these photos! I'm glad you posted. I have one pair of exercise pants that I wore at my heaviest but they were kind of stretchy so I don't think it will illustrate the difference as well as yours do. You're looking amazing!!! Way to go!

Such kind comments. It was fun to sit down yesterday morning and think about how my life has changed. Thanks so much for celebrating my 3 mo. surgiversary and NSV's with me!

Today is my 3 month surgiversary and with Thanksgiving in two days I thought I'd post all the NSV's I'm thankful for at this point. I lost 30 lbs. last year before deciding to have VSG so I'm actually down a total of 74 pounds since this last Thanksgiving. I have been too embarrassed to post pics but in honor of my surgiversary, I've decided to finally post a "before" pic at my highest weight and also an "in progress" pic of me (10 lbs ago). Sorry, I don't have a more current one. I'm 3 mo. post op and I know I'll be to goal before another 3 mo. has passed I KNOW I'll lose the weight AND keep it off, instead of just hoping I will When I said goodbye to the 200's, 190's, 180's, 170's, and now 160's - I knew I was never going see those numbers again I'm wearing a size 8/10 pants, and medium tops I enjoy clothes shopping again I get to donate all my big clothes that I hid behind I buy things that are form fitting now sleep apnea is much better My knees/ankles/feet don't hurt at night My BP is great I'm not constantly out of breath it's easier to roll over in bed I can cross my legs and keep them crossed easily sex isn't filled with my wondering if he's noticing my fat rolls I no longer am resolved to the idea that I'll live a short life - I can imagine I'll grow old some day When I look in the mirror I no longer hear negative self talk, I like what I see, I feel pretty My fiance is always checking me out I'm not terrified that the holidays are coming and someone will post a pic of me on FB - posting my own pics now all the time when I meet someone I don't wonder if they are thinking about how fat I am I don't hide in my home anymore, I attend social functions or outings and enjoy myself I'm no longer embarrassed all the time, or feel like the fattest person in a room, or worry that I'll run into someone I know Eating is getting easier - haven't thrown up in several weeks (this was an issue the first 10 weeks) food doesn't have the power it used to I'm rarely hungry a restaurant meal can last me two/three days I look forward to getting on the scale I'm no longer invisible, I'm treated differently People are nicer to me I'm sure I could list another dozen if I thought about it some more. This really is a life changing experience. I knew it would be because I've lost all the weight three times before in my life but it's always come back on, plus more. The best NSV is just knowing that this is it. I never have to go through being obese again! Thank you for the wonderful support I have received along the way. This is truly and warm, caring, educational group of people and I'm so thankful for this forum because you've answered questions, lifted me up, and shared unselfishly your own journeys in order to help others.

Look at your tiny self! And you're just beaming with happiness. Definitely a success story with a happy ending. Congrats!

Happy Halloween everyone!!! You all have made such incredible progress and I've enjoyed following you along with this challenge. Thanks for the inspiration. I managed to beat my Halloween goal of 165 by two pounds. Whoohoo! That means I lost a little over two pounds (about 2.5) each week. I'm happy with that. I'm going to head over to the Christmas challenge page and set a new goal. Hope to see you there.

Today I reached my Halloween goal of 165! Ended up having a second stall so I wasn't sure I'd make it. Like a lot of people, I lose in stair step fashion. Feels really good to meet this goal! I'm going to treat myself to a new pair of pants that fit my smaller bum.

Started the challenge on Sept. 12th at 178. Today I'm 171. I'm happy with the -7 lb. loss because I had a two week stall. Still feel like my goal of 165 is doable. The 160's are so close! I finally went and bought some new pants a couple weeks ago. I've worn the slacks once and when I put them on today they are already loose! Can't believe I have that problem already. Not complaining though.

The day I joined this challenge I was at three weeks post-op and worried I might be facing a stall... I was right. I spent two weeks at the same weight. Finally, the scale has started to move again and I'm down 3 lbs. I still feel like I can reach my Halloween goal of 165. The best NSV yet was buying a size 12 pair of jeans yesterday. I wanted to announce it from the roof tops but I settled for just calling my honey ( who has no clue about woman's sizes) and then calling my daughter who could comprehend the gravity of this event. LOL

SN...........................Starting Wt........Current.......Goal.......Lbs to Goal Slimming Sara.............204...................178.............165.............13 First time participating in a challenge. Fun! I'm aiming for about 2 lbs. a week. Since I'm at 3 weeks sleeved today, I'm hoping that I won't hit that dreaded stall I keep hearing about. I'm so excited to get into the 160's again!

MeMe - I'm in the same boat. But I'm 2 1/2 weeks out. I am only getting about 200 calories a day. When I eat mushies they often feel stuck in my throat and it will take hours for the feeling to go away. Plus, then I can't seem to drink the fluids that I should... How does one get fluids in and calories in, in a situation like this? My energy level is so low at this point that I'd love to be able to get the calorie count up.

My pre-op diet was 2 weeks - first week one lean, green, meal was allowed; second week, just fluids. Lost: 10 lbs.

Thank you for posting this, Kelly! My exercise routine doesn't involve much at this point (I'm exhausted by the time I walk out the door to the street) but this is all good to remember. I hope you are feeling better soon!

With the limited calories and salt intake, my blood pressure has dropped drastically and now I am very dizzy when I stand (everything goes black and I have to wait a minute till my sight clears). I usually get up very slowly and hold on to something and wait for it to pass. I have been trying to add salt to my diet here and there. There have been a few times that I have felt my knees starting to give out. I'll be curious to hear what your doctor tells you about it. Maybe you could pass the information along.

I'm ALIVE!!! Had my surgery yesterday afternoon at 4 pm. Got to meet Pam face to face and she provided me with comfort and strength. I'm doing well. We've both been sleeping a lot today. The gas pains are beginning to kick in so I'm trying to force myself to walk. Overall it's all doable and I'm happy that the recovery is only going to get better day by day. I'll post more about it all later, for those that might be interested. Thank you for your prayers and healing thoughts!

Thank you, everyone. I had one last cry as I read your responses - but it was a good cry because I felt supported and that's what I needed. Now I've pulled up my big girl panties (can't remember who says that on here...). Since I'm not about to change my mind, and I'm getting on the airplane in the morning, my worrying about it is doing me absolutely no good. I will keep myself occupied so I don't dwell and what will be, will be. I appreciate the prayers and healing thoughts. Your words of understanding helped me more than you can know. I will post as soon as I possibly can once I'm on that losers bench! BIG SIGH!

I know that there are so many people out there that will understand how I'm feeling, so I decided to post. I NEED some support today. My surgery is tomorrow in Mexico with Dr. Kelly. I decided to make the trip alone because I didn't think it was necessary to interrupt anyone else's schedule. I have been crossing off the calendar days, following my two week pre-op diet to the letter (not an easy couple of weeks!), and watching and posting on the boards here every day... and now, it's finally my turn. I have my carry on bag half packed with all the recommended things you all have talked about taking to the hospital. I have my notes typed up for my last pre-op youtube video for shooting this afternoon. I guess you could say "I'M ALL READY"... BUT, I'm not. I suddenly feel sick to my stomach. Anxious. Teary eyed. My inner voice keep asking "Are you sure you should be doing this?" I'm scared and nervous. I usually embrace change and love a challenge. Some might describe me as a calculated risk taker. So, why am I feeling like such a chicken all of a sudden? Intellectually, I know this is totally normal. But, I thought it would be a breeze for me and now I'm being hit with morbid ideas of dying all alone. Seems a bit silly - but there you have it. I'm not worried about the pain, or the healing, or the diet afterwards. I guess I'm most worried about just waking up alive and well....

Congratulations on Onederland!!! How thrilling to see those numbers! And, yes, you did to it "the successful way". I love that thought. I may use that phrase if I ever have someone say that I did it the easy way. SO happy for you. P.S. Tomorrow is my big day... so I'll see you on the losers bench tomorrow PM. Yikes!

Yeah! Glad everything went well and thanks for letting us know. As I get closer and closer to the surgery date I get more and more anxious. I keep checking to make sure everyone is ending up on the losers bench safe and sound.

Beach Baby, I'm SO excited for you. I'll be sleeved on Monday. When you're able, please let us know how you're doing. I'll be thinking about you and rooting you on tomorrow!!!

So glad to hear that you are doing well. I hope your recovery continues to go well.

I have had migraines in the past and have learned that I need to take headache medicine before it gets too bad. I drink coffee every morning and love my carbs so when I went on the two week pre-op diet and cut those things out, I suffered from headaches for 5 days. I was worried they'd turn into migraines but with tylenol about 3 times a day I was able to keep them from getting too bad. Day 6 I was feeling much better and haven't had a headache since (I'm on day 10 now).

1. I would much rather have a good time in bed with my DH than think about what is for dinner or desert. I can see why you would put this as #1! LOL

Congratulations on your couch to 5k! Fantastic! And 70 pounds in 6 months is a great loss. I've always had a carb addiction. Sweets were not my issue. I worry that I will go back to that way of eating when I'm able. I'm going to have to keep a sound awareness around it. The good thing is that I love protein so if I stick with protein first that will cut down on the carbs. I hope your 5k run goes great. Keep us posted!

Let us know how you're doing. Hopefully everything went perfectly and you are recovering peacefully. Congratulations on being on the losers bench now!

Wow - you look so good! The short hair looks great and you have such a perfect little figure. I would never have guessed you were once over weight.