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Thanks everyone!!

So after being stuck between 203-207 for nearly 8 months I have finally broken that huge goal and hit 198 this morning. Holy cow!! Feels so amazing, pretty sure I haven't weighed under 200 since Jr. High. Surgery was February 20th, 2012 where I weighed in at a whopping 368 lbs. I'm pretty sure that wasn't my highest, but that's where I start this journey. This was honestly the best decision I have ever made in my life. If I had it to do again, I wouldn't change a thing!

I was just getting around after my 9 am surgery. The minute I woke up, I thought (and said out loud) what in the heck did I just do to myself? I was in so much pain and so so thirsty. A friend had told me - even if you don't feel like it - get up and walk. That's what I did, almost non stop. I was ready to feel better and go home. Each day got easier and easier, I tracked everything I put in my mouth. Everything. It made me feel like I had some control over what I was going through. Over time I started getting compliments, you look great or wow you've lost some weight. I look back now and yes, I had lost weight. What I think was so noticeable though was I was smiling - a lot. I didn't ever see my self as unhappy pre-surgery, but I was. I can admit it now. How could I not be? Who is happy with themselves at 368 pounds?? Today I still believe - 1 year later that I made the absolute best decision of my life. Not because I can shop at any store (but I can and its fun!!!) or that I don't have to worry about how the chairs will be wherever I go. It's because I feel great and I'm healthy. I'm happy and I am becoming the person I've always wanted to be. I wouldn't change a thing. HW: 368 Pre: 368 Height: 5'6 Today: 204

Thanks to everyone for the kind words! This site was such a great motivation, I wanted to share my story too...

Dr. set my goal at 180...

Hi all! Just wanted to share with ya'll an update on me. I'm currently 10 months out and my only regret is not having done this years ago!! I feel so great about my progress and am just about 35 lbs from my goal. I have pretty much stuck to the program, I am not as good about taking Vitamins as I should be, but I know it. However, labs at 9 months were great! So I guess I can't be too hard on myself. I'll go ahead and post before and afters so you can see where I came from and where I am now. Please don't hesitate to ask questions, this site was so helpful to me at the beginning... HW: 368 lbs 2/20/12 CW: 215 lbs 12/18/12 Goal: 180 lbs

Thanks everyone for the kind words!

I get compliments from men all the time when I wear "Be Delicious" by DKNY. It smells amazing!

I was down 110 at 5 months! That's great!! Congrats on your success!!!

I forgot to add my favorite pic! These are my jeans that were TIGHT on me pre-op!

Thank you! I feel amazing too!!

I had the same issue. I ended up passing out and hitting my head which resulted in 10 staples. Needless to say it was not pleasant. My blood pressure was low by the time I was seen in the ER (5 hours later) but that's normal for me. I believe it was dehydration, as soon as I got the IV fluids I felt like a million bucks. I am so diligent about getting enough water now.

It would be impossible to put into words how absolutely fabulous I am feeling. I will let my pics explain! Pre-op: 368 Today (5 months po): 358 For all the pre-sleevers, I went through days even weeks when I got so discouraged. The scale had times no matter how I stood on the scale it wouldn't move. I promise though, before you know it, it's dropping again!

Thanks!! It's from Belk...

Thanks Everyone! I feel amazing...

I have gone through several different stages. I was walking about a half a mile at 2 weeks, then worked my way up to 2 miles. I was doing the 2 miles for a couple of months and then it got too hot. Not sure I am a gym person, so instead I have been going to our local pool and swimming at least an hour - 3 days a week. The pool is home to me so it doesn't even feel like a workout, even though I burn 2xs or more calories than walking. As for eating, I can have anything without upset, which is awesome! I stay away from breads or at least a lot of it. But I have also gone through stages with that too. When I was finally able to eat normally, I almost felt like I was eating too much, which lasted for a few months. I was even getting hungry. The last few weeks have been completely different, I do not feel hungry at all! I can eat maybe 2.5 ounces before I feel like I am going to pop. Which is fine by me, I was only eating because I know I needed too. I am diligent about drinking Water and have it with me at all times!

Hahaha! I meant today's weight is 258! I have been so fortunate to have zero complications. No food issues and no throwing up, like ever! I am crazy about getting my Protein in and rarely go without meeting that daily goal. I was walking 2 miles a day until the temps started soaring over 100!! Right now I am swimming laps 3 times a day for about an hour, it's the best! I won't sugar coat this--the hair loss has been rough. I don't think it's that noticeable to anyone but me, but it's me that it bothers anyway. Would do it again in a heartbeat!!

I am 8 weeks post op... Before pic - 368lbs After pic (taken today) - 309lbs I will try to get a full body ASAP! I love my sleeve!!

I was sleeved 2/20. Would love to have some fellow 30's sleevers to talk to. Best decision I ever made! PM me and/or check out MFP - lfgrdgal.

I initially liked it so I bought a case (pre-op). First few weeks after surgery I couldn't stand the smell or taste! However I am now back to drinking them, but it has to be poured into a mug/cup with a small spout so I can't smell it. Another thing I do is add a squirt or 3 of the Walmart "Mio" to it (Alpine Punch-Isopure and strawberry watermelon-Mio) and ice. The biggest advantage is not only the high protein content, but the 20 oz of fluid at the same time. 2 birds 1 stone!

I had no co-morbities. I believe I was approved within 5 days (including the weekend). I honestly think that the insurance person for my Doc is extremely good at her job, and made sure every piece of info that was needed was included. I called the day after submission and got the auth number, I then continued to call back everyday until I received a response. To be completely honest I work for them, not in utilization review, but I know what it's like trying to do my job and having to pend my work until the provider submits additional info. Try not to get too frustrated, but when you call ask if they have all documentation needed, or are they waiting on something. Almost bet that if it's taking a really long time they (Cigna) are waiting for some more info.

I had my response within days. I called everyday on it though, so they might have been trying to get me to stop pestering them! What part of north Texas are you in? If you don't mind me asking?

I was sleeved on the 20th too! Congrats to us all for taking this step to a new and improved life!! I am really struggling with my Fluid intake as well. I am feeling good, just tired and tend to doze off several times a day which really gets in the way of my sipping. I am hoping that it all works itself out...