Joisey01

Well.. As sometimes happens, I had this post all typed out and then I lost it. Ain’t that the pits? :-/
I could call these progress shots, or I could call these goal shots as I am 9 lbs away and I am so happy that I feel like I am already a success story, Even though occasionally I still see “Fat Heather” in the mirror, I see her less and less with every passing day. I am only a week and a half away from my surgiversary and I think these are the first “progress pics” I have posted.
Let’s start with the stats.
I started this journey:
Weighing: 302.4 lbs
Wearing: Size 24W pants, 2X shirts
Waist: 50"
I am currently:
Weighing: 164.4 lbs
Wearing: Size 10 pants, M shirts (I think with a tuck I could wear an 8)
Waist: 25"
I have lost 5 ft. total from my bust, waist, and hips alone. I still have a nice, ample 34DD bust and my waist is 25 inches. I am so proud of this, let me tell you.
I also started married and am now divorced. Funny how that happens.
Anyway, enough jabbering before the pictures, but after I will share some NSVs I posted in another thread so maybe stick around to read those?
I guess I should start with those dreaded befores.. The first few in the dark bar are from either late July or early August of 2011 and the last is from September 2nd, 2011 with my sleeve sister on sleeve day.
Before:



Now for the afters (these are WAAAAY more fun!):
August 20th, 2012 (164.4 lbs)

August 4th, 2012 (Idk.. Maybe 170?)


Father's Day 2012 (183 lbs!)


About 25 lbs ago, I was carried around piggy back for the first time since childhood... All around my house. It was the most amazing feeling ever!

21 lbs ago, I got the courage to post the bathing suit picture 2 up on FACEBOOK!!
I can shop for panties and bras at VS..
I think I look my age more now (26), I think.
I wear my 4 and 5" heels with EASE!!

I can sit on my BF's lap and not ever worry about hurting him.

I have freaking defined collarbones! Not the scary kind, but defined and I love them.

I fit into EVERY chair, usually with room to set my purse next to me.. This is sometimes not the case.

I think by the time I hit goal and have my plastics, my measurements will be very, VERY close to 36-25-36.

Men ask for my number in bars and clubs.

I get carded more often.

Doors are opened more often.

I am 110% more confident at work.
Well, (in the words of Forrest, Forrest Gump) That's all I have to say about that! Thank you for reading and viewing and (possibly) commenting.
xxoo
Heather (GemInTheRough, soon to be JustAGem)

My family, close friends, and co-workers. I, really don't care what people think or say! I, did what I had to do to save my life!!! After 59 yrs of helping and caring for everyone else, I'm Doing Me and Loving It!!!

I haven't had surgery yet, as a matter of fact I won't even get a date until September (so maybe october surgery. )
However, I'm 5'5" @ 220 and am built pretty solid. Therefore, every time I mention WLS to anyone I get some sort of BS response:
You're not big enough to have surgery ~ I'm 90+ lbs overweight
All you need to do is excercise ~ I have a gym membership and I use it as much as my asthma will allow.
Calories in = Calories out ~ I eat 1500 cal or less daily therefore (in theory) my max weight should be 150lbs.
Have you tried cutting out the bad stuff ~ I don't EVER drink soda, don't eat fried food, don't use salt, drink skim or 1% milk...what else would you like me to do? (all due to other health problems)
It's frustrating to say the least and I just want to scream at them that this is my last resort, not my first option. I've done my research I've modified my lifestyle. I'm not doing this to just be skinny, I want to be healthy.
Regardless, now that I've made the decision to have it done, I just tell people that "I'm still considering it but I have other things to do first." When the time comes to actually get it done all everyone will know is that I'm out on vacation.
Your final decision is yours to make and I hope that you find support. If not, WE are here for you.

I have told my husband and sons and one co-worker. The only reason I told my co-worker is because he is having the sleeve done as well on October 23rd. I have told no one else. My in-laws will know AFTER the surgery takes place. They will NOT be supportive at all.
I feel it is a private decision and no one needs to know. We are entitled to our right to privacy and I will use that. No one would support me at work.
I may feel differently closer to the surgery or post-op. I doubt it, though.