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Pinkylaty- I'm so sorry I didn't see this until just now :/ I wish I would have seen this and been there to support you prior to your surgery!! I feel terrible. I had vertical sleeve gastrectomy...and I was very scared too. I've said before, I can't tell you how your surgery journey will go- and I'm sure yo'uve read both good and bad here...but I would do this again in a heartbeat, it has forever changed my life in a positve way- and I hope that you'll experience the same. Please let me know how you're doing!!

So sorry it's been forever- life seems to creep up on you and next thing you know- you don't have 3 seconds to sit down and blog. lol So- I've hit and passed my dr's goal, and my own goal...I'm currently at 149, in a size 4/6 pants, and a Medium shirt. I've lost a total of 106#, 8-10 pant sizes and 4 shirt sizes I'm saving up to have breast augmentation...they're WRECKED and I'm trying to figure out if my insurance will cover a tummy tuck, or if I'll have to fund that myself as well. I have lost over 100# so I think they might cover it, but they didn't cover my surgery- so I'm doing leg work on that right now. I'm with Blue Care Network in Michigan...so I'll keep everyone posted on that. Life is amazing. I'm happier than I've ever been...I feel good, I look good- I have more energy- I'm motivated...this decision has changed my entire life, in every single aspect. I recently re-started a 30 day challenge, and have been working out everyday, I'm waiting for this TERRIBLE Michigan weather to break so that I can start walking...and hopefully running outside this Spring/Summer....I'd like to try doing a 5k this year- that's my goal...so here's to that! Here is a progress picture I wanted to share with you too. Thanks to each of you that offered support, encouragement, or just an ear when I was having a hard day (or a good day!!). I'm going to make a better effort to keep blogging here too- my journey is not over..no way! This year is just the start of the rest of my life

Thank you!! I really use these kinds of comments and stuff for motivation, so I appreciate your feedback (sorry I've been off for so long, I didn't mean to ignore your comments. I do read them and appreciate you!!)

ALMOST there!! Hit the scale today at 175, that means a total loss of 80 pounds since my pre-op weight (65 post op). I'm comfortably in a size 8 (from a size 18/20)...and I'm loving my new life. I was blessed with a recent change to meet my all-time FAVORITE band (Rascal Flatts) just this past month. I was so happy to be able to go and enjoy myself and take pictures and not worry about how I looked, or what people were thinking. It's amazing how much this life-change has really put my entire life in a new perspective. I didn't realize how lacking my confidence was...actually I always prided myself on being a confident woman, but I didn't see how much I was holding back until I lost the weight. I had the joy of attending my daughter's Back-To-School Night last week, her 2nd grade teacher (from 2 years ago) didn't even recognize me. For those of you that are struggling or are in the early stages of this change...keep the faith- you CAN do this, and I promise you it will be worth it's weight in gold when you are living your new life. For those of you debating on doing it...I cannot promise you an easy path, I can't say for certian you won't have complications or problems- but I can tell you- without any doubt, this is the best thing I've ever done for myself, for my children, for my family, and for my own happiness. Ok, just wanted to drop a quick update on everyone- OFF TO WALK ON LUNCH!!! XOXXOXOXO

Sorry it's been so long- time just seemed to slip away from me. I broke my thumb out at the barn working the horses, and have been off work for the last month- so needless to say, not much time on the computer lately! I'm back and out of my cast (Thank Goodness!!!). I'm PROUD to say- I've passed my dr's weight loss goal for me, I've actually hit 100# lost from my highest weight. I'm wearing size SIX jeans...something I NEVER thought I'd accomplish, and I'm happier now than I've EVER been. I'm comfortable, I'm confident...it's everything I thought it would be and more. I'm looking into options to have a tummy tuck- the excess skin is really a bother to me...I'm hoping I'll be able to have my insurance cover it- although I'm not sure that will be the case, as they did not cover my original surgery to start with...but I'm doing some reserach to see what my options are- anyone with experience in that area...I'd love to hear from you!!! I've got BCN in Michigan. I've had a little bit of a nagging feeling now that I've hit my dr's goal (and 5# until I hit my own personal goal)....what if the weight comes back? Anyone else experience these feelings?? I'm so scared to go back to where I was, especially having been heavy my entire life- this is a side of things I've never seen before and I don't want to go back to where I was- EVER. Thoughts? I'm sure I'm not alone in this either.... MISSED YOU ALL!! CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR BACK!!!

Well, first a few REALLY exciting things...this morning the scale dropped again to 177, meaning a total loss of 78 pounds, 63 pounds post op. The other day I put on AND ZIPPED UP a pair of size 8 jeans...I've never been in a size 8...I honestly can't remember being one anyway.... so that is all great exciting stuff for this week The last two weeks it seems eating has become hard again, I realized as I sat with not really an upset stomach, but just feeling generally crappy after about 3 bites of dinner last night...I HATE EATING. I only do it to live now. It's weird to think of it that way. I used to really enjoy a really good meal, or a really yummy snack..and don't get me wrong- I'll still totally indulge in a brownie or something sweet and good like that- but generally speaking- I only eat to live. I never thought I'd see that day. It's a totally different world than the one I used to live in. I never really "crave" anything anymore- my husband hates that he asks me 'what do you want to eat?" and my genuine answer is "I don't care"....although I do care- b/c it can't be anything with too much bread, or anythig high in sugar, or carbs- lol- my stomach just doesn't tolerate those things anymore. To be honest though, I don't mind, I don't really miss it- I wasn't eating executive chef meals everynight- so if Taco Bell no longer sounds appetizing, I can handle that The saying is true- nothing tastes as good as skinny feels

Thank you!! TwinsMama! I'm super proud of them lol- I never thought I'd be able to wear and 8, it still floors me! Mokee- I'm glad you can read it! I will make sure I keep the regular script settings from now on too- I was trying to be creative so it wasn't boring lol

ALMOST there!! Hit the scale today at 175, that means a total loss of 80 pounds since my pre-op weight (65 post op). I'm comfortably in a size 8 (from a size 18/20)...and I'm loving my new life. I was blessed with a recent change to meet my all-time FAVORITE band (Rascal Flatts) just this past month. I was so happy to be able to go and enjoy myself and take pictures and not worry about how I looked, or what people were thinking. It's amazing how much this life-change has really put my entire life in a new perspective. I didn't realize how lacking my confidence was...actually I always prided myself on being a confident woman, but I didn't see how much I was holding back until I lost the weight. I had the joy of attending my daughter's Back-To-School Night last week, her 2nd grade teacher (from 2 years ago) didn't even recognize me. For those of you that are struggling or are in the early stages of this change...keep the faith- you CAN do this, and I promise you it will be worth it's weight in gold when you are living your new life. For those of you debating on doing it...I cannot promise you an easy path, I can't say for certian you won't have complications or problems- but I can tell you- without any doubt, this is the best thing I've ever done for myself, for my children, for my family, and for my own happiness. Ok, just wanted to drop a quick update on everyone- OFF TO WALK ON LUNCH!!! XOXXOXOXO

mokee- I changed the font back to Arial, does that help?

THANK YOU!!!!!!! everyone on here is sooo suportive- it makes this so much easier to do

Hit another milestone this morning Down 60# since my surgery, 75# total...it's amazing to look back through pictures and see the transformation that I've made. I'm so much happier than I used to be. I'm more active, I'm more outgoing- and everything I do- I realize I do with more pep in my step, more sparkle in my eye- and just generally more enjoyment and appreciation. This is without a doubt the best decision I've ever made for myself. Hope you all are doing just as well!!!!

It really has changed my mood so much- I knew I had some depression and self-conciousness issues becuase of my weight- but I never realized JUST how much it was holding me back. I honestly have given myself the gift of a new life- and I am so happy I did

Congrats on your loss!!

wow! Thank you!! I didn't expect that by any stretch of the imagination...you guys rock. You don't know how good those comments make me feel Thanks for the boost today- I needed that

So, my 10 year class reunion was last weekend...I was excited to go- but still very nervous. As I've said a hundred times before- I've been overweight most of my life- and while I was excited to show off the new me...many people from high school hadn't seen me at my heaviest point, which came a few years after my son was born- so I wasn't sure they'd notice any major change- like those that really know me did. Boy, was I wrong. EVERYONE had nice things to say about how great I looked, and it was nice to go and enjoy the evening and NOT feel like everyon had something rude to say- or was watching me. It was nice to just be one of the crowd, and not feel like I stood out. Hubby looked awesome as usual, and we made a cute couple that I was proud to show off It was great catching up with some long-lost friends and reconnecting with some folks I hadn't talked to in the last 10 years as well. I felt like getting to go and ending the night not being totally panicked about what everyone else was thinking was my biggest accomplishment thus far. Me and my best bud from high school before the reunion 5 month photo change!!

Some updates-- one is a pic of me and my good friend from high school before our 10 yr reunion last weekend..the other is 5 months of progress

So far, I'd consider my surgery the best decision of my life. I'm down a total of 71 pounds, 56 pounds post op. I've gone from a size 18/20 to a size 12. From xxl shrits to m/l. There are days that I see pictures of me and literally just stop and stare for a bit- I hardly recongize myself...but when I look in the MIRROR....I don't see much of a change. Anyone else finding this on their weightloss journey? I see that clothes are too big, and I happily went through my summer and winter clothes pulling out STACKS of stuff that I'm proud to say will never fit me again...but there are times where I throw on a shirt, and just automatically start pulling on the fabric to "stretch" it so it'll lay without touching my stomach so that it doesn't look too tight. I'll come out and my husband or a friend or my sister will say- WOW YOU LOOK AMAZING!! I'll still end up changing, because I think it looks terrible on me. I know I still need to adjust to my new body and my new life..I'm proud of what I've lost- I know I've lost it...but sometimes it doesn't register when I look in the mirror...anyone else have that problem?

That's great advice...listening to what people say, and looking at the pictures seems like a good way to keep myself grounded in exactly what changes are going on Best of luck to you on your journey!! Thanks for the tips!!!!

sorry the pic wouldn't attach before

http://www.bariatricpal.com/blogs/entry/32018-switching-it-up-for-some-changes/ had to share-- progress pic... Left to right- Jan (pre-op), March, April, May, July Down 52# Down 5 sizes (from 18/20 to 12/14) FINALLY started taking Biotine 10,000mcg daily-- helping with the hair/nail issues..started another new routine for arms/thighs/butt to get them back into shape- ready for the next big weight drop!!

First..update- this is my picture progress...January, March, April, May, July. Down 52# total from surgery. I have found myself struggling again with the same few pounds- I feel like I'm saying that all the time...but I guess that's how my journey is going to go- I'll struggle with a # for a bit- then boom suddenly I'm dropping a pound a day for a solid week, then I struggle again. I know personally, the last few weeks have been vacation and holiday filled- so I've not been watching my diet as closely and following my plan. I feel myself CRAVING protein, which is a sure sign I'm not getting enough. I started 10,000mcg Biotin daily- and my hair loss has slowed incredibly and my nails are not snapping off while I type (gross I know)...I'm glad I finally got my butt to the drugstore and bought it though- I'm kicking myself for not doing it earlier. If you're not on it yet-- GET ON IT! I've also swtiched up my routine, I was doing an ab/squat challenge that was really difficult, it was a 30 day program..I think I did all of 10 days of it. I've started to focus on shorter work out videos and routines that are focused on problem areas for me (arms/butt/thighs/stomach) THANK YOU PINTEREST. If you're not on there yet- you should also GET ON IT Just wanted to check in, I've been off for a bit b/c it's summer and things get busy this time of year. Hoping to break this small stall I'm in and have a better progress pic/update for next time. Keep plugging away fellow sleevers!! <3

OH! I am excited to announce...pre op pant size 18/20- current post op size 12/14 (Depending on brand) pre op shirt size xxl/xl- current post op size M/L woo!

I'm not sure what 'normal' is...everyone says they experience stalls, and everyone experiences them at different rates and for different amounts of time as well. I've been battling the same 3# now for about a week or two- but I've also been on vacation and not watching my diet as closesly as I do when I'm at home. I've been CRAVING protein...so I know I need to make some adjustments. I've also started some new routines for working out- to change in up a bit- and to start working on what are becoming problem areas...my arms/thighs/butt (sagggy- gross lol)...hopefully a little change up will be what it takes to get me losing again. 70# is AMAZING! I'm only at 52, and trust me- you should be VERY PROUD of what you've accomplished so far!

I debated on posting this, because I KNOW how crazy it sounds..but does anyone else just feel like- this weight isn't coming off fast enough? When I look back on it- I was sleeved 2/28, and I'm already down 48 pounds POST OP...which is like...amazing. I'm a totally different person, yet so much of me is like- get to the "normal" size already. I think there is so much pressure on myself to be the size I want to be that I'm taking for granted the major changes and steps that I've taken this far. On the flipside of that it's also frustrating to be like- wow I've lost almost 50 pounds...yet I'm still overweight. It's an odd place to be...on one hand- I'm happy with the weight loss, I'm down several sizes, and I feel SO much better...but then on the other hand I'm like- yeah but this is good not great- you're still not where you should be. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change one second of this choice, it's the best thing I've ever done for myself, and wouldn't undo it if I could. I love my new lifestyle. I know it sounds crazy...but I also promised myself that I'd blog through this entire journey, pre op- through my surgery, and post-op...so I can look back and see my journey, but also in the hopes that I can connect with a few folks that are thinking this choice over...or that are going through what I am...so... Anyone else have that struggle?

5'7 Starting weight 255 Surgery date 240 Current 188 Goal 150 I started in a size 18/20 and now wear a 12/14 Thanks it's been hard work but this is the best decision I've ever made for myself. I'm really proud of my progress