pottergirl

1 1/2 years out and 135 pounds down and yes I feel MUCH different! I still don't recognize myself when I walk past a mirror and I'm still amazed when I put on a pair of 10 jeans and they fit!!! (I started at a size 26?) I never even knew I could feel this way because I have been big my entire life. I wish I had done this years ago!

I do hang out and associate with most of the same people but some people have chosen to remove themselves from my circle and I think a lot of that is because of jealousy, insecurity??? I'm not really sure but a lot of people do treat you different and it doesn't always feel good.

I do look at obese people different and I would be lying if I said I didn't. It is not with disdain or superiority though, it is with compassion and sincere concern. I know how I felt and I want to tell them they don't have to feel that way any more but I don't, because I know I would not have been receptive either. I sometimes get teary eyed just watching people as they struggle to walk or to do anything that should be easier!

I do eat healthy because I choose to and I feel like this is my second chance at life! I do not look down on anyone who chooses otherwise though because we all have choices and I use to make the unhealthy ones myself. I also know I ate for a lot of reasons, none of which were to live!! I ate from all kinds of emotions and sometimes we just can't control that!!

I am much different than I was: I exercise, I love my life, I hike, I can sit in a booth and cross my legs, I am happier, I am even more outgoing, and I LOVE TO SHOP FOR CLOTHES!!! I will never be the skinny b you were talking about because I truly think I even love more because I now love myself!

Me too! We have had very similar weight loss. I will never look at someone very over weight with judgement....I still have my issues..but instead of just letting myself go..I fight it!

We are nearing our 1 year anniversary, how are we all doing?!

Great job Kim!

I hit goal today!

Congrats!!!!!

My hair started to fall out at 3 .5 months and kept on till about 7 months. It got thin and I've always had thick hair. I cut it short..it's thickening back up nicely and looks cute....people constantly tell me how good it looks..that's of they recognize me 136 lbs lighter!

Yes:) I am having my arms done and Tummy Tuck after the first of the year.

please keep us posted.....I will do the same eventually...good luck with that!

Anyone considering plastic surgery in the future.

Zosa..muscle weighs more than fat...just keep that in mind...

Eboni! You look fantastic! Congrats everyone:) it's hard to believe how fast this year has gone by. We are more than 3/4 of the way to a year already and it hasn't been an easy road but we did it! Life changing. I feel amazing and am completely satisfied with my weight loss to date. It's slow weight loss now but that's ok..no hurry!

I was terrified of surgery

The anticipation was far worse than the actual surgery. I had quite a bit of other work done. Please try to not be anxious. If I had known how relatively easy this would be, how great and healthy I would feel..I would have done this earlier. You will do great!

I was terrified of surgery

The anticipation was far worse than the actual surgery. I had quite a bit of other work done. Please try to not be anxious. If I had known how relatively easy this would be, how great and healthy I would feel..I would have done this earlier. You will do great!

I know we are all different but I had horrible reflux from 2 months till about 4 months and now gone...no ppi no heartburn

I know we are all different but I had horrible reflux from 2 months till about 4 months and now gone...no ppi no heartburn

You are doing great as well!

You are doing great as well!

Start at the gym Wednesday....renewed efforts to drop the last of the lbs

That's wonderful !

I've experienced lots of stalls filed with sports of weight loss....I have learned it's ok and ultimately the weight will continue down....

I was terrified of surgery. I was angry I couldn't get my eating under control and lose the weight on my own. I finally just put myself in the hands of the surgeon...God. I woke up and had some pressure and was weak. The first week was difficult but it wasn't as horrible as I thought it would be.everyday was better. Now fast forward 8 months later and I am 125 lbs lighter than the highest weight and look and feel wonderful. It was so worth it...only regret I have is waiting so long! The anticipation was far scarier than the actual process...I am the mother of two boys...good luck u will be great

Weight loss is very, very slow now and I am joining the gym to stimulate loss. I am down 124 lbs though so not complaining!

I regret that I had to have the surgery. So many people have this surgery and hear all the whistles and bells about it and decide to have the surgery. I had some complications that I didn't expect and am still struggling to drink and eat 8 weeks post op. This is not a simple procedure and one that requires some serious reflection and behavior changes. You may not feel great 2 weeks post op. Are you prepared for possible complications? I thought I had done all the research and was prepared, then my experience did not go as planned. I wondered what I had done to myself. What if I could never eat and drink properly again in this body. What would that mean to my family and to my quality of life? On the flip side, yes, I am 40+ lbs lighter. I can cross my legs again and get in to smaller clothes. I am off of my diabetes and blood pressure meds too. All of these are possitives, but I cannot eat a normal meal or drink fluids on any given day without knowing if it is going to stay down. I can only believe that in time, this will get better. People ask me if they should get the sleeve and I am honest. I tell them that I cannot answer that question. I share my story to date, and my hope for a better tomorrow. Because if I give in to regret, then I am in trouble! Best of luck with your journey.

what I could eat at 8 weeks out is very, very different than what I eat now at 9 months out. You will see the weight loss and then you will find you can eat more so now I am being aware of this. Weight loss has slowed down dramatically ...take advantage of these early days out....you will eat and drink more and you will adjust as well.

Welcome to Onederland. You do know that pics are a requirement though. Right?

promise to post pics!

I just made it onederland...today!

A major goal met....wanted to be under 200 by September and I did it...today...the last day of August! I've been hovering around 202/203 for weeks!!!!!! Then finally started inching down again. I am so pleased..thank God for this surgery

I've been reading all the new posts on this thread and I just want to say congrats to everyone who are post op and to all the pre op folks.....good luck and my only regret was not having this surgery years ago....the anticipation was far worse than the surgery itself.

Congrats to everyone on their success:)