HillaryA

Highest weight was 463. I am just barely over a year out and have lost 201 lbs. It's definitely do-able as long as you stick to the plan. So happy with my decision - my life has improved in so many ways.

I started out at 463 and at 19 months out I’m currently at 232. I lost exactly 200 pounds at my one year anniversary and then hit a major, months-long stall. Which completely sucked, as you can imagine. Doing everything right and not losing weight or inches was so frustrating, but a part of it unfortunately. It finally broke and I went back to steadily losing again, although much slower. I’d like to lose another 30-40 pounds (and then start in on plastic surgery), but honestly, if I didn’t lose another pound I would consider myself content.
There really is no way to describe how different my life is. Every aspect has improved – personal relationships, work, putting on shoes, driving my car… I wanted to dance with glee the first time I slid into a booth seat at a restaurant and fit properly (because in the past I didn’t fit and my stomach would bulge over the table top). In the past I’ve suffered with mild depression and anxiety. Even though they’re still there, I now feel such a sense of hope that things can actually change and this is a way of life I can maintain.
I was very nervous about having the surgery as well. Not only had nothing ever worked for me in the past but I have a cousin who had the band, then the sleeve, and then after a few years regained half of the weight that she’d lost and was very discouraged and really struggling to take it off again. This showed me, more than anything, that this isn’t an easy fix-all. It really takes work. I’ve had to relearn an entirely new way of eating and now have a much better relationship with food.
Everyone above has already posted some amazing tips for you; I won’t repeat what they’ve already said. Just know that, yes – it can work for you, but you have to be willing to put in the effort and make some changes.
Good luck!

I started out at 463 and at 19 months out I’m currently at 232. I lost exactly 200 pounds at my one year anniversary and then hit a major, months-long stall. Which completely sucked, as you can imagine. Doing everything right and not losing weight or inches was so frustrating, but a part of it unfortunately. It finally broke and I went back to steadily losing again, although much slower. I’d like to lose another 30-40 pounds (and then start in on plastic surgery), but honestly, if I didn’t lose another pound I would consider myself content.
There really is no way to describe how different my life is. Every aspect has improved – personal relationships, work, putting on shoes, driving my car… I wanted to dance with glee the first time I slid into a booth seat at a restaurant and fit properly (because in the past I didn’t fit and my stomach would bulge over the table top). In the past I’ve suffered with mild depression and anxiety. Even though they’re still there, I now feel such a sense of hope that things can actually change and this is a way of life I can maintain.
I was very nervous about having the surgery as well. Not only had nothing ever worked for me in the past but I have a cousin who had the band, then the sleeve, and then after a few years regained half of the weight that she’d lost and was very discouraged and really struggling to take it off again. This showed me, more than anything, that this isn’t an easy fix-all. It really takes work. I’ve had to relearn an entirely new way of eating and now have a much better relationship with food.
Everyone above has already posted some amazing tips for you; I won’t repeat what they’ve already said. Just know that, yes – it can work for you, but you have to be willing to put in the effort and make some changes.
Good luck!

I started out at 463 and at 19 months out I’m currently at 232. I lost exactly 200 pounds at my one year anniversary and then hit a major, months-long stall. Which completely sucked, as you can imagine. Doing everything right and not losing weight or inches was so frustrating, but a part of it unfortunately. It finally broke and I went back to steadily losing again, although much slower. I’d like to lose another 30-40 pounds (and then start in on plastic surgery), but honestly, if I didn’t lose another pound I would consider myself content.
There really is no way to describe how different my life is. Every aspect has improved – personal relationships, work, putting on shoes, driving my car… I wanted to dance with glee the first time I slid into a booth seat at a restaurant and fit properly (because in the past I didn’t fit and my stomach would bulge over the table top). In the past I’ve suffered with mild depression and anxiety. Even though they’re still there, I now feel such a sense of hope that things can actually change and this is a way of life I can maintain.
I was very nervous about having the surgery as well. Not only had nothing ever worked for me in the past but I have a cousin who had the band, then the sleeve, and then after a few years regained half of the weight that she’d lost and was very discouraged and really struggling to take it off again. This showed me, more than anything, that this isn’t an easy fix-all. It really takes work. I’ve had to relearn an entirely new way of eating and now have a much better relationship with food.
Everyone above has already posted some amazing tips for you; I won’t repeat what they’ve already said. Just know that, yes – it can work for you, but you have to be willing to put in the effort and make some changes.
Good luck!

You look amazing and so, so happy. You'll be in the 200's before you know it. Congrats!

Congrats on your awesome progress so far!
I think I was pretty much in ketosis for my first year with no problems. I focused on Protein and had no problem getting over 100 grams a day. I wasn’t paying any attention to fat, but did keep my carbs low – I’d say 60 grams a day max. I lost 200 lbs exactly at my one year anniversary (1/15/16). My bloodwork did show the signs of too much Protein but I was told by a nurse “well, if you’re eating high-protein then that’s okay.” Well, really, I don’t think that it is! Not long term anyway.

After the one year, I entered a stall. To try to break it I exercised more, exercised less, ate more, ate less… It was when I decided to add back more carbs (as some people find that helpful) that I gained 10 lbs in 2 weeks eating at a 1000 calorie deficit a day AND still keeping carbs at 100 or less. I was ticked off! I researched and figured out that I am just really, really carb sensitive. As soon as I cut the carbs again, that 10 lbs fell back off.

In June I switched to Low Carb, High (Healthy) Fat and it’s been awesome. I get moderate protein, around 70-85 grams a day and lots of fat. On MyFitnessPal, I have my daily breakdown at 65% fat, 25% protein, and 10% carbs – typically around 30 grams carb, 81 gram protein, and 94 grams fat.

From January 15 to June 4, I lost 13 lbs. From June 4 to September 16, I’ve lost 22. I didn’t change my exercise patterns at all; it’s from cutting back out the carbs. Physically I feel great, I have more energy, I have better mental clarity, my mood has evened out, and the hormonal “female” problems I had are not a problem any longer. If I do eat something high in sugar I feel sick – physically poisoned. The only adverse affect is what another post said – Constipation. But I can deal with that.

Like I say to everyone who asks me how I’m losing – this is what works for ME. I get bloodwork drawn next week so we’ll see how 3.5 months of high-fat eating has affected it and maybe I’ll adjust at that point, but so far – so good!

Congrats on your awesome progress so far!
I think I was pretty much in ketosis for my first year with no problems. I focused on Protein and had no problem getting over 100 grams a day. I wasn’t paying any attention to fat, but did keep my carbs low – I’d say 60 grams a day max. I lost 200 lbs exactly at my one year anniversary (1/15/16). My bloodwork did show the signs of too much Protein but I was told by a nurse “well, if you’re eating high-protein then that’s okay.” Well, really, I don’t think that it is! Not long term anyway.

After the one year, I entered a stall. To try to break it I exercised more, exercised less, ate more, ate less… It was when I decided to add back more carbs (as some people find that helpful) that I gained 10 lbs in 2 weeks eating at a 1000 calorie deficit a day AND still keeping carbs at 100 or less. I was ticked off! I researched and figured out that I am just really, really carb sensitive. As soon as I cut the carbs again, that 10 lbs fell back off.

In June I switched to Low Carb, High (Healthy) Fat and it’s been awesome. I get moderate protein, around 70-85 grams a day and lots of fat. On MyFitnessPal, I have my daily breakdown at 65% fat, 25% protein, and 10% carbs – typically around 30 grams carb, 81 gram protein, and 94 grams fat.

From January 15 to June 4, I lost 13 lbs. From June 4 to September 16, I’ve lost 22. I didn’t change my exercise patterns at all; it’s from cutting back out the carbs. Physically I feel great, I have more energy, I have better mental clarity, my mood has evened out, and the hormonal “female” problems I had are not a problem any longer. If I do eat something high in sugar I feel sick – physically poisoned. The only adverse affect is what another post said – Constipation. But I can deal with that.

Like I say to everyone who asks me how I’m losing – this is what works for ME. I get bloodwork drawn next week so we’ll see how 3.5 months of high-fat eating has affected it and maybe I’ll adjust at that point, but so far – so good!

I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend. I'm an emotional eater that turns to food as comfort as well. It's so easy to let the bad habits start snowballing, especially if one has a food/sugar addiction. I know it's tough but going to back to Protein shakes for a week, sometimes with a very small meal for dinner, really helps me break those carb/fast food addictions when I slip. Once I get past a week or two the cravings for sugary stuff disappears and I feel so much better. Also, I find eating higher fat foods helps me to feel more full and satisfied - good, fatty cheese like Gouda, olives, avocados, almonds, fish. I know a lot of folk watch fat intake as well as carbs but I don't succeed on low carb/low fat.
As far as the exercising goes, I literally feel your pain. It's only been in the last month or two that I can walk/jog on my treadmill without the extra skin pulling painfully - stomach, thighs, butt - it was so uncomfortable and made me hate doing it. Have you tried wearing a shape wear-type garment? That really helped keep everything around the middle compressed and eased a bit of the discomfort.
Good luck to you

I had second thoughts (panic attacks, really) up to when I was in the hospital gown waiting to be taken into the OR. I kept reassuring myself that this was going to be the best thing for me and reminding myself of why I was getting it - 460 pounds and 36 years old and not getting any younger... And it really was the best decision I ever made.
I was petrified to give up my one comfort in life and thought I'd never be able to eat normally again. The reality is that I enjoy food and eating more now than I ever did before - it was always about stuffing my face as fast as possible and then wondering what I could eat next. I don't miss all the junk, I really don't. My health and quality of life has improved beyond measure.
The 2 week pre-op diet was really hard, but after about 3 days I settled into an apathetic acceptance and after the first week I actually was happy that I was doing it because it showed me that I could actually go without food if I had to - losing 25+ lbs in that two weeks helped, too.
You've got this. Good luck!

I had second thoughts (panic attacks, really) up to when I was in the hospital gown waiting to be taken into the OR. I kept reassuring myself that this was going to be the best thing for me and reminding myself of why I was getting it - 460 pounds and 36 years old and not getting any younger... And it really was the best decision I ever made.
I was petrified to give up my one comfort in life and thought I'd never be able to eat normally again. The reality is that I enjoy food and eating more now than I ever did before - it was always about stuffing my face as fast as possible and then wondering what I could eat next. I don't miss all the junk, I really don't. My health and quality of life has improved beyond measure.
The 2 week pre-op diet was really hard, but after about 3 days I settled into an apathetic acceptance and after the first week I actually was happy that I was doing it because it showed me that I could actually go without food if I had to - losing 25+ lbs in that two weeks helped, too.
You've got this. Good luck!

I started out at 463 and at 19 months out I’m currently at 232. I lost exactly 200 pounds at my one year anniversary and then hit a major, months-long stall. Which completely sucked, as you can imagine. Doing everything right and not losing weight or inches was so frustrating, but a part of it unfortunately. It finally broke and I went back to steadily losing again, although much slower. I’d like to lose another 30-40 pounds (and then start in on plastic surgery), but honestly, if I didn’t lose another pound I would consider myself content.
There really is no way to describe how different my life is. Every aspect has improved – personal relationships, work, putting on shoes, driving my car… I wanted to dance with glee the first time I slid into a booth seat at a restaurant and fit properly (because in the past I didn’t fit and my stomach would bulge over the table top). In the past I’ve suffered with mild depression and anxiety. Even though they’re still there, I now feel such a sense of hope that things can actually change and this is a way of life I can maintain.
I was very nervous about having the surgery as well. Not only had nothing ever worked for me in the past but I have a cousin who had the band, then the sleeve, and then after a few years regained half of the weight that she’d lost and was very discouraged and really struggling to take it off again. This showed me, more than anything, that this isn’t an easy fix-all. It really takes work. I’ve had to relearn an entirely new way of eating and now have a much better relationship with food.
Everyone above has already posted some amazing tips for you; I won’t repeat what they’ve already said. Just know that, yes – it can work for you, but you have to be willing to put in the effort and make some changes.
Good luck!

I started out at 463 and at 19 months out I’m currently at 232. I lost exactly 200 pounds at my one year anniversary and then hit a major, months-long stall. Which completely sucked, as you can imagine. Doing everything right and not losing weight or inches was so frustrating, but a part of it unfortunately. It finally broke and I went back to steadily losing again, although much slower. I’d like to lose another 30-40 pounds (and then start in on plastic surgery), but honestly, if I didn’t lose another pound I would consider myself content.
There really is no way to describe how different my life is. Every aspect has improved – personal relationships, work, putting on shoes, driving my car… I wanted to dance with glee the first time I slid into a booth seat at a restaurant and fit properly (because in the past I didn’t fit and my stomach would bulge over the table top). In the past I’ve suffered with mild depression and anxiety. Even though they’re still there, I now feel such a sense of hope that things can actually change and this is a way of life I can maintain.
I was very nervous about having the surgery as well. Not only had nothing ever worked for me in the past but I have a cousin who had the band, then the sleeve, and then after a few years regained half of the weight that she’d lost and was very discouraged and really struggling to take it off again. This showed me, more than anything, that this isn’t an easy fix-all. It really takes work. I’ve had to relearn an entirely new way of eating and now have a much better relationship with food.
Everyone above has already posted some amazing tips for you; I won’t repeat what they’ve already said. Just know that, yes – it can work for you, but you have to be willing to put in the effort and make some changes.
Good luck!

I started out at 463 and at 19 months out I’m currently at 232. I lost exactly 200 pounds at my one year anniversary and then hit a major, months-long stall. Which completely sucked, as you can imagine. Doing everything right and not losing weight or inches was so frustrating, but a part of it unfortunately. It finally broke and I went back to steadily losing again, although much slower. I’d like to lose another 30-40 pounds (and then start in on plastic surgery), but honestly, if I didn’t lose another pound I would consider myself content.
There really is no way to describe how different my life is. Every aspect has improved – personal relationships, work, putting on shoes, driving my car… I wanted to dance with glee the first time I slid into a booth seat at a restaurant and fit properly (because in the past I didn’t fit and my stomach would bulge over the table top). In the past I’ve suffered with mild depression and anxiety. Even though they’re still there, I now feel such a sense of hope that things can actually change and this is a way of life I can maintain.
I was very nervous about having the surgery as well. Not only had nothing ever worked for me in the past but I have a cousin who had the band, then the sleeve, and then after a few years regained half of the weight that she’d lost and was very discouraged and really struggling to take it off again. This showed me, more than anything, that this isn’t an easy fix-all. It really takes work. I’ve had to relearn an entirely new way of eating and now have a much better relationship with food.
Everyone above has already posted some amazing tips for you; I won’t repeat what they’ve already said. Just know that, yes – it can work for you, but you have to be willing to put in the effort and make some changes.
Good luck!

I had second thoughts (panic attacks, really) up to when I was in the hospital gown waiting to be taken into the OR. I kept reassuring myself that this was going to be the best thing for me and reminding myself of why I was getting it - 460 pounds and 36 years old and not getting any younger... And it really was the best decision I ever made.
I was petrified to give up my one comfort in life and thought I'd never be able to eat normally again. The reality is that I enjoy food and eating more now than I ever did before - it was always about stuffing my face as fast as possible and then wondering what I could eat next. I don't miss all the junk, I really don't. My health and quality of life has improved beyond measure.
The 2 week pre-op diet was really hard, but after about 3 days I settled into an apathetic acceptance and after the first week I actually was happy that I was doing it because it showed me that I could actually go without food if I had to - losing 25+ lbs in that two weeks helped, too.
You've got this. Good luck!

I had second thoughts (panic attacks, really) up to when I was in the hospital gown waiting to be taken into the OR. I kept reassuring myself that this was going to be the best thing for me and reminding myself of why I was getting it - 460 pounds and 36 years old and not getting any younger... And it really was the best decision I ever made.
I was petrified to give up my one comfort in life and thought I'd never be able to eat normally again. The reality is that I enjoy food and eating more now than I ever did before - it was always about stuffing my face as fast as possible and then wondering what I could eat next. I don't miss all the junk, I really don't. My health and quality of life has improved beyond measure.
The 2 week pre-op diet was really hard, but after about 3 days I settled into an apathetic acceptance and after the first week I actually was happy that I was doing it because it showed me that I could actually go without food if I had to - losing 25+ lbs in that two weeks helped, too.
You've got this. Good luck!

I started out at 463 and at 19 months out I’m currently at 232. I lost exactly 200 pounds at my one year anniversary and then hit a major, months-long stall. Which completely sucked, as you can imagine. Doing everything right and not losing weight or inches was so frustrating, but a part of it unfortunately. It finally broke and I went back to steadily losing again, although much slower. I’d like to lose another 30-40 pounds (and then start in on plastic surgery), but honestly, if I didn’t lose another pound I would consider myself content.
There really is no way to describe how different my life is. Every aspect has improved – personal relationships, work, putting on shoes, driving my car… I wanted to dance with glee the first time I slid into a booth seat at a restaurant and fit properly (because in the past I didn’t fit and my stomach would bulge over the table top). In the past I’ve suffered with mild depression and anxiety. Even though they’re still there, I now feel such a sense of hope that things can actually change and this is a way of life I can maintain.
I was very nervous about having the surgery as well. Not only had nothing ever worked for me in the past but I have a cousin who had the band, then the sleeve, and then after a few years regained half of the weight that she’d lost and was very discouraged and really struggling to take it off again. This showed me, more than anything, that this isn’t an easy fix-all. It really takes work. I’ve had to relearn an entirely new way of eating and now have a much better relationship with food.
Everyone above has already posted some amazing tips for you; I won’t repeat what they’ve already said. Just know that, yes – it can work for you, but you have to be willing to put in the effort and make some changes.
Good luck!

I had second thoughts (panic attacks, really) up to when I was in the hospital gown waiting to be taken into the OR. I kept reassuring myself that this was going to be the best thing for me and reminding myself of why I was getting it - 460 pounds and 36 years old and not getting any younger... And it really was the best decision I ever made.
I was petrified to give up my one comfort in life and thought I'd never be able to eat normally again. The reality is that I enjoy food and eating more now than I ever did before - it was always about stuffing my face as fast as possible and then wondering what I could eat next. I don't miss all the junk, I really don't. My health and quality of life has improved beyond measure.
The 2 week pre-op diet was really hard, but after about 3 days I settled into an apathetic acceptance and after the first week I actually was happy that I was doing it because it showed me that I could actually go without food if I had to - losing 25+ lbs in that two weeks helped, too.
You've got this. Good luck!

I started out at 463 and at 19 months out I’m currently at 232. I lost exactly 200 pounds at my one year anniversary and then hit a major, months-long stall. Which completely sucked, as you can imagine. Doing everything right and not losing weight or inches was so frustrating, but a part of it unfortunately. It finally broke and I went back to steadily losing again, although much slower. I’d like to lose another 30-40 pounds (and then start in on plastic surgery), but honestly, if I didn’t lose another pound I would consider myself content.
There really is no way to describe how different my life is. Every aspect has improved – personal relationships, work, putting on shoes, driving my car… I wanted to dance with glee the first time I slid into a booth seat at a restaurant and fit properly (because in the past I didn’t fit and my stomach would bulge over the table top). In the past I’ve suffered with mild depression and anxiety. Even though they’re still there, I now feel such a sense of hope that things can actually change and this is a way of life I can maintain.
I was very nervous about having the surgery as well. Not only had nothing ever worked for me in the past but I have a cousin who had the band, then the sleeve, and then after a few years regained half of the weight that she’d lost and was very discouraged and really struggling to take it off again. This showed me, more than anything, that this isn’t an easy fix-all. It really takes work. I’ve had to relearn an entirely new way of eating and now have a much better relationship with food.
Everyone above has already posted some amazing tips for you; I won’t repeat what they’ve already said. Just know that, yes – it can work for you, but you have to be willing to put in the effort and make some changes.
Good luck!

I started out at 463 and at 19 months out I’m currently at 232. I lost exactly 200 pounds at my one year anniversary and then hit a major, months-long stall. Which completely sucked, as you can imagine. Doing everything right and not losing weight or inches was so frustrating, but a part of it unfortunately. It finally broke and I went back to steadily losing again, although much slower. I’d like to lose another 30-40 pounds (and then start in on plastic surgery), but honestly, if I didn’t lose another pound I would consider myself content.
There really is no way to describe how different my life is. Every aspect has improved – personal relationships, work, putting on shoes, driving my car… I wanted to dance with glee the first time I slid into a booth seat at a restaurant and fit properly (because in the past I didn’t fit and my stomach would bulge over the table top). In the past I’ve suffered with mild depression and anxiety. Even though they’re still there, I now feel such a sense of hope that things can actually change and this is a way of life I can maintain.
I was very nervous about having the surgery as well. Not only had nothing ever worked for me in the past but I have a cousin who had the band, then the sleeve, and then after a few years regained half of the weight that she’d lost and was very discouraged and really struggling to take it off again. This showed me, more than anything, that this isn’t an easy fix-all. It really takes work. I’ve had to relearn an entirely new way of eating and now have a much better relationship with food.
Everyone above has already posted some amazing tips for you; I won’t repeat what they’ve already said. Just know that, yes – it can work for you, but you have to be willing to put in the effort and make some changes.
Good luck!

I started out at 463 and at 19 months out I’m currently at 232. I lost exactly 200 pounds at my one year anniversary and then hit a major, months-long stall. Which completely sucked, as you can imagine. Doing everything right and not losing weight or inches was so frustrating, but a part of it unfortunately. It finally broke and I went back to steadily losing again, although much slower. I’d like to lose another 30-40 pounds (and then start in on plastic surgery), but honestly, if I didn’t lose another pound I would consider myself content.
There really is no way to describe how different my life is. Every aspect has improved – personal relationships, work, putting on shoes, driving my car… I wanted to dance with glee the first time I slid into a booth seat at a restaurant and fit properly (because in the past I didn’t fit and my stomach would bulge over the table top). In the past I’ve suffered with mild depression and anxiety. Even though they’re still there, I now feel such a sense of hope that things can actually change and this is a way of life I can maintain.
I was very nervous about having the surgery as well. Not only had nothing ever worked for me in the past but I have a cousin who had the band, then the sleeve, and then after a few years regained half of the weight that she’d lost and was very discouraged and really struggling to take it off again. This showed me, more than anything, that this isn’t an easy fix-all. It really takes work. I’ve had to relearn an entirely new way of eating and now have a much better relationship with food.
Everyone above has already posted some amazing tips for you; I won’t repeat what they’ve already said. Just know that, yes – it can work for you, but you have to be willing to put in the effort and make some changes.
Good luck!

I started my bariatric program at 478 lbs.
I'm down ~185 or so now at 10 months post-op.
I've clearly got another 50+ pounds to lose. Doubtful I'll make by the 12 month point......but I WILL get there by the end of 2016.
I don't consider this awesome success because I know I could have lost more. There were times when I strayed off course and learned to find my way back. Had I stayed true and on plan.....I would have made the goal by 12 months....easily.
My tips are to weigh often......know where you stand.......know what corrective actions that you can take to get to where you want to be.
Measure your food & drink caloric intake on myfitnesspal or similar. You have to have accurate ideas of what you are consuming.
Exercise as frequently as you can. On occasion, make that exercise on either a treadmill or elliptical machine where you can input your weight and it'll calculate your calories burned during that session. There are some powerful thoughts generated when you see and feel how hard it is to burn 750 calories......how much you had to sweat to do it. This knowledge will come to the forefront of your consciousness when you are faced with snack food and garbage calories.......you'll be more likely to kick that crap aside.
Keep in mind your ultimate goals and let your daily behaviors be driven by these.
Learn to have fun along the way and find comfort in your progress and new abilities......not find comfort from food.

I started at a much higher weight than you and I am over half way to goal.
It is possible to be successful. Just don't calibrate your expectations based on what other people experience.
You will probably experience rapid weight loss initially. You will probably experience slow downs and weight fluctuations. You will definitely experience periodic stalls, starting with a pretty common one about three weeks post op.
Based on my experience so far, the best thing to do is:
Follow your program.
Track your food.
Make sure you get at least 64 oz of Fluid a day.
Make sure you reach your Protein target every day.
Avoid starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried foods.
Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed.
Practice mindful eating: eat slowly, take small bites, and chew thoroughly.
Exercise when cleared.
Stay off the scale.
And, learn to Embrace the Stall
http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I started out at 463 and at 19 months out I’m currently at 232. I lost exactly 200 pounds at my one year anniversary and then hit a major, months-long stall. Which completely sucked, as you can imagine. Doing everything right and not losing weight or inches was so frustrating, but a part of it unfortunately. It finally broke and I went back to steadily losing again, although much slower. I’d like to lose another 30-40 pounds (and then start in on plastic surgery), but honestly, if I didn’t lose another pound I would consider myself content.
There really is no way to describe how different my life is. Every aspect has improved – personal relationships, work, putting on shoes, driving my car… I wanted to dance with glee the first time I slid into a booth seat at a restaurant and fit properly (because in the past I didn’t fit and my stomach would bulge over the table top). In the past I’ve suffered with mild depression and anxiety. Even though they’re still there, I now feel such a sense of hope that things can actually change and this is a way of life I can maintain.
I was very nervous about having the surgery as well. Not only had nothing ever worked for me in the past but I have a cousin who had the band, then the sleeve, and then after a few years regained half of the weight that she’d lost and was very discouraged and really struggling to take it off again. This showed me, more than anything, that this isn’t an easy fix-all. It really takes work. I’ve had to relearn an entirely new way of eating and now have a much better relationship with food.
Everyone above has already posted some amazing tips for you; I won’t repeat what they’ve already said. Just know that, yes – it can work for you, but you have to be willing to put in the effort and make some changes.
Good luck!

I started out at 463 and at 19 months out I’m currently at 232. I lost exactly 200 pounds at my one year anniversary and then hit a major, months-long stall. Which completely sucked, as you can imagine. Doing everything right and not losing weight or inches was so frustrating, but a part of it unfortunately. It finally broke and I went back to steadily losing again, although much slower. I’d like to lose another 30-40 pounds (and then start in on plastic surgery), but honestly, if I didn’t lose another pound I would consider myself content.
There really is no way to describe how different my life is. Every aspect has improved – personal relationships, work, putting on shoes, driving my car… I wanted to dance with glee the first time I slid into a booth seat at a restaurant and fit properly (because in the past I didn’t fit and my stomach would bulge over the table top). In the past I’ve suffered with mild depression and anxiety. Even though they’re still there, I now feel such a sense of hope that things can actually change and this is a way of life I can maintain.
I was very nervous about having the surgery as well. Not only had nothing ever worked for me in the past but I have a cousin who had the band, then the sleeve, and then after a few years regained half of the weight that she’d lost and was very discouraged and really struggling to take it off again. This showed me, more than anything, that this isn’t an easy fix-all. It really takes work. I’ve had to relearn an entirely new way of eating and now have a much better relationship with food.
Everyone above has already posted some amazing tips for you; I won’t repeat what they’ve already said. Just know that, yes – it can work for you, but you have to be willing to put in the effort and make some changes.
Good luck!

I started out at 463 and at 19 months out I’m currently at 232. I lost exactly 200 pounds at my one year anniversary and then hit a major, months-long stall. Which completely sucked, as you can imagine. Doing everything right and not losing weight or inches was so frustrating, but a part of it unfortunately. It finally broke and I went back to steadily losing again, although much slower. I’d like to lose another 30-40 pounds (and then start in on plastic surgery), but honestly, if I didn’t lose another pound I would consider myself content.
There really is no way to describe how different my life is. Every aspect has improved – personal relationships, work, putting on shoes, driving my car… I wanted to dance with glee the first time I slid into a booth seat at a restaurant and fit properly (because in the past I didn’t fit and my stomach would bulge over the table top). In the past I’ve suffered with mild depression and anxiety. Even though they’re still there, I now feel such a sense of hope that things can actually change and this is a way of life I can maintain.
I was very nervous about having the surgery as well. Not only had nothing ever worked for me in the past but I have a cousin who had the band, then the sleeve, and then after a few years regained half of the weight that she’d lost and was very discouraged and really struggling to take it off again. This showed me, more than anything, that this isn’t an easy fix-all. It really takes work. I’ve had to relearn an entirely new way of eating and now have a much better relationship with food.
Everyone above has already posted some amazing tips for you; I won’t repeat what they’ve already said. Just know that, yes – it can work for you, but you have to be willing to put in the effort and make some changes.
Good luck!