FocusOnMeNow

I lost 75 lb by six month mark and my highest weight was 286. I'm hoping to hit the century mark by year 1.

I believe that I saw a VSG you tube video from a former Biggest Loser contestant who gained all the weight back and more, and so opted for the gastric sleeve instead. I cannot recall her name.

Actually if you search you tube for Biggest Loser gastric sleeve there are a number of former BL contestants who are now sleevers

Bacon bacon and more bacon. Premier Protein vanilla shake is the Creamer in my coffee. Sometimes eggs. But I swear if I am having a stall, if I increase my bacon intake the lbs start melting off again

Bacon bacon and more bacon. Premier Protein vanilla shake is the Creamer in my coffee. Sometimes eggs. But I swear if I am having a stall, if I increase my bacon intake the lbs start melting off again

Worst experience for me was drinking that liquid barium as the first thing that went into my new tummy 9 months ago. I was SO determined NOT to throw up with my new tummy. Little did I know what the 2nd worst thing was....projectile poop when it came out the other end. But ever since then it has been smooth sailing and couldn't be happier

VitaminWater ZERO Rise Orange
Vitamin Water ZERO Squeezed Lemonade
Vitamin Water ZERO XXX Acai berry
VITAMIN WATER ZERO people - it has no carbs, it tastes great, it has Vitamins. You can get it at Walmart, Target, costco, and Amazon
There is no downside, except that your B12 might come back slightly elevated if you drink 4 or more 20oz drinks a day like I do. By that time you can switch out every other one with regular filtered or spring water.

Vanity Fair 76380 and 76382 with lace
Google it
Amazon - search for it
Her Room - search for it
This is an awesome incredibly supportive full figure bra that holds the girls up with nice thick straps that do not slip OR dig in. I was wondering why my mom, who is 23 years older than me, and also lost about 150lbs after weight loss surgery had perkier taataas than me. It was the bra. I asked her where she got it. Also, seriously go to Nordstrom lingerie department in any major city and ask them to measure you too. You might be surprised at what you find.
You should definitely be able to pick one up for $20-30.
Vanity Fair Illumination bra is pretty good too.

@@krissyvsg
Hi! I was also 286 when I started this journey too! And I'm 168 now:-) And I'm also 46. Let's just say all my friends who were getting fillers and fat injections I still looked 10 years younger "naturally" (ie all that extra fat really plumped up those wrinkles). And I will admit that at first I did feel as if I aged 10 years in 10 months. But honestly, and I'm 17 months post-op now, its not so bad. I look pretty damn good for 46. I'm NOT getting carded anymore, which is a bummer, but honestly, I was 40 years old and still getting carded, c'mon?!? I have some friends my age who look better (and most have had at least MINOR work done) and some who look older than me. When I first started I felt like my stomach was deflating so much I would have a huge panny, and I do have a teensy one, but not worth a Tummy Tuck. Yes I look like I'm in my 40s, but guess what? I am in my 40s. Could we all use a little laser or filler here or there when we are in our 40s? I sure could, but its not in my budget right now. I'd rather spend it on a trainer or gym and get stronger:-)

@@krissyvsg
Hi! I was also 286 when I started this journey too! And I'm 168 now:-) And I'm also 46. Let's just say all my friends who were getting fillers and fat injections I still looked 10 years younger "naturally" (ie all that extra fat really plumped up those wrinkles). And I will admit that at first I did feel as if I aged 10 years in 10 months. But honestly, and I'm 17 months post-op now, its not so bad. I look pretty damn good for 46. I'm NOT getting carded anymore, which is a bummer, but honestly, I was 40 years old and still getting carded, c'mon?!? I have some friends my age who look better (and most have had at least MINOR work done) and some who look older than me. When I first started I felt like my stomach was deflating so much I would have a huge panny, and I do have a teensy one, but not worth a Tummy Tuck. Yes I look like I'm in my 40s, but guess what? I am in my 40s. Could we all use a little laser or filler here or there when we are in our 40s? I sure could, but its not in my budget right now. I'd rather spend it on a trainer or gym and get stronger:-)

@@krissyvsg
Hi! I was also 286 when I started this journey too! And I'm 168 now:-) And I'm also 46. Let's just say all my friends who were getting fillers and fat injections I still looked 10 years younger "naturally" (ie all that extra fat really plumped up those wrinkles). And I will admit that at first I did feel as if I aged 10 years in 10 months. But honestly, and I'm 17 months post-op now, its not so bad. I look pretty damn good for 46. I'm NOT getting carded anymore, which is a bummer, but honestly, I was 40 years old and still getting carded, c'mon?!? I have some friends my age who look better (and most have had at least MINOR work done) and some who look older than me. When I first started I felt like my stomach was deflating so much I would have a huge panny, and I do have a teensy one, but not worth a Tummy Tuck. Yes I look like I'm in my 40s, but guess what? I am in my 40s. Could we all use a little laser or filler here or there when we are in our 40s? I sure could, but its not in my budget right now. I'd rather spend it on a trainer or gym and get stronger:-)

@@krissyvsg
Hi! I was also 286 when I started this journey too! And I'm 168 now:-) And I'm also 46. Let's just say all my friends who were getting fillers and fat injections I still looked 10 years younger "naturally" (ie all that extra fat really plumped up those wrinkles). And I will admit that at first I did feel as if I aged 10 years in 10 months. But honestly, and I'm 17 months post-op now, its not so bad. I look pretty damn good for 46. I'm NOT getting carded anymore, which is a bummer, but honestly, I was 40 years old and still getting carded, c'mon?!? I have some friends my age who look better (and most have had at least MINOR work done) and some who look older than me. When I first started I felt like my stomach was deflating so much I would have a huge panny, and I do have a teensy one, but not worth a Tummy Tuck. Yes I look like I'm in my 40s, but guess what? I am in my 40s. Could we all use a little laser or filler here or there when we are in our 40s? I sure could, but its not in my budget right now. I'd rather spend it on a trainer or gym and get stronger:-)

I am crying reading your story. Not tears if sorrow but of joy. God Bless you. You are an inspiration!! There us a saying "when you are going thru hell...keep going" you have persevered and came through and your strength is a testament to your inner soul. You are precious and beautiful. May your light continue to shine and help to lead those who may also be on a difficult journey. You go girl!!! You are a rockstar!! Your pics,are beautiful!!!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

The statistics were against me. I went to the hospital completely unsure if I would have the courage to go through with my surgery, and terrified I would die. No one... I promise you, NO ONE, ever wanted to have bariatric surgery less than I. I was an emotional food addict whose life had shrunk so much that food was my entire social life. I weighed 367.8 pounds, had out of control diabetes, and could no longer walk across my own kitchen on most days. I needed both knees replaced and my doctor refused to do it until I lost a lot of weight.
The night before my surgery I was alone in the house and I sobbed a funeral dirge for my best friend, food. I was certain I would lose my mind without it.
My friends, are you hesitating?? Struggling? Regretting?? If you can stay with me, read on.
I will tell you that after the first month there hasn't been one day in five years that I haven't thought, "I never could have done this before."
My journey has been difficult, and you will have your struggles, too. The first year, I cared for and buried my beloved sister--my "person" in this world--who died in my arms. The second year, I had my right knee replaced. The third year, my left knee. My weight loss stalled, but I never gave up. The fourth year, my father died and right afterwards, my husband almost died and needed months of nursing.
I didn't tell you all that to whine. I told you in order to try to put some context to my life, because in spite of all that sorrow and pain, I am filled with joy. I have taken back my life, and you can, too.
When I came out of my surgery, I vowed that having taken the drastic step of altering my body, I was going to be all in. I have honored that vow.
I had to learn to walk again. Now I am a landscape, wedding and portrait photographer.
I had to accept that I couldn't go on vacation and eat like the old me without gaining back weight it took me months to lose. Now I usually drop a couple of pounds on vacation, and I have one thing every day that I really want. To eat, that is!! I get to have experiences instead of food now!
I had to accept that carbs are not part of my daily eating. But I have learned to actually prefer zucchini spaghetti!!
Most importantly, I learned that no one will ever abuse me again. And that includes me.
I learned that emotional eating may feel like self care, but it is self destruction, and self destruction and self preservation can never exist side by side.
Last year, I photographed the cliffs of Maine, the mountains of West Virginia (going by rope down to the waterfalls), beaches in the Carolinas, and so many other things. (Check out my stuff at mlwolfephotos.com if you are inclined!).
I could babble on and on...
Today, I am at my lowest weight in 34 years. I have not met my weight loss goal. I'm still just over 200 pounds--a weight many people begin this journey at!! It may take me a year, but I'll get there.
On January 1st I turned 60, and I cried. A lot. I didn't cry because I was 60. I cried because I wasted so many years... My 30s... My 40s...half my 50s. I cannot get them back. But I have what's left, and I will cherish each breath.
So, I lost much of my stomach. I lost 153 pounds. I gained the world.
I wish that for each and every one of you! May you work to make all your dreams come true!
Attaching a few pics, not just of what I look(ed) like, but of who I am!!!

Definitely aged me too, but I'm nearly 50...I lost a bunch of weight after lapband surgery in my late 30s and it didn't age me.
Now that I've had bypass at 49, the fat hid all the wrinkles...and boom here they are. But I'm still told I look young for my age so, I'll deal.

@@JamieLogical I've never seen your before pics...you've done some amazing work, girl! You inspire me

I am going to say that part of what you are feeling May be cultural, I understand because I had the same concerns about being too small and looking gaunt. I could be wrong. Thought that for several years, however my health conditions far out weighed my fear. When I decided to move forward I just didn't think about it any more. I didn't think of a goal, my doctor never really set a goal and my only focuses on my excercies and diet issues that I bring to her. I am 57 and very surprised at how my body responded to the weight loss. Prior to this I was extremely active and was a fitness instructor for years (even though I was way of 250 pounds). Your body is going to figure it out, don't focus on anything but you're health.

My take is it is important to start and get to a healthier weight to decide on a final goal.
I let my body decide because when I struggled to get the last 10 off , it came right back. Since it has been 10 years, I kinda get where my body wants to stay and what is comfortable for me
Yes I exercise, drink Water ( never with meals) and eat a lot of Protein.< /p>
I still occasionally get down those 10 lbs, but they then return in a couple of months. Repeat.
I just stay a size 10-12 and am so happy to never see 270+ again!
Good luck and let us know how you do

At 5'9", 119 would be underweight. You definitely don't want to go that low! A normal BMI range for 5'9" is 125 to 168.

My starting weight was 294. I am now 116. I NEVER thought I would be a 39 year old mom that can wear a size 0. I didn't seek that out as a goal, it just happened. My doctor gave me the goal of 135-145. I hit the top end of the goal in 9 months. It took about 3 months to lose the other 10 pounds. I started training for my first half marathon in July of last year and got down to 121 then. Even though I stayed the same weight, during that time I went from a size 6 to a size 2. I lost more weight after stopping birth control.
With all that said....how you look after is based on so many different factors. I lost 178 pounds, but have minimal excess skin. I know others that have lost 80 pounds and have LOTS of excess skin. I give credit to my workout regime in part. You cannot just do cardio, you must do weight training.
The hair loss. I experienced that starting the 3rd month through about the 9th month. It was minimal though. I have PCOS and experienced much worse before the surgery. I have been committed to getting my Protein and taking my Vitamins.
I agree with the others. Looking a certain way is still healthier than being obese or morbidly obese in my case.

When it comes to faces, it does seem like a lot of us go through phases where we look a little sunken and sickly, but it does seem to even out eventually. Age seems to have a lot to do with it. For younger people, the skin and plumpness seem to bounce back eventually in maintenance. For older people, they can end up with some sagging skin in their neck and jowls.
But I will say the same thing about this as I do to the people who fear hair loss and loose skin... no one ever died from it. People die every single day from obesity-related illnesses!

Ok so i have been going through so many pictures and post! And everyone has done an amazing job with there weight loss! I'm a lil taken back by PLEASE DONT BEAT ME UP FOR THIS ITS REALLY A CONCERN I DONT WANT TO LOOSE TO MUCH WEIGHT! I SEE LADIES WHO WHERE 320 and are now 150 and they look super skinny and faces look sunken in a lil makes them look older IM SCARED THIS IS GONNA HAPPEN TO PLEASE GIVE OPINIONS THIS IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO PUT ANYONE DOWN JUST DONT WANT LOOK UNHEALTHY Sw 286
Cw 261
Gw 185
Sleeved 1/11/17
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

While I have great respect for people who decide to have weight loss surgery to lose 50 or so pounds, I have a hard time relating to them. My highest was 440 pounds and I began the VSG journey at 285 pounds. I'm looking at a 150 pound loss and would love to communicate with others in my category.

Dear Pre-Ops,
So I'm one year out and I can eat nearly anything I want, just not that much of it. I can eat a full slice of pizza (not making a habit of it though). Want to know what I really truly miss the most? salad and raw veggies. No lie I swear. There's a reason they call it "roughage". I can eat a few bites, but honestly I miss those big crunchy salads from the Whole Foods salad bar more than anything else. I jest you not. My mom had bypass and I asked her what she missed the most and she said pizza and cheesecake. So I had my "last supper" more than a month before surgery. I was kind of disgusted with myself and felt good about giving that stuff up. But honestly if I had to do it all over again I would pig out in salad and raw veggies (with Salad Dressing of course) until the cows come home.
What else? Mainly that the eating is not about the food. Yes the better the food tastes pre op the harder it is to resist. But someone on one of these forums recommended to read Brene Brown's books: Gift of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, Rising Strong. I got the kindle and the audible versions and have listened to them in the car, on the airplane, wherever (so not having time to read is not an excuse). By participating in these forums, going to therapy, going to Overeaters anonymous, and listening to Brene I have somehow learned to "Let It Go". Let what go? My bitterness, anger, hatred for myself and others. By learning to accept and embrace my own imperfections and short comings I can also accept and forgive others who were not really there for me in the way that I needed or wanted them to be. We're all human, we're all doing the best we can. Some of us are ill-equipped to be the person we wanted to be but we all will do better once we know better AND have the tools we need. Although I probably had an even shorter fuse about months 6-11 post op, somehow I have managed to let it all go. Not just the 103 lbs I have lost (still slowly losing), but also all that bitterness, anger, and resentment that I have been carrying around for the past 46 years. That is just as if not more freeing as the weight loss. I truly feel lighter inside and out. I know that I will have to work at this every day so that as I hit life's little bumps I can continue to think and truly feel "oh well $h!t happens" instead of taking everything as a personal attack because I'm defective, I'm not worthy, etc. But I am committed to doing that. FRiends and family have recently commented how it's so much nicer to be around me now. It didn't happen overnight, but little by little. I just want to encourage you all to take good care of yourself, love yourself, embrace your faults warts and all, and find your own inner peace. Gratitude is a huge part of that!
Good luck on your journey!

Dear Pre-Ops,
So I'm one year out and I can eat nearly anything I want, just not that much of it. I can eat a full slice of pizza (not making a habit of it though). Want to know what I really truly miss the most? salad and raw veggies. No lie I swear. There's a reason they call it "roughage". I can eat a few bites, but honestly I miss those big crunchy salads from the Whole Foods salad bar more than anything else. I jest you not. My mom had bypass and I asked her what she missed the most and she said pizza and cheesecake. So I had my "last supper" more than a month before surgery. I was kind of disgusted with myself and felt good about giving that stuff up. But honestly if I had to do it all over again I would pig out in salad and raw veggies (with Salad Dressing of course) until the cows come home.
What else? Mainly that the eating is not about the food. Yes the better the food tastes pre op the harder it is to resist. But someone on one of these forums recommended to read Brene Brown's books: Gift of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, Rising Strong. I got the kindle and the audible versions and have listened to them in the car, on the airplane, wherever (so not having time to read is not an excuse). By participating in these forums, going to therapy, going to Overeaters anonymous, and listening to Brene I have somehow learned to "Let It Go". Let what go? My bitterness, anger, hatred for myself and others. By learning to accept and embrace my own imperfections and short comings I can also accept and forgive others who were not really there for me in the way that I needed or wanted them to be. We're all human, we're all doing the best we can. Some of us are ill-equipped to be the person we wanted to be but we all will do better once we know better AND have the tools we need. Although I probably had an even shorter fuse about months 6-11 post op, somehow I have managed to let it all go. Not just the 103 lbs I have lost (still slowly losing), but also all that bitterness, anger, and resentment that I have been carrying around for the past 46 years. That is just as if not more freeing as the weight loss. I truly feel lighter inside and out. I know that I will have to work at this every day so that as I hit life's little bumps I can continue to think and truly feel "oh well $h!t happens" instead of taking everything as a personal attack because I'm defective, I'm not worthy, etc. But I am committed to doing that. FRiends and family have recently commented how it's so much nicer to be around me now. It didn't happen overnight, but little by little. I just want to encourage you all to take good care of yourself, love yourself, embrace your faults warts and all, and find your own inner peace. Gratitude is a huge part of that!
Good luck on your journey!