vanishingvixen

You look fab, what a difference. You have so much energy, I envy your being able to do all the athletics. I aspire to eventually follow you into that world. You go girl, thanks for the posting it gives us newbies a lot of encouragement:)

Wowza....you look awesome, your self confidence radiates thru the pictures. Good luck.

You look great! Congratulations on the races. I love to see people that are futher out checking in on here. I think it really helps us pre-sleever put things in perspective.

Wow fabulous! Hoping i can get back to running after weight loss surgery.

Wow, what a great story, such an inspiration!!

You look great! And, congrats on your fitness accomplishments! How long have you been sleeved?

just 6 days post-op Thanks for being a great example and inspiration .... 2 years is a long lot of consistency.... way to go!

Wow, you look amazing!! I really think a daily upload of you and the red dress would be very motivational to us all!!
Sent from my mobile productivity killer.

you look fantastic...such an inspiration!!!

You look amazing and I love love love your hair! I have a desire to run! It's on my list of things to incorporate into my new life. One week to go pre op is hard but your story makes it better! Thanks for sharing!

Yeah. I guess. The crazy part is that even though I SEE the progress in terms my body - I'm still feeling some kind of way that I'm still over 200# and it's been almost 2 years. I'm busting my @$$, i have a healthy food life... But I'm stuck. It's frustrating not to see the scale move.
I've never been small. Doubt that i ever will be. I think id be fine where i am now - sz 12/14 - if the scale said 175. But I'd also be fine at a sz 16/18 of th scale said 175. Makes NO sense. My own dumb struggle, I suppose.
And I know my body will stop where it's comfortable. But I did NOT have surgery to still
tip 200#. So I just have to keep going....

Been there. Had those thoughts. Still do. Was worried about losing my "figure", but 110# gone, and I feel better and look better than ever. 2 years post op, and still 40# to goal. Not sure what "too small" is, but if you focus on the health aspect of it, it will be much easier to push past that fear.
I've blogged my entire journey here - including lots about the feelings you mentioned: vanishingvixen.wordpress.com. You can also
Check out some of my pics in the gallery. Maybe it will put your mind at ease.
Best of luck to all!!

(size 22-24 / size 12-14)


Just sticking my head in. Things have beed SO incredibly crazy for me and haven't had time to really sit down and pull all of my thoughts together. I'll post the short version here:
Have accomplished quite a bit since the last check-in. I finally scale moving, but my body is being sculpted at an amazing rate, due to my love of running.





(left pic: from my first 5k in April. right pic is from 2 weeks ago)



(Only about 5# gone, but LOTS of inches GONE)


The inches are disappearing, but STILL haven't hit One-derland, and I'm almost 2 years out. More important to me though, have become the NSV's...
This coming weekend, I will be doing a 5k race up at Yankee Stadium to raise money for Cancer Research (something extreamly near & dear to my heart). The course takes place inside the stadium, and incorporates the concourses, ramps, and stairs. STOKED, but nervous...and ever-ready for a challenge.
I also took to the challenge of doing BOTH the Marine Corps 10k and the Zombie 5k obstacle course in the same weekend at the end of October, so I am in training mode. That will surely show me what I'm made of!
In other news: my eating has been pretty good. I'm focused. But I'd be lying if I didn't say how frustrated I am with the scale not showing all of the effort I'm putting in. I guess it shouldn't be important...but it is.
No matter - I plan to keep going. Something will eventually have to give, right!??!?
SO...MORE IMPORTANTLY: how is everyone doing?!?!?!? What challenges have you been having?? What NSV's have made you smile the most?

The 1st month or two will be the hardest. But it gets easier!! I've chronicled my journey (and rollercoaster of emotions) here if you would like to take a gander. Shoot-from-the-hip talk, for sure. http://vanishingvixen.wordpress.com

Thanky you!! My 2 year sleeviversary in on 9/21. I thought I would have long made it to goal (165-175) by now...but no such luck. It truly is a lesson in patience and persaverance.

yes maam!!
http://www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium
Maybe we should plan a meet & greet! My in-laws live right across the street from the stadium. There is NO way I'm missing this. It will prove to be a beast tho. Make sure to check out the route!

Tunnel Vision. Defined as: “the tendency to focus exclusively on a single or limited goal or point of view”.

A lot of people view tunnel vision as a bad thing. And in some instances, it can be. But in the instance of my health and physical fitness? It’s an amazinggggg thing!



I sorta-kinda had counted myself out of the 5k I had planned to do next month due to some health set-backs and overall apathy while dealing with some of life’s other BS. But I’m glad to say my "tunnel vision" goggles have returned (as it pertains to getting in better shape)


See this pic? That's me. RUNNING (jog/trot is more accurate) across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (MD to VA). The span is 2.-something miles. I did NOT run the entire length, but d@mmit, I DID it. 2 years ago - and 100# heavier - I could have never imagined this for myself. My 1st 5k race is in 3 weeks. I am determined to do it!!

My inner athlete at work
This weekend I headed out with my family for a traipse across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. The span itself is a little over 2 miles one way. The trail totals 6 miles – there & back, including the bridge span. I hadn’t planned on running at all, but when the urge hit me?
I took off!
Like, didn’t even THINK about running. It just felt…NATURAL. For the first time. EVER.

And I’m so incredibly proud of myself.


I had nearly given up on the idea of being able to get in that 5k race next month, but this was just the encouragement I needed to stick to my plan. Like I said previously – even if I have to crawl over the finish line, I’m going to FINISH. #the end.

My Sweetface...running like the wind!
On another note: Who woulda thunk that my Sweetface 3 year old would serve as my biggest source of encouragement? Her daddy used to be runner, so I guess it’s in her genes. (damn shol aint in mine!) *shrug* But she knows it’s a struggle for me. At one point she said “See? Just like this, Mommy” – and took off running. Then said “COME ON, MOMMY! You can do it! Go Mommy!” How could I NOT find the energy after that??
I have exactly 3 weeks to get my bootay in gear. I have enlisted the help of Jillian Michaels and her “Last Chance” workout DVD to help amp it up a notch. So tonight, I will take my first 30 minute punishment. The REALLY insane part?

I’m looking forward to it.


That blows my mind. Not only that, but I’ve found another 5k race to get under my belt in October. Except this one is going to be funnnnn. (It’s a 5k obstacle course -entitled “Run for ya Lives”. Yeah – running from ZOMBIES! Presumable trying to eat my brains… *lol* Doesn’t get much better than that. Who thought I’d truly ever be excited to run – for any reason other than towards a cupcake truck?!?)
Times, they are a changing. And so is my body. Y’all betta watch out… Size 12 is coming.

Tunnel Vision. Defined as: “the tendency to focus exclusively on a single or limited goal or point of view”.

A lot of people view tunnel vision as a bad thing. And in some instances, it can be. But in the instance of my health and physical fitness? It’s an amazinggggg thing!



I sorta-kinda had counted myself out of the 5k I had planned to do next month due to some health set-backs and overall apathy while dealing with some of life’s other BS. But I’m glad to say my "tunnel vision" goggles have returned (as it pertains to getting in better shape)


See this pic? That's me. RUNNING (jog/trot is more accurate) across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (MD to VA). The span is 2.-something miles. I did NOT run the entire length, but d@mmit, I DID it. 2 years ago - and 100# heavier - I could have never imagined this for myself. My 1st 5k race is in 3 weeks. I am determined to do it!!

My inner athlete at work
This weekend I headed out with my family for a traipse across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. The span itself is a little over 2 miles one way. The trail totals 6 miles – there & back, including the bridge span. I hadn’t planned on running at all, but when the urge hit me?
I took off!
Like, didn’t even THINK about running. It just felt…NATURAL. For the first time. EVER.

And I’m so incredibly proud of myself.


I had nearly given up on the idea of being able to get in that 5k race next month, but this was just the encouragement I needed to stick to my plan. Like I said previously – even if I have to crawl over the finish line, I’m going to FINISH. #the end.

My Sweetface...running like the wind!
On another note: Who woulda thunk that my Sweetface 3 year old would serve as my biggest source of encouragement? Her daddy used to be runner, so I guess it’s in her genes. (damn shol aint in mine!) *shrug* But she knows it’s a struggle for me. At one point she said “See? Just like this, Mommy” – and took off running. Then said “COME ON, MOMMY! You can do it! Go Mommy!” How could I NOT find the energy after that??
I have exactly 3 weeks to get my bootay in gear. I have enlisted the help of Jillian Michaels and her “Last Chance” workout DVD to help amp it up a notch. So tonight, I will take my first 30 minute punishment. The REALLY insane part?

I’m looking forward to it.


That blows my mind. Not only that, but I’ve found another 5k race to get under my belt in October. Except this one is going to be funnnnn. (It’s a 5k obstacle course -entitled “Run for ya Lives”. Yeah – running from ZOMBIES! Presumable trying to eat my brains… *lol* Doesn’t get much better than that. Who thought I’d truly ever be excited to run – for any reason other than towards a cupcake truck?!?)
Times, they are a changing. And so is my body. Y’all betta watch out… Size 12 is coming.

Tunnel Vision. Defined as: “the tendency to focus exclusively on a single or limited goal or point of view”.

A lot of people view tunnel vision as a bad thing. And in some instances, it can be. But in the instance of my health and physical fitness? It’s an amazinggggg thing!



I sorta-kinda had counted myself out of the 5k I had planned to do next month due to some health set-backs and overall apathy while dealing with some of life’s other BS. But I’m glad to say my "tunnel vision" goggles have returned (as it pertains to getting in better shape)


See this pic? That's me. RUNNING (jog/trot is more accurate) across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (MD to VA). The span is 2.-something miles. I did NOT run the entire length, but d@mmit, I DID it. 2 years ago - and 100# heavier - I could have never imagined this for myself. My 1st 5k race is in 3 weeks. I am determined to do it!!

My inner athlete at work
This weekend I headed out with my family for a traipse across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. The span itself is a little over 2 miles one way. The trail totals 6 miles – there & back, including the bridge span. I hadn’t planned on running at all, but when the urge hit me?
I took off!
Like, didn’t even THINK about running. It just felt…NATURAL. For the first time. EVER.

And I’m so incredibly proud of myself.


I had nearly given up on the idea of being able to get in that 5k race next month, but this was just the encouragement I needed to stick to my plan. Like I said previously – even if I have to crawl over the finish line, I’m going to FINISH. #the end.

My Sweetface...running like the wind!
On another note: Who woulda thunk that my Sweetface 3 year old would serve as my biggest source of encouragement? Her daddy used to be runner, so I guess it’s in her genes. (damn shol aint in mine!) *shrug* But she knows it’s a struggle for me. At one point she said “See? Just like this, Mommy” – and took off running. Then said “COME ON, MOMMY! You can do it! Go Mommy!” How could I NOT find the energy after that??
I have exactly 3 weeks to get my bootay in gear. I have enlisted the help of Jillian Michaels and her “Last Chance” workout DVD to help amp it up a notch. So tonight, I will take my first 30 minute punishment. The REALLY insane part?

I’m looking forward to it.


That blows my mind. Not only that, but I’ve found another 5k race to get under my belt in October. Except this one is going to be funnnnn. (It’s a 5k obstacle course -entitled “Run for ya Lives”. Yeah – running from ZOMBIES! Presumable trying to eat my brains… *lol* Doesn’t get much better than that. Who thought I’d truly ever be excited to run – for any reason other than towards a cupcake truck?!?)
Times, they are a changing. And so is my body. Y’all betta watch out… Size 12 is coming.

Thanks all. It has been quite the journey... *whew*

*editor’s note: this is a cross-post*
When I first started my journey, this was my very first blog post. It will help to reference it if you haven’t read it yet. (Phine = Fine/Fione = hella good-looking/sexy. Incase ya didn't know )
In any event…
Two years ago [on my birthday], I looked like…



This year [and over 100# later] as I Celebrate my 37th year of life, I look like:



Amazing, isn’t it?
I always come up with kitchy lil’ names for my yearly b’earthday celebrations…and this year, I jokingly called it my “Thirty-Sexy” birthday. As most of you who follow my posts know – I haven’t felt very sexy about this New Body. And until fairly recently, I was having a very hard time accepting this new form.
Welp. no more! Not sure if it was the birthday (in general) or just me beginning to see myself in a new light as I train for this 5k race in April that is responsible. But I am totally feeling it, seeing it and reveling in it. FINALLY!



I feel the same sexy I felt when I was 21. The same sexy I felt at 30. The same sexy that I somehow LOST along the way over the past year and a half – along with all of the extra weight. So this, has been a long time coming.
From this day forward, I will claim it.
I will own it.
I will revel in it.
I will project it.
I will embrace it.
I will live it.
Sexiness…reclaimed.
“Phine”… re-defined. Finally.

Greetings Sleevers!!
I just wanted to do a quick base-touch. I made it through the holidays unscathed...but I still have some issues reconciling my drastic loss with what I "see" in the mirror. Most often, I can CLEARLY see progress in others...but not in myself - unless a photo is involved. So, to start 2012 off in the right mind-set, I wanted to force myself to see my progress and be as proud of myself that as so many others seem to be of me.
I'm kinda nervous about the rest of this journey...knowing I still have a way to go. I thought I'd be to goal by now - but for 15 months out, I think I've done pretty well (especially given the stress-filled year I had in 2011 - Unemployment, Financial distress, loss of a loved one - back to back to back to back.... *sigh*)
The biggest thing I gathered from looking at some of the older pics is how UNCOMFORTABLE I looked...on top of how far in denial about how big I had gotten over the years. Truly an eye-opener. I have NO desire to go back there - but am still working on the exhuberance and confidence that I had BEFORE I lost the weight. Life is kinda funny like that... *sigh* But I digress...
In any event -- I give you: The Vanishing Vixen Weightloss Transformation Slideshow: http://www.picnik.co...s/t/picnik-show
I'd love to see other pics of you Sleevers here. I know there is SO MUCH success in the ranks!
Give a yell here - or email me at: geenahb2@yahoo.com - OR hit up my blog: vanishingvixen.wordpress.com
Blessings to ALL!!

Greetings folks! I know it's been a minute and wanted to poke my head in. I was wondering - how far out should one be from surgery to officially be considered a success? I mean, we all will lose a significant amount of weight - but what is the timeframe?
Only asking...because at 14 months post-op and 100+ pounds down, I sure as hell FEEL successful! But there is still a journey ahead of me. Just trying to Celebrate the small victories, yanno?
Also, I keep forgetting to post my "real" (ie: unfiltered *lol*) posts here - so I will link if you are interested. I've done 2 pretty significant updates - you can check them out here (with some GREAT comp shots *whew*)
http://vanishingvixen.wordpress.com/2011/10/06/who-wants-to-be-fat-seriously/
http://vanishingvixen.wordpress.com/2011/10/21/what-average-looks-like/
Also - I posted 2 recent pics in my album. *SMH* I still can't believe how awesome this experience has been...

Greetings folks! I know it's been a minute and wanted to poke my head in. I was wondering - how far out should one be from surgery to officially be considered a success? I mean, we all will lose a significant amount of weight - but what is the timeframe?
Only asking...because at 14 months post-op and 100+ pounds down, I sure as hell FEEL successful! But there is still a journey ahead of me. Just trying to Celebrate the small victories, yanno?
Also, I keep forgetting to post my "real" (ie: unfiltered *lol*) posts here - so I will link if you are interested. I've done 2 pretty significant updates - you can check them out here (with some GREAT comp shots *whew*)
http://vanishingvixen.wordpress.com/2011/10/06/who-wants-to-be-fat-seriously/
http://vanishingvixen.wordpress.com/2011/10/21/what-average-looks-like/
Also - I posted 2 recent pics in my album. *SMH* I still can't believe how awesome this experience has been...

Greetings folks! I know it's been a minute and wanted to poke my head in. I was wondering - how far out should one be from surgery to officially be considered a success? I mean, we all will lose a significant amount of weight - but what is the timeframe?
Only asking...because at 14 months post-op and 100+ pounds down, I sure as hell FEEL successful! But there is still a journey ahead of me. Just trying to Celebrate the small victories, yanno?
Also, I keep forgetting to post my "real" (ie: unfiltered *lol*) posts here - so I will link if you are interested. I've done 2 pretty significant updates - you can check them out here (with some GREAT comp shots *whew*)
http://vanishingvixen.wordpress.com/2011/10/06/who-wants-to-be-fat-seriously/
http://vanishingvixen.wordpress.com/2011/10/21/what-average-looks-like/
Also - I posted 2 recent pics in my album. *SMH* I still can't believe how awesome this experience has been...