I had surgery on March 8, 2011. I have been working my a** off (literally!) I am so proud of myself - I will say it because I deserve it! I have a good restriction right now. I watch my calories but, honestly not too strict with it. I eat low carb, high Protein, don't do bread or Pasta at all. I don't deprive myself, if I want something I have it. A small portion of it. I started working out about 8 weeks after surgery. I work out 4-5 days a week, two of those days with a trainer. I love it. I went from a tight size 26/28 to a 16 (!!!!). I started this journey at 371lbs and now weigh 256lbs. I want to get under 200 and then I will decide on a goal weight.

I wanted to share some pictures to show my progress. I love my band! Sorry if the pictures are huge - I was having trouble resizing!!!

Before (02/2011)

During (Thanksgiving 2011)

Congratulations Tracie, I see that you went with the NY Bariatric group. I am schedule to have lapband surgery with a Dr Angstadt from this group at Mercy on 12/19. I am so excited. Even more excited to see that you have made excellent progress on your journey. I hope I can have as much success as you have had. I am a bit nervous because I don't know what to expect because everyone has a different experience with this surgery. I plan on working just as hard you though. I weight about 305 pounds my goal is to maintain between 155 and 165. Congrats, keep up the good work!

Tracie,

Question, did you loose any weight before the surgery? If so, how? Did you do a liquid diet or any other diet before the surgery. I see that they (NY bariatric) only recommends a 24 hr liquid diet before surgery instead of the 2 week liquid diet that other surgeons recommend for their patients.

Congratulations Tracie!! Your hard work is certainly paying off. I hope to some day have that success.

You look GREAT!

A-mazing!

Congratulations Tracie, I see that you went with the NY Bariatric group. I am schedule to have lapband surgery with a Dr Angstadt from this group at Mercy on 12/19. I am so excited. Even more excited to see that you have made excellent progress on your journey. I hope I can have as much success as you have had. I am a bit nervous because I don't know what to expect because everyone has a different experience with this surgery. I plan on working just as hard you though. I weight about 305 pounds my goal is to maintain between 155 and 165. Congrats, keep up the good work!

Thanks so much! I had my surgery at Mercy with Dr. Garber. I am very happy with them. I didn't really do a preop diet, the week before surgery I had a Protein shake for Breakfast and tried to eat light. I did not lose any weight before surgery. I was exactly the same weight on my first visit that I was the morning of surgery. It is a lot of hard work but if you follow the rules and take it one day at a time it will work for you! I wish you all the best!

Excellent progress!

TBM

Congrats, Tracy! Looks like you are getting close to normal BMI ! Way to go!

wow.. you look so good. I hope to be there oneday soon.

WTG! You doing so well. Congratulations

Fabulous!! You look amazing! A million congratulations on your success so far and all the best as you continue your journey!! Such an inspiration!

Tracie, I bet you feel like a million bucks. You sure look like it! Keep up the good work!

Hi Tracie,

You are truly an inspiration.I hope i do as well as you,you look great!!

Awesome job Tracie - your story is a great inspiration for all of us. Thanks for sharing and continue to keep us posted.

Wow! You look fabulous. Keep up the good work and keep posting pictures. The changes are simply amazing (your face looks like an entirely different person-you have great cheekbones). Wow, again.