Technically, this post is about 4 days early, but I feel good today, and want to attention whore for a few minutes.

So, what have learned thus far:

~ I have a normal relationship with food

~ My mind, body and soul are finally starting to sync up in unison

~ I truly do not feel like I'm dieting

~ It's okay to have a bad day

~ Life will go on even if I eat way too many cheesy poofs

~ Food is even more delicious since I actually slow down to eat instead of inhaling my meals

~ I no longer feel like I have to be the funny, loud fat girl for people to like me. They genuinely like me just for me.

~ I had to be willing to let my walls come down to let people in, and let myself out.

~ Not having the mask of obesity to hide behind is a vulnerable position to be in sometimes

~ I love that I turn heads because of how I look, not at because of how huge I am.

~ No one can take away my joy unless I allow it.

~ I'm looking forward to holding our baby (no I'm not pregnant yet)

~ I'm petrified of being a new mother aagain, but I'm excited that I'm not going to have to deal with obesity and pregnancy simultaneously.

~ Life is what I make of it, and right now I'm making up for a lot of lost time that I spent always thinking about food and my next meal, and being miserable because of my weight.

John's squadron is holding a joint SF Spring semi-formal ball on May 14th. We're expecting close to 400 people to be in attendance. I went dress shopping this last weekend, and today I finished off the shopping with shoes, accessories and little bolero/shrug for my arms. I'm ecstatic as this is my first formal military event ever, hell it's my first formal event since my high school prom. Least to say, I am so very much in love with my dress, and can not wait to dance the night away in the arms of my love.

The obligatory before pic: 270lbs

Here's the dress: Completely ignore my hair, I just pulled it back for picture purposes. 123lbs

I bought black strappy, open-toe heels with some shiny rhinestones on the toeline. Adorable ! ! !

Life is fabulous. . . If you are a new pre-op, and you think you can't do this, scroll back up, you can if I can. If you're on the journey, and you're wondering if you'll ever get there, you will, don't give up on yourself. If you're contemplating the sleeve, stop thinking, and do it. If you are in a stall, and you are ready to give up, don't let a little speed bump become a road block. The stall will break, and you will be successful.

It's not always easy, but it's so worth it, it's worth it all ! ! !

Tiffany..now that you are 11 monthes out, may I ask you if you are still losing weight? everyday I doubt that may be I won't lose any more. I am 7 monthes out now and still I need to lose like 20 more pounds and then I will be very satisfied.

take Care my lovely inspiration.

I think I've finally found a balance in maintenance, but I am not following the losing stage rules. I eat carbs more now that I ever did and my calories are double what they were. If I go back to 600-800 calories and no more than 30grs of carbs per day, I lose weight very easily. I currently have been bouncing between 121-125lbs. Yesterday, I weighed 121 and today I weigh 123lbs.

The only reason I am not losing weight anymore is because I cut cardio out of my work out regimen, and double my carbs and calories. That's the only way I've been able to maintain.

Don't sell yourself or your sleeve short. You lose those 20lbs, and I believe you'll get there. Just focus on the positives, stick to the basics, and believe in yourself.

Tiffany..now that you are 11 monthes out, may I ask you if you are still losing weight? everyday I doubt that may be I won't lose any more. I am 7 monthes out now and still I need to lose like 20 more pounds and then I will be very satisfied.

take Care my lovely inspiration.

Hi, I have attached a zipped spreadsheet with my weight loss over time if this helps. You can see it decreases in rate as you get closer to target. When I felt I was losing momentum I used MyPlate - food Diary & Food Calorie Counter | LIVESTRONG.COM to get on track. Hope this helps to show that at 7 months out you are still going to loose loads. :thumbup:

JJWeight.zip

You're just too cute, little Missy! You look AMAZING, what a great job you've done! My hat's off to you!!

Tiffykins, I know this is an old thread, but after seeing your pictures I am even more impressed than just simply reading about things you have to say. Verbally you are a wealth of knowledge, pictorially you are a wealth of beauty. I don't plan on losing as much weight as you have but even so... you are my inspiration.

BTW you asked about BOTOX in one of the other threads, it is no big deal, minimal discomfort, lasts 6-9 months for me. I get it for the deep forehead wrinkles and the furrows between the eyes. Yeah, I'm a vain male and we are supposed to look rugged, I know but it makes me feel better about myself.

Take care, keep us informed, and thanks for the pix.

Wow, I just found this thread and I am SOOOO happy for you! I hope you had a wonderful time and felt like Cinderella. You look fantastic!

You look marvelous!!!! You continue to inspire me. Now, tell me how you have shakin the fat off those arms.... I bought the shakeweight, its not working so my body is shrinking fast but my arms are conversating to each other :001_tongue:(shaking)...HELP!!! Much Love Debbie

What a beautiful woman you are..inside and out..and such great wisdom and knowledge you possess, not only about this journey we are all taking for permanent weight loss...but of human emotions, desires, strengths..you are amazing..isn't it funny..it was you all the time...thank you, expertly put together!

You look marvelous!!!! You continue to inspire me. Now, tell me how you have shakin the fat off those arms.... I bought the shakeweight, its not working so my body is shrinking fast but my arms are conversating to each other (shaking)...HELP!!! Much Love Debbie

Awwww thank you bunches.

As for the arms, mine are still flabby, and jiggly. I have an aversion to armpits so you won't ever catch me in anything sleeveless or a tank top. They are shrinking, but it'll take awhile for them to shrink up. My neighbor had bypass about 6-7 years ago, lost 160lbs(she's been able to keep it all off)and she said around the 4 year mark her arms slimmed down significantly. She just lifted dumbbells, and not religiously or anything. Her arms look great, and don't jiggle at all. So, I do have hope because we started with the same stats. My arms weren't too big to begin with, but they are icky looking with the wrinkly skin.

These are the exercises I do with 5,8, and 10 pound dumbbells.

Google or youtube these for a good explanation on them. On the youtube, watch a few of each exercise. Some people do them a little differently, find a technique that you are comfy with so you don't get frustrated. If any of them say to use a bar, you can change the bar to dumbbells and get the same results.

1) Skullcrushers (Triceps) Don't let the name scare ya.

2) Bicep Curls

3) Bench dips (triceps and chest) this one hurts just to let ya know, I love it, but it hurts at first.

4)Preacher Curls (I hate it, but they work)

Those are the 4 main ones that I do. I love weight training. But, don't get discouraged if you stall. As you build muscle, it tears the tissue, and to repair, the muscle needs Water, so we'll retain a little water while the body adjusts. :thumbup1: You'll still be burning fat, and losing inches so don't panic.

Thank you to everyone else as well. I'm so glad that I get to share my experience with people that understand.

yes thx for the advice. I believe I will get there but I am not following the rules. If I decrease carb intake to 30 gms, I will definitely lose weight. You are my inspiration. Keep up the good work and may you maintain this 123 pounds forever. you look so great..

Wow is all I have to say!!! I have been flip flopping about the idea and I think that sleeve is winning. You look amazing!

you do look amazing. it is hard to believe that you are 11 months out. that is incredible. keep up that great work.. i am almost 6 months out and have lost 90#. my weight loss seems to be slow and steady. sometimes i am happy about that cause my body and skin has time to catch up with itself, then there are other time i wish it would just fly off the old body. well anyway keep up the great work..