One year ago today, I took the plunge and revised from the band to the sleeve.

Everyone knows my story, and most of y'all have followed me for the last year. There really aren't enough words that can even remotely explain just how fabulous life is post-op, and just how amazing all the little victories make me feel day in and day out. As I've gotten further out, I noticed I started taking for granted the little things. Ya know, walking around the mall for hours without hurting or huffing and puffing, doing 4 hours of yardwork without a break and not having a coronary, sitting in the floor and not having to waddle my way up grasping for anything to support myself. All of these things are day in and day out activities that I found difficult, or completely avoided before surgery.

I've lost a total of 148 pounds since my journey began with the band, and with the sleeve alone I've dropped 141 pounds in less than a year.

Maintenance is now easier, and I'm assuming my body is content with 121-125 pounds. I'll not complain, and realize that this is where it needs to be.

This year, my focus is going to turn to toning up, getting in better shape, and making a baby with my fabulous husband.

I celebrated today by shopping (you didn't expect anything less did you?). I stopped by Ross with a girlfriend, and after she had to leave, I just kind of browsed. I ran across a pair of Calvin Klein crop pants, size 4. I thought to myself should I be brazen enough to even think I could squeeze into these. Should I even bother? I took them and a few other items into the fitting room. The shirts fit perfectly, and with slight trepidation I slid my pants off, and sucked in my everything with all my might in hopes of squeezing into them.

Well, low and behold, they fit, and I had room in the waist. Not having to suck anything in, not having to hold my breath, not feeling like I was being squeezed into a sausage casing.

The best part of the entire situation is that they are STARK WHITE! ! !

I can't count how many times I've wanted to wear white pants especially in the Spring/Summer, but didn't because light colors make us look bigger, and they aren't very forgiving.

I absolutely love this outfit, the little brown shirt/jacket thing is new as well size small ! ! ! I can't wait to see what the next year brings me.

If you are contemplating the sleeve, stop thinking about it, just do it. If you think for one minute that you won't succeed, please get rid of the negativity. All of the bad thoughts, and self-doubt are not going to give you the results you want in the end. Remember, the sleeve will give you exactly what you put into it. Work your sleeve, but do not beat yourself up if you decide to have an Oreo cookie. 1-2 Oreo Cookies didn't make us fat, the entire package of Oreos with a half gallon of milk made us fat.

And, the obligatory, side by side, before/after 1 year out pic ! ! !

Cheers to every single one of you regardless of where you are in the journey. Hang on tight, it's a wild ride, enjoy every minute, cherish the victories, move past the struggles, and come out on the other side BIG WINNERS ! ! !

Tiffy, congrats! You certainly are a success and I know that you inspire a lot of people around here.

I read a post of yours a few months after you did your revision from band to sleeve and it was your band complications that led me to investigating the sleeve in the first place. Thank you for posting regular updates and being as helpful as possible when people have questions.

I'm excited to see what the next year will bring you, and hope you'll get to share baby news with us soon!

~C

You go girl!!!!!

Woot! Congrats on your surgerversary, Tiffy! And congrats on your awesome journey! :001_tt2: Love the new outfit, by the way.

Congrats Tiffykins... you are a model patient for all this and someone I hope to model myself after. You look great, you feel great, and it ain't by accident :001_tt2: You are the most informed person I've seen around here and you stay involved and help anyone and everyone you can... you go girl!

Thank you so much for sticking around here and being supportive to all who have come after you in this WL journey. I think of you as a sort of missionary in the field. I wish you continued good health and a successful pregnancy Tiff. You have a beautiful heart and now a beautiful temple to support it. God bless.

:crying::crying::001_wub:Tiffy, while reading this my eyes teared up because I could relate to the feelings you described of before your victories with the sleeve! You never know who's listening or who might hear exactly what they need to hear. You have touched my spirit over the last several months like no other human being! Thank you for your candor and pure humility throughout your journey. Not only are you an inspiration in my weight loss & living healthy journey, but also part of my "path of Happy Destiny"!

You were beautiful when you started this journey but you've become an amazing spirit along the way! I hope you continue to grow as the days pass and can't wait to hear when your next dream in life comes to fruition! (I will crochet something for the new baby)! Love you Sister, Sheryl:seeya:

Tiff-Congratualtions on your fantastic journey. You are such a supportive and kind person on this site.....consider me a big fan!!

has it been a year already!! tiff i love you too much you look beautiful!!!!!!!!!! very happy and proud of you! thanxs for all the info it always helps.

xoxo,

nikki

(((Tif))) you are amazing and look so awesome! I love that sleek new outfit! Go hottie! Congrats again to you! What an inspiration you are!

Tiff, I was impressed with you even before I saw these last pictures. OMG!! You have worked you sleeve almost beyond comprehension while maintaining a sense of humor and common sense. I, for one, think your husband John is a very lucky guy.

You have been an inspiration for so many on this forum, with advice, food help, encouragement, etc. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, because without you, I might have made the awful band mistake. I don't want to bore you, but as a former military officer, I SALUTE YOU!

Well, Tiff, I just want to thank you so much for all of the information that you provide to everyone on this site! You are so much more than a success story, you are living proof!

I am tentatively scheduled to get my band out and sleeved on June 28th and I HOPE (know) that I will be just like you this time next year! You are such an inspiration:thumbup:!

thank you,

Patti

Fab photos - well done Tiff - you're such an inspiration to us all with everything you have been thru... thanks!

Kathy

Tiff, you're the best...!!! Seaview

Tiffy, you look fantastic. Congratulations!!!

Thank you for your fantastic info and guidance along all of our ways. I cannot wait to be where you are and where you are looks fantastic! Baby wishes coming your way :sad0: