14 months out - with photos (you didn't expect there NOT to be pictures)

[Tiffykins 673]

Whew ! ! ! Where has the time gone? ? ? It's hard to believe that this time last year I was still recovering from my revision, waiting for my husband's return from Afghanistan and gearing up for my son to start school.

Life is great, and I am just living. Y'all have probably noticed I'm really not around as much, and I have no excuse other than I am just living, and I kind of feel like I've put out enough information out here that can sifted through. BUT, I log on once or twice a day, check my messages, and check in with everyone.

For anyone that has questions, feel free to message me. Especially if you ask me a question in a topic started and I don't reply, it's because that topic gets lost and I don't see it.

Weight wise, I'm doing great with maintenance. I'm still clucking along at 120-125 on any given day. I do bloat up around my ovulation and period weeks. It's probably because I carb load those weeks, but I lose it and I'm not sweating a couple of pounds here and there.

I'm still eating about 6 times a day. Protein focused meals for 4-5 of those meals, and one meal of veggies usually. It's what is working for me. I feel amazing, and couldn't be happier.

For those of you freaking out about surgery, or wondering "hmm, should I do this?" just do it, stop freaking out, and let go ! ! ! I never miss huge portions, I am still never hungry, and I live a very social, active life. Nothing stops me and nothing holds me back. I only wish everyone that is considering this surgery could believe me when I tell them just how "normal" my life is day in and day out.

I get asked a lot "what do you eat, how much do you eat?"

This is lunch from yesterday.

Skirt steak fajita meat

rice, Beans, sauteed onions with a bunch of queso poured all over it, and I ate a total of 3 tortilla chips with salsa, guac and queso.

I did eat 6 more onions from the fajitas that I didn't picture here.

So, you can all see that I eat literally anything and everything I want. I was not stuffed, or over full, but satisfied. It took me 30 minutes to eat what is on the plate. I ate 2 chips with salsa and queso before my meal was served, and took a few sips of Water because the salsa was spicy and salty.

For those not on my friend's list, here is the before and afters.

Me and the mister pre-op 270lbs, size 22/24W

After, Today at 121lbs, size 3/4

It's a beautiful ride, get in, hang on tight, and start living the life we were meant to live ! ! !

Edited August 5, 2010 by Tiffykins

[clk 3,519]

You always look great and you always have great information to share with everyone. I started lurking on this site right around the time you had your surgery, and the entire time I spent considering the sleeve you were a big inspiration. Thank you for coming back and updating everyone on your progress even though you're out living your life now.

Really - THANK YOU!

~Cheri

[dbrjredd 0]

WOW! I can't wait to look & LIVE like that! I've literally spent ALL day on here looking & reading your posts! Thanks for all the info & you've excited me. I'm just praying it all goes thru & I can get started with a new & improved life SOON! :thumbup1:

[MaceoMack 0]

The story of your journey and progress is truly amazing! I feel so inspired from reading your story. You also answered some of the questions that I have had about post procedure eating.

Continued success ... you look fantastic.

Thank you so much for sharing.

[sanama 5]

You just made my day. I get energized after reading your posts and comments. I am all ready for Aug 16th. Pray for me that all goes well and I can lead a normal healthy and blessed life.

Thanks

[Garyb_58 1]

Wow, how amazing is that. You look great! Thanks for all the post you do on this site. I have learned so much by reading your post.

Great Job!!!!!!:thumbup1:

[KabinKitty 11]

Tiffykins,

Girl, you are so adorable! I'm so happy that you have such a healthy body to enjoy for the rest of your life.

Don't forget about us! :thumbup1:

[escapesunshine 0]

You look great and I cannot wait until I also look that good. Thanks for all the info and the time you spend giving us the answers we need.

[MlkPas 5]

Tiffy, you are just the poster girl for VSG! Thanks for being such an inspiration to the rest of us!

[StaySea 2]

All I can is AMAZING!!!!! Go you and thanks for all of your helpful and positive posts!!

[PamelaAM 16]

I hope you know how inspirational you are to all of us here! Your success is amazing and it truly inspires me to follow right in your footsteps. . .LOL! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and provide hope to all of us waiting for our day!

[mommaof4yoopers 3]

Great job, isn't it nice to focus on things other than being consumed by food instead of the other way around? I felt like food was eating me alive!

[wannabethin 0]

Thanks so much for sharing -- you are truly an inspiration to all of us starting on this journey! You look terrific and soooo happy!!

[AutumnLily 77]

I am so jealous and can not wait till I can get my sleeve. I love the photos and the information you provide. It keeps me from running away scared since I have to wait so long for the surgery.

Lily

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

Tiff, as always, you look great!

Tiffy is right. At 15 months post op, I rarely remember I had surgery. I eat anything I want all the time, and maintain easily without gaining.

It's like life was meant to be lived all along and I wish I had done this years ago so I had more years to enjoy being thin and feeling normal.