This morning (I always weigh in on Tuesdays because I was sleeved on a Tuesday) I stepped on the scale and it read 220.0 exactly. This may not be a big thing to some people, but I am SO EXCITED!!! Through all the diets I attempted in the years prior to surgery hitting 220lbs was my first goal... I never got there, not even with Weight Watchers which was better than most.

But today, with the help of my sleeve, I've finally reached this huge milestone in my life. It seems surreal! I am officially 37lbs down since I started the whole process to get to surgery and 20lbs down since surgery (which was 1/31/2012). I am 5" smaller in my waist and 7" smaller in my hips. I've gone from snug size 20 pants to fairly loose size 18. Some before and after pics below!

I still have 80lbs to go to reach goal and I know it will be tougher from here, but its the little things that count along the way and this is a HUGE "little" accomplishment for me.

I use myfitnesspal.com to track my nutrition and exercise and I really love it. Having friends, especially fellow sleevers, on there really keeps me motivated to make good choices. So, if you're also on there please friend me (AbacoRaveness) and if you're not on there check it out and see what you think... their mobile app is a life saver for me.

Lastly, when I did all the other diets I promised myself a non-food reward when I hit 220lbs. In that scenario I had decided on a pair of tall boots for horseback riding, which I've always wanted but never had. Now, though, I know I'm going to be loosing quite a bit more in the next few months and by next winter they won't fit! So, I'd love to hear suggestions on non-food rewards for mini-goals.

Congratulations on your success! I was sleeved one day before you and I have experienced the same thing with my clothes. I was so excited last week thinking I could probably squeeze into my favorite pair of size 18's. But when I put them on, they were literally like balloons on my legs. At first I thought "aw man" those are my favorite jeans. But then I decided it was a "yeah baby, you flew right past those jeans and now on your way to a new favorite pair in a smaller size". It is hard to comprehend really.

When I reach my first mini goal I am going to treat myself to a facial. Not the 20 minute "go and glow" either...The 60 minute mega facial! I guarantee I have already saved enough money in this past five weeks in food costs to pay for four or five facials.

Oh WOW!! You look gorgeous!!

Grrrr... I wish the 30+ lbs that I lost after the surgery could make such a beautiful difference in my appearance!

You're kicking butt and you look great. Congrats!!

I would reward myself with some cute new jewelry or haircut or trip to the MAC counter! Or a movie, pedicure, etc...

CONGRATS! YOU LOOK GREAT!

You look great! Love the darker hair. Looks like a different person. Congrats on your success!