Hello VST gang!!

Yay! I've been lurking between 2 and 5 pounds off goal for the last couple of months, and I'm thrilled to report that I'm finally there--and I'm sure about it, since I've been at this number for a few days now with no "bounce" back up! The last coupe of weeks, I've been trying hard to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and I think that has made a difference.

As you may know from my numerous posts on the subject, I have a really picky sleeve--to this day, I feel like it's pretty tyrannical about what it will and will not allow me to eat, but most of the time, it works out well for my weight loss goals. I do wish I could tolerate certain healthy Proteins (fish and chicken, for instance!), but I now appreciate its inability to tolerate fried foods and sweets, so it all balances out. It was a huge challenge in the beginning to discover what would work--and I still find new foods that my sleeve will or won't tolerate, so I'm still learning.

Next steps for me include getting my exercise on--I haven't really gotten into a habit of regular exercise yet, and I fully intend to do that. I am also still experimenting with getting my nutrition optimized and being sure I'm eating as wide a variety of foods as possible, including vegetarian sources of Protein. Now that I'm "at goal," I can see that I want to lose a bit more, although I'm not sure exactly how much; I still have a bit of flab around my middle and on the upper thighs that's not just loose skin--not sure how much of that will go away with exercise!

Thanks to all posters on this board who continuously provide support, encouragement, and answers!! I seriously would never have done this if I hadn't been able to read all of your experiences beforehand, and I would have missed out. For me, the sleeve was 100% the right choice. I'm updating my ticker right this second!!

Short story: Weight surgery morning 306. Weight today 190. (I'm 6'2", so while 190 looks really high, that's really normal weight.)

Size surgery morning 3X-4X, tight 26/28. Size today L, comfortable 12 heading to 10--I pulled off my size 12 Eddie Bauers yesterday without unbuttoning--yay!!

Biggest NSV: Being able to work as a conductor without getting all hot and sweaty!! I like that I can now wear elegant concert clothing, work like a fiend, and not end up drenched with sweat. I can hug people after concerts without feeling self-conscious and icky and unfeminine. Oh, and the shoes!!! I can wear cute shoes without my feet hurting!!

Worst comment: From a lady at work: Oh, I see you've lost a lot of weight; me, too, but I did it the hard way (followed by me, startled, saying, "Well, congratulations on your success!" and moving quickly away).

Best comment: From a female friend/colleague: I was sitting in the audience for your concert, and I was thinking, "Damn, her butt looks great!" (followed by me giving her a big ol' hug).

190! That is so great for you! Hopefully this summer you will sweat the rest off!

Oh Meg...

What a great day... I am sooooooo proud of you, really I am! You are such an inspiration and a lady. You're words are always kind and positive, and for that I thank you!

You really do deserve your success... I love your NSV... and to the woman who did it 'hard way'... well, she can JOG ON!!!

You take each and every compliment, box them and keep them 'cos, you deserve them all!

Well done my friend and congratulations xx

WOW Meg... I'm so proud of you!!! As far as your co-worker... You handled her w/ class... She woudn't have been so fortunate w/ me... I'm gonna try and be more like you!! LOL..

You've done an amazing job!!!!

Meg, YOU ROCK!! Congrats on hitting your goal, you have done great!!!

Congrats Meg!! Great job! Pay no attention to comments like that for only we know that our way is pretty darned hard too!

Sent from my iPhone using VST

Congrats!! And yes that would certainly rank as a best comment!

I am so happy for you and you made it in time of summer way to go!!! Congratulations on all your hard work paying off!

Congratulations! What a great accomplishment!

GREAT! CONGRATS!

Congratulations Meg, you did it the tough way...so glad you made it!

Congrats Meg! WHOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Never too late to start to exercise...I started consistently 8 months after reaching goal lol!

And as far as what that woman said all I can say is she has NOOOOOO CLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats I just saw you recent picture,wow you look amazing!!

Fantastic, now your new healthy life can start. Congrats.

Congrats Meg! You have worked so hard to get here and you deserve a big hand! Thanks for sharing your struggles, successes, and tips along the way.

Lynda

Ohhh!!! I am SOOO happy for you!! I remember your posts from when I first started coming on here and you've always had such great advice. I do remember you saying you had a picky sleeve and I am so glad that you were able to reach your goal... that is amazing!

Thank you for sharing