Well, 1 year ago today almost to the hour I had my surgery starting out at 271# @ 5'3". What an amazing journey this has been. I can honestly say that I am so glad I did this and how it has improve my quality of life in more ways than I can count. I am now just 10# from my final goal and while it would have been nice to be at goal by now, I am pleased with my progress of loosing 141# in this time.

I have been buying thrift store clothes almost exclusively, which honestly isn't much different from my previous shopping habits. I have been able to find some incredible deals, nice clothes at rock bottom prices that nobody at work would even suspect. I have attached a picture taken of me yesterday and that suit outfit was bought at a thrift store just 3 weeks ago for $6!!! Not a thing wrong with it.

I'm now wearing size 5/6 jeans, size 8 or 10 petite business suits, size 4 slacks and it is just truly amazing when I look at clothes off the rack trying to wrap my head around this IS the size I wear. As I slide on my size 6 jeans, it still seems so surreal I can hardly believe it's me.

As I look back on my journey, I recall the stalls and frustration when my weight didn't fall off consistently, and I would say it was around the 6th or 7th month when I realized I was really going to have to kick up my game to keep that momentum going. I'm not a patient person and didn't want to get frustrated and fall back into my old patterns. So, I started increasing my exercise, and really paying attention to my carb intake, and upping my dense Proteins. I really love the weight loss challenges because they really motivate me to hitting my next target. My next weight loss target will hopefully be my last.

Reading through various maintenance threads, I am becoming more and more aware how I know I am going to have to continue to be diligent with maintaining my healthy eating. Do I allow myself treats once in awhile? Yes, but in very small moderation. Fortunately, the sleeve keeps me in check. But, I know it will be up to me to watch what goes into my mouth.

Since surgery, I have become lactose intolerant. It happened within the 2nd month, and found out when I tried just a bite of ice cream and oh my.... cramps in the stomach and a quick trip to the bathroom with some bad diarrhea. Never having been lactose intolerant I wasn't really sure this was the sign of being lactose intolerant, so of course I had to test my stomach again and sure enough. It's been interesting learning what things my stomach can handle, what it can't. I am moderately lactose intolerant now so as long as it's not real rich in milk product and it's a small amount I am usually fine, but I am still very cautious. I really don't mind this "side effect" though because sweets/ chocolate have ALWAYS been a downfall for me and so now when I see chocolate, my first thought is the repulsive reaction my stomach will have if I eat it and that's a good thing!

For anyone on the fence of whether to do the surgery, or struggling at the start of their journey, just know that it is all worth it! I am happier and more confident than I have been in years. I enjoy the way people treat me better and of course looking better and healthier is certainly a huge factor!!

You are very inspiring to me! I hope that have done as well as you have on my one year anniversary! You look amazing

That's awesome and you look amazing! My one year anniversary is coming up on July 13th and I have lost 156 pounds. I can't stop shopping. Every weekend I'm finding myself buying more cloths and shoes. I must admit I look and feel great. I can't believe I didn't make the decision to have the surgery sooner..

Katrina~

Wow...I am just starting my journey. Last Thursday I went to my required seminar to get the ball rolling. I've been going back and forth for years. I'm 43, divorced for 19 years and now becoming an empty nester. I must say I'm so excited about the possibilites, but so scared I will be the exception. I know if I follow the process, it will work. I so need this. I found this sight yesterday and literally can't stop looking at it. The stories, like yours makes me tear up. I'm so happy for you and I can't tell you how much it helps me getting motivated and started. Now, I can hardly wait and want it down now! Most people in my office say it's about a 3 month process to get everything done and the insurance on board, so hopefully September will be my month. I can't imagine, this time next year I might actually get into a bathing suit and actually take some pictures with me in them instead of always being the photographer. Anyway....congrats on your success and thank you for sharing because it does help hearing things like this to give us hope.

In a year, your life WILL be different! Congratulations on starting your journey to a new you! I was like you when I found this site, I became addicted to reading everyone's posts. I wanted to read everything, good, bad, indifferent. I couldn't get enough until I had really made the decision which surgery I was going to have.

Welcome to the board!

Wow...I am just starting my journey. Last Thursday I went to my required seminar to get the ball rolling. I've been going back and forth for years. I'm 43, divorced for 19 years and now becoming an empty nester. I must say I'm so excited about the possibilites, but so scared I will be the exception. I know if I follow the process, it will work. I so need this. I found this sight yesterday and literally can't stop looking at it. The stories, like yours makes me tear up. I'm so happy for you and I can't tell you how much it helps me getting motivated and started. Now, I can hardly wait and want it down now! Most people in my office say it's about a 3 month process to get everything done and the insurance on board, so hopefully September will be my month. I can't imagine, this time next year I might actually get into a bathing suit and actually take some pictures with me in them instead of always being the photographer. Anyway....congrats on your success and thank you for sharing because it does help hearing things like this to give us hope.

Congratulations! 156# is outstanding! I know what you mean about buying more clothes and such. As part of my reward last Thursday for my surgiversary, I too went shopping and just tried on jeans for the heck of it. I just can't get over looking at myself in the mirror in skinny jeans. I just wish I could have that loose skin gone, but it's all good. Compression garments are my friend these days. LOL

That's awesome and you look amazing! My one year anniversary is coming up on July 13th and I have lost 156 pounds. I can't stop shopping. Every weekend I'm finding myself buying more cloths and shoes. I must admit I look and feel great. I can't believe I didn't make the decision to have the surgery sooner..

Katrina~

Congratulations on your amazing success!!

That is an awesome story. And I think I will start going to some thrift stores or resale shops! You know how to shop! Congrats!