Hello all sleevers and pre-sleevers alike. It took me awhile before changing my avatar to a picture of myself but I decided long ago that I would post before and after pictures after one year out. So, here they are.

It has been one of the most incredible years of my life without a doubt. So much has changed, besides the weight. I truly hope that everyone finds their way on their own journey and keeps doing the right thing.

How did I get to goal? I kept doing the right thing.

I don't drink with meals unless I am calorie/carb loading for a race

I eat my proteins first, then my veggies

I exercise

Sure, I cheat occasionally with a cookie or ice cream, but I do not go overboard. I take time between each bite and chew well. I stop eating AS SOON as I begin to have the *full* feeling.

Also, I do not do the low carb thing. Just the opposite, to be honest. A month post-op, I has such little energy that I talked to my NUT who suggested I increase my carbs. It worked wonders for me. It spurred me into exercise and running. As I expended more energy, I increased my carbs. I did this with veggies. Carrots, beans ... the good kind, although I do have a fondness for crackers. (not so good)

IMO ... low carb = low energy = low exercise = (s)low weight loss

Increase the first, and you increase the rest

Thanks to all who have shared their hope, strength and encouragement.

MORE pictures in my Gallery

Amazing! You look great! I love post like these because at five weeks postop I only hope I can have as much success. I actually feel better on high protein but then again I haven't been released to exercise.. Thanks for sharing.

These are incredible. You can tell how hard you've worked. And look at those GUNS Fantastic PdxMan... I hope to be basking in the glory one day as well.

Wow. You look great! You're looking younger too which is a nice bonus! I agree that the right kind of carbs are important. It's not good to load up on refined sugary carbs, but the body was meant to use the good complex carbs for energy and fuel!!

PdxMan......you look amazing! Congrats to you. Just looking at your pics gives me so much hope and encouragement.

So how has the surgery changed your life and what are the major differences?

Aside from looking awesome and skinny, you look healthy and happy! Thanks for sharing, this is just the inspiration I needed today (6 days post op with a raging headache and cranky). I've also read a lot of your posts - always down to earth, helpful and positive, please know they are appreciated. Congratulations!

Oh my! You look fantastic! Sounds like you feel even better! I can feel your vibrant energy even through this post! ha ha ha

Thank you so much for sharing . . . what an inspiration!

Incredible!!! Such an inspiration

Wow your transformation is amazing! Thanks for sharing. You have a nice smile

I want tickets to the Gun show! Congrats on your success. You look amazing!! Actually you look H O T, hot hot hot baby!

You look great! Congrats on your weight loss!

You look fantastic!! And you did it your way! What works for your! Fantastic!!

Too many times we are put into plans or boxes that don't suit us and we jump straight in and then call ourselves failures, when really it wasn't that we weren't working the plan but the plan wasn't working for us!

Good on u for stepping outside the box!

I was exercising 4-6 times a week before surgery and can't wait to get back to it! When I do, bring on my legumes and veggies! (after Protein,lol)

Keep up the good work hot stuff!!

Way to go PDXMan!!

You look so much younger.

I completely agree with not avoiding carbs, they give me energy and it is a tactic I have undertaken since early on, good carbs - means more energy...

Thanks for being an inspiration, i love the 1 yr stories, especially as I close in on it.

Great job pdx man! You're an inspiration.

Yep! What they said... I remember reading some of your earlier posts, it is great to see you now, completely at goal; you look so healthy and happy... and defo younger!

Congrats on an amazing transformation =]

hey there,

i've "known" you for the past 7 months via the board. whenever i saw you as someone who responded to a post, i immediately look to your answer.

you finding a new passion of running is terrific, helping to stay in shape,

Congrats on crossing the finish line

congrats on winning the best race of your life

kathy