Would anyone like to share their before & after pics! :-)

Hello there!! Looking REALLY good, well done!

I'm 2 1/2 years out

I'm 2 1/2 years out

Very nice!

Thank you!

I'm 2 1/2 years out

Have you had any weight gain after 2.5 years?

Well I did really well till about 5-6 months ago and started letting myself slide. Gained like 10 lbs. But then my dr put me on cymbalta in November 2012 and that caused some serious carb cravings! I gained 30lbs in almost 3 months! So I've finally gotten that out of my system and am losing again. Have to make a conscious effort not to snack, that's my down fall. But everything's finally falling back into place!

Wow, everybody looks so fantastic !!!

Black = night before surgery 264 pounds

White= 5 weeks post-op 232 pounds

I am ready to post some before and after pics now -61 pounds down since surgery day november 11th 2012.

Even though i hated my before pics, it takes a lots of courage to ost these!!

Before:230

now: 169.8

You all look great

Well I did really well till about 5-6 months ago and started letting myself slide. Gained like 10 lbs. But then my dr put me on cymbalta in November 2012 and that caused some serious carb cravings! I gained 30lbs in almost 3 months! So I've finally gotten that out of my system and am losing again. Have to make a conscious effort not to snack' date=' that's my down fall. But everything's finally falling back into place![/quote']

I snack constantly but the quantities are still only very small, I was of the belief you couldn't gain weight hence why I spent 10k!!

Heck yeah you can gain weight!! Stay away from carbs! If you are going to snack make sure it counts! I have definitely learned that the hard way!!

Heck yeah you can gain weight!! Stay away from carbs! If you are going to snack make sure it counts! I have definitely learned that the hard way!!

While you have a very valid point about carbs, I think you are being a little too general in your response.

Good carbs are foundational for the physical processes that take place in your body from moment to moment. You need them for energy, especially if you are active. They feed your brain for all psychosomatic processes. That being said, I agree with you that folks should stay away from bad carbs like candy, white bread, processed foods, etc. These will not support your body in the way that optimizes the psychosomatic and physical response. They lead to weight gain and bring out the carb monster - an uncontrollable desire to keep eating more bad carbs.

A good place to start is to eat more green vegetables like green Beans, brussle sprouts and spinach in addition to fibrous fruits like apples and pears. The Fiber in the fruit helps the natural sugars to absorb more slowly. lentils and nuts are also a good carb. Try and eat low glycemic foods and you will feel both satisfied and be able to function in an optimal manner. Look up the paleo diet. Do not let my use of the word diet throw you. i am only suggesting that this is the type of foods that trained athletes will eat for optimal performance. It also helps non athletes like you and I find peace with eating and function well. I have also found energy squares from nuts.com also fill the need for eating good carbs.

This is only my opinion and I hope it helps. Others might have good advice about good carb and low glycemic eating. I am still learning about proper nutrition myself for maintaining goal weight while also feeding my body for all activities in life.

My bad, let me clarify what I meant! Stay away from simple carbohydrates. Complex are ok as long as protein and veggies make up the majority of your meal. Better?

My bad' date=' let me clarify what I meant! Stay away from simple carbohydrates. Complex are ok as long as Protein and veggies make up the majority of your meal. Better?[/quote']

Yup - thank you.