I loved looking at the before/after/progress pics while I was just getting started here, so I always try to reciprocate

Before: 241 (probably got up into the 250's but wasn't tracking)

No real pre-op loss.

Currently: 166-168.

Nutrition: Focus on Protein and Water. Can basically eat and drink whatever I want in very small portions. Foods that don't agree with me: Bread, tortillas and rice generally don't sit well so I avoid them. Pasta is ok, and so are crackers/toast. My favorite foods: anything seafood. In the last few weeks I've eaten salmon, swordfish, shrimp, and sushi. Also: cheese, in any way, shape or form. I've had more caprese salad in the last month than in the rest of my life combined. Yum yum! My not-guilty-at-all guilty pleasure: coffee, with full fat creamer and occasionally some sweetener (read: on my period, heh). Every day. Mmmm. Stuff that goes down easier than I wish it would: Anything made of potato. DAMN YOU, POTATOES! *shakes fist*

Also worth noting - I can eat as much fruit and veggies as a "normal" person. No one would ever know I had surgery when eating from a veggie tray. For some odd reason, there's no restriction with those two items. I can't eat as quickly as I used to, but I could graze all day. Weird!

I've taken a purposeful no-stress policy over this. Stress stalls weight loss. You heard it here first! I had no pre-op, I have very, very laid-back post-op, and although my weight loss has slowed, I'm still losing consistently. 75lbs in 4.5 months is more than good enough for me My current exercise routine is... well, nothing. Not NOTHING, I guess, if you count typing as exercise. I work a lot and am terribly out of shape. So it's been slow going to get started.

Pictures:

Size 18/20. That's an XXL shirt from Kohl's. Summer 2011.

This is a before/progress. Winter 2012 on the left, and about 40lbs down (or about 35lbs ago) on the right.

Approx. 168lbs

Approx. 168lbs. Size L yoga pants from Target (Champion) and size M shirt (unisex)

Trying on at Old Navy Sweetheart boot cut jeans in 12 short. Hoodie is a L. Both fit comfortably and will likely be loose in approx. 2-3 weeks.

IF I CAN DO IT, ANYONE CAN. Hope this gives someone out there the inspiration they need to get healthy!

Love your pics and post! Thank you!!

Thank you for sharing your story! Great job!

You give me hope

Thanks sooooo much for posting this!!!! Reading all of these posts about issues with surgery sometimes can cause worry but reading this gives me hope. Getting sleeved on Wednesdy. Thanks for sharing!!!!

You look wonderful! I read about so many people here exercising for an hour or more and feel bad because I don't exercise. I don't have the energy. Sometimes I take walks but that is it. I was sleeved on 6/26 and am down 40 lbs. I lose about two pounds a week lately.

I don't tolerate Pasta at all. I love cheese, meat and fish. I'm having such a hard time getting my Fluid in though.

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I loved reading this. You are very encouraging to me. Thanks!!

You look awesome!! This is what I am looking forward to: losing the weight. Thanks for the inspiration!!

Thanks sooooo much for posting this!!!! Reading all of these posts about issues with surgery sometimes can cause worry but reading this gives me hope. Getting sleeved on Wednesdy. Thanks for sharing!!!!

Good luck and TAKE IT EASY! I swear, that is the best advice no one ever gave me. Even here on this forum, it seems like sometimes people take the "diet" approach and take it to an extreme. There is no judgement from me, it's just not what works for me. Had that worked, I would have done it instead of having surgery. I needed a support tool to help me, and I needed to RELAX. That's what's worked for me.

Good luck and TAKE IT EASY! I swear, that is the best advice no one ever gave me. Even here on this forum, it seems like sometimes people take the "diet" approach and take it to an extreme. There is no judgement from me, it's just not what works for me. Had that worked, I would have done it instead of having surgery. I needed a support tool to help me, and I needed to RELAX. That's what's worked for me.

That's what works for me also. Relaxing and not stressing because when I stress, I stall.

Great pics. great job. keep up the good work.

Sarahcc,

You certainly are a good loser. I have only lost 42 lbs over the last 6 months. I am exercising 3-4 X a week, for 45 min to an hour. I haven't tried rice, pasta, or crackers since surgery. I get in my protein and water. I think its because I'm over 50....excuses excuses. Anyway, I need you to come over here and rub up against me, because I want some of whatever you got! Congratulations, you look wonderful and yes, I am jealous!

Thanks for sharing your story! You look great!

Sarahcc,

You certainly are a good loser. I have only lost 42 lbs over the last 6 months. I am exercising 3-4 X a week, for 45 min to an hour. I haven't tried rice, Pasta, or crackers since surgery. I get in my Protein and Water. I think its because I'm over 50....excuses excuses. Anyway, I need you to come over here and rub up against me, because I want some of whatever you got! Congratulations, you look wonderful and yes, I am jealous!

OMG! I mean this in the absolute best way possible - but age is NOT just an excuse, it's a fact. I'm 25 years old! My body should basically be at it's peak right now. I have metabolism and hormones working in my favor. And if I'm being honest, I also work 60+ hours a week, I have a 4 year old daughter and a 7 year old son. I don't exercise, but I am BUSY.

Don't be jealous! 42lbs is a LOT to lose in 6 months, and I'm guessing it's about 50lbs more than you would have lost without the surgery! (I assume you'd keep gaining, like I DEFINITELY would have, which is why I said 50, heh.)

I am excited for you, and you should be too! I appreciate all the support too Thank you!

Congrats, you're doing so good

You are a great inspiration!! & you look great can't wait till I'm down to 150 lbs. Congrats keep up the great job...

way to go