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!

Hot momma lovely pics

Congrats, you're looking good.

Thats nice to hear. I agree with the needing to relax part. As long as you don't go hog wild with anything, relax and let the weight come off!

Congrats on your weight loss! And, now if I may be a little nosy...??? You are very close to my starting weight so curiosity has a hold of me. How is your skin doing? It is something I've wondered a lot about and haven't found anyone who has been my starting weight until now. Sorry for the prying.

You look great!

How tall are you.

How tall are you.

Outstanding Results!!! Congrats!

Congrats on your weight loss! And, now if I may be a little nosy...??? You are very close to my starting weight so curiosity has a hold of me. How is your skin doing? It is something I've wondered a lot about and haven't found anyone who has been my starting weight until now. Sorry for the prying.

No problem at all and you're not being too nosy My excess skin is not as bad as I thought it would be, but it's not NOTHING, either. My stomach is surprisingly flat (no apron or anything like that), and my thighs are holding up pretty well. My breasts are ok, but I do notice some loose skin there. I have a slight pouch of skin in my pelvic area, but nothing like I thought it would be. The worst is, as many will tell you, in my arms. I always had chubby arms, even when I was in great shape and 125/130lbs, I thought my arms were thick. So they are not looking too great, and that would be the only area I would ever consider getting plastic surgery to fix. I want to give it a couple years to try and bounce back on it's own. But there are no other areas I think are bad enough to consider surgery. Overall I'm pretty happy with it!

How tall are you.

I'm 5'1", so... not tall at all, heh.

That's amazing! I have to ask though, how did u do it with no exercise? Don't get me wrong, I now look forward to going to the gym , but I also work in a restaurant 6 days a week and on my feet. I still exercise 3-4 times a week too. That's great! Congrats!

Great story...Thank you so much for sharing. I go in tomorrow morning. I wanna be like you..

Thank you again!!

No problem at all and you're not being too nosy My excess skin is not as bad as I thought it would be, but it's not NOTHING, either. My stomach is surprisingly flat (no apron or anything like that), and my thighs are holding up pretty well. My breasts are ok, but I do notice some loose skin there. I have a slight pouch of skin in my pelvic area, but nothing like I thought it would be. The worst is, as many will tell you, in my arms. I always had chubby arms, even when I was in great shape and 125/130lbs, I thought my arms were thick. So they are not looking too great, and that would be the only area I would ever consider getting plastic surgery to fix. I want to give it a couple years to try and bounce back on it's own. But there are no other areas I think are bad enough to consider surgery. Overall I'm pretty happy with it!

Thank you! I am also 5'1 so this has been something I've been considerably concerned with. My arms are big also, unfortunately, so I suspect that will be a problem area. At our height, the weight doesn't really have anywhere to go so it just kind of attacks everything. haha. Congrats again!

Oh Sarah thank you!!!!! Wonderful post for us pre op people!!!

Congratssss that is amazing :-) wanted to know do you have a lot of lose skin wanted to no again congrats on your weight loss :-)