Almost the entire day went by before I realized that my surgery was one year ago today!! It's actually nice not to constantly be thinking about my weight and food all the time. I'm just enjoying my life sooooo much I don't have time to think about that stuff anymore!!! And I can honestly say, this has been the BEST year in my 43 years on the planet!!! it hasn't always been easy, but "The hard is what makes it great"!!!

I have fulfilled a 5 year dream to become a triathlete!! I did 3 triathlons this past summer and am planning on doing 5-6 next year. My goal now is to begin to do longer races and eventually do an Ironman (2.5 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, ending with a marathon). It sounds crazy, I know.....but I just having a burning desire to see what my body can do!!

I still have about 40 pounds to lose and I imagine it's going to take me some time to lose it as I'm consistently losing about 2-4 pounds per month (which I'm totally ok with). I can pretty much eat anything at this point....but the amount depends on the food. meat and raw fruits and veggies still fill me up super fast with just a few bites. My relationship with food has completely changed....I now eat to live instead of living to eat!!!

I absolutely LOVE my sleeve and i 100% recommend this journey to those who are still on the fence about it. I've heard a lot of people say that they don't want to "take the easy way out"...in fact, I was one of those people for many years. I always thought I should be able to "do it on my own". Well, I didn't because I couldn't. I needed help. And this journey has been anything BUT easy!! It's the hardest thing I've ever done, but it's also the best thing I've ever done!!!!

So, here are some pics. The first one was taken 3 months before my surgery. There is also one of me with both of my legs in my BIG GIRL pants (which I used to fill out completely!!!).

Wow you look great!!!

Being a triathlete is my goal also. I am just starting on my journey have about 6 month of insurance requirements to get through then hopefully will be sleeved. Thank you for sharing so much, I hope one day (far away) to be a iron man also

Wow that is awesome! So happy for u. It helps me to tell myself I can do it also. Im only 4 wks post but i have lost 25 pds and after reading ur story it makes it easier to think I will loose more.

Your photos are amazing!

Triathlete? You GO Girl!

Thanks for sharing your story! What a difference a year can make! Truly inspirational!

Thanks for sharing your story! What a difference a year can make! Truly inspirational!

Ditto!

Congratulations on a very successful year!

Thanks everyone!!! i just came back from a cruise (a surgiversary gift!!!) to all these wonderful comments!! I had my one year follow up this morning with my surgeon and she was extremely happy with where I am!!!

It's truly been an amazing year!!!

Amazing......truly.

Thank you for providing such great inspiration in your story and your photos. Wishing you continued success!

Wow! Your transformation is amazing. I really needed this inspiration today as my surgery date is a little over 2 weeks away and I'm so nervous about whether I am doing the right thing.

You look fabulous and your happiness shows in your smile.

Congratulations!

Amazing!!!!!!

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That's awesome.

Lisa did u have hanging skin? And if so what exercise can u tell us to get those arms and legs right...