When I chose my screen name last year, I knew that I would live up to the name. I am literally a new person since my vsg on 12/2/11.

The girl I was (i say girl, but im 33) was 266 lbs, unhappy, and beginning to go downhill healthwise. I started the process and it saved my life. If I had not, I would never have discovered and conquered severe sleep apnea and high blood pressure. This has been a complete life style change.

I am down to 163 lbs. I hit exactly 166 on my surgiversary, which was amazing to me that I lost 100 lbs! I went from a tight 22 to an 8, 3xl to medium, heck my shoes even went from 8 1/2 to 7 1/2!!

I will say that this wasn't always an easy road. It was hard to conquer my eating, portions, and "head hunger" in the beginning. The weight melted off the first six months, and after that every pound was work. I still have the motivation to keep going. My personal goal for me is 133, which would leave me at half the woman I was. I excercise with zumba and watch my carbs. I drink water and limit sugary drinks. Have I had bad days? Heck yeah, sometimes too many. But my motivation kicks in and I get back on track. I log my food and excersice when im focused lol. I will also say I hit a moment of depression around month 7 and 8. But sunny days came when I realized I am in control!

My many nsvs include being able to ride amusement park rides with my kids, playing and running with them, wearing skinny jeans and if I say so myself looking darn good in them! I bought myself some beautiful leather boots just because they can zip up over my calves. My bro in law blurted to my mother in law behind my back that I look like a model! My mom didnt recognize me at the mall last week. My husband and kids are so proud of me, they loved me then and now.

Last but not least, the biggest goal for me was to regain my self confidence. At the risk of sounding full of myself, I longed for the feeling I had when I was slimmer, the feeling of being able to walk into a room with my head held high and knowing I look damn good!! In essence, im not a new girl, I just got the old me back. And I will say im better than before because of my experience. I struggle at times with the attention, because I feel like I was human before this and people were mean. Ive been humbled by this and just thank the Man above for allowing me to go through all of this and appreciating every second, pound, and inch.

Thank you for your story! I haven't had my surgery yet, I am looking to get it done February, but I am so excited after reading stories like this

Thank you everyone, it has been an amazing journey and well honestly to hear that I inspire anyone is amazing to me!

@amy, I'm excited for you to experience this feeling!

Congrats! Amazing and inspiring. I'm 3 months away from my sleeve. Your success makes me excited to get started!

Congrats! Amazing and inspiring. I'm 3 months away from my sleeve. Your success makes me excited to get started!

Thanks! And congrats to you taking the steps to a new you too!

Congrats... You're an inspiration.

You sound so much like myself. I'll be getting sleeved in Feb. hope my journey will be as successful as yours!

Wow. Just awesome. Beautiful. You have done great.

Love the shoes too.

Wishing you continued success.

Very nicely put and congrats on all of your success. :-)

Wow wee! You look fabulous!

Thanks again for the compliments! It feels great to get support from fellow sleevers who know what it's like to be in our shoes! We are all successful and will continue to be winning all while losing! As corny as that might sound, I believe that!