I was sleeved in May of this year. No doubt, the best decision I have ever made for my health and happiness. Getting the results I wanted for my weight and fitness took more work than I expected. I had an idea that it would happen very naturally as the result of having a smaller stomach... silly girl! VST was a major source of information for me in the early days, and without some of the information I learned here I would have been lost. MyFitnessPal is an important part of my daily life, both the community and the weight loss and fitness tracking.

I started at 255 on my pre-op diet, May 3. Had surgery May 10 at 245. Currently at 145. (I am 5' 6").

Wow...you look amazing. Congrats

Very inspirational. You look absolutely amazing.

I was sleeved in May of this year. No doubt' date=' the best decision I have ever made for my health and happiness. Getting the results I wanted for my weight and fitness took more work than I expected. I had an idea that it would happen very naturally as the result of having a smaller stomach... silly girl! VST was a major source of information for me in the early days, and without some of the information I learned here I would have been lost. MyFitnessPal is an important part of my daily life, both the community and the weight loss and fitness tracking.

I started at 255 on my pre-op diet, May 3. Had surgery May 10 at 245. Currently at 145. (I am 5' 6").

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Wow, awesome job!

Congrats! Such a great accomplishment? What did your diet/workout routine looked like?

Wow! Congratulations on your success! You look fantastic! Great work!!

Congrats! Such a great accomplishment? What did your diet/workout routine looked like?

Thanks! My goal was 500-600 calories the first few months. As soon as I was cleared for exercise I started with a trainer twice weekly and did cardio on four additional days for an hour each day - walking and elliptical primarily.

Around the 5th month I increased my goal to 700 calories. By then I had worked up my fitness level and was aiming for between 1-3 hours of exercise per day, averaging 2 hours I would guess - with a day off each week (or more if my schedule demanded). I still focused on elliptical, strength training, and treadmill. Most days I split my workout into a morning and evening session. At the seventh month I increased my goal to 900 calories to help sustain my workouts.

Initially I tried to keep my carbs below 20, the next stage below 30, and eventually around 50 with days that were higher if I planned on hitting 900 calories. With Protein I aimed for 70 or so until I got to 900 calories and then increased my goal to 85- some people aim higher, but as I only have one kidney I am not supposed to. With fat my limit was around 25 grams maybe even 30. I tailored how much fat i had to the number of calories i could still eat that day, often having 1/2-1 oz of cheese towards the end of the day, when I was out of carbs but wanted a "treat".

There were days when I didn't have it totally together - don't get me wrong. But this was my general plan and I pretty much stuck to it.

Congratulations - you look amazing! Your post is such an inspiration to us 'newbies'. I'm 3 weeks out & down down 32 lbs from my start weight. Enjoy the holidays - and I applaud the shopping!!!

Great job.

amazing!!! what's ur Fitness Pal user name?

So very awesome and inspiring !

Yeah!!! Way to go!

I am only 6 days out and freaking out~ Help. I noticed stretch marks on my breast area, which were there previously I am sure, but did not notice due to the fat filling it in. Now, I am freaking out about getting loose skin and stretch marks due to rapid weight loss. I know everyone is different, just curious as to your experience given you have had a pretty tight fitness regimine.

I am only 6 days out and freaking out~ Help. I noticed stretch marks on my breast area' date=' which were there previously I am sure, but did not notice due to the fat filling it in. Now, I am freaking out about getting loose skin and stretch marks due to rapid weight loss. I know everyone is different, just curious as to your experience given you have had a pretty tight fitness regimine.[/quote']

Yep, got the loose skin and stretch marks. Also, the perfect blood sugar. Improved cholesterol. No sleep apnea. Best sex of my life. Improved confidence. Better relationships. Great clothes. But it's true, there is no denying it. Loose skin and stretch marks.

My breasts probably took the worst hit as they were huge, and breasts are pretty much just a lot of fatty tissue. So they look a hot mess. Do I care? Yes. I'm getting them done in June. But am I still confident - absolutely.

My stomach and thighs are also not fantastic and I will be getting work on those areas as well.

But I live with my body now, pre surgery for skin issues, and I love how much smaller I am. I work on toning as much as possible and feel that it has made a big difference. But nothing will make up for the fact that I used to carry 110 more lbs. Even if I couldn't have had plastic surgery, it would be worth living with the skin. I still feel confident and sexy with loose skin and stretch marks.

How your skin responds ultimately is going to be unique to your body - your age, skin type, weight history, and health history can all affect your skin, as well as any number of other factors.

I hope you are able to settle into a new routine as you heal from surgery, get started with a fitness regimen, and appreciate the changes in your health and your body - even when they lead to stretch marks on the way. You got this.

You go girl! You look wonderful, and the shoes and hair cut are hot, hot, hot:)