So it has been a year. To the day. Wow! Just…wow.

Progress has been steady. Had a slip up but I am back on track. I think there for a little while I felt bullet proof, you know? Nine months out and I was doing well. I have an additional metabolism issue (genetic) that I knew I would not be the high end loser, so I was comfortable with my loss. I had a foot injury, couldn’t run for a long time, couldn’t do as much of what I normally do as often…and let some bad habits creep in as I dealt with inactivity (inactivity = boredom for me). Holidays were approaching and I was really feeling the loss of my Mom (My Mom passed away a week after my surgery, unexpectedly). So I slipped. Then I caught myself and got right back up again.

My “last diet” began in January of 2011…I lost some after months of trying, kept it off a little, and about the same time it began to creep back on I was diagnosed with a tumor in my stomach lining – call it serendipity or what you will…I had to have a lot of my tummy removed anyway, I had lost weight I did not want to put back on, and long story short: “last diet” 1/2011, diagnosed w/tumor 10/2011, sleeved 1/4/2012.

I was self-pay more than insurance covered anything, because the insurance argued I could get the tumor removed endoscopically, grrrr…but oh well and bills, bills, bills later (paid but disputing a balance w/ with my insurance) sleeved…and I would pay so much more, in hindsight.

It has been a crazy journey, so many NSV, so much rediscovering myself….I am nowhere near done. Support from this group has been so important…

I am back into everything I missed, trying new things, and there is something about this – doing this now – it is like I am discovering a whole new me. At 39 years old, I am coming “into my own” at the same time I am adapting to my new body…it blows my mind still…

Size 14 for now…will maybe try for 10, but 12 would be great. At 5’10” and built like a linebacker, rather than a ballerina it’s a good size for me.

Wish me perseverance, and strength - and the same to you all…

God Bless.

Namaste.

Always.

You're right, wow, what a journey. But you seem to have weathered it well. I lost my mom two years ago, so, yup, I know what you mean. I was just sleeved 12/27, so still hoping for the best, as I do for you! BTW, what is your profile pic about? It's cute. Take care.

Thank you for sharing your story. We all have our crosses to bear and personal storms to weather; but you made it!!! Size 14 fantastic!! I am 5'10" too and am still considered overweight(according to BMI) and wear a size 11 !! I would like to make it to 180 pounds, that is 14 more pounds to go.

All the best with your continued journey!

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!

You're right' date=' wow, what a journey. But you seem to have weathered it well. I lost my mom two years ago, so, yup, I know what you mean. I was just sleeved 12/27, so still hoping for the best, as I do for you! BTW, what is your profile pic about? It's cute. Take care.[/quote']

Thank you! The picture is me in my fighting garb...I do sword fighting and battle gaming now, in addition to other things :-)

So very exciting. I lost my way for about a month as well. I'm so very close to goal so I've decided its time to get back to it! I haven't been on VST in a while. I'm approaching my 1 year mark at the end of Feb. Its nice to be back and see all the motivating people, and see the progress of my friends that started the journey the same time as me. Congrats on your success you look great.

Thank you for sharing your story. We all have our crosses to bear and personal storms to weather; but you made it!!! Size 14 fantastic!! I am 5'10" too and am still considered overweight(according to BMI) and wear a size 11 !! I would like to make it to 180 pounds' date=' that is 14 more pounds to go.

All the best with your continued journey![/quote']

Thank you!

Strength and perseverance, Pookey! I've always enjoyed reading ur posts. I love that u picked urself up and dusted urself off after slipping. YOU, my dear, are a model for strength and perseverance. Ur an inspiration!

Sent from my iPhone using VST

So it has been a year. To the day. Wow! Just…wow.

Progress has been steady. Had a slip up but I am back on track. I think there for a little while I felt bullet proof' date=' you know? Nine months out and I was doing well. I have an additional metabolism issue (genetic) that I knew I would not be the high end loser, so I was comfortable with my loss. I had a foot injury, couldn’t run for a long time, couldn’t do as much of what I normally do as often…and let some bad habits creep in as I dealt with inactivity (inactivity = boredom for me). Holidays were approaching and I was really feeling the loss of my Mom (My Mom passed away a week after my surgery, unexpectedly). So I slipped. Then I caught myself and got right back up again.

My “last diet” began in January of 2011…I lost some after months of trying, kept it off a little, and about the same time it began to creep back on I was diagnosed with a tumor in my stomach lining – call it serendipity or what you will…I had to have a lot of my tummy removed anyway, I had lost weight I did not want to put back on, and long story short: “last diet” 1/2011, diagnosed w/tumor 10/2011, sleeved 1/4/2012.

I was self-pay more than insurance covered anything, because the insurance argued I could get the tumor removed endoscopically, grrrr…but oh well and bills, bills, bills later (paid but disputing a balance w/ with my insurance) sleeved…and I would pay so much more, in hindsight.

It has been a crazy journey, so many NSV, so much rediscovering myself….I am nowhere near done. Support from this group has been so important…

I am back into everything I missed, trying new things, and there is something about this – doing this now – it is like I am discovering a whole new me. At 39 years old, I am coming “into my own” at the same time I am adapting to my new body…it blows my mind still…

Size 14 for now…will maybe try for 10, but 12 would be great. At 5’10” and built like a linebacker, rather than a ballerina it’s a good size for me.

Wish me perseverance, and strength - and the same to you all…

God Bless.

Namaste.

Always.[/quote']

You are a true inspiration:)