Today, after almost a full month stall, I reached onederland! I'm -63 lbs since surgery and couldn't be happier. I have gone from a size 24 to a 14/16 - and that changes almost weekly it seems. A couple of things I learned along the way:

1. Don't stress in the early days - just trust that the weight will come off

2. I stopped comparing myself to others in terms of how fast or slow I was losing - this helped me to just focus on myself (note - lots of people put their highest weight as their starting weight so not all of the weight loss was following the surgery - just be aware of this if you are comparing yourself which we all do in the early days)

3. Save all that money you are not spending on food for all the clothes that you are going to buy and then grow out of really quickly

4. Find a buddy who is going to inspire you to exercise or eat better or whatever you struggle with - I found one and it makes a big difference

5. Enjoy the journey - I know that I certainly am!

Looking good!! And so true we shouldn't compare, we are all on our own path to health and happiness

Congratulations on your grand accomplishment!

Thank you so much for sharing & you look great!

Wonderful news! Congratulations!

Yay! Congratulations! I can't wait to join you in Onderland....I'm close...I can SEE it, & it's beautiful!! Just...can't...quiet...reach...it!! :-/

WTG! You look fabulous!

Great advice and you look awesome!

Thank you for this post! It was just what I needed to hear. I'm 10 days post-op and I've been hard on myself every day since.

Thank you for this post! It was just what I needed to hear. I'm 10 days post-op and I've been hard on myself every day since.

Justinelli - you sound like me when I was 10 days out! This forum is a great place for support, but I found I was setting unrealistic expectations for myself. I am really happy not thinking of myself as a slow loser or a fast loser - but rather as someone who is following my plan and changing the the way that my body wants to change. It's almost like I had to give up to it in a way. After the first month or so of over-analyzing everything - you will settle into a rhythm and will be amazed how things just happen. Enjoy the ride!!

Thanks for such positive reminders. I was sleeved awake ago today and am already finding myself impatient regarding how much weight I am losing. I think the hardest part for me is getting enough water. I am on the liquid diet for another week and am growing sick of cream of wheat/malt o meal/cream of chicken soup etc. so this is just what I needed to hear.

I was so glad to read your story! Thank you so much♥ you're doing really great also.