For the first time in 23 years, I am no longer described as any version of "obese", having just snuck into the BMI range for "overweight".... in 12 weeks. Yay!

I can't begin to explain what the sleeve has done for me, my health and my life. It hasn't been easy and I know I have still a long way to go, not just with weight but the issues that got me to where I was.

But this has been a life changing 3 months and I am so grateful I have gone through it. Future looks bright.... :-))))

Congrats and good luck.

Yaaaaay!! I'm happy for you! Yes one of my big goals too is to get to overweight!

Where else but on VST could we be so happy to become overweight ?!?! LOL

So-------- good job on getting to overweight!

Thanks both. Ha ha, yes, never thought of being overweight as an achievement! But I will take it....

Congratulations that's super fun. Seems like I still have 20 more lbs before I am there. Taking forever!

I found out today I'm just obese and not morbidly obese. I was pretty excited! Haha

Fabulous news, so happy for you!

Your post made me laugh! I have often told my wife how I long to be described as something that doesn't have the word, "morbid" in the description! I have lost 80 lbs since March preparing for my surgery which is on July 25. With a little luck, I will achieve "really, really fat" status before long! Congratulations on your success!

Yeah That is such a wonderful feeling

Thanks for all the positive comments.

It's good too to hear how well people are doing. Site has been great for inspiration and encouragement, thanks for speaking up!

Now for the last 24 lbs

Waiting to start my journey. That's an great mile stone.

This is very inspiring to me as our stats and goals are almost the same! My DOS weight was 209 and I'll be officially "overweight" at 167. Do you have any tips? I can't "weight" to be "over" this hump like you!

Canary Diamond, hi sleeve sister!!!

Tips? The first few weeks are the worst but I got through it by following what my nut asked me to do I terms of what I was eating and quantity as well as sip, sip, sipping the Water. Boring but I think it has helped me.

Have patience. Don't know about you but it took me years to get to this weight, it ain't all going to drop off in a few weeks... There will be stalls when you don't lose weight but have faith. If you stick to taking care of business, the weight loss will start again. Sometimes the scales don't move, but you will be losing inches. I only weigh once a week, never more frequently cos your weight can fluctuate from day to day and I don't want to be under pressure....

Keep moving. That's easier as you lose weight but moving helps with everything from constipation to weight loss. You don't need to do anything fancy, walking is cheap and convenient.

Talking of constipation... Don't let it get a grip. Talk to your doc before it becomes a problem - it only happens to me when my water intake drops....

Finally, the sleeve is the start of the process. I was determined from day 1 to integrate it into my life so I still go to bars (where I drink water and occasionally a fruit juice), I eat out ( still doing Protein first and eating small portions), go to cinema (just don't eat the popcorn, lol) and I enjoy my time with friends and family. For me, food is now in it's place... I eat to live, not live to eat. I can still have fun and I do cos life is great!!!! If people comment on how little I eat, I smile and say I just have a small appetite. But as I shrink, people have stopped making any comment at all as my appetite and body are getting more in synch.

Be kind to yourself, no beating yourself up over the odd piece of cookie that finds it way into your mouth (not now of course, in the months ahead!) Best advice I can give you - and it is my mantra - is that when you are down or feeling beaten, remember - this too will pass.

Good luck to you, PM me any time if you need a chat :-)))))

Jacqui