I don't like having my picture taken, so I don't have many before pics (especially at my highest weight right before surgery - 244 lbs.), but I want to share my journey so far. So here goes, a before pic and an after pic at 2 months out (at 201 lbs). It's not the best pic/lighting, so don't judge my camera skills. I haven't taken a body shot yet, but I'll post that when I do. Mainly I wanted to show how much you can see it in my face. It's surreal to see the side by side!

Awesome girl! U look great!

Wow, what a difference! I am 242 and surgery next week. Would love to lose around 40 in a few months. Can you share what you have been eating and exercise?

The total lost includes my 1 week pre-op diet.

As far as food - I followed my post op diet plan which was Clear liquids for a week, full liquids for a week, puree/soft foods for 2 weeks and then I reintroduced foods as tolerated. Now I can eat just about anything (within reason). I don't track my food and I go by the "everything in moderation" philosophy. I see a therapist every week and she agrees with this. Dieting and the whole idea of certain foods being "bad" (therefore, I am bad if I eat them) is what got me to this point in the first place. So I am trying to have a healthy mindset. If my family is eating pizza, I will have a couple bites and I'm satisfied. Instead of eating none and obsessing about wanting pizza - then eating eveything in site because I really want the pizza! A typical day for me might be an egg and 1/2 piece of toast for Breakfast, a 2 ounces of chicken salad with a couple crackers for lunch and 2 ounces of fish with steamed veggies for dinner. If I need a snack, I eat a Protein bar or shake, a popcicle, or fruit.

I also haven't really incorporated exercise yet - other then some stretching. My arms and legs are not very toned and I have some loose skin in some areas. So I plan to start toning exercises this week and work up to cardio. The weight loss has slowed down so maybe this will jump start it again.

This has worked for me so far but everyone is different. I know many after surgery completely avoid most carbs. As I get further out, I may start tracking my food, limiting carbs or whatever works at that point.