Success Did Not Come Easy....

[longercurlz 49]

I am a success story ...200 lbs since 2000/2001. Gained 40 back over that time and have since lost 60..workout, Water, dedication....paid off.

[Lori Rehrer Himes 10]

thanks for the success story your photos show the hard work you put into your journey with wls

[kiwiladydee 402]

How long did it take you to gain the 40 pounds? How long after your surgery?

Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

[jenneliza 257]

I am a success story ...200 lbs since 2000/2001. Gained 40 back over that time and have since lost 60..workout' date=' Water, dedication....paid off.[/quote']

Wow thanks for sharing. Your hard work definitely does show. I'll remember this when I don't want to get up and run in the cold tomorrow morning

Any advice for anyone lacking motivation in the exercise department?

Sent from my iPad using RNYTalk

[melonpie05 99]

Omg truly amazing and Ur skin looks wonderful look at Ur stomach def a motivation

[longercurlz 49]

To answer some of your questions. The weight gain (blah)...yes, it happens. I gained the 40 lbs between 2003 and 2006 and, after a significant breakup, I just needed something else to focus on. I started simple with walking and eating only vegetarian. I didn't join the gym until about 3 years ago but, since then, I am a regular and do not go less than 5 days a week/often 7. I held on to two pair of my favorite post op/weight loss pants and was determined to get back into them...they fit big now.

I think the way you can get motivated is to put it into your schedule. It should be as regular as making dinner, going to work, taking a shower..the gym/working out needs to be added to your day schedule. Even if it's just 20 mins walking around your neighborhood!

I have managed to avoid a bunch of loose skin and I contribute that to being active and drinking TONS of Water. I don't drink soda anymore and my "soft drink" will either be Crystal Light or iced tea/with Splenda. Also, when I got back to work after two weeks of recovery, I started walking around my office during my 15 minute breaks. Now I'm that crazy workout lady who walks during her lunch too :-) Oh and as far as hydration goes, try coconut water...if you can find it in your area. It's SO good and refreshing, with different flavors like mango and pineapple. I feel extra hydrated when I have coconut Water.< /p>

PS...my dear friend had GB a year after I did. At first she refused to get it done because she was going to do the "cabbage Soup diet"...well, that didn't work...obviously. She is one of the people who wasn't dedicated and has gained a lot of her weight back She had a lot of loose skin, went to Mexico to get it removed and I really think they just took her money and didn't do anything but cut her open and sew her up (swear). Now she's on the "pouch shrinking" diet. What? Yes, that's a real diet and I just let her vent and tell me she doesn't eat that much, etc. But I've seen her snack on sugary things a lot.

Hope this helped!

Betsie

[mizzlaw 130]

Great job..... Great motivation!!!

[JustJenn 542]

Wow! You story and picture is amazing! Hats off to you! True motivation in deed. I start the gym Wednesday and plan to make this a daily endeavor as eating and breathing. My only concern is I'm over extended as it is. I'm a mom, wife, work full time, grad school, and intern on top of my regular job! But I'm determined on making this happen and get more weight off!

Thanks for sharing!!!

[worm2872 635]

Good for you. I met a woman the other day who is ten years out and says the same thing. It has to be a permanent change. I'm scared crapless I will stress eat again. You give me hope I can over come it.

[TDee 12]

To answer some of your questions. The weight gain (blah)...yes' date=' it happens. I gained the 40 lbs between 2003 and 2006 and, after a significant breakup, I just needed something else to focus on. I started simple with walking and eating only vegetarian. I didn't join the gym until about 3 years ago but, since then, I am a regular and do not go less than 5 days a week/often 7. I held on to two pair of my favorite post op/weight loss pants and was determined to get back into them...they fit big now.

I think the way you can get motivated is to put it into your schedule. It should be as regular as making dinner, going to work, taking a shower..the gym/working out needs to be added to your day schedule. Even if it's just 20 mins walking around your neighborhood!

I have managed to avoid a bunch of loose skin and I contribute that to being active and drinking TONS of Water. I don't drink soda anymore and my "soft drink" will either be Crystal Light or iced tea/with Splenda. Also, when I got back to work after two weeks of recovery, I started walking around my office during my 15 minute breaks. Now I'm that crazy workout lady who walks during her lunch too :-) Oh and as far as hydration goes, try coconut water...if you can find it in your area. It's SO good and refreshing, with different flavors like mango and pineapple. I feel extra hydrated when I have coconut Water.< /p>

PS...my dear friend had GB a year after I did. At first she refused to get it done because she was going to do the "cabbage Soup diet"...well, that didn't work...obviously. She is one of the people who wasn't dedicated and has gained a lot of her weight back She had a lot of loose skin, went to Mexico to get it removed and I really think they just took her money and didn't do anything but cut her open and sew her up (swear). Now she's on the "pouch shrinking" diet. What? Yes, that's a real diet and I just let her vent and tell me she doesn't eat that much, etc. But I've seen her snack on sugary things a lot.

Hope this helped!

Betsie[/quote']

Reading this has inspired me a lot! Your pictures are amazing and I cannot believe the amount of skin you don't have. My surgery isn't until Dec 12 but I am going to use you as an inspiration to stay on track because I want to do as we'll as you did! Thanks and keep inspiring

[longercurlz 49]

Good luck everybody! And worm2872...you can stress eat all you want...just make sure it's healthy! You don't need to eat garbage...freeze some grapes, which is my favorite snack,

[joyfulinga 24]

Good for you! Such determination was required to kick everything back into gear. You have done a wonderful job and I know you will continue it. You look amazing and I am so very happy for you! That is so sad about your friend. To go through all the pain and $$$ of surgery to be disappointed is just sad! Thank you for sharing....I regained and am on the road to losing it. I appreciate your honesty.

[Vicki Loichinger 444]

thank you for sharing. thank you for being real. I am so glad that you have been able to get back on track. You are awesome.

[cnocon 36]

I am a success story ...200 lbs since 2000/2001. Gained 40 back over that time and have since lost 60..workout' date=' Water, dedication....paid off.[/quote']

WOW GIRL! You look great! And even with such a massive weight loss it looks like you don't even have excess skin! Did you get a Tummy Tuck?

[marvelousbeginnings 1]

You look awesome girl. How much do you workout? Keep up the good work