Exactly 7 months ago today I did one of the scariest things in my life and had a good 80% of my stomach removed because I was tired of being morbidly obese and all the health and social troubles that came with it. Through luck finally going my way, it was actually covered by my insurance thanks to those health troubles. I say luck because without the insurance coverage there would have been absolutely no way for me to ever afford this surgery even if I were to save up and go to Mexico (something I didn't know was a viable option until after I got on these boards).

So many, many changes have happened since that very scary morning!

I started the whole journey at 223lbs and day of surgery I was 215. This morning's scale put me at 134 where I've been hovering for the past few days. 134. That's a smaller weight then I think I was even as a teenager. I wore a 22W and depending on the clothing it was a tight fit and this morning I was almost late to work because I had to unearth my newest smaller pair of pants because my 4s were too big. I look like a completely different person.

It hasn't been all sweetness and light. At the beginning I had a big problem with dehydration (had to have IVs several times) and even feared my being prone to developing an eating disorder due to my inability to really see just how much I've lost and how fast I've dropped the weight. And right now I drew the lucky card and developed scurvy because following my particular NUT's post-surgery plan in my case is lunacy.

I say all this because I just need to say that it's all be worth it and I'd do it again in a heartbeat if offered the chance although I do wish I'd done it sooner. I've so much more energy it's insane and i just feel better. I don't have any medical issues anymore including symptoms of PCOS and my self-esteem is steadily growing. I'm not afraid to be silly in public with friends and family and I'm no longer the fat friend people want around to make themselves seem smaller. I get better treated in stores and restaurants and randomly flirted with by strangers. It's a sad thing to realize since I thought my life before wasn't all that bad but life as a smaller person is most certainly different.

Life is good and getting better every day. Now if only I could figure out how to post pictures here to really show the change!

Exactly 7 months ago today I did one of the scariest things in my life and had a good 80% of my stomach removed because I was tired of being morbidly obese and all the health and social troubles that came with it. Through luck finally going my way' date=' it was actually covered by my insurance thanks to those health troubles. I say luck because without the insurance coverage there would have been absolutely no way for me to ever afford this surgery even if I were to save up and go to Mexico (something I didn't know was a viable option until after I got on these boards). So many, many changes have happened since that very scary morning! I started the whole journey at 223lbs and day of surgery I was 215. This morning's scale put me at 134 where I've been hovering for the past few days. 134. That's a smaller weight then I think I was even as a teenager. I wore a 22W and depending on the clothing it was a tight fit and this morning I was almost late to work because I had to unearth my newest smaller pair of pants because my 4s were too big. I look like a completely different person. It hasn't been all sweetness and light. At the beginning I had a big problem with dehydration (had to have IVs several times) and even feared my being prone to developing an eating disorder due to my inability to really see just how much I've lost and how fast I've dropped the weight. And right now I drew the lucky card and developed scurvy because following my particular NUT's post-surgery plan in my case is lunacy. I say all this because I just need to say that it's all be worth it and I'd do it again in a heartbeat if offered the chance although I do wish I'd done it sooner. I've so much more energy it's insane and i just feel better. I don't have any medical issues anymore including symptoms of PCOS and my self-esteem is steadily growing. I'm not afraid to be silly in public with friends and family and I'm no longer the fat friend people want around to make themselves seem smaller. I get better treated in stores and restaurants and randomly flirted with by strangers. It's a sad thing to realize since I thought my life before wasn't all that bad but life as a smaller person is most certainly different. Life is good and getting better every day. Now if only I could figure out how to post pictures here to really show the change![/quote']

Congratulations on your success!!! I am 2 and a half months out and down 40 pounds. I seem to be losing slowly. I hope I can be as successful as you. I too have PCOS. Can't wait to post something like this. Way to go

Congratulations on your success!!! I am 2 and a half months out and down 40 pounds. I seem to be losing slowly. I hope I can be as successful as you. I too have PCOS. Can't wait to post something like this. Way to go

That is almost 20 lbs. a month....you call that slowly! Come on now.....The norm is between 5-10 a month at the beginning.....Just enjoy the journey...You are really running the race now...it is your turn......

What a wonderful story - thanks for sharing! Stuff like this give us pre-oppers great motivation and hope!

Congrats on your new life and I wish you continued success!

Exactly 7 months ago today I did one of the scariest things in my life and had a good 80% of my stomach removed because I was tired of being morbidly obese and all the health and social troubles that came with it. Through luck finally going my way, it was actually covered by my insurance thanks to those health troubles. I say luck because without the insurance coverage there would have been absolutely no way for me to ever afford this surgery even if I were to save up and go to Mexico (something I didn't know was a viable option until after I got on these boards).

So many, many changes have happened since that very scary morning!

I started the whole journey at 223lbs and day of surgery I was 215. This morning's scale put me at 134 where I've been hovering for the past few days. 134. That's a smaller weight then I think I was even as a teenager. I wore a 22W and depending on the clothing it was a tight fit and this morning I was almost late to work because I had to unearth my newest smaller pair of pants because my 4s were too big. I look like a completely different person.

It hasn't been all sweetness and light. At the beginning I had a big problem with dehydration (had to have IVs several times) and even feared my being prone to developing an eating disorder due to my inability to really see just how much I've lost and how fast I've dropped the weight. And right now I drew the lucky card and developed scurvy because following my particular NUT's post-surgery plan in my case is lunacy.

I say all this because I just need to say that it's all be worth it and I'd do it again in a heartbeat if offered the chance although I do wish I'd done it sooner. I've so much more energy it's insane and i just feel better. I don't have any medical issues anymore including symptoms of PCOS and my self-esteem is steadily growing. I'm not afraid to be silly in public with friends and family and I'm no longer the fat friend people want around to make themselves seem smaller. I get better treated in stores and restaurants and randomly flirted with by strangers. It's a sad thing to realize since I thought my life before wasn't all that bad but life as a smaller person is most certainly different.

Life is good and getting better every day. Now if only I could figure out how to post pictures here to really show the change!

It is just sad how differently we are treated as a thinner person....I stopped joking around and making every body laugh all the time to cover my obesity.( hate that word ). I have noticed a huge change in people looking at me or even talking to me...No one even knows it is me since I had the surgery....I stood by a friends son who was at my house everyday..He did not know it was me and I did not tell him either...Still enjoying my private successes I guess.....

I am so happy for you..You are doing wonderfully and really enjoying your journey.....just keep swimming...Things are still going to get much better!!

Awesome! You did WONDERFUL!

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Thank you for sharing!!!

I am 2 weeks away from surgery and pretty nervous...reading about your happy successes really helps ease that.

Would love to see your pictures!