Today it has been exactly four months and nine days since my Sleeve on June 5, 2013. I have lost 88 lbs., 12 Pants Sizes, 2 Shirt Sizes, 1 full Shoe Size and 14 pills! I am so very happy I made this decision. I am amazed at the transformation not just of my body but of the abilities I now have and the goals I have reached.

BS (Before Sleeve)

I was using a walker to do any walking at all. I could not shower without a shower chair, I could not go shopping in stores without automatic carts, I only left my house to go to the Dr. I could not stand up long enough to cook meals anymore, I had a full time caretaker, I could not clean or do laundry, I didn't drive unless I had too, I could not hold my Grandson because I had no lap, I would not have sexual relations with my husband because it was too un-comfortable and I felt to ugly, I didn't ever have the desire to go visit people, I could not go to parties or out with my friends to socialize at all. I stayed home and moped and honestly just waited for death to come and get me.

AS (After Sleeve)

I now go to the Mall with my daughter, I go out to lunch with friends, on dates with hubby, I shop, I cook, I clean, I even am working an area for a garden next year. I no longer need a caregiver and was just released from the program yesterday. I no long use a walker or automatic carts, or a shower chair! I only take 3 medications a day. I love to go visit and go to thrift stores and play with and hold my Grandson! I have sex on a semi-regular basis. (I know TMI)

The point is... If you are thinking of having this surgery, Stop Thinking!!!! & Start doing!!!

It took me over 2 1/2 years to get approval so get on it now and then do your thinking while you are in the process. You can always opt out later. I would never take it back, because honestly I never thought I would be a real person again and I had all but given up on life. I am however, a whole person again, a real person, with a real life, and real friends. I am even considering finally going back to work after six years of disability.

I hope this helps anyone in making up their minds and I hope it inspires everyone who reads it.

Blessings to all,

Candie

Before

Day of Surgery

Day after Surgery

Yesterday

You look amazing!!! Keep up the good work! You are such an inspiration! I work in the medical field and see people all the time who are disabled, the fact that you are thinking of going back to work even after being on disability is HUGE and I give you major props!!

Wow! one of the most amazing and inspiring update success stories I've seen in a while...congrats on your hard work....truly life-changing

Omg! Good luck so happy for ypu

You are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story. I admire your courage and your honesty.

gorgeous! you're lookin so good congrats mama

So happy for your success. You have a whole new world waiting for you. Congrats

I cried when I read your post! I have goose bumps typing this message. I am so happy for you. Your pre op story sound like I wrote it. My date is Nov 22. If I can be half as successful as you, I will be so happy. Thanks so much for sharing.

Wow!! You are amazing! Congratulations on your hard work and doing what needed to be done to get your life back! Truly inspirational.

So awesome!

Good for YOU!!

Terrific! Wonderful! Fantastic! I could keep going.........You are doing phenomenal and I am truly happy for you!! You have your life back and I can only say WAY TO GO!!!

You are an amazingly strong woman!! Thank you for sharing your story. Wishing you the most life can offer!

Thank for making he remember why I had this surgery.Good Bless you

You look AMAZING!!!!!

That's wonderful, and so happy for you. Congrats on getting your life back.