Almost at a Goal 7 Months Post-Op!

[NewSetOfCurves 1,555]

At this time last year I was two pounds shy of 250 pounds. I had spent 10+ years trying countless diets and dedicated myself to these little spurts of "exercise dedication". The diets never lasted and I never remained dedicated. Healthy foods were not a problem, I love all healthy foods; exercise wasn't a problem, I used to be certified as an aerobic instructor and weight trainer. The problem was that I loved ALL foods and I loved them in COPIOUS quantities. Another problem was time. Between a full time job as a high school English teacher, grading papers (115 students multiplied by x amount of assignments/ essays...yikes!); sponsoring the dance team (taking up 3 evenings of my week, including Friday football travels and arriving home after midnight); and being a mother of 4 kids (ranging from 2 to 10)...my life was pretty stressful. I struggled to manage my time to take the time to make healthy meals and exercise. Fast food was the quickest and easiest. No cooking time required and--even better--no clean up! Every year the weight crept up, reaching 200, 210, 220, 235. I couldn't stop it.

In April, after I found out my aunt was getting the surgery, I decided I wanted to get it too. I thought, "Why wait until this gets even more out of control?" I did the research. At first I was adamant that I was going to get the lap band, but after extensive research and discovering so many horror stories, I decided to go for the sleeve--especially seeing that the bypass required supplementation for life (I have 4 kids for a reason folks!). My doctor agreed and on June 18th of 2013 I had the sleeve.

I made changes at home. I spent my weekends preparing food for the week (like dicing fresh fruits and freezing them for homemade smoothies the whole family enjoyed for breakfast). I bought the kids bikes, baseball gear, volleyballs, and everything in between and my husband and I decided to make our weekends active ones at the park. I stopped buying junk food. Period. Including chips, sodas, juices, and any starchy and heavily carbed foods with no nutritional value. My whole family has benefited. Exercising has become a part of our weekly tradition, like going to church or going to work. It is a must and a priority.

This surgery has not only changed my life, but the lives of my family as a whole. And I feel good that my kids will have a better foundation of healthier living because of it. It was worth every penny. Now, I have 15 to 20 pounds to go! I want to keep some of my curves, so I haven't decided how low I want to go in weight until I see how I look!

Edited January 20, 2014 by Curvy

[Beach Lover 1,084]

You are looking fabulous!! Way to go!!!

[SandeeD 363]

Darn girl, you look sooooooooooooooooooo good! Congrats!

[NewSetOfCurves 1,555]

Thanks ladies! I feel soooooo good! Lol!!! Especially since I recently just bought my first size 8!

[JeanZ_RN 378]

Wow!! Congratulations! You look TERRIFIC!

[HHHappy 225]

Way to go!!!

[nursekimberly89 50]

Lookin good!

[CrissyRing77 232]

You look amazing!!!!!! How stinking exciting! So happy for you! Congrats on making this a family affair, what a great thing for everyone!

[NewSetOfCurves 1,555]

I appreciate the compliments! You all validate what I've been able to accomplish with the sleeve and I appreciate it VERY much! Thank you!!!

[Jerziegirl 42]

That's fantastic!!! Congrats!!!

[NewSetOfCurves 1,555]

That's fantastic!!! Congrats!!!

Thank you!

[penman53 493]

I think without a doubt that you have had the most remarkable and beautiful transformation of any lady that I have seen in the 8 months that I have been on this site. Your skin is nice and tight, you curves are fabulous and you have the face of an angel. You should be very proud of your transition and you are indeed an inspiration to us all.

[NewSetOfCurves 1,555]

I think without a doubt that you have had the most remarkable and beautiful transformation of any lady that I have seen in the 8 months that I have been on this site. Your skin is nice and tight, you curves are fabulous and you have the face of an angel. You should be very proud of your transition and you are indeed an inspiration to us all.

WOW! What a compliment!! Thank you VERY much!!! I really, really, REALLY appreciate that. You brought the biggest smile to my face. However, I'll be honest, my lower stomach is not tight at all. I have loose, saggy skin and stretch marks. You can't tell--at all--with clothes on. Nobody knows the difference. I'll pay off the loan I took out to pay for this surgery by next spring and I'll renew it to have a Tummy Tuck at that time. But even if I couldn't have one, I'd still be satisfied. It feels AWESOME to be healthy, to cross my legs (even though I have that extra skin, it isn't obtrusive), to wear dresses or shorts without being embarrassed by big lumpy legs, to wear long boots that zip over my calves... Most of all, I'm beyond content that I can be active with my kids. To run with them, jump, ride bikes. Nothing--and I mean NOTHING--beats that. Again thank you for lighting up my life today. I hope you have the utmost success in your journey to a new and healthier you!

Edit: I just saw your profile...you're almost to goal! Congrats! You look absolutely terrific!!! ;D

Edited January 16, 2014 by Curvy

[penman53 493]

You are so very very welcome. We are all veterans of obesity. The battle scars we share are just a badge of honor of what sacrefice we have made in order to make ourselves healthier to prolong our lives for ourselves and our loved ones. You don't even look like the same person. Others have told me the same thing. Of course I am a 60 year old man not a beautiful flower that emerged like yourself. Never the less, we both have a great deal to be thankful for and your deserve all the credit due for your accomplishment. I hope that you are able to achieve every goal you have towards your weight loss journey. I was just lucky to get to she you share it with all of us. Sincerly, Mark Thomas Edmond Oklahoma

Mom_&_Dad.bmp

Edited January 16, 2014 by penman53

[Smokey 220 110]

starting weight, 221+ Weight date of surgery: 209 Current weight: 149 as of this morning. (1-15-14) I hope these pics show up. I exercise about 3-4 days a week and I've started trading for my first fun run. Is been a journey and I don't regret a moment of it!! I'm almost to goal.... 10lbs to go!!

By the way surgery date was 6-14-13

Edited January 16, 2014 by Smokey 220