Even though my surgiversary is December 20, I consider today my 1 year mark since it was December 4 that I started my preop diet. Hey, 16 days of liquids and leafy greens and 22 pounds lost deserve to be counted! I really don't know where to begin to describe how wonderful this past year has been, but here are some highlights...

My surgical experience at Obesity Control Center in TJ was better than I could have hoped for. It was more of a fun mini-vacation with my sister than anything. Recovery was nearly painless and I have had no reflux, food intolerances or hair loss. My sincere thanks goes out to everyone there who took such good care of me.

I discovered what a wonderful, supportive community I live and work in. I was very ashamed and angry about letting myself get so fat. But despite the initial embarrassment, I chose to be honest about my surgery and talk about it openly. Turns out that was great therapy. I am now proud of my decision rather than feel it's something I need to hide. Literally hundreds of people know I had WLS....friends, family, clients, fellow beauty shop patrons.... and no one has made me feel bad about it. Nobody treats me any differently and turns out people like and respect me whether I'm fat or thin. Everyone is just happy for me that I feel better, both physically and mentally. I see from a lot of posts that not everyone has such accepting, non-judgemental people in their lives so I am incredibly grateful that I do.

The first first 3-4 months postop were certainly not without struggles.... Feeling bloated and full all the time that first month, Trying to get in all my Protein and Water despite having no appetite, learning how to chew and eat slow, almost 2 months of diarrhea from a C. diff infection from antibiotics for a tooth infection 6 weeks after VSG, being on medications that made me nauseous, getting IV fluids 3 times for dehydration because I couldn't drink enough water with my tiny sleeve, and needing a fecal transplant to finally cure the C. diff. It was at least 4 months before I felt normal, but I never once regretted surgery and would do it all again. Although I wouldn't particularly care to relive the two excruciatingly painful gall bladder attacks I've had....by far the WORST part of this journey.

First NSV....my rings fit! (they have since become too big and I've had to resize them down...even my high school ring)

I learned from these forums that stalls are normal, so I never worried about them. In fact, I never even bothered to buy a scale. NSV's are much more satisfying and mean more than numbers on a scale.

Went from size 22 relaxed/curvy fit jeans to 6 or 7 slims. XXL tops to mediums. Size 44DD to a very saggy 36B (but I still consider this a good thing). I can shop in regular stores and even online because I know the clothes will fit and look good!

I can wear tall boots because they fit over my calves.

I can swing up into my saddle without having to find a log or rock to climb on. Even had to buy a new saddle to fit my new skinny butt. And I have no doubt that my horse is at least as thrilled with my weight loss as I am.

I am saving hundreds of dollars every month on groceries....good thing since I've had to buy a whole new wardrobe.

I can easily cross my legs, kneel, squat and sit "Indian style". I can bound (yes, bound!) up several flights of steps without even breathing hard.

My blood pressure is normal and my PCP is thrilled with my bloodwork. I had my first normal PAP and negative HPV test in 7 years....eating healthy has allowed my immune system to finally clear the virus and abnormal cells from my system.

My feet and ankles and knees haven't hurt in at least 10 months. I'm on my feet all day and went from daily NSAIDS and occasional tramadol to zero of both.

Blew past my surgeon's goal weight at 6 months, passed my personal goal around 7 months and have settled in the middle of a normal BMI range....100 pounds lost forever! More than I ever dreamed possible.

I have maintained within a 5 pound bounce range over the last 3 months with very little effort. Getting enough protein and water, taking my Vitamins, eating a well balanced diet of protein, veggies, fruit and whole grains and limiting white carbs seems to work for me. No counting calories, tracking or measuring. The sleeve does its job of portion control and I do my job of making good choices. I live and eat like a normal person and enjoy everything in moderation.

And somewhere along the way I've learned how to deal with life's stresses without turning to food and alcohol. I never thought I could feel this good about myself. I am truly blessed and I sincerely wish everyone as much success, confidence and happiness as I have found. (Sorry this was so long, but I just have so much to be grateful for)

Before/after pictures taken Dec 4, 2013 and 2014. Competitive Trail Ride Event pictures taken September 2013 and 2014.

Edited December 4, 201411 yr by Kindle

I hope you have continued success. You have done an awesome job!

Summer

Thanks everyone and @@Julie norton , my ass did go away, but the skin that covered it is still there in a big glob at the bottom of my former ass. My thigh skin is pooled at my knees and if it werent for my saggy boob skin that I have to pick up and stuff in my little B cup, I would probably be in a training bra????. Believe me, naked Kindle is not a pretty Kindle.

I just wanted to add a bit of advice for the newbies. There are certain things that can be a normal parts of this process.... No appetite, struggling to get in fluids and Protein, getting sick from certain foods, hunger, diarrhea, constipation, reflux, pain, nausea, stalls, weight gains, hair loss, emotions, etc. Expect them all. If they don't happen you will be pleasantly surprised. If they do, roll with it, figure out a way to overcome it and know that it's normal. And remember there are dozens of ways to make the sleeve work for you. Take all of the advice you get from your bariatric team as well as on here and figure out what works for YOU. Take responsibility for forming a plan you can live with. Always remember the ultimate goal should be a healthier you, the weight loss is a bonus. OWN your journey...it's yours and yours alone.

Edited December 7, 201411 yr by Kindle

Good post@kindle❤️. All so true and us seasoned ones have probably been through the majority of the stages you mentioned.... That said. Saggy parts and all... I wouldn't change my WLS choice for anything.

Yearly check up for me Monday. No surprises after 8 years. Hopefully...

I am thankful for my community of pals. Even if I couldn't pick you out of a crowd if one! I lean on this board almost everyday ????

How amazing! I love reading your posts! What an amazing transformation. You are very inspiring!

Sheena :-)

This is my very first reply or post ever by I just could not go without saying that was truly inspirational!! Congratulations on your journey!

My sister accompanied me to TJ for my surgery last year. We live in different states, so I've only seen her once since then. I flew in to surprise her for Christmas yesterday and we are having so much fun! She had taken pictures of me in all my preop glory and we were laughing over them last night. She made me pose last night so she could have her own before and after collage. Thought I'd add it to my official "yearbook" thread.... Merry Christmas everybody!

pose last night so she could have her own before and after collage.

@@Kindle

high five back at ya;)

you are lookin' great

nice and slender

beautiful

looks like your nose grew a bit

oh, wait that is your horse!!

but, all the above applies to you too

except probably the nose!!!

that is great that you have many pics

recording your journey

i have a before and after pic

regret i didn't take pictures

hint, hit to all newbies - keep records of your journey/pics and notes - blog

good/nice of your sister supporting you last year with traveling with you to TJ

"sneaking" up on sis yesterday for the holidays

sounds like you guys are really enjoying yourselves:)

love your tough love

not messing around with your opinion:)

" how about telling us what you really think"

support/thoughtful answers

you are one of a kind

you are aces

oh no is your head starting to get bigger as you have been getting smaller??!!!

keep up the good job

for the rest of your healthier, happier, longer life:)

(u knew i was gonna say that old, silly expression, right )

enjoy the holidays

biggggg hugggggs

who luvs ya baby??

kathy

congrats

Edited December 25, 201411 yr by proudgrammy

@@Kindle

biggggg hugggggs

who luvs ya baby??

kathy

congrats

You do, that's who! Thanks ???? It was my sister that made me keep the photo journal so she could see my progress from 1000+ miles away. She's been thin her whole live, but has been my biggest supporter and fan through this whole WLS adventure.

See what a year can do? Congratulations to your ongoing success! I hope I will be writing a happy story like yours

Wonderful pictures. You look happy.

Regardless of childhood. You're lucky to have sister

@kindle: I just saw your before and after pics. Great job! You are another inspiration for us Losers on here. thx for sharing.