In Jan. 2011 I stood in a winter storm in Missouri. Hidden under a little green tent with the sweet smell of flowers and tears rolling from my eyes. I buried my 46 yr old brother due to comorbitities of super morbid obessity. I promised that day I would change my life and try to help my family do the same. I was "the small one" in a family of over eaters with thyroid, hormone and a plethora of other issues that would sabatoge any attempt to lose weight, and forget maintaining! I was depressed, stressed, and hating life. Thank God for my husband, children, and best friend. I roller coastered with my weight, no permanent loss was sustained. That's the way it had been my whole life.

I had a coworker tell me that she heard our insurance had changed and she thought it would cover WLS. So off I went, and in a hurry! Mar 5, 2014 was my first appt, Mar 26, I was in surgery. I had no complications as of today.

A few things I learned along the way......

1. Stick with the plan, always stick with the plan

2. Hydrate

3. Don't be scared to try new things (Tofu, Shirataki noodles, trampolines, sky diving)

4. Be prepared, even if you are just going out for a few hours, have some go to Snacks with you in case you get delayed

5. Know where you can eat out at and stay on plan, or don't go out to eat. Big one for me due to work travel

6. Celebrate NSVs

7. Smooth Moves by the case is more economical, EBay lowest price I have found

8. When you cook, cook enough for several meals and freeze in one meal containers for later (I do a lot of soups)

9. You will stall, it's inevitable, STICK WITH THE PLAN

10. Take pics and journal, as your body and mind changes you will understand

11. Realize your hair will grow back, take Biotin, find a good shampoo and conditioner, get a shorter haircut, wear a hat

12. Plan what you are going to do with the extra years you are adding to your life from losing weight and burdens associated

I'm not done, but getting close to maintenance and realizing I CAN DO THIS!

Attached are a few pics: my progression in pics, my WL data, and my staples

Congratulations on your success @Sreeder. You are doing great! How wonderful that you are incorporating new healthy habits into your family's lifestyle. Your list of do's and don'ts is spot on.

You are an inspiration to others and should be proud of yourself. If you update your ticker, everyone will see how well you've done.

I need to get on the laptop and get that done, you are correct! Thanks for the sweet words!

In Jan. 2011 I stood in a winter storm in Missouri. Hidden under a little green tent with the sweet smell of flowers and tears rolling from my eyes. I buried my 46 yr old brother due to comorbitities of super morbid obessity. I promised that day I would change my life and try to help my family do the same. I was "the small one" in a family of over eaters with thyroid, hormone and a plethora of other issues that would sabatoge any attempt to lose weight, and forget maintaining! I was depressed, stressed, and hating life. Thank God for my husband, children, and best friend. I roller coastered with my weight, no permanent loss was sustained. That's the way it had been my whole life.

I had a coworker tell me that she heard our insurance had changed and she thought it would cover WLS. So off I went, and in a hurry! Mar 5, 2014 was my first appt, Mar 26, I was in surgery. I had no complications as of today.

A few things I learned along the way......

1. Stick with the plan, always stick with the plan

2. Hydrate

3. Don't be scared to try new things (Tofu, Shirataki noodles, trampolines, sky diving)

4. Be prepared, even if you are just going out for a few hours, have some go to Snacks with you in case you get delayed

5. Know where you can eat out at and stay on plan, or don't go out to eat. Big one for me due to work travel

6. Celebrate NSVs

7. Smooth Moves by the case is more economical, EBay lowest price I have found

8. When you cook, cook enough for several meals and freeze in one meal containers for later (I do a lot of soups)

9. You will stall, it's inevitable, STICK WITH THE PLAN

10. Take pics and journal, as your body and mind changes you will understand

11. Realize your hair will grow back, take Biotin, find a good shampoo and conditioner, get a shorter haircut, wear a hat

12. Plan what you are going to do with the extra years you are adding to your life from losing weight and burdens associated

I'm not done, but getting close to maintenance and realizing I CAN DO THIS!

Attached are a few pics: my progression in pics, my WL data, and my staples

ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1428160085.698931.jpg ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1428160101.822038.jpg ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1428160124.261142.jpg

You have done absolutely fantastic! I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine how you felt back then.

If you don't mind sharing, how has the rest of your family responded to your weight loss. You are setting such a terrific example for them.

I lost my Mom in 2005 to Both complications of Type 2 diabetes and believe it or not sleep apnea both complications of morbid obesity. She refused to use CPAP even after they told her she likely had weeks to live if she did not do something. She was 66 years old and my best friend. I have been angry at her for the last 5 years because she was ripped from my life, the lives of her grandchildren and her two beautiful great grandchildren which she was so excited to see come into this world.

In December of 2013, I was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease and that was the last straw for me. I could literally see the end of my life following my mother. I have a very close bond with my children and grandchildren. I already had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, severe Gerd, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and now stage 3 kidney disease. I knew I could not lose this weight without surgical assistance. I went from that appointment with the nephrologist directly to an on line seminar about weight loss surgery. Immediately following I called and found the bariatric center of excellence through park Nicollet. I got myself into a live seminar and had already decided I did not want my children to be angry with me like I was with my mom.

I had surgery sept. 29th, 2014 and that day, I got my life back! I am now down almost 90lbs and would like to lose another 57. All of my comorbities are gone! Including my kidney disease. My kidneys started functioing normal within 5 weeks post op!

Your story is so motivating! I would love to know if it has helped others in your family.

Bless you for sharing it!

My family has been very supportive. My sister made some small changes at first, but couldn't maintain and I will bury her within a year if things don't change. Insurance will not cover WLS unless through an approved center and the only center approved within the state won't do unless she loses 200 lbs. and gets to 350. My parents, well, they haven't made changes. Dad won't use his CPAP, mom still sitting at 300 lbs. they are all stubborn, a trait I inherited. But they all have been super supportive of me and the changes I have made. I just wish they would take initiative and do things they can do, but I was there too and know the pain.

What a story!! Be proud and thanks for sharing it!!

Thanks do much for sharing your story. I know it isn't always easy to do so.

Love it!