I won't lie, it's been hard on my marriage, now all of a sudden I get attention I never got before. I don't pay it a lot of attention because I'm not used to it (hubby is not overweight), he has become very jealous. My head still sees the old me, sometimes I make stupid choices that make me feel guilty, but I jump right back on my course & things have gone well.

I started my journey at 280lbs, a lot of health problems and extremely unhappy. Today I am 180, 9 months out, year anniversary is Sept 15th, the day I considered the first day of the rest of my life!!! It has been!!

I've battled anemia since, but was predisposed to it to begin with so it wasn't a shock. I take additional supplements and have had a few infusions- should be ironwoman by now! ????

I love getting to wear 'normal' clothing 'again' although I've never been this small. The only bad thing is having to buy new clothing every time I turn around but, it's a good problem!!!

I hope you're all staying positive and having wonderful progress!!! I'm here to chat if you want to!!! ????

My pictures are exactly 2 years apart and the before makes me cringe!

You look great! I'm second guessing the sleeve for the bypass. I'm at the same weight as you when you started. But having the need for infusions scares me. How do you feel about becoming anemic etc. Thx.

I was totally against bypass until my dr explained that it was my best option. I have always fought anemia, because of heavy menstrual cycles, endometriosis & such. I no more get my iron up and have a horrible month and I'm back down. So I had to get it normal and maintain it for 3 months prior to surgery. I'll admit also that I didn't take my multi at first, because keeping up with them all was a lot to remember. I'm much better now with taking what I should. Especially after I had to pay $2600 out of pocket for my infusions, that was an expensive lesson to learn!!!! I you stay in the normal range now you should fine, my other had bypass the March before I had mine and her iron was actually on the high side last time so she has backed off and now just takes a multi without iron, I guess it could go either way!

You look amazing! You are gorgeous in both pics and do not look like you were 280!!! Congrats on your success!

Great job ! I agree you hid your weight well I would of thought the before would of been 220 tops - beautiful before and now

You look great, congrats.

I was totally against bypass until my dr explained that it was my best option. I have always fought anemia, because of heavy menstrual cycles, endometriosis & such. I no more get my iron up and have a horrible month and I'm back down. So I had to get it normal and maintain it for 3 months prior to surgery. I'll admit also that I didn't take my multi at first, because keeping up with them all was a lot to remember. I'm much better now with taking what I should. Especially after I had to pay $2600 out of pocket for my infusions, that was an expensive lesson to learn!!!! I you stay in the normal range now you should fine, my other had bypass the March before I had mine and her iron was actually on the high side last time so she has backed off and now just takes a multi without iron, I guess it could go either way!

What vitamins do you take now? I have Optisource and do not like the taste.

Thanks for the details! There is so much to think about and I am overthinking sleeve vs. Bypass all the time. I suffered from anemia when I was younger. And I'm not the best with vitamins. I want to make a decision that will work for me in the long haul.

Thank you all for being so kind and supportive. That is why I love this site. I have been super secretive with everyone, hubby, and parents are the only ones who know so its been wonderful to talk to you all on here.

I take a multi-with Iron, Vitamins B & D, Calcium Citrate, and it feels like I am forgetting one right now, which I probably am. I keep them in a carrier in my handbag, and just refill it on sundays. My B is sublingual, and I am on an additional iron which I am actually finishing this month for a while because My Iron is up from 6 to 183 thanks to my infusions!!

Went to my 9 month official checkup and they told me they were so happy, that if I didn't lose another pound I would be well within my one year goal and were concerned, not wanting me to lose more than 10-15 more, that I may look disproportioned or sickly and I don't want that!!

I hope you all are doing GREAT!!!!

You look marvelous!!!????

I had Gastric Bypass done almost 3 weeks ago. I'm down 20 pounds. 35 since pre surgery diet. Everything has gone smoothly until the last couple days I'm like mourning the foods I used to love. I keep adding tiny bits of carbs into my diet when I know I shouldn't. I'm scared I'm doing poorly and just curious how everyone got over their food cravings and stayed positive?

You look amazing! I had my surgery 11/10/14 and I started at 436lbs and now I am down to 280lbs. I wish I would have been at this weight when i got surgery but oh well. It's a work in progress for all of us.

You look amazing! I had my surgery 11/10/14 and I started at 436lbs and now I am down to 280lbs. I wish I would have been at this weight when i got surgery but oh well. It's a work in progress for all of us.

I know how you feel, i started at 439 and I'm down to 278, which is the smallest I have been in 17 years. I have 80lbs to go!

i just read your notes and looked at your pics. I am sitting here crying because even though I dont know you, I am so happy for you. You look gorgeous! My surgery is booked for Aug 26th. I have been told all my life how pretty i am and that i would be perfect if i lost weight. I am very healthy, i dance salsa 3x per week and this decision is based on the fact that my knees and feet will not make it as I get older if I stay at this weight.

i am trying to focus on the after....looking at your pic just makes me cry with hope. please tell me your story and what problems if any you encountered.

You look great and i agree the new attention you recurred can be hard but it's a positive thing . It's amazing how you are treated by society when you are considered "" normal weight "" but stay focus and enjoy your new life's.

You look AMAZING!! Congrats to great success!!!