So I am headed to Vegas next week with my hubby and I thought, you know what....I want a more-sexy, less-mom bikini for this trip. SO I went out on a limb and ordered one from Victoria's Secret that I would normally never, ever think about wearing, let alone, buy, let alone post a picture of me in it.

But then today I was looking back through some old beach vacation pictures and I couldn't find one single picture of myself in a bathing suit or with my kids at all. Through 4 summers worth of pictures that I got through, I found ONE. One single picture and I'm trying desperately to hide behind my kids. It made me so incredibly sad because I remember so clearly what that was like. Can I just say, it is freaking amazing and freeing to be able to feel good in my skin and not feel the need to pull a kid in front of me when the camera is around.

Here is the ONE single picture I could find, along with the quick snapshot of the new bikini for Vegas. :-) (Don't mind my scar sheets from my TT sticking out...this wasn't a picture I intended to share), as well as one snapped this summer at the beach. I also did a side-by-side comparison of myself in basically the same "at the beach with my daughter's" pose. Just thought I'd put this out there for anyone on the fence about the journey or the process. It works if you stick to it!!!!!

*** PS be kind. I know that I am not perfect. I still have saggy legs and arms. It's a work in process!***

Saggy what???Where??? You look amazing! You go girl!

You look great! How much did you lose? Give us the details!

Thank you. I started at 278.4 and am currently holding steady around 130. So I've lost approximately 148 pounds. I'm 2 years post-op and about 4-months post tummy tuck. :-)

You look amazing!!! Inspirational.

Looking good!!!! Great job!

Edited October 11, 201510 yr by Cutepretty1

You look amazing! Thanks for sharing you victory!

wow thats amazing the confidence you have i love getting in the water so i cant wait until i am comfy in a bikini again

You look awesome!! Kudos for your success!

You look AWESOME! How do you feel?

You look fab! I had to really look to see which one was you in the second picture because you look almost as young as your girls! Thanks for sharing!

You look fantastic no saggy skin

You look AWESOME! How do you feel?

I feel amazing. So much more energy & way more confidence.

You look fantastic no saggy skin

Thank you :-)

Livsmom- how did you get insurance to cover your tummy tuck?

Livsmom- how did you get insurance to cover your tummy tuck?

Well, I followed pretty much the same procedure I followed to get my VSG covered. First I called the insurance company and found out what their requirements were to have it covered. I have 2 insurances (one through my work and one through my husbands). My husband's plan wouldn't cover it no matter what. My plan covered it given you meet the following: (1) be 18+ months post op, (2) have a surgeon submit photographs, (3) have 4+ months of medical records showing tried and failed medical treatments to treat the issues that the skin is causing. I had my PCP work with me on documenting things for several months, then I went to the surgeon to have the photos, then the surgeon submitted everything. It was approved within a couple of weeks. :-)

Killer results.

You look great and have to be feeling great, too.