I haven't posted here in forever but id like to give an update and some encouragement for the newbies here. My surgery was in March of 2014 and it's probably one of the best things I've ever done.

I went from 310 at the time of my surgery and a size 24 to a low weight of 194 and a size 12. I have gained about 10lbs back but I've also added a lot of muscle and I'm still a size 12. I would like to lose more, but I'm happy for now.

I run, bike, kayak, and travel a lot more. I did some of these things before but not nearly as easily as I do now. I exercise at least 3 days a week and I'm preparing for my next 5K now and hoping to do a 10k in the spring.

The past year has been amazing, I've got to have awesome Halloween costumes, ride roller coasters, spend all day dancing at music festivals, explored Washington DC all on foot, and even met the host of my favorite podcast. I went to the beach in a (very modest) bikini and wasn't self conscious at all. I accepted a new job that was far outside of my comfort zone and that led to another job that was perfect for me.

It wasn't an easy journey, but I was lucky I didn't have a lot of complications. The worst symptom I have now is occasional low blood sugar but I can control that by sticking to a healthy diet. We all slip sometimes though.

Best of luck to you all. Some of you are going to have harder journeys than me. For some of you it may take a very long time to see the light at the end of the tunnel but I really hope that it will all be worth it one day.

The picture of me here was take on Christmas 2013, 2ish months pre surgery and the after was on Halloween. (I was Han Solo)

Edited November 4, 201510 yr by Wallflower7522

Congratulations.

You look great, my surgery is on 11/11 and while I'm super nervous, I am also very excited to continue on to the next phase of my lifestyle transformation.

Best of luck to you!!

What an amazing success story! Thank you for sharing your journey with us! You look fantastic!