I struggled with obesity my whole life, I would lose 30 lbs. just to gain 40 back. Quite frankly as a kid/teenager I did not care about my health. I cared about my appearance but it seemed "too hard" to make those changes. It was finally when my doctor told me I was becoming a pre diabetic that it all fell into place.

22 years old, 5'2" and 287 lbs. I went to the first meeting that I could. I remember that the 9 months my insurance required me to wait for the surgery seemed like forever. But I lost 50 pounds pre-op! Immediately after my surgery I out about 30 pounds and then kept hitting stalls. I got so depressed, for a year I lost nothing! I worked 7 days a week, and ate what was convenient vs. what was healthy, and I didn't make the time to workout. I never over ate or gained, thank goodness, but it was a terrible feeling having such a big dream and finding yourself at a halt. Finally once again, something in my life clicked for me, I have my healthy mindset back! I track my calories and exercises everyday, and don't feel like I'm suffering for anything. I now weigh 185, my ultimate goal is to be in the 120-130 range.

It's so crazy how at one point that goal seemed so impossible and now it doesn't seem so far away at all. Even during my tough year I always said that the sleeve was the best decision I ever made and it truly was!

You look fantastic. Just like Miley Cyrus

Your story is a testiment to your perserverance! I have no doubt that you will reach your goal!

Happy And Healthy 2016.

Yours is truly a motivational story. Congrats and thanks for sharing!

Congratulations and I have such respect for you getting back on track!

You are awesome

_{I am about 7 weeks out and have only lost 25 pounds. I had a lap band before so I have heard that we loose slower and I am grateful for the 25 but wondered how many calories most of you try to keep around? I need to get more exercise now that my doctor said I can but not sure how many calories are too many and how many are not enough? So happy that you got your motivation back. Hoping to keep going with mine. Thank you so much.}

I try to keep in the 1,000-1,200 range. I use the App MyfitnessPal and it helps me keep track of everything, you should check it out if you haven't! It also told me how many calories someone with my weight should be eating but I had to lower it because I can't eat that much in one sitting and my snacks aren't high in calorie! Good luck ????

I try to keep in the 1,000-1,200 range. I use the App MyfitnessPal and it helps me keep track of everything, you should check it out if you haven't! It also told me how many calories someone with my weight should be eating but I had to lower it because I can't eat that much in one sitting and my Snacks aren't high in calorie! Good luck

Thank you. I appreciate the information. I will check out that app too. Happy New Year and many blessings in the new year!!

You look a helluva lot better than Miley Cyrus!!!!

-RC-

Thank you!

_{I am about 7 weeks out and have only lost 25 pounds. I had a lap band before so I have heard that we loose slower and I am grateful for the 25 but wondered how many calories most of you try to keep around? I need to get more exercise now that my doctor said I can but not sure how many calories are too many and how many are not enough? So happy that you got your motivation back. Hoping to keep going with mine. Thank you so much.}

You calories should follow your protein goal. The important question to ask is if you are reaching your protein and fluid targets every day.

I struggled with obesity my whole life, I would lose 30 lbs. just to gain 40 back. Quite frankly as a kid/teenager I did not care about my health. I cared about my appearance but it seemed "too hard" to make those changes. It was finally when my doctor told me I was becoming a pre diabetic that it all fell into place.

22 years old, 5'2" and 287 lbs. I went to the first meeting that I could. I remember that the 9 months my insurance required me to wait for the surgery seemed like forever. But I lost 50 pounds pre-op! Immediately after my surgery I out about 30 pounds and then kept hitting stalls. I got so depressed, for a year I lost nothing! I worked 7 days a week, and ate what was convenient vs. what was healthy, and I didn't make the time to workout. I never over ate or gained, thank goodness, but it was a terrible feeling having such a big dream and finding yourself at a halt. Finally once again, something in my life clicked for me, I have my healthy mindset back! I track my calories and exercises everyday, and don't feel like I'm suffering for anything. I now weigh 185, my ultimate goal is to be in the 120-130 range.

It's so crazy how at one point that goal seemed so impossible and now it doesn't seem so far away at all. Even during my tough year I always said that the sleeve was the best decision I ever made and it truly was!

Congratulations! Losing 100 pounds is a huge (pun intended) accomplishment. I am so glad to hear that you haven't given up on reaching your goal. You can do it!