So, I'm 18 months post-op, currently studying abroad in Europe this semester. It's not my first time through the continent.

I studied there in 2014 while topping 350 lbs, and it was awful. I didn't fit into the cute cafe seats, or the theatre, or the train seats, or the airplane seats, or the tiny narrow corridors, I didn't fit ANYWHERE! I felt as though people stared at me in France, giggled at me in Belgium, and to a group of German schoolchildren, I was the largest woman they'd ever seen.

My feet hurt. I was in agony trying to keep up with my classmates. I felt uncomfortable and didn't want to go out and socialize. Groups of young men made fun of me. I kept to myself and failed to bond with my classmates because I felt so incredibly uncomfortable. I was exhausted with the walking, walking, walking, and in historical sites with lots of stairs, I simply couldn't go. I slowed down my group and couldn't enjoy so much because I was in pain from the physical demands.

This time with a BMI of 30 instead of 60? Oh boy.

I've hiked mountains, walk uphill a mile every day to class, walked 5-10 miles a day without feeling tired, stopped noticing whether or not I'm being watched, talked to strangers and made so many friends, built relationships with my peers, and I no longer need to examine the seats in theatres or restaurants to determine whether or not I'll fit in them before entering. Men approach me (and boy if that isn't crazy new to me). I no longer manage my entire life around obsessing over whether something with be too physically demanding. I'm having the time of my life.

Getting the sleeve was definitely the best decision I've ever made, and I'm excited to rediscover the world in ways I never had the chance to when I was 350+ lbs!

Very inspiring and continued good luck to you. How long did it take you to half your weight? Tips?

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Wonderful post. I remember being In Spain and a we'd see the same (two little old men) -taxi drivers daily. They didn't realize I spoke Spanish and one day one said to the other, I can tell they're from NY. I turned around asked why? He said you are so robust, full sized! WHAT? I was thinking how fab I looked at my 138-140 lbs (after a Phen Fen lose) I can only imagine how hard 350 must have been. Now I look forward to getting to 167 one day, and feeling like you do. I'm only 5'2" and got to 332 at one point my knees and feet took a beating. Want to do all the things you talk about again. Thanks for inspiration!

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Very inspiring and continued good luck to you. How long did it take you to half your weight? Tips?

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I dropped nearly all the weight by the 12 month mark. Since then, it's been a lot slower and had I been following the diet here in Europe, I'd have lost more (I've been here 3.5 months and only lost 8 pounds, but it's from all the physical activity, as I've been eating and drinking bad stuff like CRAZY and need to get back on board when I return home).

I had a lot of complications my first few months, hated food and developed an intolerance/nauseous reaction to almost everything, so the first 100 lbs were gone in less than six months. I'm a picky, fussy eater who never cooks and is very busy, so I just found the right foods and stuck to them hell or high Water, lol.

I rarely ate full meals during my first year because that simply didn't work for me (I'm so busy and always on the move). I just found the right combo of stuff at CVS/Walmart/gas stations (high protein/low carb nutrition bars, this special milk called Fairlife (it filters lactose and sugar out, Protein added, I used it like a Protein shake because regular protein made me nauseous), protein gummies, fruit/veggies on the go (snack packs that would have sliced apples with yogurt/sugar free caramel, or diced watermelon, or carrots with Peanut Butter, etc), protein gummies, and TONS of cheese. I also eat fast food pretty often, but I limit it. Chili from Wendy's, hot dog with chili from checkers with only a tiny fraction of the bun, cheeseburger from mcdonalds with the bun pulled off, taco bell pretty consistently (I either get crunchy shell or peel away most of the flour tortilla).

I didn't do hardcore exercise (but between school, work and internship I was working 90-100 hours/wk), although I did walk everywhere. Walked as much as I could, because I knew I could sustain that.

My biggest tip is to BE REALISTIC about your preferences/likes/habits/behaviors. I didn't try to completely change myself, because I knew I'd fail if I tried to be one of these "make ten meals, freeze them in tupperware, use cauliflower crust and complicated healthy recipes and go to the gym every day" people. They are WONDERFUL, they are successful, but they are not me. So I tweaked/adjusted things, creating a plan I knew I could maintain. There wasn't really a wagon to fall off of. I still eat fast food, I just skip the fries and pull the bun/breading mostly off. If I want dessert or a snack, I indulge, taking a few bites and then toss the rest in the trash or give it to a friend. That way, I'm not obsessing over it, I've satisfied the craving, and I haven't binged/gone overboard.

In the end, you'll find what works best for you. You may be one of the people who takes great joy in completely changing everything, establishing brand new cooking/exercise routines for yourself, etc. Whatever the outcome, just find something you can LIVE with.

@@BarrySue, what a wonderful story! Congratulations on your new life!

I found your post really inspiring! I know all too well the feeling of cutting yourself off from social interaction due to weight, or restrictions from your weight. I hope I'm as successful as you've been with the life modifications.