Hey! Haven't been on here in QUITE some time, but figured the most impactful posts I saw as a newbie were the people who were 2-5 years in, checking back and encouraging new people. To give some detail, I'm 2.5 years in, over 140 pounds down (and kept off) 260 lbs start, currently 115, have had 2 plastic surgeries, and my life has literally never been better. If you're new and things are rough, it's okay! This journey has been long, rough, exhausted but SO worth it. Best decision I ever made, it gave me my life back. I'm happy to answer any questions if anyone has any or just wants encouraging words

Congrats!

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

Congratulations ?

I ♥️ success stories

Congratulations.

Can you share your answers to the below? I think it would be fun to see your experiences.

Can you remember your pre-op goals? The things you wanted to do?

How did this compare to the reality post-op? Did you do those things? Other things?

What happened that you did not expect?

Keep up the good work.

Tek

Congratulations! I'm happy to hear this.

Thank you!

Thanks for the update.

This is amazing! Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for sharing! It is reading these testimonials that gives me courage!

On 10/20/2020 at 7:28 AM, The Greater Fool said:

Congratulations.

Can you share your answers to the below? I think it would be fun to see your experiences.

Can you remember your pre-op goals? The things you wanted to do?

How did this compare to the reality post-op? Did you do those things? Other things?

What happened that you did not expect?

Keep up the good work.

Tek

Hi! Yes sorry! I don't get on here often. My pre-op goal weight wise was 125, which I exceeded. I, however, under the recommendation of my surgeon tried to focus more on "non-scale victories", so I wanted to be a size 4 in jeans (I am a 00 or 0, so again, exceed my goal). I also wanted to be able to do certain things. For example, I wanted to run a mile in under 8 minutes, be able to cross my legs while sitting, These were really the goals that kept me motivated.

The reality of post-op for me was really difficult, as I chose to keep my surgery a secret (still is) from everyone except my parents. I found that it was much more challenging than I expected. I found I followed most of the thing I had set out to (food logging, journaling, exercise goals, etc) which was really nice. I still try to mentally track my protein and calories but I don't track it in an app or anything.

Things I did not expect: I don't have an affinity for food. I know that sounds really odd, but even 2.5 years out, nothing ever "sounds good" to me, I don't get cravings etc. I could go a day and a half without eating and not realize it. I literally have 4 alarms set to remind me to have snacks and drink water. Also the weirdest thing for me was not recognizing myself in photos. I spent so much time being over weight that sometimes I'll see a candid photo of myself and think "wow shes pretty" and then realize after the fact that its actually me. I know that sounds a bit narcissistic, but even now this far out I have trouble recognizing myself. Lastly, I'm literally cold all the time. I guess I got so used to being "insulated" that now if the weather drops below 65 ish (thank goodness for living in texas) I will need a jacket or sweater.

Hope this helps and I'm happy to answer anything else!

ashsleeved21 Thank you! as a relative newbie I love hearing stories like yours. It still surprises me everyday that I might actually make it to goal... I don't dare to hope!