I'm going to try and keep this from being too long, but there's so much to say!!! First I'll start with my newest NSVs.

I'm officially in a size 18 clothes (from my original size 30), size 10 shoes (from my original size 11), size 6 1/2 ring (from my original size 10), 18" chain on a necklace (from my original 24" chain), and 2x jacket (from my original 4-5x). I can now comfortably fit on a massage table without fear of it creaking or breaking. I can now ride a bike because I'm within the weight limit. I now am able to hit my favorite thrift stores and walk out with seriously cute clothes that look nice, sit well on me, and actually fit comfortably!! My asthma is almost completely gone (I only have it when I get super sick now instead of all the time). My blood work came back and my hormone levels are almost in the normal range (I have PCOS) and my cysts that completely COVERED both ovaries are totally gone (without having taken any meds or done any hormone therapies!!) I did a 6 mile hike this past weekend with my son. I am completely pain free and am able to go full on beast mode with my workouts again. I can go up 5 flights of stairs before I need to stop and rest.

Now for my new chapter in life and old dreams becoming new again.

So years ago, I wanted to become a nurse. I completed all of the academics with a 4.0, aced all the labs, but couldn't do any of the clinicals because I couldn't do all the walking, I was 400 pounds, and my health/joints/back were way too bad. So I gave up on it. Then about 2 years later, I thought "well, maybe I can be a medical assistant. Surely THAT'S not as hard" and once again, I couldn't do the externship because I couldn't do the physical stuff. So I went into other areas for work, ballooned up to 421 pounds, worked remotely, and made good money. I loved what i did, but there was always a part of me that regretted not being able to go into the medical field. That was my heart's desire. So fast forward to now. I'm between jobs and miserable. I had to stop working because of all my complications from my first surgery. Now that I've been cleared, I can't get hired anywhere. So I decided that now is a great time to go back to my dream of working in the medical field. So on Sept 5th, I start school to become a certified pediatric oncology medical assistant. Most of my previous credits transfer over, so I only have about 6 months of academics to do and then the externship. Then I sit for my certification exam and then I get to finally FINALLY do what I've always wanted to do. By my 46th birthday next June, I should be right where I want to be, doing what I want to do, and hopefully at my goal weight.

I'm sitting here in tears as I type this, because I thought this was something I would never see happen. I resigned myself to being morbidly obese, extremely unhealthy, and needing a cane to get around. I may not be at my goal weight (the weight comes off a lot slower with a revision, and also as your bmi gets smaller and you get closer to your goal) but I believe eventually I'll get there. But the things this surgery is giving to me, the dreams I can live out, the health and wellness and years of my life I'm getting back..... it was all worth it. The complications, the uncertainty, the pain and healing and stalls.... all completely worth it. We all start this journey wanting the numbers on the scale to go down. But there's SO MUCH MORE this surgery gives you. I will never, ever regret my decision. Never.

Edited August 29, 20233 yr by SleeveToBypass2023

Great story. Do I read this right - You've lost 132# in two months?

1 minute ago, Breaking notsobad said:

Great story. Do I read this right - You've lost 132# in two months?

lol no. If you look at my signature, you can see my weight loss progression. And my username lets you know I had a sleeve and revised it to a bypass

Still looks like it's going exceptionally well.

Just now, Breaking notsobad said:

Still looks like it's going exceptionally well.

Thank you

I only have about 80# I want to loose but I've been overweight for over 50 years and have yo-yo'd since 1971. I have enjoyed bicycling but that extra 80# is like riding with a bag of cement. I would also like to ditch my medications. Scheduled for 9/19.

1 hour ago, Breaking notsobad said:

I only have about 80# I want to loose but I've been overweight for over 50 years and have yo-yo'd since 1971. I have enjoyed bicycling but that extra 80# is like riding with a bag of cement. I would also like to ditch my medications. Scheduled for 9/19.

What surgery are you having?

3 hours ago, SleeveToBypass2023 said:

I resigned myself to being morbidly obese, extremely unhealthy, and needing a cane to get around.

So did I. I thought my life was over and destined to a life of slow decay. Thank God I pulled myself up out of that mindset and did something about it.

Congrats on all you have overcome. @SleeveToBypass2023 I loved reading about all those NSVs. You should be very proud. And the best of luck to you moving forward and making your dream a reality.

4 hours ago, SleeveToBypass2023 said:

I'm sitting here in tears as I type this, because I thought this was something I would never see happen. I resigned myself to being morbidly obese, extremely unhealthy, and needing a cane to get around. I may not be at my goal weight (the weight comes off a lot slower with a revision, and also as your bmi gets smaller and you get closer to your goal) but I believe eventually I'll get there. But the things this surgery is giving to me, the dreams I can live out, the health and wellness and years of my life I'm getting back..... it was all worth it. The complications, the uncertainty, the pain and healing and stalls.... all completely worth it. We all start this journey wanting the numbers on the scale to go down. But there's SO MUCH MORE this surgery gives you. I will never, ever regret my decision. Never.

After all the challenges and complications you have experienced, we can all share your tears of joy from peeling off the layers which had imprisoned you for so many years! Your positive attitude will propel you to reach your goals successfully....Bravo, Bravo, Bravo!

Thank you so much!!!

@SleeveToBypass2023

Duodenal Switch Loop aka:SIPS

Its what the surgeon recommended based upon my type II diabetes and GERD.

Congratulations on going for your dreams on all levels!

Congratulations and bravo!! You have worked so hard for this, and I applaud you!!

i think you are doing spectacular and are so inspirational. Congratulations to you on your weight loss journey and going ahead to pursue your dreams! You are a weight loss hero in my eyes!!!! By the way, i noticed awhile ago you changed your profile picture, and you look fantastic!!!!

I love that you kept working at health even though it was hard! That determination is amazing! Please keep us informed on your progress, even if you don’t think it’s progress. I’m cheering here in MA!

2 hours ago, NCL04321 said:

i think you are doing spectacular and are so inspirational. Congratulations to you on your weight loss journey and going ahead to pursue your dreams! You are a weight loss hero in my eyes!!!! By the way, i noticed awhile ago you changed your profile picture, and you look fantastic!!!!

You are so sweet!!! Thank you so much!!!