carolina girl

So, I look at the before and after pics all the time and it's just amazing to see the difference in us all. I guess it's time to share mine, even though I'm not really at goal yet. I would do this again a hundred times! I am so greatfull for my sleeve, and for all of you who shared your stories and motivated me to do this for myself. Thank you!

Check out Buckle for some awesome jeans- love the "Miss Me" jeans on there! I have my little savings tucked away for when I get to goal and maintain it for six months.

I'm 42 and I agree with Coops- for legs and butt, squats and lunges are the best exercises. Just be careful to do them properly. Also the leg press machine will work both calf and thigh. If you don't have access to a trainer, refer to the fitness magazines, they are full of exercises of this nature. If you can afford a trainer, get one, it has made a huge difference for me. Any thing you do for cardio will help to tone. I do know that weight training is vital to women over 40. It helps fight osteoporosis and makes you look hot too! I am only six months out and I don't think my skin has had time to "catch up" to my weight loss, but when I went to the Dr for my check up last week he even commented that he could tell that I have been working out, he said that most patients don't have this much muscle tone at 6 mos out, I was happy to hear that i may be a little ahead of the game.

Congrats. It's just amazing what we can do when we make a plan and follow through! You are truly an inspiration for me!

Thanks ladies for all your kind words! Everyone on this BB has been so supportive, you are great cheerleaders!!! Congrats to all of you too! So many inspirational stories are shared through this site, I hope we can all give someone the courage to take the next step and reclaim their health and happiness. I thought I was a happy girl before I did this- but now my perspective is so different and I realize how I limited myself from reaching my full potential. I am like a walking billboard for anyone who asks me about my sleeve- I will not hesitate to tell people (who want to know) about how I would do this again a million times. Four of my co-workers and my sister-in-law have all been sleeved, or are in the final steps of being approved for the sleeve. It's amazing to watch the transformation in all of them and all of you.

Just beautiful- love to see such inspirational pictures! You can see the confidence and happiness in your face in your after pictures, Congrats!

Girl you are gorgeous!! I totally understand everything you are feeling. As hard as it may seem to understand, I totally get that you felt a certain comfort with your weight- but we have to learn to be just as comfortable in our new bodies. I don't know how long that will take but I believe you are getting there! You keep visualizing yourself running that race, keep claiming it!Can't wait to hear all about it. Best wishes to you pretty lady!

I ate egg drop soup quite a bit during the mushy stage. It was easy to eat, full of Protein, low in fat , carbs, and calories, and cheap too! I still turn to it as a quick lunch or dinner choice. I also really like the ricotta cheese bake - ricotta cheese, a little marinara sauce, topped with mozzarella and either baked for a few minutes or warmed in the microwave. Yummmm! Regular scrambled eggs were the only thing that ever made me sick and I still can't bring myself to try them again. Everyone is different so you just have to experiment until you find what agrees with you. My NUT does not recommend that you consume fruits until the end of your weight loss efforts-strictly Proteins until month 4, then protein first with a non starchy veggie if you still have room. Remember- PROTEIN FIRST always! If you follow that rule you usually don't have room for the stuff you shouldn't be eating. I had a hard time learing to SLOW DOWN, this is really important! And remember to chew, chew, chew.

Had Surgery on July 29, 2011 and so far I have lost 72 pounds! started at a size 18 (which was extremely tight!!) now wearing a size 8 to 6! Best decision I ever made !

Congrats, you look freakin' amazing!! And ...oh, BTW.....Love your blog! Thanks for sharing,it keeps others inspired.

I am in tears right now after reading this post. Mostly tears of joy. This is what it's all about- forgetting what anyone else thinks about how you look on that elliptical, deciding that your sick and tired of being sick and tired, and just doing the damn thing! Thanks so much for sharing your story- and btw you ARE an EXCELLENT story teller !!

This is just incredible!!!! You look simply amazing my dear! Congrats on all you have achieved, you are truly an inspiration!:cheer2::clap2::first:

Now, girlfriend, you are a rock and an inspiration!! Nothing but the best is what I wish for you!

THAT IS AWESOME!!! Congrats on your finish too- that aint no joke!

Last Friday was my two month mark and today I weighed in only to find out that I am now half way to goal!!!!! This is the most incredible tool and I am so very thankful that I have been blessed with it. A year ago I thought I would certainly die from obesity related causes, seriously. Now I feel like that isn't even remotely a possibility.