ZinniaMT

You don't really look like the same person! I really like how you stitched all your pics together! Keep on the journey!!!

Wow that is truly an incredible victory! What a breakthrough!

Thank you!

What is the name of your blog or the web address for it ?

That's so great!!! Love this thread!

Way to go!!!!!!

Non-scale victories;)

Sounds delish!!!!

I was first diagnosed with PCOS when I was about 18 years old, this was around 1992. At that time, little was known about PCOS. I was basically prescribed birth control pills to regulate my periods. I think I was probably around 200 lbs then. I actually participated in a clinical trial at a research hospital where they were researching the use of metformin to treat PCOS (yes, it's been a while:/). Gradually, the weight gain, painful acne, facial hair, diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglycerides snowballed. All that became complicated by clinical depression. By the time I was 30, I weighed more than 300 lbs. I could not understand why I continually failed at weight loss attempts. I had graduated colleges with honors, earned a Masters Degree, and excelled in my career....I knew I was not lazy nor ignorant, but I could not succeed with weight loss no matter how hard I tried. The depression spiraled out of control and I generally stopped caring about my health, defeated. At 32 years old, I topped the scales at 333lbs. Then I began having long, heavy periods which was my body screaming that something was wrong...endometrial cancer. In 2006 I had a complete hysterectomy at age 32. Single, no children, devastated. Then came medical menopause. I eventually began to feel better and was able to lose down to about 265 on my own with diet and exercise, but it was a hard, hard struggle. From 2008 until 2012 I bounced around on the scale from 265 to 280 or so. My diabetes was out of control, cholesterol very high. I had lap band surgery in March, 2013 weighing 258. Today I weigh 222. My recent lab work revealed excellent control of the diabetes, cholesterol that is only slightly elevated. My skin/complexion has never looked better. I sleep so good at night and wake up rested. I want to lose down to about 180. I don't have periods any more due to the surgery, but I do feel that the WLS has helped to alleviate the PCOS symptoms. PCOS is more than just a disease of infertility. It affects your whole body and your whole life. It is nothing to deny or to play around with. Oh how I wish I had the information years ago that I have now. I would have had lap band surgery years ago. The lifestyle for wls still requires work and conscious decisions to make your health a priority, but the difference for me is that the work I put in actually yields results! Yesterday I bought a size 18 pants when it wasn't too long ago I barely squeezed into a 28. The NSVs are great too! I know that was a long post, but I hope it helps someone.

Great! Great! Great! You look healthier and happier!

Once you reached the green zone, how long did you stay there before you needed another fill? I reached the Green Zone about 8 weeks ago, but now I'm thinking I might need a small fill. Perhaps it's head hunger...what a struggle sometimes!

Thanks you all! Sounds like the answer is much like the answer to many band-related questions..."every person is different"

Chocolate.

Great update! Glad you are well!

Wonderful! Great, great post! Thanks for sharing your inspirational day!

Check with pharmacist before you crush or cut medications. Time-released meds cannot be crushed, can be dangerous. It should get easier to get your drinks down. You're still really swollen, so just keep taking tiny sips. Always contact your doc if you get concerned;) Hang in there!

Great pics! Thanks for sharing!!!

Congratulations!!!

You will be fine and very closely monitored! They will likely give you medicine before putting you to sleep that will make you not even care...you will be so relaxed! I've had several surgeries over the years and find it to be a VERY VERY GOOD NAP! If you are truly fearful, talk to the anesthesiologist about it as he should talk with you that morning. Ultimately, talking to God helps me;) You have sooo got this!

What cream do you use?