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Thank you all. The guidance that so many of you vets have provided along the way was invaluable to me. I hope I can pay it forward to the next group of newbies.

Today is my one year surgiversary. I am officially a veteran, though I know my journey is really just starting. A little back story, I have been overweight my entire life. My mother put me on my first diet in the 3rd grade. I had thought about surgery off and on for about 15 years. It wasn't until I researched the sleeve that I could finally say yes. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. This past year has truly been a journey of discovery. Here are a few of my favorite experiences along the way: -Discovering I have bones. Can I just say I love my collarbones?! They were first on the scene and now hold a special place in my heart. -The day I moved out of the basement. You know what I'm talking about. The fact that department stores shove the plus size department into the cellar or some other god foresaken part of the store. -The first time I "saw" myself. The first time, I could tell I lost weight. I was surprised by my own reflection. -The first time I went for a run, on purpose and by choice. I am now doing my second 5k next week. -Reconnecting with friends and family. At 250+ lbs, I avoided social situations. After a few months of shedding pounds, the embarrassment and shame began to subside and I started reconnecting with people who matter to me. I am so grateful for that. There have been so many positives along the way, I am excited to see what the next 12 months bring. HW: 263, DOS: 233, CW: 142.

I did. I ate instant mashed potatoes and added dry milk powder for extra protein.

The newest one I got was "you don't look like you used to be fat". Uh what?

PS- my surgeon also said I would not lose anymore weight the last time I saw him. That was 5 lbs ago!

Same thing happened to me. My surgeon set my goal at 160-170. I'm 5'4" so that is still 30 lbs overweight. I was very disappointed and wondering why I would remove 85% of my stomach to stay overweight. I eventually created my own goal based on body fat percentage and the desire for a normal bmi. I hit my surgeon's goal around 6 months out. I now an 2-3 lbs from my personal goal and 7 from my stretch goal. I believe you can do anything you put your mind too.

None of this is sprung on anyone. Read your policy or call your insurance in advance, they will disclose all fees, deductibles and copays. Hope it will work out for you.

One word: Juvederm. I will gladly pay for a little filler in hollow areas of my face than put the 100 lbs back on.

Today is my one year surgiversary and I feel so much better than I ever did before. I am 2lbs from goal and 7lbs from my stretch goal. Here are a few pics of my journey: Before During Now Congrats all Feb sleevers! We rocked it!

I juice when I have a lot of free time to clean the juicer. I do make green smoothies on regular basis using a high speed blender. They are filling and help me stay regular since the fiber is still intact. My basic recipe is water, protein powder, greens, ice, and occasionally a little fruit. Endless combos with this recipe.

Starting at 142.5 goal 139.

My doctor says no due to ulcer concerns. However I do occasionally have a glass of champagne. I waited until 9 months out. Follow your doctor's program and listen to your body.

I am grateful to no longer get winded going up a flight of stairs, to have space on each side of the seat on an airplane, to be physically fit, to no longer have people give me an extra wide berth when walking down an aisle, to only have one chin, to weigh less than my DH, to be a size 6. DOS 2/20/13, CW 142.

At 9 months out I was at around 900 calories. Part of your slow loss may be due too few calories. I would add a snack to your day. Complex carbs, i.e. veggies, fruits and whole grains (like brown rice) are okay on my Nuts plan. She stresses healthy, balanced eating. My Nut says I need at least 64 to 100 grams of protein a day. She has me avoid any beverage with over 5 grams of sugar. I do for the most part except milk which I drink for the protein. By eating at least 64 grams of protein, eating protein first, then veggies, and then carbs- it makes it pretty impossible to eat much rice or other grains. So she never sets a limit on my carb intake as long as I follow the rules.

I have a $20 copayment so with all the pre-op appointments, I probably spent $200. My surgical deductible is $1,000. So about $1,200.

I waited until I had a date and the necessary paperwork completed, then I let my supervisor know I was going to be having surgery. Same with HR. On my paperwork my surgeon just wrote- elective surgery so no one knew what it was for. For the nosy Nellys at the office, I implied to one office gossip that I was having hernia surgery (I do have a hiatal hernia). The rest took care of itself.

Good for you Dream. Your sleeve is always there ready for you to maximize its use. I have found group exercise works for me- working out with a friend, a personal trainer, or a class helps me. If left on my own, I simply won't do anything. This came through a process of self discovery after trying different types of programs, e.g. workout DVDs, C25K running app, etc. Use this time that you have recommitted to finding out what you "thing" is. Food doesn't have to be totally boring to be successful but keeping it simple definitely helps. Like you, I usually start the day with a shake or protein bar. I stock up on easy foods like cheese sticks, Greek yogurt, different types of easily prepared protein (turkey, chicken, eggs, tofu, salami, tuna, etc). I'm on a salad kick right now so last night was taco salad, the day before was Asian chicken salad, and tomorrow will be kale salad. I use my fitness pal to track my protein and carbs. I also attend a bariatric support group. I have found that hearing other people's journeys and getting to know other WLS folks face to face helps me too. So sleeve+exercise+tracking food+support= success for me. Explore your options and then share your recipe for success with us. You got this!

Wow, we get so ripped off in CA. My Costco carries an 18 pack for $21. Need to move to Tx.

I still wear all the same shoes 8-8.5 W and I've lost over 100 lbs. I guess the everyone is different adage applies.

I bounced up a bit to 143 but I'm happy I lost over all. Thank you to Bea for organizing this. See you on the St. Pat's challenge.

I can still eat spicy foods like tabasco but foods with a lot of chiles light me up sometimes now. Plus with the no eat & drinking thing- I have cooled the spice level down a bit since surgery.

I ate lentil soup, ricotta bake (world according to eggface for recipe), cottage cheese, pudding with protein powder mixed in, refried beans, and guacamole.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes. Been thinking about a LBL too.

Cottage cheese is generally very filling so it can stick with you. I also like veggie breakfast sausage.

How about cottage cheese and/or Greek yogurt?