KSTUZ

I was right where you are over a year and a half ago... It is overwhelming and a lot to process, this site has helped me tremendously with support and encouragement...picking people's brains and reading everything. Don't be afraid to ask questions here Don't be afraid to be YOU This will be the BEST change in your life, that you will EVER MAKE!! Sleeved 1/5/15 Down 109 from starting weight! You can do this!! ????????????????????????

I had a NET GAIN, during my 3 month required nut visits. I had a lot going on suddenly at that time in my life, that lead to severe stress and emotional eating. ANYWAY, I appealed the first denial, and continued to keep NUT appts each month. I made sure I did not have another net gain. Yet my first appeal was denied. I then hired Lindstrom Obesity Advocacy to fight for my second level appeal. They told me because I had a bmi of 47 and more than 2 comorbitities, They believed they could overturn Aetna's decision. It was NOT guaranteed, but the Lindstroms assured me they would not take a case unless they felt they had a chance to win. After my level two appeal was submitted by Mr. Lindstom himself, 2-3 weeks later... I WAS APPROVED!! I was sleeved 1/5/15 Best thing I've ever done! Don't give up!

I will not let anyone make me feel guilty for wanting to be healthy. I will not let anyone make me feel guilty for taking the time to exercise. I will not feel guilty for DOING ME. Not DOING ME was what got me to over 325lbs. I'm ready to change. I've been ready to change. I have to take care of ME. Cause in the end, no one else will. Now is the TIME!! Sleeved 1/5/15 Down 116lbs from my heaviest ???????????????????????????????????????????????? I will not give up!!

Hey Hun! I walk walk walk, go to the gym gym gym! I eat protein first, I do treat myself here and there. Go back to the basics, go back to liquid protein. Get a Fitbit or some other type of step thingy. I'm addicted to mine. I actually just got back from walking into the center of my town from my house, there was a huge car show. I would have NEVER walked down there alone. And in 12 years of living here...I never have...until tonight. I went out to walk around the neighborhood and thought..why not? Old Katie-NEVER would have walked there yet walked there Alone. But I did, ran into some people I knew, and walked home. It was nice! Just stop eating whatever and get it girl! You can do this. Noes the time to get it off. Then u can treat yourself to whatever u want LATER!! That's how I see it. Kill it now then slowly let myself have something if i really want it. If I eat something I shouldn't have...it's ok. I just need to hit the gym and or walk a little longer that night. Keep it up and the scale will lower!! Seems to be working for me!!

You're gorgeous!! Good for you!! Keep at it!

Yours are awesome! How has this journey been for you? I'm nervous but I cannot wait! BEST THING IVE EVER DONE!! I am addicted to moving now. I can't stop, I don't wanna just sit around and stuff my face and be sad for myself, it was tough in the beginning, I threw up if i ate too fast, or drank to quickly. The whole, no drinking while eating before and an hour after was tough for me. I'd eat dinner, and then I'd want to go to the gym, but I HAVE to drink while I work out, so then had to wait an hour before i went. I just had a lil period of time management struggles haha. But I figured it all out, the first 3 months are a challenge. But I walked EVERYDAY. Even if it was slowly. Then every day got easier, everyday I got stronger. Felt better, didn't hurt when I took a step. Now, with what my fit bit tells me... I'm walking about 8-10 miles a day! I also work in a hospital, so I'm not at a desk, so I'm lucky. After surgery I walked the mall cause of all the snow we had, then as it got nice I walked outside, now people actually know me at the gym!!! I was ashamed to walk in the gym and I had a hard time walking through the doors, I felt like people were staring at me (they are NOT) haha And I still even now get nervous walking in, but then I hear, "hey Katie!! Your here early today!!" And I just get on the elliptical and go to town!!!! Anyone that has a Fitbit pm me!! I'm obsessed with mine!! Feel free to ask me anything! I'm here if anyone needs anything!

Hello, do you exercise? Hellooooo Yep I do! Now currently KILLING it at the gym and walking outside almost everyday. This is an old post This is now Left jan 19th Right June 19th ????????????????????????????????

All I could get down was crystal light iced tea and I couldn't drink it cold, not for the first week or two. Walk and try different types of liquid at different temps, sometimes that could do it! The gas pains in my shoulders and neck were so bad the first week.. WALK as much as u can! Down 106 in a lil over 6 months (including my one week pre op diet) You can get thru this!! ????????????????

Hey! Thanks! I CONSTANTLY stalked the before and after photos like a crazy person. Actually, for a year and a half i stalked b&a pics and dreamt that my time would come and I'd be posting mine... And it's here! And you will be here soon too! ????????????????????????????????

HW 325 SW 315 CW....209! Left pic-1/19....2 weeks post op Right pic-6/19...6 months post op!

I am addicted to inspiring quotes! I could post 8000 of them! Haha

Heyyyyy!! Sleeved Jan 5th 2015 HW: 325 SW: 315 Current Weight... 209! 106 down from SW!! I am addicted to my Fitbit!! If anyone wants to add me as a friend on there PM me!!! Far left 1/19....4/12....6/19 Right pic.. 1/19....6/19 Keep up all the great work everyone!!

My surgeon only takes bands OUT now. He wouldn't even discuss having it done. Go with the sleeve. You will NOT be disappointed. Bands slip, and I've sent too many people that go for conversions from band to sleeve. I'm 6 months out next week and I'm down 102lbs. SLEEVE!! ????????

beautiful, Congrats, great job THANK YOU! It's been tough at times but still by far the BEST thing I've ever done!! ????????

It took me a year to have the sleeve done after 2 denials. I know that is short compared to some peoples battle with trying to get it done. It felt like I'd never post before and afters!! BUT I JUST DID! Hang in there!! U will be taking photos NONSTOP!! Haha Say goodbye to "before"!!!!!!! Can't wait to see your "AFTERS"!!!! Keep in touch! Anything I can help u with let me know!!! ????????????????

Hey all! Surgery 1/5/15 Pic #1 Jan 19th size 26 Pic #2 April 12th size 16/18 Pic #3 June 19th size 12/14 I had the best time at this wedding. I've never had so much fun!! I feel incredible and I'm down 98lbs From December 27th!! Thanks for allowing me to share!! Yay!! Katie

Hey!! Yes! They are all the same dress. I tried on whatever color they had available in my size. The 2nd time I just lucked out getting the same color blue! But it was hot pink for the wedding!!

Haha I can't figure out how to update from the app. Anyone know? Or do I need to log in to the website?? I'm down 98lbs as of last week! Feel incredible. Best I've ever felt!!

Hey all! I'm so excited to finally be posting in BEFORE AND AFTER pics! I was sleeved 1/5/15 July will be my 6 month post op appt. as of last week I am down 98lbs. I'm so so close to down 100! But one day at a time. First picture was 2 weeks after surgery and right was April 12th. I was in a wedding this past Friday night. And the one on the right was at the wedding, 2 days ago. the dress was a size 26 on left and I had ordered a 16 and had to have it taken in. I'm anywhere between a 12/14 now. It's just crazy that if you work your ass off and you will be successful. Im loving myself more and more everyday!! Thanks for checkin me out!!

Walk walk walk walk walk walk walk!! And walk!! Hahah, I have been walking since the day after I came home from surgery. Everyday. I used to try to get 1-2 miles in the first 2 weeks, then 3-4 since then. Just keep moving. And you will FEEL great! I also got the Fitbit and I am obsessed with it. Message me, keep in touch, I'd love to help in anyway I can!! How do you not have tons of extra skin ? ...I walk everyday but I am preop still waiting on approval Oh I do, but honestly, I don't care. I feel SOOO much better. And look at my arms! I def have extra skin, I started lifting weights and that has seemed to tighten it up some. I was hoping that still being in my mid 30's my skin would bounce back. I lotion and exfoliate everyday! I dunno if it helps but I'm willing to try anything haha The wedding I am in is in 9 days, so I will post another pic in the dress, only this time it's hot pink. Hah I had to take it to someone to have it taken in, so hopefully this time i have some definition to my arms cause I have been working hard the last few weeks!!

Walk walk walk walk walk walk walk!! And walk!! Hahah, I have been walking since the day after I came home from surgery. Everyday. I used to try to get 1-2 miles in the first 2 weeks, then 3-4 since then. Just keep moving. And you will FEEL great! I also got the Fitbit and I am obsessed with it. Message me, keep in touch, I'd love to help in anyway I can!!

Wow!! Eli! You look fantastic and I'm sure you must feel 1000000 times better!! Keep up all the hard work!!

Hay! Jan 5th sleeved! Doing great, feeling SOOO MUCH BETTER!!! Here is my before and after so far. Left was 2 weeks after surgery Right was mid April, so I've lost some more since than, but started lifting weights too so I've been bouncing around the same weight. But I'm excited!! New pics to be coming soon since the wedding I'm in is June 19th! But the dress is hot pink not blue!

Wow!! You look amazing! Keep up all the hard work! U must feel INCREDIBLE!!