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A couple of things were the straws that broke the back.
My brother had a heart attack at age 45. He too, was very obese. My mom cried to me after saying how scared she was about me as well.
My husband is an active person and I can't hike, run or enjoy life as he does, with him at this weight and shape.
Last, I realized that I immediately delete any picures anyone takes of me, becasue I can't stand how I look.
Mt surgery is Oct 3!

OK I've finally decided to be brave and post a couple of photos, apologies they are pretty poor quality as I'm not overly fond of pictures but before was June last year, the latest one is yesterday (I was obviously concentrating on something else in that one ????)

I RAN up a flight of stairs today !! It felt darn good
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Looking good dub !!
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I started my journey back in October 2014 and am approaching my two year surgiversary. Highest weight was 302. Surgery weight 280 and current weight 180. For the past few years I have been taking headshots monthly here are a few of them 

Looking good dub !!
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Taken earlier today.....was about to head out to a sports bar and watch a game or two.
Fat as hell.......but at least I can now see my belt buckle in the mirror, lol.

I had my surgery on a Monday and went back to work the following Monday . If you can I would suggest 2 weeks only because I was still tired and needed to concentrate on getting my liquid in . I was to distracted at work.
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I do have extra skin and would love to get a body lift someday but until thenstaying lean, that is having a lower body fat percentage makes a difference.

158
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@@KristenLe Thick thighs for the win! I leaned out this summer, focusing on fat loss (as opposed to just weight loss) which definitely helped my legs and tummy, that plus wearing 4" stillettos helps.

I have loose skin but found that it took a good two years to see what skin was going to rebound. That said, believe me, I have bat wings on my arms, sagging upper thighs and boobies, and a lower stomach that hangs low and is not cute. Wearing flattering clothing helps as does lifting weights and lowering my overall body fat.

It to me a year to hit my goal of 140. Generally, I maintain at 135-140. I gain or lose weight based on my body goals at the time. This summer, I dieted down to 131-133 because I had my HS reunion and needed to get into that dress.

You look fabulous!! We started at the same weight, I'm 10 months out and down to 157. How long did it take you to reach goal? And congratulations on keeping it off over 3 years later! You are an inspiration
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I quit on chantix also. Only side affect was the crazy dreams. I still tell my stories cuz they were so bazaar and we all get a good laugh. I also went off it early (didn't ween) nothing happened.
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Brussels Sprouts (instead of fries) with my lunch.

I had my surgery on a Monday and went back to work the following Monday . If you can I would suggest 2 weeks only because I was still tired and needed to concentrate on getting my liquid in . I was to distracted at work.
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I don't always hate it - generally I'm happy I'm a woman and don't resent the many, many, MANY ways we're cut a raw deal based on our biology and gender.
But today, I hate it. I hate my PMS and I wish I could rip out my ovaries and uterus because their functions cause terrible, terrible hormones to course through my blood, into my brain, AND MAKE ME WANT TO EAT THE ENTIRE WORLD. Which of course I cannot do (thank heavens) because of my surgically placed band. But that doesn't make the desire vanish, unfortunately. This goes on for DAYS extending into WEEKS until it finally crescendos into an unbearable cacophony of monstrous voices telling me to jump into a vat of macaroni and cheese and eat my way out of it.
I am suffering and have been suffering for 2.5 weeks now. The cacophony has begun and I am covering my ears saying "LA LA LA" to try to drown it out.
I'm going to go eat my miserable little healthy lunch now.

159.8
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Good evening, this is my before and after 6 months after my surgery, I lose 113 pounds so far, good luck to all, this was the best decision of my life.
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last night I was in my Wednesday night class, fall semester just beginning and I did something I've never been able to do in all the years I've been attending there.
there I was muddling my way through class - Bible on my lap, phone - pen, paper. juggling it all like always and all the sudden a wee lighbulb went off. WAIT A MINUTE, I am down 75 pounds since last year..... I wonder.......
I used the flip up lap desk. with a lot of room to spare! WHAT?
being more normal sized makes EVERYTHING so much easier.

Wearing an XL shirt today and this will be the last day I wear these size 18 pants as they are falling off and have no belt loops. Time to shop in my closet again this weekend!!
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You tell one "friend" and probably 20 people will be discussing you. NAture of gossiping women and men. Three years of reading these posts have confirmed it.

This weekend someone told me "oh you dont want to hang out with us anymore now that you are skinny" after I removed myself from the dinner table once they started bringing out multiple cakes and Cookies. Then there was an awkward silence. I just replied back " no i just cant eat junkfood and dont want to get tempted". It really hurt my feelings but I felt proud of myself for not giving in to my junk food cravings and saying no to family trying to push unhealthy food on me.

I told a certain friend I had the surgery done only because she had been harping on me to go out to dinner and drinks almost everyday! Big mistake cuz she is so annoying, I'm only 2 months post op and she keeps asking me how skinny am I ? And when I do run into her she wants me to take my coat off and twirl cuz she wants to see how skinny I am.. I'm like damn, there is no magic wand I don't become instantly skinny!! Ugh just go away please! It's why I don't tell anyone!