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I'm so excited, I have dreamed of being able to have WLS for so long, and it is coming true! September 3! I have so much I want to say, so I thought about doing youtube videos to keep up with my progress and reflect back during difficult times to see my progress. I made many, many attempts, but I either get toungetied or I just rambled, leaving me with a 25 min video, or I just don't feel comfortable about doing it. I plan to still record myself for only my use, and I'll stick to hiding behind the keyboard for now. Past: I was reared in a very stable, loving family, with the exception of one grandmother. My parents are the most amazing people and have supported me and my dreams, fully. I was not an overweight child, although my grandmother led me to believe that I was the heaviest child...EVER born. She had high expectations of everyone around her, and if you didn't fit the bill, she found no use for you. Anyway, so in 1991, I started lifting weights while my brother was at football pratice or using his equipment at home. It progressed to a passion of mine and eventually I began to lift competitively. I started lifting in the 181 class, this class is for people weighing 165-181. I stayed in that class until my senior year, and I decided to move up to the 198 class (181-198). I found that if I weighed a few more pounds, I could lift a considerably larger amount of weight, increasing my total for our 3 events, therefore, increasing my chances of winning. In order to stay in that class, I had to eat and eat and eat and eat....... I went on to lift for Louisiana Tech University. I was very successful in high school, so I chose to lift in the same class, doing the same thing-eating. I, too, was very successful there and it was really an opportunity of a lifetime, as I was able to lift with and for icons like Billy Jack Talton, Trey Cunningham, Doc Holloway, and PJ Chavonoac. The problem really began after powerlifing, as I continued to eat the same way but without the intense workouts. I still worked out, but not enough to counteract the amount of calories I was consuming. From there, I went to the Police Academy, and of course they ran us to death, and we did more push ups than any human should ever do in an entire lifetime. After I graduated from there, I worked patrol, 12 hour night shifts, for a Sheriff's Department. Basically, I rode around the parish (county for you non-Louisiana ppl) and responded to calls: wrecks, domestics, shootings, thefts, ect. Now remember my eating habits had not changed, and now I was adding more fuel to the fire. I worked nights, which increases everything like chances of breast cancer and diabetitis. I also ate alot of fast food and I ate it as quickly as possible. I never knew when the next call was going to come in, where it was going to be, or how long I was going to be on it, so I ate even when I wasn't hungry. However, I was on SWAT, SCAT, and SRT with weekly training, so I did exercise frequently, but again, not enough cardio to do the job. I continued that lifestyle until my husband and i found out we were having a baby. The eating didn't stop, but I did quit my job, and haven't returned to that career. It was a personal choice my husband and I made. So, after the baby was born, I lost about 40# and kept it off for sometime, and to be quite honest, I don't even really know how I ended up weighing 283#. (PRESENT) Somedays, it is literally like i woke up weighing 100# more. In reality, it happened over the course of 10+ years, but it happened so slowly, I didn't realize how bad it was. To top that off, I have some self-image reality issue: I see a current pic of myself and that is NOT the person i see in the mirror. But then again, I don't own a full body mirror, just small picture frame style mirrors in our bathrooms, and 2 dressers with mirrors in 2 bedrooms (not ours). I was just recently that I realized if I see a larger mirror, one that would allow me to see ME, I quickly turn my head and never give it another thought. The amazing news is that is all about to change, starting now, but really on Sept. 3. I see some people questioning having their procedure, and I did but only for a quick second. I had planned on having lapband, and really didn't do any detailed research on VSG. I went to my consult with my fabulous surgeon and he never entertained the idea of lapband, and when I mentioned it to him, he quickly told me that I would have to go elsewhere, that I had far too much to loose to trust the lapband. Now, I work with him occassionally, with post surgery patients that require life support systems....did I mention that I am now, for 5 years, a Respiratory Therapist (working 12 hour nights?)?? Sorry. I also work with him on tramas and have even cracked a few chest with him in the ER. So, he was most-likely more blunt with me and wasn't ashamed of his classic 'colorful' mouth, as he may be with others. Mentally, while sittting there, I did consider seeing someone else... I didn't want to stay overnight, I didn't want to take off of work for ANY amount of time, I didn't want to alter our routine at home in anyway, even though I know I am about to crash that party after surgery... Lapband or VSG, but then this is the person I trust MOST. I think I sat in the parking lot for an hour doing my own research after my appointment, and when I left that lot, I never looked back, lapband only crosses my mind as I think of what I once wanted. Now that I have done the research, I am glad that I am doing VSG. That day, my consult, was the heaviest recorded weight at 283, currently I am 275. Some part of me wishes that I would have had to do a monitored program with my NUT until surgery date, but then again, not so much. I want to loose some more in these next 3 weeks, but I guess we will see. Future: Goals...oh, so many!! I really have never been about the scales. I have never had a problem with telling people my weight. I suppose I have powerlifting to thank for that, since everyone knew what i weighed at all times. Numbers are numbers but since I really do need a "number" I am shooting for 160-180. My doctor says he wants me to be about 180, my shrink (& fitness gooro) says 160. ME? I really "think" I want to be 165-174. 174 is the heighest I can be per BMI and be normal weight. I just want to know what that feels like...you know, to use weight and normal in the present tense and in the same sentence, in regaurds to myself.... NSV's..............the list is endless really 1. I want to wear my wedding rings. They are beautiful and the meaning behind them is sacred, and it has been 3 years since I have worn them. 2. I want to play tennis again with my friends. Simple and true. 3. I want to be able to tie my shoes with getting out of breath. 4. I want to be able to run in the park with my kid.. Crap, WTH am I talking about....I want to just want to go to the park with my kid. 5. I want to feel like I belong next to my husband. Thank God he loves me unconditionally, and that I know that. 6. I want to run. Like really run. Perhaps a 5K or one of these toughmudder events or color runs. I never did enjoy running, but hopefully I can do it just to prove to myself that I can. 7. I want my ass to feel comfortable when I sit. Like in a fold-out chair at ballgames or even in the seats in our vehicles. 8. I want to be able to sit on the floor with comfort and get up...just freaking get up.. Ya know, without the assistance of anything...just get up. 9. Did I mention that I want to breathe better? Like really. I feel like I do 'normally' but in the event that I am rushing or carrying a load of something, I get winded from time to time. OR walk with a friend and talk at the same time. I don't know if I am the only one with this issue, but it is a concern. I also feel that I have sleep apnea. I snore terribly. If yall ever hear that I died in my sleep, investigate my husband, bc he threathens to smother me often, lol. 10. i want increased confidence, sex drive, energy, ect. Things I am most afraid of: 1. My hair will all fall out. Hairloss is a huge concern for me, as my hair is naturally fine and thin. i have considered getting some type of extension once this starts happening, but will it make it worse? Does anyone have any experience with extensions post op?? Any advice on hairloss will be fab! 2. Head hunger scares the hell out of me. I am an overeater.. It isn't the sweets or anything like that. I eat ALOT of food. 3. Skin..Skin..Skin.. I know I will have flabby arms, I know I will have an excess of skin, but how much is the question. I will be saving up in the next year for surgery. Powerlifting left me with gigantic arms...19" arms to be exact. Theres no way I will be skin free. I know it will be worth it, and i know that there are ways to minimize it...like staying hydrated... Has anyone tried a compression garment?? I included 4 pics. 2 before pics. 1 in 2004 with my cousins(I'm in the middle with hat) 1 in 2008 with my husband 2 now pics 1 with the mom's of my daughters class (green cardy) 1 at my sister's wedding (same cardy)

I dreaded this day. I knew it would come. I travel 6-8 times a year for work and was hoping to keep working at home and save my pennies until I absolutely had to buy clothes. Well I was surprised with a travel request from boss and off to Texas am headed on the 18th I've lost 42 pounds so far. Many of my pants still fit with a belt and some without. I just needed tops. I shopped downstairs in the store for the first time in at least 12 years maybe more. No more woman's section. I started with extra large tops and found a couple float extra large dresses. Wow Wow Wow They were too big! I've been wearing size 16 from 2002-2013 and hen was in an 18 I bought large tops I bought a size 14 DKNY dress that fits me snugly and perfect. Thank goodness spanx still fit I bought one dress in extra large but am returning it. I tried it on 4 more times and it's supposed to be loose and flowy. It's just a pinch too lose going for a large I cried in the dressing room.

I know my own concept of 'personal size' began shifting when I EMOTIONALLY realized I was no longer usually the largest person in the room. And the sudden discovery there were entire STORES that sold clothing mismarked without "XXXX" in the size tag. Perhaps the BIGGEST 'NSV' I've never listed here, is when I suddenly realized when wiping in the bathroom, I no longer was a "go between" but suddenly had the optional "go around" approach. Body dysmorphia in our psychic software is subject to a lot of discussion from time to time. Being able to slip between partially open doors, or when doing home chores, being able to fit into a space previously inaccessible, was a clue for me as much as 'size' on my clothing. Getting rid of all the old XXXX stuff helped, but I did keep one set of 'fat clothes' just to remind of where I had been. It's odd to hold those old 56-58 sports shorts up now, but there I was. And here I am, still a bit confused about 'what size AM I'...... seeing that reflection in the store windows without the 'usual crowd' following my every step.....

Really no secret, just your basic, healthy meal plan..... For the first 6 weeks I followed my surgeon's meal plan and transitioned slowly through the food stages (very good restriction did not allow for "skipping ahead"). As hard as it was, I met Protein and Water goals 90% of the time. Once I was on regular food I focused on protein and non starchy veggies. Steak, burger, ham, ribs, pork, chicken, BBQ, tuna, refried Beans, eggs, milk, Protein Bars, PB2, Greek yogurt, avocados, cheese, cottage cheese, mixed nuts, beef and turkey Jerky, broccoli, spinach, kale, green and yellow beans, mushrooms, red peppers, edamame, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, Chinese mixed veggies, you name it.... Now at just over 7 months out I have a 24-32oz protein smoothie with 30-40g protein everyday and eat 4-5 meals and Snacks. I get a MINIMUM of 64oz water daily and I take whole food based Vitamins. I have had sweets, deserts, chips, fries, alcohol, bread, Pasta and rice, but in moderation and probably not even once/week. As I got close to and passed goal, I started adding more fruit and whole grains. Besides protein bars (Natures Valley Protein, GNC Lean Bars, Fiber One Protein) I added whole grain bars like Kind, Kashi pumpkin Flax, and Pure Ancient Grains. I snack on mixed nuts, pumpkin seeds, edamame, Peanut Butter and apples, frozen pineapple, melons, and plain Fage or Chobani Greek yogurt flavored with Protein powder. I add berries and other fruit as well as Metamucil and benefiber to my protein smoothie. But really, the simple answer is I eat a healthy, balanced diet of protein (always first priority) veggies, fruit and whole grains. I eat when I'm hungry and only until satisfied, not full. Besides protein and water, I never tracked anything. I have no idea how many calories or carbs or fat I eat. As for exercise, I've got no magic formula there, either. I haven't been to a gym in years. Immediately postop I walked a lot but that was pretty much to help with digestion and to decrease the bloated feeling I had. I rode my recumbent bike 20-30 minutes/day for awhile but I haven't been on it in a couple weeks. I actually just have a very active lifestyle. I work 60+ hours/ week. I am a vet tech, so I'm standing, squatting, bending, lifting and walking all day. On the weekends I ride my horse, sometimes 15-20 miles/day (which is an excellent Pilates and thigh master workout if you are riding "correctly"). And along with the horses comes chores...shoveling shit, fixing fences, hauling water, feeding and stacking hay. Last weekend I got 42 bales of hay. Each bale weighs 80 pounds and I had to lift and move each one 3 times (big stack to truck; truck to shed; stack in shed). So essentially I lifted 10,000 pounds in 2 days....and at least part of that over my head (Basically lifted weights and did stair master for a couple hours). I got another 21 bales yesterday and the day before went whitewater rafting and rowed a boatload of friends 8 miles (more Pilates and push-ups). Anyways, everyone's journey is going to be different. What works for me might not work for you. Just figure out what you are most comfortable with (establishing a workout routine and tracking everything is not a bad thing, it's just not what I did). And if you are still reading this, let me say my biggest advice is don't compare your weight loss to others. Concentrate on being healthy, don't torture yourself with guilt, keep a good attitude, and look for NSV's for validation, not the numbers on the scale.

Also, I had a whole day of NSV's today. It was my son's 3rd birthday party and a lot of my family hasn't seen my since my surgery. So there were a lot of "skinny" comments and shocked faces when they arrived. Also, we had it at one of those jumpy places where they have the inflatable slides and things you can climb through, etc. I was right up there with my three kids. Climbing, sliding, jumping....and it was easy this time! Last year, I could barely climb up the ladder to go down the slide with the kids....and only did it a few times because I was a sweaty, worn out mess. This year, the kids were fighting over who I would jump with next. It was so much fun. I truly feel like a new person. This summer has been the most fun, going to Six Flags or White Water every weekend and the zoo and just really enjoying my kids!!! This was definitely the best decision I've ever made. Oh and I hit 179.6 today, so dipped down into the 170's. Almost 100 down from my non - pregnant highest. My highest was over 300 when I was pregnant with my youngest. This has been incredible and I'm still not done.

Started with a 12w and now 12m. Size 12 is expensive and hard to find. In May at Easy Spirit outlet I bought 3 pairs of sandals for around $80. That is a NSV for big feet!

Congratulations on your awesome NSV!!! may you continue to be so blessed through out your future in all aspects of your Sexier, Healthier life!!! It is much deserved, with all your continued hard work!!! NSV's are great no matter how early in or farther out you are along your journey, we discover new things about ourselves all the time. Some are smaller then others but still just as important! Some we notice right away such as our clothes falling off of us & others take more time to click in our heads but are great suprises when we do finally notice them!!! Every step of this transformation/life journey deserves to be celebrated!!!!

@@lsereno you are such a silly head doahhhh back at ya like some/.many/most of us...... your tummy was probably near the steering wheel (like me) you needed plenty of room now that you are miss "cute, hot, sexy, mini ) you don't need all that extra room NSV's for newbies et al are great, normal/frequent but when you are 2.5 years old!!! you/me/we really appreciate them!!! keep up the good job (i know you will!!) kathy congrats

45 years old, 5'5"; HW 238; SW 216; CW 145. I never wrote down what my weight loss was as I went, so I don't know what I lost 1 month, 2 months out, etcetera. According to my ticker I met goal weight on 7/7 ( 6 1/2 months ). I STRONGLY suggest you don't weigh yourself daily or compare yourself to others. The unhappiest people on these boards are the ones that do. I only weighed about 2-3 times/month in the beginning, then weekly, now a couple times/month, mostly to have something to put on my ticker. Gauge your success by how you feel, how your clothes fit and all the other NSV's that matter way more than numbers on a scale. For me, my milestones and highlights were my rings fitting (but now they're too big), being able to shop for clothes in regular stores, crossing my legs, not feeling obsessed by food, not drinking alcohol, my knees and feet not hurting everyday, and having to buy a new saddle because my butt got way too small for my old one.

Yesterday I bought my very first pair of womens athletic shorts. They are an XL, this is nothing short of a miracle considering I was a 3x bottom a month ago. I also got a pair of compression pants too. I usually get men's reebok or nike athletic shorts from Sam's Club. They have them for about 15 dollars a pair. Which is way better than paying full price for them. Just wanted to share my exciting moment.

Oops -- forgot a big one -- Been having trouble with the CPAP machine keeping me awake at night (sleep apnea). I called the doctor and took the machine over to the clinic to have the pressure lowered from 11 to 8 (all attributed to weight loss). However, for the past 2 nights, it's still bugging me, so I have an appointment to see the doctor in about a month and I think I'll end up going off it for good. For now, I'm not using it because it interferes with more than helps me sleep. THAT's a big NSV.

I bought a belt this week! Was on my list of NSVs preop. I also squeezed into a size 8 dress!!! Granted it is stretchy, but the tag has a single digit! Registering the kids for school today. Will see a lot of people that I haven't seen in 3 months. Hoping all goes well. How is everyone doing?

Congrats to all ! Love the nsv stories !! Besides cleaning out the closet of too big clothes, my favorite one was trying on a pair of size 12 -14 jeans at home, but could nt get them buttoned or zipped... about 4 weeks later, they fit very comfortably ! I remember yelling for my husband, jumping up and down , saying over and over, " they fit ! they fit ! they fit !!!!!" He must of thought I was looney tunes..........

@@CTRose1160 just posted this somewhere - newest NSV?? parked too far away in the parking garage to reach the "ticket" able to pull up my new teeny weeny rear end, stretch and get ticket favorite NSV.......... when i decided to "put myself" out there and volunteer at our local hospital due to my lack of confidence/how i felt about myself i would never have gone out amongst "real" people before when i was "heavy" look at me now!!! kathy

^5s One of my fav NSVs are phone calls from charities looking for old clothes. I used to never give up my old clothes as I thought there would come a day I might be able to wear them again. Now, it's, "sure, come on down, I'll put a bag on the porch". I have no problem giving away my old baggy shirts and pants(same ones I refused to give away 3 years ago). Never want to go back there again.

@@hopeliveshere yep, we love those clothing sizes and towel situations hope its ok to jump in with my brand new NSV was at parking garage car was too far away from the place i'm supposed to reach the ticket i was able to lift my teeny tiny rear end up and stretch over to pull the ticket!! new NSV's are hard to come by at 2.5 years love the above latest kathy congrats @@hopeliveshere and me too

I had a pair of professional fitted slacks I have not worn in five years. No elastic whatsoever. They were tight even when I bought them. I tried them on a month ago and they were still tight at the waist. Today I tried them on and they are baggy!!!!! I'm wearing them but they kinda look like clown pants. Moral of the story is don't miss your clothing size window! Dig through that closet frequently. This made me very happy today. *clownish grin to go with my clown pants*

For 4-6 weeks following my surgery nothing tasted 'right'. Almost everything tasted blah or bad. This actually was a GOOD thing. I was worried that I'd want to eat the old foods from pre op but I found the thought of them nauseating. I really had no appetite at all but gradually the bad taste went away, though I continued to be disinterested in food. I'm 14 months post-op now and food still doesn't have the same power over me that it used to. I eat for fuel, and just enough. I don't eat for pleasure and I don't overeat. Sometimes I forget to eat - that still surprises me! You sound like you're on track. Hang in there! Things will gradually improve as you recover and heal. Take this time to learn all you can about your new life with WLS - find recipes, read of others experiences (but always take your own team's advice first - they know you), and stay away from your scale. Soon you'll be celebrating your own successes and NSV's (non scale victories). :-)

I just bought my first pair of leggings in my adult life! and they were a size large! ive always been too embarassed to wear them b/c my legs were so huge, but i have to say i looked so slim in them, im so happy! started in size 22 pants, now wearing a 14! I am now able to fit a standard size bath towel around myself completely!

Congrats on such a wonderful NSV!!!

Woo Hoo!!! Snaps to you!!! Seriously, that is really exciting! That will definitely be one of my NSV's....

Obtained a goal today! I bought a belt!! I can't remember having a belt in my adult life. This was one of my NSV I had set presurgery! I also bought a size 8 dress!!! Granted it is stretchy material, but the tag has a single digit!!! Shout!!!

You look great skinny man... young man... I mean penman!!! Congrats on your NSV!

I had to take some paperwork to my neurosurgeon's office this morning. The last time I was in there, I was 325 pounds. I am now 268. To me I don't look that much different, but she had to do a double take when I walked into her office. I guess I look that much different. I have dropped from a 26 to an 18. It feels good to know all my hard work is paying off.