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I did it!!! I just got offered a job IN MY CHOSEN FIELD!!!!! I busted my butt (finished my program early and with a 94), chased a dream I thought was lost to me (thanks to the surgery, getting my health under control, changing my diet, and believing in myself that I could actually do it), and I just got my first job in the medical field!!!!! I literally cried. I'm so so excited!!!! I start on Monday!!!!!! Even though I'm a Medical Administrative Assistant, I won't be at the front desk when you first walk into the office (checking people in, collecting payments, verifying insurance, etc). I'll be the one that comes to get you and takes your vitals, takes you to your exam room, asks you questions and updates your chart, go over any doctor's orders, and then checks you out at the "check out" desk. I'll schedule follow up appointments, handle referrals, and call in any scripts and refills. AND, they will provide the scrubs I'll be wearing. I'm in an AWESOME mood!!!!! I can't believe I really did it. I wasn't sure I could, but here I am!!! I literally cried when I got the call today. I still can't believe it!!! And after 6 months, they will pay for me to continue my training to become a Clinical Medical Assistant and get all the certifications that come with that. All I have left to do is get this last 50 pounds off and then I'm literally living my very best life

I'm going to try and keep this from being too long, but there's so much to say!!! First I'll start with my newest NSVs. I'm officially in a size 18 clothes (from my original size 30), size 10 shoes (from my original size 11), size 6 1/2 ring (from my original size 10), 18" chain on a necklace (from my original 24" chain), and 2x jacket (from my original 4-5x). I can now comfortably fit on a massage table without fear of it creaking or breaking. I can now ride a bike because I'm within the weight limit. I now am able to hit my favorite thrift stores and walk out with seriously cute clothes that look nice, sit well on me, and actually fit comfortably!! My asthma is almost completely gone (I only have it when I get super sick now instead of all the time). My blood work came back and my hormone levels are almost in the normal range (I have PCOS) and my cysts that completely COVERED both ovaries are totally gone (without having taken any meds or done any hormone therapies!!) I did a 6 mile hike this past weekend with my son. I am completely pain free and am able to go full on beast mode with my workouts again. I can go up 5 flights of stairs before I need to stop and rest. Now for my new chapter in life and old dreams becoming new again. So years ago, I wanted to become a nurse. I completed all of the academics with a 4.0, aced all the labs, but couldn't do any of the clinicals because I couldn't do all the walking, I was 400 pounds, and my health/joints/back were way too bad. So I gave up on it. Then about 2 years later, I thought "well, maybe I can be a medical assistant. Surely THAT'S not as hard" and once again, I couldn't do the externship because I couldn't do the physical stuff. So I went into other areas for work, ballooned up to 421 pounds, worked remotely, and made good money. I loved what i did, but there was always a part of me that regretted not being able to go into the medical field. That was my heart's desire. So fast forward to now. I'm between jobs and miserable. I had to stop working because of all my complications from my first surgery. Now that I've been cleared, I can't get hired anywhere. So I decided that now is a great time to go back to my dream of working in the medical field. So on Sept 5th, I start school to become a certified pediatric oncology medical assistant. Most of my previous credits transfer over, so I only have about 6 months of academics to do and then the externship. Then I sit for my certification exam and then I get to finally FINALLY do what I've always wanted to do. By my 46th birthday next June, I should be right where I want to be, doing what I want to do, and hopefully at my goal weight. I'm sitting here in tears as I type this, because I thought this was something I would never see happen. I resigned myself to being morbidly obese, extremely unhealthy, and needing a cane to get around. I may not be at my goal weight (the weight comes off a lot slower with a revision, and also as your bmi gets smaller and you get closer to your goal) but I believe eventually I'll get there. But the things this surgery is giving to me, the dreams I can live out, the health and wellness and years of my life I'm getting back..... it was all worth it. The complications, the uncertainty, the pain and healing and stalls.... all completely worth it. We all start this journey wanting the numbers on the scale to go down. But there's SO MUCH MORE this surgery gives you. I will never, ever regret my decision. Never.

Just came back from a short trip to Langkawi Island here in Malaysia with my wife and kids. This is my wife and I second visit after going there in 2013 for our honeymoon (time flies!). We all had a great time there specially my kids. The weather was nice and the island was not very crowded. I got to try a lot of things that I've never dared or was able to do before WLS. The trip was full of NSVs so I wanted to share some of those with you guys. 1. I didn't need a seat belt extension this time and had plenty of room in my seat! I was able to use the food tray without it pushing against my belly. 2. I tried parasailing (parachute on a boat), banana boat and even jet skiing for the first time in my life 3. I joined my wife and kids in playing all the rides and games in the water theme park. I was always the guy standing out of the pool cheering while my wife and kids were having fun. Not this time. My son was so happy that daddy was with him on the big water slide. Some of the rides had a weight limit of 80 kg (they even have a scale to weigh people who are close to that weight - I was not asked to hop on the scale haha). Climbing the stairs to the ride starting point would have given me a heart attack before WLS let alone sliding down. 4. We took a speed boat for island hopping which was awesome. In one of the islands we had to climb the stairs up to a beautiful lake (Unlike my first visit I was fine and not out of breath while carrying my bag and my daughter). We rented pedal boats and circled around the lake for 30 mins which was awesome. 5. We took some photos at the resort that we stayed in during our honeymoon 10 years ago. Left photo was taken in August 2013 and right one three days ago. This was also my first time ever wearing shorts in public and being at ease with it. Guess who bought 4 more shorts haha. The cherry on the cake was weighing myself after returning home to find that I've lost half of my weight on surgery day. A total of 74.5 kg lost which is my wife and daughter's weight combined!

I am 6 months out HW 380 SW 330 CW 263 I did it! I did a practice run to work and back 5 miles total, I would have never been able to think about riding a bike to work. I lost 117 lbs so far and I can't believe I just rode a bike 5 miles. I feel amazing. It's been a journey that I am glad I took. And guess what I weight less than my husband, well depends on the day. I went from a tight 28w to comfortable 20w clothes. I still have a ways to go, but nothing can stop me now. Next on my bucket list is skydiving. Let's do this! Sent from my SM-S901U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

To celebrate reaching my goal weight (95% excess weight loss), I had a DexaScan done to measure my body fat percentage. I'm at 20.6%, which is in the Ideal range for my age. The scan revealed that my weight loss was mostly fat and not muscle.

Went to buy new clothes yesterday, and I needed a SMALL. My problem now is finding clothes that are small enough!

I've been bringing my kids for the past few years to a place called Urban Air, it's basically an indoor amusement park, it's a lot of fun. Unfortunately, a lot of the coolest things to do there have a weight limit, 250 for some and 230 for others, so I was never able to join them on those rides. Even though I passed both thresholds a few months ago I never felt comfortable going on them until tonight I decided to give it a shot. I ended up doing ALL of the stuff I couldn't go on before, including the "Sky Rider" (indoor zipline, it was awesome), Ropes Course, and Rock Climbing. Lots of fun, and another great NSV.

It's the small things that really make the beginning of this journey wonderful. I'm not very far out (Sleeved 03/07/22) but the little things that keep happening and changing are reminding me that it was so worth it. I have lost about 30lbs since the start of my journey (HW:281 SW:268 CW:237) and am smaller than I have ever been in my adult life. I see the small things changing and it keeps me fighting. Yesterday, I bought size 20 jeans that are even a tad loose on me and I've always been 22-24s. I bought some workout pants a few months ago that I thought would fit but were too small and put them on today and they fit PERFECTLY. I see my face thinning and can feel my collarbone. Just remember to celebrate the little things! And when things are getting tough, remember where you started and where you are now and keep fighting! I'm rooting for you all!

I just wanted to share some positivity with everyone, especially those going through the hard phases of pre and post surgery right now, or those that are in the buyers remorse phase. I had my gastric sleeve done in July, I have since lost 80 lbs and today was my first time post surgery flying on an airplane. I used to be so embarrassed that the seatbelts didn’t fit me I would put a jacket over my waist so the flight attendants wouldn’t see my seatbelt couldn’t buckle because I was too embarrassed to ask for an extender. But today, just about 3 months post surgery, I am able to buckle and fasten the airplane seat belt. This was a huge win for me & I just had to share :) Please try your best to stay positive and get through the hard phases, I promise it will be so worth it!

Way back in the Bad Old Days, I was on whopping doses of not one, but two blood pressure medications, one of which had a water pill (diuretic) baked into it... and still my blood pressure was usually about 140/85, so barely controlled at all. When I had my VSG, my primary care doctor told me to take one dose of the one with the water pill the day after surgery to help me pee out the surgery fluid and then leave off taking it. I continued on the amlodipine at 10 mg. A week and a half later I had my blood pressure taken in the office and it was a bit low, so my doctor started me on 5 mg a day, but told me to monitor my blood pressure each morning before taking it. If it was normal, don't take the drug; and if it was normal for four days straight, to leave off taking the drug altogether and send him a message. Today was the fourth day. I took my blood pressure this morning as always, and it was 118/65. I am no longer on blood pressure medication, which was arguably my biggest reason for getting the surgery done! I've only lost 33 lbs. since surgery and have 84 to go, but apparently my circulatory system appreciated it and I went from barely-controlled-with-two-big-doses to no medication needed at all in a day short of three weeks.

I was on two blood pressure medications. One contained a water pill, and my PCP decided that since I'll be struggling to hydrate, I don't need to take the one with the water pill. In two days—TWO DAYS—my uncontrolled (pre-meds) blood pressure dropped from 155/95 to 134/75. I really don't understand how that would work physically, but I'm not going to argue with it!

I had a small NSV today. I put on a size large t-shirt and it actually fit! This is surprising to me as I am a slow loser and thought it would take longer for this to happen! I've had other victories but this one stuck me as the shirt I tried on has been in my closet for years....and I can finally fit into it!! I can't wait until I shrink into the rest of my clothes! Many best wishes and small NSV's to you all!

I am 11 months post op gastric sleeve. My highest weight ever was reached in June of 2019 and I was horrified to weigh in at 502 lbs! I didn't believe it and requested the doctor to re-weigh me. That was my first wake-up call. I was suffering from very high blood pressure, debilitating back pain/spasms, knee pain and damage, sciatica, and sleep apnea. I started doing keto and got down to 415lbs. During COVID quarantine, I gained back up to about 459lbs. In July of 2020, I finally decided to take back my life and financed a vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery (out of pocket, since insurance would not cover it). As of yesterday, I'm down to 275 lbs. I have gone from a 6xl shirt to a 2xl. From size 62 pants, to a size 44. I still struggle to see myself as anything but fat from time to time, but it's the Non-Scale Victories (NSVs) that keep me going! My only regret is not doing this sooner. Sometimes I wish I could go back and re-do certain life experiences without the extreme morbid obesity. Here's my running list: - I’m off of all medications (including 2 BP meds). - No more seat belt extension on airplanes - Seats with arm rests are no problem. - Restaurant booths are now no problem - I can fit in an MRI machine (if needed). - I can now walk ANYWHERE without debilitating back pain. - The car steering wheel no longer rubs my stomach. - I can shop in most “regular” stores for clothes. - I no longer worry about a seat being able to hold me (those plastic white ones at weddings are even ok now). - I can use my own step ladder to do things around the house like change a light bulb. - I can sit with my legs crossed. - I can now get down on the floor. - My “love life” has drastically changed/Improved. - too many to list! Notice there is a lot of use of the word “CAN” here? All in less than a year. The little black battery operated box on the floor cannot control me any longer! Yea, it’s still important. But weight is no longer the defining characteristic of my life. Sleeved 7/23/20. HW 502, SW 459, CW 275, GW healthy

Oddball work NSV this morning.... "power suit" vs. comfort. As a manager who often has to deal with a customers management, I was always VERY self conscience about clothing and accessories (expensive watch, jewelry, clothing, shoes, etc.) when I had meetings where I knew I had to project a certain authority. This morning I am having to deal with a great customer, but unfortunately have to give some not so great news. As I was getting ready today, I realized that I no longer feel the NEED to project a certain image with clothing. As an almost "normal sized" person, wearing more "casual" attire (slacks and a polo with the company logo) I don't look sloppy and not put together. YAY - NEVER saw this one coming!!

This morning our parent association put out a beautiful spread for us for teacher appreciation week. They always do such a great job and they had juice, coffee, tons of great pastries and breakfast items - in the past I would had probably taken a few donuts or crumb cakes and maybe even later gone back for more. Today (5 weeks post op) I looked at it all, enjoyed just the fact that they brought it for us, thanked them, and took a small cup of decaf coffee and an activia yogurt. I only had a few sips of coffee and half of the yogurt because its really high in sugar but it came so naturally almost to admire all of those treats, think about how good they probably are but then say "thats not for me, but these options are for me." And I didn't even have to finish what I took - it was a nice treat outside of my usual meal planning and now I just continue on my day. I'm quite proud of myself for not even considering the other things, or even feeling as if I was missing out by not having them.

FINALLY! Onederland! I can't remember the last time I didn't see a "2" as the first number on the scale. Seeing the "1" this weekend was just surreal. I think I must have stepped on and off the scale at least 10 times. What a motivator! I feel like I've accomplished the impossible and now ANYTHING is possible!! ~40 to go (I'd like to hit 50 just to have some wiggle room). For those who might be struggling after the first couple of months - Months 1-3 were EASY - weight just fell off. Month 4+, slowed A LOT (as in less than 8 a month) - Being able to eat pretty much anything I wanted without having an upset stomach didn't help. I was hoping to be under 200 by the end of December. Stalled (much of it my fault for choices I made, and simply my body catching up), got frustrated, felt sorry for myself, etc...and at times even wondered if it was possible or if I was just going to stop there with my weight loss. Booked a vacation and decided that I WOULD be under 200 before I left (next Sunday - nothing like cutting it close!). Got back on plan, made better choices, and quit feeling sorry for myself and WOO HOO - Major goal #1 accomplished. If you're struggling, hang in there, refocus, know you aren't alone in this journey and make up your mind that you CAN do this. NSV's this week - I didn't see the "OMG, PLEASE let this fat lady be seated ANYWHERE but beside ME on a plane" look. People actually look me in the eye rather than past me. Servers @ restaurants are concerned that the food they served me wasn't good because I didn't eat much. I got more work accomplished onsite because I didn't need a lunch break (quick protein bar and I was good to go). I could go to ANY store and buy some cheap clothes for vacation - Can't wait to rock that bathing suit coverup in Hawaii next week!

I went clothes shopping today at a store (with the pandemic haven't done much of that). Not sure if it is the pandemic or my weight loss, but my experience today was SO different then in the past. I had a number of sales people approach me right off the bat. Friendly, offering to help. In the past, I would wander the same store on my own without anyone offering to help. I've seen others post about being treated differently after losing weight and while i'm not positive that's what this was, it's certainly something I'll watch for. The NSV --- I took one of the sales people up on their offer to help and mentioned after losing weight I'm not really sure what size I am. She knew immediately what options to pull and I am in a size 28 jeans! That's a size 8, as in single digits!!! I am also wearing a Small in a number of tops. Holy $(@*. 🤯

I hit a couple of major NSVs today. I’ve lost 100 lbs (or near enough to count), and finally dipped down into the 100’s. I am pretty pleased with myself, and I am so glad that I had the surgery. HW = 299 CW = 199.4 SW = 280.0 Surgery Date = 07/23/2020 I follow my program of eating healthy extremely well. Cravings are at a minimum, but the weight loss isn’t a complete breeze. I feel like I need to make a conscious effort to stick to the plan. I’m a slow and steady loser, and weirdly each pound lost always feels like it’s going to be the last. Not sure why, because I am not a pessimist by nature. The body dysmorphia is strong, and I have absolutely no sense of how big or small I am now. I feel much better than before, and my clothes are getting looser, but I don’t *feel* like I’ve lost much weight. How very weird! It’s not disheartening - just kind of a clinical observation that my brain can’t quite figure out what’s going on. My initial goal weight was 165 lbs. I picked that weight because it was a goal just beyond what the average weight loss for my height was. I honestly didn’t think it was attainable. But now I do. I’d like to shoot for maybe 140 now. I initially didn’t think I was going to be interested in plastic surgery. However loose skin, age and gravity are not a winning combination. It’s on the table now! I’m glad I don’t have to think about it anytime soon, though. Other observations: * I log my food meticulously. I focus on high protein and low carbs, and feel like it’s a good day when my protein intake is > carb intake. I pretty much ignore the fat intake, but I am eating healthy so it’s just not a concern. * I’ve averaged about 1100 calories/day since the new year. * I don’t think I would have been this successful if i hadn’t been teleworking since the pandemic started. I live alone so I cleared out my kitchen of all temptations. * I walk 3.5 miles a day and I’ve grown to really enjoy it. I rarely miss - only if there are monsoon-like rains will I stay in. * I wear a Fitbit, and I think the most important and useful feature is the reminder to walk throughout the day. I typically average about 15K steps/day. * I have started jogging a little bit, and have been ASTOUNDED that I can do it. I’m super slow, but I can do it. This morning I jogged over 3 miles without dying a single time. 😂 * I do not like jogging. * I was going to the the gym, but stopped because of the crowd of ‘New Years resolution’ people who didn’t seem to be very good with the mask-wearing. I’ll pick back up with that once I get the vaccine. * I have become more limber, and a lot of my aches and pains have receded or disappeared. I love that I can cross my legs now. * My hair fell out. A lot. Started at about 3 months and it was just shocking. It was particularly bad around my temples, and around the crown of my head. It is growing back as seen by the scraggly hair sticking out in all directions. I am so pretty. 😱 It seemed to stop falling out pretty abruptly about 2 weeks ago. * Eating breakfast is still a struggle. I’ve always hated it and I still do. I almost always rely on the Fairlife shakes for breakfast. * I eat a lot of chicken, shrimp, salad, and Morningstar frozen vegan options. I am not a good cook, and as much as I think about food I guess I am just not willing to spend much time preparing it. I like the salad kits that most grocery stores have now. * I take a tremendous amount of joy in cleaning out my closet of clothes I can no longer wear. My closet is so empty! It is seriously so awesome! I’m not ready to do much shopping yet, though. I don’t need clothes for work (yet), and I’m hoping to still lose more weight. * I weigh myself every morning, and I think I’m always going to have to do this. It’s an accountability thing for me.

So, I haven't really told many people about my surgery. A few close friends know, my mom, and my sister. I tell my mom everything so she knows, but out of my few close friends, only one was really supportive--everyone else was a bit hesitant. They all struggle with their weight, including my sister. So I don't like sharing my victories as they all start feeling bad about themselves. But today was huge and I want to share with someone other than my amazing and supportive mom. I laid down today to do sit-ups and I could actually see and feel my ribs starting to show through. I thought it was too good to be true so I videoed myself and lo and behold, I could see them quite prominently. I haven't seen them since 2015/2016. I am so excited! I can't see them standing up, obviously, but man was it a surprise laying down. Just really happy! I also tried on a shirt that was too tight before and now it is baggy. Anyway, that was my NSV. Thanks for listening!

So I've recently been hired for a new job. As part of the "Welcome Kit", this company sends new employees a company T-shirt. They sent a size medium and in the past, I would have known there was NOTHING I could do with a medium T-shirt except maybe hang it up and look at it. It would have been just another one of those small indignities that you have to live with when you are bigger than the rest of the world. But today, the T-shirt fits perfectly and I'm starting off my new job without a reminder that I'm different from everyone else. How sweet it is!

Good evening! I love baths - so relaxing and feeling wonderful. my bod is shrinking and i’m more submerged in the tub. Baths are getting better lol. What strange way do you notice your bod shrinking? Another one for me is my seatbelt doesn’t strangle me any more lol. Down 53lbs in just under 3 months. Let’s gooooooo people!!!

I am about 10 lbs from goal, so I decided to splurge on some nicer tops since 1- you can only see my tops on my work video conference calls and 2- I don't think I am going to go down another size. NSV 1: I'm in a freaking MEDIUM! at 5'10 - holy cow!!! And this isn't a "in specific loose cut tops I can squeeze into a medium" - I ordered a bunch of nice work tops and I fit into ALL the mediums. NSV 2: I bought a pair of knee high boots. They are wide calf, but a narrow wide calf if that makes sense. My legs have always been where I carry a lot of my weight so I've never really been able to wear true knee high boots. They fit perfect (even over pants) and they look GREAT!

I get to stop taking medication for diabetes!

A fun NSV. While on a call with my Dr. yesterday to check on some other things, she took a couple minutes to update my official medical record. Under issues, I used to have super morbidly obese --- she deleted it Also, on the scale front, officially 20 lbs to goal (which will also be half of my previous weight).