Has it really been one full year?

[BlackBerryJuice 349]

I'm up at 1 am, jet-lagged to bits, and then I realize - today's August 9th! It's officially my 1-year sleeversary!

One year ago I was resting up at my hotel in Mexicali, getting ready for my VSG with Dr. Aceves. I had been perusing other people's profiles on this board, watching other people lose tens of pounds a month, and fantasizing over how nice it'd be to finally get into the 150s for the first time in my life. Little did I know that a mere 6 months later, I'd hit 140, and even see 130s on the scale (maintaining 130 proved to be more work than I was willing to do, haha). The best part is that not only did I lose weight - which has happened many times before, although not to the same extent - but that my weight has been stable for months! It's amazing to have dessert without guilt and let go of 6x/week cardio sessions. I still work out regularly, but 3 times a week is enough. I try to make the bulk of my food intake healthy, but generally I eat what I want - and yes, this may include lots of chocolate and the like. It's almost like my body WANTS to maintain my new, healthy weight. I just got back from one month of travel, where I hardly exercised save for walking and some bike riding and ate TONS of chocolates and fatty things my mom cooked, and guess how much weight I've gained? I'VE LOST A POUND!!! That's how great it is! And did I mention I've had no complaints or complications? The only downside has been mild occasional reflux - maybe once every two weeks, and most of the time I don't even take an antacid.

I've been posting progress pix in my swimsuit since my VSG, you can see those if you want to check out my album, but today I decided to upload some candids. One, in the t-shirt and pants, is from a week before my surgery; the other, in the blue dress, is from a month ago. I went from 208 lbs to 139-140 and size 16-18/XL to size 6-8/S-M, and I even have some XS and size 4s in my closet!

I haven't been posting as much as before due to travelling and being busy with school, but rest assured, I think of the folks on this board often! Good luck to those who are still on their journey and to those who are still thinking about having this surgery - GO FOR IT! If you have any questions, I'll make sure to check this thread and respond to them, although don't fret if it takes a few days.

[coops 1,790]

Hey Blabkberryjuice!

Doesn't time fly when you are having fun...

Congrats on your year anniversary and congrats on maintaing! You've done brilliantly and you look amazing; fit, strong and healthy!

Interesting that you have cut your exercise down to maintain...

Glad to see you back on here! =]

[thinoneday 445]

Great news to hear your maintaining, just be careful with that chocolate though. . . good luck

[Papa Jack 86]

GREAT! Thanks for the update. Very good information.

[mnbsleeve 87]

BlackBerryJuice, I always enjoy reading your posts and seeing your progress through your pics. You have been very inspiring! You look FANTASTIC and it's great to read that you are doing so well! Thank you for your post and update! Congratulations on your amazing journey!!!!

[kellyw74 258]

WOW!! GOOD FOR YOU!!

You look AWESOME!!

Kelly

[ToDream 18]

Congratulations on your sleeve-versary! Thank you so much for meting with me before my VSG... you're an inspiration!

[MINI-Me 196]

WOW! You look so tiny. I'm trying to maintain between 125 - 128 & I swear you look like you weigh 115 or so. Nice work!

[mb20mom 9]

You look so great - congratulations! You're fortunate to not have any loose skin on your stomach. You look like you've been fit your whole life. My surgery was 18 mos ago and I'm still struggling to get into the 150's, so you are an inspiration to keep going. Thanks for sharing and giving us the update.

[sleeve 4 me 910]

Wow BBJ! You look awesome! Time does fly by so quickly. I will be 1 year out on the 27th...CONGRATS!!!!!!!!

[Lila21 36]

BBJ, I haven't seen you in a while! Congratulations on your sleevaversary--you LOOK SO FABULOUS!!!

[Candace2314 117]

Congrats!!!! You look amazing

[ismini9 3]

WOW!!! Congrats! You look great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to see my results in a year's time...

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

Congratulations! Life with the sleeve is so great and I am really glad to hear you are enjoying life and maintaining!

[abby 0]

Congratz ~

you look great ,,

am happy to hear you are enjoying your life and being busy with things

inspirational !