What a difference a year makes... (Pictures - size 20 to size 4!)

[sarahcc 184]

Great post! I luv the fact that ur no longer on a diet. I was banded 3 1/2 yrs ago (awaiting revision to sleeve) and lost 104 lbs eating everything, just smaller quantities. Its why I even had wls _ so that Id never have to diet again. I luv being able to eat anything (including Taco Bell and Jack in the Box) and still lose weight.

However, since my band slipped, Im counting calories. My band is totally unfilled and can eat alot more. So I've gained about 22 lbs. My fault. I own my mistakes. But if I wanted to watch what I ate and count calories I wouldn't be having the band or the sleeve. Im having the sleeve done because Im no good at watching what I eat. I've proven that recently with the weight gain.

Congrats on ur achievment. I hope to be u when I grow up!

I love the accountability but don't beat yourself up over it please!! Dieting never worked for me and if I ever had to go back to counting calories like the old days I would have a really hard time. What I really like most about the sleeve is that it really does help by force -- obviously you can't eat as much by far -- but it also promotes lifestyle changes too. I can honestly say that because I get so many fewer calories and nutrients on a daily basis, my body CRAVES healthy food. For example, I eat salad ALL the time now, and I was never a huge fan before -- it wasn't filling enough and always left me wanting more... a waste of time, if you will. Now it's perfect. And I get my fat from healthier sources like cheese, nuts and avocados. Fish is my preferred meat because it feels so soft and good digesting in my stomach. I've learned that the closer I can get to a raw and/or natural diet, the easier it is on my stomach and in the process I'm SO much healthier. That being said, I also eat plenty of ice cream, or a super greasy burger (well, half of one) when I'm hung over, LOL. I also indulge in french fries from time to time, and during my period just TRY to take a piece of chocolate away from me!

Anyway, Please feel free to follow up with me if there's anything I can help with along the way for you!!

[sarahcc 184]

Wow your a total insperation!!! You look awesome!! Great job hope I have the same sucess as you have.. did you exercise a lot?

Thank you! And I started exercising after the bulk of the weight had come off. I just wanted to get a lot of the excess off first and take it easy, and use my energy as effectively as possible. Now that I'm in maintenance, I usually cycle between running and toning exercises like squats to try and tighten up and finish leaning out my body.

[stephshort99 7]

Wow!!! That's amazing!!

[sarahcc 184]

Wow!!! That's amazing!!

Thank you! If I can do it, anyone can

[Gastric sleeve over 50 5]

You said you started exercising after the bulk of weight came off what was your weight when you started? Also how many months out?

At my current weight I have a hard time exercising.

[albertagirl 15]

You look seriously amazing! What an inspiration!

[katierebecca83 74]

Wow! You look amazing! Congratulations!

[JProx 161]

Wow what difference!!!!

[need2bthin! 235]

You look wonderful!!! Such an inspiration!! I see the surgeon next month

[Karen H. 43]

You are lovely! Thank you for all the information you included. This was a very well constructed post.

[?? 2013 7]

You were same age same height and almost the same weight.....as me....this is awesome! !!

[Sherri297 81]

What a beautiful transformation. In your before pictures your still beautiful, you just look so sad. Congratulations on making all the way to the other side. Embrace your new life, health and body.

[NMJG 1,266]

Congratulations! This is so inspiring

[California_Chick95969 59]

You looook absolutely gorgeous girl!! Rock ur new self..

[BewhoGodcreatedmetobe 124]

Beyond Amazing!!!! Go Go GO GIrl!!!