18 mths postop (pics) and questions about flying

Just checking in, sharing pics with newbies..hoping to continue to give inspiration.  I especially love sharing pics because i know when i was a preop i didn't see alot of people at my starting weight, and i didn't know if surgery would really be able to help me or not.  I want everyone to know..you CAN do this..

I am 18 mths postop and i am still losing.  I will not stop until i get to my goal (which i am changing to 154).

QUESTION:  I am flying this Friday to South Carolina (from Michigan) for a week..and i'm so looking forward to it.  I haven't flown in years.  I was wondering though..I wear those spanx that you buy at Walmart..they have all the little hooks up the font of it...can you wear that at the airport? Will all those little hooks set anything off? I cannot imagine it would be any different than a zipper on jeans..??  Also..can you take your cell phone on the airplane? Can you talk or text with it while on the plane..or do they ask that they be turned off? Just curious?  I'm so excited to see how well i fit into the seats on the plane..yay!!


ok..check out the difference in 18 mths..awesome!!
354 lbs to 191..so far!!
size 32 jeans before...size 13 Juniors jeans..now..



354 lbs...191..


a face pic...before and now...


before and ready for a night out with the girls!


3 before face shots..and 3 current ones....





My life has completely changed...for the better!!  I am so happy...and i want you to know, if you are just beginning this journey..that you're in for a heck of a ride!!  I would do this all over again in a heartbeat..and i would recommend the sleeve to anyone...even with a high BMI such as mine. My BMI was 58.9...and i have no doubts that the sleeve is all i need and that i will be able to maintain my loss once i get to goal.  It's all about YOU and the choices you make. 

look at your bootie! How awesome is that (lol-sorry, noticed a big difference there!)


You look great as always!

Thank you!! I know..loving the booty so far! lol

You look like a completely different person. It is actually scary! Inspiring but scary! When I think about waking up one day and not recognizing myself in the mirror it is wierd! That's why I have an old picture of me as my avatar.. I keep looking at it and trying to get used to it coz that's what I am gonna look like again!!!! You look absolutely fabulous. Glad you are feeling good too.

I FEEL like a completely different person.  I still have days i cannot believe this new person is me.  I'm very happy.  I cannot wait to see your progress..and hope you share your journey on here also..

You are looking great. 
Plane rides, I hate them but can't seem to avoid them for more than a couple months.  Bra hooks jean zippers and stuff like that don't seem to set things off, but I have never used spanx so not sure what their hooks are going to do. A good hint is to wear a slide on shoe for going thru security, if they ask you to remove is super easy to take off and put back on( no holding up lines).  As for phones on board, they will ask that they be turned off for take off and landing.  If you want to use smart phone functions like camera, games, or making notes it is okay as long as you put your phone in aircraft mode (no transmitting, receiving) but if you want surf net or make calls/ text  it is still a no no.  Have a safe flight.  I am flying Nova Scotia Canada to Alberta Canada in 2 weeks so we will see if my little weight loss makes any difference in flying comfort.

Thank You!  I wondered if you have to take off your shoes at the airport.  I'll be wearing my short boots..w/3 inch heel..because i want to look awesome for those who are picking me up *smiles*  Guess I'll just have to be prepared to take them off.  I'll practise at home..make it quick! lol

I just have a basic phone..no internet, no smart anything..lol  Just use it for calling and texting.  Was hoping I could text while on the plane..but that is a no-no then?

I wish you a safe flight as well!  I have to fly out from one airport..to Detroit Metro..with only a one hour layover..then off to SC..cannot wait!!

No transmitting or receiving functions include texting. Sorry. But better safe than sorry.  Having travelled so much I have a got it almost down pat.  Tricks for ease of going thru security,  where as little jewellry as possible, no metal hair clips, no belts, wear slip on shoes, be prepared to remove your jacket/sweater, if travelling with laptop have it easy to take out for inspection, no liquids/creams/gels excect in clear less than 100ml/1ounce bottles in a clear baggie ready for inspection.  Don't try to go thru with bottle water/gatorade or any other drinks. You can get drinks other side of security. Don't forget to have picture ID.  I have more issues/frustations with unprepared travellers than I have with security as they hold up lines for stupid things.  Kudos to you for trying to be prepared for travelling and informing yourself about what is required for going thru security and on airplanes.

THank you ..you're being a big help with this information.  I definitely want to make it easy on myself getting through security, and also not be 'the one' who holds everything up.

Ok..another question..i will be bringing along my makeup (liquid base, eye shadow, etc..) and i want to bring along my perfume..can you bring perfume or hair spray?  I didn't see specifics on this stuff on the website for the airline.

Thanks again..

Hairspray depending on type, liquid spray, the 100ml restriction applies, if it is an aerosol then their are different regs check with your airline about aerosols. best bet is if it is liquid/cream/gel  keep it in the same clear baggie. Same with perfume it must be less then 100ml (3 OUNCES) container and kept in same clear baggie.

this is a list from canada transportation Security.

http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/page.aspx?id=5&pname=PermittedItems_ArticlesPermis&lang=en&CategoryID=4

Check on website for your airline they should have a list as well.