19 mths postop..pictures as always and plastics talk

Hey everyone! My typical once a mth or so sharing of pics to help motivate others..especially those of us with higher starting weights.   So for all the newbies on this forum..i hope my pics help motivate you that you can do it!!

I am 5ft 5 inches tall..starting at 354 lbs and size 32 jeans, 4xl shirts...today I am 191 lbs so far..size 13 Juniors jeans..large shirts...

I am extremely happy with my progress..and with my restriction.  I still can only eat 2-1/2 oz of dense protein..that is it..nothing else..and i am happy with that! (everyone is different w/restriction..so don't feel bad if you can eat more..or less).

I need some plastic surgery..for loose skin.  My arms are horrible, my inner thighs are horrible..my butt is saggy..and my stomach hangs.  I just had my consultation with my surgeon regarding the tummy tuck..and all my information was submitted to the insurance company yesterday.  I was told i would find out if it is covered within 10--14 days..so here i wait.  I'm not too worried, as he said there should not be a problem, and a few friends with the same insurance just recently had it covered as well.  I was told i could get on the schedule for january..awesome!!!

Regarding my sleeve..best decision ever.  So very happy. My life is so much easier..I'm so much happier..and so much healthier!

If you ever have questions..please feel free to ask me here..or privately..i'm always open to talk! 

before and now...



below..right after being sleeved in the hospital..and two current face pics




below...before surgery..and now..



below..a side view before..and today...


by the way...I am 41 years old...for those who wonder if you look younger or older after weight loss..

Oh my gosh! You look amazing! You have one of the best before and after pics! You are unrecognizable! You definitely look like you could pass for your 20s now.
How do you feel like strangers are reacting to you now?

aww..thank you so much!   Such nice compliments!  I feel so good..and strangers definitely react differently to me now.  I get guys holding doors open for me now..where they wouldn't have before..and even women who look at me and talk now..that probably wouldn't have before.  I've always been outgoing and loved to talk, but i do notice that now people respond to me..don't ignore me as much.

Dawnie, you look amazing! Good on ya, girl!

Thank you!!

fan-freakin'-tastic!!!!  you do look loads younger and the blonde hair suits you!!!! i'm at 11 mos next week and still feel fat and DEFINITELY don't look as great as you -- wah-wah -- bravo to you.  i know you must be thrilled!  i can't wait until get into smaller pants sizes!!!!! 

well thank you so much!! I do like the blonde hair also.  I have tried many colors..and many shades of each color..am sticking w/my current color though..

WOW!!!  You look amazing. 

My surgery is scheduled for 12/23 and I'm so nervous.  I thought about cancelling the surgery at one time but I know it's something that I need to do.  My thoughts were....."will I miss food...what if it doesn't work for me....will it make my GERD worst....etc"  So many doubts sometimes makes me questions is the truly the right decision for me. But post like this helps motivate me and I know this is right for me.  Thanks.

Well i'm happy if my post can help ease your mind even a little.  I know I had second thoughts and many fears before surgery.  I wanted to back out and go home on the day of surgery..so happy i stuck it through.  My life is so much better..i am so much happier. I cannot tell you what is right for you..but I know for me..I needed this surgery..I know I could not have this life i have now without having had my sleeve.  best decision ever..for me!

I hardly post anymore but wanted to let you know what you are feeling is NORMAL!!!!!  And don't be surprised if you have 'buyer's remourse' after the surgery even, that too is normal and I had it BAD.  You will miss food for a bit, I can almost guarantee it, but guess what? It gets better!  I'm almost 2 years out and although I have not lost as much as I'd like (my fault!) the sleeve does a wonderful job, it WILL work.  My GERD has not gotten any worse and I can (and do) really eat any food that inspires me. I hardly ever eat rice, pasta, bread anymore because it just doesn't appeal to me.  I'd rather use this little bit of stomach space on yummy foods that hold more appeal that 'cheap, empty' fillers. lol. Hope that makes sense! Tonight I had part of a small chili from Wendy's for dinner.  About once a month I have one small slice of pizza for dinner and I'm stuffed.  I eat steak, chicken, ribs, fish, shrimp, crab.... you name it.  If I'm at someone's house and they are having spaghetti I will have some, but not much, I just don't love it anymore.  I truly crave better quality foods now that I've adjusted my thinking.

Good luck!  Feel free to message me if you want to chat.