checking in..with pics..20 mths postop

Hey everyone!  Just me..checking in again.  I read the forum daily, just don't post an awful lot.  I always love to stop in and share pics, to motivate those starting at a higher weight like myself.  I remember being frustrated not finding many people over 300 when i first got on the forums.  I want those people to see what is possible.  No..i am not at goal yet..although I'm close.  I could be already at goal if I followed the plan like i should.  I am just so content where I'm at, and am just not overly concerned with those last pounds.  I will get them off..but if I don't..I'm still extremely happy.

I still have great restriction.  I can eat 2oz of dense protein, some days 2-1/2 oz.  When i eat that much protein, I have no room for anything else though.  I eat alot of cottage cheese (about 3/4 cup is a meal)..and when i eat eggs I can eat 1 scrambled egg and 1/2 piece of toast now.  I do not drink after eating or during eating..because it makes me feel ill.  I don't eat pasta or breads (toast is o****asionally)..both of these things make me feel sick to my stomach. 

I just recently had my labs done, and they checked to see if I am still clear of type 2 diabetes..and I am!!  I have not been on med's for diabetes since surgery, 20 mths ago.  My blood pressure is no longer high.  My cholesterol is great..my protein and calcium is great..and all my vitamins.  My only issue is I'm anemic.  My hemoglobin should be between 12-15..in October it was 10.9 and now in December it is 9.6..so it is dropping.  I need to get that in control.

starting at 354 lbs...32 jeans..4xl shirts..
so far..191 lbs...13 juniors jeans..XL shirts (some larges)

Ok..here are a few pics to motivate you all!!


a few before face shots..and a few current...




i love this...i lined up my body before..and today..how awesome to see the difference!!!



and here it is side by side...



Having surgery was my best decision ever..and I'm so thrilled with life now!

Great to see your results, going in for my sleeve on Thur. Hope i can have the same results!

Thursday?! Wow! You are so close to having your day..i'm so thrilled for you! I wish you the best of luck..

 Dawnie, you look amazing. I can see the transformation well in the other pictures, however the line up definitely shows how fantastic you've done. My doctor has pictures in his office and on his website of before and after, and I think your doctor needs to get you up on his wall!

I'm so proud of you!

Well thank you! I don't believe my doc has pics on his wall..will have to check on that though..i would love to be the movtivation someone is looking for..if all it takes is sharing my pic, I'd be happy to!

Thanks again!!

Thanks so much for this post. It is harder when you are in the 300's and most of the before and afters are people weighing 220 lbs before (not that I am knocking those people, weight loss and this journey is hard for everyone, I mean at one point I was only 220, and it is good that those people are proactive and have the surgery before they get bigger) but I digress... LOL,  It is good to have a model of what my potential results may be. And that I can be successful.

Thanks so much for this post!!! I love the picture where you lined up your body before and after it was very effective. You look so much more youthful and vibrant. I can't wait!!!

Your welcome!  And I know what you mean..we all struggle with our weight, but it is discouraging to see those who weigh 220-250 and their results, when we know being over 300 our journey may take a bit longer.  It's nice to have people to compare yourself with, although we know comparing our journey's isn't always a good idea either..as we are all so different.

And thank you for the youthful comment!! Being 41 yrs old..I WANT to look youthful! hahaha

You look fantastic!

thank you!!

 You are such a cutie with your short hair!  Love seeing your photos--you look like a completely different person.