Happy Easter (And some motivational pics...if you need them)

Hi everyone.  I hope that those of you who, like me, celebrated Easter today, had a wonderful celebration.  It's been just over two years since I had my surgery in 2010.  I can't believe how different my life is today.  For the most part, it's great, but as we all know this surgery comes with a lot of ups and downs.  Today, more than ever, I was reminded of how much freedom this surgery has given me and those who love me.  Free to travel, free to live, free to love.  The first photo below was taken just before my surgery at my heaviest weight.  The second was taken two weeks ago.  And the final set of photos are from today.  (Yes, I guess I channeled Marilyn for a moment:-))

I wish all of you, wherever you are on this amazing journey, much peace, love and joy.



 

You look absolutely amazing!! Congrats!! How long did it tske to lose all the weight?? When did it stop??

 Hi.  Thank you so much.  I set my first goal at 175 pounds (my estimation of my weight in high school) and I reached that after about 10 months.  I stuck to the plan and by the time of my one-year follow-up, I was 168 or 169.  At that time, we set a new goal of about 155.  I probably reached that in May or June of last year.  So that would have been 16 months after surgery.  And  that's were I am today.  I generally fluctuate with 3-4 lbs of that in either direction.  I exercise a lot (Zumba is my favorite), so to maintain I did have to increase my calorie consumption a bit, but I did that with the help of my nutritionist.  For the first 16 months ****il goal), I had a protein goal of 60-70 grams per day and consumed 800 calories per day.  Of course, low carbs.  Now, I consume more like 1000-1100 per day.  And that's been helping me maintain.  I think, given the exercise, if I was still consuming just 800 calories per day, I'd probably still be losing.

Best wishes to you.  If you want to talk more about it or want more detail, I'm totally open to sharing. 

 You look great!!!! Thanks for sharing. I am only 5 1/2 months into my journey. I love hearing success stories.

 Thank you.  Looks like you're doing wonderfully so far.  Keep up the great work.

You look wonderful!

 Thanks!

you go girl can,t wait to start my journey!

You look fantastic!! I did the same as you and made my goal for 175 then changed to 165 when I kept losing. Finally I'm settled around 158 and fluctuate a couple this way and that. I'm very slow on the exercise portion, but am going to involve my son, so that should help us both out.  Continued good wishes on your lifelong journey!!
~Christine

Awesome!!!  Your hard work has paid off. You look gorgeous! Hope you had a Blessed Easter.
 God Bless