One year update

Ariana_Rose
on 7/5/12 12:19 am, edited 7/5/12 12:38 am - NJ

This year went by incredibly fast - I'm LOVING my new life, let me tell you! I have stopped counting my calories and carbs, I know some may disagree with this tactic, but the reality is I am not going to sit there and plug in everything that I eat for the rest of my life. I need to learn what I should and should not eat, and what works and does not work without being attached to MFP. I work out every day, three times a week with a trainer, and have started running over the past few months. I am less then perfect about taking my vitamins, but my 1 year bloodwork was on point. I have lost a total of 139 pounds this year, and could not be happier. I was miserable after I had surgery, but looking back I am thrilled that I pushed through it. I never imagined walking into any store I want to and being able to pull a size 14 jeans down and having them fit, sharing clothes with my "skinny" best friend or being able to wear heels all night and not be in excruciating pain. I am getting ready to go to Aruba, and for once I am not worried about if I am going to be comfortable flying, or if will be able to participate in all of the activities that my family has planned. I have about 40 pounds left to lose, which should be done by the end of the year. I am not in any type of race with anyone else on this site, its not a competition - your body and food choices dictate how fast you are going to lose the weight, and I am at the perfect pace for me.For me, this was my last option, I tried countless diets, working out with trainers, seeing nutritionists and no matter how hard I tried, I could not keep the weight that I lost, off. This surgery was the best thing that I have ever done; for those of you who are considering surgey, I encourage you to do your research, make sure this is the correct surgery for you (and that you are ready to commit to lifestyle changes), meet with different surgeons if you feel the need, use this forum to your advantage, and talk with the veterans/people who have been in your shoes, they will tell you how it is.

July 2011
(for those who have seen my posts before, this is my favorite before picture, so I use it for everything)

July 2012

"Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring." - St. Catherine of Sienna

Douglas W.
on 7/5/12 12:21 am - Woodbridge, VA

VSG on 08/06/12 with

Wow!! You look fantastic!!!

favrow812
on 7/5/12 12:21 am - Olathe, KS

VSG on 02/20/12

Great job! Congrats on your success!

There is only one success--to be able to spend your life in your own way.

kcquilter
on 7/5/12 12:32 am

VSG on 11/10/11

WOW! What a change, you look great. I am 8 months out & liked your post as well, very motivating.

anninva
on 7/5/12 12:35 am - Arlington, VA

VSG on 01/10/11 with

Ohmigod, you look fabulous!!!!!! and isn't that going-into-a-store thing the greatest!! have a great time in Aruba. You are truly rocking that sleeve!!!!