1 year later...100 pounds lighter!

[kaileyb89]

Celebrating my "surgiversary" today! I weighed in this morning exactly 100 lbs lighter than the morning I went on the pre-op diet.

For all of you that are just starting, I want you to know this is NOT an easy fix. I also want you to know the urge to overeat NEVER goes away for some people, including myself...however this surgery has given me something I never had before: confidence!

I was always a heavy child growing up...I remember being called "big-boned" by friends and fat by everyone else, while growing up. Food was a source of entertainment for the family. I never thought much about portion control, and I just ate til the food was off of my plate.

In this last year, I got out of an unhealthy relationship and found a great man in my life; lost a significant amount of weight; and regained confidence I haven't had in years- maybe that I never had before. I am more sure now than ever before I am prepared for whatever comes my way! Thanks for letting me share all of my excitement, advice, jibber-jabber...etc.

What I want to share with you all is this...just a few reminders (this is good for me to put in writing as well, for a reminder to myself!)
1. Use smaller plates or bowls when eating. This will resist your urge to stuff the plate and ATTEMPT to eat more than you should...also, try the baby forks and spoons. I love mine!
2. DO NOT drink water from a straw...it will stretch out your sleeve faster. I learned that after disobeying MD orders not thinking a thing about it- and he told me the bad effects, so take it seriously. I only warn you, because I can't assume I'm the only REBEL out there
3. I recommend doing the sleeve test every 3 months. It's a good way to check yourself, and restart weight loss when you get stuck.
4. This surgery will help you drop significant weight, but take advantage of the opportunities it'll give you to work out; try new things! I've taken up hiking, biking, rock climbing, and running- things I never dreamed would be hobbies. It's a great opportunity to rediscover YOU!
5. DO NOT FORGET WHERE YOU CAME FROM. My cousin and I had the surgery done at the same time, and since then has lost several friends. They think she has become too arrogant to be friends with- and she makes fun of obesity, as if she was not just there. Don't be THAT GIRL (or GUY).
6. Use this site for encouragement. I don't know how many times, I felt like turning to chocolate or candy - but this site, these people (Y'ALL) kept me honest. It is a great support system. So glad I joined!!
7. The excess skin will happen, some more than others, but remember to tone and exercise while you're going...this will help tremendously!
8. ENJOY THE JOURNEY- it'll be a lifetime...but I look forward to each day in my new healthy state!

If you guys ever want to talk, I'm always here. I remember having so many questions when I first got started. Good Luck to everyone no matter where they are at in this process. We're all in it TOGETHER!

[sonogirl]

great job! Thanks for sharing you story it is so inspirational!!! I know when I was researching and trying to figure out if this was really the best thing for me and now that I have had it done 6 weeks ago and from 252 to 209 so far I couldn't be happier with my decision and seeing your pics and before and afters also helped me decide. I was on my way to becoming diabetic and that was what made me say okay your to young to have this problem so "okay I'm doing this" and so far my blood sugar issues are almost completely gone yay!!! Im super happy and I get compliments all the time and I cant wait until I hit my 100 lbs mark! Thanks again for sharing !! Also what is the sleeve test??

[Narasweet]

Great post, well done and good advice

[kaileyb89]

Thanks ladies! The sleeve test is what I call it...it's really the pouch test- it is a good way to make sure you are not stretching your sleeve out. Check this website out: Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test - congrats on your success so far!!

[Marvinator]

You look phenomenal. Quite an accomplishment and thanks for the tips.

[megs17]

Congratulations and thanks for posting this! My surgery is next Tuesday and I'm starting to get excited and a little nervous.

[Michellemo]

Great job!

[Starting over]

Thanks Kailey fir sharing... I'm almost two months out and feeling fine. Sometimes I can only eat a few bites and that worries me at times. Can you give me some feedback on hair loss, not happened yet... That concerns me....

[LtWeight]

Congratulations on your success! Thanks for the advice too.

[ShannaBanana]

Way to go

[Marvinator]

You too Shanna. 165 pounds in 8 months is incredible.

[ShannaBanana]

Awww Ty. I'm working hard. I'm not giving up yet. I'm gonna reach my goal.

[aboutime4me]

Your surgiversary is to be celebrated and with great fanfare too! I'm doing the happy dance for you. This is a life changer for all of us...and you've had such great success. Wishing you all the continued very best and reaching your personal goal. Look at all the years you've added to your life and the life you've added to your years!!!!