My Story

[Godismyeverything]

Hi I wanted to post this to encourage those who need to be encouraged. I started my journey January 19, 2012. I was 284lbs and a size 22/24 at my largest. My sleeve was the best thing that has happened to me health wise. My belief is that in order to really be successful in this or anything in life you have to have the right mind set. I knew going into this that this was still going to be work for me. I knew it was not just about losing weight fast! I knew that there would be a maintence phase! And that is when the real work/test would start. This just like anything else takes dedication, motivation and DETERMINATION!!!

I never had stalls but I did have weeks when I only lost 1 or 2lbs, which did not discourage me b/c at least I was going in the right direction. I have lost 126lbs and I am down to a size 6/8 I look and feel much healthier. I started exercising 7 days after my procedure. I started walking 30mins around a track. I slowly added weights then I added step aerobics, jogging, strenght training classed and zumba. I know teach an aerobics class. I am self motivated b/c people around you are not always as motivated to do what you do. I am not a fanatic about working out but my life has changed so much that if I miss my usual day my body is telling me it wants to work out. My husband has been VERY supportive and even works out with me when he can. What I am saying to you is that even though you have this surgery please know you will still have to watch what you are putting in your body and you will have to work out. The surgery is the easy part the getting to your goal and maintenance is the hard part. You will have not so good days but don't let that get you down.... you have to pick yourself up....encourage yourself and do better.

I look back at pics of myself and say wow I never saw myself as being as big and out of shape as I was. I do thank God for this procedure and my change of heart and attitude. Losing weight was weird at first after I lost my biggest roll in the middle I was standing in church and I was like what am I suppose to do with my arms they had nothing to rest on...LOL I felt like I was missing something..I was a roll of fat! You can do this listen to your body and ONLY talk to people who will encourage you and help you, don't listen to negative things or people. I hope this has helped someone.

Robin

[Think]

What an inspirational post!!!

Congrats to all you have achieved, and continue to do so. It is SO wonderful to hear transformation stories like this. Did you think that several years ago you would be teaching aerobics? I bet not.

I walk for exercise, and do some Zumba and barre exercises with my Fluidity bar on good days. As the weight is coming off, the good days are getting more frequent and I feel better in general.

I am grateful for my decision to have the sleeve, and it sounds like you are too!! Just trying to squeeze off that last 20 pounds. :-)

[tinman]

Great Post!!!

[MELR]

Awesome! I really look forward to being able to workout. I would love to run a 5k or half-marathon with my daughters one day. Gotta keep my eyes on the goal.

I know going into this that I will have to do the work after the surgery. It really is not a magic trick.

Great post.

[erinja]

thank you for the words of wisdom from someone who has walked the walk. How amazing that you are now teaching an aerobics class.

[mis770]

I love this post!!Thank you!!

[betterme]

Thank you for your post, it's very inspiring!!