1 Year Surgeriversary w/Pics!!

How time flies!! It has now been a year since my VSG surgery and it's been such a fantastic, wonderful journey. In the past year, I have lost 164 lbs!! That's literally a whole other person! I have been holding steady at around 184-185 and I'm just enjoying my smaller self now. As I am now in the home stretch, it has been getting more difficult to lose but mostly because I am not as strict with myself as I was. That paired with summer vacations means I am eating more than usual. I would be happy losing another 15-20 lbs. My doctors are satisfied with my progress and are kind of letting me set my own goals.

I have noticed a significant increase in my capacity. I can eat about 6-8 oz. now - 6oz of dense protein, typically (I started at like 4-5oz). My biggest issue in this phase is not eating the wrong things but eating MORE of the right things. I have been able to steadily lose by keeping calories at 1,000. Protein at over 75. Carbs at under 50. 

Other than feeling great, the boost in confidence has been insane. It's crazy how the world reacts to you differently at a smaller size, and it's been so long since I was in the 180s, that I almost forgot! I have experienced a whirlwind of NSVs over the past year. I went to a water park last weekend and had to get weighed for one of the slides, and I wasn't doing it in fear, shame, and embarrassment. My body is just so much more...agile now. I love being able to sit in seats and not worry if they will break. I love shopping for clothes (maybe a little too much). I love being more comfortable in my own skin.

One thing that I have noticed is that I think my gallbladder is starting to become an issue. I have been experiencing dull aches under my ribcage - on both the left and right sides. I have an appointment in a few days so I will mention this to my surgeon, but it may have to get it out of there soon. 

As far as loose skin is concerned, it's not tragic but it's not cute either. My arms and legs are OK for the most part, but my belly is pretty flabby. My next step in this journey is going to be to actually do strength training (all I did to lose weight was really just walk everywhere), and then possibly look into a skin removal/tummy tuck - which my surgeon is going to try to get partially covered via insurance (for panni removal).

This board has been a great resource for me and one of the biggest reasons I kept coming back was to read all the success stories of veterans on here, so I had to share an update on my journey so far!

Now without further ado, some numbers and pictures!!

Inches Lost

Neck: -5

Waist: -20.5

Hips: -17 (my butt disappeared!)

Bust: - 17

Thigh: -8

Calf: -5

Upper arm: -7

Total lost: 79.5!!

I went from wearing a 22 pant/dress, 3XL shirt, 44I bra to a 12 pant/dress, Large shirt, and 36H bra.

Fantastic job!!

Thank you!!!

 You look fantastic :) Congrats 

FANTASTIC!!!! Congratulations, you lookc great.

Amazing!  Great job and thanks for the inspiration.

You've done an amazing job!   Way to go, and thanks for the inspiration.   You look great!

Great job and great pics - they really show your progress!  

Tracy,

Nice to see you here. I have been thinking of you. Just want to thank you for all the inspiration that you have given me over the last 18 months.

Happy Monday

R

Took on a new job with elevated pay and a LOT more responsibility.  Not as much time to get on here these days - but I'm glad I came on today and saw your post! :-)