My two year surgiversary, with a before and after picture!

Dear DC,

Your (Then and Now) pictures are so astounding that many people may focus on them and not fully read the text portion of your post.  It is profound and worth rereading. 

Thank you,

Thanks, Sharon!  I'm glad it resonates with you.  You're a year out, and I don't see a ticker but I hope you're working your plan as much as you can :)

Oh Em, you are truly an inspiration and I LOVE when you post!!!    Congrats on your two year surgiversary!!!

Thanks, Melissa!  Keep on keeping on - I saw that you sold your house and are living in your parents basement - EEEK!  If something is going to test your willpower, that is it!  But you are doing so great so keep your eye on the prize and don't let the stress derail you :)  I will be crossing my fingers for you!

I am trying to get the stress carb head hunger get to me.....some days are better then others! lol

Love this post. Really honest and it describes the reality of life after the honeymoon. I've never cared for the "lost forever" posts and I think your warning is spot on.

And you look fantastic!! Congratulations on seeing the rewards of all of your hard work.

Year 3 Here you come!

Congratulations to YOU for being at goal, five years post surgery.  I plan to be in your shoes three years from now!  It's a daily struggle...I know I keep saying that, but I really find it to be true.  It's so good to see successful "losers" like you on here!

I have no idea why I have replied to you twice and it shows up under other people's posts!  Third time is a charm?  Here is my original reply:

Thanks, Audrey!  I guess misery does love company, because it's always reassuring to know that maintenance is hard for everyone.  I love seeing your progress and your hard work has paid off, in spades!  I can't believe two years has passed.  Time flies when you're having fun :)

Nice pics!  You look great and your description is spot on.  I went to my husband's office party friday and drank for the first time since I started this journey.  Of course, being me, I had several glasses of wine over a period of about 5 hours.  Then I snacked when I got home.  UGH!  I felt so gross the rest of the weekend.  I don't think I am ready for alcohol yet. 

Your warnings are wonderful.  I'm not far behind you and I feel myself becoming more relaxed about what I am eating.  I need to get back to the protein first days :)

Thanks for sharing your story!  I wanna see the arms too.  How was the surgery?  If you were going to choose one over the other, which would you do?

Alcohol is nothing but empty calories, and definitely leads to poor food choices, so while I don't abstain, I definitely try to stay mindful.  I also get drunker quicker, so be careful when you are out and about.  Especially when you first bring alcohol back in your life, it might be safer at home :)

My surgeries were not as tough as I thought they would be.  Arms were a breeze actually.  It's hard for me to prioritize because my "before" was sooooo saggy (I mean I lost 180 lbs!).  Plus, I am dating (not married) so I was especially horrified by the skin.  I was thinking stomach and breasts were my priority, but once the surgeon showed me how saggy my backside would look once I fixed the front, I realized I needed an LBL.  I thought I would avoid arms (I didn't want visible scars - at least the LBL and breasts are only visible to boyfriends) but once my body was looking good, my saggy arms stood out even more!  So I went under for arms about 8 weeks ago and had the easiest and fastest recovery!  I am so glad I did all three, but I know that's not realistic for everyone.  I suppose whatever bothers you most should be first.  I also know some people go to Mexico or to a teaching hospital to be able to afford multiple procedures!