VSG Maintenance Group
2 years ago (Cross post with VSGMain)
Well, it's hard to believe, but it's been 2 years since my VSG. and what I difference those 2 years make.
I made it to my arbitrary goal of 150lbs in about 10months. and have pretty much maintained there since (though I'm probably up 5ish lbs but I haven't been on a scale in a couple of months). Ideally, I'd like to be at a 25BMI, but for my height, I'd need to lose another 20lbs and I'm not certain how likely that is. Plastics are also in my future at some point as I really need (would like?) a breast lift and tummy tuck. The saggy skin really does bother me if I focus on it.
The differences in my life are so numerous but I think the biggest and most important is confidence and learning how to stand up for myself. When I was overweight, I used to think and believe I didn't matter. and while I still struggle with low self esteem, I'm a lot better than I used to be.
Food will always be an issue, esp. evil carbs, but fortunately, my VSG allows me to eat very little of these items if I make a less than optimal choice. I do tend to get RH from huge amounts of carbs (esp. breads) so that also helps with behavior modification as well.
There's several before pics in my profile, but here's the obligatory after pants pic. I found these jeans when I was packing. It's the only clothing I saved from my fat days and I could stand in one leg (I believe these are a size 4 or 5 jean from Lane Bryant..and I now wear a 6 or 8 in Gap/Banana Republic/J Crew...). It isn't a great quality pic (and I look like heck as I was packing...) but it's still pretty amazing so I'm sharing it anyways. Even the dog is wondering what's up!
http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j468/michellemj3/pants.jpg
(I can't get the photo to paste directly in here...)
I don't post much anymore (I do lurk) because part of me feels like a failure since I never made it to that 25BMI. It's that self esteem issue...but I'm still grateful to OH and all its vets!
I made it to my arbitrary goal of 150lbs in about 10months. and have pretty much maintained there since (though I'm probably up 5ish lbs but I haven't been on a scale in a couple of months). Ideally, I'd like to be at a 25BMI, but for my height, I'd need to lose another 20lbs and I'm not certain how likely that is. Plastics are also in my future at some point as I really need (would like?) a breast lift and tummy tuck. The saggy skin really does bother me if I focus on it.
The differences in my life are so numerous but I think the biggest and most important is confidence and learning how to stand up for myself. When I was overweight, I used to think and believe I didn't matter. and while I still struggle with low self esteem, I'm a lot better than I used to be.
Food will always be an issue, esp. evil carbs, but fortunately, my VSG allows me to eat very little of these items if I make a less than optimal choice. I do tend to get RH from huge amounts of carbs (esp. breads) so that also helps with behavior modification as well.
There's several before pics in my profile, but here's the obligatory after pants pic. I found these jeans when I was packing. It's the only clothing I saved from my fat days and I could stand in one leg (I believe these are a size 4 or 5 jean from Lane Bryant..and I now wear a 6 or 8 in Gap/Banana Republic/J Crew...). It isn't a great quality pic (and I look like heck as I was packing...) but it's still pretty amazing so I'm sharing it anyways. Even the dog is wondering what's up!
http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j468/michellemj3/pants.jpg
(I can't get the photo to paste directly in here...)
I don't post much anymore (I do lurk) because part of me feels like a failure since I never made it to that 25BMI. It's that self esteem issue...but I'm still grateful to OH and all its vets!
HW: 280; SW: 255; GW1: 150; CW: 155.
You've done great! I know what you mean about beating yourself up over the 25BMI thing. I'm at about a 26 BMI right now and I feel sorry for myself sometimes. But then reality kicks in and I remember that 26 is a FAR CRY from 40+ BMI! Keep rockin' it sista!
5'5" Goal reached, but fighting regain. Back to Basics.
Start Weight 246 Goal Weight 160 Current Weight 183
Starting size: 22, 2x
Current size: 12, L
Hi Michelle, Nice to see you again.
You should know from reading on this board, that everyone has their own journey in life and especially in weight loss. If you are happy with your body, it's your body and your choice. You've done really well and you should be proud of your weight loss.
From reading here, people with the same BMI can look so different and wear very different sized clothing. One tip my surgeon told me to do was to weigh daily after reaching my personal goal. And to not gain anymore than 3 or 4 pounds. More than that can get out of hand. And I did gain 7 lbs before I cracked down on myself. I've lost those 7 lbs and am very, very careful now about the carbs I eat. I do not want to get fat again.
Hugs to you. It's your journey...
You should know from reading on this board, that everyone has their own journey in life and especially in weight loss. If you are happy with your body, it's your body and your choice. You've done really well and you should be proud of your weight loss.
From reading here, people with the same BMI can look so different and wear very different sized clothing. One tip my surgeon told me to do was to weigh daily after reaching my personal goal. And to not gain anymore than 3 or 4 pounds. More than that can get out of hand. And I did gain 7 lbs before I cracked down on myself. I've lost those 7 lbs and am very, very careful now about the carbs I eat. I do not want to get fat again.
Hugs to you. It's your journey...
Congrats on two very successful years. I hope tht you can stop beating up on yourself be use you are not a failure. I wasn't able to see your pic but I bet you look great!
My BMI is under 25 and we wear the same size jeans. I am no more successful for a number on the BMI chart.
Food is still an issue for me. You are not alone!
My BMI is under 25 and we wear the same size jeans. I am no more successful for a number on the BMI chart.
Food is still an issue for me. You are not alone!
HW: 249 SW: 229 GW: 149 Age: 63 - Body by Sauceda - 12/2011
Michelle, you have done FANTASTIC!! Maintaining your weight loss is the most challenging part of ths journey and you are doing this quite well. BMI is only a number and doesn't take into account, frame size, muscle mass, and any number of other factors. Please don't beat yourself up for what you think you haven't accomplished. Celebrate the over 120 lb weight loss. You have every reason to hold your head high.
Congratulations for a job well done!!
Food will always be an issue for me, too. You have a lot of company with this issue.
Gail
Congratulations for a job well done!!
Food will always be an issue for me, too. You have a lot of company with this issue.
Gail
" 
I've seen failure...And I have met you in person.
Believe me...you are very successful!!!
A 25 BMI or below is not for everyone. You can't use a generic measurement tool and apply it to everyone. We are all unique and can't be measured against a stat.
If that was true I would be a failure since my BMI is about 27.
I don't consider myself a failure and neither should you.
Believe me...you are very successful!!!
A 25 BMI or below is not for everyone. You can't use a generic measurement tool and apply it to everyone. We are all unique and can't be measured against a stat.
If that was true I would be a failure since my BMI is about 27.
I don't consider myself a failure and neither should you.
Highest Weight: 380 Consult Weight: 357 Surgery Weight: 309
Goal Weight: 220 (9/29/10) Revised Goal Range 215-220 Current Weight: 224
Plastics: Circumferential Lower Body Lift - 11/18/2011
Gynecomastia - 6/14/2012
