I just wanted to start by saying thank you so much for all the sweet comments and notes I have received over the last 6+ months. So many people have reached out with the nicest messages asking if I have lost weight, what am I doing, that I look so happy and healthy, etc. I feel so blessed by this amazing community who is so supportive and kind. I have responded to many of you that I would be sharing all the details of my weight loss soon and that day is today! Over the last year I have lost 120 pounds and here is my story (warning. . .this post is long).
DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a doctor nor do I have any medical background. I am strictly sharing my story and experiences.
My Weight Loss Journey
BACKGROUND:
I haven’t always been overweight. I started struggling with my weight in college. It wasn’t something that consumed me, but I steadily started putting on weight. I would go through periods of time that it would bother me more than others so I would buckle down and lose some weight, but always struggled to keep it off and turn it into a lifestyle. When I got engaged I was around 200 lbs and knew I wanted to lose weight for my wedding. I am a pretty structured, type A person so when I set a goal I go all in. I lost 55 pounds just in time for my wedding. Soon after that I started to put it back on and then after I had kids. . .forget it. My weight spiraled up. There are lots of different reasons for being overweight, but for me personally one of my biggest issues was I could NEVER get full. No matter what I ate I was hungry 30 minutes after. I would eat a healthy meal, but then be ready for an entire other meal soon after. This was very frustrating, because I had to make the right healthy decision all day long. It wasn’t like I could eat healthy and then not think about it until the next meal. It was very consuming. I finally decided my choices were healthy/thin/miserable or overweight/happy. Well, the 2nd option won out. I didn’t like those 2 options, but I just couldn’t see a life where all I thought about was eating healthy, small portions, starving and miserable. That wasn’t the right choice for me. I will tell you, my life when I was overweight was very happy. Being overweight DID NOT DEFINE ME. Sure, I wished I was thinner, but my main frustration was this was one thing in the back of my mind I couldn’t get ahold of. I am by no means perfect and have a lot of weaknesses, but for the most part if I want something bad enough I do what it takes to achieve it. I will put in the work! This was one area, I just couldn’t conquer on my own so I made peace with it and went on with my life, but it was always in the back of my mind.
About 2 years ago a friend of mine started losing a lot of weight and I reached out to let them know they looked amazing, I was so proud of them and what were they doing to lose weight? They shared with me privately that they had weight loss surgery. I was extremely happy for them and their journey, but ignorantly didn’t think that was the right choice for me. I moved on and over the next several months continued to see their success so I reached out again to ask more details. I really didn’t know anything about weight loss surgery other than Gastric Bypass and after researching that years ago decided it wasn’t the right option for me. My friend had shared they had the Gastric Sleeve surgery and honestly I had never even heard of that. When they said “sleeve” I thought it was something like a band they put around your stomach. They went on to tell me more and that is when it peaked my interest and I started researching like a mad woman. One thing about me. . .I am a huge researcher. No matter what it is I will research it like crazy. Finding the best deal on something, decorating my home, the best pumpkin patches in town, etc. You name it, I am on it. This was no different. I took a deep dive in and learned as much as I could about Gastric Sleeve surgery.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a procedure where doctors remove part of your stomach and join the remaining parts together creating a sleeve like shape. They also remove part of the stomach that secrets a hormone that boosts your appetite. A smaller stomach and no appetite boosting hormone allows you to get full much faster so you eat less and lose weight. With this procedure nothing about your anatomy is “reworked”. You are not “by passing” any of your organs. Food processes the same way as before, but you have a much smaller stomach.
I talked to several doctors and joined several private Facebook groups to hear real peoples struggles, fears, regrets. I wanted the nitty gritty before I decided if this was for me. I will address pros/cons in depth in a later post, but overall the Dr. said it was a very safe procedure and there was more risk to not having the surgery, then having the surgery. The Dr. said that if done at a young age on average the procedure adds 10+ years to your life. It was also a tool that would allow me to be healthy without the miserable factor I dealt with trying to do it on my own! So after tons of research, I decided this was the solution I had been looking for. Last August (2018) I had Gastric Sleeve surgery and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. This surgery, plus eating low carb and working out helped me hit my personal weight loss goal of -120 lbs a week before my year anniversary. . .aka surgiversary.
MY REASONS WHY
The minute I decided I was going to have the surgery I knew I wanted to share it with all of you. I try to be very open, honest and real with you and I hope you feel that when you are here or watching my Instagram stories, etc. We are all living our lives, trying to do the best we can and can learn from each other. Whether that is the best deal on jeans or something much more meaningful. I am sharing my journey to hopefully help others. Maybe you are struggling with something similar, maybe you have been thin your whole life, but know someone else struggling, etc. Not that I am saying this is the only solution or that there even needs to be a solution. Losing weight is not what this life is all about. But. . .maybe it will show you another side of what some people struggle with. Maybe a friend has shared with you they are thinking about this surgery and you think it is a bad idea, they don’t need it, it is the easy way out, etc. . . hopefully me sharing this will help remove some of the stigma behind weight loss surgery and help you to see a different side.
My main reasons for having the surgery were to be more healthy so I could live a long life and be there for my kids/grandkids one day, to have freedom from food and to finally have a handle on something I have struggled with for 20 years. Luckily my weight had not caused any health issues. . .yet. I was not diabetic or on any meds due to being overweight, however I am not getting any younger and knew this was something I would always struggle with. I needed help in this area of my life, I could not do it alone. Weight loss surgery is a tool that I am so grateful for. The first time I heard it was a “tool” I kinda rolled my eyes, but that is the truth. It is NOT AN EASY WAY OUT, but for me it is a way out and that is what I needed. It is a tool that allows me to live my life in a healthier way, free from constantly thinking about food. It is not a fix all. I can put weight back on. I have to eat healthy, work out and make good decisions, but the sleeve gives me the power to do that. On my own, I was not able to. I really want people to understand that. Weight loss surgery has a stigma to it that I really hope and think will go away over time. There are many reasons for that, but one is lack of knowledge about it. There are many people out there who have had this surgery that don’t talk about it and that is totally fine. That is their choice. I wanted to share my story with everyone so you could see a behind the scenes, honest view of a person who struggled with their weight and found a solution that worked for her.
Why I waited to share
While I always planned on sharing this with you, I waited until I was a year out for several reasons. I wasn’t sure what this journey would be like and I didn’t want to go through it under a microscope. There are many reasons people struggle with food issues and while I thought I knew mine you can never be sure. While almost everyone I have ever heard of have this surgery is 100% glad they did and their only regret was “not doing it sooner”, I read about lots of struggles on their journey and I wanted to make sure if I had some of those that I allowed myself some privacy to get through them. Luckily, I did not go through anything like that. I had no depression or anything from this, but it is very common. If you are a food addict, limiting the food you can have can cause depression and other struggles you may have to work through. I also knew there would probably be lots of questions and while I am no expert, I do have a lot of knowledge about my experience a year out on this journey and am happy to share it. Many people in my personal life know about my surgery, but I have never shared it publicly until today. I have very supportive people in my life that I am lucky to call friends/family and they have been on this journey with me encouraging me and supporting me all the way. If you don’t have people like this in your life. . .look for them! YOU DESERVE IT!
I want to make very clear that while I am so happy that I have had this surgery, and it has changed my life by making me healthier, MY WEIGHT NEVER DEFINED ME. If you are at a place in your life where you struggle with weight just love yourself. Give yourself grace. Being overweight is not a character flaw! It is a struggle, and we all have them. Gastric Sleeve was the solution that worked for me and allowed me to gain freedom from food, but it did not change who I am. I am the same person now that I was 120 pounds heavier. I want to make sure to get that message across. While I have enjoyed some of the things that come with losing weight, like getting new clothes, etc, that does not define us and is not what is important in this life. Loving yourself in your own skin is what matters.
I am here to share my journey, to shed light on an option that worked for me and to try to help remove the stigma that goes along with all issues of weight and weight loss. I plan on sharing many more details about my journey. I will be going into way more detail about the actual surgery, what it looks like leading up to it, afterwards, biggest misconceptions, recipes, a day in the life, what I eat, vitamins, my decision process in depth, surgery day, different milestones, etc. If you have any questions feel free to post them below and I will do my best to address them in an upcoming post.
Thank you for following my blog and letting me share my weight loss story with you. Wherever you are in your journey I hope this post in some way inspires you. Whether that is to love the skin you are in or maybe to shed light on an option that might be a help to you like it was for me. I am so grateful to the person who was honest with me about this option. If they hadn’t been I may have never taken this path and it has truly been a blessing. I sincerely hope this is a place where we can all learn from each other and I promise to always “keep it real” with all of you.
Congratulations! I too had the sleeve and I am not public about my journey. I share with those in my circle who I know with not judge me and I have pulled away from those who I feel would think I was taking the easy way out. It was a hard decision to go through with the surgery but it was the right decision and I am glad I made it. I too wish I had done it sooner. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks so much. Congrats on your journey! It is not an easy one, but I know how rewarding it is! It is something to be proud of, not judged by. It takes courage to admit you need help and go get it! Proud of you!! Wish you all the best!!
You are beautiful on the inside and outside Elaine! Always here for you xoxo
Thanks Kelli! Appreciate your help and support during this process! xoxo
Love you and I am so proud of you! I know sharing your journey will help others! So very happy for you, friend!!!
Thanks so much!! Thanks for all of your support and being along on this ride with me! Love you back!
You are beautiful inside and out. Congratulations on your successful journey – it will be an inspiration to others! XOXO
Thanks so much friend!! That means a lot! xoxo
You were beautiful then and beautiful now! Love your blog and all the awesome tips & tricks of Living My Best Life!! Wishing you all the best with your new lifestyle!! ๐
Thank you so much Julie! That is so sweet!
Oh my
Gosh girl!! Love this post. Ok now I need all the deets and see if this is something I might need to consider. Will you DM me all the deets? DR, costs, etc..? Thanks girl.
Hey Tracy! Yes, I will send you a message and will be sharing all of these details on the blog in some upcoming posts!
You have always been so beautiful! Thanks for sharing your story with us all! You look so great and so proud of you!
Thanks so much friend!! xoxo
Thank you for sharing your journey! Iโm wondering what the cost was and whether insurance covered any of it. Also, do you have loose skin and if so, will you be getting surgery for that?
I will be going into much more detail about all of this in a later post. I was a cash patient, but many people get it covered by insurance. I do have loose skin, but it was definitely worth the trade off. I do plan on getting plastic surgery in the future and will share all of that with you as well as the journey continues!
One of my good friends had this surgery this summer and she is definitely happy she made the choice as well! The hardest part for her has been not being able to have a cocktail, but one of our other friends said that will be possible with time. So many more people have had the procedure than we know about because youโre right, there is still that stigma. You look great and itโs awesome that you feel more freedom with food!
Awesome. Yes, it gets better with time. I still enjoy my wine and margaritas, just in moderation! I do hope over time the stigma goes away and more people feel comfortable talking about it! I am so happy that it worked for your friend!
This is amazing! I admire you for doing what is best for you and also sharing it in hopes of helping others who may want to do the same! Way to go girl! You look fabulous!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
You look amazing! I’m scheduled for the same procedure on Oct 8 and want to lose 125 lbs. I havent told some people who I know wont be supportive (based on past comments). Thank you for helping decrease the stigma and best wishes on your journey.
Thanks so much! Good luck to you! It is seriously the best decision I made. You can do it!! I am sorry, that there are people out there that feel that way. I am hoping over time people change their opinions about this, but at the end of the day. . .you do what is best for you and if they are not supportive that is on them. You deserve great people in your life who will lift you up!
So proud of you! I love that you are sharing your journey to help others! โค๏ธ
Thanks friend!! xoxo
Always beautiful on the inside and outside! Itโs so great that you are sharing this journey.
Thanks so much Monica!! xoxo
Thank you for writing about this!! I had just gone to an orientation and still wasnโt sure. Then your story was at the top of my feed when I went on this morning and I read your blog. It was very helpful!! Thank you so much for sharing. Would you mind if I had attentional questions I could message? I have the same story. Never full. And nothing has worked. Thanks again!!
Hi Lori! Send your questions and I will do my best to answer. I have had many of the same questions and will be doing a post soon addressing all of them. I wish you all the best in your journey!!
Thank you for sharing your journey. This is encouraging and I completely agree that you can not allow your weight and any struggles around weight to define you. It is hard not to, I do realize that from personal experience. I have struggles due to autoimmune issues and when my disease is active, it matters not what I do, the weight just flies on. It sucks. I am so happy for you and I look forward to hearing more of your journey.
Thank so much Jennifer! Definitely, not. We are all so much more than a number on a scale! So sorry to hear about your struggles. That is hard. Wishing you all the best!!
You look amazing!
Things that I was curious about (while reading your post) recovery time and cost?
Thank you. I will definitely be covering all that soon! Stay tuned!
You are so inspirational and strong girl! So proud of everything you have accomplished and for sharing your story! Love ya!
Thanks Kristel! Thanks for all your support! LOVE YOU!
Congratulations! My little sister had the sleeve and she does not regret it at all and it is definitely NOT the easy way out. I saw everything she went through before, during and after. Kudos to you for owning your self worth at whatever size you are!
Thank you. Oh yay, good for her. Nope, not easy, but definitely worth it! Thanks for your sweet words!
I could tell you were getting smaller and smaller but knew you would share when it was time. Iโm sooo proud of you! I know what hard work that takes and itโs not easy. You were sooo beautiful before and even more beautiful now because I can see your confidence radiate and THAT is so important!! Loving your body is important and being healthy is important so good for you girl! Super big hugs and lots of love!!! Miss our lunch dates! Xoxo
Thanks so much Summer! Yes, I miss our lunch dates too!!
You are beautiful then and you are beautiful now! Congrats on the success. By choosing the right food options and sharing healthy, yummy recipes Iโm sure you help more followers then you know! I love your blog and IG and love when you share recipes you love!
Thank you so much! More recipes definitely coming soon!
Thank you for sharing your story and you look beautiful.
I too have had weight issues since having my twins 20 years ago.
In about 80 lbs overweight. My problem is I don’t eat a lot. And what I do eat mostly is junk.
I’m not sure if this procedure would help me or not I’m going to discuss it with my doctor.
I also have just been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and recently on medication.
Hopefully that will help with weight loss as well.
Again thank you so much for sharing your journey and congratulations.
Thanks so much Sally! I hear you. After having kids my weight definitely went to a new level. Talk to your doctor and see what he recommends. I wish you all the best in your journey!
I have recently considered this surgery but do not know who to reach out to. Would love to know your drโs name if you are local.
Yes, I will be sharing all those details soon!
I am so glad I read this post today! Your weight story sounds like me. I have struggled with weight my entire life. I love food! I love baking. I love feeding people. And I am fine at my current weight. It does not define me. But I know I need to get it under control for quality of life. Just last week something popped up online about the gastric sleeve. It is something I really want to do, but my husband is really worried about it. And now I come across your success story and am filled with hope again that this is for me. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for being vulnerable!!! ๐๐๐
Hi Amy. Thanks so much for your sweet comment! I hear you completely. My husband was really concerned too. He was very involved in the research process and once we really dug in he was completely on board. I will be sharing more in the future about why I decided it was the right choice for me after weighing pros/cons, etc! Best of luck with your journey!
Beautifully written! Your vulnerability and courage will help countless people that are struggling! I am so proud of all youโve conquered in the last year and for sharing that beautiful, authentic soul of yours with all of us! Love you!
Awe thanks friend! Everyone needs someone like you in their life! Thanks for all your support! Love you back!
Iโve always thought you are beautiful and I love your style…with or without those 100lbs! Good for you for doing what is best for you! Honestly, your story has made me think about the surgery as a possibility myself. Excited to hear more info about your journey! And on a lighter note, you totally need to have an IG sale for your โtoo bigโ clothes! ๐
Thank you so much! More coming soon. Haha! I should have done that! I gave most of my clothes to friends.
Congratulations!! Weight is something Iโve struggled with for several years. Like you it doesnโt define me, but Iโm ready to make changes for myself! Iโve researched the procedure but would love to hear more from you about the entire process!! You are amazing!!
Thanks so much Tara! I hear you! Yes, I will be sharing much more soon!
Iโm so glad you chose the right solution
for you. Itโs so kind of you to share this
information with us.
Thank you so much!!
I am starting to research the exact surgery. I, too, have feelings of people’s reactions but know it is something I need to do for me. You are a beautiful woman and I love your blog!
I look forward to more of your personal journey.
Thank you so much. At the end of the day you have to do what is right for you. It really doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Best of luck in your journey and deciding what is best for you!
I saw your insta post and thought, ooh what did she do to look so healthy, then I started reading the blog and was disappointed to find out it was surgery. Not because it’s a wrong choice, but at this point maybe it’s a wrong choice for me. Then again, maybe I should consider it soon.
You look great. You look much healthier. And you seem very happy with your results. Congratulations on doing something positive for your health, that’s always the right choice ๐
I have been where you are and it is not right for everybody. You have to do your research to decide if you think it is for you. It was the right decision for me. Thanks so much!
You look amazing!! Congratulations!!
Thank you so much
Congratulations on such a great outcome! I look forward to your future posts and learning more. I would love for my husband to have this procedure so he gets that extra 10+ years.
Thanks so much. More coming soon!
Elaine all I can say is โWonderful job, and thank you for sharing your story as I know it will help many othersโ You can do anything!!๐
Thanks so much Joni!! xoxo
You have so much courage putting yourself out there for others. Congratulations on your new healthy life. You have always been such a beautiful person!
Thanks so much Lisa! I so appreciate it! Hopefully it will help others who are struggling! Hope to see you soon and thanks so much for your kind words!
Elaine, thanks for sharing and congrats for reaching your goal. I am so glad you reiterated to all of us the fact that your weight did NOT define you. It certainly did not! We should all strive to have that attitude. Miss you.
KAY!!! How are you friend?! Thanks so much! I miss you too! Hope all is well!! xoxo
Thank you for sharing your story!! So appreciated! Do you think your personality type and all-in attitude helped being able to make changes to your diet? Meaning, is it helpful for people to understand their relationship to food first, to be able to then change habits post-surgery?
Thank you! Yes, I do. I think attitude is key in everything we do. Part of pre-op is talking to a therapist to get to the bottom of ones personal food issues. There are so many reasons people struggle with food and that is why this procedure is not an easy way out and a long road journey. You have to change your relationship with food and be committed to doing your part for success. It is a tool to help you get there, but there is a lot of work on each persons end as well