One year ago today… one wonderful year ago I had a life changing surgery. I had the Sleeve Procedure done on my stomach.

   Honest time – I was 300lbs+ and miserable. I had been slowly gaining weight since my teenage years and couldn’t get rid of it for nothing. Pills, working out, watching what I eat…. nothing worked. I worked with my GP (general physician) for about 10 months to get the ok from my insurance to have the procedure. It was TOTALLY worth it. If you have 80+lbs to lose I HIGHLY recommend at least looking into it. Ok, don’t get me wrong, it was a surgery not a walk in the part. But after more than a decade of trying to lose weight it was the answer for me.

Long story short: They made 5 small incisions and took out about 90% of my stomach. My tummy looks like a sleeve now. Long, thin, and doesn’t hold much – about 2 or 2 ½ eggs in total. I had the surgery on a Wednesday and was back to work the following Tuesday. It was a tough week, lots of protein shakes, lots of laying around, and lots taking it easy. But again it was TOTALLY worth it.

I am down to about 225-230 – depending on the day. I was hoping to be down to 180-200 by now (which is where my doctor wants me to be for my ‘healthy weight’) but I had a pretty bad bout of stomach issues/malnourishment for about 4 months (not sure if that was linked to the surgery or not). Needless to say I didn’t lose 1 single lb in that 4 months. My poor body hung on to every spare calorie for dear life. NOW however, I am back in the saddle and on my way!

Started 12/14/201 @ 320lbs / pant size 28 / shirt size 3-4xl

In progress 12/14/2012 @ 225lbs / pant size 16-18 / shirt size M -L

Me in 2011 & Me in 2012

Not to be gross but I have about 20-30lbs of extra skin to lose. The doctor says due to my age my body should absorb most of it over the next couple of years on its own and with help from exercise. It’s not incredibly noticeable to the average passerby but I notice it….

                          .....................And it drives me crazy…

.................... a little… or a lot….

There is TON of information out there. Do your research, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to consider it an option. I went through St. Alexius New Start based here in St. Louis Mo.

You can find their website – HERE.

I am open to questions if you have any, so feel free to ask away!