22 Yr Old Gets Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG, Gastric Sleeve, Etc.) - El Paso, TX

I'm so sorry, I promised I'd write a bit and share pics every month but I've had some personal drama. ANY WHO.....

I've got some news! >:)

- For one: I've lost an extreme amount of weight already. When asked how much I've lost so far I couldn't say for the longest. Until I got on a doctor's scale at a friends appointment. ...

My gasp and shocked look must have looked like so many others that go into that office. Like I've over done the doughnuts again and the pounds creeped up on me.

It's my pleasure to say I hadn't gained an ounce, for once in my life. I had lost 100lbs in 6 months!

January 2015 was the best month of my life so far. I cannot believe it. Honestly, I don't see 100 lbs shed just yet. But as I inch closer to my "goal" weight I am moving so much more comfortably, crossing my legs like a champ again and wearing clothes because I enjoy them. NOT because it's the only pair of pants left in my size, or because this shirt is the only option that will cover my gooey arms. lol

Although, let me explain.. I still have a big body. I have lots to go before I'm anywhere near the skinny jeans kind of body. Newsflash. I may never wear booty shorts, but I'm starting to see my thighs as more than big turkey legs. I have a chubby body, but I'm getting healthy! Yeah! That feels better than anything to keep it on the real.

I know that I won't pass on excruciatingly poor eating habits to my children. I can teach them what's a portion and be a good example as well. I'm stopping the giant plate mentality so many of us have become accustom to and it's so liberating.

- For a quick update on how I'm getting on with my portions in case you were wondering.. I can eat 3/4c and feel VERY full. Not full as in "Garcon, please wheel me out to my car, for I am unable to walk." kind of full, but FULL. If that makes sense. I've tried eating a cupful of food and it's not smart. lol Don't do that. It feels like you've eaten a brick. That's not what were after here kiddos. I know it's a hard one to get used to. If it wasn't for the surgery in all honesty, I'd continue to eat until I'm full or be left feeling horridly unsatisfied. I now have learned when I'm truly HUNGRY, and not just bored or have room in my belly.

This surgery is SO worth it. I realized I've said it times before, but I've heard so many say their scared because they LOVE food and want to continue their love affair. SO?? You can love food and also love your body, okay? Okay. :) Don't think this is going to make life miserable for you. It's going to make it better in so many ways. You'll still enjoy food but it won't be your master. You'll live life like you should, satisfied and happy. You're worth it!

Hope you're all doing well. Have a great weekend.

- OnTheReal

So I've officially made it through my first holiday since my surgery!!
Christmas was very nicely done. I had many fears about seeing all of my family.. The whole flight there I was going over my list of fears for this holiday.

Pictures. Oh no. The food. Will they be insulted if I can't eat it? hmph. I can't wait till I hear what snide remarks they'll make this time.. lol But it was all for nothing! As you can see, I expected to at least be mildly upset but I actually had a wonderful time.

Only a few times was I prodded to "leave the diet for after the holidays." and "LIVE A LITTLE! Have some more girl!" lol They meant well, I mean I guess my eating can be misconstrued as a diet. Especially on holiday, and at this size. Let's face it, most big people eat.. Well they eat like I used to. Always filling the large plate at least once, if not twice.

Isn't that amazing? I'm not even TRYING to lose weight. I'm not on a diet. I'm just living my life as normal as if I never had the surgery. I get so many questions from people about my experience, and the most common concern seems to be if they'll still want to eat. Will they still have hunger or will they no longer enjoy food. Let me tell you something. I love food just as much as I did before this life change.

I get hungry like before, just not ferociously. Meaning, I don't feel starved 5 hours between a meal. If I went 6 hours without eating, I'd get irritated and end up eating junk, just to feel something went in basically haha

Now it is differnt, as I no longer need the junk. I can wait until the food is ready. I can also be satisfied with a fraction of the plate I used to eat. Just for fun I'll take a picture of a plate I used to eat and one I eat now for reference. (Hopefully I can remember to do that lol I've been absent minded lately. hehe I blame the holidays.)

Anyways, thank you all so much for the encouragement and well wishes! If anyone is looking into this surgery and doubting.. Please don't. Remember that you're worth it. You're more than your addiction to food, the reflection in the mirror, the health issues. You can do this. It's not as hard as you think. If you need moral support, hey.. I'll be there for you =) I've had such a hard time getting to this point, and now that I'm here.. I couldn't be happier.

My life is finally becoming mine to live. I have always felt trapped in this body. I've felt like I wasn't the reflection I saw in the mirror. I now know that I'm not. I'm so much more. x

"I am bound and gagged by my birthright. Hot tears sting my face as my gasps for air grow more desperate.. My calls for help fall upon deaf ears. I'm drowning in the icy waters of my sorrows. My eyes are growing heavy with exhaustion... Anybody.. Please?"

*sigh* That was a long time ago, and I read that with a smile, these-days.

The surgery is taking care of my outside, it's up to me to take care of the inside. I've decided to do so through acceptance. This is my journey, and I'm SO glad to be here.

My self loathing has become a thing of the past. I struggle with keeping it there, in the past, but I'm a work in progress and I'm okay with that right now. =)