My Journey To Health & Happiness

Hello! My name is Erika and this is my weight loss journey. Gastric Bypass: 8/27/2018 Highest Weight: 425 lbs Surgery Weight: 405 lbs Current Weight: 190 lbs Goal Weight: 150 lbs

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Guess who has two thumbs and is down to 190 pounds?!

THIS GIRL!

[erika-bb]

Almost two years ago, at 24 years old, I decided to have gastric bypass surgery. I weighed 425 pounds. At 5′6″, my BMI was 68. I had a 68 inch waist, 68 inch hips, and a 63 inch chest. I wore a size 6X shirt and a size 30 pants. I was sick - sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and pre-diabetes. I could not live my life like a normal person should be ale to. I was absolutely miserable and hated every painful moment of my life.

I now weigh 190 pounds. My BMI is 30 - sooo close to be considered just underweight and not obese! I have a 37 inch waist, 42 inch hips and 43 inch chest. I wear a size large shirt and a size 14 pants. I have no sleep apnea, my blood pressure is perfect, and I’m not even close to at risk for developing diabetes. I can walk into any store I want and buy an outfit. I can cross my legs. I can walk up and down stairs without having to catch my breath at the top. I’m just a normal person now who can do normal person things, and it feels amazing.

Having been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and Binge Eating Disorder, I knew that losing over half of my body weight on my own would be close to impossible. Some view gastric bypass as drastic and the “easy way out,” but to me, it has been an absolute lifesaver. I would not be anywhere near where I am today without this amazing, lifesaving surgery. I have had zero complications and after two years, I can tolerate most things, although my portion sizes are still small. Make no mistakes - I had to work my ass of to get to where I am, even with the surgery. I had to completely change my lifestyle and my diet. I had to give up my favorite things and my most effective coping mechanisms. I truly had to change my entire life and it was not easy - but it was SO worth it.

I have about 40 pounds left to lose until I reach my goal weight. Skin removal surgery is 100% in my near future. I can’t wait to get down to my goal weight and be where I want to be. I feel so incredibly blessed and happy to have been given such an amazing opportunity to take my life back. <3

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It’s been a little over a year since my surgery and I’ve lost 202 pounds! 425 to 223 and a size 6X to a size 1X! I’m a very happy and proud girl.

[erika-bb]

11 pounds from 200 pounds down. Feels surreal!

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Today I reached 242 and my BMI got into the 30s for the first time in at least 10 years. 183 pounds gone forever!

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I have officially hit 100 pounds lost! I’m 6 days shy of my 4 month surgery anniversary! I can’t believe I’ve lost so much in such a short amount of time. SO proud of myself!! ❤️❤️❤️

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It’s been a while. Have a face to face comparison! 88 pounds down and feeling great.

[erika-bb]

I’m making Chili. :)

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Dinner tonight. 🤤🤤🤤

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Saturday was my two month anniversary of my gastric bypass! I’ve lost 60 pounds and I feel amazing!

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I reached the big 50 today! So happy!!

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Fall filter face to face comparison! I love how I look and feel. ❤️❤️❤️

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5 weeks post! Down 44 pounds, 11 inches, and these shorts that were tight before surgery are falling off! I feel amazing! <3

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I have never in life lost this much weight! I’m so happy!!

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Tonight I had cheesy broccoli and grilled nuggets from Chick Fil A! 70 calories and 12g of protein and so yummy! I highly recommend. :)

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Today my coworker told me that my face looked thinner and it was the best feeling ever!! I adore my coworkers and have shared pretty much every step of this journey with them and they’ve been nothing but supportive. I’m so lucky to have them. <3

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Dinner tonight! Grilled chicken and cheesy cauliflower. 93 calories and so good!

[switchitupelle]

That cheesy cauliflower looks so good! 😍

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It was delicious!! Super low calorie and super yummy. I bought it frozen so it was easy to make too. :)

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Needed a quick and easy lunch for work so I bought this portable protein pack with ham, turkey and cheddar. So good!