Post a pic of yourself and tell us about yourself

[kittycats_delight]

Hi everyone, was waiting to take a new photo of myself before posting. So let's see where to begin.

I'm Michelle. I live in Italy. I have lived here for 6.5 years. I was born and lived in Canada before that for my entire life. I am owned by 6 cats and a dog. I'm married to a guy (from Italy) I met online 12 years ago. We have been married 9 years this past June. I have been a big girl most of my life and was diabetic for the last nearly 20 years until 9 months ago when I had Bilio-pancreatic Diversion done here in Italy. I have lost about 35 kg (about 77 lbs) since November 2012. I am a die hard Slayer fan. Love 80's music and photography is a big part of my life. I also adore cooking.

Anyway, onto the photos. I will post 3 total. One from October of 2012 (about 3 weeks before my surgery), another from April 2013 and one that was taken today. I still have 3 kg (about 6,5 lbs) to lose but am in preparation now to have reconstructive surgery done to get rid of the ungodly skin that remains. I am hoping to have my first surgery before the end of the year.


October 2012


April 2013


August 2013

[Karen]

Looking great, Michelle! And you'll feel so much better when the surgery is done! My sister lost over 100 pounds after gastric band surgery, and said that was the most annoying part, feeling like the title character in "The Saggy Baggy elephant" - but she didn't want to grow back into it like he did!

[caseysmom]

This is me and hubby last month, I had lost about 25 pounds. Thanks to Michelle motivating me my surgery is scheduled for September 12. I am so excited, I am down 29 pounds now also. I work out 6 times a week. I am having gastric bypass.

[kittycats_delight]

This is me and hubby last month, I had lost about 25 pounds. Thanks to Michelle motivating me my surgery is scheduled for September 12. I am so excited, I am down 29 pounds now also. I work out 6 times a week. I am having gastric bypass.

You are well ahead of the game here. The fact that you are already exercising is fantastic. I have a friend who had the sleeve done 5 or 6 months ago and she has lost 100 lbs total so far (that was with the 35 she lost before the surgery). She still have a fair bit to take off. Not sure the exact amount as she doesn't care. She isn't at all concerned as to goals or anything like that. She has said she is happy to have taken this much off and if she doesn't lose more that is ok and if she does then that is ok too. I have another friend who had bypass done 4 months ago and she is down around 80 lbs total (that also includes what she lost before surgery...I believe she lost about 25). The results for both of them are great in such a short time. I know you will have amazing results too. Besides all that you really carry your weight well. You are a lovely woman. A very attractive woman. You have a lovely shape to your face and no double chin like me. With the bypass you are going to have fantastic results. You are going to be so happy. You have no idea how puffed up I feel when you credit me with motivating you. It is the best feeling ever. I am so excited for you and can't wait to see your results as you reach your goals.