ariellaarie submitted: 5'3 Left picture was taken on my May...

ariellaarie submitted:

5'3 Left picture was taken on my May 27, 2013 (300lbs) Right picture was taken October 14, 2015 (165 lbs)

after years and years of trying to lose weight on my own by sticking to a diet and exercising and trying pills etc on April 14, 2014 I had weight loss surgery. Now I know some people might say well you took the easy way out, no not at all. it’s a tool used to help you eat less however it comes with pretty much the same struggles as doing it naturally and in some cases a bit worse. I never planned to have wls done. but it was the last option and my doctors and I were very concerned with my health. I’d get out of breath easily, had trouble getting up from the couch, my feet would swell up when I’d stand for long periods of time. After a month of getting the surgery I got really sick to the point of almost losing my eyesight, losing my balance and strength, I couldn’t eat anything for two months. I was in bed the majority of the time. I had to get an endoscopy, which led to them finding out that I had gastritis and inflammation in my stomach. Fast forward, I got better, started working out, and eating more, well less. The biggest issue with wls is not being able to eat any and everything you want without getting full quick. Also you can’t eat and drink either. the same rules apply as if you were doing it naturally, solid foods, lots of protein, vegetables, fruits, no sugar no candy unless it’s sugar free, no red meat ( well at least for me, it bothers my stomach) no soda, plenty water 1-2 gallons a day. also workout 3-4 times a week. in a year I’ve lost 135lbs and I’m still not at my goal weight. I still want people to be realistic about their weight loss journey. my process was a bit rushed. don’t think because you’re not losing massive amounts of weight in a month that you’re not making any progress. everyone’s bodies are different and progress is progress. I’m very happy with how far I’ve come because it hasn’t been easy. people think wls is the easy way out but it’s not you have to remember that it is completely reversible if you don’t continue eating clean and healthy and exercise, if you don’t you go back to gaining the weight. I try to maintain my diet and when I feel I’m straying I do a five day pouch test which is pretty much going back to the beginning stages for five days to test if your pouch has expanded. if anyone has any questions or wants to know more about my wls journey contact me on Instagram @ Ariellaarie or Twitter ariellaari_ xo

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