#mnwls

#transformationtuesday While my handle is timetodeflate... I'm very grateful for how my skin has held up during this process. I still have a whole lot of problems areas. I still deal with tugging and being uncomfortable when I work out if I'm not using good compression garments. But all around, my arms are looking pretty damn good. Quick facts: Down 166lbs with the help of bariatric surgery, a high protein diet, and moving my butt. No, I don't use wraps or creams. No, I don't want to try yours. In the end I credit my youth, my genetics, and working out more than anything. Loose skin happens when you lose as much as I have. It really isn't the end of the world. (And also - even without losing a crazy amount of weight, I love seeing my body continue to change!) #vsg #wls #mnwls #vsginstacrew #wlscommunity #verticalsleevegastrectomy #nsv #weightloss #weightlosssurgery #bariatricbabe #bariatricsurgery #fitfam #fitness #healthy #positivevibes #beforeandafter #bodypositive #flex #arms #looseskin #extremeweightloss #weightlossinspiration #160lbsdown #weightlosstransformation

I realize the sweater is a XXL. I realize it's slouchy and falling off my shoulders... but I love it. I think this is a sweater I'll never give up, even when I know half the time it looks ridiculous. It's been through a crazy year with me! . For those who ask: •I had VSG (vertical sleeve gastrectomy - a type of weight loss surgery) on Nov. 9, 2015. •My surgery was covered by insurance. •The before pictures were taken 3 months post-op, I was already down about 60lbs. •High weight: 344lbs •Low weight: 181lbs •Total lost: 163lbs •Height: 5'7" •Diet: high protein, low-ish carbs. •Exercise: HIIT classes, in the summer I enjoy hiking and biking •Yes, I have loose skin. I want to get surgery someday, finances are the main reason I won't do it sooner. #vsg #wls #vsginstacrew #wlscommunity #verticalsleevegastrectomy #nsv #weightloss #weightlosssurgery #bariatricbabe #bariatricsurgery #whyihadwls #rny #rouxeny #mnwls #lifeaftervsg #extremeweightloss #weightlossinspiration #160lbsdown #weightlosstransformation #fitfam #beforeandafter

#throwbackthursday Grateful for having a fun, active life with my nieces and nephews now. Thankful for eyes that are wide open, and a neck. Those are nice too. #tbt #vsg #wls #vsginstacrew #wlscommunity #verticalsleevegastrectomy #nsv #weightloss #weightlosssurgery #bariatricbabe #bariatricsurgery #whyihadwls #rny #rouxeny #mnwls #lifeaftervsg #extremeweightloss #weightlossinspiration #160lbsdown

Whaaaat? My home town of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, caught wind of my weight loss and my social media and featured me in the paper this week! It was such a nicely done article, and I was so thrilled to share my story in another medium. Here's to knocking down stigmas and misconceptions about bariatric surgery one step at a time! If you want to check it out, I'll have the article linked in my bio! #vsg #wls #vsginstacrew #wlscommunity #verticalsleevegastrectomy #nsv #weightloss #weightlosssurgery #bariatricbabe #bariatricsurgery #whyihadwls #rny #rouxeny #mnwls #lifeaftervsg #extremeweightloss #weightlossinspiration #160lbsdown #orangetheoryfitness #otfmn #otf #edenprairie #edenprairienews

Realizing my hips didn't need to start right below my boobs... one of those weird body moments when you lose a lot of weight. Enjoy the early #transformationtuesday guys - I'm off to bed! Opening #otf at 4:30am, then going skiing for the first time ever tomorrow with friends! Hopefully won't break a leg! 😅 . #vsg #wls #vsginstacrew #wlscommunity #verticalsleevegastrectomy #nsv #weightloss #weightlosssurgery #bariatricbabe #bariatricsurgery #whyihadwls #rny #rouxeny #mnwls #lifeaftervsg #extremeweightloss #weightlossinspiration #160lbsdown #weightlosstransformation #fitfam #beforeandafter

Just a quick hello from me and miss fabulous herself, Felix. Just wanted to shout out a big thank you to my followers. I've gotten to talk to a bunch of you over the last few days through DMs about your lives and experiences and it has been such an honor getting to know you all and chat openly. As I told one girl who thanked me for talking to her about some worries she had post wls, I'm simply paying it forward for all of the amazing advice and support I got from all of my friends I have made on instagram and tumblr. I am so thankful for this resource in my life and everyone's little influence you have had on me! . And for those who haven't gotten a response or think I'm ignoring them - I'm not! I get a ton of messages everyday, and working two jobs and having a life means I can't spend as much time as I want chatting with everyone or meeting everyone I want to meet. Every one of you rock and I hope we have a chance to all meet or talk and have a grand ol' time! It's just a lot of pressure reaching out to you all while also living a normal life. If I somehow made a living off of social media, I would be all over that. But for now I'll keep working my two jobs! 😉 . Have a good night, #fitfam! Love you all. . #wls #vsg #vsginstacrew #wlscommunity #verticalsleevegastrectomy #weightloss #weightlosssurgery #bariatricbabe #bariatricsurgery #whyihadwls #rny #rouxeny #mnwls #lifeaftervsg #extremeweightloss

Heading to bed and realized I almost missed #transformationtuesday ! Rocking Anthony's pajama pants. I remember back in April, already down 90-some pounds, 67lbs heavier than I am now, being THRILLED that I could squeeze into them. (I was a little worried about stretching out the butt though so I wasn't wearing them for long!) Now I steal them all the time - they are so warm! 😍 and #wlsproblems - I'm always cold 😨 . Hope y'all had a happy first Tuesday of 2017! 😘😘 . #vsg #wls #vsginstacrew #wlscommunity #verticalsleevegastrectomy #nsv #weightloss #weightlosssurgery #bariatricbabe #bariatricsurgery #whyihadwls #rny #rouxeny #mnwls #lifeaftervsg #extremeweightloss #weightlossinspiration #weightlosstransformation #fitfam #beforeandafter #bodypositive #workout #effyourbeautystandards