It feels like just yesterday that I was sitting with my family doctor discussing my high blood pressure. I remember giving her a dirty look when she mentioned surgery. I will never again think that weight loss surgery is taking the easy way out. Reality is, that aside from being a parent, this is the hardest thing that I have ever done…and I haven’t had to make major changes like some.  I had good self confidence, I was active, and had somewhat healthy eating habits. I have, however, learned this year that carbs are the devil!     
* In one year:

• I have lost 85lbs…
• The doctor stopped my blood pressure medication because it is now perfect!
• I have dropped 6 dress sizes, actually 7 depending on some outfits
• My wedding ring needs resized…at least 4 sizes smaller
• I wore 3 inch heels for the first time in years
• Wore a dress…and it wasn’t a special occasion
• I have not had one minute of pain from my back/sciatica
• Travis (DH) can pick me up again (without hurting his back too much. Ha!)
• I actually do have clavicle bones and I LOVE them! 
• I have an insane amount of space between myself and the table in a restaurant booth. It's actually annoying
• I can cross my legs without maneuvering myself a certain way
• I don’t have to look for the armless chairs in the meeting rooms…my hips used to be to tight against them
• I feel like I can breath easier now which is one thing that I never noticed
• My skin is much nicer…again, carbs are the devil!
• I can run after my incredibly fast 4 yr old AND catch him
• I can sit in the back seat of the car between the boys’ car seats and still have room.
• Walked/jogged a 5K (I was walking while pushing the boys in the double stroller which was easily 90lbs total.)  The hills on that trail were no joke!

I am sure that there are so many more things that I haven't thought of.  I was upset at first that I didn't hit 100lbs...but now I am SO proud of myself.  Enjoy the pics!
 

Keep up the great work.   I too have lost a lot, but I'm not quite where I want to be, but not far off.  I would be just as happy if I don't lose another oz, much less pound.  

Congrats to you! That is a great story, continued success to you!

Thank you.  I'm thrilled to have such a wonderful man in my life.  I think all my good karma chips got cashed in.  He's taking me on vacation to Hawaii in July.  And personally, I'd like to see a marriage proposal before the end of the year.  He couldn't have come into my life at a better time.

Fortunately, the good in my life outweighs the bad...but I take care of my disabled mother (have for 6 years).  And after a rough 9 weeks earlier this year with a total of 6 weeks in the hospital/3 seperate hospitalizations, she's home on hospice care.  Paul has been a great support during this time.  Oh, and I should add, mom likes him!

I had my surgery.  In fact, I was in surgery at this time 1 year ago right now.  It's been an awesome year.

Prior to surgery, I lost 70 pounds.  Since surgery, I've lost 139.  My blood pressure is well within normal limits without meds.  My cholesterol numbers are all within normal limits (even my good cholesterol is up).  I've stopped using my sleep apnea machine, with an official sleep study to follow at the end of this month.  I'm still in women's clothing, but depending on the manufacturer, wear a size 16 or 18.  According to the BMI calculation, I'm obese, but just barely.  Another couple of pounds and I'll simply be "overweight".  Another couple of pounds and I'll literally be able to say I'm "half the person I used to be".  I've tried figuring out the last time I was this size...I'm thinking junior high school.

And the most important part of the last year?  After kissing quite a number of frogs, I finally found  my "Prince".  I'm dating the most wonderful man.  The relationship is going on 3 months.  And funny, I didn't mention anything about my weight loss until the 3rd date.  And that was only after I found out he lost 130 pounds about 5-6 years ago.  When I asked what he did to lose the weight, he started explaining the DS surgery to me.  I stopped him mid-explaination and couldn't help laughing...as I told him about my nearly 200 pound loss with RNY.  He thinks I'm beautiful (and actually told me that BEFORE I told him about my surgery and losing weight).

What  a year!
Elli