Wow, 5 years!

 If OH didn't e-mail me, I would have forgotten!

I'm so busy these days since we recently moved and I'm taking care of my 20-month-old and looking for a job, so I'm just not around here as much.

5 years out, I'm pretty happy. I haven't lost as much as I would like, but I can recognize where most of that problem lies with me: I'm a grazer with a sweet tooth and, since having my son, I'm not at the gym 5 days a week anymore.

That said, I lost and have maintained a loss of around 75 lbs, which is nothing to sneeze at! I had a baby and only gained about 20 lbs during my pregnancy, went home from the hospital only 4 lbs over my pre-pregnancy weight and was below my pre-pregnancy weight a few days later. Without my band, I can't imagine how much I would have gained!

I did have to have a 2nd surgery a couple of years out when my band slipped, but my doc was able to use the same band and I've been trouble-free ever since.

I do wish I could afford plastics, I have plenty that needs to be nipped and tucked! 

All in all, I feel like a success! 

Here is a pic of me at my heaviest - on my wedding day (I really, really want a do-over!)

and another awesome one (I thought that outfit looked SO good on me)

 

 

AND AFTER

Me with my sweet baby boy at about 3.5 months old:

and opening presents this last Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's house:


(Now that we mostly take pictures of Rowan, it's hard to find recent photos of me!)

 

 

Glad you are doing well. Hope you find a good job soon. I can't see any of your pics they are all x out.

Congratulations! But can't see the pictures!

Kate

 OK weird, they show up on my other post, but not this one. Hmm. Let me try again!

There they are! Beautiful ! You and the babe! Imagine what an uncomfortable pregnancy it would hav been with the pre-band weight!

Kate

Wow what a difference!!

You look GREAT!  Congratulations on your son.  He's as gorgeous as you are!

I'm stealing him -- that red hair!!! So cute!  You are a terrific success. Anybody that has a baby and comes out weighing only 4lbs more than prepregnancy weight is doing the best you could ask for!

You look awesome, and your son is sooooooooo adorable!!! 

You look great!  Sounds like life is good and what a sweetie you have there!  Awwwww

The other day I was looking for "before pics" and sadly realized that I have very few pics of myself with the kids ( now almost 18 and 19 )  It really made me feel sad that it was all about me not wanting to be in the pic.  I have a million of the kids, just not with me.  So since you look great, please get lots of pics with Rowan.  You will appreciate it when he's about to head off to college or leave the nest.  Enjoy every minute, the time goes by so darn fast!

And congrats on your 5 year bandiversary!

Hugs,
Kristi