6 months...
Yesterday made 6 months since surgery. I'll be uploading new pictures tonight. We took some yesterday then had camera issues. for the major changes in 6 months let me start by saying I'm down from 300 lbs to 213 (87 lbs BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) And if that isn't proof enough I'm down from size 24/26's o 14/16 - I cannot believe I can wear these sizes. But the real proof is in the measurements - I've lost 72 overall inches in 6 months.
I feel wonderful. We were talking about the changes in me over dinner Saturday night and everybody has a different take on it. For me - it's how I feel not so much physically as emotionally - I feel ALIVE for the first time in years and years and years. My boys thaink the way I look and act has changed the most. They commented that they sometimes have to take a double take to make sure it's really me and not my Mom or my Aunt. (Apparently I look more like my Mom than I ever thought possible). My Mom told me that looking back she knew I was depressed but she didn't have any clue that it was as bad as it was. - Neither did I.
I had to go to a funeral Saturday of a very dear woman that my late husband & I used to work for. It was the first time I had seen most of my former co-workers in at least 4 years. I knew they'd be surprised but I really wasn't prepared for them not to recognize me at all. I had to "re-introduce" myself to them. We all agreed that if Kevin were still alive he would not be able to handle the "changes" that I was going through.
I posted a reply on Mare's motorcycle post that I'm pretty sure david is getting ready to buy a bike - and he's excited that I want to ride along too. I never imagined 6 months ago that I'd be dating !!!!!!!!!!!! Let alone excited about climbing on board my fellas motorcycle.
I love going to the gym - that's my ME time. This past month has been a little more difficult than past months. I'm going to blame the cold weather as why I haven't been super active. I've been more in sloth mode than anything else. But having reflected on all the changes - I cannot make anymore excuses. To get the very most out of this surgery and my life - it's full steam ahead.
Who's with me? Anything going on that you need to change? What good habits have you developed that surprise you the most? For you old-timers - any suggestions?
For those just starting the process - my by-pass surgery was & is the very best thing I've ever done for myself. Having said that if I had to do it all over again - I'd do it in a heartbeat. Take the time leading up to your surgery to educate yourself. Be as fully informed as you can possibly be. This is a committment that you're making for a lifetime. It is not the same thing as any "Diet" that you've ever been on. It is not a quick fix and it is certainly not the easy way out. There will be people who try and talk you out of your decision - some mean well and some have absolutely no idea what they're talking about. Your relationships will change - some become much stronger and deeper and some will not be as lucky. The effects of your surgery are much more widespread than just on your stomach alone.
Check back this evening - I should have updated pics up by then. Have a GREAT DAY - I know I will.
- Iris
Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.
Highest Surgery Lowest Current
314.5 294 208 258.4
Congradulations!! I can not wait to see your pics!! Keep up the good work!
(((((Iris))))),
Congratulations!!! I'm so pleased for you and proud of you. You have done a marvelous job; not 'just' the weight... and I know that the weight isn't 'just anything', but also the incredible life changes you have been making.
Like you, I've slowed down with the cold months and need to get myself moving again. As I was losing the weight, the first 6 months were such a physical metamorphosis. Once I got to where you are now, I could see that life was going to be significantly different for the rest of my life. I felt unleashed. I also found that I was able to 'normalize' my eating, activity, etc... I really began to feel 'normal' for the first time in my life. I think I hear that in you now. Of course, in many ways we are now 'normal' and in many ways we'll never be 'normal.' I give you kudos for really recognizing and grappling with the fact that you have to get your head around all the things you need to do not only to get the excess weight off in the short term, but to keep it off in the long term. I truly believe you are going to be successful in the longterm because you keep working on your head... that's why this isn't 'the easy way out.'
Keep up the good work my friend!
Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!
What amazing progress you've made in such a short period of time. I am so happy for you and all the wonderful changes taking place in your life...and the life of your family.
Keep up the wonderful work and keep us posted every step of the way.
Mare
PS - You look wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been fixated on your journey from the beginning since yours began around the time I was looking into the possibility of making one of my own. I can feel this reawakening to LIFE myself...so I can only imagine how much more so that is going to be at 6 months out. You have done so well!
I got the biggest kick out of your motorcycle comment. My hubby's also a cycle guy and I have been so excited about riding all over the mountains with him since we moved here. The smaller my hiney is getting the MORE exciting that prospect is! LOL
As for your questions, I think I am right on track. Maybe adding more fruits and vegetables into my diet on a regular, daily basis is something I could start working on?
Good luck and best wishes to you as you continue to Lose and Love! {{{Hugs!!!}}}
