6 Month Surgiversary and ONEderland! Victories and Pics Included!

I was so excited to wake up this morning, on my 6-month surgiversary, and find that I had finally broken through the 200 lb mark!  I weighed in at 199 this morning, which is just over 120 pounds lost since starting Opti back in early October!

It has been a whirlwind 6 months for me, full of scale and non-scale victories.  Just before my surgery I created a word document for myself called "Freedom 35" (I turn 35 in September and thought this was a cute way to title my new journey).  In it, I listed all of the things I was frustrated about at my highest weight, and the things I was looking forward to doing once I had lost most of my excess weight.  Here are some of the highlights and where I am now:

- Pre-Op:  Can't even walk for 20 mins outside on a hot day – shin splints, out of breath, struggled to keep a decent pace (can't keep up with my 6 and 3 year old on their bikes without feeling like my chest is going to explode!)

- Post-Op: Being able to RUN for 5 KMs, and to do that in just over 32 minutes!  I am signed up for a race in early May and am actually looking forward to it!  I've also discovered forms of exercise that I would never have tried pre-op - Hot Yoga, Zumba and I've even been out ice skating a few times!

- Pre-Op:  Put on one of two pairs of pants that fit right now and even they are snug – cutting into my tummy and just realized that there’s a split in the side.  Guess I better get new pants and not wait until I fit into a smaller size – this is the biggest size I have in my closet (size 28)

-  Post-Op:  Fitting comfortably into size 14 pants from a REGULAR clothing store, and probably need to go out and get some 12's soon as they're starting to get loose!

-  Pre-Op: Riding a regional jet to Chicago in August - had to ask for a seatbelt extender for the first time. 

- Post-Op:  I haven't taken a plane ride yet, but I know that I'll now fit comfortably in any airplane seat!  I'm also able to cross my legs with ease.

-  Pre-Op:  Hate the fact that I weigh so much more than my husband (who is not skinny himself by any stretch!).

-  Post-Op:  Weighing less than my husband, having him put his arms fully around me, and him being able to lift me up over his shoulders easily!

Here are some before and during photos:

While it hasn't always been easy, overall I am loving my RNY, and looking forward to what the next 6 months will bring!

Thanks to everyone on this site for your support during this journey - I am SO glad I found this place early on, and continue to learn new things from you everyday.

Congratulations!! That's awesome!  You look fantastic  

Thank you so much! 

You are an inspiration. You have taken your tool and really worked it. i am so impressed by your 5 km run at only 6 mths out. I wish you continued success you really disserve it

Thanks so much, Pat!  Your posts and support in the daily thread have been really helpful to keep me on track! 

No problem!  I'm glad I can inspire someone as there are so many that have inspired me along this journey!

julia!!!

You look amazing and those are some pretty awesome SV'sand NSV's!!!!

On a morning where I am UP 2lbs.. this gives me hope lol.. Girl,  I can only pray I can make it to the 5km run... only able to do 3.7km right now :/....

You are truly an inspiration!! You are helping me keep the faith!! You look so happy and healthy!!

Thanks so much, Chanelle!  It's definitely a roller coaster - I actually made it down to 199 about a week ago, then jumped back up several pounds.  Our bodies definitely like to play tricks with us along the way!

Congratulations on running 3.7 km!  You are only 4 months out - that is a huge accomplishment!  I have confidence that you'll get to the 5K very soon!