One Year Post-Op (Long, with pics)

On February 3, 2014, my life changed forever... and for the better!

I've gone from this:

to this:

In total, I've lost 130 lb from 303 at my highest down to 173 (so far). I'd like to lose another 20-30 lbs and I think I can make that happen as long as I continue to track my food, get my protein, drink water like it's going out of style, and continue my workouts at the gym.

I've lost 65 inches off my body and I think that's a great start.

I can run on a treadmill; that's something I never could do before. I plan on celebrating my 45th birthday in May by completing my first 5K! I'm so excited! (Who IS this lady?! OMG... me... excited to "run" a 5K?! That's messed up!)

I can cross my legs comfortably. I've gone from size 22/24 to size 10 or 12.

One-size bracelets can actually fit my wrist.

My husband can fit his arms around me (and overlap them!) when he hugs me now. That is a wonderful change.

I can stand on the kitchen stepstool; I'm below the weight limit for it now!

I can go sledding with my 5-year old and be able to walk up the hill easily, without being winded by the time I get to the top. Being able to be the 'normal-sized' mom is a novelty for me.

But by the same token, I'm dealing with some body image issues. I've been overweight all my life (first time in Weigh****chers I was 8 years old and almost 140 lbs) and to look at this strange woman in the mirror is very odd for me. I confess, I try not to look too much. It's just weird. I've talked to my centre about that and I have a consult coming up to discuss body dysmorphia, which is definitely a real thing.

I'm still learning what my sleeve is happy with, but I'm mostly very comfortable figuring out what I can and cannot eat. Though my first time to have Japanese food last weekend was an eye-opener! Four pieces of sushi/sashimi and I was full! Omigosh!

To anyone contemplating this surgery, give it some thought, but know that it most definitely IS worth it! One year down, and the rest of my life to go!

(P.S. With luck, it will be a long life too, after having done this to help ensure I can stick around long enough to enjoy my young daughter. That said, this post is delayed a few days because a dear friend of mine committed suicide earlier this week and I am still reeling from the shock. May he RIP. I wish he had had the zest for life that I currently do.)

First of all, I am so very sorry to hear about you friend. I know how difficult this must be for you and his friends and family. 

You girl have done amazing. You almost don't look like the same person. As a mom too, I cherish all the new ways I can be a mom at a "normalish" size. It is great and yes it is often the little things I get the most joy from like sharing clothes with them. Body dysmorphia is definitely a real thing and I am glad you are going to talk to someone in your centre. 

You look great and congrats on all your hard work. Oh ya good luck with your 5k....what a great goal/accomplishment. 

Take care!

Would also like to say how sorry I am that you lost your friend.  

You are a new person now, full of hope for your future, full of energy, full of strength, and full of confidence or else you would never have signed up for a 5K.  You are amazing, and an inspiration.  You look fantastic in your photos.

Way to go!! You have done a fantastic job, keep it up. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend, my thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing someone is always hard and to lose them that way is just awful. Take good care of yourself & your friend's loved ones.

Great job, looks like you are having a lot of success. Keep it up!

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. I lost a sister to suicide, I know how painful that is. Thinking of you, and their family at this time.

You look incredible, and thank you for sharing. Inspiration. Xo 

Jiliana, way to go!  You look amazing and you are an inspiration to the rest of us who are just at the start of our journey. I'm very sorry about your friend too.

Suicide is very hard on everyone left behind. I am soryy you are dealing with this.

On the other hand you are amazing. Being able to do things with your daughter must be awesome. I wish you lucj in your continued success.

I am sorry for the loss of your friend.

Congratulations on your success!  I can tell you from my own experience and friends I have spoken to, that it takes a while to get used to your new body, visually speaking.  I held up Med. sized shirts and size 8 jeans and think "who are these supposed to fit?" I'm actually wearing a size 6.  You will become more comfortable with your size as time goes by.

Enjoy the new you!

I too wish your friend had your zest for life - I'm sorry for your loss.

You, with your zest for life and good health, have done fabulously well! Happy First and many more successful years to come!