I am an IRONMAN!!

Well friends. I did it! On Sunday, after 9 months of training, I completed my first full Ironman! That is a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km ride and a full marathon 42.2 km run. I still can't believe it. 

March 23, 2011 I had RNY surgery. Highest weight 242 pounds, surgery weight 231 pounds, lowest weight 126 pounds, race day weight 135 pounds. I'm about 5 foot 1. I had diabetes, extreme high blood pressure, sleep apnea, depression, high cholesterol, migraines, and neck issues. All currently in remission, and hopefully for good. Since my surgery I have had my gall bladder removed, a panniculectomy, a bowel obstruction, a fix to my panni scar, around 18 iron infusions and just recently diagnosed with osteoporosis. I take Calcium Citrate, Feramax, multi vitamins, vitamin d and b12. My levels were bad and are better now, with the exception of my calcium, which i've just increased and will be checked again in December. 

I would do it all again in a heart beat. I know how to advocate for myself, and have met many people online and in person who have guided me along this journey. Some great advice, and some really bad advice given. Unfortunately, it's hard to tell the good from the bad sometimes.

There have been some great inspirations on here, and I hope this post might give some encouragement to those waiting, those in the beginning stages, and to those who are further out and are looking for a boost. You never know what you might end up doing. Reach for your dreams, whatever they may be...believe in  yourself, and do it! 

Wow!! (Seems like there should be so much more to say but I keep coming back to WOW!) Amazing journey! Thank you for sharing! WOW!

What an incredible accomplishment!! You are truly inspirational!  Although I have no intentions to ever do an ironman, I do hope to get back to my old active self running and skiing!  Thanks for showing me it's possible!!

Way to go Kelly!!!!

Amazing! Congratulations. You must feel so proud of yourself! :)

YOU DID IT...you put your mind and back into it and YOU DID IT 

Congratulations!!!  Well done!  What life-changing gift this surgery can be if you also put the effort into it!  And clearly, you're a great example of that!

DD

You ARE an Ironman... You are also amazing! Congratulations!!!

SPECTACULAR! 

You are amazing and you have worked so hard for this accomplishment.  I remember you posting a picture in the spring with snow stuck to your eyelashes as you were running.  That's commitment, and it's paid off.