One year out today!

So, I'm a year out today! Wow!!  It seems like it was so long ago, yet just yesterday that I had my surgery. I have missed you guys a TON.

I must admit, I have gotten kinda down - very little surgery support here and dealing with my stress, I have turned to sugary foods.  SO in the last two months, I've hoovered around 170-174. So, yesterday I gave up all the bad stuff...I went to all liquid protein and water - cleansing my body of the yucky stuff....so I am getting in the protein I should now...and guess what? I weighed myself on Wednesday - was at 172.2. This evening: 168.2...so I'm finally UNDER 170!! It's so exciting. But I wonder where I would be if I hadn't fallen into that trap...

Maybe I just had to learn it for myself - that SUGAR IS EVIL!! It really is. I knew that if I gave if up, I would start losing again, though I honestly didn't expect to just drop a few pounds like that...though I WILL take it!

I am also seeing a psychologist now...which is SO good for me. I KNOW I need to deal with all my food issues, because they're coming back and I have to get it under control.  I just wish I had seen one sooner...maybe I would have some of these issues dealt with already. Oh well, I suppose moving forward is the way to go.

But...I have now lost a total of 146.8 pounds from my highest weight! I'm like 2 pounds away from being "NORMAL" weight. I am 18.2 pounds away from my goal!  I am wearing size 8's now (how insane is that??). Though my tops are L and some XL still because of all my extra skin *sigh.*

Anyway, I just wanted to come back and give an update...say hi...and guys, I NEED support!! So hopefully I'll be good and come hang with you guys more often.  Oh how I miss my WA friends and support groups!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!  Annie, you are doing fabulously!!  Don't beat yourself up too much about falling into the sugar trap - you've found out what it can do and are changing your ways.  :)  Your new avatar is lovely and being in size 8's is quite an accomplishment!  We miss you up here, too!  Take care...

Thanks, Nancy! *hugs*

How are you doing? You are certainly someone I miss seeing! I always looked forward to seeing you at Vitalady's.

Yes, I am working toward making those changes that I need to make - though I'm realizing without that support, it's not going to be very easy.

I do have one friend here who had surgery too - but she eats the junk food and sugar stuff - so I know that's partially where I got started...but it's also my own fault for letting it get that way.  

Hi, again, Annie!  I agree with your response to Helen - it definitely should be a requirement to see a psychologist before and after surgery...  I think seeing one for a year after surgery would be great!  It is difficult to stay focused on the "right" path when you have a friend who doesn't follow that same path.  But maybe you can be the one to lead the way.  :)  Just know that you can always hop on this Washington board and get support from all your friends up here!

Happy Surgiversity!!!!!

What an amazing year for you.... I remember the first we met... and at the time we were about the same size ....and NOW you are an 8!!!!  I am so happy for you... this gives me hope that I might be able to get to size 10... or 12 at least!

Thank you for sharing your struggles with sugar.. while I am not struggling with sugar... I did notice that I was slipping into some of my old distructive eating habits...one of which was eating after my husband went to bed... and doing a little bit of grazing in the evening...  I am getting help..one of the newer NUT's at my surgeons office is also a mental health counselor... how cool is that!!!  So I have made the committment to see her every 2 weeks for a few months to work though some of the issues that I with my food addiction...  I am journaling my food a little differently I am putting down the times I get and write about the feelings I am having about the food... already I am getting some insights....

Again... Congrats on all your hard work and taking those steps to heal yourself from your struggles with food....

It would be so wonderful if you could come out for the OH convention that is happening Bellevue this summer...

Helen

Helen,

Thanks! It was really hard for me to admit that I was doing the wrong things...even to myself - even though I KNEW.  I tried to rationalize it in my head. And I use stupid excuses too. You know, I'm beginning to think it should be a REQUIREMENT to see a psychologist for a year after you have the surgery to work on those food issues. Because honestly, if you're obese - there's not much chance that  you don't have some issues there. I'm mean, that's just an observation I've made LOL.  I have so many issues with food, but thankfully we're working on that, who knows how long it's gonna take, and if it will ever be "all better, " but I'm really glad that I can be honest and upfront about it.

And who knows, maybe me going through and talking about this will help or encourage someone else.  I hope it does. Maybe that will make going through this worth it.

I'm also dealing with the whole - my head hasn't caught up to my body - issue going on. And I'm sure it will take time, but I still look in the mirror and see a size 18...not a size 8.  I wish I saw the size 8...because I remember seeing my cousin this summer - she looked FANTASTIC - she was in a size 8...*sigh*  

Anyway, I know I could just go on and on...but it's after midnight here...so I am going to get off the computer for tonight...but you can bet I'll be on these boards tomorrow!  I NEED you guys!!!

By the way, Helen - You are doing FABULOUSLY!!  Woo-hoo!!!

Hi Annie!
  Congrats on your success! You are doing great, and I'm very proud of you for taking yourself by the hand and getting the help you need. We had this very discussion at the TTNT group last Monday! We all have/had food issues, or we wouldn't have been where we were. Unfortunately finding professionals that can help us through isn't always so easy, so we are all blessed to have this group to rely on.
  Take care!

Thanks, Susan! You're doing fantastic as well from what I hear.  I am DYING to see some pics from your plastics...since I can't see you in person!  I'm going to see if I can get referred over to Ft Gordon in Augusta, GA to their plastic surgery dept there (it's about a three hour drive from here) - they apparently have a fantastic hospital.  I'm just about ready to try to get mine done. I know the process will take a while, so I know I need to get started. I'm HOPING I can talk them into a LBL and Breast lift...but I will take what I can get...definitely need the tummy tuck! LOL.

Hey stranger...

Annie how the heck are you.  Congrats on completing one year of your journey.  You have done a fanstatic job.  We miss you out here and whenever you need some support, we are here for you.  Keep up the great work...keep talking and learning...the journey continues.  best of luck to you.  You look fabulous!!!!

Karen