101 Reasons to Give Thanks!

Jen
on 11/22/05 11:32 am - Southern, WI

Happy Almost-Thanksgiving! I wanted to update you on my progress. Today marks my own special private celebration. I've lost 101 pounds since my Lap-Band surgery June 14! I BLEW PAST THE CENTURY MARK TODAY! BAM! I'm so pleased. My doctor is thrilled with my progress. I eat a normal diet of about 1500 calories a day, and have only had the craving for full-fledged chocolate about 3 times since Memorial Day. After more than a decade and hundreds of unsuccessful weight loss efforts, I finally feel successful! I had my first "fill" last week, injecting saline into the band to tighten it and help dim my appetite. It worked! I marvel at the simple effective technology this device employs. Over the past five months I've experienced a multitude of physical changes. I've gone from getting winded walking 2 blocks in 12 minutes, to getting a membership and working out for an hour and a half on machines at the Athletic Club. I'm developing a powerful mind-body connection through Yoga and Tai Chi. I'm swimming laps again, and can now do a 500 yard freestyle in about 15 minutes, which is about twice the time I swam it competitively in high school. I've gone down 7 clothes sizes. The coats I'm wearing this winter were purchased in about 1997. I've donated eons of clothes to Goodwill...bags and bags! I wear things like sparkly shirts, high heels and pointy-toed shoes because I can and I love it! People tell me my skin is glowing! I could go on and on about the positive things I notice on a daily basis. I have also had numerous health benefits. I've eliminated 4 of the seven medications I took pre-band. The others are reduced by more than half, and I have the hope of going off them completely in the future! I sleep soundly at night, wake up fully refreshed, and am much more clear and focused in my thinking. My vision is actually improved, my retinal doctor is thrilled with my progress, and even my dental hygenist is raving about how improved my gums are! All of these changes notwithstanding, the biggest benefit of my surgery has occurred on the inside. I wouldn't trade the person I am becoming for anyone in the world. I meet strangers with confidence, look people in the eye and feel so self-assured. When people challenge me I am pushing back. Formerly known as a "diplomat," I am developing a new assertiveness that is cool as hell. I truly wish I could bottle and share how good I feel with everyone who has helped me along the way! Future goals include being a serious gym rat this winter, working toward the goal of losing another 50 pounds by June 14, getting my motorcycle license this spring, and (if finances allow) buying a Vespa motorscooter and cruising my smaller self. Look out! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving - the support and encouragement you've shown me through this process is just one of the many things I'm extremely grateful for! With Sincere Thanks and Gratitude, Jen 425/324/300 mini-goal