One Year Out!
Before I started this journey, I had written out a list of things I wanted to do that I wasn’t physically able to do because of my weight. I put it into a little book to be able to look back on as I travelled through this journey. I realized the other day when I was getting checked in for my doctor’s appt with my surgeon, that I began this journey a year ago. One year ago, on Sept 7, 2014 I weighed in at 355 pounds. I had surgery on Dec 31, 2014 but put myself on the pre-surgery diet in Sept. Today I weigh in at 217 pounds. In one year I have lost 138 pounds. That is (in some cases) an entire adult person! I look back at the last year and realize there were many ups and downs along the way, but so many more ups than I can count. I look at my list of reasons to have surgery and there were 27 things on the list and several items I have been able to check off my list:
*I can walk up stairs now! It doesn’t hurt and doesn’t get me out of breath to do it.
*I’m no longer borderline diabetic, blood pressure is good, and cholesterol is good. I will be able to talk to my PCP about getting reduced or off some meds all together.
*I can hike in the woods with the kids and grandkids. My husband now has a hard time keeping up with me.
*I played on the playground with my grandson at his birthday party! We had a blast! I got to ride on a swing! I actually FIT into the swing!
*My back pain is getting better, I can stand in one place for longer at a time without things hurting.
*I can get out of lower chairs, I can squat and get back up without help and without falling flat on my face.
*I am doing kickboxing! And I LIKE IT!! That’s a term I never thought I’d ever say! It’s allowing my inner athlete to come out. I’m even developing muscles again!
*I can cross my legs again! I did it without even realizing it one night. Then I even found myself sitting cross-legged (indian style) in my chair!
*I can fit in the back seat of a car with the car seat installed, AND do up my seatbelt!
*I can fit into normal sizes of clothes now. I even bought a size “large” cardigan and it fits great! Old Navy even has clothes I can fit into now. Normal sizes! No longer 3x – 4x!
*I can breathe easier. I haven’t had to use my rescue inhaler in quite a while now.
*I ordered a couple of bathing suits on line. I’m waiting for them to show up so I can see if they fit. I will go swimming in a real suit soon!
*I showed my husband a picture of me and my daughter from a 5K walk we did and it took him a while to realize that I was showing him a picture of ME! He didn’t recognize me!!
*My husband can also put his arms all the way around me now. What a nice feeling that is!
*I have collar bones now! And shoulder bones!
I have been able to live my life more fully now. I’m so glad I have my life back! I’m excited to see what the next year will bring!
