X-post Pics, almost one year, onederland, musings :)

Last week I promised Jenn (shagdoll) I would post some new pics as I've finally hit onederland... so here they are

I won't bore you all with too many details, but I will say that this has been more of a head trip than I ever imagined. As a lot of you have seen me write about, about 5 months after surgery I was diagnosed with ITP, and as it turned out "chronic refractory" ITP. So I spent over 4 months on large doses of steroids, not able to exercise, during which time my weight loss halted. The steroids did not help, neither did the next 4 treatments they tried. They have finally found a medication that keeps my platelets at safe levels, but it doesn't look like I'll be able to be on that much longer, and that medicine also requires weekly visits to the hospital. I'm still hoping it will magically go away... which my docs say is still possible.

So, I'm close to a year out now... and no where near goal. Most of the people in my life think I should cut myself a break, but I still feel like the ultimate failure. I'm not happy where I am now, and feel like if I had tried harder while I was on the steroids, I may at least be closer to my goal. That may or may not be true. I just have to keep making decisions everyday to do things to keep myself healthy. I do believe that while I will not hit goal in record time, I sometimes think I WILL reach my goal.

I do look in the mirror and see the same girl I saw before I started this journey, but, like I said, it's a head trip :)

Some positive things: I have discovered a new love for hiking. LOVE it. My docs are mostly okay with me doing that as long as I'm careful :) I love wearing high heels again. I love not having to worry about keeping up with physical activities. My blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure are all normal. I can go to a red sox game and fit in the seat!

I encourage anyone thinking about this surgery to research, research, and research! The best thing I would say to prepare someone getting ready to do this, is that no matter how much time you spend thinking about it or how you think it will go, it will be different and most likely more difficult than you imagine.

Without further delay, here are some pics :)

Some pics of a friend and I from the game:

And some comparison photos:

I still have about 50 pounds or so to lose in order to get well within a healthy range... but I am beginning to believe in myself that I will get there :) Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions, and I wish everyone the best of luck on their journeys!

 

Lookin' good, girl! Congrats.
Now quit being so hard on yourself. It is 90 % mental. I had a different surgery, but I am still losing at almost twenty months out, although slowly.
So take heart. You will get there.

Thank you! I appreciate the encouragement :)

Sounds like you had a lot to deal with at once. Weight loss surgery isn't easy for anyone, but with other health problems on top of it I'd say you've done a great job. Stop being so hard on yourself and just enjoy your new found life. Have you really looked at the pictures you posted. Look how healthy and beautiful you look. I'd say success :-)

Thank you!! :)

Im glad you kept your promise to Jenn - you are one hot lady!! I want your  freaking legs!!!!!

 

If you are the ultimate failure...i wanna be one too!!!! Love yaaaaaa girl. 

Lol, thanks girl!!

Umm... I totally want your sexy skinnyness, can we trade? :)

stop being so hard on yourself - do you realize what a miracle it is to be on corticosteroids for so long and not gain a ton?!?!

steroids are awful - they work so well at what they do that we still use them in spite of increased hunger, restlessness & agitation, depression & mood swings, weight gain, weight gain in weird places, deleterious effects on bone mass, etc...

you look gorgeous & happy, your metabolic health otherwise sounds good - you're a smashing success!

 

 

Thank you!

You're right, steroids are really terrible. I know last time I saw my surgeon he was surprised I wasn't gaining on them, but I am a little hard on myself sometimes I guess. :)

Elise!!!! I just love you to pieces gurl. You have always been special to me. I was drawn to you. You look amazing my friend & I'm so happy for your success both in weight loss & your healthier lifestyle. I really hope to meet you one day so I can give you a super big hug. Love you lots!!!
xo