New Years and my journey...I love my new life!!!

I thought the New year was good time to reflect on where I was and where I am now.  How lucky I am that my band has worked for me and is still working for me.  I am blessed to have the will and endurance to keep going and keep trying to lose weight after almost 4 years.  I consider myself successful even though I haven't reached my goal yet.  But even if it takes me 10 years I will keep trying.

When I started this journey I was over 350 lbs.  My BMI was 54 and I was a size 28/30.  I was 37 years old and I was on medication for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and female issues.  I was told by my doctor that if didn't do something to drastically lose weight my quality of life would drop significantly in the next 5-10 years....and I was only 37!!!  He actually told me that whatever was going to kill me (heart disease, stroke, diabetes) I was on the road to that happening.  I was not ready at 37, to just roll over and give up.  In my estimation I had only lived half my life!!!  So I started my journey to where I am now....

Well fast forward 4 years and tons of frustrations, lots and lots of hard work, countless hours at the gym and lots of sweat, many, many pages of food journaled. 

I am now standing at 180+ lbs lbs lost!!!

I am a size 10!!!

I'm not at a normal BMI yet and I won't stop till I get to my goal of 160lbs (I am about 20lbs away)...but I am looking and feeling great.  My doctor is in awe of me.  He can't believe how well I'm doing now.  I'm off all my medications all medical problems resolved.  No aches or pain (unless I over do it in the gym...but then that is a good pain).  I sleep better and have more energy.  I am healthier now than I was 10-20 years ago.  I can run, jump, fly up several flight of stairs...I can workout for 90 minutes and sweat like a pig and feel great afterwards.  Before I was barely able to walk the store to do groceries.

The best part.  I can sit in any chair or booth.  I can shop in any store...Hell I shop in the juniors section with the teenagers now!!!  I can sit on the floor and stand back up by just jumping to my feet.  I can cross my legs.  I can wear a skirt and look good.  I can go on roller coasters again, Men are noticing me again...which is a little unnerving at times.  They are opening doors for me, winking and smiling at me.  I had guys try some very weird come-ons, or pick-up lines...which I guess is a NSV (hahaha).  

There are some bad things.  I lost two of my friends.  Ironically they were 2 of my most over weight friends.  I don't know maybe they couldn't deal with their former morbidly obese friend now is half her size.  But I didn't beg them to come back or mourn their loss.  I did this for myself and my health.  If they can't see past their own selfishness then screw them...I have other friends.  Funny enough my "skinny" and "fit" friends were my biggest cheerleaders and biggest helpers when I wanted to go off track.  A lot of people think that they judge...but I found most are very admiring of those of us that are trying to change.  I have gotten some wonderful compliments at the gym from some really muscle bound people that noticed me losing lots of weight.

What can I say every part of my life has changed and the only thing I would want to change...I wish I had done this sooner!!!!

My only advice to those thinking about surgery right now...what are you waiting for???  Life is passing you by.  I was in a prison of fat...and now I am free. 

 

So here are my before and after pictures....The first ones I was about 355lbs...the last one was yesterday and I am 182lbs!!!

 

Me on New Years EVE!!!

 

Wow, awesome post and big congrats to you! You have worked so hard and you look amazing!

I don't know how far away from your "goal" you are, but from the outside looking in, it looks like you have accomplished so many goals. 

Maintaining such a massive weight loss nearly 4 years out from WLS is a huge accomplishment. Big congrats to you! I'm 2 years out from my revision and this is the first New Year where my resolutions are maintenance related. I hope in another 2 years I'll be writing a post similar to this one.

Congrats again and Happy New Year,

Lindsey

 

Great post! You send the best message of support to those who are lurking to find out more information about the band.

I too wonder why I never even thought of WLS. I broke into tears when my Doctor suggested I look into it, I started the "checking into it the  very next day and had my surgery July 25 2011. I am down about 94 pounds and getting close to my first goal of 175 but most likely will lose another 10 by the end of 2013!

I hope your story helps those in need of the extra push to follow thru with their dreams of a healthy new body too!

 

Congratulations ! YOU did the hard work that comes with our Bands! I am 5 yrs. out and I felt as if you were echoeing my thoughts. You are already successful, I hear it in your words, and see it in your eyes!
Again, I feel our WLS , while it is a "slower" process , it really forces us to own and develop our new habits and lifestyle. And YOU have come into owner ship of your success , NOT your Band!

I couldn't agree with you more about the "skinnies" ( my definition of "skinnies" are those persons who have always maintained a normal weight). I too have lost friends, but , sometimes the misery of our obesity love the company of other obese persons. It's truly a very self revealing time, of what you thought and what you thought you knew.

Congratulations, and continue to have a wonderful, exciting and healthy New Year,
Prek3

Oooopppps, I failed to say "your BEAUTIFUL"!
Prek3

You look absolutely terrific!  I can't believe your BMI is not normal.  You know, that is calculated strictly by height and weight.  It doesn't account for the amount of muscle you have.  Just something to think about, maybe your done!

Well Crystal you look awesome. I myself am out three years and I've been stuck at the same weight for a year like to see 160 but been stuck @ 170 it's a big challenge. I see you are from Urbana Illinois I was born there but did not grow up there. Keep up the good work you look good

Wonderful post! You look fantastic.

Crystal you look Beautiful!!! And so small, you must feel like you are on top of the world!! It is a good feeling to be small with the band with no complications! You worked your band the RIGHT WAY and now you are reaping the benefits.

Enjoy all the attention...And Happy New Year!!

Hello Crystal you are a role model, I hope everyone who has an overweight problem will take you as an example and decide to change once and for all, because if they don't do it their life is at risk, so this is the main reason why we must change our eating habits once and for all or consult our Dr. to help us on what procedure to follow.  

You really look amazing girl, Congratulations.