X-post: 6 month update with pics!

I wasn't feeling overly motivated at first to do an update since I have not lost a pound in over a month, but since I've had to throw out all my clothes from the past 15 YEARS and buy a whole new wardrobe this past week, I figured what the hell.

Six months out I am feeling amazing.  I have more energy.  Sleep apnea was gone three weeks after surgery and insomnia, which I've had since at least the age of ten, is completely gone.  I am still big and have a long way to go to goal, but my body has a shape now (well, a DIFFERENT shape from "round" as it was before).  I enjoy going outside and playing with my son, who just turned four.  I am down from a size 30 to a size 22.  Blood pressure is lower (it was never high, just toward the high end of normal).  Still waiting to get all my lab results back, so will post about that separately to get feedback on tweaking vites. 

I guess the best thing is I just feel so much more NORMAL.  Pre-op, I was miserable, sweaty and exhausted all the time.  There were so many activities I wouldn't do with my family and friends because I would need to stand for more than five minutes or walk and I knew I couldn't keep up.  Now I find myself wanting to plan outings, trips, and activities, or just go outside and play with my son.  I still have a long way to go, and the one month and counting stall is not helping that at all, but I am in a much better place now than I was before. 

And now, for the pics:

Pre-op, 351 pounds (5'4")
http://images.obesityhelp.com/uploads/profile/928686/albums/ 97074/IMG_0399.jpg



Now, 6 months post-op, 276 pounds
http://images.obesityhelp.com/uploads/profile/928686/albums/ 97074/Pea****%206%20months.jpg

 

Thanks for all the support that has gotten me this far and keeps me going!

Pamela

Congrats Pamela.  You look great.  Love your photos.  You've come along way.  Thanks for sharing them.  I always enjoy hearing a success story and I hope I end up being one of them as well.  My big day is tomorrow @ Durham Regional.  I've got 45 more minutes roughly to drink before midnight and then it's nothing else until surgery at 10:30am tomorrow.  I'm excited, not really nervous, just hoping for a successful surgery and a good recovery.  I hope to be on the Loser's Bench with you very soon.

Keep up the great work.  Don't let a stall in weight loss get you down...the scales will start to go down again...keep the faith.  Continue to share your successes on this website.  I enjoy reading them.

Again...congrats on your progress and keeping it going!

-Donna

Thanks Donna!  Wishing for a smooth surgery and uneventful recovery for you!

Pamela

Pamela!!  I love the new picture!!  You're wearing the jacket!  Looks fabulous on you!  Congrats on all your success so far :)  You are doing great and continue to be a source of inspiration and support for me.

Sarah

Thanks Sarah!  I LOVE the jacket, and get compliments every time I wear it.  I am rocking the grey one you gave me today! 

Pamela

Congratulations!!! enjoy your weight loss success but it seems that you've found a bigger reward already - playing with your son. Celebrate it!!

- Iris

Thanks so much!

Pamela

New wardrobe, feeling normal, more energy, etc....

Those NSV are the best!

You look great! Thanks for sharing and reminding us to focus on the positive changes.

Thanks...that is what I am trying to focus on right now!

Pamela

While I understand the frustration that comes with the stall, I'm sure that it is a temporary bump in the road and your journey to a slimmer, healthier you will continue. I'm so glad that you are enjoying the metamorphosis that you have undergone thusfar. I think that your post shows that while the numbers on the scale are important because because they show us tangible, measurable progress, that there are so many other markers of our progress, such as your improved health and quality of life. 

Wishing you continued success in your journey my friend,