It's My 1 Year Surgiversary Today!

I can't believe it's been a year already; where does the time go?

A year ago today I was in so much pain, lol. It was so worth it, and I'd do it over again in a heartbeat. Edit: My pain was bad because I couldn't take the prescribed painkillers because they increased my blood pressure and made me dizzy and light headed, and had to be switched to another kind, at a half dose. Every day got better and it was totally worth it and manageable. I was still able to walk and move around (but not without complaining, lol).

I started this journey at 304 Lbs, in a size 4X, or a (very tight) 24W pants, and a size 3-5X top. Now I'm 170 Lbs, and wear a (loose) size 12 or medium pants and size medium tops.

I've lost 134 Lbs and 103 inches total from my body overall, including 12 inches from my chest, 15 inches from my waist, and 17 inches from my hips.

My health has improved dramatically and I no longer need the cupboard full of asthma meds that I still have. I carry around a rescue inhaler just in case, and do need it if I have the flu or am exposed to extreme cold or allergens, but other than that, I don't need it at all and can go months without it. I used to need my rescue inhaler 4-6 times per day, more when I was sick or moving my body at all.

I couldn't walk for 10 minutes without an asthma attack, and now I can walk for hours. I can swim laps for 2 hours but usually only do 1. Bike riding is my favorite and I did my first overnight bike camping trip last summer. I'm so looking forward to going on a longer bike camping tour this summer.

I love being able to shop anywhere, and as an added bonus, all of my Mom's tops fit me (she's short so her pants are too short or I could wear them, too).

I am so happy that I had this surgery. It's hands down the best thing I've ever done for myself. I'm not done losing, and am excited to keep going.

OK, so here are a bunch of photos, one before and after, and a few of me wearing my old clothes.

Thanks everyone for your ongoing support. It means the world to me. Take care.

Firstly, congrats! You have done so well!! The pics are amazing...so crazy to see the progress in that way. Looking to this as inspiration as I begin my journey in the next few days. I'm scared of the pain so you mentioning that twigged for me but I like the message of it being worth it. Going to try to focus on that, it's worth it, it's worth it! So inspired by the amount of exercise you can do now! I dread exercise because of pain and discomfort. You are impressive, congrats again on all the weight loss.

Thank you so much!

You're going to do great, and don't worry about the pain, as the majority of the people who've had surgery said they felt fine, just some discomfort.

I wasn't able to take my painkillers because they made my blood pressure rise to much and I became so dizzy I almost passed out, so they had to switch me to a different type of pain killer, at a much lower dose. So my pain was never managed. Most people are fine with their pain management. I also have fibromyalgia so maybe just experienced the pain differently than people without it. It was very worth it, and it got better every day, and was manageable.

Good luck with you're surgery! I'm so excited for you.

Ah! That is helpful to know. Sounds awful for you though!! And thank you. Nervous but excited at the same time.

Happy surgiversary Kathy!!! You have accomplished so much in a year. It's been amazing to watch your journey, and watch you transform inside and out. As a fellow asthmatic, I can relate to the benefits of health. I'm only 5 months out, and am already reaping great breathing benefits. It's truly life changing.

You're such an inspiration to me and so many. Thanks for sharing. Your smile in your pics says it all! You're glowing, and deservedly so. :)

Thank you so much!

I'm so happy that you're reaping the benefits, breathing wise too! Isn't it amazing? I was so restricted before. I couldn't do anything, other than sit on my butt, not if I wanted to breathe. I feel like I was given a second chance at life.

I can't believe you're 5 months out already; wow. Time really does fly.

I also feel like I was given a second chance! Yes... it's crazy that it's 5 months isn't it. I can't believe how much my life has changed...

Congrats to you! You look amazing!

Thank you!

You are amazing, beautiful, wonderful and my inspiration.