My weight loss anniversary

Ok, so most of you know I didn't have WLS so I don't have a "surgiversary" but it was 2 ago today that I started on my weight loss journey. 

I've lost almost 165 lbs, reached my goal (actually lower than my original goal), and other than last weekend have successfully maintained my healthy eating habits and exercise routine.

I went from a dress size of 26/28W to a 6 (or small)!
I went from Jeans of 26/28W to fitting into size 6 jeans before my plastic surgery....I'm hoping by the time I'm done with the lbl I'll fit loosely in the 6 jeans or maybe even a 4!
My bathing suit top this year is a 4/6 and fits beautifully!

I'm proud I did it but even prouder that I'm keeping it off and sticking with my new way of life.

Thanks for letting me toot my own horn and be a little self indulgent.
Ruth

Toot away Ruth.  You absolutely deserve to toot.


Jan

Ruth, Congratulations! You deserve it. Just curious here and may have missed an earlier post. What do you think was the main thing or things that helped you to accomplish this wonderful loss? Most of us who have had surgery or are contemplating in tried so many times to do what you have done and failed. Like you said the keeping it off and sticking with this lifetime change takes a lot of fortitude. Best wishes and you just toot that horn all  you want!

Hi Karen,
Believe me it was not easy and I have had many failed attempts at "dieting" in the past.  I've actually lost more than 100 lbs twice before and then gained it all back plus some.
In the past when I lost the weight I did with the aide of "diet pills"....once I stopped taking them the weight started coming back.  PLUS I never changed my relationship with food.  I still covered all my emotions in butter and chocolate!

In between those two big losses I lost and gained 25-40 lbs many times but it was always temporary.  I got to the point I was begging my physician for help....some magic pills or something.  Then we had a discussion about WLS.  He suggested I see a local surgeon.

I did some research and decided to give it one more try.....if I couldn't do one my own I was going to go in for lap band surgery.......I lost a few lbs and stalled....and then I got serious.....

This is the 3^rd time I’ve done this and I know, sure as I know my name, that this is the final time.  Why is this time different?  Because this is the first time I am different, for the first time I changed myself.  I didn’t pop pills to control my appetite and I exercised daily.  I watched what I ate, I made healthy choices, I exercised regularly, and I completely changed my relationship with food and my attitude towards food.  Food is now just a necessity to fuel my body to stay alive.  I no longer live to eat.  I no longer find all my joy packed in a cheeseburger or covered in chocolate. When I want to celebrate something in my life I no longer think of doing so with food…I find other ways to celebrate.  I reward myself by being healthy and hopefully living longer.

I started to eat healthy.  I always knew what I should do but never did it.  I cut out butter because it's my downfall..it's better for me to just avoid it at all together.
I also started weighing and measuring all my food.  I found that I was really eating 7-8 oz of chicken when I thought it was a 4 oz portion.  This was an eye opener for me.  I also put less food on my plate.  The stomach is as big my fist so I didn't need to fill a big dinner plate.  I eat smaller portions but I eat at least 6 times a day. 
I drink Whey Protein Powder twice a day to help boost my protein and maintain muscle.

The other BIG change is that for the first time I started a real exercise program and I stuck with it.  At first I could only walk 10 mins on the treadmill.....and worked my way up to 5 miles.  I did cardio 6 days a week and weight lifting 3 days a week.  I still do this but not right now because of my recent plastic surgery (I still do the cardio just not the weight lifting yet).

I try to make good decisions every day with my food......I have a budge of calories and I try to use them in a healthy way.  Better to eat 300 cals of lean meat and veg than a bagel with butter.  :-)

I don't think of this as a "diet" in the traditional sense.  It is not a food plan I followed for a temporary period….. for me this is my way of life; this is my new norm and will never end!

Sorry I rambled on.....

Thanks Ruth, Our stories are similar in many ways. Even tho I've had RNY I too have to make good choices, exercise, and make lifetime changes. RNY enabled me to finally take the weight off and faster than I would have otherwise. I had after so many lose and gain attempts literally given up and resigned myself to a slow death by eating myself to death. It does have to be a new way of life. You inspire me to get back on my exercise wagon. I've let other things get in the way. I'll go along really well for several weeks and then head out of town. I usually get a lot of walking in when I'm on a trip, but then it's hard to get back into the every day routine when I get home. Thanks for sharing your story.

Ruth,

Congratulations!

Debbie

 Moosie,

You have done what so many of us have wanted to do but couldn't.  Lose weight without surgery.  I applaud you and wish you the best on keeping it off.

I have a friend who did the same thing and I know it is not easy.  we have the reminders, ei. foamies, dumping and grouchy pouches to  keep us from overeating.  

You will have to change your name from Moosie to Mousie... you are so tiny now..  

Keep up the good work

Millie

you deserve this!!!!!

And Ruth, what's so wrong about being a little self indulgent, before WLS I was all about putting other peoples needs before mine, today I am trying to learn balance ;)

Congratulations!  You've done good!

Hugs, Laureen

Congratulations on your terrific weight loss...you worked hard and deserve the applause!!!

Hugs....connie d