What an Incredible Year!!
As the Surgiversary date has crept closer and closer - I have often thought about what I would write. Well it's finally here and as I look back over the past 12 months - it feels like Birthday, Anniversary, Christmas and Thanksgiving all rolled into one.
A year ago this past Thursday (12/11) I drove myself to Barix with Stella and her wheelchair at my side. I was scared out of my mind, but confident that I had made the right decision to have the surgery. I was conforted with the fact that my surgeon was skilled and experienced and would do his very best (and he did - thanks Dr. Boe ).
Since that time I have lost a lot but I have also gained quite a bit too. Here are the highlights:
Ive lost:
Upper Chest 18 inches
Breats 24 inches
Under Breast 16 inches
Stomache / Waist 23.5 inches
Abdomen (the spare tire) 29 inches
Hips 21 inches
Left Thigh 9.5 inches
Right Thigh 9.5 inches
Left Calf 3.5 inches
Right Calf 3 inches
Left Upper Arm 7.5 inches
Right Upper Arm 6.5 inches
Neck 4 inches
Thats a total of 175 inches lost since I laid on that table last December. Any 'newbies' (pre or post surgery) - do yourself a favor and buy a tape measure and take these monthly - the inches really do add up.
I have also lost a total of 170.2 pounds
I've lost my entire wardrobe - Shrinking from a size 32 / 34 to a 10
I've lost some (what I thought were) good friends
I've lost the waddle I sometimes did when I was really tired
I've lost physical need to take Blood Pressure Medication
I've lost the need to ask for a seat belt extender when I get on an airplane
I've actually gained more than I have lost....
Above all else - I have gained a new familiy - you guys!! Without you - well ...you know how I feel.
I have started to gain some self respect.
I have gained the ability (AND DESIRE) to put on my Nike's and run every day - no matter what Mother Nature is bringing in the way of weather
I have gained stregnth, endurance and a general over feeling of great health
I have gained the ability to think clearer and have become stronger both in my business and personal relationships
In the past year I have come to know GNC and the Goodwill Store as my two most favorite places to shop. And I never ever put anything in my mouth without reading the label first.
Other huge obsticles overcome this year included Stella's 3 hip replacement surgeries - restoring her ability to not only walk - but she is now running with me 3 times a week. I have to mention this as it has been a huge part of my year. And my oldest son, Nicholas getting a full ride Scholarship to University next year.
My journey is still in its beginning stages. Yes I have passed the 1 year milestone - but that milestone is small compared to the next 50 or so years I want to live on to. In the next year, I have my sights set on loosing the next ~20 pounds and continued building of my self esteem. I will continue to share and grow with my new WLS friends.
Thanks for all of your support and friendship - it truly means the world to me.
Kim Z
Laura
Laura
"Two roads diverged in a wood..and I took the one less travelled by and that has made all the difference." -Robert Frost
Over 176+ lbs lost since surgery!! :-)
See my profile for my OH Blog!!
on 12/13/08 8:58 pm - PA
What a great post and I can certainly relate to all that you shared. This is an amazing journey and I look forward to the gains that don't include pounds!
Wishing you continued "successing",
Laureen
My Mantra is that I do not determine my success by the number hanging in my closet, nor will I let the scale determine that success either. . . It is through trial and error I will continue to grow and succeed. . . Laureen
"Success is a journey, not a destination." Ben Sweetland
