One year post-op - what a year

Today just happens to be both my birthday and in a way, a re-birthday.

Two years ago, I started down a journey to a better, healthier me, and the sleeve was just an added tool. I won't sing about how much I love my sleeve because I really dont. It helps me, and it's a good part of the reason why I am 130+ lbs lighter this year, but at the end, it's been me and the choices ive made.


I had major buyer's remorse for months - I've accepted it, and probably because of the progress ive made and the things I've accomplished. So, even with all the "negative" side effects (ie horrible reflux, chronic constipation) - it was a good choice for me - in the last year I have:

- went from 335lbs to 201
- went from a size 26 to 12/14
-spent more hours exercising than watching tv
- ended some unhealthy and disfunctional relationships, and got a divorce
- completed a mini triathlon
- completed a metric century ride (67 miles)
- ran a 10k
- lost my anxiety about shopping for clothes, fitting in chairs/booths
-discovered bones I never knew I had
- went places and saw things I never thought I would
- met some of the most wonderful people and made some of the greatest friends - especially from here.

I can eat whatever I want. I CHOOSE not to. Every single day, I have to actively think about the choices I make and what and how much I put in my mouth. I have tracked my food and every bite since I started eating 10 days after surgery. I have not had any candy since surgery or chocolate (donuts are a whole separate category right - i blame it on work!), nor pizza, ice cream or soda (those were my major triggers pre-op). I do not eat fast food. I usually eat out maybe 2-4 times a month. I take my vitamins. I drink my water. I exercise. I recognize my issues and work on them. I accept the fact that I will struggle for the rest of my life with food related issues.

Even though I've been in a major funk for the lat month or so, I love life. I have a lot of hope for the future - I know and believe I can accomplish whatever I set my mind too - something I never felt before since I always felt like a failure when it came to my weight. I no longer feel defined by my size - I am discovering who I am as a person.

I won't say that everyone should run out and get surgery, and maybe I'm alone here, but I certainly do not wish I had gotten this surgery sooner. I believe that this was an opportunity that I took when I was physically, mentally, emotionally and financially ready to commit to this life style. I took the year before surgery to prepare for this - and that was the greatest thing I could have done for myself.

Now for some pics - my befores are somewhere in the 400 lbs range and some pics throughout my journey. I am starting to plan some plastic surgery because yes, I have a very large amount of excess skin that is really hard to live with, but even if I had to - its much better than the fat that was previously stuffing my skin.









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Happy Birthday!!!! You are doing so good!!! Thanks for sharing your journey

I can't see your photos

Alison
Happy Birthday to you!    Happy Re-birthday to you!!   

You've done fabulously!!!!! This was a great, honest post.

Would type more but this is acting weird---pictures are loading as I type????

CONGRATS TO YOU!!!!

Happy Birthday!  Your such an inspiration!

Happy birthday!!!! And congratulations on the weight loss! Wowzers. I cannot imagine the amount of strength and perseverence that it takes to lose that much weight. It must have seemed like an insurmountable challenge and you should be so proud of yourself for tackling it and beating it. Good for you!!!

 Happy Birthday!!  You look fantastic!   

 
Hey Allison....Happy B-Day !!!!

Congrats on all your many accomplishments !!!!

And so close to the "Ones" !!!

Great post and Thanks for keeping it Real !!!

Nothing but respect from me.......

frisco

 Thanks Frisco - couldn't have done it without all of you :)