510 Days to Reach Goal

Today marks 510 days since I started my pre-op diet on my way to WLS. 510 days or 12240 hours or 734400 minutes or 44064000 seconds from February 18, 2005 to this moment... the day I reached my goal weight of 160. I didn't set my goal weight based on past experience. I never weighed less than 167 (which I weighed for 1 day in my 20s) as an adult. The last time I weighed 160 was in 8th grade when I was a few inches shorter and the heaviest girl (not sure about the guys I might have outweighed them too) in my class. I remember what I weighed back then because we were weighed *out loud* in the gym in front of everyone. How humiliating. I set my goal based somewhat on weight charts but also taking into consideration my age (approaching 46) and the fact that I've been overweight for most of my teens and adult life. When you are overweight for long periods of time, your skeleton adapts and bones become heavier in an attempt to prevent your body from collapsing under it's own weight. Also, there is the extra skin factor. Which of cours is what it is. I started this journey on 2/18/2005 at 276 lbs and 5'7.5". A light-weight to some but not to me as I was battling diabetes (was on insulin), high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I was on a 3 month pre-op diet (extended due to having to have back surgery first) and lost 32 lbs while low carbing. On my surgery date of 5/20/2005 (what would have been my mother's 73rd birthday - her death was what made me decide to have WLS), I was 244 lbs. I've lost 84.5 lbs since surgery. I've lost a total of 116.5 lbs to get here at "goal". It hasn't been an easy ride for me. I've had some weird pain issues and been poked, proded, tested to the extremes over the last year. But I'm here... I look great (if I do say so myself) and in general, I feel well. My diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea resolved fairly early after surgery and remain so. My future which was filled with visions of coronary artery disease and strokes (genetics) is now much, much brighter. I am vital and active (gym 4-5 times a week). Thanks everyone for all your support! Kathy

Congratulations on reaching the goal you set for yourself. It sounds like you used a lot of good sense calculations to set your goal... not everybody realizes the heavier bone structure we have from being overweight for so long.... I had a bone density check a few years ago and my density was off the normal chart,, it was so high.... they were screening for osteoporosis ... I didn;t have that problem.... I am closing in on the goal I have set and hope I make it soon but I am so grateful for what I have accomplished so far...... Keep enjoying life to the fullest....your future sounds great.....Have fun!!! Sharon D

Thanks so much, Sharon! I hope you reach your goal very, very soon. Best wishes, Kathy

Congratulations Kathy!!!! Thanks for sharing your story and continued success to you and RIch! Christie

Thanks, Christie! Kathy

Congratulations Kathy! You're an inspiration! It's a Happy Day!!!!!!!!!!! Tracy B 328/150 5'9

Thanks Tracy! While it's nice to have your own day to celebrate, it is really nice to be able to celebrate with you and share the day! Happy goal day to us both! Kathy

Wow, Kathy, you do, indeed, look great! Congrats to you on your wonderful success!! Hugs, Connie

Thanks, Connie! Hugs back at ya, Kathy

Congratulations Kathy, I've watched you from the beginning and it's been such a joy to follow your journey and see you accomplish the goals you've set for yourself. You deserve it lady! Hugs, Dana