2 year surgiversary today...

Wow how time flies!  Its hard to comprehend that its been 2 years already, and 2 years ago I had NO idea then where I'd be in 2 years (who even thought that far ahead?).  I reached my goal of 125 in 10 months.  2 months later I lost 3 more pounds and maintained that until last summer, when I started creeping up some.. now I fluctuate between 125-128.  I'd love to get back down to 123.. I loved it there!

Several life changes over the past year with relationships, a grandbaby, making new friends, plastic surgery, reactive hypoglycemia, joining a gym and getting active again, dating and just adjusting to life and how its changed for me.  I can honestly say I'm content with my life now and am looking forward to moving forward!

I went from a size 18 to a size 4.  I can wear some 2's, some 6's.  I used to obsess about getting into absolutely the smallest size I could, now I don't.  I love shopping and enjoy trying on clothes now.  My favorite places?  Thrift and consignment shops - can't pass up a bargain - just ask Gina!  (you may know that already if you've ever read my posts when I've went shopping!  LOL). 

Now - with that said, maintenance is no picnic!  LOL - its hard work and you have to keep diligent every day (almost).  The biggest piece of advice I want to give others still in their active weight loss phase or who have reached goal but still in their "honeymoon" period - is to NOT let bad eating habits creep back into your life.  I know, everyone early out says "I'm NEVER going to do that again" - but guess what?  You do.

My demon is chips, nuts anything salty.  I was able to eat a bag of chips (yes a big one) without issues, and didn't gain.  I was eating cans of cashews every few days - still, no issues, no weight gain.  I knew I was living on borrowed time... but then one day - WHAM!!  Reality caught up with me... and the scale caught up.  Yes, it wasn't a huge weight gain, but enough to get my attention.  So, I've addressed those demons and they're NOT allowed in my house anymore in any way, shape or form.  I've done well with that too...  I still allow myself some indulgences, but they're not foremost in my mind.  I still concentrate on protein first, veggies then carbs if I absolutely think I need some (usually its just a few chips or fries if eating out)  I typically don't even cook carbs with dinner anymore.  Oh - and I weigh myself almost every day.  I find it keeps me accountable to myself.  I'm not obsessive like I used to be so if I miss a day I don't stress about it, but being accountable to yourself is the key here.... 

So - I want to say THANK YOU and let everyone know how much I LOVE THEM!!  This board has been my sole support over the past 2 years, and I really truly believe I couldn't have done it without you guys.  I wouldn't know about the importance of my vitamins, how to read my labs, get new ideas for protein drinks, and just share life and life experiences that only we can understand.  I truly feel I have a great group of friends here I can count on in many aspects of my life. 

I had my son take a picture of me last night so I had an official 2 year picture.  Yes Gina, its the same shirt I wore for the 1 year pic you took of me - LOL. 

My son's graduation June before my surgery:  I was at my heaviest here.... (sorry the pics so small)

218 and a size 16W or 18W. 



2 years out - 126 and a size 4 

Congratulations Jody on your 2 years. 

I am so thankful that I found this forum and all of my friends here.  I always love to read your posts and you have helped me so much since the beginning of my journey to now.  Thank you so much!!  You show me that we can live a normal live and still succeed.

I love the pictures.  You look great!!

Thanks for giving us the Greek Yogurt, SF/FF Pudding, NSA pie filling idea - best thing ever!!

Linda

Thanks Linda!  I enjoy reading your posts and advice too - we all bring something different to this forum - that's what makes it so special!!

 

 Your posts mean so much to me. I have a support group in my county, but we meet only once a month and I haven't really bonded with anyone there. I have never met anyone on this board in person except Lee. What a privilege to meet her and have her introduce me to you and all the Lightweights in OH.

You make the journey sound wonderful and challenging and possible, which 5 weeks out from surgery seems miraculous. Thank you so much for sharing.

Thanks Wendy!  I have had the privilege to meet several Lightweights over the past 2 years.  Its an honor every time I do! 

Yes, the journey is all those things, and you really need to just keep a positive focus on what the outcome will be, not what you're missing (in terms of food).  I didn't mourn food or miss it.  I think I'm lucky in that respect because I wanted the weight GONE and I knew pining away for something I shouldn't be eating anyway wasn't going to help me emotionally get there. 

Wendy, it was such a treat meeting you in a chance encounter.  I'm definitely on your cheering squad!  :)

Congrats on your last 2 years.  You look great.  Thanks so much for being here with all your insight and wisdom for us newbees.

Thanks and you're very welcome!  I plan on continuing to stick around.  I really do love to see others that have stayed and are paying forward - I find I don't respond as much to posts anymore - but that's ok - because I see others' are giving the advice I would have given.

 

Jody, you look wonderful!  Congrats on your great continued success!  I too have found this forum to be invaluable.  Don't get me wrong, I have wonderful support at home, but everyone here has walked in my shoes so to speak.  And having done that can give the most valuable support and advice.  I look forward to coming here everyday to see all of my friends.

Not only are we support here for eating/vitamins, etc - but emotional support and thats a HUGE thing in my eyes.  Like you said, the people on this board have all walked in the same shoes - and we understand the WOW's, trials, tribulations and fun times that others just may not understand....