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1 year out what ive learned

akastrawberry24
on 6/5/11 9:21 pm
June 3rd marked my 1 year anniversary.  Since my surgery I have lost 182lbs.  This has been a bumpy road for me.  Not because I was sick, I had no physical complications at all.  However, the head games were horrible.  I was afraid to eat for the first few months, so all I did was drink protein shakes.  I was so nervous that I would binge and stretch my sleeve. I was doing fine because I was getting my water and proteins.  The trouble began when I would try to eat. I would take a bite and be done.  I also feel in love with working out.  I pray I keep this love. 

You see I had to pay out of the pocket, because of this, I was more determined than ever.  Plus, I was just sick and tired of being so overweight. I was tired of my feet hurting, my legs hurting, my back, etc.  I weighed over 300lbs the day of surgery.

I have learned so many lessons during this year. I want to share just a few
- In the beginning you can lose the weight and still not eat healthy.  You can crunch on chips, etc.  However, if you don't change your eating habits you will regain every pound.

-Losing weight for me is much more than how I look on the outside.  On the outside I still struggle with thinking I am fat.  I still having trouble dealing with this issue.  Most days when I look in the mirror I see a fat girl.  I don't see this skinny person people talk about.  I still have trouble buying the right size because in my mind there is no way I can wear a size 4.  I was a size 24 pushing a 26 the day of surgery.

-Don't try and force your new lifestyle eating habits on your friends and family.  That is the quickest way to start resentment. 

-Schedule your workouts. Put them in your calendar. They are important appointments that can't be missed.  I still do this and plan to always do this. 

-I took time to journal and blog and try to figure out what cause me to get to be so big.  This was so hard because I dug up things from my past that I wish I wouldve left buried. 

-Learn your triggers, what sets you into a food binge? What makes you lose control.  In the beginning I was so afraid to eat anything that I wouldn't put anything wrong up to my mouth.  About a month ago, my friend wanted me to taste a cookie.  He was like Nicole just a bite.  He handed it to me and said, "be in control, one bite, you have control and power over this cookie, food period, it doesn't control you."  WOW! Talk about a powerful statement that I know use when I want my weakness-potato chips.  It actually works. I just say, I have the power. I am in control.

I have learned so much more, but above are just the basics.  I am healthy now and I know I will stay this way.  I weigh myself every Monday morning and I have a 5lbs warning range. 

I am still learning and still working.  I now crave healthy foods. I drink a green smoothie every morning with a scoop of vegan protein in it.  I love Greek yogurt, raw nuts, grilled fish, etc. 

I am such a private person and I don't care for a lot of attention.  Dealing with all of the compliments and attention has been so hard for me and I am glad that they have slowed down. 
OH has been a great resource for me. I log in daily.  I am a principal and I teach college courses so my time is limited and I don't get to interact as much as I would like.  We all need support, find support, positive support.

Here is the link to my blog if anyone is interested........... www.myveryactivecoach.blogspot.com

I want to embed pictures but I don't see how. 

LyndaCary
on 6/5/11 11:09 pm - CA
Thank you for telling us your story. Very inspiring, you have done an awesome job.
I have bookmarked your blog so I can read it all over the next few days.
Congratulations on your success.

 

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.HW-276  ReferralW-258   Lost 22lbs pre surg   SW-236   CW-124.6
    

 

akastrawberry24
on 6/6/11 5:59 am
Thank you.  It has been so different from what I expected.  Not sure what I expected but this wasn't it.
Lee ~
on 6/5/11 11:29 pm - CA
Big Congratulations on your one year surgiversary.  I look forward to reading your blog!

HW: 249   SW: 229 GW: 149 Age: 63 - Body by Sauceda - 12/2011

Jenni Z.
on 6/6/11 2:51 am - CA
 WOW! You look so fabulous! Congrats! I see a lot of women who are at goal after 100 pounds and here you are down 182 pounds! You are my new VSG hero! I have a long way to go and I would love some tips!! 

Jenni
  5 9' Surgery/Start Weight: 341 CW: 276 Goal: 181 Dream Goal: 165
    
akastrawberry24
on 6/6/11 6:00 am
Thank you!  I passed the doctor's goal for me by about 40lbs.  Any help you need just ask.  Feel free to email me as well with questions.
hmahler
on 6/6/11 3:03 am - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Congratulations!  You look fabulous and clearly you've learned so much about yourself this year.  I hope you are feeling super-proud!

Hally

Check out my blog at
www.mahlersonsafari.blogspot.com   

          
sam1am
on 6/6/11 8:56 am
 Very, very impressive!  Congratulations!

 Sandy                                           
                
"The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody  else up"                     
                          
      Mark Twain                                                       LW-Apple-Gold-Small.jpg image by PlicketyCatAnimation One      
   

                               

Kenwillmore
on 6/6/11 9:00 am
Congrats, you look great.  
        
HW: 258 SW: 248 GW: 150  

http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/VSGM/discussion/
akastrawberry24
on 6/6/11 10:19 pm
Thank you for the compliment.  You look well too.
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