Why I'm Glad I Had Gastric Bypass Surgery

In my last post, I promised to post some before and after pics. 

 The first picture is from June 2008, when I weighed my heaviest 
(approx. 294 pounds).

By August 18, 2009, the day of my surgery, 
I was down to 283 pounds:

By August 18, 2012, exactly three years after surgery, 

and one month after my tummy tuck, 
this is the final result (143 pounds):

And, a couple of weeks later, my first selfie!

So, there you have it.!!

A journey that started in January 2008 has ended better than I ever expected or hoped.

Good luck to all who are contemplating bypass surgery!

I guess I've been more active since my weight loss!

It's been a while - true - but I'm down to 143 pounds, size 10 in jeans and size medium in shirts. I can hardly believe it! Also, for the first time EVER, I'm wearing my younger sister's hand-me-downs - the sister who use to be a model and was always skinny and gorgeous). She still is, but now it seems I've caught up to her! Woo hoo!

For anyone contemplating gastric bypass surgery, I would encourage you to seriously consider it and weigh the cons over being obese (diabetes, heart-related illnesses, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, etc.) against the pros of being active, healthy and fit - possibly for the first time in your life. It does take a serious commitment, which isn't one of my strong suits, but I did it and I've surprised even myself.

I think for my next post, I'll post a picture of me taken the day of the surgery and one take a few months ago and let you be the judge.

Happy holidays to all!

It's been a long time . . .

. . . but I've done it! I've lost over 130 pounds and have maintained my new weight for almost 9 months! Plus, I'm exercising more and feeling great as I have to move to clothes that are getting smaller and smaller. A very weird feeling, but a liberating one, too! Happy New Year, indeed!

I'm under 200!

Finally! Six months after surgery and I'm 85 pounds down! Sweet! I'm feeling incredible and find that I have so much energy. I guess I really didn't believe how much my weight affected my activity level.

I'm making sure I'm eating right and so far, so good. While I can't eat turkey, pumpkin pie, melted cheese, and sugar substitutes, I can eat baked potatoes, baked chicken, baked ribs, pasta and rice.

Now I have to really concentrate on my workouts because I want to tighten everything up. I love the treadmill and recumbent bike, which is what I use the most.

I'm also finding it hard to believe that I'm fitting into smaller sizes - sizes I haven't worn in over 14 years! But don't get me wrong - I'm enjoying it immensely!

Well, off to do some more housework. Go Team USA (men's ice hockey!)

Happy (Belated) New Year!

All in all, I think 2010 is going to be a good year for me. I'm now down to 209 pounds for a total of 75 pounds lost in 5 months. I'm feeling better than I have in years! Plus, I just got a brand new furnace which is keeping my old house nice and toasty for a lot less money!

The Chinese New Year - Year of the Tiger - is coming up on Feburary 14th, I believe. That should be fun. Only two more years (2012) until we're back in the Year of the Dragon - which is my sign.

Anyway - Happy Belated New Year to All and have a wonderful 2010!

Wow!

I can't believe it's been over 2 months since my last post! I guess that's because so much has been keeping my busy. I've been working out 2-3 times a week - mostly on the treadmill and bike, with weights thrown in here and there.

So - as the ticker indicates, as of today, I am down to 220 pounds! That's 64 pounds down from my top weight in July. I can hardly believe it!

Thanksgiving was depressing, though. It turns out that I can I can no longer enjoy turkey or pumpkin pie. Major bummer! But still - I can eat stuffing and baked chicken, so it's not that bad - in the whole scheme of things.

Back to the gym tomorrow and hopefully I'll be another 10 pounds down by Christmas!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

Two Weeks Later

I'm so glad I went back to work in the middle of last week. I couldn't believe how much it took out of me - getting back into the early morning routine, morning rush hour, and just the general day-to-day stuff. As I near the end of my first full week, I find I'm much more acclimated to everything and I'm actually enjoying myself. I thought I was getting stale but being away has given me a new appreciation and focus.

The really good news is that I'm now eating regular foods and found that beef and fish don't bother me. Chicken and pork are still on the watch list, but the fact that I can get some basic protein in is encouraging.

Next week is my birthday and I'm so glad I'm facing it almost 40 pounds lighter! I can't wait to see where I'll be this time next year. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but it seems more possible somehow. As if the losing a significant amount of weight in a short time has given me the incentive to do more - eat better, workout, and try to be more healthy in my habits.