June 14 - Two Year Surgiversary!!!!!

Today marks two years since I had my Gastric Bypass surgery. It has literally changed my life. I went from a 360 pound woman who could barely walk up a flight of stairs, somone who avoided booths at resturants becasue I wouldnt fit, who wouldnt sit on the floor, not only because I wouldn't be able to get back up but because I couldnt even figure how to get down! Someone who had trouble getting in and out of bed, who took a taxi to work everyday when it takes me 5 minutes to walk there - yes I was that lazy. Someone who missed out on all the fun stuff with my kids because I was too afraid of getting tired. I hated what I looked like because I ate so much and I ate so much because if what I looked like. Someone who had no self esteem.

In the past two years I have watched my weight go down and my self esteem go up. I have done things I never would have even fathomed doing before. I completed a 5km, 10km and a half marathon. One of the proudest moments of my life that I was able to share with my sister Kristy.I took my daughter to a theme park and was able to fit on all of the rides. I joined a gym and stuck with it, seeing a trainer multiple times a week. Accomplishing things that the week before I wasnt able to do.

Little things like jumping out of bed in the mornings,  crossing my legs, going shopping and being able to fit in just about everything I tried on. Liking what I saw when people took pictures of me, wearing a baithing suit and not caring what people thought.

There have been complications along the way, sacrifices that had to be made. Lots of tears and frustrations.... But would I do it over? Absolutely.  Some people out there believe that having surgery is the easy way out and that we dont lose weight the right way. HA! This was the hardest thing I have ever done. From the day I decided to have it done until today, two years later. Everyday I have to work at it, physically, mentally and emotionally.

I am so thankful for my husband and children who have put up with me and encouraged me everyday. Thank you for putting up with my whinning and complaining when i ate something I shouldn't and felt sick, and for understanding and giving me the time I needed at the gym to better myself!!!! And for all of my family, friends, co workers and online support who keep me accountable and love me no matter what.I have gone from 360 pounds at my highest, to 334 pounds at the time of surgery to 182 pounds as of today. I have lost 178 pounds in just over 2 years. Almost HALF of me!!!!!!!!  

I have my life back. Gastric bypass is a gift and I will be forever thankful for it!!

May 22/13 - Almost 2 years later...

So next month will be 2 years since I had my surgery. I can't believe that it's been that Long already, and I can't believe it's been so long since my last post! I guess I've been too busy living my life ;)

So much has happened in the past year... I don't know where to start!  Last September I started working out at a gym. I was matched up with a personal trainer Jenna who I started seeing 3 times a week. In 7 months she kicked my butt and pushed me to do things I never thought possible!!! Every week I was finding that I could do things I couldn't do the week before :)  I started to find muscles on my body that I NEVER had before lol   

Unfortunately the gym I was at closed down so now I am at another one. I'm still going at least 3 times a week and I've joined a BodyPump class which is so much fun! I've developed a bit of a running shoe and workout clothing obsession lol but I guess it could be worse :)

My son and I are doing a 10km walk-a-thon this weekend... I've been doing ALoT of walking over the past few months.... I've been training to do a half marathon with my sister Kristy which is next weekend! I'm super nervous but so excited to do it!!!

I've been able to maintain my weight... Which makes me so happy. I know I've gained muscle and lost fat which has made me stay at the same weight but I've also gone down in inches!!! At this point I'm more than happy to stay where I am for the rest of my life! My batwings are a bit more toned than before but I'm still thinking about the possibility of some skin surgeries in the future.  

My eating habits haven't changed too much... I do find that some days I can eat quite a bit (but still next to nothing compared to what I use to eat) and then there are days when I can't get more than a few bites in at a time.  I've started to enjoy green shakes... Still watching my protein.  

I have developed an ulcer which is not fun but something I was aware could be a possibility with this surgery. It's under control now thankfully with medication. I'm trying to stick with my vitamins.. But even two years out I have a hard time keeping up with them. 

I think one of my favorite things about being on this journey is being able to talk to others who are just starting and sharing my experiences. I know how thankful I was to people who helped me at the beginning!!! I have made SO many friends, online and in person. The support group that I am surrounded with is just phenomenal!!!   

I love my life and the energy I now have. I was given a second chance and I don't plan on screwing it up!!!