12 Months and 3 days Post op VSG - no Regrets!

Hello,
Its been since November 2012 that I wrote last.   Six months Post op.  That seems like ages ago.  I'm sure my entries will be come less and less as time goes on.

Today, I am 169.8 pounds! :)  that would be 159 pounds LESS than I was when I started my journey, for those of you counting pounds.

                                 June 10, 2011  @ 331 pounds      February 17, 2013 @ 181 pounds

I'm ecstatic.  I can't believe how great I feel, how  I look, and how awesome my support system still is.  I've become a support people too for several people in various states of a gastric surgery or weight loss..  I am helping them (I hope).  I was blessed with the tools and a second chance on life.  I want to pay it forward.  I don't pretend to be a know it all, I just know what I know and what works for me.  I will never say it will work for you. I can only share my experience. I've had some ask for help and take it. I've had some ask for help and not take it.   Those who've asked and took it have been successful, no matter the route they've taken.  Those who have failed have probably lied to me and themselves.   I'm not offended or upset.  You have to want this. You are the maker of your own destiny. YOU control your own life.  If you lie to yourself  when it comes to what you eat, how you eat, and why you eat, then you lie to ONLY yourself and nobody else.  Until you are honest with yourself, you can not make the change.  I was there once.


I have managed to accomplish a lot of Firsts in the second half of my year.  I've fit into a kayak without squeeeezing into it, I've played broom ball, went snowshoeing, gone ice skating with my children, started running three days a week with the help of couch to 5K with TIED shoes, I went on the water slide at Jay Peak Pump House without worrying about the weight limit, I BOUGHT a real bathing suit (not just shorts and a tank top), and I hiked Hunger Mountain.  I did it!  All of those things, with doubts and apprehension, but I did it.

My yearly check ups went great. I followed up with my Surgeon as well as my primary physician.  I mainly went to my primary to thank her for the push.  She pushed me once and I bucked her because I was lying to myself.  The second push from her was not bucked.  I thanked her at this visit in many tears of happiness.    For those of you wondering... There are NO regrets, even though I've had a few side effects, but what's to regret?  SO what I lost my thick hair, I got a great new hair cut :) and So what if my Vitamin B12 is in the toilet.. Its just a needle once a month. But, my cholesterol has dropped drastically as well.  The good is coming up and the bad is going down. My weight loss has slowed/plateaued and now I've started to build muscle :)  Yeah me!  The picture above was taken April 26, 2013 near my one year surgeversary

 I've probably added 10 or more years onto my life.   I enjoy every day as the gift that it is.  There are challenges and struggles that go along with this, but ya know what?   I'm alive! I'm healthier.   I will get to grow old with the one I love and  enjoy being a grandmother, (Eventually).  I have so much to be thankful for. 

I will admit that I did become a bit of a food Nazi around the holidays and after it was pointed out to me multiple times,  I toned it down and eventually all together stopped being vocal about it.  I guess I was just so excited to be so healthy I got carried away.  I wanted everybody around me to be healthier too.  Ya know... They are!  I guess part of me was jealous which I why I was so Nazi-ish.  They were eating sweets and junk, as much as they wanted and when they wanted without a worry.  I missed that, but I did really well.  I did eat some of it.. Some of it I paid for and some I did not.

I am frequently asked now, 'Can you eat this?  Can you eat that?'  The answer is "YES."  I can eat whatever I want.  Does it agree with me?  Not always, but I never refuse myself anything.  That's where you get in trouble.  I eat what I want when I want just knowing the consequences and prepared to deal with them.

In fact my tastes have changed drastically.  for those of you who know me.. I never did chocolate,  sweets, or steak. Well, Now I don't do milk, bread, rice, or complex starches regularly either, but give the chance for chocolate cake or a piece of steak.. You betcha!  All in moderation of course. 

Again I thank all of my friends and extended family for your constant support and encouragement during this journey.  I especially thank my immediate family for putting up with all the Nazi business AND my frustrations, discouragement, and whining.  Without you being there to keep me strong and steadfast, I would not be on the right track and I would be standing alone!  I love you all

With Chocolate Kisses,

Bonnie

Six month four day- post op!

Six months Post Op!
Well today I weighed in being 6 months and 4 days out. 207!!! Not quite below 200 which was my six month goal, butHaven't seen this in months, heck; YEARS. Who am I kidding?! 124 total since the beginning and 100 # from surgery date!! Excited? You bet! Considering they advised 80 pounds is the norm in the first year!

It's amazing the people that drive right by me because the just don't recognize me or people who don't wave for the same reason. Heck my own mother drove right by me cuz she thought "somebody else" was driving a car that looked like mine. It's ok, I don't recognize me either.

I have to share what happened to me just yesterday. I was asked, when I was at CVMC to get blood drawn if my personality changed; mind you my youngest daughter was with me ( my physical support person - one of them through all of this) .. Anyway, simultaneously we answer " she says 'YES' and me? I say no!! Lol. We both laugh and then I look at her confused - STILL IN FRONT OF THE REGISTRATION PERSON She simply says " she's Much happier". My heart melted. It's true. I'm happy with me, loose flabby skin, missing belly button and all! Healthier! The new me! This woman proceeded to talk to us about wanting to do this herself, but had no support. Before I could say anything, my youngest daughter says to her "Ill be YOURS! I'll go with you every step if the way". Needless to say this woman and myself were moved to tears for two entirely different reasons! How proud I was!

Keep in mind The last six months have NOT come without challenges, but the successes outweigh those Ten to One (10:1. )
I often get asked "what, if anything, do I regret about this surgery/ process?" My answer: NOTHING! The only challenge I constantly have is I've yet to find a food that cures the 'need' to eat. You know that comfort food the one that satisfies. Haven't found it. I HAVE found my sweet tooth :/ which I NEVER HAD. For those of you that are thinking " oh no!" No worries, two pieces of dove bar and I'm done. :). If The fat content in anything is higher than 4g- my body throws a fit, therefore I stay away, but it's soo worth it The only issue I hate and am trying to really grasp ahold of is the major amount if hair loss. But hey, what's a lil clogging drain or rats nest hair brush!? Lol. Biotin and B complex overload is my best friend these days.

I worried in the past I'd fail, but I don't anymore I'd slip back. I listen to my body (as I always have) and pay the price if I don't. This is a LIFESTYLE change not a quick fix. In fact, I've taken over all the grocery shopping AND food preparation at home. oh don't worry, Matt still cooks but with me by his side AFTER I've / we've shopped. Lol. Makes him crazy but it needs to happen.

Another question I get asked is "what can you eat?" I'm just like you I can eat whatever I want. Just depends on whether I want the consequences or not. If I don't eat it, it's because I don't want the consequences,it's not because I can't. Did you think is give up grilled cheese forever!? Haha - you're funny. Once a month (due to bread and fats) I treat myself - yes I do pay but I do treat myself to half a sandwich :).

I've managed to now run 2 miles, walk 4.5miles and hike more! All without struggling. My middle son and I fave plans for some XC skiing this winter as well as some snowshoeing! how excited am i to be able to wear ski pants. :) with all this exercise I hope to tone and prep my cardio for the spring.

My goal is to run the Sap Run @ Maple Festival time in April 2013, but my first running attempt, I think will be is going to be the one mile Reindeer Run in St Albans December 6th. :).