Life...One Year Post Sleeve Gastrectomy

This time last year, life was so much different. I was over 300lbs. I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without having to stop to catch my breath. I could barely work 8hrs, let alone a full 12hrs, without feeling horrible pain in my feet and lower back. Not to mention the blisters I would get from my thighs rubbing together. I feel like it is important for me to remember how I felt at my heaviest. It reminds me of how blessed I am to be closer to meeting my goals.

Now, being 95lbs lighter, I can walk up multiple flights of stairs before getting winded. I can be on my feet all day and only experience minor aches and pains. I can ride my bike 10+ miles without difficulty and actually enjoy it. I went hiking this week. That's right, hiking! The unhealthy version of myself last year would have cried at the thought of it. I hiked with my husband and family and I enjoyed it. This is something I've been missing out on for 5 years. Outing after outing, I would make excuses for not going.

Then and Now

In the last four months, I've lost about 15lbs. I wish that number were larger, but hey, all I can do is keep focusing on things I can improve. 

I am much more active now. I enjoy pushing myself and setting new goals.  I had to give up running because of my hips, but I have found a new love in biking and swimming.  I have so much more energy without all that extra weight.  95 pounds ago, I could only ride a mile on my bike before my butt would hurt so badly I would have to turn around and go back.  Now, I can keep up with my husband! And I know he is super happy now that I can join him on his bike rides. 

I am so grateful that I've been able to be successful post sleeve gastrectomy.  I know weight loss surgery is not for everyone, but for me it has changed my life.  

Another 10 Bites the Dust

Alright, I haven't updated in almost two months. Sorry! 

My life has been a little...fun! I just haven't felt the need to vent very much on my blog. I'm realizing that I need to start writing about all the little victories I've been having along the way instead of waiting for the big ones.  For example, you remember those new size 22 jeans I bought twenty pounds ago? Yep, they're too big. Those 3X scrub pants I bought a year ago and couldn't even pull up over my thighs? Yep, they're way too big, too. That size XL scrub top that I haven't been able to wear in 6 years? Yep, wore it yesterday! Being five pounds away from my high school graduation weight? Feels pretty awesome. Getting compliments from people I haven't seen in a long time? Very flattering. 

Don't get me wrong, these past two months haven't been all sunshine and butterflies. I've struggled a little bit.  My weight loss slowed down quite a bit in January but it seems to be speeding up again. I am happy to be losing 1-2 pounds a week. A lot of weight loss surgery patients would be unhappy with this and consider it slow, but I am comfortable with it. At this rate, as long as I'm eating enough protein, I will not be losing muscle mass. 

I feel satisfied after eating about 2/3 cup of food. I make protein my biggest priority while eating my meals. I fill up mostly on protein and veggies but still enjoy a couple bites of rice, potato, or cous cous. I've been eating a lot of barbecued chicken, broccoli, and rice lately. Breakfast usually consists of either a protein shake or oatmeal. Snacks include 1/2 an apple and a cheese stick, a banana, or beef jerky. 

I need to remind myself daily that this is a lifestyle, not just a diet like times in the past. In the past, I've felt like giving up on dieting when weight loss slowed, now I want to persevere. I want to see what I am capable of. I want to challenge myself more than ever.