I thought I should write a new blog since I just had my 1 year sleeve anniversary on November 6, 2013. While I was out walking our dogs today on my 4 mile walk I was reflecting back on how my life was a year and a half ago as compared to now. Wow, has it ever changed for the good! A year ago on this day I was just getting out of the Hospital after spending 4 days in there after my sleeve surgery. I had a pretty rough time with nausea after the first day. I was so sick that I just wanted to leave my body to get away from how terrible I felt! I remember thinking, "What did you do to yourself Kathy"? Luckily after I got home each day I felt better and better.

A year and a half ago I couldn't walk down to the corner and back and I would be out of breath, tired, and hurting. That was before my surgery, and before I had lost the 42 pounds on the 6 month pre-surgery diet. I couldn't ride a regular bike, so I rode an adult trike, and only for short distances. I mostly sat in my recliner, felt depressed, and didn't like going anywhere! I didn't like going to any parties, family get togethers, weddings, or anything where I felt people were going to judge me! I didn't feel good in anything I wore, and was so self conscience. I look back at how I use to be, and I don't recognize that person anymore! I was only existing, and not living!

Not anymore! Now I'm living, and loving it! I walk our dogs a little over 4 miles several times a week and can do it in 1 hour and 7 minutes. I feel great when I get back, not tired, or out of breath, but feel like a million bucks. I have a regular cruiser 5 speed bike I ride now when my husband and I go for our bike rides. Our bike rides are now between 10-23 miles long, and take 1-2 hours. It's one of our favorite things to do together now.

I use to wear a size 26/28W, and a 3XXX tops, and hated going clothes shopping. Now I love going clothes shopping because I can wear a 14 regular womens. I can grab any size 14 off the rack, and try it on, and it FITS! I only wear a M/L tops now too. I buy jeans instead of sweats, and actually like dressing up to go out. I'm hoping to get in to a size 12 when I reach my goal weight of 156 pounds. I'm about 16-18 pounds from my goal weight depending on the day. I was even a guest speaker at my sleeve surgeon's bariatric seminar this past week. I got up in front of over 100 people, and told my story about my weight loss journey. I was so nervous, but I'm glad I did it, because it felt GREAT! I'm even going for a job interview this coming Tuesday for a custodial job for this huge company. I haven't worked outside my home in like 17 years! I wasn't ready to have a job before, but now I'm going to give it a try! I think it will do me good to get back out there in the work world, and I'll feel a sense of accomplishment, and more self worth! I'm 56 years young, and am actually LIVING again!