One Year Ago Today I Changed The Course Of My Life

[Amanda131 214]

Friends-

Today, I Celebrate one of my biggest moments of bravery. I Celebrate agreeing to be wheeled into surgery despite a healthy dose of fear of both complications and the unknown. I had no idea how I'd cope in life without the crutch of food and failure. I wasn't excited about surgery and possibilities. I was simply scared and resolved. Now, I live a life I truly wasn't sure I'd ever get to enjoy. Life is good. So good.

I have been incredibly blessed on this journey. My approval process was relatively painless. It only involved four months of supervised diet. I didn't even have to do a liquid diet leading up to surgery. My only real complication was a very minor infection on one of my incisions. A round of antibiotics and I was fine.

My biggest memories of life following surgery were trying to figure out how to live without food as a focus and exhaustion. I wasn't hungry but still felt a need to eat but couldn't. I worked hard in therapy to be ready for this yet I wasn't. On top of that, I remember being absolutely exhausted until week 5. My other biggest memory is when I lost about 50 lbs. and realized that I no longer hurt. I had been overweight so long that I simply accepted pain as a part of life. To wake up one day and comprehend than general life no longer hurt left me giddy.

Since surgery, I have dropped 112 pounds, 12 inches (literally a foot!) off my waist, and 6 dress sizes (from 24/26 to 12/14). I have found a passion for running that culminated in running a half-marathon in January. I found the confidence to apply for a dream job that came with a crazy raise and got the job! I've found pride in myself and my appearance. I've become more than what I eat and how I look.

I haven't been the most well-behaved sleever. I feel I should share that in the interest of honesty. When I got the crazy, awesome promotion I started making some poor choices. I have yet to gain weight but I am in the world's longest stall due to poor food choices and a lack of focus on diet. I haven't lost a pound since December. I recognize that I haven't lost the last thirty pounds because of my less than ideal food choices but I am okay with this for now. I know that I will soon be ready to lose the last thirty and I will focus and finish what I started. My goal is to be at or under 175 by 18 months. I feel this is very doable. However, I recognize that this is my journey and I will finish it when it is right for me. Right now, I am enjoying the ride and life in general.

I would like to take a moment to thank all of you for your constant support, opinions and advice. I've found this forum and the people it consists of a lifeline on more than one occasion. Bless you all!

Of course, a surgiversary post isn't complete without photos!

PS- I swear I am not a big drinker... it just happens that pics normally occur when I'm drinking.

[aliandrews 98]

Way to go! You look great and keep up the good work.

[Paola 62]

Awesome, just awesome

[twoboysandagirl 109]

Amanda~ I loved reading you story and appreciated your honesty. You have had dramatic results and look great!

[Cheles 75]

Wow. Congrats on your hard work. You look amazing!

[SleeveDreamer 383]

Great story. You should be very proud of your accomplishments!

[ocean_ophelia 31]

Hilarious about the drinks. The red one looks fabulous, as do you!!!

[longer-life 139]

Congratulations!!!! I always enjoy your posts. You have done great and look wonderful!!!!!!

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

Wowwwww! You look really hot! CONGRATS!

[teambrown4 19]

That's a great post! Thanks for sharing. I was so ready to make a comment on the drinks until I saw your ps-lol

Congrats on your loss and work and good luck on the rest of your journey!:-)

[VJSlim 156]

Congrats on your awesome success!! That was an incredible and inspiring journey! All the best to reach goal!

[Malyss 31]

Wow. Congratulations on your success. It does take a big leap of faith to go into the operating room. I had my surgery last week and it's all still fresh in my mind. I'm hoping to get down to around 170-175 as well.

[1Bumblebee 8]

You look great. Its stories like yours that gives people like me hope for a happy, healthy future. Thanks for sharing. I love this forum.

[Amanda131 214]

Thank you all for awesome comments! You all know how to make a girl feel good.

[Indymom 132]

Congratulations!! You look fantastic!!