My 1st year anniversary

[PreciousCargo 55]

Today is my 1st anniversary... I felt it important to share my thoughts on my weight loss journey to help others. In November 2009 I began a six month weight loss program required by my insurance for the lap band procedure. My highest weight was 324 pds. By the end of the six months I weighed 290 pds. However, I seemed to have some conflicts with the doctor and decided it was in my best interest to seek another doctor. Well, time got away from me and it wasn't until 2011 that I again began seeking another doctor. During the process I ran into several individuals who had the lap band surgery that weren't successful. I decided to look at other options and decided the vertical sleeve was for me. In June 2011 I went to my first seminar weighing in at 311 pds. I had to start the whole insurance process again which was frustrating especially the psychological part. Finally, I was approved and in December 2011 I became my pre op diet weighing 308 pds. On January 20, the day of my surgery I weighed in at 288 pds. Several people tried to talk me out of the surgery during this process but my mind was made up that I had to do this for me. The surgery was hard, I was hospitalized longer than the usual stay and returned 10 days later for another several days. It was hard adjusting and I was stubborn and didn't necessarily want to conform to this new way of life. However, as of today I weigh 195 pds, which is my doctor's goal. No longer am I considered obese just overweight. I would like to lose another 15 pds and hope to be successful this year in meeting that goal. My life is much better mentally and physically. I have a wonderful partner who has helped me through my journey and provided support when I was frustrated or felt like I was failing. My ways may not work for you but I would like to share with you what works for me. First, I started taking depression medicine which helps me mentally and I don't feel the need as much to eat when I am stressed. I weigh myself everyday and eat accordingly. It is much easier to lose 5 pds than 50 pds. I don't count calories or carbs. I am a vegetarian so I do have to watch my Protein intake because I was losing large amounts of hair after the surgery. I do watch my fat intake, and will allow myself a treat occasionally. I can't eat any sweets that have larger than 12 grams of sugar or I get ill. I have noticed I can eat several Cookies but only a few ounces of vegetables. So, I do try to wisely choice my food everyday but it is hard at times and I still slip up. I eat about five to six meals a day averaging about 1,000 calories. I battle with Constipation everyday and it seems to be a losing battle. Your body functions differently after the surgery. It is important to take your Vitamins. My sagging skin is upsetting but as it was told to me "fat kills extra skin doesn't," so I am learning to adjust to it. My advice to everyone is don't wait any longer, do this for yourself and improve your quality of life. The journey may be frustrating but every pound you lose is a celebration. Good luck to all of you on your journey.

[Richard Foor 655]

Very Inspirational, and congratulations on your amazing success.

[Traci J. 207]

Thanks for sharing. Congratulations on your success.

[Dreamingofhealth 223]

Thank you so much for sharing. I live reading people's journey because in some way or another it hits home. Congratulations on all of your success, and cheers to your healthy future!

Sheena

[lessofmeismore 1,405]

Congrats on your success and thank you for sharing!