One Year Out!

[momof3_angels 465]

Tomorrow morning marks my one year anniversary! Seems like so long ago that I was anxiously awaiting my surgery. Nervously wondering if I was doing the right thing or was I taking drastic and unnecessary measures. And then post-op dealing with the pain every time I tried to re-position... the stabbing pain from the main incision with movement. The barely being able to take a sip of fluids, much less actually eating! What an adventure this year has been. Do I regret any part of this crazy year? Well... I totally regret this Coronavirus nightmare that has taken over my life, but I am so proud of myself for taking control of my body and my health. I lost over 100 pounds. I wear a size 4. I look healthy. I FEEL healthy. So, my first weight was 226.8 pounds at my first weigh in. I was about 205 on surgery day. I got down to 123 (point something). I am maintaining at about 125-128. My goal was 135 and a size 6-8... so I will take it! And today, just at the 365 day mark... I saw my cardiologist. My labs are PERFECT!!! Well, not my bilirubin (you may recall that is a long time issue for me), but everything else is perfect! Not only were my LDL cholesterol and triglycerides WAY DOWN... my HDL cholesterol was REALLY GOOD! So much so that I am OFFICIALLY off my metoprolol for tachycardia (stopped taking it several months ago due to low blood pressure) and I am OFFICIALLY off my Lipitor for cholesterol!!!!! I had asked 6 months ago if I can try to go without it... he insisted on 6 more months, repeat labs, and then he MIGHT consider it. Well, I didn't even have to bring it up. He was so happy he just told me to stop it. He wants me to get follow up labs at my PCP in 6 months, and see him again next year... but he predicts he will be releasing me from his care altogether. YAY! We also discussed my never ending mysteriously high bilirubin and the tests I did this year that left us with no answers. He has determined that I probably have Gilberts Disease which is a benign liver disease. He wants me to see a specialist to do the differential diagnosis.... but I predict that will be quick and I won't actually need any ongoing treatment. But... I do want to do it because I want to finally put a name to whatever causes my bilirubin to be elevated all the time (my whole adult life at least). I see the FNP at the surgeon office for my one year follow up tomorrow. I did those labs the same day, and they too were excellent (besides the bilirubin lol). I think they are having me see the nutritionist too... somehow she didn't show up for my last appointment which was supposed to be by phone call.

Exercise.... I love walking and hiking, although work has been crazy so that has been a challenge. I try to do 3-6 mile walks in the early AM (at 4:30 before the AZ heat rises), but this past month has been a challenge. Getting better again though. Food: I eat pretty well, although I could do better. I have to be careful because lately I have been craving salt and sweets again. Depending on what it is, I tolerate most of it well. It's funny because I can always go a long time without them.... but when I want them I want them. It just dawned on me though that I haven't had Protein Bars in the house for several months. I found one that got hidden among other items and just ate it... and was reminded that this is exactly what I need to fulfill my sweet tooth without filling my stomach with crap. As soon as I came to that realization, I hopped online and ordered 6 bags of the Unjury Mighty Bite Protein bars. They are the perfect size and fill me up quite well.

Anyhow... that is my 1 year update! Stay healthy everyone!

[GreenTealael 25,430]

❤ HAPPY SURGIVERSARY ❤

[ChubRub 1,709]

Congratulations on your success, and thank you for the inspiration!!!

[ms.sss 15,719]

Might you show off some pics of your fabulousness???

[BigSue 1,392]

Congratulations on your success and the amazing improvements to your health!

[April Raine 3]

Congratulations!!!

[Double_Me 133]

Congratulations!! 100 lbs down is absolutely fantastic!