I was reading over my blog today and decided it was time to do an update.

My one year bandiversary just passed. It's crazy to think how much different my life is now! My energy level alone is off the charts. My yard is stunning, my house is cleaner, my boyfriend is healthier,  I planted a veggie garden this year, buying new clothes is FUN, no high cholesterol,  high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. The possibility of having to look for a new job soon is certainly not as scary as it would have been at 300lbs!!

I last saw Dr Geiss in June and don't have anything scheduled for the near future. I'm still holding strong with very little fill.

I still haven't started therapy (hey! I've been putting this off for YEARS - lol) or gone to any PS consults. Things have changed recently for me financially, so PS is on the back burner. I look at PS in my case as reconstructive vs cosmetic. I will find a way to get it done.  I guess starting consults is a good idea anyway, so I'll know what I'll be facing.

Weight: 295lbs ---->  167lbs
Bust: 44DD ---->  36DD
Top: 26/28 or 3X  ----> Large
Pants: 26/28 -----> 12
Shoe: 10 ----> 9-9.5

I made it to my [original] goal today and just wanted to mark the date.

174.5lbs!!!

I still have some work ahead of me as I'd like to lose another 15-20lbs but I feel like a million bucks today! I never thought I'd get here, especially in only 10 months!!!

Next stop - Plastic Surgery! I'd like to start some consultations this summer - and win the lotto so I can get a complete over haul - lol.

I see Dr Geiss next Tues for the first time in about 4 months.  I've lost about 30lbs since my last visit in Feb so I can't imagine they will give me too much crap for not keeping up with my monthly visits. I can’t justify paying a $30 co-pay and driving 45 minutes each way, just to go in and just talk about my weight loss. Still no fills and I'm doing great. Fighting head hunger and my sweet tooth but that's going to be a life long battle, that even a full band doesn't combat.

I EAT TO LIVE, NOT LIVE TO EAT. (kinda - hehe)

I'm really ready for the New Year. I think it's going to be a good one and my 2 resolutions are to start working out more & start seeing a therapist.

I liked the therapist Dr Geiss sent me to for my pre-surgical evaluation. I called her today. She's on bed rest until she gives birth to twins and should be back to work by March. She gave me the name of her partner in case I wanted to get started right away. I'm going to wait until my new insurance kicks in next month and then decide. I doubt it will be covered anyway.

I made it through the holidays and made my mini-goal. On X-Mas I was at 222.5 !!! That's 73lbs down! I'm in size 18 pants now vs 26/28. Bra 38DD now vs 44DD. Tops  18/20 now vs 26/28-30/32. Simply amazing. I look at these clothes and think “there's no way that will fit me.”

It's strange how differently my body is shaped at this weight now vs 12 years ago - I think that was the last time I was in the 215-220 range. I need to start working out religiously!! I also might need to re-evaluate my goal of 180.  That’s about 40+ more lbs and I don't think that's going to do it. 

I just had all my blood work run for the first time since surgery by my PCP. Everything came out perfect!!! Woo-Hoo! Cholesterol is down to 174! She was really impressed. I had to reschedule my last appointment with Dr Giess and my next is on 1/2/08.

I'm still riding it out with no restriction. Since I'm going on vacation right after my appointment, I know a 2nd fill won't be possible until Feb and really ... I know I could be losing faster right now (not that I'm not pleased with my progress!!!) if I was working out more. I think I need to exhaust all resources and then work on the restriction level. I’m comfortable with my diet and portion size at this point. I’ve stepped it up with Vitamins too - Per Day: 2 multi, B12 Dot, Calcium Chew and Fiber-Sure. 

I'm doing great and so proud of myself!!! Happy New Year!