ObesityHelp

Just to update...I am down 147 lbs and feeling wonderful. I have so much more energy and nto sweating like a sow all summer...thats such a relief.
I attend support group meetings now and then and have used my surgery AS A TOOL. I still follow the rules regarding minimum of 64 oz water per day, although I am human and some days fall short. I get in 70-90 grams protein each day and I love trying new recipes and eating healthier versions of the ones I used to love laden with fat and calories.  If I find myself slipping with the crunchy carbs at night, I make an earnest attempt to focus on more protein type healthy snacks and surround myself with activity that doesn't focus around food.
I believe some plastic surgery may be in my future as I am grossed out by the remaining skin and have always considered breast reduction, now more than ever.  Even going from 46DDD to 38DD leaves me with a gravity situation and excess skin popping out where it shouldn't in my bra. UGH! Right?
All in all, I am very pleased with my RNY experience and, although I've had chicken blocked twice since surgery, I have never "dumped" or vomitted, so that is a blessing. Life is good.

I am amazed how fast a year went!  One year ago today I had my RNY gastric bypass and vowed to change my relationship with food and my sedentary lifestyle. Today, I am 1.5 lbs. from my goal weight (which I intend to aim now for another 10-15 lb. loss). My measurements have changed as follows:  Bust/ from 61” to 43”, Waist/ from 56” to 37”, Hips/ from 62” to 41”, Upper arms/ from 20” to 13”, upper thighs/ from 24 ½ “to 19”, and calves/ from 16 ½ “ to 13 ¼ “.  My weight from 284 is now 151.5. My BMI was 55.5 and is now 29.9.

My eating style has changed drastically.  I was cleared to have bread, pasta & rice at 6 months out, but I rarely eat them. I am satisfied with protein and veggies at dinner. I still enjoy a protein shake, by choice for breakfast 3 times/week because I like the convenience and ease when I am rushed. My biggest challenge remains of snacking in the evening while watching TV. However, my snack choices are dramatically different. What used to be a ½ pizza or Burger King meal or a huge bowl of popcorn with a whole stick of butter is now a 100 calorie snack pack of cereal or fat free popcorn with a few squirts of fat free spray butter, or maybe an apple.  I can easily say that I have not had any overwhelming cravings at this point, but if and when I do, I will be stingy with my calories and get right back on track next day. All of this may portray me as perfect,  I don’t mean to sound like a saint. I have off days too. I am stating this in writing to help others who may struggle and also to refer back to if I get off track. I see it as my testament to the commitment I made to be healthier and never be so fat again that it stops me from enjoying the only life I’ll ever have.

I know first hand how hard life can be for an obese person. I know the humiliation of being looked down on or disrespected. I have felt the guilt and shame of being a poor role model for my children. I pray it’s not too late for me to gain their admiration and respect by taking control of my life and my body for the first time ever. This journey is not only about looking attractive. It’s so much more. Getting rid of diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and increased physical limitations, are the rewards I now enjoy.

No one on this earth enjoys being obese, though many of us (myself included) laugh it off while crying inside. We turn to food for comfort only to have it eventually be our worst enemy. I am so thankful for the tool of my RNY that allowed me to take back myself, the one who was hiding behind the fat for 40 years. I like the new me, not just the image in the mirror, but also the happier person I’ve become. 

When the scale  isn't  cooperating  or we aren't losing  as fast as we'd like   to, tracking your measurements can be the boost we need to avoid getting discouraged.  Take a look at mine:
Starting Measurements  in Sept of 2007 were:                  
Bust: From 61 to 46, Waist from 56 to 39, Abdomen from 48 1/2 to 40 1/2
Hips from 62 to 40, Thighs from 24 1/2 to 20, Calves from 16 1/2 to 13 3/4
Arms from 20 to 14.                                                                                      

Where has the time gone?  Weight loss has slowed down but the inches are still disappearing and my clothes are looser, so I'm happy with that.  In fact...I'm just plain HAPPY!  I have wonderful friends, good health and a priceless husband. It doesn't get any better than that!  Very soon we will be celebrating our SILVER wedding anniversary so there will be lots of photos taken at the party we are having. I will post them ain another week or so.  I continue to feel great. I can eat almost anything I want, though I steer away from breads, pasta & rice simply because its not needed. Ocassionally I will have a 1/2 slice of wheat toast with egg for breakfast, but I like the ease of a protein shake in the AM when I'm in a hurry to get to work.  I don't find it a problem getting in my protein and water and I don't miss desserts or large portions.  I still battle the urge for a night time snack, so I am careful with my choices and portion.  I am still exercising 3 X's per week & should do more, which I try when time allows. Hey...I'm not perfect. LOL

Well, I still hate having my picture taken...wonder if that will ever change! LOL  I am reducing in size even though the weight loss in general has slowed down since I am about 20 lbs from my personal goal.  I have included a few photos and I do see the change this time. I am diligent with taking my vitamins and getting plenty of protein & water in daily. Thank God I have not experienced any cravings for decadent or greasy type foods. I actually prefer eating healthy.  I NEVER thought I'd see the day when I looked forward to having a veggie burger.  Morningstar Farms Garden Veggie patties are really good!  Needless to say I am feeling healthier every day and able to be more active.  I am still going to Curves every week to tone loose skin, which isn't horrible, but we're our own worst critics, so to me it looks BAD!  I feel thats a small price to pay for getting rid of some serious health issues.