X Post Final Goal! Lost Half My Starting Weight! (Long)

Today, just a few days short of 10 months post op from my revision I reached my final goal of 120lbs.  I am also exactly half the weight I was at my highest.
This goal was important because it means I am the same weight as I was at my lowest with my first WLS.  I feel pretty good physically.  Still struggling with getting in exercise.  I am thinking about buying a bicycle to use around my neighborhood.  I am also planning on joining the community center down the street. 
I am planning on going to California next week to say good bye to my dying mother so this is a hard time for  me.  Not only did I change the way I was eating but I also quit smoking about 8 months ago, so I gave up my favorite coping mechanisms.  I haven't really wanted to turn to food during this time but I really want a cigarette!  I really have to fight that one because I didn't quit smoking because I wanted to but because I couldn't afford it anymore.  I still can't so I just don't start.  I know that one cigarette would lead me right back where I was, just as I know the same thing about refined carbs.  One piece of candy or cake or cookie would never be enough.  I don't do moderation.  And one thing I know beyond a shadow of doubt is that I never want to have to go through quitting again.  It is easier to stay away from things then it is to stop them.  At least for me.
I feel like I eat really well, just smaller amounts.  I drink 3 protein shakes a day because I enjoy them.  One of those shakes is my breakfast because I don't like to eat in the morning.  I eat whatever I want as long as it doesn't have sugar or wheat in it.  I also don't snack or eat outside of my meals.
So far I still don't have a lot of hunger.  I do know when it's time to eat but I'm not starving or anything.  I don't get terribly full, either, but I do feel satisfied after my meals.
I had this surgery after failing my first WLS from 2002 so I know that my biggest challenge lies ahead of me.  I don't have a great track record when it comes to maintenance.  I don't want my reaching goal to be an excuse to eat the wrong things.  I have added some more things in like half and half for my decaf coffee and I am choosing the full fat version of things.  I eat a lot of chicken, which is good because it was several months before I could even tolerate chicken.  I kept trying it every few days or so because I love chicken and didn't want to give it up and eventually I was able to eat it fine.
I go out to eat at least weekly with no problems.  I have found I can go anywhere and find things to eat.  I even go to buffets, though I would rather not, not because I am afraid of overeating but because I am cheap and I hate to spend all that money for a small plate of food.  For some reason I felt like I was getting my moneys worth when I was overeating.
I used to look forward to eating from the moment I woke up until I went to bed.  I was thinking about lunch as I was eating dinner.  I didn't stop at dinner, either.  I snacked all night and it was typical of me to have another full meal at midnight before I went to bed.  I planned everything around eating.  I looked forward to going on vacation because of the food I would eat.  I always wanted to go on a cruise, not because of the places I could see but because I heard they had great buffets.  My favorite words in the world were "All you can eat".
Now I still enjoy eating but it isn't the main thing.  I can go anywhere and do anything without food being my focus.  If I go to a party it is to see the people there, not for the food.  I can go to the movies and not spend a fortune on popcorn and candy.  I don't live on fast food any more.  Before I couldn't go a day without a visit to a fast food place.  Now I haven't eaten at a fast food place in months although if I was in a pinch I am sure I could find something I could eat.
Anyway, that is enough.  I really didn't plan on going on so long but I guess when I think about how far I have come in the last 10 months I can't keep my mouth (or fingers) shut.
I wish everyone good luck.  WLS can help you change the way you eat.  It is a tool.  I don't have any hammers or screwdrivers in my house that can do anything while they sit in my tool box but I can take them out any time and use them and it sure helps get things done.

Congrats!!!

This was an awesome post to read! You should be proud of yourself, and I see that you are.  Nothing shameful about that!!

I saw a lot of myself in your post.  Thank you for sharing!!

Donna

awesome post!  maria

 Opps, I forgot the pictures.
The first one was right before my first WLS in 2002.  I weighed 240lbs.
The second one was from last Easter.

 CONGRATS!!!!! THAT IS AWESOME!! you look absolutely fabulous!

Congrats on your success. I quit smoking over a year ago. I was smoking 2-3 packs of marlboro reds 100's. My lungs are very greatful I gave them up.

 Congrats to you, too.  Look at all you have done for yourself!

I am so proud of you!  Also, I am so very sorry to hear about your Mom....how hard that must be. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Big hugs.           Connie

Great post! Thanks for sharing.
You should be very proud of yourself. I am so sorry to hear about your Mom.
Stay positive and you will do just fine.
You have come so far already.
God bless.