Year surgiversary...long, navel gazing, & photo whoring!

So, last week was my one year surgiversary. I have my doctor's appointment and labs tomorrow so I will do a health update later, but I had to do a lifestyle update now!

First, my before: diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sore back, etc.... My highest weight was 297 pounds. I lost my father from an early fatal heart attack and I felt sure that I was headed down that same path of leaving my children way too early. I have lost all those co-morbidities and am now not on any medication, besides vitamins. I reach my doctor's goal at about 10 months out (165 pounds) and my personal goal during my 12th month (149). I am continuing to lose (I was 143 this morning) so I guess I'll just hang on and see what happens. My BMI has gone from 47.9 to 23.6

Here's my monthly weighins for those who are interested:
Surgery weight 286 (11 lb on preop diet)
Month 1  264 (22)
Month 2  249 (15)
Month 3  234 (15)
Month 4  222 (12)
Month 5  211 (11)
Month 6  199 (12)
Month 7  186 (13)
Month 8  177 (9)
Month 9  166 (11)
Month 10  160 (6)
Month 11  152 (8)
Month 12  146 (6)

I felt like I was watching others live and staying in the background. We go to the beach every year and from last summer there were only 2 pictures of me -- one in bed and one reading on the couch. This year, I was in them all, and well, you'll see!

I'm so glad I had a DS. I eat whatever I want, with exceptions of white carbs. I really haven't tried much white flour (a bite here and there from the bread bowl and cake.) I haven't counted a thing but just tried to stay low carb. Dreamfield's pasta is the only thing that's caused me painful stomach problems, but I do have dhr with too much sugar (I mean TOO TOO much...like I ate a Ben & Jerry's ice cream cone at the beach). Usually it's no problem ~ I can (and do) have 1 Reeses cup. I still start every day with a protein shake and probably will for life.

I've been through a lot of emotional changes this year. I lost my beloved mother to cancer and her death has left me reeling through life still. I wish I could say that losing weight had changed everything but it hasn't and I guess that's reality. I have some strained friend relationship as others try to deal with the effects of my weight loss and my changed attitudes. Some of them are not happy to lose their "fat friend" who always puts others first. I have  become "selfish" to them ~ I prefer to think of it as loving and respecting myself more and not always putting myself last. I am worth having others care for me for a change. I'm working on loving myself as I am. I have VERY poor body image and it's caused me trouble, especially in the intimacy area of my marriage.

So, the photo whoring:

PREOP:

 

ONE YEAR:
 
Official One Year Collage

Not a great pic, but yes! a 2 piece swimsuit!!

A dear friend got married at the beach last week (ON my surgiversary!!)

 

With my gorgeous hubby of almost 19 years

Wow, your an inspiration to us newbies!!

Thanks hon. I sure don't feel like an inspiration, but I'll take it I guess. I just keep on going! You'll get there too, I promise :) 

Wow what a change.  You Look amazing!  TY for sharing!   I love to see the before and afters 

Thanks. I remember feeling that same way and looking at the b&a pictures for hours!!

You look so incredible, Shannon, I know both your parents are looking down and are so proud of their daughter and what you have done this year.

Good for you, putting your self and your health first...

Liz

Thanks, Liz, that means a lot to me. It's been a tough year, as you know. I don't think I've ever made myself a priority and some people are having trouble with that.

You look wonderful both before and after!  Great job!  Hope your health keeps improving!

Thank you! My biggest issues right now are an incisional hernia and frequent dizziness upon standing.

Wow...you are breathtaking!  Bravo on your success!