Musings about reaching Onederland...and a before/after pic :)
Hi OH friends,
Unfortunately, this post is going to be about me, since that is what we do when we achieve major milestones - we share our stories with the people who "get it". HOWEVER, I do want to start off by saying THANK YOU to YOU, all of you who have answered my inane questions along the way, or provided recipe ideas, or inspired me, or helped me to see that what I was experiencing was all part of the normal process! Without you I am not sure I would have been as successful. So many of you are great cheerleaders and have become friends! I remember scouring this site as a pre-op and then as a hormone-raging immediate post-op...and here I am 7.5 months later, still checking in every single day. So a big heartfelt thanks to you. I share my success with you!
Halfway to today, I achieved a pretty freaking fantastic milestone. I lost 100 lbs in 4 months and 4 days. From an all-time high of 369 lbs and a surgery weight of 351, losing 100 lbs was something I didn't know if I could accomplish. But I decided if I am going to go under the knife then dammit I am going to go all in. I chronicled what worked for me (caveat - it's what works for me - you may have a different journey and that's cool too!) here in this post.
Since that post, I have continued to be 95% on plan, 100% of the time. I haven't had any sweets. Although my carbs are higher now (I have about 50-70 per day) I still haven't had any bread, pasta, pizza dough, etc. I say 95% on plan because I do occasionally have a 100 calorie bag of skinny popcorn, or a half of a Flat Out light wrap. I may have 7-10 tortilla chips now and again - at a restaurant because I don't bring it into my home. I am still working out 5-6 times a week and I credit the gym with helping me to tone and to feel strong and fit. I do believe that diet has everything to do with loss, but I don't eat back the calories I burn at the gym.
And that is how today, at 7 months and 19 days after surgery, I am in Onederland. I went from 201 yesterday to 198.8 today :)
Looking at the picture below, I can see why people are exclaiming about my weight loss. I never saw myself as big as my day of surgery picture (top left). I don't exactly see myself as today's picture (right). But comparing side by side pictures is pretty eye-opening and hopefully everyone who embarks on this journey will take pictures along the way to see your accomplishment!
If you are wondering if you can be successful with WLS, I would say this: Commit to it, eat according to plan (I am at or under 1,000 calories per day, almost 8 months out) and move your ass! My pouch is an incredible tool but a lot of work goes into this too.
I wish I could say "my weight will never start with a 2 again" but I am sure a whole lot of people who have come before me said that very thing and experienced some regain. I live in fear of being successful in maintenance and of regain, which for me is healthy. I used to not give a crap, and eat pad thai noodles for lunch and have pizza for dinner. Now, I track every bite that goes into my mouth on MyFitnessPal and I am extremely cognizant of feeding my body the lean proteins that it needs to keep running healthfully and efficiently. I also continue to weigh myself almost every day.
With so much loss, do I have loose skin? Oh for sure! But I would take being healthy and saggy over being morbidly obese any day of the week!!! (And I am saving up for an LBL and BL/BA in 2015!!!).
The list of NSVs is too long to list...comfortably flying, walking more than 4 miles every single day, being able to wrap the gym towel around me, having people sit next to me on the bus because I am not taking 1.5 seats, wearing a bra with only 2 clasps instead of 5 (!) - the list goes on and on.
If you are ready for a life change, take the plunge. I have never been happier!!! And thanks again for all of your support! Em
on 8/6/14 2:12 am
Em I am so happy for you.I knew you would make it there before the weekend. I am so proud of you. I am so glad you joined this website and posted about your meals.
I am only two months ahead of you and you have kept me posting and using myfitnesspal. You have helped me a lot. You look great.
You deserve to go out and buy something nice for yourself.Woohoo.
on 8/6/14 9:25 am
So true Em.The scale is just a number.I think the NSVs are the best thing.I love being able to walk the mall and go into stores and not just look at their purses or jewelry.I can actually buy clothes. I love clearance.
I think being able to walk and not hurt or be tired. I did walk the mall tonight with my daughter and the only thing that hurts is my credit card.
