Halfway there and wholly thankful! (with pics)

Almost a year ago today I was hating myself and the way I looked in the mirror. I hated how it was hard to breathe because my throat and neck felt compressed like an accordion when I sat down in a car or on a couch (as pictured here below last Christmas in the first picture) or even when I lay on my back. I hated myself for not being able to move quickly through a store or walking across a parking lot, making people have to wait for me to cross a street or walkway. I hated how I had to literally roll out of bed or off the couch. I hated that I could not give myself a pedicure or tie my shoes without having to take a break to catch my breath.  I hated myself and I hated living. I was moving into a deep depression and having a hard time finding my way out.

Tuesday I stepped on the scales and I realized I am halfway to goal. This was my first major goal: 90 lbs lost. At the highest (I can remember) I weighed 330 and I was miserable, and I hated living. Today I am 240, and although I am not anywhere near my ultimate goal, I have met a goal, and I am excited about what tomorrow will bring. I love living and can't wait to find out what God has in store for me. Each day is a new present to unwrap and I am so excited to wake up and get the day going, EVERY day!!

It is November and as i reflect daily on what I am thankful for, this year I have extra gratefulness in my heart for the changes I have been able to make in myself this year. I am thankful for my job and health insurance (without them this wouldn't have been possible) , I am grateful for this surgery, my surgeon, my medial team, my support group, this website, my co-workers, my friends, my cheerleaders,  and most of all my family.

And below is a picture from last September vs. today, 90 lbs lighter.

You look amazing!  Keep up the good work.

Outstanding! Congrats! I appreciate the reminder of gratitude...it's so important to stop and give thanks for the changes we've undergone. Best of luck to you and the rest of your journey!

You look fantastic.  Keep up the good work. 

Amazing transformation!!!! Keep it up! You are doing aweomse!!!!

Awesome!

Congrats!! Looking fantastic :) Thank you for the inspirational post :)

Congratulations. I know so many of us can relate to your first paragraph. I am so happy for you that life is so different now. You look freaking amazing. You are beautiful. You have done a great job. Keep up the good work.

Great job - keep up the fantastic work you are doing.

Love it!  You look great!

I can relate to how you felt "before".  I didn't even realize how immobilized I had become by my fat until I finally became free of it!   Enjoy your freedom - I know I am!!