Normal!

     Earlier this week, I actually got into a normal BMI range!  At 5'9, almost 5'10, 168.5 put me just barely in the "normal" range.  Today, I'm weighing in at 166.6!   At just over 10 months in, this journey feels to be flying by (even when the scale is crawling). 

     I used to dread shopping, and would struggle to find anything that would make me feel decent.  Now, in size 10s and S/M, shopping is finally fun, and more of a treat than a chore.  (Sorry bank account!)

     I am no longer sedentary, not only do I have a job on my feet now, I also began running!  Who would have thought?! Me!  Running! Turns out, I'm actually pretty athletic!

     I'm only 6.6 pounds away from my original goal of 160.  I am still unsure if I want to revisit, and make it a bit lower.  Perhaps 150?  I've never been 150 as an adult or teenager!  

     I still do at least one protein shake every day.  I also often eat light string cheese, grapes, (lots of) fish, broccoli, eggs, and pistachios.  

     I do have a bit of extra skin.  I'm hoping to get it taken care of sometime next year, possibly May when my Disney internship is over.  Youth is definitely on my side here, as it should probably be much worse.  In clothes it's fine, and I think when it's gone I'll even be able to shimmy into a size 8!

     My hair started thinning around the 6th month mark.  So much would come out after every shower, I was always amazed I wasn't bald.  However, the thickness (or lack of) my ponytail was alarming, and it was starting to not look so great, being so long.  So, last month, I chopped it to my shoulders!  It looks so much fuller and healthier!  Now at the 10 month milestone, the shedding has slowed down considerably. 

     I'm cold almost ALL the time!  Somebody told me it's a skinny person thing.  It took me a moment to realize they meant me!

      I still have issues with self image, and sometimes forget that new faces I meet are really seeing the smaller me, especially when it comes to men. I haven't dated anybody since well before pre-op, and I suppose a small part of me expected that to change when I started losing weight.   I often forget that I'm no longer 321 pounds.   

     That being said, I feel wonderful.  Stairs don't wind me.  I can bend down and not have to pull myself up.  I fit on any theme park ride.  My back doesn't ache.  I sleep better, and don't snore.  I can dance the night away without being so sweaty.  I moved to Orlando in August, something the old me never would have had the courage to do.   I CAN RUN.  My movements are more fluid in everything I do, and every day doesn't feel like a struggle.   I'm happy.  So happy and so grateful for this new chance, and excited at all the potential for what I can do with it!

Awe.... Congrats to you!!! How cool to have an internship at Disney!!!

I am a little over 5'9 but not at 5'10. I have shrunk!!! I use to be 5'10 almost 5'11. ANY WHO.... My goal was to be a size 10 no matter what the weight was. Actually I was not sure what a size 10 in the weight department would have been. Your post was good information for me!!! The goal of 170 might be just want I need. 

you are such an inspiriation!  thank you so much for sharing your story!  yes, you do have youth on nyour side, and God's willing all will go well for you and you will have a wonderfully full and healthy life ahead!

Thank you so much for inspiring me  today!  :)  

Carpe Diem!!

You look amazing! Congratulations!!

You look INCREDIBLE! Beautiful and truly inspirational! I can see the happiness in your face.... so amazing!

Congrats on your successes! Keep up the great work.