Holy rusted metal, Batman...it's been 4 years...

Feb 14, 2011

As I was lying in bed last night after a 6 hour shift at my 2nd/part-time job, it occurred to me that it was 4 years ago to the day that I changed my life with Bariatric surgery.

I am so thankful to be where I am at this stage.  Although I never thought I would do it, I did have an abdominoplasty.  And while it didn't make me much skinnier (so to speak), my clothes fit so much better without the excess skin in my lower belly. 

I'm no longer at my lowest post-surgery weight.  But I'm okay with that.  At that weight, I was TOO thin (for me).  My face looked really gaunt and while it was awesome being an '8'...I didn't feel healthy.  So, I've gained a couple pounds.  But I'm OKAY with that.  I am very aware of what I put in my mouth whether it be a piece of lean chicken or a cookie that I just have to have.  I don't deny myself the occasional treat...I'm just very aware of what the scale says and how I'm feeling and looking.  I didn't hate how the old Dawn looked...but I don't miss her either. My old work badge has the 'old' me on there and occasionally i'll show it to someone and they'll look at me like, "there's NO WAY that is you".  I assure them that it WAS me.

Above I mentioned my part-time job.  I just recently became a server at a very busy restaurant.  It's been probably about 21 years since I last did that.  21 years ago I was very heavy.  Then, when I ended a shift, EVERYTHING hurt...my feet, my back and it was tough to get through those tight places when the restaurant would put people close to each other.  Now, while  my feet still hurt some after running around for 6-11 hours, everything else is fine.  And I have NO issues 'squeezing' through the small spaces.  THAT is an awesome feeling.

So if you happen to be reading this and thinking about whether or not to have surgery, I encourage you to read the facts, get the info and then if you're comfortable...take the plunge.  The first few months aren't easy as you get used to eating in a totally different way.  But the end result is that you'll look and feel better than you ever have before.  GOOD LUCK and God Bless.

Dawn McG
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Due to popular demand...

May 23, 2008

OK so that might be stretching it a little bit.  My buddy Cyndi said, "Where are the updated pictures" and it occured to me that I hadn't been on the site in quite sometime.  So, here I am making an update.  I am doing well...holding pretty steady at this point (15 months out).  I give myself about 3 pounds either way and have been okay with that.  Of course, the cruise did me in and I'm working to shed those extra 2-3 pounds I put back on.  But I have never been happier.  It's so unreal to me to be living in this new body.  I probably have about 10ish pounds of skin around my stomach, butt and thighs that there isn't a whole lot I can do about except for surgery and quite frankly, that ain't happening...at least not for a whle.  We are traveling up a storm (mostly Disney as I am addicted to the Mouse) and since surgery would require boco $$$ (since it is highly doubtful insurance will pay)...I am living with the skin.  But I am in a size 8 which has NEVER happened and I am fine with that.  In fact, it's funny...I went snorkeling and dove deep to touch a stingray (they encouraged us to do this).  I saw a picture of myself and thought...DANG, I look really thin!  It's gonna be an awesome summer.

What a difference a year makes!

Feb 18, 2008

That's right...just over 1 year ago, I was waiting to be on the coveted Loser's Bench...and now, a year later and 130 pounds down, I have arrived!  It is amazing to me the changes that have occurred in my life.  Obviously you have the physical ones, but just doing things that I don't know that I would have done before or if I had, there would have been consequences (like aching feet!).  About a month ago, I spent 12+ hours walking around Disney with no aching feet.  I wasn't even tired!   Just the other day, I went through an inflatable obstacle course with my 4-year old daughter.  I would have wondered last year if I was too heavy for it.  No more!  This surgery has truly been a blessing and while each day is a challenge to make sure I'm eating the right things, taking all the vitamins, exercising, etc., it is a challenge that I am thrilled to be taxed with and I thank God for this tool (and my surgeon) as they have allowed me for ths first time in my life to be at a healthy weight.  Sure, I have some skin issues (exercise has helped to not make them TOO bad) and in time perhaps I'll do something about that, but for now I am loving life like never before and am thrilled at what lies ahead...

8 1/2 months out...HEALTHY WEIGHT! & Funny WOW moment

Oct 26, 2007

This has been a slow month from a weight loss standpoint (although the fat% continues to go down which is just as good)...AND...the wondemous news is that I am officially at healthy weight.  HOLY SMOKES!  That has NEVER ever happened in my life.  Very excited about that.

My Funny wow moment came during a meeting I attended in Atlanta this past week.  Most of my co-workers never see me since I'm in NJ and work out of the house.  The last time any of them saw me was back in January before I had the surgery.  Now, 8+ months later and 124 pounds down, I look a little different.  The day went by with me having to tell several of my Sales Managers who I was, but later in the evening we were doing a team building event where they 'thanked' the folks that had put the event together (of which I was one of them).  My name was called, I stood up...later that evening someone told me that they were talking to someone who said, "Dawn is here?"  They had no clue it was me.  It was SO AWESOME to have people tell me how great I looked, etc.  Definite boost fo the ego.

7 months out

Sep 19, 2007

It occurred to me a couple days ago that I am exactly one year out from when I first fully decided that I needed to make a serious change in my life...that change being the decision to take the first step and meet with my PCP about having WLS.   So, now at 7 and a little bit months post-op, I will say that I wish I had had the foresight to do this much sooner.  Although I feel like I still have about 20-25 pounds to lose, (as of this posting) I am 9 pounds away from being considered a 'healthy' weight.  NEVER in my life (except for maybe birth) have I been considered healthy weight.  That is just such a wonder to me.

6 months out

Aug 14, 2007

Wow...I can't believe that it has been six months.  It has been such an amazing journey to date.  I always knew I'd get to the Century Club, but never really thought I'd be 105 pounds down (total) in such a short time.  My weight loss has slowed down.  It certainly isn't falling off like it was before.  But with exercise and continued monitoring of what I put in my mouth, I know I'll be able to continue to lose for the next few months.  I haven't created a specific goal for myself other than I'd really like to be in the 'healthy' weight range and I know I can get there over time.  Exercise is definitely a key.  I definitely have some hanging skin, but I think it would be a lot worse if I didn't incorporate exercise into the daily mix.   On a personal note, my best friend, Tami had GB yesterday...she is in my thoughts and prayers for as smooth a journey as I have had...

5 months out

Jul 12, 2007

HOLY MOLY...has it really been 5 months since I had surgery?  I can't believe it.  I'm feeling great and doing awesome.  I am 4 pounds from being in the Century Club (100 lbs lost) and I am officially OVERWEIGHT versus Obese.  SO COOL.  

4 months out

Jun 15, 2007

Two days ago, I was four months out.  One day after being four months out, I hit a HUGE milestone.  For the first time since, oh...8th grade!--I am under 200 pounds.  That is so exciting.  AND, just 8 pounds more and I am officially "Overweight" versus "Obese".  June is turning into a mighty nice month!

3 months out

May 14, 2007

Yesterday, I was officially 3 months out since surgery.  To date (including pre-surgery), I have lost 72 pounds.  I've never lost that much weight in my life.  That is both my kids plus about 5 pounds together.  For the most part, I'm feeling great.  There are still a few times where if I eat too fast or something doesn't agree with me, I'll get that sick feeling, but it's not too often.  And nevermind the clothes thing.  I did something I've never done before (or at least not in a REALLY long time) and that is...I went into a non-plus sized shop (LL Bean & Old Navy) and bought shirts.  Now, mind you, they're XL, but none-the-less...they fit!  I also got a couple pairs of jeans (Avenue) that were a size 14.  Now, not all 14s or 16s or any size for that matter are created equal so I'm not quite ready to leave Avenue and the years it's made me look nice, but this is just incredible to me.  And the compliments are such an ego boost!  I never had an esteem problem, but it's so awesome when someone comments on how 'great' you look.  I just smile and say, Thank you.

2 months out...

Apr 09, 2007

I continue to be amazed by how wonderful everything is going.  I have my moments where I'm feeling icky based on eating too fast, but on the whole, I am doing well.  As of today (8 weeks out), I'm 44 pounds down and couldn't be happier.  Changed my avatar (to see a before/after, look at the first picture of me posted and then this one).  I even went out and splurged on a few cruise outfits.  That is another shocker...from a 26/28 back in October when I began to an 16/18 in pants and an 18/20 in shirts.  Haven't been that size since High School.  SO COOL! 

About Me
Mount Laurel, NJ
Location
24.9
BMI
RNY
Surgery
02/13/2007
Surgery Date
Oct 05, 2006
Member Since

Friends 20

Latest Blog 22
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