Update - The End of my Weight Loss Journey

Jun 25, 2009

Here it is, one year and almost four months since I've had my surgery.  I went from 280 to 150 lbs.  All I can say is... if I had the chance to do it again, I would in a heartbeat.  Needless to say (or maybe it is necessary) - the best advice I can give is to continue to take your vitamins and listen to everything your doctor tells you to do... and do it!

I've been blessed with perfect health - and at 51, absent all of the excess weight - I feel like I can almost do cartwheels.  That's how good it feels.

I've gone from a size 24 to an 8-10.  I think I was 7 years old the last time I wore that size :-)

These are all of the good things.

Some negatives:

If you're in your 20's, 30's and maybe even 40's - your skin will pretty much adjust to your new size.  Exercise is key.  At 51, I have tons of loose skin, primarily in my arms and legs.  Nothing you can do.  Needless to say, I'll never wear those short-shorts or that sleeveless shirt again, but that's ok.

Food just doesn't taste the same.  You think it does, but when you actually sit down to that delicious smelling meal, you'll realize that you just can't wolf it down like you used to.  I won't lie... this is slightly depressing, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving or going to restaurants with buffets.  The one thing you have to keep in mind is... I got this way because of my love of overeating.  Do I want to return to that?  NO.  It takes an attitude adjustment, and sometimes it's not easy.  But it is worth it.

Your bones will have a tendency to jut.  I went horseback riding for the first time in my life, for an hour and a half.  Aside from having blisters on both sides of my butt cheeks, I suffered a bruised and blistered tail bone and had a real hard time sitting for about a week!

Relatives telling you that you're too skinny.  Sorry... I'm 150 and 5'8" tall and that's on the high end of normal.  You're just not used to seeing me like this.

You may start looking older than what you used to look, especially if you're older to begin with.  Get over it.  You're getting older.  Your skin isn't as stretched out as it was when you were heavier, so what you're seeing is natural.

That's it.  I can't think of any more negatives.  I feel like my body has a new lease on life.  I can almost feel my internal organs thanking me for taking the burden off them.

Good luck to everyone going through this journey or about to.  If you follow the rules, you surely will not regret this decision.  I love the new me.

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