ONEderland baby!  198.5 on the scale this morning!  YEAH!    

At 3 mos. (plus a few days), this is how my life has changed since surgery.....

I’ve lost 60 lbs since my highest (early May ’10) and 51.5 lbs. since surgery.

I’m almost 1/2 way to my goal. 

SW 258.5 / CW 198.5 / GW 135

My body moves better - and actually feels lighter!

Not exhausted after taking a shower.

Don’t sweat like I used to - and do not get HOT like I used to!

Fitting into smaller clothes......OFTEN...and they fit so much nicer, too. 

No more high blood pressure medication!!!!!

I ENJOY LIFE MORE!!

Last, but not least......

Freedom.

For the first time I can remember, I do not feel guilt over every bite I eat.

It doesn’t matter if I’m at home eating or at a friend’s home or at a restaurant....I do not feel any guilt when I eat.

For most of my life, I felt guilty about every bite - and now (even with the foods we DSers eat) I NEVER feel any guilt!

I don’t care if the “skinny waitress” thinks I shouldn’t be eating what I’ve chosen because I know it’s good for ME. 

If someone in the grocery store thinks I shouldn’t be buying cream, cheese, butter, steak, etc..... that is theirproblem!!!  I know it’s good food for ME - and I will be healthier and thinner eating it. 

With every passing day my energy level increases and I feel stronger, healthier and happier!

ETA:

I cannot believe I left out the BIGGEST and most wonderful part about my DS life!  DOH! 

I have a 6 yr old daughter who I love with all my heart.  In case you missed this - she is actually my granddaughter I adopted.

She was my biggest inspiration to being healthier...... I want to be here for her!!

Now we play more - and it’s not unusual for us to break out dancing at any given moment.... just for fun!  LOL!  We go out more (now that I’m not mortified and fretting over how others will ‘see’ me).... and life is just so much better overall.

A few weeks ago she came up to me and gave me a big hug (she does this often) and sort of jumped back and said, “I can reach all the way around you now!”.  THAT was a great “WOW”!

I now feel confident I’ll be here to take care of her...and see her grow up.  That is priceless. 

Those who are newly post-op or pre-op......it took me some time - but I can honestly say I am falling in love with my DS!

A HUGE thank you to all of you hear who have helped me with my journey.....offering advice and sharing your wisdom and experiences!!!  God bless you all!!!!!!

A very grateful DSer,

Julie