Looking Back..and Moving forward

Christmas came and went...just like that, and now we are on to New Years eve already! Normally at this time of year, I would be frantically reading my trusty diet books,buying a new program, signing up for Weight Watchers, or researching gyms.  The motivation would last for a week and then I would be right back to my old habits.  This year, it feels so good to not have weight loss at the top of my list of resolutions.  It will come, and that is a peaceful feeling!

My 6 month surgiversary came and went too!  I am very happy with where I am at in just a short amount of time.  In fact,aside from getting full quickly, I don't even feel like I had surgery.  It seems like such a long time ago that I was only able to drink tiny amounts of liquid out of a tiny little cup and it took all day to get my vitamins down!

I thought it would be fun to reflect on the last 6 months and the positive outcomes:

• I am down 77 pounds and 63.5 inches from all over. I was a 26/28,3x/4x and now I wear an 18/20 1x or 2x.
• I have zero heartburn or acid reflux.
• I am on no medications,other than a few vitamins.
• My blood pressure has taken a nosedive and even though my cholesterol wasn't horrible, that is down a bit too.  
• I can move around,get up  and down out of the chair and fit into booths so much easier.  Getting into the car is not something I have to think about and coordinate anymore!
• My BMI was 52 and is now 40!  
• I am so much happier and much more confident.  
• I love to shop now and am very picky about what I buy.  It has to fit perfect. Belts are my friend.
• I can not stand baggy clothes now after living in them for most of my adult life.
• Food no longer equals fun.
• My face is not inflamed and my skin looks much better.  I sleep better.
• My PCOS symptoms are improving.

There are a few negatives, but not many.

• I miss eating a normal portion sometimes (all in my head).
• Restaurants are boring.  Again, just something in my head.
• I get tired of protein everything.
• I feel guilty for having surgery at times,or that I don't have the right to be proud of my success because I had surgery.
• I still can't tolerate  a few foods like milk.
• I am freezing cold.
• My hair is not in good shape-it is brittle,dry,thinner and just weird.  

The positives far outweigh the negatives!  I have worked on so much emotionally during this time, and I am clawing my way to the top again.  It feels so good to have the me back that was hiding for so long. I would do it all over again if I had to.

Looking ahead for 2015, I feel that the next 6 months are an important part of my journey.  I could very well hit my goal weight and that is exciting..yet a bit scary!  In my mind I am still 330 pounds.  I have to buy a new bathing suit and I was trying some on yesterday thinking that I was still 330.  It is strange..but true.  It has been over 20 years since I was 160 pounds.  I don't know how to deal with that just yet.  I will wait until I get there!

I have some important jobs to do in the net 6 months though!

1. I need to refocus and get back to basics.  My diet has been a little "off" this past week,due to parties and lack of planning on my part. I ate a little too many bites of things and even had 1/2 piece of pizza.  I have lost 2 pounds since my last post and the scale has not moved since then. I need to get back to tracking everything,hitting my food goals,and drinking more water. I need to eat on a schedule again.
2. The elliptical and the rebounder are no longer going to be the best places to hang my delicates to dry :)   The kettlebell and weights will come out of their boxes.  This flabby body will get toned up. 
3. I want to start eating more vegetables and salads.  At this point,I feel like I got a good control on protein,but I would like to start on some more produce for crunch and variety.  If I fall short on protein, I can add in an extra shake at night.  
4. I want to improve my hair situation.  I am using a good shampoo for hair loss, but I need to find a better supplement.  I need to significantly raise my Vit D levels at the same time.  Maybe a better quality vitamin program is in order. 

Overall...I have a great start, and feel so thankful to have my health back.  The next 6 months are going to be A_M_A_Z_I_N_G  with lots of hard work and dedication from me.  This journey is what I make it.  Thanks for coming along with me!