1 YEAR Surgeversary!

1 year is 365 days. That’s 525,600 minutes (Thank you, RENT, I didn’t even have to look that one up). No matter how you look at it, a year is a long time. And 127 pounds is a lot of weight. And that’s what I’ve lost since I made the best decision of my life. There have been so many changes since having weight loss surgery. I’ve tried to document as many milestones as possible.

People may look down on you for “taking the easy way out.” But you and I both know the truth. Nothing about the last year has been easy. Food choices are so much smaller. You miss out on “the good stuff.” People shame you for not eating bad food, because they WANT to eat it but feel guilty.

Other people will make you feel awkward because they just can’t believe how much weight you’ve lost. You look so great! Compliments really do feel great, but sometimes the attention is too much all at once.

The Biggest Changes After Weight loss Surgery

It’s the summer time and for the first time in about 12 years, I’m voluntarily wearing shorts. My wardrobe has made significant changes over the last year.

I still track my food, although lately, I have been slacking. Like with many things, as I’ve gotten more comfortable in my routine, I have also stopped being as much of a stickler at things – and this I’ve seen specifically around tracking my food. I typically track my breakfast, morning snack, and lunch, and then I forget about it.

Food. I still love food. I love making it and I love eating it. But now I just eat a lot less of it. And that’s all there is too it. I ALWAYS eat my protein first and I try to get some healthy carbs in, as well as fruits/veggies. If I want a cookie, I eat a cookie. Deprivation never leads to anything good, so if I have the craving, I go for it. But I keep it in check.

Exercise is still going strong. I love how I feel after a god workout. I love feeling the strength that is building in my arms and legs. I’ve done a number of different routines, but I’m sticking with beachbody.com, and I’m loving it. My attention to my health also creates an awareness for my kids – they love exercising with me and I love teaching them how important it is to a healthy lifestyle.

My BMI is officially within the “overweight” range. This is exciting because I’m no longer “obese”. That right there is something to celebrate. I mentioned at my 10 month check-in that I asked my PCP for a healthy weight range / BMI. I’d like to lose another 15 pounds, but I’m very happy that my BMI has continued to reduce.

I did this for ME

It doesn’t matter what anybody else thinks. They all have an opinion. It’s what makes us human. But at the end of the day, I made this choice for me. I needed to be healthier, and I needed to feel better about myself. I’ve joined as a member in a number of different groups on Facebook, and it’s nice to have that resource. I don’t interact a lot in those groups, but I like knowing that I have that support if I need it.

Over the years, I’ve found that some people will tell you this is the best thing that’s ever happened to them. Other people will tell you it’s the worst mistake you’ll ever make. At the end of the day, you need to do the research and you need to make the decision for yourself. I remember the first car that I bought was a stick shift and I had an aunt tell me it was the worst mistake I’d ever make. Why? Because SHE doesn’t like driving a stick? Well, I’ll tell you, I loved that car. That same aunt also told me that when I bought a Plasma TV, it was also the worst mistake I’d ever made. Why? Because SHE thought it was a better idea to buy a $100 TV with a horrible refresh rate? Well, I’ll tell you, 13 years later and I still love that TV. I researched and made decisions for myself and I hold myself responsible for those decisions. And just like that, I researched weight loss surgery and I went through hoops and had it done, and I agree. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

There’s always more room to grow

People don’t see what you see. When I look in the mirror, I still see all my flaws. I am still surprised when I see pictures of myself and I look good in them. When I was a lot heavier, I used to look in the mirror and I thought I looked great. Then when I saw pictures, I wanted to cry. Now, I look in the mirror, and I think I look good, but the doubt is always there. It’s a hard thing to get over – to trust in yourself. And I think this is going to take a while.

I’m self conscious about my extra skin, mostly at my arms. I’m afraid to wear sleeveless shirts, but I’ve learned a lot of people don’t care. If I am wearing a tasteful dress or outfit, and it happens to be sleeveless, it’s often times better than a lot of other clothing options out there. So it’s a decision. And I have to go with what’s best for me. Maybe one day in the future I can have a skin removal surgery. But that’s definitely down the line.

For now, I’m so happy to share how great the last year has been and how many things after changed after having weight loss surgery! And I hope you’re enjoying my journey!

Previous Post-Surgery Updates

Ten Month Surgeversary

Eight Month Surgeversary

Six Month Surgeversary

My Favorite Recipes

Deviled Egg Salad

Chicken Salad

Mini Cheesecake Bites

Frozen Yogurt