I can't believe it either. October 16 was my one year surgerversary. Plus, I'm way past due an update. My facebook peeps already know most of the happenings of these fast few months, but if you don't follow my facebook page, this will be news to you.
In my last post, which was in August, I wanted to lose another 7 pounds before my anniversary. I had lost 133 pound. That would make a total of 140 pounds. Well, I did much better than that. I lost 19 more pounds for an amazing total of 152 pounds. It seems unreal to me, but it is true. The scales back me up and my clothes show it. Just as a comparison, I was wearing a size 34 woman's pants or in scrub pant sizes a 5X. I now wear an 16/18 or a size L (large) pants, and that's not woman's plus sizes. In tops, I was wearing a 5X but now wear a L (large). My bra and panties sizes have changed as well, but I won't bore you with those details. I can actually go in a store and shop in the regular person's department. By that, I mean, I don't have to go to the plus size department. I usually head that way, but have to stop myself and remember that I can't wear those clothes anymore. They are too big.
I have been enjoying wearing smaller sizes clothes that belonged to my sister and my mother. My sister had bypass surgery like I did, but, unfortunately, she has gained her weight back. My mother passed away 4 years ago and she loved clothes. My sister had saved some of her, "not so matronly" looking clothes. So, I have had a wide assortment of "new" clothes to wear at my new sizes. I have also bought a few things at a local thrift store. I haven't wanted to spend much money on clothes because I was changing sizes so quickly. I've been right stylish, if I do say so myself.
It's so strange to look at myself in the mirror and see myself at one size and then hold up the sizes I actually fit into and see the difference. It's hard to change that mind set of being a certain size. I even think that I cannot fit into a chair or a passageway which I actually can. My perception of myself is so inaccurate. I guess my mind will catch up with my body. It has happened so quickly.
I saw my surgeon on Oct 28 for my one year checkup and he was pleased, but more importantly, I was pleased for myself. For the first time in my life, I didn't dread getting on the scales at the doctor's office. He didn't say, but I asked how much more he thought I still needed to lose. He said 20-25 pounds. I would like to lose another 28, which would put me at 160 pounds. I see the surgeon again in another 6 months, so I think that is a doable goal. I have had people say to me that I could stop right now and look fine, and that feels good, but I am not satisfied where I am. I want to lose more to be at a healthier weight.
My support person, and dear friend, Edel, who has been with me from the beginning of this journey (from informational seminar to surgery and present) went with me to a celebration put on by the surgeon's office for patient's who are one year or more out from surgery. It was last Sunday, Nov 3, so I just made it into the one year category. I got several surprise reactions from the office staff who had not seen me in 6 months. Talk about an ego boost. We heard inspirational stories, danced, and had pictures taken. It really was a fun time.
This has gotten sort of long, so I will end for now. I do want to talk about emotional changes I have had in the past several months, but I'll be back soon to discuss those. Promise. That is always more difficult to talk about, rather than just reporting as I have today.
Until then,
Woof from Phoebe, meow x 2 from Hannah & Houdini, and xoxo from me, the changing woman.
