Just over five years ago I experienced
a life-changing event. My father died suddenly. I realized with my
family history that I needed to turn my life around and get healthy.
Fast forward to this evening. I was
going through a box of papers to determined what needed to be saved,
shredded or tossed. I came across my first Weight Watchers
membership book. On September 13, 2008 I joined Weight Watchers (for
the first time ever) with two of my friends. That morning I
weighed-in at 329 lbs. This book has my weights for the first 14
weeks of my Weight Watchers journey (they then changed formats and I
have no clue where that one is). On week 14 (December 9, 2008) I
weighed 311.8 lbs.
Today is almost 5 years since I joined
Weight Watchers. I stuck with WW for just over a year. I regained
the weight I lost. It wasn't working for me. In September 2009 I
went to a weight loss surgery seminar with the same two friends. One
already knew she wanted gastric bypass. I was there to support her.
I left with an appointment for a consultation. January 26, 2010 I
had gastric bypass surgery. I don't regret it for a moment, but it
hasn't always been smooth sailing.
Today I looked at some numbers after
finding that little WW book. Five years ago I weighed 329 lbs.
Today I weighed-in at 192.6 lbs. That is a difference of 136.4 lbs!
I have not quite made it back to my lowest post-op weight (190), but
I am close. I am also proof that hard work and determination will
pay off. I got myself back on track six months ago. I went back to
tracking my food, and got my butt to the gym on a regular basis
(generally 3 times a week). In the past six months I have reduced my
weight by 20 lbs! I went from wearing a size 26/28 five years ago to currently wearing a 14/16 on the bottom
half and 12/14/L on the top half. Wow!
I am beyond thrilled with my progress.
My clothes are getting looser (again) and people comment regularly
that they can tell I've lost more weight. I see the difference more by how my clothes fit than by the number on the scale. However, there are some numbers that do make me very happy: a blood
pressure reading that is almost low and normal cholesterol. I
am thrilled to feel healthy and I plan to maintain my healthy
lifestyle.
I take the time to share my story (in
different manners) in order to inspire others. Am I saying weight
loss surgery is for every person? No. But living a healthy
lifestyle is right for everyone. I am well past the phase where I
would be “easily” dropping pounds, so I am proof that hard work
and determination can and will pay off.
