The Journey – One Year On

I still find it hard to believe that it is a year ago that I was waking up from my operation and how much my life has changed over these 12 months.
 

I started off at approx 103kg – although I know that I had been closer to 110kg post pregnancy. It took me about 25 weeks to loose 32kg and get myself down into the healthy BMI. I now hover between 70.5kg and 72kg without any effort.
 

In terms of food I can eat and drink as I please. My portions are much much smaller, although I’m not so keen on spicy foods anymore but in general I can still eat out and enjoy myself – I just make smaller easier choices. I no longer suffer from heartburn, my blood sugar levels are totally normal and my blood pressure has lowered and steadied.
 

I feel like a totally different person – my size 10 jeans are loose and I can wear all the current fashions off the shelf in normal size stores. I no long have to stress about clothes and feeling self conscious. Sure there are signs of my weight loss – a little bit of saggy skin under my arms and my tummy still has the baby skin that many women carry post pregnancy - but who cares – I am no longer overweight!
 

My confident has soared, I have regained my love of clothes and fashion, I have so much more energy, I get attention from men that I never thought possible and I feel fantastic. Sure I could do with doing some more exercise and I would love to get down to 68kg but I am not stressed about it.  The only hard part has been the hair loss - it is growing back but I have just cut it all off as it was getting very thin.  I love my new doo though : )
 

So for anyone who has been considering the sleeve as an option for their weight and health issues I would say go for it – it is the best thing that I have ever done for myself. I have found myself and my life and I love every second of it!
 

 

New Swimmers

I got all about the fact that I had to finally buy some new swimmers the other week.  The old ones started falling off!  Take a look at the difference!  Ant that was a month ago - Might try to update the new swimmers photo this weekend!

Happiness Is A Journey Not A Destination...

Gosh I thought I had better get in here and give at least some sort of update! 

The last few weeks have been great.  It is amazing how I feel as a person and how completely happy I am with my life and the changes the past year have bought.

My weight seems to have stabilized....  it has between between 71.5kg and 73kg for the past couple of weeks.  I no longer remember to frantically jump on the scales each and every morning.  I can eat and drink whatever I want but just in much smaller quantities. 

I must admit to being a little naughty with my food and I am sure that if I went back to a high protein no crap diet some more weight would come off but I am enjoying things just how they are for the moment.

Life is good!

Week 25

I know I am running late with this post - work is crazy busy!

Another 1kg down last week.  I am now 71.9kg and a total loss of 30.1kg.

Have to be happy with that!

The Subject Of Skin

So there has been a few questions lately on the subject of loose skin.  Firstly, I think that it probably depends on lots of factors - your age, how much weight you have to loose, the type of skin you have, your genes - need I go on.....

So for me I have always had good skin.  I have heaps of stretch marks from being pregnant, breastfeeding and the ups and downs in my weight over the years.  I haven't done any exercise since being sleeved nor am I one for creams and lotions with miracle fix-it claims.

So with my 30kg I have lost sure there are a few saggy bits. 

My arms used to be huge...  go back and look at the photos....  they were horrid.  Now sure there is a little loose skin and I certainly need to loose a little more from this area but I still feel totally comfortable wearing sleeveless clothes. 

My boobs are saggy - and I really have not dropped the bra sizes I was expecting too.  I have gone from an 18F to a 14DD.  Yeah they could probably benefit from a little lift but honestly - apart from being in bed when am I ever going to not be wearing a bra!  In a bra everything looks great!  I wish they would shrink a little more!

My tummy is probably the bit I dislike the most I can still see the apron of fat and I am hoping a few more kilos will see more improvement.  I think I will always have some loose skin - I had two big bubs - 4.5kg and 3.8kg and the CS scar seems to make things worse.  I will never wear bikinis  - wear crop tops  - get my belly button pierced - but I don't want to do those things - they aren't me - so I don't feel like I am miss out!   I simply wear some support underwear and you don't notice a thing!

My bum is now tiny - long gone are the days of a huge arse!  The left over bits are a little saggy on the edges but WOW it looks great in jeans!

So I guess what I am trying to say is that being fat was killing me.  It destroyed my confidence and I hated myself.  Don't let a little bit of loose skin deter you from changing your life!  For me  - I wouldn't change a thing!

Week 24

Well all over the place again this week and no real loss....  but that is ok.  I have been burning the candle at both ends - work functions, going out and staying up late.  My body really isn't happy with me!  I feel mentally and psychically exhausted.  I was already feelin this way in Friday and then stupid me hit the town and somehow managed to party and dance till 4am in the morning!    Sure I had a great night but my legs are still aching from all the dancing.

Then I took the kids to the water on Sunday and we spent the morning swimming followed by a nap and then an afternoon walking and riding in the park.

Hence I'm stuffed and wish I could just sleep for a few days.

So here I am - it is about time I did some comparison shots and there also seems to lots of interest about loose skin.  So I will be back later in the week with some photos and the before and afters.

Just thought I would add a photo from my Friday night jaunt : )

Week 23

Another loss this week of .8kg!  Down to 72.9kg and a total loss 30.1kg.

I also bought a fabulous little dress - Wayne Cooper that was on sale in Myer.  So I glammed up on Saturday night and headed out for dinner with friends.  I really felt good - what do you think? 

Friday Photo

Oh here is this weeks photo!  Ok I look a little cranky - kids running around, Mum didn't have her glasses and kept hitting the movie button instead of the camera one and hence I was a little over it!

I'm wearing my size 12 jeans and size 12 top : )  Still in shock!

Week 22

Sorry for not updating last week - the scales were flat so I decided not to bother : )

So this week I have lost 1.2kg.  Bringing my weight to 73.7kg and a total loss of 29.3kg.  I have also reached under 25 for my BMI - which is in the healthy range!

Feeling great and happy with all things weigh loss but I have been struggling emotionally with relationships.  Things aren't quite going to plan and I also think it is because the anniversary of my marriage breakdown is looming.  So much has happened in the past year.  I think it is time to take stock, re-group and emotionally re-gather as I start the second year as a single parent and a whole new me in terms of confidence and being at a healthy weight.

Just Had To Share!

SIZE 12 JEANS!!!!!  OMG I can't believe it I just bought some size 12 jeans and they aren't even tight!!!!

What a total head spin.  Silly me even took Size 14 in at first to try on....  it is funny that you still perceive yourself larger than you really are.

So I have gone from a very very tight size 18 to a roomy size 12 since August.  I have reached another one of my goals and I promise I will be back later to post a photo of me in my jeans.

PS - they were on sale for $19.... I love a good sale!