New Year, New Me!

I'm sure I won't be posting as often this year as I did last year, but I want to continue with my blog!  So here's the latest....I gained 2 pounds over the holidays, but I have lost them again!  I walked 4 days last week and want to get back to my 5 days a week of walking!  Today I walked 2 miles while Skyping with my friend, Janet!  Let me know if you want to join me for a walk, virtually or in person.  I'm praying for many friends and family who have made commitments to better health in 2012!  I would still like to lose about 20 pounds so please pray for my continued persistence, too!  I'd really like to reach my goal by my birthday (it's a BIG one this year)!  This has been such a fabulous journey for me and it is far from over (unless God decides to take me home)!
Thanks again for your prayers and support!

Merry Christmas!

What a difference a year makes!  I'm almost half the woman I used to be.  I continue to be amazed at the blessing the surgery has been in my life!  I am so happy that I was able to lose another pound this week!  My total to date is 111#. Not a remarkable amount but it is not a gain!!!  During this busy holiday season, I haven't walked 5 times a week but I continue to walk at least 3-4 times a week. 
Thank you for your continued support and prayers!  I am still "On my Way"!

1 Year Post Op Visit

Wednesday I had my one year post op visit at Grand Health Partners.  I am so excited to share some "statistics"!  First, my official weight loss is 109 pounds!  I had the PA help me close in on a final goal weight.  I'm 20-25 pounds away and still on my way.  Average weight loss with the Vertical Sleeve is 60-80% of your excess body weight in the first 18-24 months.  I've already lost 82% of my excess body weight in the first 12 months!  I guess I'm above average!

My BMI has dropped from 46 to 28.  I'd like to get into the normal range and I'm very close.  I was reminded to stay the course by the dietician and the behaviorist.  I have been slipping a bit with the amount of exercise I'm getting, but this week I'm back on track.  I ran and walked on the treadmill over 2 miles in 30 minutes the last 3 days!  All in all it was a great visit!

What a fantastic year this has been!  God has blessed me with good health and a supportive family and many friends to encourage me on my way!  I have so much to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

My ONE Year Anniversary!!!!

One year ago tonight I was in the hospital recovering from my surgery!  What a year it has been!  I have lost 109 pounds and feel great!  I am still "on my way" but I've come so far!  I have my follow up visit at Grand Health Partners next week.  Pictures to follow!

11 months!

It has been 11 months since my surgery.  I am thankful I was able to walk 7 out of the last 8 days in this beautiful fall weather.  I haven't lost any more in the last 2 weeks, so I'm sitting at a total of 107 pounds gone!  I saw a quote yesterday about the pounds not really being lost, because I don't ever want to find them again!  I like that.  107 pounds gone for good!

2 More Pounds!

A pound here, a pound there!  I've lost 2 more pounds in the last 2 weeks.  I haven't been able to get as much walking in since school started but this week looks a little more promising (not quite as busy).  My total loss is now 107 pounds!  I got to wear my skinny jeans!

10 Months

As I started school last year, I found out that my insurance would, indeed, cover my surgery! Now another school year has started. I told my family this morning, "I don't feel a year older, I feel a year better!"

I haven't lost a whole lot more since my last post. My grand total is now 105 pounds! I am truly amazed when I say or write that number. I'm still losing but not every week. I hope to continue with this steady, slow pace of losing through the next few months until I reach my goal (which I'm still not sure of!!!!). I continue walking or riding my bike 5-6 days per week for at least 30 minutes and most days it's about an hour.

The new picture was taken this morning before church. Gloria, my sister, loaned me some more beautiful clothes!

I've been encouraged by so many of you and I hope I have the opportunity to be an encouragement to you! I am so thankful God allowed me to experience this change in my life and as you pray for me and send your words of encouragement, know that I am thanking God for you and your friendship!