On 8/1/2012 I committed to losing this extra weight. I felt like I could finally, really do it this time with the support of my family, my doctors and my nutrionist.
I started a diet, prescribed by my doctor and scheduled a date to have a VSG surgery to help me curb my appetite.
After five months of making good food choices (with my nutrionist's words ringing in my ears) and working out like someone I don't even recognize doing cardio and weights – I'm happy to report that I have lost 95 POUNDS!
It isn't 100 yet – but I know that milestone is in my near future. On 8/1 I wouldn't have believed it, truly, that I would have gotten to this point. I feel soooooo much better in more ways that I could have believed possible.
I've already beaten the average weight loss for this procedure. I intend to beat that number into dust and keep going. My BMI was 44. Now it is 30. I'm aiming for 23.
When I pack my suitcases for CHA I will lift the two checked pieces of luggage, in unison, and feel what it must have been like to carry that weight around every moment of my life.
And I promise to have a friend take a full-length picture of me while I'm out in California. Promise. I finally feel ready to do that.
I'm not done. Nope. There is another 50 lbs. that need to go. Another suitcase! But literally 20 years of weight-gain has been erased from my life, forever. I've stopped the 'emotional eatting' in its tracks and the surgery has gotten the hormones under control that made me feel constantly hungry and never full and helped me to get my metabolism jump-started. In about 7 months my body will figure out that this is the new normal and my metabolism will have readjusted. So my goal is to hit the ground running and get this job DONE before the Fourth of July.
So on the eve of a new year – for once I truly believe that 2013 holds so much promise. I have gotten myself back. Always and forever a work in progress… I'm going to do silly things this week; transforming things. Just a new cut and color — but it feels like time to do it.
I'm still working on the internal dialogue and defensiveness that have built up over the years. It is time to transform these into more positive and uplifting messages as well. I have always been a smiler. But now there is just so much more to smile about. So much more to look forward to. I cannot really define it for you … I've said I feel lighter — and honestly that is the best description.
So here is to continued health and an uplifting and kinder 2013!
Congratulations on your weight loss! Look forward to seeing that photo! Good luck on the rest of your weight loss journey.
So Happy for you, I too need to find the Zen moment when I can get it all reversed. I take meds that create weight gain and have fought it all my adult life. BEST wishes to you on your fantastic journey. I will not be going to CHA this year and I’m sorry, if of no other reason than to see YOUR transformation! GO GIRL!
You have always put the poundage in the context of the whole person on this journey, and I find that inspirational. Thank you for sharing your story. Wishing you the brightest of years in 2013.
Sally Lynn, I am so thrilled and happy for you. You bring tears to my eyes! Here’s to a fabulous 2013!!!
You are my IDOL! Or at least a mentor…2013 is going to be a similar journey for me…now that the holidays and rush are over….time to get moving!
I’m so happy for you and I have only good wishes for you in the months ahead! Thanks for sharing your story and being an inspiration for us all!
Wishing you and your family an AWESOME 2013!
Sara
Can’t wait to SEE you at CHA!!!! We will take a pic together. Today i am down 15 lbs since November 18th, and i can’t tell YOU how much you have inspired ME!!!! Huggs and smooches!
You are a fabulous person! I am so happy for you and all that you have done to improve the great person you already were. I am down 52lbs. so far myself and I know I am feeling it more and more how much more energy I have and what I can do. I’ll miss seeing you at CHA this year –
HUGS
MichelleO
So incredibly proud of you, my creative friend! Keep up the great work, you are my idol!!
Cheers. Beautiful post. Your inward beauty is bubbling forth.
Congratulations. It is never easy to lose weight, so it an accomplishment to be proud of. Come say ‘hi’ at CHA, I will be working the Melissa Frances booth as usual ☺
You should be sooo proud of yourself and what you have modeled for your children.
Congratulations! That is fantastic!
What is VSG surgery?
Congratulations, that is amazing. I have been considering some type of weight loss surgery myself, but I am so afraid of the consequences. I had a friend who did it and she had a lot of side affects…what is VSG?
You go girl…so inspiring and I can’t wait to see you at CHA!!!
Congratulations on all of your courage. Here’s to your continued HEALTH!!!
I’m so happy for you, Sally Lynn. Rock on!
I’m so happy for you. I have an appointment this coming Tuesday with my surgeon to set my date – I hope I will be as successful as you have been!