I have made it to my goal. I hate using that word really. I don't want to say goal weight, or pin myself to a number. Goal is such a final word, and let me tell you - there is no end to this journey. It is a daily force in my life, one that I am constantly keeping in check. I am not obsessed, but I am very aware. I would be lying if I told you that ice cream or high calorie foods never touch this mouth because they do. But I am ever vigilant in the checks and balances of a healthy lifestyle. I have managed to figure out the difference between an indulgence and a trigger food. I have made activity and exercise a high priority. I know the difference between allowing my body appropriate rest and being lazy. I have managed to fill my emotional bank with way more positive deposits then negative withdrawls.
I guess it is best to say, I have achieved my goal of balance and happiness. For the first time since this 11 lb baby body was welcomed into this world, I feel radiant in my skin. I have found a place of peace and connection with my body, where I can have a healthy conversation - I know when I need more, when I need less, when I have fallen off track, and when we are full speed ahead.
The stats - I have lost 130 lbs. I have been stable for about 2 months, meaning I hover within 3 lbs up or down of the same general weight. I have felt comfortable/stable enough to broaden my wardrobe and buy new clothes (versus resale shopping to get by). I have a secret desire to lose 15 more lbs. This would put me at my ideal fighting weight, but the reality is, I know I would not be able to maintain that weight. The amount of exercise and harsh diet/calorie counting/planning that would be required is just not a lifestyle that I am interested in ... period. So I would love to train for it, just once, but it would be kind of like training to climb Mt Everest. Once I reached that mountain top, I would think - huh, wow, I did that - don't care to live here, but cool to know that I could.
So - I can't really think of anything more to say but different versions of can you believe it? or I am just so happy! or who'da thunk it? So let's just show you:
The first picture was taken just before my surgery last year, the second was taken a couple of weeks ago:
The first picture here was taken from the video Kyle and I did for the Biggest Loser, the second was taken at this year's gala for Catastrophic Theatre (doesn't Kyle look phenomenal too?!?!?):
And oh yeah - there is the other life achievement that happened this year - the Warrior Dash!! This is probably the point when my mind caught up with my body. Prior to this, I would hear the positive comments, but couldn't believe them. After finishing the dash and seeing these pictures, I could finally start to see what everyone else was seeing!
Again - CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?!? So there you have it. I am thinking this kind of closes the chapter on this VSG story. From here on out it is more about me and my choices than the surgery. Let me make this clear. The surgery gives you a 6 month lottery pass with a 6 month reprieve to prove to your self that you can keep up with the new life. That's it. I guaruntee you - if I had not worked my ASS off this past year, making the sacrifices, doing the work, figuring it out - I would be writing to you in a year about how it all slipped away. And it still could. But I will be damned if I will go down that road again. I am more scared of meeting that sad dejected Becky from 2-3 years ago along the road then I am scared of gaining the weight back. It really was never about too much ice cream. It was always about stress. And I never want to put myself in a situation of stress that is too much to handle and the only way to comfort myself is through food.
Happy New Me!!
2 comments:
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! You are a huge inspiration to me, just from reading your journey on your blog. Once again, thanks for sharing.
Congrats.... sleeve gastrectomy is also the best treatment to lose weight.
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