Weight Loss Journey

So my sister suggested that I blog about my weight loss journey so I decided that it was a good idea. Many of you who read my blog know that on February 17, 2009 I had the lap band surgery. So today is one year post surgery. I am not one that likes to talk about my weight and surgery but I wanted to document my last year for myself and anyone else who might be interested. It took me a long time to decide to do this, I did alot of research, I attended the required seminar, and thought and prayed about it for probably more than a year. When I made my decision I felt peace and knew it was right for me. So this wasn't decided on a whim, I needed to make sure I was ready. In my research I found that the lap band was life changing for a lot of people but really life changing for diabetics. The research showed that diabetics were putting their diabetes into remission and that was what I wanted more then anything. That was goal number one was to put my diabetes in remission. I couldn't even imagine that it was possible. So I had surgery with no complications or regrets. I was taken off my high blood pressure medication within hours of my surgery and my blood pressure has been perfect ever since. I had to be on a liquid diet 2 weeks before surgery and 4 weeks post surgery. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be I think because I knew this would work for me and I was committed to it. So over the last year I stepped up my exercise and the weight came off quickly the first 5 months but it has slowed down a bit but I am still losing and I feel wonderful. I went in to my diabetes check last month and found out that my diabetes is almost in remission. YEAH!!! My hemaglobin A1C test came back at 6.2 and under 6 is considered in remission. YEAH AGAIN!! That was my biggest goal. I have been so much healthier this last year it is amazing. Even if I never lost another pound (which I do intend on doing) I would be so happy that my diabetes is in remission. I know that is a huge accomplishment and I am grateful for that. As of today one year later I have lost 85 pound!!! I use this visual that is more than my 7 year old daughter. Kind of crazy! I feel so great and I am truely greatful for my renewed health and fitness. I feel healthy and strong and I will finish this journey. I owe it to myself and my family to. I am also so grateful for a wonderful loving husband who has supported me through this whole process and to the rest of my family for supporting me and being there for me. I am grateful for my family and my health. I have some before and after pics!

BEFORE

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This was the morning of my surgery February 17,2009

Looking back at these pictures it really hit me today. I knew I was overweight but it wasn't until I compared the pics that I realized how unhappy I was not only with my looks but with my health.

AFTER

These are pictures of my two 5k's the first one was in September and the second was in December!

Getting ready to parasail in Hawaii with my sister.

Life is good and I am so grateful for my health and happiness! Here is to another year of happiness and progress!!

Hunt Elementary Presents "Snow White"

This past weekend Austin and Shaylyn were in a play at their school. The Missoula Children's Theatre comes every year to Hunt and on Monday the kids all audition for the play, they find out Monday night if they made it and then they have a week of intense play practice. It is really amazing what the kids can accomplish in one week. They did such a great job. Austin chose to be one of the Assistant Directors which is all the behind the scences stuff but I was told he was a huge help and did a great job making sure everyone got onto stage when they were supposed to. And Shaylyn, my sweet little girl was a little evil bat in the Black Forest. She did a great job. The play was so fun to watch. I am proud of them both for trying out and making the play because there was enough kids that tried out to cast the play twice. Which is really sad because we have been on the other end when they didn't make it but it was a good experience for them. Good Job Austin and Shaylyn!!!!