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

.
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!!!!

It's been awhile! Let me catch you up!

BEWARE IT'S A BIG ONE!

In October the kids had two days off of school so we decided to pack up and spend the night at the Great Wolf Lodge. We had a great time. It is really a wonderful place for families. Good memories!

In October we have three birthdays. Me, Austin and Dad so we had one big party for all of us. As always we had a great time. We love to get together with family.

Oh and then there was Halloween! Shaylyn was a sweet little angel and Austin was a member of the Cowboys team for about the 3rd year in a row. Oh well he has all the gear!

Chance chose to go hunting with Doug so I don't have any pictures of him trick or treating this year. (he is a little old for it anyway) The kids saved him some candy. They had fun!

Shaylyn's birthday was November 15th and she decided to invite her 3 best friends Alli, Kaylie and her cousin Cierra over for cake and presents and then I took them all to Disney on Ice. They had so much fun! It was a little scarey for me to take 4 little girls by myself but they were all very good and listened to me and we had a great time. Here are a few pictures from the show.

They saw Mickey and Minnie

Goofy

Cars

Tinker Bell (which I think was there favorite)

Lion King


The Little Mermaid



A couple of weeks ago Shaylyn finally decided she was ready to get her ears pierced that is until I signed the paper work and they had the earrings in the guns. Then she had a meltdown and wanted to change her mind but we went ahead and got them done, and now she loves them and is happy she did it. She is growing up so much.

Ausitn's Football Game

This is Austin's first year of tackle football and he loves it! He loves any sport! The Graham Eagles is a great program, good coaches and good kids. He is having fun. Here are a few shots of his 3rd game. They won 32-7! They have won 2 and lost 1 so they aren't doing too bad. Good job Austin!

Emotional 5K

So today I ran in my first 5k race at Northwest Trek. Many of you know my sister Jodi started running several years ago and has done all kinds of races up to a 1/2 marathon. When I would go to see her run I would always think all those runners including her looked miserable coming to the finish line and I never thought I would actually want to enter a race. Well she said just do the 5k and try it so with no training I decided what the heck I can only improve from where I start. The first time I ever ran a full 3 miles was yesterday at the Y, and it took me 46 minutes which I didn't think was too bad for my first time. I knew I was slow but I ran 3 miles that in itself was huge for me. So today I woke up to pouring down rain and we headed out to Northwest Trek. I was so nervous to start. My biggest fear was finishing last which didn't happen so I was happy. That first mile was horrible, the second mile was ok and the 3rd mile was really emotional. I did! I ran the entire thing without stopping to walk. I wasn't fast by any means but I did improve on my time I came in at 40:02 with a 12:53 pace per mile. I did way better than I thought. I just wanted to make it in an hour. I cried as I came to the finish line it was such an awesome accomplishment for me. I never thought I would be able to run like that, and I can now only improve. I understand now when runners say that racing gets addicting. I want to tell my sister Jodi thank you for doing this with me. I am grateful for your love and support and I want you to know that you are my hero and my inspiration. I wouldn't have wanted to do this with anyone else. I also want my mom and dad to know how much I love them and are grateful for there love and support also. They are also my heros for many reasons. I couldn't have made it throught without any of them. Also without the love and support of my husband and children. I know this is a long winded post but it was a very emotional day for me and I am very grateful for all that I have been blessed with and especially for my friends and family. Oh and since it was pouring down rain we had no family there to take pictures I had them take one of me at home with my shirt and number so I have proof:)

Girly Skirts

If you have girls you have to check out my friends blog. She makes the most adorable little skirts. You can tell her the colors you want and she finds the cutest fabric. Check it out and you will want one for your little girly girl. Check out her blog.