Well, tomorrow is technically my one year surgiversary, since I had my surgery on June 3rd, 2008. But it was on a Tuesday that I had it, and so today is pretty much 52 weeks later!
WOW!
I have so much I want to say, and I have pictures to post, but everything in my life is so hectic lately. One of the big side effects of losing stacks of weight is that you suddenly have more energy, confidence and enthusiasm for life, and as such you find that you lack the time to do the things you used to do in abundance – like sit around, eat, watch TV, and blog!
Really I couldn’t be happier with how the last year has gone. Sure, I’ve made a lot of mistakes, and the last few months have pretty much been a write-off with regard to eating habits. But I’ve lost 93 lbs in a year, and I’ve turned my entire life around.
A few comparisons:
A year ago…
I couldn’t hold down a job to save my life.
Now…
I am so motivated by my job that I can hardly believe it! Sure I’ve only been there 9 weeks or so, but in that time I’ve formed friendships and proven my worth as an employee!
A year ago…
I spent 14 hours a day doing nothing. The other ten I slept.
Now…
I sleep around 7 – 8 hours per night, work 8.5 hours a day, and commute for around 3 hours a day PLUS fill my spare time with going to the gym, rehearsing for the play I have been cast in for this summer (I KNOW! I’ll be on stage!! And not feel like the ugly fat chick!!), and occasionally following artistic pursuits.
A year ago…
I ate around 4000 calories per day, mostly made up of crisps, chocolate and ice cream, with a few cookies thrown in for good measure.
Now…
I eat around 1000 – 1200 calories per day made up of a lot of protein. Yes, I’m struggling currently with a minor junk food addiction, but it’s not nearly as bad as it used to be. And I believe in myself that I will get it under control NOW.
A year ago…
I couldn’t and wouldn’t walk to the town centre, instead taking a bus. And even then I begrudged the 2 minute walk to the bus stop at the end of the road.
Now…
Not only do I walk to town when I need to go, but I also walk several miles a day to and from work and the train station, most of it through rough forest. And I CHERISH these walks.
A year ago…
I was incredibly depressed and suicidal wishing that everything would change.
Now…
I am satisfied, if not ecstatic, and I AM the change I want to see.
There is so much more I want to say, and tomorrow I have a very long day travelling for work and doing training sessions and then play practice in the evening. But I wanted to say SOMETHING to document this amazing occasion.
If you are reading this, and you’re considering the gastric sleeve, or ANY bariatric surgery, all I can say is that I HIGHLY encourage it. I can’t recommend it enough for turning your life around.