I was just thinking about how far I have come in the last 7 months (surgery date 1/29/14). HW 261, SW 239 CW 184. I have been exercising on and off the whole time since surgery, but haven't been as committed as I need to be. I went through a self-inflicted stall/extremely slow weight loss period for close to the last 2 months. Well, most of the summer! I was grazing and making some poor choices. I want to lose a minimum of 14 more pounds which is my lowest weight since 6th grade (I'm almost 35), but I truly want to lose 34 more to get to a normal BMI. School started last week and I sent one off to 1st grade and my middle child is going to Pre-K. It's 3 hours long and it's a 20 minute drive from my house. I have a Y membership that has been gathering dust for most of the last 2 years and I decided that I was going to start back. They will babysit my youngest for 2 hours for only $1!!! In one week I have lost 3 pounds. I have started tracking foods again and seeing where changes can be made. I feel as motivated as I did right after surgery. What has changed for me since VSG? I could barely walk a mile at a slow pace 7 months ago, now I run a 5K in 34 minutes. I can keep up with my children and they are benefitting from an active mommy, and also learning healthier habits. I can shop in normal stores, and even off the clearance rack. No more high BP, I sleep better, my feet don't hurt anymore, and my knees don't hurt when I run. Plus tons of fun NSV's like the simple ability to cross my legs.

Thanks for letting me reflect on my year so far. I hope this encourages someone who may be considering VSG. It is definitely a tool and you can find ways to get around it, like I did when I was grazing/snacking too often. But it truly has been the best decision I have made about my health and I hope I can write again in a few more months saying I am at my goal weight!