August marked my 6-month mark since gastric bypass surgery. August also marked my biggest milestone yet – hitting 100 pounds lost. I was stuck at a plateau for over 3 weeks, varying between 96-99 pounds lost, and I finally hit 100 pounds. I can’t tell you how excited I am.
Last week I pulled out my pre-op jeans. They are size 28/30 elastic-waist stretch jeans that I wore to and from the hospital for surgery. They used to be a tight fight, especially on my belly and calves. Now I wear a 20/22 jean. I’m still wearing “plus size” clothes, and it’s been interesting to see that losing 100 pounds hasn’t made me drop clothing sizes as quickly as I expected. But I think the next 100 pounds will be where the big size/shape changes happen.
Since surgery, I’ve lost the following amounts on my body measurements
- Neck -2.25″
- Bust -8″
- Chest -8″
- Waist -11″
- Hip -14″
- Thigh -6.5″
- Calf -3.5″
- Ankle -2″
- Upper arm -3″
- Wrist -2″
I’ve noticed a reduction in joint pain, sleep apnea symptoms, circulation problems, and back pain. I feel more “mobile” – it’s easier to fit into chairs with arms, I have more stamina for physical activity, and I find myself more willing to try new things. When I was in New York City a few weeks ago, I did LOTS of walking. Several miles a day. I walked enough to wear myself out and get blisters all over my feet…and it felt great!
It feels like I’m used to my life as a weight loss surgery patient. I’m more intuitive with my body’s signals and am better and respecting its limitations. The two ongoing struggles I have are with fatigue and hair loss. Luckily, the hair loss has diminished, and it’s only slightly worse than “normal.” I have patches that are thinner than I’m comfortable with, but it doesn’t freak me out every time I run a brush through my hair.
I don’t know when the fatigue will improve. I’ve upped my protein intake and doses of vitamin B12 and D. I also resumed taking Provigil, which helps with my daytime sleepiness from sleep apnea. Some days I’m fine, other days I can hardly make it through the workday.
While 100 pounds is a significant accomplishment, my journey is far from over. I’m still 100 pounds overweight. I know that the next hundred will not come off as quickly or easily as the first hundred, and it’s possible I may stall out and my body won’t let me get to my goal weight. But I have hope. I am grateful for what I’ve been able to do for my health, and am grateful for all of the support I’ve received along the way.
I’m so excited for you and thrilled to witness you as you make your way forward to a healthier you! Congrats, mama!
Wow! Congratulations! That’s wonderful.
It has taken me almost 10 months to lose 45 lbs, with 20 more to go before I’m in a “healthy” weight range. I love how much better I feel, too. Yesterday I bought 6 gallons of water in 2 3-gallon containers and was carrying them out to the car thinking “This is about how much more weight I used to carry around every step of every day!”
So if you ever get discouraged, think of yourself carrying 2 five gallon bottles of water, plus a big purse. You’ve come a long way!
You’re down 5 dress sizes. I’m told 1 dress size = 20 pounds, so that sounds about right. Your neck line looks great in the photo.
What does your food journal look like these days?
Keep up the great work!
Yaay!! I hope you feel as good as you look. You’re glowing.
Nicole, I’m so proud of you! You’ve made such a positive change in your life and you deserve it! After talking to you the other night I could tell how much more intuitive you are to your body’s signals. Keep it up! Can’t wait to see you!
You should totally be the cover girl for NIKE and their Just Do It – cos you did it – and dang … look at you xxxx
Wow! You look amazing. I expect as your energy continues to increase you will be more motivated to walk or go to the gym which will help with those last 100 pounds. No matter how long it takes I believe you will achieve your ultimate goal. Keep up your amazing progress!
Wow! What an accomplishment! You look great. Looking forward to seeing more of your progress, you can do it!
Congratulations!! You look beautiful. Keep up the amazing work 🙂 You are such an inspiration.
You are an inspiration to me! I am having my roux-en-y on November the 14th and I am ready! Reading about your journey makes me excited. I know it won’t be a walk in the park-it’s work-but you give me hope. Thanks for sharing and success on the next 100!
You go Girl!