Don’t ask me where the time has gone but today marks the second anniversary of my weight-loss surgery.
From an all time high of almost 17 and a half stone I have lost and maintained a six and a half stone weight loss.
My surgeon and bariatric team only ever indicated that I could expect to lose about 65-70% of my excess weight….and I have lost 92% so an amazing success.
What does it mean in terms of clothes size? Well down from a size 24/26 to a now very respectable size 14 (and occasionally a 12 from one or two outlets). Waist size is down 12 inches (that’s more than a few notches on the belt) and hips about the same. And a whole shoe size….now who would have thought that? Wedding and engagement rings have also had to be down-sized.
In terms of fitness and confidence then my health and spirits have gone from way down low to sky high. I haven’t needed to see my own GP once in the last 24 months (I don’t think he would recognise me these days) and don’t suffer with any of the shoulder, knee and hip aches and pains of old.
However, the best outcome has been the fact that I no longer yo-yo with my weight. I’m fairly consistent on the scales no matter what the social calendar throws at me. I feel I have finally said goodbye to the ‘diet police’ and some of my own demons.
That is not to say that I shall be complacent….in order to shed the last bit of weight and maintain this loss I know that I still have to eat right, exercise or move a bit more…and make good ‘mindful’ decisions about my food choices for the rest of my life. I have however decided to be kinder to myself….and I would encourage everyone, no matter at what stage of their journey they may be, to do the same. After all, life is for living…and I want to live it well.
I only hope that I can continue to give advice, recipes and news on this website for many years to come….to show that wls is a wonderful surgical tool and by applying a new regime (that means you eat right with every bite) many of us can move on and enjoy a much healthier and happier life. I hope you’ll continue to join me.
CAROL
Photograph by Kate Griffin Photography