Nine Months + Three Days = 100 Pounds!!

I did it! Nine months and three days ago, I charted my course to a healthier new me. It started with three weeks of five slim fast shakes a day (hurl) and a weight of 283 pounds. Had surgery on August 7th, 2009 and today, April 23, 2010 weigh 183 pounds!


It's a great day to hit this. I'm leaving this afternoon to visit my lovely girlfriend Flora in West Palm Beach Florida. I'm excited to test out that plane seat again! So much more fun to fly when you fit in your seat.


So, I'll do a vlog this weekend, but figured today would be a great day to revisit my pros and cons.


I consider my band a blessing and believe that it saved my life twice. 1) I found out that I had thyroid cancer during my physical for the band 2) I've lost 100 pounds, am running and doing my first roadrace in June. I am a completely different person physically than I was just nine months ago.


If you are thinking about getting banded, but afraid because of surgery or sliming, fills, etc. I will tell you that I would pay $100k to have this surgery. It has meant the world to me to look in the mirror and be happy with what I see. I was always a beautiful person on the inside. I really have always loved the person that I am. But the me outside finally matches the me inside and that is the best feeling in the world!


Thank you all for following this journey and for believing in me! 18 more pounds!!! Here we go!


Cons:

• Going "under" and not knowing what to expect when I wake up - So not a big deal!
• PB'ing and slime'ing - - It happens and sucks, but doesn't happen too often. 
• Pain from surgery - - The shoulder pain was terrible, but it went away.
• Loose skin from weight loss - Okay, this one is probably the worst. My skin is terrible. My tummy (while somewhat flat) needs a serious face lift and we're not even going to discuss the bat wings. HORRIBLE!
• Cost of shopping for new clothes (which I totally would've done anyway) - Thanks to the sisterhood, I have been mostly outfitted for this entire journey and spent very little $$. You women are seriously amazing and have fantastic fashion sense!
• Explaining to guys on a date why I eat so little - Let's just focus on getting the date, and then we'll worry about this part!
• Giving up Diet Dr. Pepper (he's the only doctor I have a real relationship with today) - I can actually drink it, but don't do it often because of the gas. Don't miss it at all!
• Giving up jennitini's (otherwise known as stoli orange and tonic) - I'll have a vodka soda every once in a while, but I've discovered my love for lemon drop martini's and they are yummier anyway!

Pros:

• Not being the invisible fat girl - This one is fun! I am not invisible and notice men checking me out pretty regularly!
• Getting a new wardrobe (shopping spree at goal weight is my gift to myself) - Cannot wait for this, 18 pounds, AMAZING!
• Shopping anywhere I want without worrying if something will fit - This is an absolutely amazing feeling and incredibly convenient!
• Shopping with my girlfriends since I won't have to go to the fat store - Also fun and cool!
• Wearing cute dresses without spanx - I don't always have to wear spanx, but have recently discovered that even my skinny friends wear spanx!! Shouldn't be a bad word!
• Wearing knee high boots - I'm so fashionable! ;-)
• Not worrying whether or not I'll fit into an airplane seat and if the seatbelt will buckle- This was an amazing feeling. The fun part now is seeing how much extra seat belt I've got!
• Being "checked out" by men - Done and done. ;-)
• DATING again and not hating it - I'm doing new pictures this weekend, maybe this will help the online dating!
• Being healthy and not worrying about dying too young - This is what it is all about! I have to believe that this is what makes my mom the most happy as well! Love you momma!
• Resolving this issue that has been surrounding me since I was a child - The lap band is an incredible tool. I never could have been this successful without it. Sure you have to work it, but it has been a blessing and I wouldn't trade it for the world!
• Posting pictures on facebook that aren't three years old (when I was thinner) - This is so freeing!
• Being 160 for the first time since I was in my teens - 14 pounds until I'm into the 160's!!