May 8, 2011

Today is my 7-month post op "anniversary". Actually it was on the 6th, but this was the soonest I could get my picture taken.

Since I last wrote, I have lost more poundage, have been in the hospital for a hernia repair (which was, by far, much worse in pain than my gastric bypass procedure EVER was!), someone moved out of our home, and well... there's just been a lot going on.

Up until my surgery 3 weeks ago, I have been working out diligently and increasing the intensity of my workouts. I use Leslie Sansone's "Walk Away the Pounds" videos. She guides me through a 3- or 4-mile walk that incorporates a full-body workout and lots of them have resistance bands or weights that are used as well. They are EXCELLENT workouts, and I don't need to have a gym membership! I firmly believe that my results are directly related to the investment I make in exercising with Leslie. I wish I could thank her personally.

I had an umbilical hernia from carrying around too much weight. My surgeon (GOD BLESS MY SURGEON!) tried fixing it during my gastric bypass procedure, but it didn't "stick". Both he and my regular doctor insisted that I get this done immediately (have to be cautious about obstructed bowels with these hernias). Well it ended up being the size of the Grand Canyon. Really ouchy. So I had that done April 19th.

That day was also a bittersweet day for my husband. His daughter who was living with us because of a court-ordered change in custody 2 years ago, turned 18 and she in turn left and went back to her mother (who committed the crime against her when she was 15). It was a GOOD day for me in regards to this situation, though, as the past two years were incredibly difficult for me.

So onward I go. I have now lost a total of 122 lbs. In SEVEN MONTHS. It's simply astonishing to me that I have this new chance. Which I am not about to "blow" or screw up.

Here are my pictures. My before picture is on the left, and my current picture is on the right.