The Amazing Shrinking Boobs

Did that title get your attention?! It's true... along with the rest of me, my boobs have shrunk! I bought a bunch of new bras several months ago, but I noticed they were getting too big.  So yesterday I bought new ones... in a B cup!  LOL.... never thought I'd see that size again!  Most women would probably be a big upset about it, but not me!  Smaller boobs is because of smaller me, and I think I still have enough to have a few curves.  

Today marks 13 months since my surgery.  I went to the doctor on Friday for my one year followup.  It wasn't Dr. Barker, because he's not always in Amarillo, so I saw Dr. Hodges, whom I love!  She is just a sweetheart and so willing to answer any questions.  She pulled out my "before" picture and she was so excited!  I have surpassed what they thought I would lose by 8 lbs.  I have lost 95 lbs.  She gave me a big hug!  :)

I'm not finished yet, though!  Stay tuned for more!!!

1 Year Anniversary and Thoughts on Turning 50

December 19 marked the one year anniversary of the surgery that changed everything for me! I feel like I have been given my life back, and my only regret is that I didn't do it much sooner!  Besides my physical appearance, the biggest change is in how much energy I have. I used to take naps all the time, and now it is rare for me to do that. I still love naps, just not as a way to pass the time or escape from life.

I have lost a total of 93 pounds, which still amazes me. I have lost 6 inches from my bust, 8 inches from my waist, and 13 inches from my hips. Downside? I have really ugly flabby excess skin on my abdomen and thighs. They say you have to give your body/skin time to adjust, but often times people need plastic surgery for the excess skin. Time will tell, I guess.

Here are some before and after pictures, as painful as it is for me to look at the before shots!! 

Christmas 2013

Christmas 2012

July 2009

December 20 was also a major milestone for me as I celebrated my 50th birthday. I didn't want to be alone, so I threw myself a birthday party. Some of my really good friends came and spent the evening sharing good times.

December 2013

Turning 50 doesn't really feel any different than turning 30 or 40 did. Perhaps that is because I feel so much better physically and emotionally than I have in years! However, reaching this half-century milestone does cause one to reflect on life, the past, and the future. It's another birthday and Christmas without having a partner, but I'm ok. I trust that God will bring my perfect mate at the right time. Until then I will enjoy my family and friends, and always be thankful for them!

Merry Christmas, my friends!

Fear and Faith

As I write this post to mark 11 months since my surgery, I have to admit that I have some fear. And to tell you that fear is the opposite of faith! My fear is that I will regain the weight I have lost. The devil is working overtime trying to get me to buy into that, and I refuse!! God has performed a miracle both in my physical appearance and my spiritual life, and I give all the glory to God! I am a precious child of His, and he loves me and wants me to be happy! He dd not bring me this far to fail, so I persevere!! I pray that you all are blessed as well, and join me in praising God for the good things he has done in our lives.

I love you all, and thank you so much for your friendship and support.

P.S. I have now lost 90 lbs. :)  I have had some people tell me that I shouldn't lose any more, but I would like to lose another 10-15 lbs.  But if I don't, I'm ok with that.  I am pretty happy where I am!

Ten Months Post-Op

I'm a little late in posting this, but the photos were taken at ten months.  My total weight loss at ten months was 87 pounds, and as of today is 89 pounds. I'm really, really enjoying shopping for new clothes, but it sure is expensive!!

Komen Race for the Cure 2013

me with my friend and boss, Nathalie

This year I participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for the first time. I had always considered it, but as with many other events in the past, my weight and self-consciousness had held me back. This year I signed up and was so excited to be there! The morning was cool and crisp and the crowd was invigorating. I had so much energy and totally enjoyed the walk! 

and with my friend, Gerald



and my friend, Christie

Changes and Struggles

At nine months post-op I am reflecting on what has changed, what I've learned, and what I still struggle with.

Many things have changed, and some of them have been very interesting and even surprising to me. For instance, my perception of a serving of food. I didn't used to think much about a monster plate of food being served in a restaurant, and I'd probably eat a good portion (if not all) of it. Now things like that are almost overwhelming to me. I look at it and think, "that is at least FOUR meals!!" When I'm serving someone else, I'm not quite sure how much food to put on their plate. The feeling is almost one of confusion, or maybe just uncertainty. On the other hand, I am still struggling with eating a little too much to the point that I get too uncomfortable. On a few occasions I've actually thrown up, but thankfully that hasn't happened very often. That is probably my biggest challenge - knowing when to stop. Even after nine months, I am still learning.

I've written before about the disconnect between my physical size and the perception in my mind, and how hard that is to reconcile. When I shop for clothes, I still pick sizes that are too big and have to go out of the dressing room and get the right size. It absolutely amazes me that I am wearing a size medium in shirts and a 10 in pants! I used to wear a 2X!!!

So what have I learned? That I can get by with a lot less food!! That although my physical body is not the real me, it certainly affects my level of self-confidence, my attitude, and my outlook. And that by not worrying about me and what others think of me all the time, I can focus on others and participate in more activities. I can't even tell you how much more energy I have! I am enjoying Jazzercize classes and will walk in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure next Saturday. I'm more willing to go to events now that I'm not ashamed of my physical appearance. And I look forward to a healthy, active life from now on!

Blessings to all of you, my friends!

P.S. I lost five pounds this month for a total of 85 pounds lost.

Time for Eight Month Update!

Eight months and 80 pounds gone!  I am soooo glad to say that I will never see those pounds again!  I am now comfortably wearing a size 12 and sometimes a 10.  I can honestly say that I have not been this size since 1990!  Yes, I'm talking 23 YEARS!!!! 

Praise be to God for this amazing surgery and transformation!  Yes, I am still the same person I was, but I was sort of subdued.  I feel like I am back to my real self - confident, outgoing, and happy!

The weight loss is still sporadic, so I guess that is how it's going to be.  I go a week or more without losing anything, and then I drop 3-4 pounds.  Oh well, that's OK with me as long as I am still losing.  Some people have asked whether I am at my goal.  The answer is no, I am not.  At my doctor's viist last month, the doctor told me that I was 12 pounds from the total that they would attribute to the surgery, but that's not the total I could lose.  Since that appointment, I have lost another 7 pounds, and my goal is to lose another 20.  BUT.... I don't want to look too thin and gaunt, so I will be looking for input from all of you reading this!

Thank you all for your continued support!