The difference a year makes....

March 25 was my one year Bandiversary! I totally forgot to post that.

March 26, I had one year post op checkups with both my surgeon and my PCP.

My surgeon is happy with my progress, he thinks that I am at a good restriction. He is happy that I'm averaging a pound a week in weight loss. He also said that my night coughing doesn't sound like an issue since it's not acidic and there's not food in it--he thinks that it's excess saliva pooling in the back of my throat--because lets admit it--I'm a sleep drooler, and when I sleep on my back, I can't drool it out. So, I choke on it. He suggested elevating my head if I sleep on my back, but doesn't feel that it's anything to be concerned about.

My PCP is awesome and I love her to death. She ran blood work, and took me off two of my three medications (the only one I have now is my birth control pills). My A1C is sitting on 6.1, and my blood pressure is terrific! She will run a full lipids panel in September when I have my annual physical, but I am over the moon right now! She gave me a hug and said that she would see me in September!

I also had a loss of 3.8lbs from last month to this month--and am sitting JUST UNDER 85lbs total loss since starting this journey. WTF! That's the size of a cheerleader!

I'm not saying that there aren't rough days with Donny. We still fight. She tells me no, I tell her that I don't care, I know what I want--she throws some punches, I take them because there really isn't anything I can do to her.  But in a year, as bitchy as she has been to me---and most likely will continue to be--I couldn't have come this far without her. Yes, I did lose alot of weight on my own before she came into the picture. And we had an adjustment period, but I know that I would be a far worse place than I am now without her help.

Before I started this process (six month classes, surgery, and now a year post-op), I was out of control. I was mired in depression, I was eating non-stop, I had ballooned to 428 lbs. I hurt everywhere all the time. I would get winded going up a flight of stairs. I had constant headaches (most likely from my blood pressure). I was always hot and sweating and had heat rash. I was angry. And I hated everyone and everything--most of all, myself.

I had tried diets, I had done exercise, but I honestly felt that I was past the point of no return. And then I met a friend for dinner, and she told me that she had decided to have gastric bypass--and that set the wheels in motion. And then I made a friend who had a lapband, who shared with me all sorts of information and helped me with my decision. So, I will be FOREVER in both of their debts for starting me on this journey. And starting this blog, and meeting all of you and learning about your struggles and your successes and your stories--that has inspired me and motivated me--and you all deserve thank yous for your part in my journey.

At one year in, even though I haven't gotten to my 50% goal (I'm only 15lbs away!), I am still winning. I am no longer on medication to control my blood sugar or my blood pressure. I choose to walk because I like the way it makes me feel. I had the confidence to get a new job. I'm happier, and don't eat to smother my feelings.

I'm still a big girl.  And honestly, I will always be a big girl.  I'm a 6ft tall blonde Amazon, and I'm okay with that. And when I get into a weight that starts with 2, that will be one of the happiest days of my life. I don't care if I ever reach my goal weight--because, I'm already winning at life...and more importantly, my health.

Happy (belated) Bandiversary to me! I hope to that you'll stick around for what year 2 will bring!