Chunkers' New Treats

I just wanted to share this adorable video of my hamster Chunkers checking out her new toy, bowl, food, and treats.

1 Year Surgiversary, 134 Lbs Lost

Today is my 1 year Surgiversary!  I had RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery, which is a weight loss surgery, 1 year ago today.

Before and After, 134 Lbs lost

I weighed 304 Lbs at the start of this journey, and today I weigh 170 Lbs. I've lost 134 Lbs and 103 inches so far, including 12 inches from my chest, 15 inches from my waist, and 17 inches from my hips.

I was wearing a size 4X or 24W pants, and size 3-5X tops.  Now I am wearing size 12 or medium pants, and they're loose, and medium tops.

My health has improved dramatically.  I have an entire cupboard of meds that I no longer need. Instead of taking 6-8 asthma meds per day, I am down to only 1 rescue inhaler.  I used to need my rescue inhaler 4-6 times per day, and now I can go months without needing it at all. I only need it when my asthma is triggered by a cold or flu, allergens, or super cold weather. That is a life changing to me.

I couldn't walk for 10 minutes before and now I can walk for hours, swim laps for 1-2 hours, and ride my bike all day long.  I so miss bike riding, but there is about 5 feet of snow on the ground right now, lol.

I used to have to shop at Pennington's, and now I can shop anywhere, and the clothes are much cheaper. I'm wearing a top that cost $7.00 and pants that cost $12.00 right now...before the weight loss I could never find deals on clothes like this. 

I am happier and feel hopeful about the future. 

Me fitting into 1 leg of my old pants

 I was thrilled that I could finally do the "fitting in 1 pant leg" thing today, lol.  I am half of the woman I was, and couldn't be happier about that.

Me in one of my old tops

 The black hoodie below was and still is my favorite. Sam and Dean Winchester from the TV series Supernatural (Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles) sold it to raise money for mental health awareness. I was very depressed at the time, and the words "Love Yourself First, Always Keep Fighting" spoke to me. I knew I had to learn how to love and fight for myself. I knew I had to lose weight because I was living in constant pain, both physical and mental.

My old favorite hoodie

Side view of my old favorite hoodie

I'll keep this hoodie forever, even though it's so big on my now. I still even wear it around the house at night; it's super warm and cozy. 

I had a great year, and I'm not done yet. I still want to lose more, so I can reach my goal weight.