Gastric Bypass Surgerversary - Year 1

Not too long ago, a friend asked in regards to my weight loss, "What.  Are.  You.  Doing?"

Me, "I TOLD you.  I had weight loss surgery."

Friend, "Ok, but that doesn't make you put healthy food in your mouth or drag your butt to the gym every day.  SO.  WHAT.  ARE.  YOU.  DOING?"

I can't really describe it.

But, it was an empowering moment for me for sure.

I am doing something good for my health.

I am capable of doing something good for my health.

And, on my 1 year surgerversary, I am holding steady at the goal weight set for me by my surgeon.

This I have come to know, a lifestyle change is a MIND change.  I needed all kinds of help changing my mind -- and a year later I STILL need all kinds of help.  Proof that one doesn't heal from addiction or obesity quickly.

Here are some reflections from the past year:

It's more about what I put in my body -- than what I keep out.

I feel amazing most days.  My energy level is high, I sleep better.  My best defense against eating things I should not eat -- is to actually eat the things I should.  Putting healthy, whole foods into my body matters.

It requires a lot of planning, and prepping.

I attempt to eat 5 meals a day.  Every 3 hours.  My calories MOSTLY come from healthy fats, protein and vegetables.  But, I also eat some carbohydrates and fruit.  And coffee.  Don't forget coffee.

It's mostly about what I can do -- not about what I can't have.

I enjoy (you read that right, enjoy) at least 1,000 minutes of exercise a month.  I don't have the time for it.  I make the time for it.

I've climbed to the top of Pulpit Rock.  I've skied Monarch.  I've walked in to new classes at the Y, with the "fit" people and held my own.  I've ran a 5k and PR'd my best time ever.

I love aerobics, and Pilates, and being on the treadmill.  I enjoy hiking and walks with Billy.  I love swimming and planking and wall sits.  Most recently, I've started doing an At-Home-Cross Fit routine. I look forward to trying a class this summer!

LISTS of new things I want to try and measurable goals are important to me.  I put things on my calendar -- for the shear pleasure of looking forward to them.

It's not all or nothing -- in life, or in weight loss.

Life doesn't go in a straight line.  I use to feel bad about that.  Like there was something wrong with me.

Now, I just know, no one's life goes in a straight line.

And, neither does weight loss.  I've had weeks where I've lost nothing, and weeks where I've gained.

The scale isn't ALWAYS an accurate reflection of my hard work.  The theory of calories in less energy expended = weight loss isn't always apparent.  However, if I'd given up...if I'd started eating junk or quit working out -- where would I be?

And, that attitude, friends, is far more difficult to maintain than it is to type.

I expect to say it to myself a lot in year 2.

Stay the course Shanna.  Stay.  The.  Course.

So, what's in store for year 2?

There are stages and ups and downs associated with weight loss surgery.  I expect year 2 to be more challenging.  Because my surgeon has told me it's going to be.

It's about growth -- not just loss.

So for year 2....

I have registered with the National Council of Certified Personal Trainers and am currently working on becoming certified.

Did I just say that?

The course work is ENORMOUS.  SO.  MUCH.  TO.  LEARN.

But I imagine working with the morbidly obese to be meaningful, healing work for me in the future.  People are capable of so much more than they believe.

I can't lay it all out here, but I plan to join up with a friend and do some work with a company that promotes health, wellness and weight loss.

I can't believe I said that either, but I know I believe in this.  I believe that calories from good nutrition matters versus just getting  or even counting calories.  And, I am looking forward to telling you all about what I'm learning.

In year two, I'm going to run a Mud Run, Hike the Incline and Climb a 14'er.  I'm gonna to weigh less, and try (try) to trust my choices more.

I've going to reach out and love more people.  Take a few more risks.  And continue finding healthy options to feed my body...as well as my spirit and mind.

Before, 267 lbs

1

Down 96.5 lbs

Pulpit Rock

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."  Proverbs 13:12

Greater things are yet to come.

Blessings,