One-Month Post-Op Update

 Today marks exactly 4 weeks (one-month in the post-op world) since my gastric bypass surgery. I am not as excited about the weight loss as I had hoped, but I am so glad I did measurements before my surgery because those numbers are very positive this morning for me! So here's the lowdown:

Pre-Op/Pre-Liquid Diet Weight/Highest Weight (HW): 278

Goal Weight: 150 

Surgery Weight: 273.2

Current Weight: 249.7

Total Weight Lost Since Highest Weight: 28.3

Total Weight Lost Since Surgery: 23.5

My measurements have given me a great perspective on how my body is changing, not just on the scale but in the way my clothes fit (many are looser on the tummy area for sure!). 

I've lost inches in the following spots so far: 

Stomach/Waist = 5 inches lost

Hips = 3 inches lost 

Thigh = 1 inch lost

Chest = 1.5 inches lost

Upper Arm = .75 inch lost 

Belly Button = 2.5 inches lost 

Total Inches Lost One-Month Post-Op = 13.75 inches! 

I also feel like my eating will move towards more "regular" now that I can add fruits, veggies, chicken and turkey back into my diet. Yay! 

The past month has been tough. For anyone who thinks surgery is the "easy way out" let me tell you, it's the hardest thing I've ever done. From liquid diet for 2+ weeks to eating the same things over and over again to watching your family eat yummy food and not being able to do anything other than smell it, to not drinking anything with caffeine which is what I lived on for years, it's been quite the struggle and growing process. But, today, I'm feeling optimistic about the changes and where I'm heading. I have slowly been adding a walk into my routine here and there, and over the next couple of weeks, I plan to get back into the gym and do at least 30 minutes of cardio everyday, whether that's a walk or elliptical or treadmill. 

For the most part, my family has been very supportive of this process. Understanding (as much as an 8 and 9 year old can be) that I can't eat unhealthy foods or drive them through a fast food restaurant every other day like we used to. I think seeing me make positive changes is a good thing for my kids, and my parents and husband and everyone else in my inner circle has been very positive and supportive of the ups and downs that have come my way. 

Today I'm feeling blessed and excited about the future, although the job search is still going and I haven't found out yet about my next steps in terms of the credential program. I have some results I'm waiting to get later this week which will determine if I move forward with the credential program or if I set my sights on a different path. 

Although there's no "good" or "easy" time to make big life changes like this surgery, I'm glad I did it when I did, and although I'm not happy to not have an income or a steady paycheck right now, I'm grateful I had this time to focus on me and get on the right path, so that whatever comes next career-wise, I'll be in a much better place personally/physically/mentally/emotionally when it comes time to take that next step.