Happy Surgiversary to Me!!!

Today I am ONE YEAR POST SURGERY! This journey has been and still is incredible! I have so many things I want to share and I hope that I can organize it all very well but if not please bear with me!

Things I have lost!

Pounds! 58.9 lbs gone to date (this includes the 10 lbs I lost during my pre-op diet) (as of 7/25/14)

Inches! Stomach: -11.75
             Hips: -10.25
             Left Thigh: -4.5
            Right Thigh: -4.5
            Waist: -3.5
            Bust: -8.625
            Right Arm: -1.5
            Left Arm: -3.25
           Neck: -1.75
           Grand Total: 49.625 inches!!!!!!! (as of 7/24/14)

Clothing Sizes! I used to fit in a 2x, sometimes a 3x depending on what the article of clothing it was. I used to wear a size 24/26 pants. Now I wear a 2x but am also fitting into XL! I wear a size 20 pants generally sometimes I can fit into an 18 (my first goal size).
That is roughly 4 pants sizes and a dress size or 2!

My HAIR! I cut 18 inches off of my hair!

Things I have gained!

Confidence and self-worth!I used to be ashamed to go out in public or see people I hadn't seen in awhile. Like my old coaches, high school friends, old co-workers. I didn't like being in pictures. I didn't feel beautiful. I felt FAT and UGLY and I HATED it. Today I still sometimes feel fat but not FAT, and I have my ugly days but I am not UGLY. I feel beautiful. My scars are beautiful and a part of me and I will proudly show them off to anyone! I LOVE me. I am still bigger than I was in high school but I do not care! I am on a downward slope that is so fantastic. It feels great to look back at the pictures of me a year ago and see my progress. and I view every picture I am in now as a potential before picture because I know that I will keep succeeding. I am so HAPPY.

I want to specifically thank Mandy for sharing her journey with my mom. It was your talk with her about your journey that became the beginning of mine. Also thank you for being my weigh in buddy and for your advice!

I want to thank my mother! You had doubts put into your mind but you trusted my confidence over your own doubts. You have supported me in running a triple crown and eating ice cream when I want to. You have read every blog and commented on every status. You have been there through accomplishments and failures. You have not judged me. and you have allowed me to do what i need to do and be who I want to be through out this process.

Katie, you have also been there for me through out this entire process. You made my binder which I so appreciate. I look back at all the letters you asked people to write and I am so grateful. You also have run/walked with me, you have pushed me, you have accepted me, and you have been motivated by me! I cannot thank you enough.

Jeff, you have been by my side and chosen to believe in me when you didnt have to (my family has to but you don't and you choose to any way)! You discussed your fears and reservations and respected my decision despite your feelings and didn't resent me for that. You have been open minded, open hearted, and so hands off exactly when I need you to be. You have increased my confidence with your daily comments on the beauty that you see in me.

Stephanie! you have helped me as well! you have been my motivation to work out. You have "liked" my weight losses on myfitnesspal every week. you have been an inspiration to me in your own weight loss and your humbleness. I have seen your progress even though you may not and it is inspiring. You have never questioned me but always supported me. I am so thankful to have you in my life!

My friends, family, followers! Your social media support has been amazing! So many people congratulate me by liking my posts commenting words of wisdom. telling me I look great, Telling me how proud you are of me. It is overwhelming in the best way possible!

To my best friends, Chandler and Cat! You also have been so supportive and kind. You listen to me complain and you hear my struggles. thank you! and thank you for the letters as well!
Also Thank you to anyone who has prayed for me whether that be a year ago or years before that or are praying for me now. It is always appreciated. 

I love you all so much and I look forward to continuing this journey for the rest of my life and sharing it with all of you!

Xoxo,
J

Sweet Summer Time...and an Update!

IT IS SUMMERRRRRR! and I could not be any more excited! It is time for weekly FREE Jazzercise and Zumba, Vacations, the Lake, field trips with the boys, tanlines, swimming, and extra time for workouts! I am getting more and more motivated and ready for more weight loss!

Since my last blog, which I am ashamed to admit was 6 months ago, I have officially hit my goal of losing 50 lbs (twice)! I lost, gained, then lost again, officially finding myself consistently under the 50 lb mark. I also achieved a fitness goal by completing the Louisville Triple Crown of Running. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. It was emotionally and physically draining but amazing all at the same time.

I know that I said I would be cutting my hair off as a reward for losing my 50 lbs, but a wrench has been thrown in those plans...My hair dresser is unavailable to cut my hair and I am scared of allowing anyone else to do so; however, don't worry! I have rewarded myself with new clothes since most of mine don't fit anymore!

I have lots of things coming up, My mom's side of the family is getting family pictures taken, my immediate family is getting pictures done, my best friend is getting married, and I will officially begin my final year of undergraduate education! SO! I want to be the best version of myself,  I want to be happy when looking at all those pictures, and proud of my journey in its entirety when I walk across the stage at graduation. It is time for me to use this summer to my advantage! I have decided to follow my rules completely for just a week at a time and am ready to begin working out more often as well!

Monday I will start weekly Jazzercise and Zumba, I want to start walking more, utilizing my gym membership, and getting more serious about this since I have the extra time in the summer! I will also blog more often so that all of you can help to push me and motivate me if you would like! Sitting on the couch and dreaming of the things I want to do and actually doing them is difficult for me. Lately I have constantly thought well I could do this, and this will help, but doing it is a whole other obstacle but I am going to set some goals for the end of the summer. I have to think about what they are but as soon as I do I will blog about them next week!

It is time to get more serious! If anyone would like to join me you're very much welcome to!

Love you all!
-xoxo
J