New Year, New Natalie?

It is absolutely ridiculous that another entire year has passed! I remember when I was young, and all of the "old people" (anyone over 30) would tell me how fast time goes the older you get. I assure you, I believed that to be complete bullshit...but here I am - constantly in awe of how quickly our time seems to evaporate.

I went in to 2018 a little nervous. The newness had worn off after my surgery. I figured I had definitely lost the weight I was going to lose - - I was weighing in at 209# on January 1st - - I had blown any and every goal I had for weight loss out of the water! Now I'd have to be accountable. I'd have to stay on task. 

It was my standard M.O. to stick with a plan for a while (granted - I'd already stuck with this much longer than most) and then just completely jump ship. Abandon all of the behaviors that had created any amount of success, and go back to my old, destructive ways. 

It was scary. I was concerned that I'd need that "newness" to keep my brain engaged. I was worried that without the shiny new accomplishments rolling in one after the other, I'd lose interest like every other time in my past. I mean, really - - when was the last time I finished something? When was the last time I didn't just give up when things got a little hard? 

But then something happened. My brain finally clicked on, and realized that this whole process has been hard! 

• Admitting I needed to do something as drastic and permanent as surgery - hard. 
• Going to my bariatric appointments, both physically & mentally - hard
• Starting to work with Scott when I weighed 495# - HARD
• Being on a liquid diet for 21 days before my surgery - HARD
• Sticking with all of the nutrition and movement guidelines right after surgery - hard
• Continuing to go workout and push myself - hard
• Sticking with my eating plan, and continuing to follow the 30 minute rule - hard

I've proven I can do hard shit! And I can stick with it. Maybe I can trust myself enough...believe in myself enough...to actually accept this as my new normal. I am now a person who moves her ass, and eats what she's supposed to most of the time. I'm a person who is willing to be honest, and vulnerable, and really excited about things most people don't understand. 

I'm healthy. I'm happy. And I'm grateful. 

I'm heading into 2019 optimistic - which has been a really frightening thing for me in the past. I have this whole "it's easier to be hurt/disappointed when you were hopeful" attitude. I'm not sure when I turned into such a pansy - and now that I'm actually seeing it - I'm NOT a fan. That shit has to go. So here are a couple of things that I'm going to work on in this new year:

1. New Bod - with a new bod comes responsibility. I will have an increased obligation to myself. To get myself as ready as I can for successful surgeries and recoveries. To get back to working out as soon as safely able, and stick with it. To continue to stick to my diet. 
• FUPA removal is 1/10/19
• boobs & arms shortly after - - hopefully
2. Stop Saying "I'm Sorry" all the damn time - - not that I will never show remorse. Not that I will never owe anyone an apology. But what I'm going to try to curb is the automatic reaction within me to apologize if someone isn't 100% on board with my thoughts, statements or actions. The words "I'm sorry" come shooting out way to easy, and have lost all weight. They are just entirely too overused...I hear it all the time from others as well. Don't be sorry for everything you say, feel or do. This world needs to toughen up a little bit. There's a difference between empathy & remorse. Let's all try to be a little more empathetic...that's way more constructive as far as I'm concerned. And I'm NOT sorry to say it 😉
3. Try to turn this new life into...something - - I have no idea what that looks like, or what opportunities there are - - but I trust myself enough in this process to allow myself to try and help others. I believe I have something to offer people who are going through situations similar to mine. I've been contacted by a number of people that are considering bariatric surgery, or are just trying to live a more healthy life - - and I love it. I know it was great for me to have people to talk to that had gone through the process - - and I'd like to be that for other people. So stay tuned...or send suggestions/ideas if you have any

I know I'm a couple of days early - but here's to an ass-kicking 2019! What are your goals for yourself in the new year? 

#WhatNatalieEats

Food. My narcotic of choice. For years, it basically ruled my existence. It was quite nearly my demise.

BS (before surgery) Diet: Diet Coke, Pizza, Diet Mt Dew, Burgers, Fries, Fried Chicken Sandwiches, more Diet Coke, Copious amounts of alcohol, more pizza, many fried things…with a just a dash of water thrown in so my organs didn’t completely shut down. Needless to say, the drive-thrus got a work out!!!

Sure…I’d pull it together for short periods of time. Every time I’d start a new program, I’d be militant in my execution. ON POINT! I’d have a few weeks. A couple of months, maybe. It was the same with all of them: Weight Watchers, Slimgenics, Fat Camp, LA Weight Loss….I was a star…until I wasn’t. Then I’d quickly pack back on any weight I had lost + a whole lot more. The cycle was constant.

Then at the end of March 2016 there was the liquid diet. Twenty-one of the worst days of my life. Looking at my life now it is very easy to throw it in the “totally worth it” column - - but holy shit was that hard! For 21 days the closest thing to food I got to consume was sugar-free jell-o or popsicles. Otherwise everything was literally liquid. It was the absolute fucking worst. I had nightmares that I cheated…one time I was guzzling Diet Coke like it was going out of style…another time I was hoovering a caramel Twix… I’d wake up in a panic, until I realized that I had literally given away ALL of my food, and there was nothing left in my house to cheat with…I was safe.

In the last 2.5 years we’ve been working on our relationship, food & I. It’s had it’s rough moments – but overall I’d say we’ve come out of this whole thing stronger J I don’t really care for cooking – so I am frequently grateful that I can literally eat the same things, day after day, without getting sick of them. I still have the things I want to have, when I want to have them (assuming they’re available to me) – I just have them in much smaller quantities. I have lost the will to leave my house to grab something if I am having a craving – so have found my need for it will likely pass by the time I have access to it.

I do feel like my taste buds have changed since my surgery. I still love Cheetos - not those puffy ones – but the crunchy. Like, really love. But I have some new/odd things I crave as well:

• Harvest Cheddar Sun Chips
• Combos! Seriously. The buffalo/pretzel & 7 layer dip ones...YUMMO!
• Hotdogs! I spend a lot of time at softball fields in the summer, and can't seem to get enough. Gross - but so good. 
• Cucumbers - this has been the last few months - but put them with buffalo chicken dip, or HyVee ranch dip...swoon...
• Caesar Salad Kits - - thankfully this one was mostly last summer, or I could have died!

I still love pizza – and that remains the one food I limit how frequently I eat it. I try to keep it to at least 2 weeks in between. A few times it’s been less. A lot of the time it has been more. 

As cliche and annoying as it sounds - I do genuinely see food more as a means to an end now, than the thing that brings me peace and comfort. Due to the schedule (waiting 30 minutes on each side of eating to drink) I have removed the opportunity for mindless snacking. In order to stick to my schedule, and get enough food in, and drink enough, I have to stay on task. No taking my time, eating more than I am supposed to at any sitting - because I can literally only eat so much at one time. I do see people that have had my surgery who spend 2 hours eating a meal...I have no idea how they make that work. I get in, eat, and get out - so I can wait my 30 minutes and drink again. My life is a series of schedules and rules - but they're working - so I try my best to roll with it. 

My new life wants me to do High Protein, High Fat, Low Carb. Daily goal is 80 grams of protein. It seems like I eat the same stuff every day. Here are some of the regulars:

** please do not take my diet as any sort of nutritional guideline! I eat very differently than the average human should - - but it works for me. Consult a professional with questions/ideas/guidance **

·         Protein Shakes: it is still my least favorite. Likely because my brain knows I HAVE to have it, and I don’t like being bossed around.

·         Greek Yogurt with granola

·         Turkey Chili

·         Cured meats/Jerky

·         Cheese, cheese, cheese

·         Nuts

·         Bacon

·         Eggs with cheese, EBtB seasoning & mayo – sounds gross, but trust me

·         Balanced Breaks – before the gym

The biggest adjustment I have made, is packing my food. Each day I pack snacks and lunch. Every weekend I go to tournaments I have a cooler packed with snacks and beverages. I CAN eat whatever I want, but I CHOOSE to stay on plan the majority of the time. Yes, I have hotdogs and cheetos - - but I eat my yogurt and nuts the rest of the time. Sometimes the planning gets a bit annoying - but it has just become my life now...and my body thanks me for it. 

Happy New Year!

2017 has definitely left an impression. Looking back it seems like it lasted about 15 minutes...but when I look at all of the things I've done this year...things it simply would not have been possible for me to do before...it's more than slightly mind-boggling.

For those of you that follow along on Facebook or Instagram - you likely already know most of this, so hopefully you don't find my recap too boring...but so many people type up their holiday letters recapping their year of adventure and accomplishment - - and for the first time in forever, I feel like I have some pretty cool shit to share!

The word I would use for 2017 would be "amazing". I started the year feeling amazing - - I was at about 280pounds. I had lost over 215 pounds. I had already flown past where I was hoping I'd get after surgery. I was working out. I was eating pretty well. I was able to fit into actual pants again...I could wear jeans. I was feeling fantastic. I was thinking that if I could just maintain that loss - - if I could somehow keep myself on track, and not have a huge backslide, I'd have it made. I was no longer limited by my size. Don't get me wrong - I was still a sizable lady - - but compared to where I had started....I was content as hell!! But I would learn that I didn't need to be content with where I was at...because things were just going to keep moving!

In March I did something I hadn't done in years...which kind of seemed like a theme for this year... I loaded my ass onto a plane, somewhat fitting in one seat! My sister & bro-in-law used their miles to allow Wendy & I to go Mexico to visit our aunt an uncle for a few days. I realized a few things while on this trip:

• I truly am solar powered - - winter is horrible
• It is so much less anxiety-producing to fly on a plane when you're able to somewhat fit through the aisle, and don't barely fit through sideways
• My face sunscreen had obviously expired, because I fried the shit out of myself from the neck up

 The end of winter/early spring also gave me the courage to do something else I'd been hesitant to do. Reconnect with friends from years ago. I was lucky enough to get back together with some of my absolute favorite ladies from my Moorhead State days...it's amazing how we were able to just pick up where we left off - - didn't miss a beat! I hadn't seen them in 20 years - most recently because I was just too damn embarrassed about how I'd completely let myself go, and gained approximately 1 million pounds.
In April I went to Seattle with a group of fantastic friends that I've had since 7th grade. Seriously, so much fun! We walked, and walked, and walked. Something there is not one chance I would have been able to do before. And I only got "hangry" once. Live and learn - always carry snacks! =)

 This year I attended a bunch of concerts and sporting events. I know most of you totally take for granted the fact that your ass is just going to fit into whatever seating is offered/available - - but let me assure you, when you've been on the other side of that - - having anxiety over seating/walking/standing for years, it is so fucking fantastic when you realize you can now fit. In stadium seating, in tiny folding chairs all strapped together. You can go up or down the number of steps required to get to and from your seat. You're not worried about how far you might have to walk to get to your final destination. You don't panic if you might have to stand for a bit (although you will forever prefer sitting on your ass if given the option). You finally get to remove "no" from your list of auto-responses, and actually getting to formulate your answer based on your genuine interest in whatever the event is you have the option to attend. It's magical!

One of my biggest reasons I decided to have this surgery - - other than the sheer exhaustion of being a 500# person - - was my family. I knew they were concerned about me - - many awkward conversations later, and I finally heard them. But anyway - - they were a huge factor. I was so tired of missing shit! So I have now gotten to attend more softball games, basketball games, t-ball/coach pitch (which lets face it - - is like watching a few adults try to herd cats) in the last couple of years than the 10+ years before that combined. It is honestly so amazing to get to watch these kids accomplish such amazing things - - and I'm finally there for it!! I'm there for it all!! I just don't know how to describe it other than I am just so grateful! I love these 3 kids so much - - and being able to be present for them is just indescribable. And I feel like I have like 30 nieces and nephews now - because I appreciate their friends and teammates - and want nothing but fantastic things for all of them!

 In September I crossed a major experience off my bucket list. We went skydiving!!! I had wanted to do this for years. YEARS!!! And my dad & sisters did it with me. And my poor mom came along and took pictures, and watched her entire family load onto a plane, just to jump out of it! And as a huge added bonus, one of my best friends from Jr High/High School brought her nephew on the same day, at the same time! All 6 of us got to go on the same plane. All of us got to experience this amazing thing together. I know there were a couple in my family that weren't exactly excited about it - - but once we all made it safely to the ground - - I came in on my ass, which seems appropriate - - I think they were glad they joined. It was, you guessed it...amazing. And finally being to the point where I could do it was....just...wow.

And, as if this year wasn't rad enough - I went to Utah in November. My youngest sister/activity coach went to visit my bonus sister and her love. I don't even know how to describe this experience. It was just the greatest. Our hosts were fantastic, and took such good care of us. And were so patient with me, and my cardio limitations/crazy brain. Everywhere I looked, it was just beautiful. I saw some of the most amazing shit. And it was just miles and miles and miles of untouched/unfuckedwith beauty. As a girl from Minnesota, I had no damn idea just how many mountains were out west! This was such an eye-opening experience. And I feel like it demonstrated, in the most gorgeous way possible, just how far I have come since I made the decision to have this surgery. I was just so damn thankful for being able to experience it.

So....those are the big things. Those were the major milestones. But what it's not telling are the millions of tiny little things that made this year uniquely awesome. I weigh in tomorrow - on the 1st - so we'll see if the sugary treats of the holiday season have caught up with me - - but as of today I've lost another 73# this year. I'm down a total of 288#. I've gone from a mens size 5X tshirt to a mens L. I now feel like a bit of a slug if I don't move my ass a bit during the day. I'm going to keep track of the miles I put on in 2018 - - I think that will be a really interesting number...especially considering my mileage for 2015 was probably about 30 miles...total. Seriously.

See....amazing. Doing amazing things, surrounded by amazing, supportive people. I am so damn lucky. I appreciate all of you.

I am not naive enough to think that 2018 won't have it's challenges. Going into the maintenance phase....trying to stay motivated when the pounds aren't dropping off...will be a major focus for me. Sticking to the things that got me to this point - - working out, lifting weights, watching what I shove into my face, moving my ass. And I will likely start researching some skin removal options...but that honestly scares the shit out of me....so we'll see. But even with these things staring me in the face, I am so excited to see what this new year brings. What experiences I'll have that just a couple of years ago seemed impossible.....

1.5 Years. 18 Months. 72 Weeks. 546 Days.

Wednesday I hit a pretty major milestone - or at least it felt like one to me. I am coming off the most transformative 18 months of my life since....well, probably since my initial 18 months. So much has changed. So much has gotten better. So much continues to surprise me. So much is awesome. 

Part of me cannot believe how fast this time has gone, and part of me feels like it's been a million years. 

I look at that girl on the left, and it's truly becoming harder and harder to remember her. And although my first inclination may be to pity her, I quickly look to the right, and realize what a badass she was. She summoned up the courage to admit she needed help. A lot of help. She recruited her family, her friends, got herself a trainer...and she knew sharing all of this with anyone interested in following along would help her. Putting the good, the bad, and the sometimes really ugly out there would allow this overwhelming support to come into her life - - and she needed all of it.

 Because although there is a very large contingent that believes surgery is the easy way out - and I will shamefully admit I used to somewhat belong to that camp - I now realize that is just absolute bullshit. Many of the hardest times I can remember - the most challenging emotionally - have been since I walked through those doors of the bariatric department at Methodist/Park Nicollet Hospital. Between the 3 weeks of liquid diet and the strict diet for the numerous months after my surgery - - this shit was HARD!!! Now, yes - carrying 495# around was hard as well...but I'm simply stating this process is no walk in the park. 

But is it worth it? In my humble opinion, it is totally worth it. It has been, and continues to be, totally worth it! The results I have had have so far exceeded what I thought was possible. Prior to surgery, I was hopeful to get where I was at the 6 month mark (those pictures from 10/2016). I weighed 317# at that point. I'd lost 178 pounds, and was feeling damn near spry. I know I picked 225# as my goal on this ap that I use - but I truly thought there was no chance I'd get there. I thought maybe after skin removal, and if I really kept working out...I could potentially get in the vicinity - - but honestly!!! I cannot wrap my head around what is happening here!

Loose skin Video 

I know describing this experience as "weird" is completely over-simplifying - - but I honestly don't know how to accurately convey what is quite simply, disbelief. 

I feel all of the things you'd likely guess I feel: fortunate, blessed, better, healthier, more lively, more mobile....but I also feel loved and supported and more empathetic and kinder (a little bit =)) and empowered and worthy and excited and stronger - physically & emotionally.

I cannot wait to see what the next year and a half has in store.

a year in the LIFE

A year. 365 days. 52 weeks. 12 months. That is the amount of time that has passed since that one day when my best decision became my new reality. As with each milestone that comes and passes, this one also feels a bit surreal - - like time went by entirely too quickly, but this just also seems like how things have always been....

 But, of course, this isn't how things have always been.... The way things had been for entirely too long went something like this: eat like crap, become less mobile, try to eat better, exercise a little bit, lose a few pounds, fall completely off the wagon, stop exercising, gain back every pound I'd lost and then some... repeat... repeat.... and so on. 

That was until one day when that girl on the left looked at her kitchen, which was about 20 feet from where she sat on the couch and seriously wondered if it was worth having to get up and go all the way out there to get something to drink. Seriously. I had to contemplate whether it was worth it to have to get up (no easy task) and walk the 20 feet to my kitchen to get a drink. Because at that time movement of any sort caused pain, or discomfort, or both. That was it. That was the final straw. I needed help. It was time to seriously consider surgery. I sent a text to my youngest sister about it before I changed my mind. 

I talked to a couple of people who had gone the surgery route, or knew someone who had. I found 2 fairly close ties that went through the same hospital and the same program. That was about the extend of my research. I did their online pre-qualification stuff. Received the packet and went to work on that - mailing it in as quickly as I could before I lost my nerve. My insurance wouldn't cover it - so I tried the appeals process, which was just a complete waste of time. I was lucky. I had the option to borrow the money. I will be paying for this hammock for the remainder of my days - - but at least now I will hopefully live enough days to get it paid off. And just like that, my first appointment were set. September 9, 2015. I met with a lovely nurse, a doctor and the nutritionist. I used valet at the hospital, because I wanted to walk as little as possible. I weighed 495 pounds. That number was humiliating. How I let myself get as far gone as I did is beyond me. Really. 

I had appointments with the physical therapy department and the psychologist. For the physical therapy appointment I had to walk down to the other end of the hospital. I literally had to sit down and take breaks. It was just too far for me to walk in one stretch. 

I had to do a sleep study, and found I had absolutely horrible sleep apnea. I met repeatedly with each department until they all finally gave me their approval to have this surgery done. I had my final appointments what ended up being about 6 weeks prior to my surgery. I finally met my surgeon - Dr. Thomas Jones. He said he's assembled the exact team he wanted to perform my surgery, and my date would be Monday, April 18th. You see - even though I was going to weight loss surgery, I was still heavier than most that have this procedure done. I was advised at an early appointment that they wanted me to lose 50-70 pounds prior to my surgery, to make it less dangerous. I also had to sign forms that said I understood that if something did go wrong during surgery, I was still too heavy for the machines that would help them figure out what was wrong - - so they'd basically just have to open me back up, and go exploring. So basically I was too fat for weight loss surgery. 

what I now lack in boob I make up for in swinging arm fat

It was right around Thanksgiving of 2015 that I met with, and started working with Scott. The 2nd best decision I've made in quite some time. I cannot express enough my gratitude to him. Sure - I would have lost weight with just the surgery....but for me the goal was to always get back to healthy. I would not be anywhere near where I am right now without him helping me get to that goal. I still have SOOOO far to go - - but I'm definitely headed in the right direction. And my FUPA isn't hanging to my knees - and I believe he is solely responsible for that. 

It's been a year. Someone sent me something soon after my surgery written by another person who had a similar surgery that basically said you forget about all the bad things associated with the surgery, because the good things are so good. I have searched for that recently - but can't seem to find it anywhere. But it's true. Those bad spots: the liquid diet, the few months after surgery where everything has to be mush, the fatigue, etc - - all of it pale so much when compared to the overwhelming positives. I have my life back. I know that sounds so cliche - but it is the truth! I was damn near immobile - and just last weekend I put on about 17 miles walking around, exploring a new city with my friends. I'm realizing how low I had allowed myself to get, and I am definitely feeling like I'm on the upswing...and it is nothing short of absolutely fantastic!

10 Months Sure Can Fly

I feel like I blinked, and it's 10 months later. No - I haven't completely forgotten about the first few months after surgery when I was losing all patience with my diet, and this whole new life in general - - but that does seem like a distant memory at this point. It is insane to me how much my life has changed - but also how much this just seems like my normal at this point. And day to day, it is my normal - - but then I sometimes think back and realize just how far I've come.

After my personal training consult (one of the many departments you meet with prior to approval for surgery) I was told I needed to walk for 5 minutes at a time, 4 times a day. I would literally walk in circles around my apartment, and you would not believe how difficult it was to keep moving for 5 minutes! I'd have to sit down and take a breather after each round. These days I don't experience anything near that. Yes - I am still in pretty crappy shape - - lots of room for improvement there - but 5 minutes is nothing. Just one of the many things I don't even think about anymore, until all of the sudden I'll stop and think about just how immobile I was....

As with any major surgery, and subsequent life change, there are some challenges....

• My face continues to be broken out most of the time. I guess this is normal - but I swear my skin is worse at 41 than it was when I went through puberty! I'm really trying to focus on making sure I'm getting enough water in my system, and I've started putting coconut oil on my skin a few times a week. Maybe I just hit a good stretch - but it seems to be helping!!
• I'm still not loving drinking my protein shakes. I need to have one a day in order to get me to my protein goal, because I just can't eat enough to get there without it. I have flavored (chocolate, banana & caramel) premade shakes as well as protein powder I could mix with milk or water. They no longer make me nauseous - but I think I'm still holding a grudge from when they did right after my surgery. That, and it's the one thing I have to have per day - - so of course that annoys me.
• Getting enough liquids proves to be a challenge for me. Because I can no longer "chug" when I drink - I can take a couple of swallows at a time, but that's it - I basically have to drink ALL DAY LONG!! (trying to drink too fast gives me a pain right under my sternum - like the water gets stuck there, trying to get through my hammock. So I have to drink more slowly than I normally did before surgery) That's when I'm not waiting my 30 minutes on either side of eating.... I get distracted - so getting enough to drink can prove to be a bit challenging. 

But all of those are admittedly minor. The list of positives is much more meaty - -

• Things that are easier now than they were 10 months ago: EVERYTHING!!!! Walking. Getting up. Sitting down. Like I willing just moved every piece of furniture and cleaned along the edges in my apartment - vacuumed and wiped down base boards (my mom would be so proud)!! I haven't done that...ever. I fold my laundry and put it away - because I'm able to wear more than the 4 things that fit. After running errands, I put things away - they don't just lay in a heap for days until I can gradually motivate to put them away. These are little things that everyone else on the planet just does - but they are things I never really did before. I'm taking some pride in my existence again.
• Job Confidence - I've worked 2nd shift for the last 3+ years. It worked really well for me when all I did was go to work, sit on my couch and sleep. It didn't matter if I was working on a Tuesday or a Saturday - - I wasn't going to do shit with my time anyway! But now that I want to participate in my life, it was starting to cause some fairly major scheduling issues. I applied for a job on the day shift - and will be moving as soon as my replacement is hired and trained (hopefully by the end of March). This is something I just wouldn't have done before for a variety of what are now ridiculous reason - - and I'm so excited.
• I have muscles. It is nearly impossible to see them at this point, because they're being safely stored under a whole lot of wobbly flesh - - but they're there. I can feel them sometimes! I think I had to have a certain amount of muscle deep down before - - it takes some strength to move 500 pounds around. But now I have more - and there are brief moments where I feel like a little bit of a bad ass!
• Dating....I'm not 100% sure this belongs in the positive column...it has been an absolute exercise in absurdity so far - but I'm counting the fact that I'm open to trying to date as a pretty significant win. I'm willing to put myself out there a bit. Although I'm still not sure I was designed for this - - I'm more than a little set in my ways, like my alone time, have zero tolerance for bullshit, etc - - we'll see how it goes. 
• I have a couple of vacations planned. The first - my sister Wendy is taking me to Mexico (where our Aunt Rhonda & Uncle Candy are willing to let us crash at their place) for a few days in March. Here's how things have changed - - 1. I am not even completely freaking out about getting on a plane (more specifically - my ass fitting in the plane seat). I cannot remember the last time that was the case. I banned myself from flying in 2010 until I could fit - and before that every flight was an anxiety-inducing disaster. Now - I suspect I'll fit - and it's going to be fucking awesome. 2. Vacation to me no longer means drinking and eating to excess - - the thing I'm the most excited about is going to walk in the green and the sun and the warmth. (this was all before it was 60 degrees in MN in February - - but I'm still pretty damn excited). Warning - I will likely be blowing up my social media pages because 1 - this will provide some pretty epic NSV's and 2 - my sister Wendy and I attract mayhem wherever we go together - so 12 hour travel days will likely create some memories worth sharing and documenting. 

So there you have it - - my 10 month "state of the hammock"... Things continue to go so much better than I ever thought they would. And I am constantly overwhelmed, and humbled and just so incredibly grateful for the people who are just nothing but supportive. My sisters and parents have mentioned how people they know are hanging out with me through this insane experience, and will talk to them about it. It's truly amazing to me, and I continue to be blown away by all of you. Seriously - you guys help me so much. I consistently baffled by what I've done to deserve you all, and the kindness you show me day in and day out. I love you all.

9 Months Post-Op

** I'll try to do updated photos every 3 months. As with my 6 month shots, you'll see more of this bod than you likely want to - but I want to be as honest as I can about what this process is like/does to a body. You've had your warning =) **

It truly seems like so much longer than 9 months since that morning that I couldn't stop sweating, because that's how my nerves chose to manifest themselves. Since I put on that huge gown with the cool air hose hooked to it. Since the new nurse tried to get my IV started, unsuccessfully. Since I sat there in that bed on wheels waiting for them to take me off to surgery, genuinely concerned I wouldn't wake up. Since Dr. Jones and his team changed my life for the insanely better.

In the photos I post that have 3 pictures - the one on the left will be September 2015, the middle will be October 2016 and the right will be January 2017. I am wearing the same clothes to show that difference as well - and lets face it - - they're pretty damn comfy now! I didn't spend a lot of time trying to make everything fit just right - so they're not professional shots by any means - - but they should give you an idea.

I don't know that I see much of a change from the 6 month to the 9 month pictures, but the lighting makes me look like I have a bit of a tan, so I'll take it =) I'm so pasty white thanks to Minnesota winter!!

Putting these pictures together was a little bit more difficult than it has been in the past. I don't know if it's that I am feeling so much better, and able to do so much more now - - not sure what caused it - but I was just so genuinely sad for that girl on the left.

This 9 months has definitely been a time of self-actualization. Before my surgery, I never felt depressed. I didn't feel like I lacked confidence. I didn't realize how the choices I was making were based on what I perceived to be the best I could do instead of what I actually deserved. I didn't feel that unhappy. Sure - I had moments, but it wasn't all the time. Thank God for defense mechanisms!! I am just now starting to realize how much I was holding myself back because it was just easier to do that then want/wish/hope for things. And I think I'm about done with that shit. Time to start going for exactly what I want!

I think this back photo, which we forgot to take at 6 months, was the most shocking to me. I mean, holy shit! All of those rolls were eating my bra! Not to worry - my ass is still wide, and those hips aren't going anywhere - - but I'm fine with that. Look at the rest of my back!!! It's not just multiple big rolls anymore! Yes - I will likely have chronic back fat - but I don't give one shit! I have a back now! I can kind of see the line where my spine is. I guess all those damn rows and back exercises Scott has me doing are worth it...almost! =)

I seriously cannot get enough of looking at this comparison. It is just unbelievable how much a body can change in such a short period of time! This, ladies and gentlemen, is why you do weight training.

This one...hasn't really improved. These arms of mine are...saggy. There is muscle in there somewhere - -  I promise! But the loose skin/sagging is insane! My nieces were touching the saggy part and promptly informed me that it feels "like a boob!" Which is great news, as I could possibly just move this saggy crap over to my boobs (see picture below) so I might actually be able to fill out my bra again! The one positive of this comparison is that my wings (that part under my armpit, hanging over my bra) appear to have shrunk up a bit? Or maybe that's just wishful thinking?

 Speaking of boobs - - mine have officially left the building. On the left you can see the open/unoccupied area in the cup of my bra. That's a lot of unused space, because my poor scrotum boobs are basically poured loosely into the bottom half of the cup, and no longer have the "meat" to fill the whole thing. Let me say - YES. I know I need new bras - but seriously. I can fit my fist in the now open area. Maybe I'll put a play together called "bye, bye boobies"?

The only other drawbacks I'm experiencing at this point is my hair - - it is still falling out at an alarming rate. Hoping that will start to slow one of these days. And nothing really fits right. I seem to be in the middle of all of the sizes. Not really something worth complaining about - - but it is my reality.

So things are moving right along over here. A year will be here before I know it. I feel like that warrants some sort of celebration - - but just not sure what that should be? I'd be open to suggestions?