One Year, 102 pounds, & a baby on the way!

Wow...I really cannot believe that today marks my one year anniversary since surgery! In so many ways this year has just flown by, but in another way, I almost cannot remember what it was like before I had the surgery. I still remember every detail of my surgery day and hospital stay and the first (very difficult) days and weeks following. The night before my surgery, I prayed for God to keep me safe and then I tried to imagine what my life might be like on Jan. 27th, 2010. Well...that day has arrived, and this is what my life is like:

I weigh 212 pounds, making my total weight loss 102 pounds since surgery, and 113 pounds from my heaviest weight of 325. I wear a size 16/18 jeans and a large or x-large shirt. I don't get embarrassingly winded climbing a flight of stairs, or even two! I don't worry about fitting in waiting room chairs, airplane or rollercoaster seats. I have lots of energy and a healthy self-esteem. Perhaps the most exciting accomplishment to date is my increased fertility which has led a to very much wanted pregnancy!

In case you are wondering, here is a sample of a typical day of eating for me:

Breakfast: 1 hard boiled egg, 1/2 cup fruit OR 1/2 cup greek yogurt and fruit
Lunch: 1/2 cup tuna salad, 3-4 whole wheat crackers OR 1 cup soup
Dinner: 1 small serving of lean protein (chicken, fish, or lean beef), small salad or 1/4 cup cooked veggies OR a small lean cuisine frozen dinner
1-2 snacks during the day: 100 calorie pack dried almonds or a slice of cheese or fruit or a granola bar
Beverages: 1/2 cup fat free chocolate milk 30 minutes before breakfast, then 50-60 oz of water or sparkling calorie free fruit water throughout the day.

I honestly don't know the exact calorie intake because I count protein grams more than calories. I aim for at least 40 grams of protein a day. If I were to guess, I would say my approximate calorie intake for the day is between 700-900. I do not and have not felt "hunger" in the way I felt it before the surgery. My hunger is more a slight feeling of emptiness, but it's not overwhelming, and is usually cured by 2-3 bites of food. I still have to eat very slowly and cannot drink fluids within 30-45 minutes of my meal or I will get sick.

Next week I go back to Dr. Roller for my official one year check-up! One year later I can still say I have no regrets and am so blessed for the great outcome I have had! As far as my pregnancy is concerned, all research shows that once the period of rapid weight loss has ended, women can and do have very healthy babies after weight loss surgery. I will just have to make extra sure that every bite counts and to continue taking my vitamins. From here on, I guess the focus of my blog will be on pregnancy after weight loss surgery!