One Year Blogiversary

What a difference a year makes huh? If you had told me a year ago that I would have a blog with 229 followers, have lost 60 pounds, moved apartments and moved in with Dave I would have thought you were a crazy person but here we are!

Then
When I first started this journey I weighed 315 lbs. I did not really have much quality of life. I was a middle aged woman (who me?) taking 7 different medications for high blood pressure, cholesterol, acid reflux and other ailments. I also was doing 100 ccs of insulin twice a day and sleeping with a CPAP machine. My doctor had suggested WLS but I was very hesitant. I told her that I would try to lose weight on my own and would do the surgery if I was unsuccessful. I was at my breaking point and knew I just HAD to do something or I was going to die. Literally. Die. Everybody has a different bottom and that was mine. I had to make some lifestyle changes QUICK or ELSE! I was desperate and depressed.

During
I did not want to go on a diet. I had to make it something that would be sustainable for the long haul so I tracked the calories I was consuming and the activity I was getting through the bodybugg. I did remove beer, french fries and fast food from my repertoire but otherwise I basically just adjusted my portion size. I had a very warped idea of what an actual portion was. If I was going to equate it to any other program I would say it is most like WW.

I have learned so much from blogging. I had always wanted to write in a journal but this venue was a lot easier and also there was TONS of support in the blogosphere that I was not even aware existed. My goal was to lose 40 lbs. by the time I went on an Alaskan cruise (July 09) and I was able to lose 45 by cruise day. I managed to not gain any weight on the cruise either.

To be honest, I did think they weight would come off a little quicker but you get out of it what you put in right? Exercise is where I falter. I have not been consistent about it and would probably have lost more had I been but I won't make excuses. I will tell you that at 255 it is a WHOLE lot easier moving around then it was at 315.

Now
I am happier then I have been in YEARS. I am now 37% done with my goal. I have lost 19% of my body weight and I have lost 28" as of December. I have reduced also insulin by 70%. I am only taking one of the BP medications now and my blood sugars are "normal" and my doctor is very pleased with my current stats. My current goal is to lose 40 lbs. by July for our Cruise to Alaska (again!) and that will bring me to 100 lbs. lost and then 55 to go after that. It still seems a little daunting but I know it is achievable. If I were to ramp up on the exercise I could probably be at goal by the end of this year or shortly thereafter. I still can't help but want it to go away faster!

Now the fun part! I decided to do a giveaway to celebrate the blogiversary. I will be giving away the Weight Watchers Make it in Minutes Cookbook. We are all pressed for time these days so who couldn't use a quick, healthy and yummy meal? I will be adding some surprise goodies to the box as well. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post to enter. If you decide to mention it on your blog, I will add an additional entry for you. This giveaway is open to ALL of you, even those of you who are international. I will do the drawing and announce the winner on Tuesday, February 16th.

I just want to thank you for being along for the ride. I am truly blessed to have you as readers. Cheers to another year of blogging! XOXOX! Until next time...

P.S. I updated my profile pic (taken this morning) I will be updating my progress pics and measurements this weekend.