Let's Play The Game.....................Then and Now

Sorry I have been MIA for the last few days.  We have had MAJOR computer issues.  They are now resolved, thanks to the large satellite on my roof.  Anyway....................

Let's play a little game.  A game called "Then and Now".    It is in honor of my bandiversary (this coming Thursday).  Then being pre-band and now being, well post-band and 148 lbs. lighter.

Without further ado..................


THEN:  I weighed a whopping 318 lbs.  NOW:  I weigh 169.3 lbs.

THEN:  I looked like this:

Now:  I look like this:



THEN:  I wore a size 24W and 3X.  NOW:  I wear a 10 or 12 pants and a medium or large shirt.



THEN:  I wore a 10 wide shoes.  NOW:  I wear a 9 1/2 shoes.

THEN:  My ring size was a 10.   NOW:  My ring size is a 6.

THEN:  My kids couldn't fit their arms around me when they hugged me.  NOW:  They can hug all the way around me.

THEN:  I was on blood pressure medicine.  NOW:  I quit taking BP meds 3 months post-op.

THEN:  I hurt.  Everywhere.  My knees, my feet, my hips.  NOW:   I live basically pain free.

THEN:  I had NO energy.  I had to nap everyday.   NOW:  Most days there is no way I could nap. Too much energy!

THEN:  My clothes were worn for comfort only.   NOW:  The hubs may have to add a closet.

THEN:  I drank about 12 of these bad boys a day...........



NOW:  I drink at least 12 of these bad boys a day...........



THEN:  I couldn't tie my own shoes without a struggle.   NOW:  I tie my shoes in the MIDDLE not on the SIDE.

THEN:  Forget clipping your toe nails good.  NOW:  Clip my toe nails?  No problem!

THEN:  Chairs made me cringe.  Booths were even worse.  NOW:   I fit in ANY chair or booth.

THEN:  I knew two food groups:  carbs and more carbs.   NOW:  I am TRYING to eat more whole foods.

THEN:  I couldn't walk to my mailbox without breaking a sweat.   NOW:  5 miles?!  No problem.....is that all?

THEN:  I avoided social situations.  NOW:  I am much better.  Still don't love it....I am a home body...but I try!

THEN:  NEVER had my picture taken.  NOW:  I LOVE the camera.

THEN:  Ate way too much fast food.  Here is the proof:

NOW:  Avoid fast food.  It is what made me fat. 



THEN:  Didn't know a portion size from a shoe size.  NOW:  Eat off a small salad plate.....and am full!

THEN:  Had NO self-esteem.   NOW:  The hubs says I think very highly of myself.  Haha!

THEN:  Never took "ME" time.  NOW:   Turn my phone off until 10 a.m.  That is when I am done working out.

THEN:  Had no self control around food.    NOW:  Food has little power over me unless I have PMS.  :)

THEN:  Was sick all the time.     NOW:  Healthier than I have ever been.

THEN:  High cholesterol.  High triglycerides.    NOW:  Normal on ALL lab tests.

THEN:  Sleep apnea.  NOW:  Sleep like I am dead to the world.

THEN:  Avoided exercise.  NOW:  Crave exercise.

THEN:  Sad about life.  I felt defeated.      NOW:  I feel happy, strong and empowered.          

                       

So many things have changed in a year.  I can not begin to tell you all of them.  It has been an amazing year.  I look forward to beginning my 40's (June 6th to be exact) in better shape than I was in my 30's. 

This week will be full of reflection for me,  as I count the days until my bandiversary.

To those of you who have been following my journey..........thank you!  Without all the blogger support, there is no way I would have been so successful.  It is your comments that keep me going when I feel I can not go further.

To those of you just beginning your journey..............if I can do this, so can you.  I am just your average mommy, wife and friend.  Anything is possible.  Really.  You can do it.

And to my friends and family.........my thanks is not enough.  Without you, I would have never thought I was worth saving.  I love you!