One
Year
12
Months
52
Weeks
365
Days
8,760
Hours
525,600
Minutes
31,536,000
Seconds
Countless
opportunities pass us by. Opportunities
to reach out. To make the right
choice. To do something that will
last. To do something that will change
your life forever.
A
year ago today, I underwent gastric bypass surgery. After a very long process to become approved
by insurance, the day had finally come.
I was nervous. I was
excited. I was prepared. Most of all – I was desperate for a change in
my lifestyle to become a better, healthier example for my children. The surgery went smoothly, the worst
complaint I have about the hospital was the chest pain I had when I woke up and
then the taste of the blue dye. I went
home to begin healing and learning how to cope with this new stomach that I so
lovingly call, “my pouch”.
The
first few days were hell. I’d gone from
consuming 2,000+ calories a day to less than 500 on my clear liquid diet that
all tasted like crud. I was miserable,
but in good spirits knowing that “full liquids” were right around the
corner. When full liquids came, I was
able to deal a little better, but still struggled to get in my protein and
fluids with my new 2 oz. processor.
After a full week of that, I graduated to soft foods. People loves, let me tell you that “soft
foods” is just a really nice term for “bane of my existence”. Sure, scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes are
super in their respective times and places, but when that’s really all you can
eat and in small portions with protein powder mixed in…ugh. Then after a few weeks of that nonsense, I
was finally able to start consuming REAL food again. In moderation. Since then, I’ve grown to know what I can and
can’t eat. What causes my pouch to get
grumpy and exactly how much my pouch can handle. Me & my pouch, we’re getting along just
fine.
On
top of that, I work out 3 – 5 times per week.
In the beginning, I started walking ASAP per Dr’s orders. I even did an obstacle 5k about 8 weeks
post-op. I didn’t run at all, but I
completed it. Since then, I’ve completed
another 2 5k’s. The Turkey Trot in
November and then the Run for Your Luck in March. Also, I started going to the gym. I found a class or three that I liked
(Splash, Body Pump & Kickboxing) and I started fitting them into my
schedule. I was doing Splash every
Monday and then BP or KB every Saturday.
Then, Mondays didn’t work, so I started doing a double feature of BP
& KB back to back every Saturday.
Also, 8 weeks ago, I started the Couch to 5k program. I run 3 times a week and LOVE this program
b/c it builds up your endurance. I’m now
running about 2.5 miles without stopping.
The important thing here isn’t what I can do now, it’s the fact that I’ve
worked up to it. Small changes here and
there to fit these priorities into my schedule.
So,
I bet you’re all wondering – HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LOST?! Well…I had a goal. With a starting weight of 390.2, I wanted to
lose a cool 200 pounds by my 1 year check-up.
At my 9 (more like 10) month check-up, I realized that the 200 lb goal
was unreasonable. I was down 164 pounds
and had my 1 year check-up less than 2 months away. My new goal was to lose a total of 175 pounds
by my 1 year. Well…I had my check up
with my doctor on Tuesday and literally stripped down to my skivvies
practically in the lobby (there was no one there but the nurse and
receptionist!) to step on that scale ever so nervously. I was pleasantly surprised to see that not
only had I met my goal, I SURPASSED IT!!
In the red corner, measuring 6 foot and a half inch tall and weighing in
at 213.1 pounds, I demolished that goal and then some by 2.1 pounds! That’s right my sweet friends, this past week
I lost another 5.9 pounds for a grand total of 177.1 pounds lost in a year! GOSH, what a journey full of encouraging
friends and family this has been.
Dang, it feels good to be a gangster! |
Can
I tell you a secret though? The best
part has nothing to do with me. The
absolute best part is when a dear friend messages me and confides in me that
they’ve been struggling with their weight and I’m able to speak into a
life. God, may Your wisdom always speak
through me.
Love
always,
Chan
PS -
Here are some amazing photos done by the one and only Antoni Hanlon to help me commemorate the occasion.
Hair by Mother Nature. Make up by
the beautiful Shalisha Kerr.
Look Ma! I can tie my RUNNING shoes! |
25 minutes straight at 5 mph?! No problem... |
This is my, "I'm going to hit goal" face. |
I'm not excited at all, hmm? |
I may have a ways to go, but I have come SO far! |
From a 26/28 to a 12/14... |
Plenty of room in these bad boys that used to be TIGHT on me! |
And she even let me play a model for the evening! |
I was threatened not to cry after seeing some of these on site. |
Shalisha is THE best at make up! |
Feeling every bit as glowy on the inside too... |
Know of anyone who needs a plus size model?! :) |