So I was in Denver all last week. I had a three-month follow up with Dr. Long’s office so I figured I’d make a stop home. It was interesting…being there. Even though we’re not in our house yet out in South Carolina, it already feels like home. I drove past our old house several times and had absolutely no attachment to it. Which I think is strange. It was never my favorite house, but it was our home for 15 years. I love the memories we made along the way there and the changes we made to it over those years. But I was truly ready to move on. And I guess I have.
It was good seeing everyone I managed to see. Never enough hours in the day. I got to go out with our old “Life” group from Plum Creek. A group of amazing people who loved on me when I was going through one of the most painful transitions in my life. We met for dinner at Duke’s steakhouse and laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. I got to spend time with Alison and that was good for the soul. And I got to spend time with my bestie, Mel. I don’t even know how to describe that. Time stands still for me when we’re together — or morphs I should say. All the memories of a lifetime shared flood back. We just know each other. I know what she’s thinking she knows when to call me on my crap. I just love that woman. I got to stay at her place — I wasn’t there much, but we made the most of the time we had — and then I left wanting for so much more time. Next time I think I’ll come in weekend to weekend just to make more time.
So, I followed up with Dr. Long on Friday. I was terrified as it was the first time I’d be on the scale since my 2-week follow up. It’s a sickness. I have lost so much weight in such a short time and still I was afraid of the scale. What is up with that. Overall the appointment was amazing. Turns out I’m doing what I need to do. My blood pressure is nearly normal, my resting heart rate is around 54 (down from 80). My color is so much better. I am not out of breath when I move and my hair hasn’t fallen out (at least not yet — apparently this is a side effect of surgery — the hair loss. Both from the trauma and lack of nutrients, but so far, nada). I have no more swelling in my extremities and I sleep through the night — and I no longer long for naps. As a side-note, I have lost 66 pounds from my highest and 57 since the day of surgery. FIFTY SEVEN pounds in 3 months. Craziness. I can’t believe how my world has changed and what an wonderful decision it was to have the surgery when I did. Even considering all the stress that surrounded it. Listing the house so soon after (4 days post-surgery) and then packing to move for the 2 months following. Not to mention the move, etc.
The doc even suggested I add some brown rice or quinoa to my meals on occasion to add some healthy grains to help the satiation last longer. Sounds like a plan. I follow up in another 3 months then again at the year mark. I can’t even imagine the changes that will occur in the next 9 months. Here’s some before and afters…
The picture on the right (me and all my glory) was taken January 1, 2017 in the wee hours of the morning. The top left picture was taken in early fall of 2016 and the bottom left was taken shortly after the move. And I’ve lost 10 pounds since that picture. It’s amazing for me to see the changes. But I need to keep looking because there are days when I don’t feel different, when I don’t recognize the changes. I live with myself everyday and I’m just me — I think I need to remind myself how far I have come more often than I do just to make sure I stay on track and keep moving forward.
Today is Sunday — we’re off to church and then to see the house. I missed going last week because I was out of town. I can’t wait to see the changes this week.
Shrinking Shay 
Hi!
This is quite an inspirational peice of work!
LikeLiked by 1 person