Exactly 9 months post op - update on incision scars

Hello :)

I am exactly 9 months post op.  I am thrilled with Geldof (my band).  I couldn't have hoped for better results.  I have reached my weight loss and inch loss goal and I am now working on maintaining that loss.  I am healthier, happier and much, much fitter :)

I have taken photos of my scars this morning.  They are very faded now and they didn't concern me at all when I was wearing a bikini on both of my recent holidays.

Scars 9 months post-op.

Scars 6 months post-op

Scars 5 months pot-op

Scars 5 weeks post-op

Incisions 5 hours post-op

Visiting my ex-husband in Santa Ponça

Santa Ponça

I'm posting this from Santa Ponça, Mallorca. I'm out here visiting my ex-husband (who is like a best friend/brother to me). He is out here living and working (as a musician / singer) for the summer season. 

I have had a great week. So much better (I am certain) than it would have been had I not lost weight. I have swum in the gorgeous sea every day (at least a mile each time), I have danced and danced and danced (two nights ago I was still dancing at 4am - and fell into bed at 5.30am).

Night out at Durty Nellys (my ex is on the right) 

My dance buddy was a 22year old adorable young woman who works with my ex - I certainly couldn't have kept up with a 22year old when I was 88lbs heavier!

Gorgeous bay where I swum each day

About to take a dip 

I have stuck to my diet, and drank plenty of water and tea (a solitary glass of alcohol on my first night).  It has been wonderful to catch up with my ex and to see him perform (he is a fantastic musician and singer).

View from the balcony where I am sitting typing this post

Tomorrow is my last day here.  I head home to my gorgeous hubby (I've missed him terribly) and family on Sunday morning.  I will be sad to say goodbye to both my ex and Santa Ponça and overjoyed to see hubby, kids and my adorable puppy :)

We'll see what the scales say when I get home.

UPDATE:  I am now home and my weight is exactly the same as when I left (yay!!)  I am booked for a fill on Wednesday (third one since being banded).  I hope that will help me to maintain my weight loss.

I am no longer fat - it's OFFICIAL!!

Normal BMI!!!

For the first time since I was 18 years old my BMI is below 25!!  Only just at 24.9 but, regardless, I am now OFFICIALLY considered normal weight for my height. YAY ME :D!

When I started this process I decided if I got to target I would 'reward' myself with new bedroom furniture, remodelling of my built in wardrobes (to accommodate my lovely size 12 clothes :)) and redecoration.  The furniture is on order and the new wardrobe doors are waiting to be fitted.  I am a very lucky girl :).

On Monday I am flying out to Mallorca for a week long visit with my first husband (who is like a brother to me), he is working as a musician in a hotel out there.  I am planning to do lots of swimming and walking when I'm there (he tends to sleep very late in the day so I'll have lots of time each morning to get myself to the beach and swim, swim, swim, swim :)).

xxx

Airports are different now I'm thinner......

I'm in an airport waiting for a flight, not an unusual experience as I travel a lot for my business, and today I am acutely aware of how different the experience is to when I was 6st heavier.

Today I have just enjoyed a small brie salad - slowly - and I savoured every mouthful. It was truly delicious and I feel satisfied with what I have eaten. Previously I would probably have wolfed down a burger and chips and a large diet coke and then gone to 'stock up' on drinks and snacks for the plane (maybe two 500ml bottles of diet coke a share sized bag of chocolate and a grab bag of crisps).

I would be dreading getting on the flight incase I was seated next to someone and they would have to 'endure' my bulk and I would endure my shame. Or, even worse, that I would be sat next to someone equally large and we would struggle to fit :(. Being physically jammed against a complete stranger with no ability to move away is not pleasant!

I loathed adjusing the seatbelt to its greatest length and then having to breathe in to get the buckle fastened.  Nowadays I have to tighten, rather than loosen, the belt and I have a foot of belt to spare :).

Today I am sitting in a cafe area freezing cold.  Autumn appears to have arrived today and, when I packed for my trip I didn't account for how chilly it was going to get, my feet are freezing (tights and boots tomorrow).  I feel the cold much more now I am thinner - but on the plus side I am much more comfortable with hot weather.

Flight is being called - must dash. 

Maintenance - the real challenge begins......

I am at my target - or thereabouts (I'm fluctuating a pound or two upwards but no more).  Now the real challenge begins.  How do I maintain the loss?

I know I need a fill (not able to get one until the end of the month due to my work commitments preventing me from being able to attend the clinic when the fill nurse is available). I am feeling hungrier than I have become accustomed to, my portion sizes are increasing and I am thinking about food a lot.

I am wanting to eat for the pleasure of it; and to eat when I am not hungry; and to continue eating beyond satiety.

In short, old thoughts and behaviours are creeping in :(.

My holiday was amazing and I've struggled to get back into good band behaviours since I returned. I have exercised but not with the regularity and/or commitment that I was doing so before I left.  As I type this I am realising that is the key. I have fallen back into eating when I am not hungry. Prior to going away I had stopped doing that. Instead of reaching for food when I was stressed or sad I would jump on my vibration plate. I need to get my head back into that space. Just writing this down has helped already. I will go and jump on my vibration plate right now :D.

Thanks for listening dearest blog............








................ you are right of course:

if the problem is not hunger,  then the solution is not food!!

xxxxx