I'm a turtle and finally getting it!

As you probably realize by now, I'm starting this blog about 5.5 months after surgery. I'm a bit of a procrastinator. I just felt like I needed to tell my story. While searching for GBS blogs, I found a lot of blogs from people who were already at their goal weight. I thought there was a need for someone in the middle of their journey. 
     My weight loss has been up and down. I can honestly say that for the first few months, I didn't work as hard as I should have at exercising. Since January, I've realized that no matter what happens in my life, surgery or not, the weight isn't just going to magically melt away! Like all the doctors tell us, this surgery is a tool for the patient! You have to actively work towards your goal to be successful long term. I have to make long term lifestyle changes to lose weight and keep it off! I lost about 50 pounds with a minimal effort of eating fairly healthy foods, and working out a few times a week. In October, I joined the Water Aerobics class at the YMCA. I finally found a class that I really liked. It seemed just challenging enough and was fun. In January, something finally clicked! I realized that I am worth it! For so many years, I have put the needs of everyone else before me. I didn't believe that I was good enough to have a happy life. I was so pushed down, and convinced that my life just wasn't meant to be happy. I felt like I had to just accept it for what it was and be content or at least quiet. I took a minute to breathe and sat down to make some resolutions for the next year. Some of them were the same ones I've made for years, weight loss, be consistent reading my Bible & praying, etc. I pushed myself to really think about my life and what I wanted. I realized that I quit dreaming. I was living a life of routine and realities. I resolved to have more fun! Sure, I still have responsibilities, but now I'm looking for areas to inject some fun into my free time! I resolved to run a 5k. I discovered that The Color Run is coming to Memphis in October. I decided that admission to The Color Run would be my birthday gift to myself. 
I found this picture on their FB page that describes my determination exactly!:

I am determined to make this year the best year of my life! I am determined to actively care about how my life turns out. I've started going to the gym. I workout 6 days a week for an hour a day. I'm hoping to continue challenging myself fitness wise. I want to become an athlete! My longtime goal is to complete a marathon and afterwards a triathlon!  My mom contacted me shortly after and presented me with the opportunity of a lifetime: A trip with her and a church group to Israel and Rome! Adventure here I come! 

      I have lost about 80 pounds so far. I wanted that number to be higher, but I seem to be a slow loser. Nevertheless, I am excited because this loss never would have happened before surgery and my lifestyle changes. I can feel my body getting stronger. I know that I am doing everything right as far as exercising, and eating the right portion of healthy foods. I just have to be patient and not compare myself to others.

Before at 350 (I hate this picture!):

After 80 pounds lost at 270 lbs(Girl in progress!):

I still have a long way to go, but I finally have the correct mindset and the motivation to put it into action! Check back for more updates on my weight loss journey, day to day struggles and triumphs! I'm hoping to post recipes, product reviews and challenges as well! The possibilities are endless!