What a difference a year makes

I guess I should say what a difference a GOOD year makes. I have been so blessed in many ways. Perhaps the biggest blessing physically is quite obvious. Exactly 180 pounds lost since last years picture. Both sets of these pictures were taken at our Ward Christmas Party at church.




I know 180 pounds is a lot to loose, but let me tell you what I have gained this year.
HEALTH -
I am no longer on 160 units of insulin everyday.
I am no longer on high blood pressure medicine.
I am no longer at risk for heart failure or strokes.
I am no longer seeing 3 different doctors on a monthly basis.
I no longer have horrible back, hip, and knee pain.
ENERGY -
I run (on purpose) several days a week for exercise.
I workout several days a week at the gym.
I walk to the park with my daughter.
I get up and get dressed everyday because I feel so good.
SELF ESTEEM -
I have confidence to go and do anything.
I am not depressed and sad about the way I look.
I am not worried about my health for the future.
I have courage to try things I would have never tried before.
CONFIDENCE
I can fit in the booth when we go out to dinner.
I can fit in the seats on the airplane.
I can fit in the roller coaster rides in the kiddie land at the Fair.
I can fit into clothes at any store.
STRENGTH -
This process has NOT been easy, but it has made me realize that I am strong. I have will power and I am in control of my body, my health, my activity level, my appetite, my future. I have the strength to stick to the plan I have to sustain this weight loss. I have the strength to stay away from useless calories. I have the strength to limit my sugar intake. I have the strength to overcome this deadly addiction to food that I have.

Thank You so much to all my friends and family for continued love, support, and encouragement through all of this. This is a life long change that will not ever be easy. Only 20 more pounds to go!!!!!!!