Sad to GLAD in 80 days!

Have a peek at my progress.

I went from sad to glad in 80 days! Perhaps you might think this as being terribly vain of me, stupid, or I have my nose in the air - for posting this blog, but actually the reverse is true.

• Accountability: Airing all the ups and downs of a major weight loss - keeps me accountable. I know friends and family and some other people look at this often.
• Knowledge is Power: The blog encourages me to keep looking up information on diets, weight loss surgery, and so much more. Keeping myself informed and learning is a good way to keep my weight loss at the TOP of my mind.
• Support: The odd person might benefit from my blog, and start trying to be more healthy, or think about losing a bit themselves. Knowing how difficult it is, I want to provide some support.
• Weight scales are TRAUMATIC!: Never have been my friend. I have such hurtful memories of being disappointed when I stepped on the scales. Now I much prefer a different kind of measurement. Photographs work easily for me because I have a web cam that takes pictures and video too. I also measure with a measuring tape, weekly.

I am very excited to report I am now incorporating JOGGING stints into my walking routine. This is the first time I have done this that I haven't HURT myself! I have found after years of TRYING that you can't start off with too much at first, and you ONLY run/jog every OTHER day. I might actually be able to keep this up! I am starting to like this because I feel powerful.

This latest photo doesn't look that "GLAD" - but I AM tickled pink. Just being so busy with Kevin (new beau) and my weight loss, I haven't had much time to take photos!

First Day after Vertical Sleeve Procedure

Day 10

Day 20

Day 30 Day 40 Day 50 - not too excited! Day 60 Day 70 Day 80

Here are some younger photos - an you can see where the weight started piling on. 1967 1968 a bit more here, started Point Park University

1971 in Nassau 1973 Could still climb trees!        1975 Loved riding, but when I started feeling sorry for the horse, I stopped.

1985 at Deerhurst 1972 Wearing a really tight girdle!

Andrea on left 1987, right in 1990 - three years can make a big difference. Stress with work, man, kids  . . you pick!           39th BD in 1989 Hubbie gave me a glam shot. No one knows this but cameraman was high on a ladder to minimize my double chin. Make-up helped there too.   1995 not bad for being miserable, is it? Good Fake - (almost)      Pre Chemo Haircut 2009 - that took a chunk of time out of my life and a few pounds off. Started me thinking I should take better care of myself. And yes, I did go bald as a billiard ball! 2010 Christmas at my girlfriend Lynda's. We dressed in jammies all day, and wore all the rhinestones we owned. Had a blast!

2011 - I was dressed for Asian New Year's. Just LOOK at that neck. You can see by my smile, I thought I looked okay. Hated this photo so much, it got me moving!