Hey Friends! I dropped a bomb the last time we met here. Glad we are both alive and thriving no matter what stage of life we are maneuvering through. Fall has truly showed up and out the past few weeks. Trees are almost bald, weather is consistently cooler, and Jacket/Coat season has begun. I must say I love Fall Fashion more than anything. It just hits different. True style shows...anybody can be naked with some strappy sandals in the hotter seasons. I digress tho.
In this season I have been super determined to prioritize all things "Leesh". You would be surprised how easy it is to let yourself go or simply neglect whats best for you caught up in normalcy. Normalcy my whole life was eating good. If it tasted good I was eating no matter the time of day. If you know anything about me I'm a church baby. All we did was church/sing and go out to eat. It wouldn't be so bad if I made healthier choices but nah. To make things worse I was an emotional eater too. Mad, happy, or sad ...FOOD was my outlet. My Family often reminds me of my relationship with food as a young child. They said I never wanted to eat. They had to make me eat. Boy oh Boy has times changed lol.
Naturally if you consume soul food, fast food, Chinese food, sweets, snacks, etc without any exercise you will gain a lot of weight. I never liked to share my exact weight. Embarrassed? Somewhat. But I honestly believe it's personal. What good is it going to do you to know? NONE. But what I will share is how much weight I have dropped. I started my journey doing Keto and low carb. The discipline was a beast but the results were so sweet. I loss about 76 pounds at my own will. All the while I had plans to get weight loss surgery. I didn't have to lose any weight prior to but I owed it to myself to make a lifestyle change on my own first.
My weight didn't start to affect me negatively until about 7 years ago. My blood pressure was at a crisis level more often than not. As a result of years of uncontrolled HBP one of my heart valves began to leak...its better known as "Mitral Regurgitation". I considered weight loss surgery at this time too but my Cardiologist said absolutely not! I was crushed. Thats when I lit the fire under my own tail and kept up with my meds, walking and eating cleaner or keto. I eventually went back and my heart improved greatly and my Cardiologist was happy to make the weight loss referral. I started the process...then Covid happened. I didn't lose hope. Once all was clear I completed all my Pre-op requirements (including that dreadful 2 week liquid only diet). Surgery took place on 11/12/2021 @ 7:05am.
Surgery went well but I had to stay an extra day and a half because my blood pressure was too high to go home. This was my first surgery ever so I can imagine my body was in shock. Finally my BP was regular and my Mommy took me home. My blood pressure has been PERFECT ever since. I went into the hospital taking 4-5 blood pressure meds and left with only 1. That 1 will be none very soon. To date I have loss 95 pounds since February 2021 and counting...This was the best decision I have ever made. A wonderful change has truly come over me! I said I wasn't going to post much until my desired amount of weight loss is achieved but it helps mentally to just remain normal. So thats what I will stick too. I'm always popping out anyway. Y'all know the vibes lol. Your comments, love and support is amazing....THANK YOU!
PSA: If you didn't want me at my heaviest don't even try it at my smallest (loading...) BYE!
Love you, mean it!
Alicia V.
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