I ACTUALLY did it...And other things...

Last week was the busiest "vacation" I have ever had.  Bill was graduating from Warrant Officer Candidate School, so I drove no fewer than 1000 miles between Benning, Gordon, and Rucker (Army forts). I flew into Atlanta and rented a car and drove to Columbus.  However, this was not just any car, it was a 2013 Mustang- red.  I made it to Benning the first day.  And I don't care what anyone says, the Army world is a SMALL world.  I ran into so many people that I knew, I was so convinced that people were stalking me. It was nice to be back, "home" down South too. I was able to see so many people that have been important parts of my life. And it was great. I will say that it was funny to see my husband having to do things like he was in boot camp again. After 6 years, 3 unit changes, 1 move, 2 deployments, the birth of Chloe, 2 miscarriages, two degrees, 1000 schools (just kidding), the loss of two grandparents,108 pounds, 26 out of 42 months of marriage apart, and 3 ranks, he finally met his goal and I was able to pin him.  The video is above. I have also included the YouTube Link to the WO Class Video: HERE...

WO1 and Mrs. William R. Odell

After graduation, we booked it back to Atlanta for our flight home.  I had to be back at work the next morning and he, a day to recover. I will say that my cold made travel miserable and I am still struggling... But all that matters is the end goal of we now have a warrant officer in the family! But I will say that it has come at a great price, especially since we are both apart so often due to work obligations.  Thankfully Chloe has a set of grandparents nearby, so she has someone close when we have to go.

Yesterday, I went for my official one year check up. As I posted on my Facebook status: I'm sitting in my car, bawling my eyeballs out because I DID it!!!! The day of surgery I was 276lbs, I had high bp, I was Type II diabetic, my fibro was out of control, my BMI was 51%, I was a 48DDD, my hips were 50 inches and my waist was 57 inches, size 24/26.. Today I am 164lbs, my BMI is 27%, I am a 38D, my hips are 41inches, my waist is 36 inches, size 8/10, bp is normal, diabetes is gone, and fibro in check. Thank you all for your encouragement, support, love, and most importantly accountability. My faith, family, and friends are what have helped me keep going... The blog was done to encourage but also to motivate me and hold me accountable... Thank you all!!!! If I missed anyone, I apologize... But the biggest motivator is my miracle baby, Chloe, who is my biggest motivator, and no matter what size I am, thinks I'm beautiful!!!! My daughter saved my life...." 

I have to say that even though I have good and bad days, me being able to have Chloe was a motivator to get my life in and under control.  I never was bigger or obese before I married my ex husband.  As mentioned in previous postings, our marriage was horribly bad.  I gained weight due to stress, my fibro, and I think to protect myself. When I became pregnant with Chloe and had all the medical issues including gestational diabetes,  pre-eclampsia, and the issues that surround that.  Almost dying right after she was born, made me keenly aware of my weight and my weight issues.  When Bill was in Afghanistan, I was made even more aware due to the fact that I was raising Chloe alone and I was always tired.  This was the turning point and before I even said anything, he had already started researching weight loss surgeries.  So that is why I say that Chloe saved my life.  I doubt I would have really taken the time for myself about the weight, if I hadn't been so scared about leaving Bill to raise her alone. 


So today is a new day.  And boy am I EVER grateful for the ability to wake up each morning, run around with my daughter, and do things that 108 pounds ago, I could not do. My journey is ongoing and it will be an ongoing struggle.  As my surgeon put it, "You will always struggle with the disease of obesity.  We have used a tool to control it, but it is up to you to continue to use the tool. Just as an alcoholic is an alcoholic even if he or she no longer drinks, you will always struggle with obesity.  The difference between those who succeed and those who fail, is in how they choose to deal with the disease".  Well, I choose to live and continue on this journey.  I hope you will too.