End of the 40 Weeks Challenge!!

Hello all

Today is the end of my '40 Kilos in 40 Weeks' challenge.  40 weeks seems like such a long time ago and I remember feeling very nervous because 40 kilos seemed like such an unreachable goal for me.  A lot of self doubt and worry that I wouldn't be able to come close to succeeding.

40 weeks ago I weighed 132.3 kg.
I wore size 22-24 tops and size 24-26 bottoms.
My fitness levels were non existent - being out of breath just walking to the other side of the house.
I was unable to sit on the floor because I couldn't get up again.
My knees, ankles and back hurt all the time.
I often had chest pains, trouble breathing and my heart would beat at strange paces.
I had poor skin, hair and health.
My mood was fairly sad, angry and irritated.

I am incredibly proud to be able to say that I not only achieved but also slightly exceeded this goal.

Today, I weighed in at 88.4 kg.  That's a 43.9 kg loss.
I wear size 14-16 tops and size 16-18 bottoms.
I am quite fit now being able to run, swim, box, weight train and even play around kicking a ball.
I can sit on the floor for long periods of time, cross legged even!
My chest pains and breathing problems have disappeared.
My skin and hair have cleared up wonderfully and my general health is well.
I am still fairly frustrated at times but mostly am happy and grateful to be here and be making the most out of my life.

THE FINAL MEASUREMENT COMPARISON

My BMI started at 56 putting me in the Obese Class 3 category.
Today my BMI is 36.8 which is still only Obese Class 2 if you can believe.
According to the app that I have been using - Obese Class 1 is BMI under 35, Overweight is BMI under 30, Healthy is BMI under 25.  So still a fair way to go.

These photos below are from Day 1 of the 40 week challenge to today.

I have quite a lot of loose skin (especially on arms and legs) and a few areas that are just stubbornly holding onto the fat that has been living there for so long.  I know that it will take a lot of work, a lot of time and a lot of determination to get to the best me I can be, but I also know that it will happen!  One day, one challenge, one workout at a time, I will get there.

Thank you to everyone who has been so kindly supporting this journey through kind words, encouragement and donations to beyondblue.  I cannot describe how grateful I am for this support and how overwhelming it is to know there is such kindness and love surrounding me.

If you have pledged to donate, please finalise your payment no later than 20 December 2014.  You can visit Everyday Hero to make an online payment and receive an instant tax deductible receipt.  Or please contact me if you wish to make a cash donation.

Thank you again so so so much.  Here are some photos of me recently.  I feel great!

Remember while this challenge is now complete, my journey is not.  I will keep updating on how it is all going, the pros, cons and reality of massive weight loss and life post gastric sleeve.

Thanks for reading everyone!
=)