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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Young woman could use help after ordeal ... Commissioner Breidenthal to pay for side trip after fellow commissioners object ... Pot rules pack OLCC hearing in Medford ... Young woman could use help after ordeal ... Commissioner Breidenthal to pay for side trip after fellow commissioners object ... Pot rules pack OLCC hearing in Medford ... Brent St. Germain: One year and counting Comment By Brent St. Germain HoumaToday.com MailTribune.com By Brent St. Germain HoumaToday.com Posted Apr. 20, 2015 at 9:49 AM By Brent St. Germain HoumaToday.com Posted Apr. 20, 2015 at 9:49 AM » Social News It may be a bit cliché, but what a difference a year makes. Wednesday marked one year since having weight-loss surgery. For many who had gastric-sleeve surgery, like myself, it’s known as a sleeversary. It’s just hard to believe that a year has already passed. It seemed like it was only yesterday that I was making the decision to have weight-loss surgery. Looking back, I know that it was a decision that prolonged my life. Without weight-loss surgery, my health would have continued to deteriorate, and I would still be taking multiple prescribed medications for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Now, I am on the path to a healthier lifestyle, and the reason is simple — weight-loss surgery. I knew having weight-loss surgery wasn’t a miracle cure. In fact, it took a lot of work because the gastric sleeve is basically a tool that you have to use the right way in order to lose weight. You have to follow some simple rules to fully utilize this tool, such as eating small portions, not drinking while eating, avoiding problematic foods and, of course, exercising. But I’ve been able to learn a lot more than just about losing weight in the past year. I’ve also learned a lot about myself. Losing weight can have a profound effect on how you look at things. By writing these weight-loss columns, I’ve been able to share my experiences and the trials and tribulations along the way. I’ve discovered that it’s OK to be scared at times, especially when it involves taking a big step in your life such as weight-loss surgery. Other things I’ve learned along the way include: - Previous weight-loss experiences can help in this journey. - Support from family, friends and readers can go a long way. - You can go through a lot clothes when losing weight, but it’s great when you can fit into something once deemed too small. - Diet can be considered a four-letter word for anyone trying to lose weight. - When it comes to losing weight, everyone has their bad vices, king cakes, holiday meals and binge eating while watching New Orleans Saints games. - It’s good to celebrate every pound lost, but it is just as special to celebrate the little things, such as tying your shoes, walking up a flight of stairs and not having to ask for a seat-belt extender while on an airplane. - It’s inspirational to cherish the memories of when you were more than just a kid. You were a skinny kid. - Trying to lose weight is like riding a roller coaster because you have successfully handled the highs and lows along the way. - Keeping a promise I made to my parents by participating in a 5K race. As you can tell, I’ve made some lasting memories along the way since April 15, 2014, that fateful day when I had weight-loss surgery. It was my first step in my battle with the bulge. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I am happy to say that I am winning this battle. Now, more than ever, I am convinced that I am going to win this battle. WEIGHT-LOSS UPDATE Starting weight (April 1, 2014): 401.2 pounds Surgery weight (April 15, 2014): 383 pounds Current weight (as of April 15): 295 pounds for a total weight loss of 106.2 pounds. Remaining pounds to lose to reach goal: 95 pounds Brent St. Germain is the sports editor of The Houma (La.) Courier and The Thibodaux (La.) Daily Comet. He can be reached by email at brent.st.germain @houmatoday.com. By Brent St. Germain HoumaToday.com MailTribune.com By Brent St. Germain HoumaToday.com Posted Apr. 20, 2015 at 9:49 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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