Half of Me Katy P
My Story
My name is Katy Presson. I'm 41 years old. I'm a wife, mom, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, niece, coworker, and friend to many amazing people. I lost 148 pounds over two years! People always ask me, "HOW!?" So I want to share my story with the world. I'm hoping to inspire and motivate others to change their habits in order to get healthy!
I started my weight loss journey in March 2022. I was 39 years old at the time. I saw the scale at my annual OBYGN appointment and knew I had to change some things. I was 284 pounds and my BMI was 50! I was "mobidly obese" and had trouble walking due to knee pain. I decided to have Bariatric surgery but God had other plans. I met with the surgeon in May 2022 and was approved for Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG). I was planning to have surgery in September 2022.
Before meeting with the surgeon, I had the opportunity to start taking Ozempic (Semaglutide), which is a weekly injection to treat type 2 diabetes. I'm sure you've heard of Ozempic since it's controversial and all over the news these days. Note: I did not have type 2 diabetes.
I started taking Ozempic in March 2022. I did not weigh myself or change my diet/activity. By May 2022 (when I met the Bariatric surgeon), she asked how I had lost 30 pounds since March!? I had NO CLUE the medicine was working! I was down 30 pounds in the first two months!!
So, after discussing the surgery requirements with the nurse, I decided to change my diet and start walking daily (even though I had knee pain). Bariatric patients are not allowed to drink carbonated beverages (including soda, seltzer, anything fizzy). I quit drinking Diet Coke cold turkey that same day. I started walking at the park that weekend. I struggled to walk one mile in the beginning. I had to wear a knee brace due to Patella Tracking Syndrome (which is when your knee cap shifts out of place and causes pain). My doctor said losing weight would help or possibly eliminate the pain.
I met with a dietician in June 2022 (part of surgery requirements) and she put me on these macro goals: 1200 calories, >100 grams protein and <100 grams carbs daily. I'm 5'3" for reference. She told me to try protein shakes to replace one meal. She gave me an Ensure Max Protein ready-to-drink shake to try. A month after trying many ready-to-drink shake brands and powders, I started drinking a Fairlife Nutrition Plan protein shake for breakfast. At the time, they were available locally in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and salted caramel flavors She had me start tracking macros in MyFitnessPal app. I use the free version still to this day. I mainly track calories, carbs and protein. This would be considered a high protein, low carb diet.
I had lost 70 pounds by the end of August 2022 and decided to cancel the VSG surgery. I kept adding activity as I lost weight and was able to move more easily. My favorite activities are: Zumba, Pound, Les Mills Bodypump, Cycling, Aquacise, Yoga and walking. My husband also gave me the Ring Fit game for Nintendo Switch, which is a fun way to exercise at home! Occasionally, I will play Just Dance on our Wii. My daughter and I also enjoy going roller skating.
I hit my first goal of losing 100 pounds on my 40th birthday in December 2022! I wanted to get "Fit by 40!" I hit my end goal weight of 140 pounds on my 41st birthday in December 2023. I had skin removal surgery in December 2023. Insurance covered a Panniculectomy (skin removal from the abdomen) due to my extreme weight loss. I paid for a breast reduction/lift myself since that is considered cosmetic. I'm happy with the results, but let me assure you, I still have plenty of loose skin on my upper arms and thighs! I'm hoping that will tighten as I build more muscle and tone.
Family Support
My husband, Paul, has supported me from the beginning of this journey. When I first told him that I wanted to get serious about losing weight and getting healthy, he said "let's do it!" He was supportive of my decision to have weight loss surgery as well. He also wanted to lose some weight himself and get healthier. In April 2022, we decided that our whole family was going to start eating better.
We threw away two trash bags full of junk food! This included things like chips, cookies, cereal, Pop Tarts, processed boxed meals, mac and cheese, etc. from our pantry. We decided to stop buying those foods in order to refrain from being tempted to eat them. That really helped! If those foods are no longer available in the house, you can't eat them. We also stopped eating fast food. That one was more difficult! We were always going through McDonald's or Taco Bell drive-thrus. It was just so quick, cheap and easy! Eating healthy is much more expensive!
Fast forward to June 2022 and our fridge was full of Fairlife Nutrition Plan protein shakes. They were (and still are) my go-to for breakfast or snack. The shakes are a key to hitting my daily protein goal. I eat a variety of foods as well, including pizza and burgers! I follow the 80/20 rule. Eat within my macro goals 80% of the time, so I can eat "fun" foods 20% of the time. Make this lifestyle change sustainable so you never stop! It's NOT a diet! I'm not a dietician or doctor. Consult with you physician before starting any weight loss plan.
You're Still The One I Love
Paul and I celebrated our 15 year wedding anniversary in August 2023. We went to Las Vegas in October and had Elvis renew our wedding vows. It was an amazing experience!
We celebrated our love.
We celebrated our success.
We ate really good food!
We connected as a couple with NO kids for one week!
Speaking of kids, we have two amazing young humans! Christian (14) and Elisa (12). Part of my "why" on this journey was to be a good role model for them. I want them to live long, healthy lives! I hope to be a grandma one day! I love babies!
The key to this lifestyle change is making it sustainable. Much easier said than done. You have to find ways to enjoy foods you love in a healthier way. If you are physically able to exercise, find what you love to do in order to stay active. That could be simply walking daily. I love walking outdoors - fresh air is good for your mind, body and soul! I also enjoy group fitness classes at the YMCA. I take a variety of classes including: Aquacise, Aquatone, Cycling, Les Mills Bodypump, Zumba and Yoga. Group fitness classes motivate me. Find what motivates you that you enjoy!
Paul has lost 60 pounds since we started this journey! He wakes up at 4 AM every weekday to get his workout done before work. I’m NOT an early morning person, so I workout after work. Find what routine works for you and your family. Make time to prioritize yourself each day! It’s not selfish, it’s necessary!
Skin Removal Surgery
In October 2023, I decided to meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss my extra skin. I went for a free 15-minute consultation and the surgeon said I qualified for the surgery due to significant weight loss. They took pictures of me from the front and sides to submit to the insurance company. In November, I heard from the office that insurance had approved a Panniculectomy! Panni is skin and tissue removal from the abdomen (different from a tummy tuck). They do not alter the abdominal muscles. Recovery would be at least six weeks. I decided that I would also have a breast reduction/lift at the same time if insurance was going to cover my stomach. I had to pay for the breast portion out-of-pocket, since that is considered cosmetic. Both surgeries were scheduled on the same day in December 2023 (just two days after my 41st birthday).
My husband was my rock during recovery! He stayed right by my side for two weeks while I had to sleep on the reclining couch. You are not allowed to lay flat or stand up straight until the incision heals. He would NOT go to bed without me! He said he would go to bed when I could go to bed. Such a loyal husband! He is a Leo so that makes sense. He helped me empty my drains and make sure I had my pain meds every three hours so I would be comfortable. He made me food and did household chores (kids helped too). Sorry ladies, he's all mine! HAHA! :)
The surgeon told me that three pounds of skin and tissue were removed from my abdomen! I went from a size 10 to size 8 jeans due to the skin removal. I'm happy with the results and do not regret having the surgery.
Half of Me Sizing Changes
Starting sizes:
- 22 jeans
- 2XL/3XL tops
- 44DD/2XL bras
- 8/9 shoes
- 8 wedding ring
Current sizes:
- 8 jeans
- Small/Medium tops
- 34B/Medium bras
- 7/8 shoes
- 5 wedding ring
Even my feet have gotten smaller! I think that was the weirdest one! During my size transitions, I shopped at thrift stores and purchased jeans from Maurice's. Maurice's has a Fit Freedom Program that allows you to exchange jeans for a different size (same style) if purchased within the last year. I exchanged jeans multiple times over the last two years! They donate the returned jeans to charity! From Maurice's website FAQ page:
Q: How does a Fit Freedom Jean Exchange work?
A: mymaurices Rewards Members may bring any pair of m jeans by maurices™ jeans to any maurices store to exchange one time, for the same style in a new size, within 365 days of purchase. Exchanges are not currently available online. For more information, visit our Fit Freedom program page.
My Family
Christian, Elisa & Sada
Christian, Elisa & Sada
Christian, Elisa & Sada
Christian (14) and Elisa (12) holding Sada Jane. Sada crossed the rainbow bridge in March 2024. She was our fur baby before we even had kids! I miss her terribly.
My Family
Christian, Elisa & Sada
Christian, Elisa & Sada
Easter Sunday
March 31st, 2024