So sorry it's been forever- life seems to creep up on you and next thing you know- you don't have 3 seconds to sit down and blog. lol
So- I've hit and passed my dr's goal, and my own goal...I'm currently at 149, in a size 4/6 pants, and a Medium shirt. I've lost a total of 106#, 8-10 pant sizes and 4 shirt sizes
I'm saving up to have breast augmentation...they're WRECKED and I'm trying to figure out if my insurance will cover a tummy tuck, or if I'll have to fund that myself as well. I have lost over 100# so I think they might cover it, but they didn't cover my surgery- so I'm doing leg work on that right now. I'm with Blue Care Network in Michigan...so I'll keep everyone posted on that.
Life is amazing. I'm happier than I've ever been...I feel good, I look good- I have more energy- I'm motivated...this decision has changed my entire life, in every single aspect.
I recently re-started a 30 day challenge, and have been working out everyday, I'm waiting for this TERRIBLE Michigan weather to break so that I can start walking...and hopefully running outside this Spring/Summer....I'd like to try doing a 5k this year- that's my goal...so here's to that!
Here is a progress picture I wanted to share with you too.
Thanks to each of you that offered support, encouragement, or just an ear when I was having a hard day (or a good day!!).
I'm going to make a better effort to keep blogging here too- my journey is not over..no way! This year is just the start of the rest of my life
Well, first a few REALLY exciting things...this morning the scale dropped again to 177, meaning a total loss of 78 pounds, 63 pounds post op. The other day I put on AND ZIPPED UP a pair of size 8 jeans...I've never been in a size 8...I honestly can't remember being one anyway.... so that is all great exciting stuff for this week
The last two weeks it seems eating has become hard again, I realized as I sat with not really an upset stomach, but just feeling generally crappy after about 3 bites of dinner last night...I HATE EATING. I only do it to live now. It's weird to think of it that way. I used to really enjoy a really good meal, or a really yummy snack..and don't get me wrong- I'll still totally indulge in a brownie or something sweet and good like that- but generally speaking- I only eat to live. I never thought I'd see that day. It's a totally different world than the one I used to live in. I never really "crave" anything anymore- my husband hates that he asks me 'what do you want to eat?" and my genuine answer is "I don't care"....although I do care- b/c it can't be anything with too much bread, or anythig high in sugar, or carbs- lol- my stomach just doesn't tolerate those things anymore. To be honest though, I don't mind, I don't really miss it- I wasn't eating executive chef meals everynight- so if Taco Bell no longer sounds appetizing, I can handle that
The saying is true- nothing tastes as good as skinny feels
So, I started the couch to 5k program this week, using the online support and the app I downloaded to my Android phone for free- I like it. It just vibrates my phone when it's time to switch from fast walk/run. I started it Monday and did ok- it's a big change from being off pretty much all activity other than walking to an actual regimented work out...I did a walk yesterday, and then the couch to 5k day two is today.
I'm pretty proud of myself, I was 240 post op, and today weighed in at 216 Can't complain about that. I'm not in new clothes just yet- but my old ones are falling off of me, which is finally a good feeling. I still don't see it in my body, I guess a bit in my face- and that's what people seem to tel me- plus my wedding ring is spinning like crazy on my finger- time to get one of those adjustable band attachments until my weightloss settles in and then I can go get it resized. Kinda exciting stuff if you ask me
Hope all is well with everyone else!!
So, my 10 year class reunion was last weekend...I was excited to go- but still very nervous. As I've said a hundred times before- I've been overweight most of my life- and while I was excited to show off the new me...many people from high school hadn't seen me at my heaviest point, which came a few years after my son was born- so I wasn't sure they'd notice any major change- like those that really know me did.
Boy, was I wrong. EVERYONE had nice things to say about how great I looked, and it was nice to go and enjoy the evening and NOT feel like everyon had something rude to say- or was watching me. It was nice to just be one of the crowd, and not feel like I stood out. Hubby looked awesome as usual, and we made a cute couple that I was proud to show off
It was great catching up with some long-lost friends and reconnecting with some folks I hadn't talked to in the last 10 years as well.
I felt like getting to go and ending the night not being totally panicked about what everyone else was thinking was my biggest accomplishment thus far.
Me and my best bud from high school before the reunion
5 month photo change!!
So- this might be a longshot- I'm 3 weeks post op today...wanting to get back to riding horses again- anyone know when it's clear to do this? I could call my dr- but wasn't sure if anyone had a similar experience and could give me some insight
Thanks!
So, I had been running an extremely low grade fever post op....between 99-100, however the doctor said that was okay since my body was healing. Yesterday was my first full day back to work, I work at home at a desk job but was still expecting some discomfort. But it just seemed like as the day wore on I felt worse and worse my pain was more and more intense.... just all in all a crummy day. Finally 530 rolled around and I basically crawl to the couch to spend the rest of my night. Got in about a quarter cup to a half cup of soup.... and started literally shivering and shaking because I was so cold. Took my temp and it was 101.3.... which is high enough that I am supposed to notify my doctor
My doctor called me right back and discuss the potential for a leak although was sure to mention that my surgery went extremely well.... but the pain that hadn't seen to subside since surgery, and now with a growing fever he suggested I go to the emergency room to be checked out. I was terrified
They ended up doing a barium and IV contrast CT scan, and discovered I have a 7 millimeter kidney stone.... that is not passing on its own :"(
So they admitted me last night from the emergency room and I am awaiting surgery for my kidney stone today... the good news is my surgery was a success and there is no issues with a leak or anything along those lines. However I certainly feel the saying, "when it rains it pours" sure is fitting today
this is not how I wanted to get 2 weeks off of work :/
ALMOST there!! Hit the scale today at 175, that means a total loss of 80 pounds since my pre-op weight (65 post op). I'm comfortably in a size 8 (from a size 18/20)...and I'm loving my new life.
I was blessed with a recent change to meet my all-time FAVORITE band (Rascal Flatts) just this past month. I was so happy to be able to go and enjoy myself and take pictures and not worry about how I looked, or what people were thinking. It's amazing how much this life-change has really put my entire life in a new perspective. I didn't realize how lacking my confidence was...actually I always prided myself on being a confident woman, but I didn't see how much I was holding back until I lost the weight.
I had the joy of attending my daughter's Back-To-School Night last week, her 2nd grade teacher (from 2 years ago) didn't even recognize me.
For those of you that are struggling or are in the early stages of this change...keep the faith- you CAN do this, and I promise you it will be worth it's weight in gold when you are living your new life. For those of you debating on doing it...I cannot promise you an easy path, I can't say for certian you won't have complications or problems- but I can tell you- without any doubt, this is the best thing I've ever done for myself, for my children, for my family, and for my own happiness.
Ok, just wanted to drop a quick update on everyone- OFF TO WALK ON LUNCH!!!
XOXXOXOXO
ALMOST there!! Hit the scale today at 175, that means a total loss of 80 pounds since my pre-op weight (65 post op). I'm comfortably in a size 8 (from a size 18/20)...and I'm loving my new life.
I was blessed with a recent change to meet my all-time FAVORITE band (Rascal Flatts) just this past month. I was so happy to be able to go and enjoy myself and take pictures and not worry about how I looked, or what people were thinking. It's amazing how much this life-change has really put my entire life in a new perspective. I didn't realize how lacking my confidence was...actually I always prided myself on being a confident woman, but I didn't see how much I was holding back until I lost the weight.
I had the joy of attending my daughter's Back-To-School Night last week, her 2nd grade teacher (from 2 years ago) didn't even recognize me.
For those of you that are struggling or are in the early stages of this change...keep the faith- you CAN do this, and I promise you it will be worth it's weight in gold when you are living your new life. For those of you debating on doing it...I cannot promise you an easy path, I can't say for certian you won't have complications or problems- but I can tell you- without any doubt, this is the best thing I've ever done for myself, for my children, for my family, and for my own happiness.
Ok, just wanted to drop a quick update on everyone- OFF TO WALK ON LUNCH!!!
XOXXOXOXO
OK- when I say "there" I don't mean my final goal- but I do mean ONEDERLAND! Weighed in today at 204....I have been trying so hard to stay on track and push this extra weight off...I'm about 1/2 way to my actual goal- and saying as it's only been 9 1/2 weeks, I'm pretty proud to report that
I'm excited to go through my summer stuff- and toss/donate all the old clothes from fall/winter that are now way too big, and dig out the summer clothes that I've been storing for years (that used to be too small), telling myself that "eventually these WILL fit again". I'm down 3 sizes since my surgery- which is a great feeling...and even if it was an XL, I bought a new summer dress for myself in the juniors section the other day (little victories make this so much more fun!)
I'm a little worried that those that knew me best were right, that I've become so hyper-critical of myself that I'm still not pleased with what I see. I feel better- don't get me wrong, but I'm already mentally planning to get pretty much a full-body makeover when I'm at my goal. A plastic surgeon in the area does what he calls a "Mommy Makeover"...tummy, arms, thighs, boobs...SIGN ME UP.
Anyone else feel that way? Anyone else a little worried that you'll NEVER look in the mirror and just be happy with what you see??
Weight loss has slowed a bit- went from like a pound a day for a while there- to about 1-2 pounds a week, I find myself getting frustrated with that...but know that it's several times better than I've ever done on my own. I had to share the face shot comparison...the one on the left is from March 30 (so about 1 mo post-op), the one on the right is from today
Well, I got on the scale this morning, down 29# from 2/28 when I was sleeved. Feeling MUCH better about myself, I know I've posted a lot lately- just can't SEE it in myself yet. I bought a new shirt- in a large, expecting to put it away for the summer when I drop another 15# or so...got it home and felt brave enough to try it on and see how far I was from really being able to wear it....IT FITS!!!!!! I took a pic to send to my hubby, and when I looked at the screen I SAW IT!! I can FINALLY see the change in myself I think people are right- we see ourselves everyday, we most likely have a negative view of ourselves in our head that seems hard to shake....it takes a good 30# to see a change. I still have trouble seeing it when I look in the mirror, but I finally saw the new me coming out in that picture today...so I had to share it.
I'm loving my new lease on life, I am so greatful that I was provided with this chance to get my life back on track before it was too late. I'm feeling very very blessed today (and kinda hot too!! ) I love this new me, and I'm excited to see what the rest of this journey has in store for me.