Meryline

I have to admit, this is pretty cool

100 freaking pounds gone, and only 5.3 lbs from goal.

100 freaking pounds gone, and only 5.3 lbs from goal.

100 freaking pounds gone, and only 5.3 lbs from goal.

I have to admit, this is pretty cool

I have to admit, this is pretty cool

I have to admit, this is pretty cool

I have to admit, this is pretty cool

I have to admit, this is pretty cool

One month Post-OP and here is what I've accomplished:
PROS: Lost 22 lbs. No longer on blood pressure meds. No longer require CPAP.  No snoring. Dropped from size 18 to 16. My shoes fit better.  Increased walking from about 500 steps on day 1 after surgery to 12,000 steps per day after one month. Back to resistance training after 3 weeks and nearly up to my pre-surgery routine. Back to  yoga and slow regaining abdomincal strength. Full of energy. Calorie intake has increased from about 300 per day (first week) to about 900 per day (surgeons recommendations).  Discovered new protein foods like powdered peanut butter and nutritional yeast. Discovered that low fat yogurt and ricotta and cottage cheese can be quite yummy. Discovered that i can survive quite happily without alcohol, cofffee or sugar. Discovered that its incredibly empowering to be able to decline sweets and treats because I truly have no interest in them now.
CONS: I nearly killed myself because my feet got tangled in my too-loose pants at the top of the stairs. I pee twice a night. I don't poop nearly enough. My hips and butt kinda hurt from joint pain, I don't know why.  I do get pretty tired in the afternoon. I have some insomnia but I found that if I have a little snack before I got to bed, that I sleep better. 

I am now working as a server at Cracker Barrel, sometimes able to do 2 back to back 15 hour days which is a long way from where I was 1 year ago. But I am now down 197lbs @ 16 months post op

The worst dumping episode
On Friday night I had the worst dumping episode to date. I have had nothing like it so far, just mildly and immediately after I have eaten, this was a case of late dumping.
I didn't eat much or as regularly as I would normally do, as I had the day off, and things are never how they usually are. I also donated plasma in the morning, not that I have ever had problems with that before.
In the afternoon I had a few reeses covered pretzels (Yes, I know) and didn't think anything of it. I was playing with my dog on the floor, was a little tired, but nothing unusual, and then woke up over and hour later. I was shaking, heart racing, sweating, legs like logs, stomach not too happy.
I knew I had to eat, so managed to get some food in me, forced myself to walk my dog half a block and then went to bed and stayed there for 12 h. On Saturday I still wasn't back to normal, a friend also telling me that I was extremely pale. As the day progressed I got better, and Sunday was no problem, went and worked out as normal.
But what a horrible experience. Guess who has another intensive to stay away from sugar.

Today is a special day!  I'm 6 months and 3 days postop, and the scale now reads the same weight I was when I graduated from High School (215)!  Ok, so .. yes, I was fat when I was 17!  Lol.  After graduating, I started dieting, and so from the ages of 18 to 23, I usually weighed somewhere between 145 and 200.  But after turning 23 and having had 3 pregnancies, I never got back down to onederland... (I'm almost 39 now).  

9/5 - Went to my for my 6 month Check up. I am good. My hair falling out has slowed down a lot. Thank goodness!!! I am doing well. He wants me to increase my exercise. My workout increase below: 
1) Weight lifting: 
From 3 days to 4 days. From 30 minutes to 1 hour. 
2) Bikes: 
From 4 days to 5 days. From 30 minutes to 1 hour. 
3) Walking: 
From 10,000 to 12,000 steps 7 days a week. 
9/6 - I went to the gym and worked out. I was feeling myself today. I have stayed at the Onederland and I am happy to post that picture. Finally sticking!!!!
Worked out with the trainer. I an really proud of this success. 

This weekend I purchased my first high fashion designer dress, that was not on clearance. Since I am kinda weight stable I decided to treat myself. I love clothing and I have always wanted to own a high end designer dress but I obviously I could never fit them before. It feels so good to go into a luxury store and have the sales people cater to your every whim. I am enjoying playing dress up with my new body so much!

Haven't been on in a while. Started at 355 now at 215.

I was soooo jealous of the people in my support group. I was really like why do I not look like them and why am I not losing like they are? Then I did a side by side comparison for support group and noticed it. I really could not believe the difference. Sometimes we truly have to look backwards to see how far we have come. I never liked comparing myself to others but I always felt a little way about people reaching their goals faster then me. However, after this picture, I will never feel that way again. I am proud of my success and how far I have come. Granted I am starting to notice lose skin, but I will take that over being unable to jog up the steps or run across the street. 
After reaching the goal of 200 lbs (finally dang I thought I would never get there lol). I went to the Spa. I was soo proud of myself and how I looked. I even got myself a Male Masseuse. He even complimented me on how soft my skin was and how well hydrated it looked. I felt so pretty with my facial and nails done. I did not worry if the bed was going to hold my weight or if I was going to fit on it. I fit just fine. 
Afterwards me and my mom went to Buffalo Wild Wings (Her favorite Spot). I was able to fit into the booth without having to suck my tummy in, lift it up or push it down. I looked at my mom and I said, "Mom I fit!! I really fit!!" She started laughing at me. The Waitress was really confused. My mom told her, "My annoying daughter lost over 60 lbs and now can fit in the booth..sooo...this is an important moment for her." 
Went to visit my Dad and he was shocked to hug me. (Note: My Dad lost a lot of his eyesight to Diabetes and he now takes very good care of himself. He was one of the reasons why I wanted to change). He said, "Moocha!! I wrap my arms around you now!!" I said, "Daddy so can I lol !!". We spent hours talking about Game of Thrones and how much weight we have lost. My dad used to weigh almost 385 lbs. He now weighs 220 lbs (he did this by going vegan and working out). I am very proud of him. It has taken him 2 years but he never gave up. The man is amazing. 
I have placed a picture I took at the restaurant lol. 
 

This is a first!
I just got back from a 3 week vacation and I lost 5.5 lbs. I don't think I have ever lost weight while on vacation.
I eat more carbs than I usually do, I was less active than I usually am, and I didn't track what I eat, just made sure I got enough protein.
Today it's back to business, tracking and eating clean. Sunday it was 5 months since I started my 2 week pre-op diet, and I'm down over 78 lbs. A few years ago it took me a whole year of diet and working out 6 days a week to drop 67 lbs. Insane.

Sooo...I decided to keep a pair of brand new dress pants that I've never worn from the past two years (that I could also never wear due to them being way too small) for when I need a pair to wear. I decided to try them on this morning (for an important appointment this week) and they are now too big! Lol. 

Major NSV: ordered a dress from Land's End in medium. Didn't realize I ordered petite. And it fit. A little shorter than I would normally use, but I felt really comfortable wearing it. Win! 

16 weeks post op yesterday. 18 weeks since pre op diet. 70 lbs down. Unbelievable really