hap314ness

Been awhile since I've come and posted anything, but realized I should share that on July 21st I ran my very first half marathon! And did it even faster than I was hoping!! 2:53:50 for 13.1 miles  The following week, I had a follow up appointment with my surgeon and I got a pic of me and Dr. Wallace while wearing my finisher medal. He was super excited! Now I'm featured on their website and Facebook page, and I even raised my hand to come in and speak to prospective patients at his info sessions about my experience. Right now I'm at 173.2, down from a HW of 300. First goal is to hit 160lbs, then I think my final weight goal will be somewhere around 140lbs. Excited for my next running challenge at the Disney Princess Half Marathon this upcoming February. I'll be doing the Fairytale Challenge - run a 10k on day one, then run a half marathon on day 2. Who knows, maybe I'll plan to do my first full marathon in late 2019!

As of last Friday, I dropped back into Onderland!!! Can't believe it! Last time my weight started with a one was at least 10-15yrs ago. Pic from this Saturday with my hubby and his mom at our house warming party. Other pic is me at my heaviest last summer. The transformation blows me away! As a reward for hitting this big milestone, I'll be signing up for a horseback trail ride - the first one I've been able to do in over a decade due to weight restrictions. I'm sooo excited!! I'm also training for my first half marathon - ran my first 10k on Sunday  It's incredible what I'm able to do now, and everyday I'm thankful for this amazing tool that is helping me realize some big dreams.

Eager to post some photographic evidence of my progress so far!  This week will mark the beginning of my fifth month post-op.  The before photos I weighed in at 280.1 the night before my surgery.  The after photos were taken today at my current weight, 229.8.  
Some new NSVs include being a size 0 in Torrid dresses and finding my newly purchased size 18s are getting looser and looser.  

Eager to post some photographic evidence of my progress so far!  This week will mark the beginning of my fifth month post-op.  The before photos I weighed in at 280.1 the night before my surgery.  The after photos were taken today at my current weight, 229.8.  
Some new NSVs include being a size 0 in Torrid dresses and finding my newly purchased size 18s are getting looser and looser.  

Boy has it been a long time since I visited this site!  A lot has happened since my surgery date.  My frequency of use prior to surgery was all thanks to a pretty meaningless desk job that I was laid off of as of December 1.  In the meantime, I have dealt with the triumphs and struggles of recovering from surgery, learning my new stomach and body, and trying to find another full time job.  
Just in case anyone is actually interested in my progress, here it is!  This week is my seventh week since surgery.  HW:  310, SW: 280.1, CW: 254.9  NSVs:  My back fat doesn't rub together while I walk.  I can no longer fit my size 24 skinny jeans, as they have turned out to be more like size 24 baggy jeans.  I have never been more hydrated in my life. I am able to walk up a flight of stairs without wheezing.  I can workout for longer without needing an inhaler.  I have lost countless inches all over my body.  I fit into clothes from my honeymoon in July of 2015 better now than I did then.  
Getting exercise is, and always will be, a work in progress.  Taking my medicines religiously leaves a bit to be desired.  
If anyone is interested in a more in depth description of my recovery, please let me know!  Hope everyone is well!

After many years of losing myself to weight loss and gain, many months of planning, eating better, Dr's appointments and seminars, and many many days of worrying, the time has finally come.  I'm scheduled to get to the hospital today at 12:00.  Everyone warns you about nausea after the surgery but nobody warns you about it before...the anticipation is driving me insane! I have a little tote packed with earplugs, headphones, comfy pjs (just in case), my unflavored protein, and lots of fidget toys.   I know this is going to be the start of something great for me but I might go crazy waiting!  I'm trying to stay as busy as possible but my entire body knows something big is looming and it's in overdrive.  See you all on the other side! 

After many years of losing myself to weight loss and gain, many months of planning, eating better, Dr's appointments and seminars, and many many days of worrying, the time has finally come.  I'm scheduled to get to the hospital today at 12:00.  Everyone warns you about nausea after the surgery but nobody warns you about it before...the anticipation is driving me insane! I have a little tote packed with earplugs, headphones, comfy pjs (just in case), my unflavored protein, and lots of fidget toys.   I know this is going to be the start of something great for me but I might go crazy waiting!  I'm trying to stay as busy as possible but my entire body knows something big is looming and it's in overdrive.  See you all on the other side! 

Tomorrow is the day. I don't have to be there until 2 pm and my surgery is scheduled for 4 pm. I had thought I was was strangely calm, but after it was pointed out to me that I was barricading myself on the couch with all the things I had to pack I have a clothes basket in front of me and a bunch of stuff beside me along with my sweet furbabies who love to lay next to me. Apparently I do this when I'm anxious. my way of protecting myself I guess. 
Anyway here is a picture of my sweet furbabies who are trying to help me through the anxiety. 

Had my surgery on Friday 10/27 afternoon. I was doing so well in recovery that they released me after only one night in the hospital  I've been super fortunate so far, only needing one pain pill in the hospital, and right now just taking liquid ibuprofen. I've been burping since the hospital, but today was my first day at home with protein shakes and finally started passing gas - yay! lol Most of my discomfort is from soreness from the surgery and gas pressure. No issues getting my protein shakes in and keeping them down. All of my docs were super happy with my recovery, and my surgeon said the procedure went perfectly. Here's to the start of my new life!

I have to admit, this is pretty cool

Hello everyone... I am very new here.  My weight loss journey is on the way.  I look forward to sharing my progress with the community.  

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