7 Months

Well, it was a bit of a quiet month as far as weight loss progress. 7 month mark was 98 lbs lost. How frustrating to be so close to a big milestone and not be able to push past it!

I decided to stay OFF the scale for 2 weeks and just focus on protein. Results will come up with my next monthly update! :)

As for the workout playlist contest, I have a first and second place winner! First place winner is Melissa S. She sent me 2 separate mixes with some additional songs and remixes that have expanded my music collection. Not sure which is my favorite, as some of the mash-ups were amazing!!! Second place winner is Kristi E. who introduced me to some new Latin songs to keep pushing through my workout with a smile on my face. Thank you to every one who helped me expand my music choices for working out.

Stay tuned for the 100 lb milestone and 100 lb food donation!

6 months came and left!

Hi everyone!

I am sorry I am so late in my 6 month update. Life has been so crazy I just haven't had time to process it all.

As you can see in the pics above, I am still shrinking, though the shrink rate has slowed down a bit. 96 lbs total weight loss since my highest weight!

February was a busy month! I went to 2 hockey games, babysat my favorite munchkins and had our first annual girls' weekend in Nashville, TN! We walked everywhere, and I was able to keep up with my two "normal" friends. It was so amazing to walk around and not worry about when I could sit down to catch my breath. I think I may have worn them out for a change!

5K update - I tried to register for the Color Run but it sold out in record time! They opened an encore race the following weekend, but I am scheduled for tea with some very important guests. I am waiting to hear back on registration for San Francisco in the end of July. All my California friends need to sign up so we can walk/jog/run together!

That being said, I have not selected a winner for the playlist contest yet, so send in your suggestions soon!

Post-op effects...hair loss *knock on wood* has stopped and my normal hair is growing back. Loose skin...becoming more evident and is getting in my way. I am wearing tanks that have tummy control to try to hold up the loose skin so that it doesn't bother me during the day. When I roll over in my sleep, I sometimes get stuck on my stomach, like when you roll over and a sheet is stuck under you, except it's skin. ha, I laugh at myself with this imagery. I apologize if any one gets grossed out by it.

I continue to do water aerobics, and I recently started a new class at the gym - TRX suspension training. I already see more definition, and you will see it in the next update! THANK YOU to my awesome trainer Lynn who kicks my tail and then encourages me to keep going strong. And thank you to the makers of epsom salt that helps relieve the pain afterwards.

Hope everyone is doing well!! Until next time.

5 month update a few days late

I am not sure how February became so busy, but I lost all track of time!

I am loving the changes I'm seeing. Apparently others are noticing, too. A lady that works on my floor ran into me in the break room and commented that I was just melting away. What a boost!

I have also started seeing a chiropractor who has identified some issues with my spine we need to do some serious work on, but he is optimistic and even said I may end up 2 inches taller if it all gets straightened out. Treatment is definitely helping me as my posture adjusts to carrying less weight all around. Sleeping is slightly easier.

My weight loss support group leader always says our goals should not be solely based on the scale, but as of January 31, I hit the 88 lbs weight loss mark. I've lost a lot more since then, as I caught the stomach bug earlier this week. Trying to stay hydrated was hard in the beginning, but it's gotten easier. People ask what you do post op when you're sick. Well, you're sick just like you were pre-op, but you have to worry more about hydration because once you're dehydrated, it gets bad fast. Post op I'm also back on my diet of clear liquids for a few days, full liquids for a few days, then onto mushies. My stomach is so tender, and I really do have to be gentle with it. The nice thing (if there's anything nice about being sick!) is that I still haven't felt hunger, so going back to fluids has not been difficult.

This past month I have also come out of my shell even further. At a hockey game a few weeks ago, I was selected to participate in a contest on the big screen and I hammed it up. I loved every minute of it!

Now for the fun part - where am I going?

My goal was to hit 100 lb lost before my 6 month mark. I'm not as concerned about it although I sure would like to click that box regardless of what day it happens. What I plan on doing when I hit that 100 lb mark is to donate 100 lbs of food to my local food shelter. I will definitely take a picture so you can get an idea of what 100 lbs of food looks like.

(When I hit the 88 lb loss, I carried my dog's 44 lb food bag around and still couldn't wrap my head around that I've lost 2 of those!!!)

First fun thing: I would really like to challenge my readers to donate food to their local food bank as well! Some of you have told me how I have inspired and encouraged you - let's use that energy in a practical way to help others, too. When you give, please share your story with me!

Second fun thing: I want to complete a 5k in the next 2 months. I'd like to come up with a playlist to jog/walk/sprint to. I want you to submit your playlist ideas to me on here or on Facebook or in email. If I use your playlist, I will give you a iTunes gift card! *This giveaway is not sponsored by Facebook, Blogger, Gmail, or any one other than me.* Winner will be announced in my 6 month update.

I always look forward to your comments and feedback, so don't be shy. Until next time!

What a difference 2 years makes!!!!

My mom chose today to take down our Christmas tree and decorations. One of the pictures she found while cleaning was one of me that was taken about 2 years ago when we were in the North Georgia mountains. My dad and I went back for a daddy/daughter date in November and tried to remember where the picture had been taken so that we could do a comparison view. So we didn't get the exact spot where the original was, but not too far off!

The funny thing is, when I see the picture from 2 years ago, I don't think I ever saw myself that big in the mirror, or even in the picture in the previous 2 years. My mind somehow morphed the image to match what I saw in the mirror. Seeing these two pictures in contrast, however, has been insane! I am starting to see the new me in the mirror, and I am enjoying it.

For your viewing pleasure....

What a difference!

What I'm leaving behind with 2011

What I am leaving behind in 2011:

• The 300 lb club
• Super morbid obesity
• Morbid obesity
• Plus size clothes
• 78 lbs
• Pain in my knees after 30 minutes of exercise
• 85% of my stomach

Things I am looking forward to in 2012:

• Onederland
• More clothing options
• Sassy attitude shining through
• Jogging a 5k instead of just walking it
• Sculpting muscles to add shape
• More hair (okay, so I am slightly superficial)

I reflected on this year with my parents over dinner, and it has truly been a roller coaster of a ride! Just a year ago I lost my job and was in shock. As I started processing the change, my brother shattered his elbow during an ice storm. As Jon began to heal and was able to finally blow his own nose, put in his own contacts, take his own blood sugar, give himself insulin, etc., my job search kicked into high gear, and I was recruited for my current job. This job brought new challenges, insurance that covered my surgery, and a great team who supported me and my desk while I was out. Everything else is just a blur to me.

I have learned my sleeve's language of sorts. I have more good days than bad days, and even the bad days are manageable. It is still hard work. Having this surgery just gave me a tool - I still have to choose to use it each day. Some people lose a lot of weight after this surgery without exercising, but my body operates differently. I lose when I don't exercise, but not nearly as much as when I do. Therefore, I must get off my tush and exercise! I have done well in this arena due to the encouragement of my coach at the Y, Lynn, and my best friend Liz whose voice is always in my head, chiding me to make the right decision. I find myself enjoying the challenges of weight machines and the movement on the elliptical. I even enjoy jogging on the trail when I can get outside.

The most exciting thing so far has been the new world of fashion open to me now that I'm down in size. I walked into Chico's and Coldwater Creek today and was greeted with respect. They wanted to help me find clothes. No "sorry, we don't carry your size" or "plus size is in this section". When I explained to them about surgery and dropping weight fast, the sales ladies at both stores were excited for me and helped me look at clothes that would transition well as I lose weight. Chico's even reminded me of their free stylist appointment whenever I felt that I was at my happy weight. "My happy weight." That could be a whole other blog post...maybe it will be next year...

Anyways, it is past 9 pm here on the East Coast, and we already celebrated New Years with England. We rang in the new year with champagne decadence truffles. It's okay, Liz, I only had one! I am off to bed like an old lady. Maybe next year I'll be all dressed up with somewhere to go. This year I am just thankful for a wonderful year, fantastic family, and amazing friends. I am going to go crawl into my heated bed and drift into sweet dreams as the new year arrives.

Happy New Year!!

3 month update - just a little late

Day of Surgery:

December 6:

As you can see, 3 months is a huge difference! I am down 69 lbs from my heighest weight, 36 lbs from the day of surgery. Some call me a slow loser because it's "only" 12 lbs/month. I have dropped inches, and I am building muscle. I have dropped 3 jean sizes and 4 skirt sizes. I have not worn this size since my freshman year of college. I cannot even believe that. WOOHOO!

I had a hard time keeping up with exercise the week of Thanksgiving and the week after, but I am back on schedule, 5 days of cardio, 3 days of weight machines. I have also started training for a 5k in March and maybe another one in April. Hoping to jog/run more than 50% of it.

The dreaded hair loss has started, although my doctor says to anticipate it getting worse, peaking around 4-6 months, before it gets better. I am already pulling clumps of hair out every time I wash it, brush it, touch it, think of it. Hopefully I still have enough hair to not get frost bite on my scalp this winter. Ha!

My 3 month follow up went well. I was hoping to hit 50 lbs post-op by that appointment, but that's okay. The inches I've lost are unbelievable. I now have to wear petite pants...never knew I was petite proportioned.

This past weekend my friend Liz and I went to see the Grinch at the Fabulous Fox here in Atlanta. I was so excited my arms fit by my side while in my seat! I had seen Wicked with my sister in the same theatre just after surgery, and I had to keep my arms on the armrest to give myself enough room to be comfortable. What a difference 3 months can make. I am SO excited to see where I am in another 3 months.

Thank you again to all of my friends, family and supporters. You help me find motivation in every day life to propel me into greater things! May this journey continue to be sweet.

2 month progress!

Hi guys,

I know I haven't been on here recently. Before I get too far, here are my progress pics:

Day of Surgery


One month out:

Two months out:
Total lost pre-op and post-op: 59 lbs as of yesterday morning.

I met with my trainer at the Y a week ago, and I am back on the elliptical! I forgot how great it feels to jog without pressure on my joints. I still enjoy the park by our house for the walking trail on a nice day, but with it getting dark earlier, it's usually only weekends when I can make it to the trail.

In another week or so I will start back on weight training, which I am super excited about to help sculpt some muscles.

My next follow up with the dr is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. In order to reach his goal, I need to lose 6 lbs a week between now and then. I think I can, I think I can. I have just noticed my trend is a big loss (10 lbs or more) then a week or two of small losses (2-3 lbs) and then another big loss, so I am optimistic to meet his goal.

I have also noticed that drinking a ton of water every day helps get me to the bigger losses, so if you see me out and about and I don't have water in my hand - I'm in trouble. ha.

I still struggle with pre-op mentalities of calorie counting and portion control. I get obsessed with calorie counting, intake and burning, but my plan focuses on protein first, then if there is any room, vegetables, fruits, and lastly carbs. Since my sleeve is so small, I barely have room for the protein much less anything else. However, I still look at calories and start to question if I am eating too much since I am at the high end of the 600-800 calories a day guideline. Still working through the pre-op thinking. I am learning to split meals or order appetizers as meals, but some days I still forget and order a normal size meal then get weird looks from the waitresses and waiters when I need a to go box for 85% of my meal. Most of them are too polite to question anything other than "Was everything alright?"

Overall, I think every day is better than the last (with a few exceptions). I love the endorphin rush of jogging on the elliptical to my music and not getting so winded I have to stop after 5 minutes. I also love watching people's reactions when they haven't seen me in a while. It's a great mood boost! I can't believe it's only been 2 months. This is a great journey, and I am excited to see what's around the next bend!