Time flies....

Wednesday May 8, 2013

It's been a long time since I have updated this blog.  Part of the reason I stopped updating my blog regularly is because I felt that my weight loss was going so slow now.  Checking my last post it shows it was on January 13th and I was 223.5 pounds.  Three and a half months later I am now 199.5 pounds.  Yes, that isn't super fast but it a constant forward progress.  My goal has changed to a mere 5 pounds a month.  Last month I fell just shy with a 4.5 pound loss.  But this adds up.  If I were to accomplish this goal each month I could weigh 169 in 6 months.  I don't know if this is realistic but it is something to work towards.  And like my inspirational quote above states, no matter how slow I go I'm still lapping everybody on the couch!  Yay, me!!!!!

It is so fun to be part of life.  I knew being obese stopped me from particpating fully in life, but I didn't realize how restricted my old life was.  I have a lot more courage to jump in and just do.  The fear is still there but fades into the background.  I feel more confident and capable all the time.  Ron and I have been embracing our new bodies and trying to enjoy life to the fullest.

I've always been a bit of a clothes fiend, but now that I'm out of fat women stores it's released a whole new monster.  I LOVE shopping!  I actually own a lot of shoes now which I never have before.  I have an organized closet full of cute and fun clothes.  I love dressing up and accessorizing.  Who knew looking good could bring such a high.  I went from a size 28 to a current size 16 in pants and 14/16 top. 

As of now the only medical problem I have is thickening of the endometrial lining.  I take progesterone for 10 days once a month but just for 3 more months.  Other than that the only meds I take are vitamins and supplements.  My skin is starting to glow again.  My hair is growing in thicker.  I'm trying to grow it out and try new styles.  I acquired solar nails.  I'm becoming a real woman.  LOL

Saturday we took a trip to Crater Lake.  Here I've lived in Oregon most of my life and I'd never been there.  What a real treat.  From there we went to see Mount Shasta.  Gorgeous!  We drove 930 miles in 2 days and saw all the beauty Oregon had to offer.  When I was heavier being in the car that long would have killed me.  But I loved our road trip and can't wait to do it again, especially when the convertible gets here.  At the hotel we enjoyed the hot tub and swimming.  Wasn't happening when I was plus 300 pounds.  A lady sitting next to me was over 300 pounds and I shared with her my weight loss journey and I hoped I inspired her to check out gastric bypass.

For any one of my friends reading my blog who has co-morbidities and has a BMI over 36, I encourage you to run to Salem Bariatric Clinic and meet with the fantastic staff there.  I have a dear friend that just had her surgery a few weeks ago and another who is scheduled at the end of May.  I can testify this was the best thing that I have ever done and Ron would echo those sentiments.  My only regret is I didn't do this years ago and could have gained those lost years and replace them with healthier happier years.

I would like to take a moment and thank the people in my life that have been such an encouragement and support.  This has not been easy but it's been made easier by so many great family and friends.  I treasure each of you!

Almost 6 months!

Constant dripping hollows out a stone.
Lucretius

I felt this quote was so fitting for my journey the last month.  I have been on a plateau for several weeks but this week I saw almost a quarter pound a day loss for a 2 pound loss this week.  I honestly didn't think much of it, but even small things can turn out great results.  It's the consistency that counts.  I need to focus on the end results not the weekly scale.

It's been over a month since I last blogged.  I have had many triumphs and reached several milestones.  First off, I've lost over 100 pounds.  Second, I can now wear my size 16 jeans.  I feel a lot better and am noticing how much lighter I feel on my feet.  

A few weeks ago we went to see an off Broadway musical at the Keller Center.  We've been season ticket holders for a couple years now.  The chairs there are quite small and very uncomfortable.  I've always tried to sit on the end row so I didn't take too much of someone else's space.  This time, I set next to the other person and let Ron have the end spot.  I didn't crowd the person in the least.  And on top of that, we took the stairs for the parking and to the balcony seats and I was not totally sweaty for doing so.  I have come such a long way.  I almost feel normal now.

My husband Ron had the surgery on December 17th.  He is doing fabulous, been off his insulin for 6 weeks with no sign of blood sugar problems.  He's now into a 34 jean and looking fantastic.  He's ready to join a martial arts class because he feels he can physically fit in.  I'm so very proud of him.  He doesn't have much more to lose to be at his goal.

When I look in the mirror now I am shocked at what I see.  I know I have a lot more weight to lose but I have lost even more.  I don't feel like the obese person that people stare at.  I fit in booths at restaurants without any problem.  I can buy clothes at regular stores instead of just Plus Size shops.  In fact, I broke down and bought my first Spanx.  My skin is starting to sag and I figured until I can have it surgically removed I should probably wear some type of support.  I went to Catherine's my usual Plus Size store.  I tried on their smallest size and it was too big.  So they had to send me to Lane Bryant's which still has larger sizes but has smaller sizes as well.  That tickled me pink!  During Christmas we tried on rings at the jewelry store and I now can wear a 5 1/2 ring.  Wowza!  My feet have shrunk and I had to buy new shoes because my old ones kept falling off as I walked.  I am just a few pounds away from being able to buy a Victoria Secret's bra.  The list goes on and on and on.  There isn't anything I do now that hasn't become better from the weight loss.

For my friends that have been reading my blog and have weight to lose themselves, I urge you to look into bariatric surgery.  It has been a life saver to me.  My husband was totally opposed to it and look, he went and signed up to have it done himself after seeing how well I did and am still doing.  I will personally be your mentor and guide you through the process.  I try to share my experience with everyone I meet, as I have a strong testimony in the results and the great gift that I received the day I had the surgery.

I had my checkup with my surgeon right before Christmas.  My labs came back perfectly.  My cholesterol is in normal range, my vitamin levels, and it showed my risk for a heart attack is now in the normal range.  I no longer have any comorbidities.  I am a healthy adult with a long life to look forward to.  

I have a lot of photos to post and share.  First I want to share my side by side wearing the exact same shirt.  The picture on the left was at my highest which was 330 pounds.  The one on the right was 226.  104 pound loss!

 Here is this years family picture.  What a difference!

   12/9/12  232 pounds

12/16/12  229.5

12/23/12  226

12/30/12  226

1/6/13  225.5

1/13/13  223.5