As of a few days ago, I weighted in at 230 pounds, a loss of 61 pounds. I was wearing a size 30/32, and that was even tight. Jeans? Forget it. Now I wear a size 22/24, and that means JEANS! My bust has gotten smaller, which isn't so bad.
I still have problems with depression, but my fibromyalgia isn't near as bad. I admit I have a hard time remembering to take vitamins twice a day and getting the requisite amount of fluids, but I'm doing all right.
Day 99 - Things slowly get better. I'm down to 224 pounds, a loss of 67 pounds. I got fitted for a bridesmaid dress 2 weeks ago, and I had lost 7 inches from my bust, 10 inches from my waist, and 7 inches from my hips since just before surgery when I was first measured for my dress. Wow! That really brought everything home to me.
I started rollerblading last week. I can go about a mile on a good day. And for mother's day my husband bought me a baby bike seat for my bike, now my son and I take bike rides almost everyday. I feel much more free..
I struggle with self-esteem. I've hit another plateau, and I've been at 224 pounds for almost 2 weeks. I know I don't eat enough, (I skip breakfast) and that affects my metabolism.
Day 109 - I'm down to 216, a total loss of 74 pounds! I'm very happy with my weight loss. I'm getting to the point where size 24 is too big, but a size 22 is a bit snug. None of my bras fit anymore. I'm not sure if I'm happy or sad about that one.
I'm a little sad about the excess skin I've developed while losing weight. That kind of puts a damper on the excitement of losing weight. From my bust up my weight loss is very apparent. From my waist down I feel like I'm the same. I'm shaped like a pear!
Day 114 - It's the day before the wedding, and I'm down to 210 pounds, a loss 81 pounds, and a size 22 pants. I still wear a 22/24 top, but only because my hips are large. I am finally getting my reward for meeting my weight loss goals. I'm going for an hour long pedicure!
Day 134 - It took awhile, but I'm down to 206 pounds, a loss of 85 pounds. Size 22 pants and 22/24 shirts are getting too big. Finding smaller clothes from when I was younger and from family and friends that fit me now is getting harder. I don't want to go out and buy clothes that fit now, because soon they'll be too big. It's frustrating losing weight, but not having clothes that fit right.
The wedding went beautifully. I had so much energy to dance, and we even went bar hopping afterward. I was, of course, the designated driver. We had so much fun! I got a lot of comments about my weight loss, and one woman even asked about the surgery. It felt so good to talk to someone about it who might be interested in having the surgery. I'm a little scared to try to initiate conversation about it with someone who is overweight, but I'd love to share my story and help other people!
I've started doing Yoga, and man do my muscles hurt! But I love it.
Day 146 - 4 days short of 5 months. I'm down to 199 pounds! Finally below 200 pounds! Total loss of 92 pounds. I bought a new swimsuit, and it is a size 18! I'm not embarrassed to wear it at the beach! I admit I got it to fit a little snug so it will fit for awhile, but I am definitely fitting into size 20 pants and size 18/20 shirts. I actually don't mind shopping for clothes now. I used to absolutely hate it. Now it's kind of fun.
I went to the hospital 2 nights ago because I was dehydrated again. They gave me another 2 liters of fluid through IV. I'm just not remembering to drink enough fluids. I think because it's summer time and I'm on the go so much more I forget how important it is to drink.
I haven't mentioned this before, but I've had trouble with constipation since surgery. It's a constant struggle because I don't get enough fluids. As for long term side effects of surgery, this is the only one remaining. I'm hoping my body will regulate itself eventually.
Day 158 - I finally hit the 100 pounds lost mark! As of today I weigh 190 pounds, a total loss of 101 pounds. I never dreamed this day would come! I can't explain how happy I am with my smaller body, more energy, and muscles! I can actually feel muscles and bones in my body. I have shoulder bones, hip bones, knee bones and ankle bones that I haven't felt in years, much less seen. :o)
When people ask me now if I'm happy I had the surgery, I try to remember what the first 3 months were like, (hell!) and I make sure I tell them about that before I enthusiastically say YES I am so glad I did this for myself, and for my family! Now that I look back, I can't imagine spending the rest of my life in such a big body and being so uncomfortable. I can't wait for what's to come.
Day 161 - I'm down to 187 pounds, a loss of 104 pounds. Size 20 pants and 18/20 shirts are getting too big.
I went for a 4 or 5 mile bike ride yesterday, and lost 2 pounds from yesterday morning to this morning. I guess pushing myself past what I felt was my limit really paid off. I take my son for bike rides with me in the baby seat in the back. We really enjoy bike rides. Noah especially likes it when he sees "big trucks" go by like semis, buses or dump trucks.
My weight loss is going better than expected. I am ahead of schedule to get to my goal weight.
Day 170 - Still holding at 187 pounds. Feeling a little discouraged except my clothes seemed to still be getting bigger on me. I can wear a size 18 bottom, and a 14/16 top. I look at myself, and I don't see a thin person, even though I know I'm losing weight. Must be from being overweight so long.
Again, I know I'm not drinking enough water. I needed a pick me up the other day, so I went to a bike shop and got an odometer for my bike. Now I'll know for sure how far I ride. But when I'm feeling discouraged about losing weight, it's hard to make myself get out there and exercise, even though that's exactly what I need.
Due to financial limitations, I haven't been rewarding myself for meeting my weight loss goals. I'm hoping to rectify that soon. I'll write again when I break my plateau.
Day 179 - Finally broke my plateau. I'm down to 182, a loss of 109 pounds. Still wearing a size 18 pants, but some XL shirts fit.
I finally bit the bullet and got my hair cut. I've been experiencing a lot of hair loss due to the surgery and not getting enough protein, so I decided it would be easier to take care of shorter hair. Also helps me see me a little differently.
I've still been biking, and I thought I would try running since I'm up to about 10 miles on the bike. I guess my body is going to need a lot of adjusting before I can run. So I power-walked for 1 1/2 miles tonight.
Day 187 - I'm down to 179, a loss of 112 pounds. Same size clothes.
I'm looking for something new to do for exercise. I still bike, sometimes I walk, but I'd like to start weight training or aerobics. I'm looking into starting a class at the YMCA. Wish me luck!
Day 189 - Down to 176 pounds, a loss of 115 pounds. It's a little hard to believe. I was about this weight in high school, but in a little smaller size. I guess the way my weight is distributed and having a baby changed that. Nothing happening with the YMCA yet. :o(
Day 196 - I'm stuck at 176 pounds! I've been pretty stressed lately, and I haven't been exercising as much. :o(
I just signed up for a new personal fitness program at the YMCA that will start in a little over a month. I get to meet with a personal fitness coach a few times and learn new kinds of exercise. I'm hoping that's what I need.
Day 213 - 7 months after surgery and down to 167 pounds, a loss of 124 pounds. My mind has not caught up to reality. It helps a little that I can shop in the "regular" girl's size clothes now instead of plus sizes. That is a huge accomplishment for me. Size 18 pants are getting too big, but an XL shirt still fits well.
I'm beating the fat physically, now I have to work on beating the fat mentally. I need to be able to go out in public and feel normal instead of feeling fat. I know with time and lots of work it will happen.
Day 221 - Down to 165 pounds, a loss of 126 pounds. It's definitely coming off slower now, but that's ok, only 25 more pounds to go until goal. I wear size 16 pants now, and a large or XL top. My sister-in-law gave me a bunch of clothes she doesn't wear anymore, and boy was I surprised when they fit! She likes to shop at all the "fashionable places".
I had nothing to do yesterday while Noah was sleeping and Jeff was flipping back and forth between the Winston Cup Race and the Green Bay/Detroit game, so I went window shopping at the mall. I went into stores like The Buckle, Vanity and Maurices and looked for clothes that might fit. I was surprised by how many did. I also felt like I was trespassing in those stores, because fat people can't shop there, so I never have. I felt like was waiting for someone to say, "You can't shop here; you don't fit in these clothes". It felt scary, but good.
I have an appointment with my surgeon in 4 days, and I can't wait to see him. I want to discuss my goal weight and the possibility of reconstructive surgery and when it will be appropriate. More scary stuff, but I am so ready to get rid of this extra skin that's dogging me.
More good news. Someone very special to me, my mother-in-law, has decided to look into Gastric Bypass surgery! I pray and think about her everyday. It makes me feel unspeakable joy that in some small way I may have inspired her to look into doing something so wonderful for herself and her family. Please keep her in your prayers.
Day 230 - Woo-Hoo, I'm down to 160! A total loss of 131 pounds.
I went to a family wedding this weekend, and I couldn't believe it: A lot of people didn't recognize me because they hadn't seen me since Christmas, before I had surgery. I don't know why that shocked me so much, 130 pounds isn't nothing. But I had so much fun, I danced almost all night, then we went bar hopping. I was, of course, again, the designated driver, but I still had tons of fun!
Day 250 - My jaw dropped today! I tried on some clothes at a very nice store, and fit in a size 12 in some pants. I kept grabbing size 14, but they were usually too big. XL shirts are a little big now, too. A Large fits better. I never thought I'd see this day. Size 12 was my goal for surgery, and here I am, and with a little more to go.
Today I weighed 153, a loss of 138 pounds! I can hardly believe it! I look in the mirror and don't recognize myself.
Ok, that was the good news. The bad news is I have been VERY tired lately. I'm taking all my vitamins and I just had blood work done, so I'm confused about what it could be. I'll see the doctor soon so maybe we can figure it out.
I also started a Personal Fitness Program at the YMCA. I'm learning how to use the cardio equipment and a couple of stretches. I meet with a personal fitness coach 4 times in a 12 week period, so next I learn about strength training machines and more stretching. My fitness coach's name is Hilary, and she is so awesome and motivating! The program is FREE for members, so check your local YMCA or YWCA to see if they offer it. I even get a smaller room to work out in, so I'm not out there in front of everyone to feel uncomfortable. I love it!
Day 264 - Down to 150 pounds, a loss of 141 pounds. It won't be long and I'll officially be half the person I use to be.
I tried some clothes on this weekend. I wear a Large shirt and some size 12 pants fit. My clothes aren't falling off me anymore, thank God.
I'm really enjoying my workout routine at the YMCA. I do 30 minutes of cardio workout, 10 minutes of strength training, and 10 minutes of stretching afterwards. Today I started abdominal exercises. Hopefully that will help with the extra skin I have hanging around.
I realized today that I have conflicting emotions when it comes to my weight loss. It's a little uncomfortable being in a thinner body because I'm so used to being in a larger body. Since my weight came off so fast, my mind has not yet caught up with my body. Sometimes I look in the mirror and think, "Wow, is that really me?" and other times I think, "Is that all? I thought I was thinner than that!" I've been assured this is perfectly normal, but it's still a little frustrating.
I read somewhere that your perfect body weight is not a number on the scale, or a size clothes you wear. It's when you can look in the mirror and be happy with what you see. That is my ultimate goal, and what I wish for any of you going through this journey as well.
Day 276 - Just over 9 months out and I'm down to 148 pounds, a loss of 143 pounds. It sure is coming off slower now. I knew it would, but it's still frustrating. 8 more pounds until I reach my goal, and only 2 1/2 more pounds until I'm officially 1/2 the person I used to be! Whoo-Hoo!
I started working one day I week mucking out horse stalls at a training stable. Talk about hard work! I used to muck stalls when I was a senior in high school, but that was about 8 years ago. It was easy to remember how to do it, like riding a bicycle, but my muscles sure didn't remember. I could barely move when I got home! But it was so worth it. I proved to myself I can still do something very hard that I did when I was younger. That was the best of all.
I'll admit even though I was sore I wanted to celebrate, so my step-dad bought a bottle of my favorite wine, and I had a small glass. It made me so tired it wasn't even worth drinking! But it was still fun.
Tomorrow is my second day on the job. I'm still a little nervous and I'm definitely not looking forward to the pain I know I will be in. I'm hoping it won't take too long for my muscles to remember what they're doing!
Day 290 - Down to 143! A loss of 148 pounds! I'm less than half the person I used to be and have only 3 more pounds to lose to meet my goal! I just bought my first pair of size 12 jeans today. I'm hoping they'll fit awhile. I would love to be in a size 10 as a final goal. We'll see.
I've started working out at the YMCA more often. My goal is to do a cardio workout 5 days a week for 30 minutes plus stretching, and strength training 3 times a week in addition to cardio and stretching. Noah loves to go the YMCA and play in the Daycare. When he wakes up from his nap he says, "Mama go Y, play on slide?" Plus my personal fitness coach is incredible. She helps me train mind body and soul.
On a sadder note, I quit working on the horse farm. I loved being there and had no problem doing the work; I just couldn't keep getting up at 5:30 in the morning. I'm on my husband's schedule and he works 2nd shift, and he can't come right home and go to sleep, so we unwind together.
I missed a lot of goal rewards I set for myself and I still plan on bungee jumping when I reach my goal, but I've come up with an alternate plan. If and when I ever had surgery to fix the excess skin on my belly I was going to get my belly button pierced. Well, I've decided not to wait. I'm hoping in the next few months to have it done, even thought it won't be perfect, and no one will see it but my husband and myself. It's just for me! Wish me luck!
Day 297 - I'm down to 141 pounds, a total of 150 pounds lost. What a milestone; and with only 1 more pounds to go to reach my weight loss goal. I'm apprehensive about losing much more, but I would like to fit in a size 10.
I mentioned before about how tired I've been. I was referred to a Neurologist for a possible sleep study. It's possible I have some form of Narcolepsy or Restless Legs Syndrome. I have a sleep study scheduled in a little over a month to find out more.
Another worry for me right now is my complete loss of appetite. I started taking Adderall XR for Adult Attention Deficit Disorder, and because it's a stimulant it decreases my appetite. Normally I would dance for joy, but I'm worried about at least getting the nutrients I need to sustain my body.
On an absolutely glorious note, I quit smoking! I haven't mentioned it until now because I didn't want to worry my family. I've smoked on and off for years, and I quit smoking before I got pregnant with my son almost 3 years ago. After surgery, about 7 months ago, I decided to have "just one cigarette". Before long I was up to over half a pack a day. Not only was it expensive but I was trying to make my body healthier with exercise and I was polluting it with nicotine and tar. Hilary, my personal fitness coach at the YMCA helped my devise a plan to help me quit. In 2 more days I will be smoke free for a month!
Ok, now for the best news of all. Since I had surgery and my mom has seen the wonderful results (as well as the hell I went through) I've been trying to talk her into looking into surgery. She wanted to lose weight on her own, and she tried very hard. Now after many discussions and research she's decided that surgery is right for her. Praise God! My mom has been developing health problems that could be eliminated with weight loss, and I'm so happy to know she is doing what it takes to take care of herself and be healthy! I want her around as long as possible. I can't explain my joy!
I also know one more special person who may be looking into surgery. I won't mention her name because I don't know if she'd be comfortable. We've both shared the pain of being overweight, and being overweight while pregnant. She is in my prayers as she struggles with this decision.
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