34 weeks Post-op

Almost 8 months…wow it’s hard to comprehend. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday that I was on my way to the hospital for surgery then other times it feels like I have been on this journey forever.  There are so many wonderful changes happening. More energy, more outgoing, smaller sizes, having fun exercising; it’s like a whole new world is opening up to me. I read about a Color Vibe 5K run coming near my home in June. I would love to be a part of it. I haven’t been running but just the thoughts of being able to excite me. I may end up just volunteering at this one; I think that would be loads of fun too.

A year ago, I was at a low, I couldn’t walk to the mailbox without being out of breath. I would walk into the house after a day at work and just want to eat and go to bed. I was exhausted. Don’t get me wrong life is not all roses but I have made some drastic changes. I have focused on the things I have control over…ME! Now, I’m energized! I’m sitting on go all the time. It’s simply an amazing feeling.

I was asked the other day if I still got nervous when it was time to step on the scale. Of course I do! I also keep in mind that the scale can also only tell me one thing. My weight; the scale cannot tell me how I physically feel. There have been quite a few times since surgery, I have stepped on the scale and it is the same as the week before and even a couple times be a gain from the week before. I try my best not to let it discourage me but inspire me to work even harder.  Then those days that it’s time to weigh in and I have had a loss. I feel blessed; so very fortunate that I had the opportunity to take this path to better health. Today was one of those days. I stepped on the scale this morning and I had a 2.2lb loss this week. 180.6lbs! I couldn’t be happier. I couldn’t even envision weighing 180lbs a year ago.

I know this journey is difficult and when I am feeling down and I want to give in to those mind games. I just remember myself prior to surgery and how lost I felt then. How uncomfortable I was in my own skin. Then I look at now, it’s not always easy to see what others see. My mind is still having issues catching up with my body. However, I sit back and take a few quiet moments and realize I am a different person now. I am in control of myself. I succeed because I choose to.

Catching Up....7 months Post-Op

Hi folks! Wow!! I haven’t posted since March 12^th?? What’s up with that! It seems like time just flies by lately. I have also made a page on FB, and been involved with different support groups there. So, if you are on FB check it out. www.facebook.com/ChristysVsgJourney

So…since my last post, we had my little man’s 4^th Birthday. I did not eat a cupcake (but wanted one of course). Easter, I baked a 7 layer chocolate cake…did not eat any!! I did partake in a few pieces of candy which took me days to get over those sugar cravings. I will not make that mistake again! Then my sister-in-law’s birthday at the Cheesecake Factory…Seriously?!? I got through it though. NO cheesecake for me J I had the grilled Salmon and steamed asparagus… I treated myself to Starbucks afterward. Yes, that is correct I said Starbucks, I have broken one rule of WLS. Hi, my name is Christy and I am an addict, a caffeine addict! We own a Keurig and I was being a good little sleeve patient and buying the decaf brands for myself. Then it was the night of Thanksgiving and we were hitting all the sales at midnight. I make a cup of regular…I felt the jolt and I loved it. A regular here, a regular there, it didn’t take long until I was only drinking decaf at night. Then one evening after a support group meeting stopping at Starbucks….Grande medium roast with a shot of espresso, room for cream…I am an addict. I must have coffee and the good stuff! J

I am now 7 months and 2 weeks post op. My weigh in this morning was at 182.8.  For a total loss of 86.5lbs!! At my last post I weighed in at 189.9 (six month check-up) as you can tell I had a small loss this past month. For a couple weeks, a complete stand still. That is a scary feeling!!

 I have noticed a few new things in the last month.  Eating is getting easier. I have not cared for steak since surgery until recently. It’s good to me now and the consistency is easier for me to handle. It has been difficult for me to tolerate the consistency of Greek yogurt so I just stopped trying for a long time. I started back again recently and now, it’s actually good to me. I mix in a bit of Special K protein plus cereal to give it some crunch, which seems to help too. Noticing a pattern here…consistency of foods seem to be a big thing for me. I have been trying my best to make sure I am getting all the protein required daily. I have kept it a lean meat (grilled, baked or broiled) and a steamed veggie for an evening meal. I go to the gym when I leave work and pick up my little guy (they have child care there too) and after the workout and I get home to cook, I am totally ready to eat! As far as liquids, I am throwing them back like it’s nobody’s business! I have been getting 100+ozs a day. I can tell a huge difference there!! Loving the crystal light liquid…before the crystal light packets would give me killer indigestion but the liquid doesn’t bother me at all! J

Still in a size 14…some are loose but most fit just right. Some large tops some XL. I did try on a size large skirt the other day. That felt awesome!! J I have to stop myself from buying clothes. I have been very fortunate that my Mom wears a 14 with large and xlarge. So, I have been able to raid her closet ;) Thanks Mom J!!

Still working to my next goal of 100lbs loss by Memorial Day, I made this goal when I reached Onederland so I’m sticking with it.

Have a fabulous weekend peeps!! J

Stats:

SW 269.3

CW 182.8

GW 145