181... wow... takes forever..

Weight is coming off so much slower now, but slow and steady wins the race, right?  I'm at 181 now... that is 9 lbs in about a month.  So, I'm really happy!

Now... I'm on the way to 159.. I have a little way to go.  I have to lose 22 pounds by March 18th.  That is about 4 months away.  That will equal to around 6 lbs a month. I hope I can do it.  Let's just see how it works.

Either way, a friend of mine keeps saying... so, what if it takes more than 1 year to lose 100? Can't you see how far you've come.  I know my friend is right.  Still I press on, hoping to hit 100 by my surgiversary.

I also walked 6.5 miles on Sunday.  Just trying to kick start my loss.  That walk almost killed me because that same day I was struck with a serious stomach bug.  I didn't know if the walk caused it or if it was just the virus that my son and his family brought home to me.  Either way, I was not very happy on Sunday and it is still a struggle to feel well even now.

:)  I'm happy... I can see 170 something in my future!

Under 190... a STRUGGLE!

It has been a struggle to keep the scales from teetering between 189 and 190.  Finally, TODAY, the scale finally seems to be below 189, barely below...but, below.  I am hoping that it will continue to go down.  I'm not sure what has caused me to once again be stuck, but maybe it is not enough protein or not enough water...or something like that.

Either way, I am on way to my goal... Right Now I'm just trying to get to 180... got to get there..

My HUGE goal is to be 159 by my 1 year surgiversary, March 18.  My goal that seems to be unattainable is 130.  BUT, I'm hopeful.  188 used to be unbelievable...but here I am 71 pounds down.

When I'm down to 180 I will take more pictures.

FINGERS, ARMS, LEGS, EYES...everything CROSSED! :)

65 LBS Down!!! That's right.. :)

Onederland is wonderful!  This morning I did my usual weekly weigh-in and am down to 194, well 194.3, but what's a .3, really!  That is great.  65 pounds since March 2013.  I had my surgery on March 18th... so, it is about 5 months and a week.  That averages to about 2.8 lbs a week.  I'm very happy with that.  The whole reason I chose the VSG was so that I would not loose so fast that I looked like a deflated balloon, well that and the whole not moving your intestines thing.  For some reason, the moving of my intestines just freaked me out.

I am always changing my goals as I'm going along on this journey. I think my new goal now is 180.  My long-range goal is somewhere between 130-140.  I would be thrilled to be there.  I'm working on it.

I do get stuck it seems.  I know that it is natural to get stuck, but... it stresses me out.  Whenever I get stuck, I survey what am I doing that may be contributing to this being stuck?  What can I do to get the scales moving again?  In my own perception, I think there are 2-3 things I could do to make it go faster.  1.  Drink more water.  I've always had issues with this, I could go a long time without something to drink.  64 oz seems like so much to me.  I usually get in around 40 or 50 oz.
2.  Eat more protein.  This is just a rule as far as this surgery goes.  I do eat meat or eggs for every single meal, but it always makes the scale move faster.  I have to focus on that protein.  I have to remind myself that fruit is healthy, but not protein...so, i eat NUT-trition nut snacks that have 10g protein in them.  Usually when I'm stuck if I eat these for snack, the scale will move.
3.  Watch my intake.  If I start being more conscious of when/how much I'm eating it really helps.  I do think I'm eating more than 4oz.  at most meals and that is a no-no.  I'm working on it.

The best things about the VSG:

• I'm never really hungry, maybe head hungry but that's it.
• Even if I wanted to gorge myself, I cannot! :)
• It has made physical activity SO much better!
• I have more confidence
• I like taking pictures more than I used to
• It has changed my life... even at 65 lbs down.

The milestones I wished for and have achieved so far include:

• Being able to go to a regular store, like Wal-mart and buy a t-shirt of reg size.
• Getting a new wardrobe for work...(not at Wal-Mart)
• Getting out of size 26s and down into some teen numbers for sizes.
• Sitting in a STUDENT desk without feeling embarrassed. (did that this week!)
• Being able to think of travel and going somewhere without worrying if I can walk that far.
• Buying a 1X spirit shirt for school.  ( I bought a 1X and a LG!  That's another one of my goals!!)
• Being seated at a booth in a restaurant without the waitress looking at me in a pity and saying, "Would you rather sit at a table or is a booth ok?" Translation: "You know your A** is too wide for a booth."
• Seeing the other side of 200!  

Goals I want to achieve:

• Being as small as my best friend and sharing clothes
• Walking in a 5K (already registered for Oct 12 Color Run!)
• Seeing the other side of 150 lbs...cause to me that is a "normal weight" where people won't look at me and think "FAT"
• Wearing a LG shirt ... then a M
• Wearing a cute belt
• Riding on a roller coaster and not stressing that it won't close on me
• Riding in an airplane and not having to ask for a seatbelt extension

I think all of these goals are achievable now!  I am so thankful for the VSG... It is really working for me.. 

:)

60 LBS... and Onederland! :)

I'm so thrilled that Sunday when I got on the scales... it was UNDER 200!  I'm in ONEDERLAND.. :)
When I stepped on that scale, I cried!  I have not been under 200 since the year 2000.  It is so exciting and simply amazing.

It has been so slow losing lately that I thought I would never see that 1 in the front of the number.  I'm so thankful and blessed to have this opportunity to change the way I eat, and frankly my relationship with food.

Now, on to the next goal.  I can't wait to get to 179...

oh Man...only 58 lbs... SLOW, SLOW, SLOW

Seems I'm slow in losing this weight... I'm at 58 lost and ready to be below that 200 mark...

I have tried to figure out if it that I am eating too much or not enough water or not enough protein...or exactly what it is.

So... I keep going and doing the best that I can.

Fingers crossed I'll lose the last pounds and next post I will be under 200.. UGHHHHH, aggravated. :(

56 pounds down... 4 pounds and I'm 199! ONEDERLAND, here I come.

It has been a slow go lately, but I'm getting there.  I'm really happy with my weight loss so far.  I'm excited to see the scale going in the right directions.

I'm sure there are some things I could do better.... but, here are just few of the changes since my surgery:
Portion size is MUCH smaller, of course
I drink ONLY water
No sweets, just don't want them like before...
Protein snacks..

What are some things I KNOW i need to work on:
Eating more protein
Drinking MORE water
Watching what I'm eating... (less rice, fewer potatoes, just fewer CARBS in general)
Increasing my physical activity.  I'm walking daily between 2-3 miles a day, but I increasing my physical activity would increase my weight loss.

My next post I may be LESS than 200... I haven't been less than 200 since the year 2000! :)

I'm loving my sleeve!

FINALLY...50!

Finally today I reached 50 lbs.  I was beginning to think it would never happen.  I just kept teetering between 210 and 208.  Finally, today... 208.

Now, my next goal is to get to ONEderland!  I'm ready to be under the 200 lb mark.

So, when I went to the dr. everything went fine.  They were pleased with my results.  They said my weight loss is going great.  I talked with them about being stuck between 210-208... and they asked what kind of snacks I was eating.  I told them that I've been trying to do low calorie snacks, mostly fruit.  They said that might be my problem.  They say I need PROTEIN snacks.  So, I took the advice of my friend that had surgery 3 weeks before and got NUT-trition.  10G of protein.

I also went on my own and got a food scale, just to make sure I am not eating over the 4 oz I'm supposed to.  I don't want to go backwards... I want to move forward.  It has been slow lately, so now I'm going to be even more mindful of what goes in my mouth, how much I'm eating, exercise, and make sure I'm eating protein first.

That's really all I know to do.... keep your fingers crossed for me.  And if anyone is reading this blog, leave a comment.  I would like to hear from you.

Now for before/after pictures...

BEFORE SURGERY pics in November at highest weight 258--AFTER in JUNE at 209

Come on 50 LBS! I'm waiting...

I am 49 pounds down...I wanted to have lost 50 before the dr., but it doesn't seem that's in the plan.  I'm not getting discouraged.  I've increased my walking to 3 miles a day.  I'm watching what foods I eat.  So, since I KNOW that I'm doing everything I can, I have decided not to worry.  I have confidence that I will lose it eventually.  I am hoping to lose 70-80 more pounds.

Starting weight 258... Current weight 209. :)

Will post pictures soon... 

Getting used to my new stomach

I think I am used to my new stomach.  I have learned how to discern how much I can eat compared to a normal person size meal.

I'm walking 2 miles in the morning and 1-2 miles in the evening.  I feel SOOO much better!  Finally, I'm getting to change clothes.  This week I am cleaning out my closet and getting rid of those size 26s! I'm thrilled.  Now, I'm wearing some 20's..

Although my weight loss is slow at 1-2 pounds a week (sometimes 3 pounds),  I like seeing it slowing going down.

For those that wonder:  My weight before surgery was 258 (highest weight was 259)... my current weight is 210!  (48 lbs gone)...

THRILLED THRILLED THRILLED!

Every now and then I get afraid that something may happen and it will be like all my weight losses before, a few pounds off and then the climb begins again.  I am being very conscientious about the fat in my food and the sugars.  I make sure that everything I eat has less than 5grams fat... and 15 grams sugar.

Overall, I think I'm doing good.  I have a dr.'s appt on June 28.  Let's see what they say.

43 down... and walking has made the difference!

Well, last weigh in made it 43 pounds.  Slow and steady wins the race!  I'm so glad that I'm making progress.  I am finding myself less interested in food.  Food is not longer my go to thought.  I'm just not hungry.  I'm feeling proud of my progress.

The weight loss (even 43 pounds) has made me feel like a new woman.  Finally, I can see the shape that has been lost.  I look better and feel better in my clothes.  I love that.

I started a serious walking regiment.  Last week I walked 16 miles in all!  I am walking daily, usually twice a day.  I haven't made it to being able to walk 3 miles without any issue, but I do walk 2 - 2.75 miles.  I just want to feel better and be healthier.

I will say this about the VSG... already, I'm glad I did it.  I feel better than I have in years.  Pictures soon to come. :)

one more pounds makes 40!

That's right, I'm down 39 pounds.  I'm really happy about this.  I'm feeling energetic and happy.  I'm able to do so much more.  When I lose another pound, I'll post a picture.

I am feeling more normal and getting used to the amount of food I can eat.  I'm happy with my choice to do the VSG... I have a really strong feeling that it is going to CHANGE my life!

If you're thinking about doing it... I can tell you, I'm SO glad I did.

I started at 258 lbs... now I'm at 219... I can't wait until I get to the 100somethings.  Onederland... that's what I'm ready to see... ALMOST... 20 pounds and I'm there. :)

2 more lbs down...3 sizes.

Ok... another 2 down.  This time it is 36 lbs!  The crazy thing is that I actually weighed in the week and was up 2.  I thought I was going back.  I was 32 lbs down and it freaked me out.  So, then I weighed on my regular day... 36!  So, I'm not complaining.  Now, let's hope that I've lost 2 more this week.  We will see.

I am making sure that I don't weigh during the week this time.  That will be for the best I think.  One great thing is that people at work are beginning to notice.  Several people mentioned my weight loss AND I also fit in the clothes that Aunt Dianne gave me that did not fit before!  I was very excited.  From size 26...to size 20. :)

Ready for size 16....

Update... :)

Well, as of Sunday morning... I've lost 34 pounds.  I said that I will be happy if I can lose 2 pounds a week.  I will be... but, something human in me  (if you can believe that) thought I would have lost more.

This Thursday, I will be back to regular foods.  I am going to make it my rule of thumb not to have anything with 5 g of fat or 15 g of sugar or more.  I want to continue to lose.. going down is so much better than staying the same.  AND FINALLY today, someone said, "your weight is really going down."

Also, I've been walking about 1 mile a day.  Today I decided I wanted to try to do Couch to 5 K.  So, I found the app and downloaded it.  It is the coolest thing ever! You can choose the voice and it plays your music on your IPHONE.  Today I walked for about 30 minutes.  walking 1.5 min and jogging 1 min.  I hope to someday feel fit enough to do a 5K with my best friend, Mindy...or my new gastric sleeve friend, Crystal.

Well, that's about it.  I am hoping for more weight loss with the walking going at full speed, finally.

It is official: 31 pounds gone... YEAH!

The dr. visit went great.  31 pounds gone... The dr. says I'm doing fine. Just keeping adding to my water intake.  Also, she put my mind at ease about the protein shakes.  She said they prefer we do not use protein shakes.  Thank goodness since those shakes sit in my stomach like a rock.

I go back in June, so I'll let you know how that goes.  Right now I'm just really happy I seem to be healing well... and I am going down in my weight.  What could be better?? 

Dr. Visit today... What will the verdict be?

Today is my visit with the doctor.  I think that now I'm doing well.  I feel normal, my energy is back... no pain in my side and no complaints.  I hope he will say I can lift 30 pounds and vacuum again.  Fortunately for me, my niece has been helping me out with those things. Just cannot get that teenage son to do much... in his defense he is going to college and working.

The worst part of a doctor visit for me is the weighing.  I hate having to weigh.. I hope I have lost an adequate amount of weight.  I think I've lost 31 pounds in all.  I am happy about that, but will they be?  I'll let you know this afternoon.

Another thing about my VSG food stages... I started soft foods yesterday!  I was SCARED to eat... it has been so long since I had food to chew.  Anyway, I had grilled fish and mashed potatoes.  I ate mostly fish, very few potatoes.... but, honestly not much of either and I was satisfied and not hungry.

I hope that I can "Rock my Sleeve" and lose all the weight I'm hoping to lose.

Have a good weekend!

I really wanted to share this video... I hope it helps those just starting their liquid diet...It helped me.

I wanted to share this video of my sweet nieces and my little great-niece.  I remember when I started my liquid diet, I was terrified that I would NOT be able to do it.  They sent this video to encourage me and it really did.  I watched it every time I felt down and it helped me through.  It still makes me laugh like crazy!  Oh by the way, my great niece & great nephew call me "Rah Rah"...hence the name in the video.

So, far all those about to start that 10 day liquid diet before surgery... I hope this gives you a boost.

"DRINK your liquids, DRINK, DRINK your liquids!"

The Stages...

The one thing I have noticed about these food stages is that by the time it is nearing that second week, I'm MORE than ready to start the next stage.  Take puree for instance, I was super excited to start it...now I'm ready for it to end.  I feel like I've exhausted all my pureeing expertise (which I have none).

Anyway, I did lose 2 more pounds this week.  That means I've lost 30 in all.  I think that is awesome, especially since my 1 month surgiversary will be April 18th.  Still keep in mind, I'm counting all weight lost, meaning I am starting from my liquid diet until now.  My weight loss since surgery is about 13 pounds.  So, maybe that will put some perspective on the weight loss success.  I'm still super pleased with that!

Highest weight: 258lbs.

Current weight: 228 lbs.

I'm going to be excited to reach that 199 mark... lol.

What I'm eating is pureed chicken, pureed tuna, pureed lasagna, pureed chili, and more of the same.

Protein drinks still sit like a rock in my stomach and I just cannot manage them for some reason.  I go back to the doctor on April 19th, so let's see what he says.  I hope that I'm doing ok.

OHHHH, and I started walking this week.  Saturday was an especially gorgeous day to be out there walking.  I'm feeling good... and just hope I continue having success..

Pain in my side... GONE!

Good news!  Suddenly and without warning, the pain in my side just vanished.  I woke up Friday morning and everything was feeling great.  I'm relieved.

Eating has been much more like eating since the puree stage.  It is much more tasty.  So, for all of those still in the liquid diet stage, just be patient, because puree is the yummiest.  My niece, Christy, saw me today before we went to my little great-nephew, William's t-ball game.  She had a fit saying that she could tell I had lost weight.  I can feel it, but it's only the beginning with a LONG way to go.  I'm hoping for 100 more pounds.  :)

So puree has gone like this:  Thursday night 1/2 cup pureed roast with potatoes and carrots; Friday for lunch the same; Friday for supper the same.  Saturday breakfast a 1/2 cup protein shake; lunch grilled chicken with tomatoes and a little bit of ranch dressing pureed (DELICIOUS); supper the same.

I have finally come to terms with the fact that my eating is forever changed.  I'm not unhappy that everyone else gets to eat ALL they want, finally.  Now, I'm very happy with my decision and I'm just ready to see the results!!!

I want to rock my VSG! 

Yay for PUREE!!

It has been 17 days since my VSG... So, what's new since my last post?  Well, there was a pain in my right side that was no near any incision.  That made me nervous and it kept getting worse.  The more I walked during the day, the worse it got.  So, I called my doctor's office.  The nurse said that although this pain was not typical with VSG, I had had major surgery and it may just be muscle soreness from all the vomiting I did in the hospital.  So, today it seems some better.  My next appointment is April 19th, so we will see.

Good news, today is my first day of puree!  I didn't start until tonight, but WOW it was wonderful.  It looked like baby poo, but tasted like food.  Let me knock these two weeks out.  I know it made my stomach feel happy. :)

Just thoughts...Need to get off my chest.

It has been 11 days since my surgery... and I have had a thousand thoughts.  I can definitely say I am in a bit of mourning for my old eating habits.  I know that is strange to say with my WHOLE new life ahead, but it's true.  And I want above all else for this blog to be honest.  Every time I see a commercial with fast food, an ad in the paper, I think about my old eating habits.  I just wish I could eat a double cheeseburger and fries.  Now granted, I am NOT hungry... at least my body isn't...but, my head-- that's a different story.  I'm sure that other people who have eating disorders can understand.  It is my addiction to food.

I just keep reminding myself that I am going to feel so much better in just a few more pounds.  This VSG is going to be the tool I need to make the life change I HAVE to make.  There are reasons I went to this drastic measure.  #1 I want to feel better.  #2 I want to be able to enjoy life with my family.  I don't want to always worry that I can't keep up or that I'll be the person that holds them back.  #3 I want a change! #4 I want to be able to go into ANY department store and buy a shirt right off the rack!!
There are a million other reasons, but those are just a few.

Another reason for this blog, as I believe I've mentioned, I don't want to drive people crazy with my ramblings about weight loss.  I can tell already that my neice, Christy, does not want to hear it... :)

Today, I am going to buy a digital scale and a blender (for the pureed stage that starts next Friday).

Now, about my weight loss... I started before surgery at 258 pounds, on March 18th I was 241... and today, March 29th I am 230!  That's 28 pounds from my start weight!  I'm glad for that.

So... What am I "eating"...

What am I eating?  Well, you cannot call it eating.  As a matter of fact, I'm still on liquids until next Thursday.  So, my "meals" consist of mainly water, 1/4 cup of strained soups, and sometimes a little Silk.  I have tried to take my protein shake back in, but it KILLS my stomach.  I'm not sure why, but that protein shake sits like a rock.  So, the dietician suggests I try just a little Silk.  That will give me some protein on these days when I really can't take in anything.

The great news about all of this is, I'm not hungry.  That is the strangest feeling.  To go from what I considered "normal" hunger, to NONE!  What a weird feeling.

Anyway, hopefully I will have something new to report when I get to the pureed stage next Friday.  My friend, Crystal, who had the VSG about 3 weeks before me, is keeping me informed about her changes in stages.

The main reason I'm doing this blog, is to just get out there what I am thinking and feeling throughout this journey, so I will not worry my family completely to death.  :)

Don't you always hate those people on diets that are losing weight, constantly talking about it... I don't want to be that girl, well.... except in this blog. LOL

It is Official..I'm SLEEVED!

It is official, I was sleeved on Monday, March 18th at approximately 9 AM.  I wasn't afraid on Monday, although I had no idea how I would feel on the day of surgery.  This has been an insane journey.  It all started about this time last year.  Going to see my regular doctor each month for six months and then going through all of the hoops to get the surgery approved by my insurance company.

I think the thing I was most afraid of was the 10 day liquid diet.  I thought there was no way in the world I would be able to go without solid food for 10 days, but I DID IT!  I surprised myself.  I won't pretend that those last three days on clear liquids was easy or fun...but I realized I am a strong woman.  It also made me positive without a doubt that I wanted this surgery.  I really wanted it.

So, Monday, I was strong in my resolve.  I woke from surgery and wasn't in that much pain, but just as I had warned the doctors and nurses, I was SOO nauseous.  I spend Monday-Wednesday throwing up every single time I awoke from my drug-induced sleep.  My poor son, had to keep the bucket handy.  The first night I was throwing up blood and felt sure that there was something horribly wrong, but after the upper GI the next day, all was well.  So, when the blood stopped coming up, then came just bile, because there was absolutely NOTHING I could throw up having had no food for so long.

Then, on Thursday, all the vomiting stopped!  I got to eat ice chips.. and I got to go home the exact same day.  It was a longer hospital stay than I had anticipated.  Overall, the journey was good.

I had my post op appointment with the doctor on Monday.  I was pleased... and they were pleased.

My starting weight was 258 pounds... on day of surgery I was 241 pounds... and Monday i was 239!

I'm excited for the rest of this journey and pray that I will be as successful as I want to be!  I want to rock my sleeve and become a new and more healthy ME!