nygurl

Well, I hit ONEDERLAND on June 6th, and have dropped another 3 pounds since then. It feels great to know that those #s are behind me, and will be gone for the rest of my life now. I'm 6 pounds away from hitting 50# total loss post-op. It's a great feeling being more active, wanting to work out, knowing that each healthy choice I make is finally actually making a difference in my end weight...whereas before it felt like all work and no pay off. I'm so glad I made this decision for myself, there has not been one day of regret so far. My sisters and my dad are all talking about having the surgery now too, which makes me feel good, like I made the right choice- and they can see the positive changes it's made in my life- and they want it too. My size 14 jeans are literally falling off of me, but I HATE to buy new jeans, knowing soon enough- they're going to be too big too...random, isn't it?! Just wanted to check in, I told myself that I'd blog as much as I could on this journey to keep folks informed, and maybe someone out there deciding on the surgery will be able to see this thing through from my perspective, and it'll help them make their own decisions.

Keep it up mokee! I found having a goal to work for really kept me motivated to get up and do that extra work out- or drink that extra glass of water...and yes- pass up that unhealthy snack for another one. I hit 197 today, the weight is for sure coming off slow and steady...just have to keep plugging along I'm rooting for you!

So excited to share that I got on the scale this morning and I've hit ONEDERLAND! I was really getting frustrated, seems I've been fighting this same 5-10 pounds for what feels like forever. I know a lot of folks on here have been so supportive, and have tried to help keep me in the reality of "two pounds a week" is a great loss, and more than I'd have lost before-- but it's easy to get wrapped up in getting on the scale and not seeing what we deem a "significant" enough change. I guess that's part of my own downfall that I still need to work on. My sisters especially have mentioned it- seems I'm never happy with the way I look, that even after losing 56# (which is my total loss now ... 41 since surgyery) that I just find the next thing wrong. I've already talked a bit about this in my previous posts, so I'm not going to go on and on about it- but it kind of seems to stick in the back of my mind lately. I've also found myself having a hard time just saying, "Thank you, I've worked hard" when someone notices my loss- seems I'm always quick to be like "Oh tahnks, but I have a lot more to go", or "Oh thanks, but I still look terrible" I've been making an effort when someone notices my loss to simply tell them, Thank you mention that I've been working on it- etc, and take the compliment for what it is. It's weird to have to force yourself to think that way honestly. Started a new work out routine too- makes me feel a lot more accountable for my weight loss as well, it's the 30 day ab and 30 day squat challenge...it's no joke, and I've added my own arm work outs to it as well, hoping to tone up this lose skin. I'll keep everyone posted on the progress as I go, right now I'm only on day 7, but it feels good!! Best of luck fellow sleevers, hope to hear back from you soon!!!

Thank you I'm officially at 200 today, just teetering on the edge of ONEDERLAND. It's a great feeling, I can confidently say this is the best decision I've ever made in my life. Best of luck to you on your journey!!

Weight loss has slowed a bit- went from like a pound a day for a while there- to about 1-2 pounds a week, I find myself getting frustrated with that...but know that it's several times better than I've ever done on my own. I had to share the face shot comparison...the one on the left is from March 30 (so about 1 mo post-op), the one on the right is from today

Thanks for the feedback! I have had a few people say, "See I told you it was always going to be something" when I tell them that I want a Mommy Makeover when all is said and done and I hit my goal...makes me feel like I'm not appreciating the changes I am seeing, ya know?

OK- when I say "there" I don't mean my final goal- but I do mean ONEDERLAND! Weighed in today at 204....I have been trying so hard to stay on track and push this extra weight off...I'm about 1/2 way to my actual goal- and saying as it's only been 9 1/2 weeks, I'm pretty proud to report that I'm excited to go through my summer stuff- and toss/donate all the old clothes from fall/winter that are now way too big, and dig out the summer clothes that I've been storing for years (that used to be too small), telling myself that "eventually these WILL fit again". I'm down 3 sizes since my surgery- which is a great feeling...and even if it was an XL, I bought a new summer dress for myself in the juniors section the other day (little victories make this so much more fun!) I'm a little worried that those that knew me best were right, that I've become so hyper-critical of myself that I'm still not pleased with what I see. I feel better- don't get me wrong, but I'm already mentally planning to get pretty much a full-body makeover when I'm at my goal. A plastic surgeon in the area does what he calls a "Mommy Makeover"...tummy, arms, thighs, boobs...SIGN ME UP. Anyone else feel that way? Anyone else a little worried that you'll NEVER look in the mirror and just be happy with what you see??

I just remember being so nervous about the decision I was making, and worrying that it was going to be "for life" once I went under the knife...and it is for life...but it's a much better life than I ever could've hoped for now that I'm on my journey!

Good morning! After a solid week of battling the same damn pound, I dropped it Monday, and two more since then It is a great and rewarding feeling to get on the scale and see those changes. It makes the extra time it took to dig out a weight watchers recipe and cook versus grabbing fast food that much more rewarding. The weather is finally breaking here in Michigan, and it's beautiful out!! Can't wait to get out and walk every single day again- I miss it sooooo much! I'm back horseback riding again, which wasn't something I had given up due to my weight or anything...but I kind of see now, looking back, I gave up a lot of stuff indirectly becuase of my weight. I didn't feel like going out, I wasn't in the mood, didn't have the energy, etc. I love getting out now- getting dressed and going out in the world. I'm almost to my 1/2 way point in my journey...down 49# total, with 56# more to go. I'm excited to start seeing myself IN pictures with my kids, instead of just standing behind the camera all the time. I'm excited to get dressed and know that nobody is noticing me for what is or isn't showing- it's like an entirely new outlook on life. I have always had my weight weigh really heavily on my mental well-being and my attitude, so I'm glad to see as I shed pounds, my attitude changes, my life is better, and I'm so much happier! Had to share some uplifting stuff today- I know that I haven't been on as much, and I want to be able to track my journey on here as well as maybe help someone out that is questioning if this is the right choice for them or not. I know everyone is different, but I would do this for myself 100xs over if I had to. I finally have my LIFE BACK Have a great day y'all!

Thanks!!!!! I figured since I'm on here often worrying, complaining, and asking questions- the least I can do is share my progress too!! I couldn't do it without all of you guys!!

Had to share Pretty damn proud of myself!! Left to right (Jan 2103- pre op, 3/30/13, 4/22/13)

Sherrie. I broke my stall since this last post- and hit 29# today on the scale. I finally saw it today in a picture I took of myself...I'm telling you- I am JUST like you. You HAVE to keep your head up- start believe when people say you look great, and suddenly- you start seeing it yourself. I had to really check my own (excuse my french) shitty attitude about how I looked. I'm leaving my old attitude in the bags headed to the curb along with the clothes that I can proudly say are too big, and will never fit me again. I opted to motivate my butt, start walking faster (and running), start working out when it's crummy outside, drink my water, hit my protein, make wise food choices- I didn't come this far to fail now. I'm gonna put my shoulder into this and push my way through to the end. You've got this too!!! Chin up- you look great, keep up the good work! (steps down off soapbox) LOL

Well, I got on the scale this morning, down 29# from 2/28 when I was sleeved. Feeling MUCH better about myself, I know I've posted a lot lately- just can't SEE it in myself yet. I bought a new shirt- in a large, expecting to put it away for the summer when I drop another 15# or so...got it home and felt brave enough to try it on and see how far I was from really being able to wear it....IT FITS!!!!!! I took a pic to send to my hubby, and when I looked at the screen I SAW IT!! I can FINALLY see the change in myself I think people are right- we see ourselves everyday, we most likely have a negative view of ourselves in our head that seems hard to shake....it takes a good 30# to see a change. I still have trouble seeing it when I look in the mirror, but I finally saw the new me coming out in that picture today...so I had to share it. I'm loving my new lease on life, I am so greatful that I was provided with this chance to get my life back on track before it was too late. I'm feeling very very blessed today (and kinda hot too!! ) I love this new me, and I'm excited to see what the rest of this journey has in store for me.

So, I'm excited to announce I'm over my very first stall, as stressful as it was, and am now officially down 26#! I had no pre-op diet, and was sleeved on 2/28. I'm pretty happy to see these kind of results in 5 weeks, way better than I'd been doing before with just the same ol' diet/exercise routine, The weather is also starting to break so I've been able to get out and hit the pavement...I bought myself a pair of expensive shoes I've been eyeing up for literally a year now...I walked my last pair of shoes right to pieces, and felt it was a good way to reward myself for hitting the 25# mark, while giving myself a tool to keep moving forward with the loss I'm pretty excited about it honestly. That being said- I FEEL a lot better, I'm in a smaller size jeans (Actually 2 sizes smaller from pre-op)...but I still don't SEE it. Today I was out walking with my dogs and my daugher and my own sister drove right past me, after waving and waving she finally turned around and said she didn't even recognize me! It felt great to hear that- but I seriously can't see it in myself...is it that I'm just so mentally warped on my own body image that I can't see the improvement? Is anyone else having this issue? I feel like I look exactly the same, in the mirror, in pictures, etc- I see NO change.....? Am I crazy??? lol

Seeing it go up and down when you're only at 25# total loss freaks me out- I realized too though that I've been slacking on protein, and now that I'm able to just eat regular foods again, having a hard time finding the right choices...those being things that I like and can still tolerate/eat. I'm going grocery shopping tonight and hopefully having a house filled with everything I can AND LIKE to eat/drink will help keep me better on track. Easter weekend was not kind to me-- but it wasn't terrible. I did go up a total of like 2 #, but now that's gone, plus some- so I'm still on a downward trend. I'm just still new to this, and terrified it won't "work"....seems like everything else I tried was the same way- great results at first, then it just stopped- and things slowly slipped back to old habits. I'm trying to break those now, so that this is the lifestyle change I WANT and KNOW it can be Thanks for the advice/support!!

I'm SOOO guilty of being a scale-psycho too. I told myself that I wouldn't do it. I actually got RID of my scale with my past diets, and would only weigh myself when I dropped my son off at my sister's house on Thursdays...and I certainly wasn't obsessive enough to drive all the way over there to weigh myself everyday- now I'm doing it at LEAST once daily...I got on this morning, and was back down that # I'd gained, plus another .5#...but you're right- this is not good for me. I'm thinking I might pack the scale away and go back to bothering my sister once a week when I drop my son off for daycare there that day.

Thanks for the tip!! If anything...really looking back on it- my protein intake is probably DOWN the last week or so-- I'll step it up!!

Thanks! I already shorted myself a day last week b/c the holiday weekend has been nuts- so I'm going to catch up on that day and then do my regular 3 days this week...not a good start though :/ oh well- just keep keepin' on right? lol

Ok, so I'm in a stall...have been for about 3-4 days now, and today- now up 1# from my lowest that I hit last week.....I know everyone says to expect stalls...but I'm so frustrated. I'm down 23# (up from being down 24#), what did you guys do to re-kickstart your weightloss?? I'm so terrified of this failing, this is only adding to my worry....

So, I started the couch to 5k program this week, using the online support and the app I downloaded to my Android phone for free- I like it. It just vibrates my phone when it's time to switch from fast walk/run. I started it Monday and did ok- it's a big change from being off pretty much all activity other than walking to an actual regimented work out...I did a walk yesterday, and then the couch to 5k day two is today. I'm pretty proud of myself, I was 240 post op, and today weighed in at 216 Can't complain about that. I'm not in new clothes just yet- but my old ones are falling off of me, which is finally a good feeling. I still don't see it in my body, I guess a bit in my face- and that's what people seem to tel me- plus my wedding ring is spinning like crazy on my finger- time to get one of those adjustable band attachments until my weightloss settles in and then I can go get it resized. Kinda exciting stuff if you ask me Hope all is well with everyone else!!

TES- how are you doing on your kidney stones?? I've got to go back and see my urologist in the next few weeks..I have yet to make an appt...sigh...I'm feeling much much better, they took the kidney stent out last Tuesday, for my 3rd and final surgery in as many weeks. I'm having a hard time hitting my 64oz of fluids now- I'm really worried with my history of kidney stones (had a 16mm a few years back they did lithotripsy on...) and then this one same situation, but was already out of the kidney so they had to go and get it manually....I don't want to deal with this for life- so I'm hoping to hear something promising at the next appt. Hope all is well with you!

So- this might be a longshot- I'm 3 weeks post op today...wanting to get back to riding horses again- anyone know when it's clear to do this? I could call my dr- but wasn't sure if anyone had a similar experience and could give me some insight Thanks!

Thanks for the support everyone! I guess I'm taking what I've got for granted- during the hard days of struggling to diet, while starving the entire time- I would never have lost almost 20# in less than 3 weeks, so I should be doing backflips-...I think we just get into this mentality that this big change will have the weight melting off (which...it is-) just needs a bit for our brain to catch up with our body I guess Thanks all!! Continued success to each of you on your journey as well!

I agree, I was for SURE squeezing into those jeans, telling myself, "man I need to lose weight again"...lol- so no surprise that it hasn't been a new size for me yet- technically it should've been a new size before. My hubby said he can really tell, and a few people have said they can really see it in my face especially. I'm still sporting "comfy pants" most often, so you really can't tell- and it's cold- and I'm prone to being a hoodie wear-er (lol) so I guess not seeing the change is also my fault. I've just spent so long HATING getting dressed to go places, I have old habits I need to kick I guess. I'm having purees now too- tuna fish, had some Brilla Plus pasta last night with tuna/green beans/mushroom soup it was pretty good- my nutritionist recommended them, they're a great tasting noodle with low carbs and high protein- incase anyone is looking for an option. I'm really shocked still at how little I eat- it feels good on that end

So, got on the scale today- (after being a little scale-obsessive last week), and 221 popped up. Pre-op was 240, surgery was 2/28- can't complain- it's exciting to see the continual downward trend of the scale. I still have been lower in the last year or so just working out and dieting alone, so I'm not as proud of myself as my hubby thinks I should be. I seem to be adjusting to the new diet well, I'm kind of running out of things to make- trying the famous "Ricotta bake" tonight, we'll see how that goes. I'm still struggling to get in all my fluids- seemed to have beaten the curse of trying to get in the protein and that seemed to help jump the weight loss again this week...but for only 2 1/2 weeks out, to be down almost 20# is really exciting....so why don't I FEEL like it? I don't see any change in my body, my clothes fit a bit looser, but really- I haven't even had the fun of dropping down a size yet- my stuff just went from way tooooo tight to a little loose- so I know that's still movement in the right direction. Anyone else have that "just don't feel 20# lighter" feeling? lol I'm not cleared for full workouts yet- so I'm walking as often as I can, I'm in Michigan so it's cold and wet and sputtering snow/ice as often as possible as well, which sucks. Treadmill walking just isn't as rewarding if you ask me!! How is everyone else doing on this journey?!?!