newmeIowa

I didn't believe the dr. and nurses when they said I might not see the scale numbers falling at some point, but my clothes will tell me I'm still losing. Well it's happening. I'm not losing the lbs like I was, but I'm down in size. I've lost 77 lbs so far and in a size 12, from a 24! I'm shopping in 'regular' sized stores for the first time in 15+ years. It's a sense of freedom that I am relishing. I'm running 3.9 miles 5 days a week, but I know I need to start weight training, squats, abs, etc. Running is an escape for me, mindless, I listen to my audio-book and enjoy the beautiful weather. But as they say - "winter is coming!" So I'll need to make a plan for my exercise routine soon. After my birthday week-end of splurging a bit and rediscovering my taste for SUGAR, I'm noticing that I'm 'craving' sugar again. So I think I'm going to go cold turkey off of anything sweet to lose my taste for it again. I know myself well enough to understand that a little turns into too much all too quickly. Feeling excited about see family at Thanksgiving who haven't seen me since before the surgery.

The nurse just called to tell me my labs yesterday look great and my diabetes is GONE! My blood pressure is down to 102/62 - amazing and the MS is still at bay. I feel so good and I'm still 56 lbs from my goal. I'm back at school and my colleagues have been wonderfully supportive and kind with their reactions to my deflated self. Had a few people not recognize me, so that's fun. The kids are so cute, they look at me with a bit of shock, but don't say anything, obviously struggling with what's appropriate in the situation. I love my job! Shopping is getting easier too. I was so excited yesterday to be able to shop in the 'regular' sized area and get XL (instead of my usual 3X) tops. Freedom! It's been blazing hot in Iowa for the last 10 days so I've been running on the treadmill, which I've named 'the evil one.' I LOVE my trail jogs in nature, but the evil one has pushed me to go faster and further, so that's something at least. Wondering if I should sign up for a 5K run in the area since I'm doing 3.5 miles easily now. I don't have a group that I'd be able to run with, so I'm leaning towards . . . not yet. Dear husband has been so wonderful, making me feel desirable again and so powerful. I love that man. I couldn't have done any of this without him.

I'm 2 and 1/2 months out of surgery and 62 lbs down. I went shopping for the first time a couple of weeks ago and bought size 16's! Last time I went 22's were tight! It made me so happy that one of my big goals is within reach - shopping in 'regular' stores. I'm jogging 3 miles now and really finding it rewarding and a wonderful excuse to have some "ME" time away from Dear Husband and my 4 boys. I survived the Iowa State Fair today just fine. I took a bite or two from my favorite things then DH ate the rest. I didn't even feel the desire to eat like I used to - shocked me! School starts this week, so I'm a bit nervous about seeing everyone again. I've decided to stop explaining my weight loss in terms of 'since surgery' and 'total loss' - I'm just going with total because those first 20 lbs. before the surgery are just as real. Now what to wear the first day back - hmmm . . . maybe I'll post that pic when I finally decide.

I jogged for the first time today since last Sept. It felt SO good. It was immensely easier without the extra 50 lbs and I was hardly out of breathe. I feel so strong and powerful. I jogged 2 miles without stopping then walked the rest of the half mile home to cool down. Dear Husband bought the XBox work out program for me and it was fun to 'play' last night - especially with the boys cheering me on. I'm going to work on these flabby abs and arms and also try yoga to get more flexible. (Was a gymnast in another lifetime ions ago.) My legs are looking awesome and my husband is all about my 'new' body! I'm down 31 since surgery, 50 since heaviest, only 2 lbs away from a huge, exciting mile stone - 200! I can't wait to be less than that tormenting number. I can't remember the last time I was below 200. Going to a get-together with work friends in two days. They haven't seen me yet, so a bit nervous/excited. Don't have a clue what I'll wear. I want to go shopping, but I'm afraid this flabby belly will keep in a huge size. I feel so optimistic for my future. My diabetes is basically GONE! The MS is behaving. I'm enjoying exercising again and I'm dealing with the food monster just fine. I'm going to recreate my body into what it should have been all these years. Life is good.

We went to our favorite German bar/restaurant on Sat. night and I enjoyed every moment. I had most of a brat (no bun), a bit of Ayinger beer and POLKA POLKA POLKA! I'm feeling like I'll be able to live a 'normal' life with this new stomach of mine. Tomorrow I'll be 6 weeks post-op and I've lost 26 lbs from day of surgery, 45 since heaviest. The weight loss is slowing down, but I'm OK with that. I'm walking 2 miles in 40 min now. I'm thinking I need to start some core work because my lower back is killing me every night and I still can't take Allieve! Grrrr! The dry skin on my face seems to be subsiding since I really focused on getting the 64 oz of water in every day - who knew dehydration would effect your skin so drastically! Off to the pool with the 'baby' - yes, he's 8 years old, but he'll always be my BABY. I have no idea why the picture is sideways - and I can't seem to fix it. Sorry.

I vividly remember trying to find something patriotic to wear last 4th and being so frustrated that everything was too tight and looked awful. This year I'm wearing a cute red top and black short shorts and feeling good. Next year I hope to be wearing a nice sundress unselfconsciously. We took a one month progress photo yesterday and compared it to one we took last Feb. when I was at my heaviest. I am awed by the difference. I think it hit me yesterday that this weight loss that I've been obsessing over for YEARS is finally happening. I saw a friend at the parade who hadn't seen me since a week before the surgery and she was surprised at my loss. Wondering what it will be like going back to school in Aug., 6 weeks from now. Hoping I'll be down another 15 lbs. by then. Still haven't figured out what to tell the students. Losing 40 lbs in 10 weeks isn't exactly 'normal.' I've developed an odd side effect - seriously dry, itchy skin. No matter how much or what kind of lotion I put on my face, I was awake half the night itching. I'm also concerned that as the fat exits my face, more wrinkles are showing up and making me look OLD! UGH! Well, dear husband doesn't seem to notice or hasn't said anything if he has. Love that man! Well one month ago today I was being taking from post-op to my room and hating life, wanting to turn back time and change my decision. Today I'm well beyond that point and very happy with my choice to change my body in order to change my life.

My doctor said to eat only when you are hungry. But I still struggle to get the 60 grams of protein in a day because I'm not hungry very much.

I felt the same thing for a few weeks post op (I'm 4 weeks out today.) Try more protein and get going on your iron pills. As soon as I started the iron pills it's been much better.