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Yesterday was 3 months post-op. I have lost 35 lbs since my surgery and 82 lbs since August of last year. I am so happy that I decided to do this for myself. I am healthier than I have been in years and I feel amazing.
I was eating a low carb diet since December of last year and recently decided to transition to a whole foods plant based diet after reading the book Proteinaholic and  doing my own research. I have an incredible support system for this change as my circle of friends from church are all vegans/vegetarians. At this point my daily carb consumption has gone from 30g to about 55-70g and my protein has dropped from 80-85 down to 50-55. My blood sugar control has remained perfect despite the increase in complex carbs. I continue to avoid sugar, white flour, bread, white rice, and pasta. 
My weight loss has actually picked up this past week, but this may just be a coincidence. I feel really good. The only slight negative I can note is am a little more drained after a run and have been unable to run my long distance of 3 miles yet. I have been sticking to 2-2.5 miles for now. I think my body is still adjusting to the change. 
I am going to post my photo because a couple of people have requested before and after pics.  It is hard looking back, but it does help show us just how far we have come and what a difference a year can make.
 

Yesterday was 3 months post-op. I have lost 35 lbs since my surgery and 82 lbs since August of last year. I am so happy that I decided to do this for myself. I am healthier than I have been in years and I feel amazing.
I was eating a low carb diet since December of last year and recently decided to transition to a whole foods plant based diet after reading the book Proteinaholic and  doing my own research. I have an incredible support system for this change as my circle of friends from church are all vegans/vegetarians. At this point my daily carb consumption has gone from 30g to about 55-70g and my protein has dropped from 80-85 down to 50-55. My blood sugar control has remained perfect despite the increase in complex carbs. I continue to avoid sugar, white flour, bread, white rice, and pasta. 
My weight loss has actually picked up this past week, but this may just be a coincidence. I feel really good. The only slight negative I can note is am a little more drained after a run and have been unable to run my long distance of 3 miles yet. I have been sticking to 2-2.5 miles for now. I think my body is still adjusting to the change. 
I am going to post my photo because a couple of people have requested before and after pics.  It is hard looking back, but it does help show us just how far we have come and what a difference a year can make.
 

I don't know what is going on, but I am dropping weight like crazy since I broke that last stall. 
8/7- 181
8/10- 177.4
8/11- 176
8/13- 174
8/14- 173.5
Is it a coincidence that I was eating mainly plant based on my week long camping trip, (we don't serve meat on any church activities), and decided to go fully whole foods plant based a few days after returning? I am really beginning to believe my body is telling me something here. I guess time will tell. I am starting to look ahead to maintenance as I think it is closer than I thought. I am now thinking that 150 may be to too low for me. when I hit 160 I will re-evaluate my goal. One thing I have noticed about eating this way is that I get fuller faster. It doesn't seem like that would be true, but it is. Maybe it is just because the foods are less calorie dense, but I have to eat more often to get the same amount of calories in as before and I feel fuller faster.
Anyway, so far so good. I feel really good and I am confident that I found the best diet that will be sustainable long term. 

I was soooo jealous of the people in my support group. I was really like why do I not look like them and why am I not losing like they are? Then I did a side by side comparison for support group and noticed it. I really could not believe the difference. Sometimes we truly have to look backwards to see how far we have come. I never liked comparing myself to others but I always felt a little way about people reaching their goals faster then me. However, after this picture, I will never feel that way again. I am proud of my success and how far I have come. Granted I am starting to notice lose skin, but I will take that over being unable to jog up the steps or run across the street. 
After reaching the goal of 200 lbs (finally dang I thought I would never get there lol). I went to the Spa. I was soo proud of myself and how I looked. I even got myself a Male Masseuse. He even complimented me on how soft my skin was and how well hydrated it looked. I felt so pretty with my facial and nails done. I did not worry if the bed was going to hold my weight or if I was going to fit on it. I fit just fine. 
Afterwards me and my mom went to Buffalo Wild Wings (Her favorite Spot). I was able to fit into the booth without having to suck my tummy in, lift it up or push it down. I looked at my mom and I said, "Mom I fit!! I really fit!!" She started laughing at me. The Waitress was really confused. My mom told her, "My annoying daughter lost over 60 lbs and now can fit in the booth..sooo...this is an important moment for her." 
Went to visit my Dad and he was shocked to hug me. (Note: My Dad lost a lot of his eyesight to Diabetes and he now takes very good care of himself. He was one of the reasons why I wanted to change). He said, "Moocha!! I wrap my arms around you now!!" I said, "Daddy so can I lol !!". We spent hours talking about Game of Thrones and how much weight we have lost. My dad used to weigh almost 385 lbs. He now weighs 220 lbs (he did this by going vegan and working out). I am very proud of him. It has taken him 2 years but he never gave up. The man is amazing. 
I have placed a picture I took at the restaurant lol. 
 

While I was away camping with my church's Pathfinder club I saw a lot of old friends. This camporee had hundreds of kids from clubs all over the area from Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. It was great to catch up and talk with them. Many of them commented on my weight loss and a few of them talked with me about their recent decision to go vegan. These friends are Adventist as am I. Our church promotes a plant based diet and many of the members are vegetarian. I have resisted the plant based diet for one reason or another over the years, but I feel like I am being led to look into this more and I have started reading Proteinaholic, by Dr. Garth Davis. A big thank you to @Newme17 for introducing me to this book and pushing me to research this. I don't know yet where this will lead me, but I am keeping an open mind and will look at the information and will act on it if I feel it will benefit my health.
My stall has broken!!! The scale said 178.6 this morning. I haven't seen the 170's for at least 11 years. I am beyond amazed and very happy with my decision to have this surgery and reclaim my health. It feels like so many pieces of my life are falling into place this year. I feel better than I have in so many years and I have made so many great friends here along the way. I am feeling blessed today.

Guess what!?  I haven't had a single bout of heartburn/acid reflux since being sleeved and changing my lifestyle diet to plant based.  AMAZING!  I believe it has to be the diet more than just being sleeved, since I've read that so many are having issues with it after being sleeved.  Makes you wonder...huh?  

I am looking forward to the cooler weather the Fall will bring. I say this as I am sitting here cooling down from my run. The humidity really kills me, but I hate treadmills so I will continue to endure.
 This morning I found the pace that feels like you could run forever and I started going over how my life has improved since last year at this same time. I weighed in the 250's with my highest known weight 255. I wasn't weighing much then because I was disgusted with myself. I had let carbs back into my diet and my weight and blood sugars were out of control. I couldn't understand why I could go 4-6 weeks and then I would just give up. I now know why. My body was fighting me every step of the way. I kept fighting though, and found a new endocrinologist who agreed to change my thyroid medication and help get my diabetes under control. I had to wait 6 months to get an appointment with him, but it was worth it. I saw him in Nov. 2016 and he was the first doctor to suggest WLS. He put the idea in my head and I told him I would think about it. He saved my life that day by having the courage to be honest with me about my weight without judging me or making me feel like the failure I thought I was. The truth hurts sometimes, but it also motivates us, or at least it did me. I was going to be put on insulin if my A1C did not come down to below 7 on my next test in April. 
Having WLS surgery gave me the metabolism reset I needed. My body is no loner fighting me every step of the way. I realized this morning that I am 74 pounds lighter than I was last summer and this is a miracle. I am on my way to being healthier, stronger, fitter, and happier in my 50's than I ever was in my 40's. 
I won't go back to last year ever. I know I can't see the future and what it holds. I know my journey won't be easy and I will stumble and fall, but I am certain with all of my being that I am moving forward and never back. As long as I keep getting up I am strong.
Have a great Monday everyone!

I am looking forward to the cooler weather the Fall will bring. I say this as I am sitting here cooling down from my run. The humidity really kills me, but I hate treadmills so I will continue to endure.
 This morning I found the pace that feels like you could run forever and I started going over how my life has improved since last year at this same time. I weighed in the 250's with my highest known weight 255. I wasn't weighing much then because I was disgusted with myself. I had let carbs back into my diet and my weight and blood sugars were out of control. I couldn't understand why I could go 4-6 weeks and then I would just give up. I now know why. My body was fighting me every step of the way. I kept fighting though, and found a new endocrinologist who agreed to change my thyroid medication and help get my diabetes under control. I had to wait 6 months to get an appointment with him, but it was worth it. I saw him in Nov. 2016 and he was the first doctor to suggest WLS. He put the idea in my head and I told him I would think about it. He saved my life that day by having the courage to be honest with me about my weight without judging me or making me feel like the failure I thought I was. The truth hurts sometimes, but it also motivates us, or at least it did me. I was going to be put on insulin if my A1C did not come down to below 7 on my next test in April. 
Having WLS surgery gave me the metabolism reset I needed. My body is no loner fighting me every step of the way. I realized this morning that I am 74 pounds lighter than I was last summer and this is a miracle. I am on my way to being healthier, stronger, fitter, and happier in my 50's than I ever was in my 40's. 
I won't go back to last year ever. I know I can't see the future and what it holds. I know my journey won't be easy and I will stumble and fall, but I am certain with all of my being that I am moving forward and never back. As long as I keep getting up I am strong.
Have a great Monday everyone!

I ran in the pouring rain this morning for the first time. It was actually not too bad except for the rain in my eyes. I am having a slight issue with my right knee, nothing serious just a twinge so I am running with a compression sleeve and following the RICE protocol. I am praying this doesn't side line me. I will be taking an extra rest day tomorrow just to be careful.

I ran in the pouring rain this morning for the first time. It was actually not too bad except for the rain in my eyes. I am having a slight issue with my right knee, nothing serious just a twinge so I am running with a compression sleeve and following the RICE protocol. I am praying this doesn't side line me. I will be taking an extra rest day tomorrow just to be careful.

I ran in the pouring rain this morning for the first time. It was actually not too bad except for the rain in my eyes. I am having a slight issue with my right knee, nothing serious just a twinge so I am running with a compression sleeve and following the RICE protocol. I am praying this doesn't side line me. I will be taking an extra rest day tomorrow just to be careful.

I ran in the pouring rain this morning for the first time. It was actually not too bad except for the rain in my eyes. I am having a slight issue with my right knee, nothing serious just a twinge so I am running with a compression sleeve and following the RICE protocol. I am praying this doesn't side line me. I will be taking an extra rest day tomorrow just to be careful.

Does anyone purposely go to bed hungry or do you eat if you're hungry right at bedtime? I've always ignored the hunger and went to bed. It's not acid reflux (haven't had any, praise God!), but real genuine hunger. I could eat anything right now. In the past (healthy days), I learned to just go to bed, something to do with making the metabolism work/calories burn, etc. don't remember exact science. Also in the past (non healthy days) I thought I'd be hungry and would end up eating a snack before bed. But that was refux.  So even though I'm genuinely hungry now. I wouldn't even want to start up that terrible old habit I had. I think I posted my status out of even thinking of getting something to eat, even if it's healthy.  

It's nice hearing "your legs are smaller" My hubby told me this on my way out to the gym. Had to look for myself...I guess he's right.

If you guys haven't tried making a crustless shepherds pie with mashed cauliflower instead of potato, I highly recommend it! I used 2 cups of mashed cauliflower, a cup of fat free mozzarella cheese, a pound of ground beef, an egg, some Worcestershire sauce, some spices, and a cup of peas and carrots and got 8 servings with less than 200 calories each. Tasty, filling, and guilt free!

It's been awhile. No reason, I just haven't been feeling anything lately. A lot happening on the personal aspect of life but overall still good.
I have finally reached a true stall. My body weight has been fluctuating between 201 lbs - 205 lbs. Slightly frustrated because my second goal is 200 lbs. I am almost there but this stall is kicking my butt. 
Went for a follow up. Nothing special except I was told I was not eating enough like I used to. It is funny because eating a lot is what got me to need the surgery and now I do not eat enough. They are right though. With me working early mornings, I can eat once maybe twice a day and then sleep the remainder of the day and do it all over again (do note: I am not a morning person). The only time I would eat a third meal this past week is on Gym day. I would eat something small once I am done working out (protein bar or protein shot) and then I head home to sleep. My new bedtime is around 5 - 6pm since I have to be up at 3:00am to start getting ready. 
So I am going to end on a good note though. A smile that has not left my face since finding out the news.....(backstory): I worked on a project at work that made sure all the integrations went in smoothly upon setup of our new system. My manager took credit for the integration and tried to change people's imagine a me at work (combative, aggressive, failing to perform, you know the usual). Fast forward a few months. The company is opening a new branch and office and she was away for two weeks doing the integration there and upon launch it flopped. Everything that could go wrong did. Oh how Upper Management mad with her since they had to delay the launch. Everytime he comes out of a meeting she looks stressed. Everything she did to me, she is getting in return. Karma Karma Karma! 

I am looking forward to the cooler weather the Fall will bring. I say this as I am sitting here cooling down from my run. The humidity really kills me, but I hate treadmills so I will continue to endure.
 This morning I found the pace that feels like you could run forever and I started going over how my life has improved since last year at this same time. I weighed in the 250's with my highest known weight 255. I wasn't weighing much then because I was disgusted with myself. I had let carbs back into my diet and my weight and blood sugars were out of control. I couldn't understand why I could go 4-6 weeks and then I would just give up. I now know why. My body was fighting me every step of the way. I kept fighting though, and found a new endocrinologist who agreed to change my thyroid medication and help get my diabetes under control. I had to wait 6 months to get an appointment with him, but it was worth it. I saw him in Nov. 2016 and he was the first doctor to suggest WLS. He put the idea in my head and I told him I would think about it. He saved my life that day by having the courage to be honest with me about my weight without judging me or making me feel like the failure I thought I was. The truth hurts sometimes, but it also motivates us, or at least it did me. I was going to be put on insulin if my A1C did not come down to below 7 on my next test in April. 
Having WLS surgery gave me the metabolism reset I needed. My body is no loner fighting me every step of the way. I realized this morning that I am 74 pounds lighter than I was last summer and this is a miracle. I am on my way to being healthier, stronger, fitter, and happier in my 50's than I ever was in my 40's. 
I won't go back to last year ever. I know I can't see the future and what it holds. I know my journey won't be easy and I will stumble and fall, but I am certain with all of my being that I am moving forward and never back. As long as I keep getting up I am strong.
Have a great Monday everyone!

I am looking forward to the cooler weather the Fall will bring. I say this as I am sitting here cooling down from my run. The humidity really kills me, but I hate treadmills so I will continue to endure.
 This morning I found the pace that feels like you could run forever and I started going over how my life has improved since last year at this same time. I weighed in the 250's with my highest known weight 255. I wasn't weighing much then because I was disgusted with myself. I had let carbs back into my diet and my weight and blood sugars were out of control. I couldn't understand why I could go 4-6 weeks and then I would just give up. I now know why. My body was fighting me every step of the way. I kept fighting though, and found a new endocrinologist who agreed to change my thyroid medication and help get my diabetes under control. I had to wait 6 months to get an appointment with him, but it was worth it. I saw him in Nov. 2016 and he was the first doctor to suggest WLS. He put the idea in my head and I told him I would think about it. He saved my life that day by having the courage to be honest with me about my weight without judging me or making me feel like the failure I thought I was. The truth hurts sometimes, but it also motivates us, or at least it did me. I was going to be put on insulin if my A1C did not come down to below 7 on my next test in April. 
Having WLS surgery gave me the metabolism reset I needed. My body is no loner fighting me every step of the way. I realized this morning that I am 74 pounds lighter than I was last summer and this is a miracle. I am on my way to being healthier, stronger, fitter, and happier in my 50's than I ever was in my 40's. 
I won't go back to last year ever. I know I can't see the future and what it holds. I know my journey won't be easy and I will stumble and fall, but I am certain with all of my being that I am moving forward and never back. As long as I keep getting up I am strong.
Have a great Monday everyone!

I am looking forward to the cooler weather the Fall will bring. I say this as I am sitting here cooling down from my run. The humidity really kills me, but I hate treadmills so I will continue to endure.
 This morning I found the pace that feels like you could run forever and I started going over how my life has improved since last year at this same time. I weighed in the 250's with my highest known weight 255. I wasn't weighing much then because I was disgusted with myself. I had let carbs back into my diet and my weight and blood sugars were out of control. I couldn't understand why I could go 4-6 weeks and then I would just give up. I now know why. My body was fighting me every step of the way. I kept fighting though, and found a new endocrinologist who agreed to change my thyroid medication and help get my diabetes under control. I had to wait 6 months to get an appointment with him, but it was worth it. I saw him in Nov. 2016 and he was the first doctor to suggest WLS. He put the idea in my head and I told him I would think about it. He saved my life that day by having the courage to be honest with me about my weight without judging me or making me feel like the failure I thought I was. The truth hurts sometimes, but it also motivates us, or at least it did me. I was going to be put on insulin if my A1C did not come down to below 7 on my next test in April. 
Having WLS surgery gave me the metabolism reset I needed. My body is no loner fighting me every step of the way. I realized this morning that I am 74 pounds lighter than I was last summer and this is a miracle. I am on my way to being healthier, stronger, fitter, and happier in my 50's than I ever was in my 40's. 
I won't go back to last year ever. I know I can't see the future and what it holds. I know my journey won't be easy and I will stumble and fall, but I am certain with all of my being that I am moving forward and never back. As long as I keep getting up I am strong.
Have a great Monday everyone!

As I was running this morning I was thinking. I am enthusiastic and determined after having WLS to get healthy and increase my fitness. I am doing this for me and no one else. The negativity and sometimes downright stupidity that I read on here does not have to impact me at all. 
So as much as I think I could help some others I am not going to enter into the craziness. I am going to stick with my status and the thread my friend and fellow sleeve sister @Newme17 started. 
Running is getting easier day by day. I ran 1.5 miles today with no walk breaks. I think I am done with walking.... it feels so good to say that.
Have a great day everyone!!

As I was running this morning I was thinking. I am enthusiastic and determined after having WLS to get healthy and increase my fitness. I am doing this for me and no one else. The negativity and sometimes downright stupidity that I read on here does not have to impact me at all. 
So as much as I think I could help some others I am not going to enter into the craziness. I am going to stick with my status and the thread my friend and fellow sleeve sister @Newme17 started. 
Running is getting easier day by day. I ran 1.5 miles today with no walk breaks. I think I am done with walking.... it feels so good to say that.
Have a great day everyone!!

As I was running this morning I was thinking. I am enthusiastic and determined after having WLS to get healthy and increase my fitness. I am doing this for me and no one else. The negativity and sometimes downright stupidity that I read on here does not have to impact me at all. 
So as much as I think I could help some others I am not going to enter into the craziness. I am going to stick with my status and the thread my friend and fellow sleeve sister @Newme17 started. 
Running is getting easier day by day. I ran 1.5 miles today with no walk breaks. I think I am done with walking.... it feels so good to say that.
Have a great day everyone!!

As I was running this morning I was thinking. I am enthusiastic and determined after having WLS to get healthy and increase my fitness. I am doing this for me and no one else. The negativity and sometimes downright stupidity that I read on here does not have to impact me at all. 
So as much as I think I could help some others I am not going to enter into the craziness. I am going to stick with my status and the thread my friend and fellow sleeve sister @Newme17 started. 
Running is getting easier day by day. I ran 1.5 miles today with no walk breaks. I think I am done with walking.... it feels so good to say that.
Have a great day everyone!!

As I was running this morning I was thinking. I am enthusiastic and determined after having WLS to get healthy and increase my fitness. I am doing this for me and no one else. The negativity and sometimes downright stupidity that I read on here does not have to impact me at all. 
So as much as I think I could help some others I am not going to enter into the craziness. I am going to stick with my status and the thread my friend and fellow sleeve sister @Newme17 started. 
Running is getting easier day by day. I ran 1.5 miles today with no walk breaks. I think I am done with walking.... it feels so good to say that.
Have a great day everyone!!

So, I tried to save some money by working out at home and realize that I am not determined enough to do it.  I work out, but not nearly as much as I should be.  Doc wants me to do at least 3x a week, and I've been skimping.  My husband noticed too and asked me if I had thought to go back to the gym.  This is unlike me really.  I love to workout...just not at home, apparently.  I really did try though. So, back to the gym today.  I'll have to sign back up again.  That is my element of working out.  I'll take a monthly fee and stronger, better health, than trying to save that bit and slacking.