Today's workout and Shopping

I got to the gym today...finally.  I walked 1.17 miles in 30 minutes.  30 minutes was about all I could handle today.

We went shopping over the weekend to the outlet mall in Pleasant Prairie, WI.  I found that I could actually buy clothing items in several stores (and I'm not talking shoes or socks, either).  I was able to get myself some new jammies and other necessary items (undergarments).  You know, it's easy to wear clothes that are too big for you, but man, the undergarments have to fit!!  And I didn't have to go to Lane Bryant to find my size.  I was able to go to "regular" stores.  On Sunday, we went to Kohl's and I was able to find a few things there too, including shape-ware.

Now shape-ware is quite an interesting concept.  The nutritionist told me that it would become my new best friend, and it really does the job.  Some of the rolls and extra skin is tucked it and you get a slimming effect.  But let me tell you, putting those things on!!!  OMG!!!  Picture stuffing a sausage in a human form.  Once it's on, it's wonderful, but getting them on.  WOWZERS!!!  I had to wiggle and tuck stuff in this way and that way.  I sure hope there wasn't a hidden camera in that dressing room!!  If so, watch for me on TV, cause it would definitely qualify for America's Funniest Home Videos!  I'm glad I was alone in that room!
In all seriousness though, I can't tell you how wonderful it was to find clothes that fit that aren't the largest size.  I held up a pair of 3X pajama bottoms to my waist and my daughter looked at me and said, "no way!".  They were too big!!!  It felt AWESOME!!!

I'm also finally starting to lose again.  I'm at 274 as of this morning.  I'm glad the weight loss is starting up again.  Oh happy day!

THIS IS AWESOME!!!! Oh Happy Day!!!

THIS IS AWESOME!!!  About the only thing that could make me happier right now would be to win the lottery!  Of course, I would need to buy a ticket first.

I saw the surgeon today (see previous post) and I had bloodwork done.  I received the results this afternoon.  They are NORMAL!!!  All my vitamin and mineral levels are normal.  My cholesterol is fine, my thyroid is fine, my iron is fine.  MY A1C IS 6.3!!!!!!!!!!!!!  YES!!!!  That's the number I am most thrilled about.  To have an A1C at 6.3 with ZERO diabetes medications is fantastic!!  On July 8, 2014 (2 months before surgery), my A1C was 9.2 and that was while on 2 different kinds of insulin and Victoza.  That was less than a year ago!!!!!!!!  Oh Happy Day!!!!!

Can you tell I'm a bit excited???

Surgeon follow-up visit

Today I had my follow-up appointment with Dr. Nagle (my surgeon).  It was a good appointment.  I had to get blood work done first, and the nurse was really nice and got me in one stick!  Yippie!!  She had to take 5 tubes of blood!!  I'll get the results within a few days.  Dr. Nagle was very pleased with my progress.  He says I've been averaging a loss of 10 pounds per month since surgery, which is good.  He would like to see me lose at least 50 more and sees no reason why I can't get below 200 (which would be AWESOME!).  I'm at 280 now (according to their scale), so that's only 81 pounds to go.  He said I need to increase activity, and make sure I'm getting enough protein and really limit the sugars and carbs.  I can definitely do that.  I might have slipped a bit when it comes to the carbs, but I can get back on track.  I want to reach my goal of 200 pounds lost.  That means I need to get down to 198 and I KNOW I can do it!!!

He asked me if I had any regrets having the surgery.  And I honestly told him that no, I do not have regrets.  I'm very happy I did this, and I'm pleased with the results so far.  I know I still have work to do, and I'm willing to do it.  And my family is willing and able to help me do it.

We also talked about the skin issue.  He told me to keep up with the treatment my primary gave me regarding rashes under my "apron" and that he really wants me to wait till I'm a year post-surgery to start discussing surgery for the excess skin.  I will see him again in September and we'll talk more then.

I know some people that read this blog are ones considering bariatric surgery.  I can't give you the answers, but I can tell you that I am happy with what I did, and I'm here if you need to talk.  And for the rest of you, please feel free to share this blog with anyone you would like.  This is a hard journey, and the more support you have, the better.

7 month surgerversary

Seven months ago today I had surgery.  For the six month mark, I had gained 4 pounds.  This month I have lost 3.  So I'm starting to lose again, which is great. And I feel good.

I saw the dietitian, Laurie, yesterday.  Here are the stats she had for me:

• Post surgery weight loss:  64.5 pounds
• Loss since my last appointment (11/21/14):  27.5 pounds
• Total loss (since they started measuring):  91.5 pounds 
• Pre-op BMI:  59.98
• Yesterday's BMI:  45.34
• % Total Body Weight Lost: 18.5% (since surgery)

We talked about my recent stall and she gave me some tips for combating it and starting to lose again.  The stall is normal, and now it is super-important that I track my protein.  She said that I need to get between 80-120 mg of protein per day and the only way I'm going to know for sure is if I track what I eat.  So that's what I need to do.  She's happy with my progress and proud of what I've done so far. Admittedly, tracking is a pain in the ass, which is why I stopped doing it, but it is something I have to do.  I just need to accept that and move on.  I have about 100 more pounds to lose, so I need to do everything in my power to accomplish that.

I love that I'm able to walk and walk and walk.  The day before Easter I was making cakes and candies for a bake sale.  I was on my feet for hours at a time and it didn't phase me.  It wasn't until I got home and was able to sit back and relax when I realized that my feet and legs were a little sore.  A year ago, I would not have been able to do any of this.  Everywhere I go, people are commenting on how good I look and I LOVE it!  I love that people are noticing. I love that I am noticing.

On Monday, I took the kids on a picnic and we went hiking.

It was a lot of fun.  I am so happy that I'm able to hike again.  I really miss being able to explore the outdoors.

I was going through my closet yesterday and came across my wedding dress (it is black velvet).  I saw that it is a size 24W.  I am now in a size 22W.  I tried it on, and of course it fit, but it was much looser than I remember.  I then tried on a few more dresses...all too big.  So they all went into the donate bag.  I need to get the rest of my big clothes out of the closet, then I will have very little left!  We went to Goodwill yesterday and I got 3 tops to wear to work and one tank to wear under some light sweaters I got a few weeks ago.  So I think I'm ok for now with clothes until I drop another size or two.  So if anyone has size 18 or 20 that they want to give rid of, please send them to me!!

Thanks again to everyone for all the support.  The comments here on this blog and the comments on Facebook mean so much to me.  You have no idea how much the encouragement helps me.  I am blessed to have all of you in my corner.

something different in the gym

Today I tried the elliptical.  No dice.  My knees were killing me after 2 minutes and I could not continue.  So I know that is not for me.  Then I moved to the bike.  I did 2.3 miles in 15 minutes.  I have to take it easy on that one...it's sore on the butt.  So I will alternate between the bike and the treadmill for now.  One day bike, the next treadmill.  I also have to work on adding some strength training.  Small steps at a time.