Quick Update before my Appointment Next Week...

With work starting back up and my Pole studio closing for a few weeks, I have had to really focus on maintaining my diet. I must say, I can not wait to get back to pole in a few days! I am making it to the gym two days a week, but that isn't enough (though my weight loss picked up a bit the past two weeks, just goes to show that you lose less when you work out!) :/  I have moved in to more size 8 clothing, so I know the working out is paying off!

With the re-entrance of Fall coffee flavors, I am doing damage to my Pumpkin Spiced flavored goodies! hahaha I actually haven't slowed my intake of pumpkin flavored drinks, I just don't drink as much and then I make sure I do something active. Balance is the key!

I crossed off #14 of my bucket list this past week!!

#14 - I have so many pairs of Gucci and Prada heels that I never wear because I mess shoes up from being too heavy or they are just hard to wear all day.  I can't WAIT to have less weight on my shoes and wear cuter ones!  PLUS....SOMEONE will owe me a pair of red Jimmy Choos when I get to 160 pounds!

My brother was in town for HIS birthday and he took my to Jimmy Choo to make good on a 10 year bet! #MyBrotherIsBetterThanYours heheheh 

Below is me and my hunni, attending a 1920's/Monte Carlo themed birthday party!

Some say once you hit the one year mark, you will usually even out on your weight loss journey. Some say that happens around 18 months. My goal was to be at 145 by October 24th. I will be working hard towards that goal over the next month! 

Total weight loss - 94.4 lbs (6.6 lbs until my personal goal, 20.6 lbs until my doctors goal)
September 13, 2015 - 151.6
July 18, 2015 - 159.6
June 14, 2015 - 164.2
May 11, 2015 - 171.5
April 11, 2015 - 175.6
March 17, 2015 - 178 lbs
March 2, 2015 - 184.8
February 16, 2015 - 188.4
February 1, 2015 - 191 lbs
Jan 24, 2015 - 194.9 lbs
December 31, 2014 - 199.8 lbs
December 21, 2014 - 203.8 lbs
December 11, 2014 - 210.6 lbs
Five weeks post-op, November 28, 2014 - 214 lbs
Four weeks post-op, November 21, 2014 - 216 lbs
Three weeks post-op, November 14, 2014 - 221.9 lbs
Two weeks post-op, Nov 7, 2014 - 226.6 lbs
One week post-op, Oct 31, 2014 - 231.8 lbs
Weight morning of surgery, Oct 24, 2014 - 239 lbs
Weight at pre-op appointment, Oct 14, 2014 - 246 lbs

Focusing on Fitness and Loose Skin after Weight Loss

Sooooo, I started Crossfit last week!! I am continuing my pole classes twice a week, my current gym twice a week, and Crossfit three times a week. My plan, right now, is to take Saturday or Sunday off at this point. If I can fit that schedule in to five days, I will take two days off.

Crossfit came on my radar about two and a half years ago when I had some friends start it in Lakeland. My ultimate goal is to become stronger for pole. I don't have the discipline to do this on my own, so I am hoping Crossfit will whip me in shape. I'm also training for some upcoming runs, which is why I keep my normal gym membership. I completed three foundation classes of Crossfit and one Crossfit class so far. I don't want to be that annoying person who posts all their Crossfit workouts on FB, but my first one is below. My time was 9 min and 40 secs (Scaled). I almost died, but I didn't. LOL  I am excited to see the transformation (if any) of my body. Something I always have to come to grips with is the weight gain I go through when starting a new program. Also, understanding that the fit of my clothes is much more important than a number on the scale, is key!! 

I am also training to run my first 5k in February. I have done a few in the past, but I walked most of them. I was supposed to sign up for the half marathon, however I didn't sign up in time and they sold out :(  I will still have fun checking this item off my bucket list! My bestest buddies will also be doing it! I can't wait!!!

Ooooooooooook! So will I was in pole class a few weeks ago and I noticed, for the first time, how loose my skin was in my thighs. I am very blessed that I do not have loose tummy or butt skin and it's not too bad on my arms or thighs, but it is there. Obviously there is no quick fix for this. Lotion can not really fix loose skin, but there are ways to smooth the skin. I do still use that Nieva Q10 that I posted in a previous blog, but I also did some research and purchased the below items. I already have used the jar of cocoa butter on my scars. It seemed to keep me smooth. I am now using all products with fidelity. I have been for about 3 weeks. I do see and feel a difference of my skin!

I also made a visit to my plastic surgery (who did my breast reconstruction) and he told me once I reach a steady weight that I am happy with, come back to see him and he can take a look at any loose skin. He was very impressed with how tight my skin is after losing 85 pounds. He left the room and I heard him telling the nurses. I attribute all of this to hydrating and exercising. Below is my tummy (with fake belly button, DIEP and Gastric Scars).

Total weight loss - 86.4 lbs (14.6 lbs until my personal goal, 28.6 lbs until my doctors goal)
July 18, 2015 - 159.6
June 14, 2015 - 164.2
May 11, 2015 - 171.5
April 11, 2015 - 175.6
March 17, 2015 - 178 lbs
March 2, 2015 - 184.8
February 16, 2015 - 188.4
February 1, 2015 - 191 lbs
Jan 24, 2015 - 194.9 lbs
December 31, 2014 - 199.8 lbs
December 21, 2014 - 203.8 lbs
December 11, 2014 - 210.6 lbs
Five weeks post-op, November 28, 2014 - 214 lbs
Four weeks post-op, November 21, 2014 - 216 lbs
Three weeks post-op, November 14, 2014 - 221.9 lbs
Two weeks post-op, Nov 7, 2014 - 226.6 lbs
One week post-op, Oct 31, 2014 - 231.8 lbs
Weight morning of surgery, Oct 24, 2014 - 239 lbs
Weight at pre-op appointment, Oct 14, 2014 - 246 lbs

Measurements vs Number on the Scale and Bucket List Update

I happened to write my measurements down on October 23, 2014, a day before my surgery. I feel this was very important because I knew my weight loss would slow and I would have to rely on results from working out. I measured under my bust, my bust, waist, hips, Right and Left Thighs, and Right and left Calf. All together I have lost 37 inches!! The major benefit of all the working out has been to get these results. 

Under Bust - 41" to 35.5"
Bust - 43" to 39"
Waist - 47.5" to 38.5"
Hips - 50" to 42"
Right Thigh - 26.5" to 22"
Left Thigh - 26" to 22"
Right Calf - 16" to 15"
Left Calf - 16" to 15"

My advice to anyone going through bariatric surgery, or any weight loss plan, is to not only watch the scale, but take your measurements! 

Last week I was so blessed to be able to travel to Colombia! I started in Bogota and ended in Cartagena. During the trip, I was able to check off some bucket list items. I did wear a 2-piece bathing suit, but I am waiting to check that one off. I want to get the yellow polka dot bikini. This summer I am hoping to check that one off, as well as the friend photo shoot, scuba, and piggy back ride. :)

Bucket List Update (Updated items in BLUE, Completed in BLACK, still have to do in RED)

#1 - I can't wait to buy clothes from any store I would like.  I have always been a fashionista trapped in a chunky girl's body. Which has made clothes buying limited. I can't wait to put together some fantastic outfits and I get to start with WINTER!

• I have bought underwear from Victoria's Secrets and am now in a size 16 so my hunni picked out some clothes at New York and Co.
• In early March I bought my first size 12 shorts. I then wore my first size 12 slacks. I wore a size 12 in Jean on March 20.  It's nice to be a size 12.
• My size 12s are too big, moving in to a size 10

#2 - I look forward to fitting comfortably in airplane/movie/theater/arena seats without imposing on the person next to me!

• I first realized I completed this goal while attending the 2015 Florida High School Basketball Championships in February. I sat next to a very nice older gentleman and I didn't feel like I was imposing on him. :)
• I flew comfortably to Colombia in June! 

#3 - Crossing my legs...

• I can do this comfortably all the time now.

#4 - I am going to take pole dancing lessons....which means I am hitting the gym to increase my upper body strength. 

• Took my first class April 7th!  I am signed up for the month of April!
• I'm still pole dancing and it has increased my strength and flexibility 

#5 - I look forward to coming off my high blood pressure medicine.  It makes me pee a lot! 

• My blood pressure is fantastic now, 118/75. My resting heart rate is also under 60bpm.

#6 - Wrap my legs around my man while being picked up (this also has a very sexual meaning, but i'm keeping this PG, hahahah)....still waiting....LOL

#7 - I look forward to being able to tie or fasten my shoes without huffing and puffing for air!

• Completed all the time :)

#8 - I'm definitely doing a pin-up photo shoot!....I have checked pricing and studios!

#9 - I have done 5ks in the past, but I would like to train and be able to run an entire race with ease.

#10 - I can't wait to be able to buy a tennis skirt and not be afraid to wear it in public!!   :)

• I have worn my tennis skirt out to play, but more importantly, I am wearing yoga pants in public. lol

#11 - I want to wear a two piece bathing suit that isn't a tankini!  I would prefer to wear a yellow polka dotted bikini just so I can sing the song!.....almost there!!

#12 - Zip lining!  wooohooo Most places have a weight limit and I can do some....but I want to be able to pick which zip line I would like to do!

#13 - I want a second tattoo.  Preferably on my hip line (because I want to be able to hide it),  I have thought about trying to cover up some of my scar from my DIEP surgery, but I will have to wait and see!  I have been a huge fan of "To Thine Own Self Be True", feathers, something breast cancer related, or something in Italian.... I have picked this out!

#14 - I have so many pairs of Gucci and Prada heels that I never wear because I mess shoes up from being too heavy or they are just hard to wear all day.  I can't WAIT to have less weight on my shoes and wear cuter ones!  PLUS....SOMEONE will owe me a pair of red Jimmy Choos when I get to 160 pounds!

#15 - I want to do a best friends photo shoot with my girls!  Since I have always be the heaviest one, by a long shot, I never wanted to do these.  I would like to hire a professional Photog and head over to Disney or some other fabulous location!  Along with my family, these ladies are my rock and support system...they keep me in line :)

#16 - It's coming close to Halloween and I can't help thinking that I will not be buying a costume this year, because A, I don't really have anywhere to wear it to, and B (more importantly) they never make anything cute over a size 16.  I CAN'T WAIT TO BUY A NORMAL SIZED COSTUME....

  

#17 - I can't wait to see the look of surprise on faces of those I do not see often after losing weight.  Seeing someone after a major change, whether it is weight loss or just a drastic hair cut, is always fun!

• Pretty safe to say I get these comments all the time from people that I go a few weeks without seeing. 

 #18 - I would like to go horseback riding, either on the beach or through a jungle-type environment.  Again, most horseback riding requirements have weight limitations and I always hit the borderline number.  I don't want to have to worry about that!

#19 - This is corny, but I can't wait to wrap a regular sized bath towel around me!!!!!!  It's cold when there are gaps!

#20 - I would like to sign up for my first Warrior Dash once I am in better shape.  This looks like so much fun, but I don't want to get stuck or not be able to pull myself along.

#21 - Let's just say better over all hygiene. I look forward to not have as many rolls and crevasses. Plus, I will be able to reach more places to shave ;)  hahaha, TMI I know. Soooooo much easier to shave now!

#22 - I want to be able to do 10 pull-ups! It's going to be a loooooong time before I do this. LOL

#23 - I have always wanted to become a certified Scuba Diver.  Part of me is scared and the other part knows I need to be in better shape.  This is something I will definitely do!

#24 - To weigh less than I did in High School!  My senior year, I probably weighed about 170. I thought I was soooo fat at the time. geezzz.. 

#25 - I would like to take up yoga and increase my flexibility.  I am hoping this will also enhance my sexual performance in the bedroom....and other places I will be able to fit with my new, slimmer body ;)  I have start my flexibilty classes, along with my Pole Classes. I am doing yoga as well. 

#26 - I want to be able to have my hunni give me a piggy back ride!!

#27 - Tango dance lessons....I am addicted to this sexual and sensual dance.  I have been since I traveled to Argentina!  

#28 - I can do anything without being judged by the size of my body...people will not be able to use that to pick fun of me and I will believe people when they tell me I am pretty.

• Disclaimer - Yes my husband makes me feel beautiful all the time. But you are lying to yourself if you say you don't like approval from others LOL. It's not that I didn't believe I was attractive. I guess I just never felt guys hit on me, over other girls, because they were initially attracted to me. Many guys hit on overweight women because they believe their self-esteem is low and the girl will fall over themselves for said guy. The first time I felt a guy was genuinely attracted to me, was last month. I happened to be grabbing drinks with a guy friend at a bar. As soon as my friend walked away to pay, a gentleman at the other said of the bar asked why a guy would leave such a beautiful woman all alone. I had to giggle, he had to be 5 years younger. He proceeded to ask me if I was from around there and if I would like a drink, I declined, as I was leaving. I am sure this seems trivial to most women, as most women were not 100 pounds overweight...however, it made my night!

#29 - I can buy sexy underwear and feel confident in them :)

#30 - I will treat my body as a temple and not continuously mistreat it, gaining the weight back...

Total weight loss - 81.8 lbs (19.2 lbs until my personal goal, 33.2 lbs until my doctors goal)
June 14, 2015 - 164.2
May 11, 2015 - 171.5
April 11, 2015 - 175.6
March 17, 2015 - 178 lbs
March 2, 2015 - 184.8
February 16, 2015 - 188.4
February 1, 2015 - 191 lbs
Jan 24, 2015 - 194.9 lbs
December 31, 2014 - 199.8 lbs
December 21, 2014 - 203.8 lbs
December 11, 2014 - 210.6 lbs
Five weeks post-op, November 28, 2014 - 214 lbs
Four weeks post-op, November 21, 2014 - 216 lbs
Three weeks post-op, November 14, 2014 - 221.9 lbs
Two weeks post-op, Nov 7, 2014 - 226.6 lbs
One week post-op, Oct 31, 2014 - 231.8 lbs
Weight morning of surgery, Oct 24, 2014 - 239 lbs
Weight at pre-op appointment, Oct 14, 2014 - 246 lbs

Weight Loss and Fitness tips that work for me! Weight Update...

It has been a while since my last post!  I struggled with my biggest plateau to date, not moving away from 174 lbs until last week. I just continued with my new lifestyle. I knew that part of it could have been the new intensity with my work outs. There were also days I probably ate too much sugar. I've been able to pull that back in. Some people ask me what my tips are to maintain my weight or continue to lose. I may have stated some before, but here they are again:

• I limit (almost nonexistent) fried food and most breads. In moderation, I do eat rice, small tortillas, potatoes, and crackers. 
• I normally start my day with yogurt, cottage cheese, or sometimes a wake-up wrap from dunks ;)
• I don't miss a meal. I eat at least three a day. 
• I do not eat big meals after 8 pm. However, I will snack if I am hungry. Usually, popcorn, fruit, cheese, milk, or peanut butter. I find it is so important not to eat late!
• I take liquid B12, Biotin, and a multivitamin with iron.
• Protein with each meal is a must!
• In order to get my liquids in a drink a mix of water, coffee, and sweet/unsweet tea. I haven't changed my drinking habits much, which I am sure holds up some weight loss. But I NEVER, drink sweet tea, soda, or super high sugar coffee drinks. Years ago I switched from lattes to just coffee. I usually will add a shot of sweetner, but never extra sugar. That is just my preference though. Definitely my weakness!
• I limit alcohol.
• I work out... no excuses. Never go more than three days without it. I try to fit in 4-5 days a week.
• My workouts include cardio (heart rate up for more than 15 mins), strength, and flexibility. You really need all three! I can absolutely tell a difference in my body by doing this. Even if the scale doesn't move.

My favorite stretch for hip flexibility. Hip Flexibility is what I need to work on the most! Next would be back flexibility. 

Core strength is my weakest so I have started to work on that area through toning classes, Pilates, and stations in the gym. The blue ball of death is always nice. I also do back extensions with added free weight, hip flexors, and pull-ups (machines are in order). I do three sets of 10-12 in rotation. 

The past month I have really focused on my workouts. Starting pole dancing was probably the best move I did to get a totally body workout. I still take other cardio and toning classes throughout the week, but pole is paying off.  I use this cool app to schedule my classes at Lotus Fitness:

Latest comparison picture from the Color Run May 2, 2015...

Only a few more pounds before I can cross two more things off my bucket list!  Updated list coming next month!

Total weight loss - 74.5 lbs
May 11, 2015 - 171.5
April 11, 2015 - 175.6
March 17, 2015 - 178 lbs
March 2, 2015 - 184.8
February 16, 2015 - 188.4
February 1, 2015 - 191 lbs
Jan 24, 2015 - 194.9 lbs
December 31, 2014 - 199.8 lbs
December 21, 2014 - 203.8 lbs
December 11, 2014 - 210.6 lbs
Five weeks post-op, November 28, 2014 - 214 lbs
Four weeks post-op, November 21, 2014 - 216 lbs
Three weeks post-op, November 14, 2014 - 221.9 lbs
Two weeks post-op, Nov 7, 2014 - 226.6 lbs
One week post-op, Oct 31, 2014 - 231.8 lbs
Weight morning of surgery, Oct 24, 2014 - 239 lbs
Weight at pre-op appointment, Oct 14, 2014 - 246 lbs

Gaining Weight over Spring Break and Completed Bucket List Updated

Since my last weigh in post, I have only lost 2.4 lbs. I bounced between 175.4 and 180 for three weeks. At one point I gained, going up to 180! This was a weigh-in on April 5. Needless to say, I wasn't having that. The first part of my Spring Break I went from 178 to 175 with no issue. I was running and staying active. The second part, I visited Savannah where I strolled slowly (never getting any true exercise) and ate some good food.  It was a mix of lack of activity and eating things I shouldn't have...but hey, I was vacation. I got back on track and have gotten some real exercise, including my new pole classes!  Woot! The reality is, it is just like normal dieting and exercise. The honeymoon phase is over!

I have GOT to start drinking more water. It is really that only thing that I have not been consistent with. With adding more water, I will probably drink less half/half tea. I also need to focus on getting at least 50 grams of protein. I know I get close, but I can not say with confidence I meet it every day. 

Here are a before and after picture:

 

Bucket List Update with Items Checked Off!

#1 - I can't wait to buy clothes from any store I would like.  I have always been a fashionista trapped in a chunky girl's body. Which has made clothes buying limited. I can't wait to put together some fantastic outfits and I get to start with WINTER!

• I have bought underwear from Victoria's Secrets and am now in a size 16 so my hunni picked out some clothes at New York and Co.
• In early March I bought my first size 12 shorts. I then wore my first size 12 slacks. I wore a size 12 in Jean on March 20.  It's nice to be a size 12.

#2 - I look forward to fitting comfortably in airplane/movie/theater/arena seats without imposing on the person next to me!

• I first realized I completed this goal while attending the 2015 Florida High School Basketball Championships in February. I sat next to a very nice older gentleman and I didn't feel like I was imposing on him. :)

#3 - Crossing my legs...

• I can do this comfortably all the time now.

#4 - I am going to take pole dancing lessons....which means I am hitting the gym to increase my upper body strength. 

• Took my first class April 7th!  I am signed up for the month of April!

#5 - I look forward to coming off my high blood pressure medicine.  It makes me pee a lot! 

• My blood pressure is fantastic now, 118/75. My resting heart rate is also under 60bpm.

#6 - Wrap my legs around my man while being picked up (this also has a very sexual meaning, but i'm keeping this PG, hahahah)....still waiting....LOL

#7 - I look forward to being able to tie or fasten my shoes without huffing and puffing for air!

• Completed all the time :)

#8 - I'm definitely doing a pin-up photo shoot!....I have checked pricing and studios!

#9 - I have done 5ks in the past, but I would like to train and be able to run an entire race with ease.

#10 - I can't wait to be able to buy a tennis skirt and not be afraid to wear it in public!!   :)

• I have worn my tennis skirt out to play, but more importantly, I am wearing yoga pants in public. lol

#11 - I want to wear a two piece bathing suit that isn't a tankini!  I would prefer to wear a yellow polka dotted bikini just so I can sing the song!.....almost there!!

#12 - Zip lining!  wooohooo Most places have a weight limit and I can do some....but I want to be able to pick which zip line I would like to do!

#13 - I want a second tattoo.  Preferably on my hip line (because I want to be able to hide it),  I have thought about trying to cover up some of my scar from my DIEP surgery, but I will have to wait and see!  I have been a huge fan of "To Thine Own Self Be True", feathers, something breast cancer related, or something in Italian.... I have picked this out!

#14 - I have so many pairs of Gucci and Prada heels that I never wear because I mess shoes up from being too heavy or they are just hard to wear all day.  I can't WAIT to have less weight on my shoes and wear cuter ones!  PLUS....SOMEONE will owe me a pair of red Manolos when I get to 160 pounds!

#15 - I want to do a best friends photo shoot with my girls!  Since I have always be the heaviest one, by a long shot, I never wanted to do these.  I would like to hire a professional Photog and head over to Disney or some other fabulous location!  Along with my family, these ladies are my rock and support system...they keep me in line :)

#16 - It's coming close to Halloween and I can't help thinking that I will not be buying a costume this year, because A, I don't really have anywhere to wear it to, and B (more importantly) they never make anything cute over a size 16.  I CAN'T WAIT TO BUY A NORMAL SIZED COSTUME....

  

#17 - I can't wait to see the look of surprise on faces of those I do not see often after losing weight.  Seeing someone after a major change, whether it is weight loss or just a drastic hair cut, is always fun!

• Pretty safe to say I get these comments all the time from people that I go a few weeks without seeing. 

 #18 - I would like to go horseback riding, either on the beach or through a jungle-type environment.  Again, most horseback riding requirements have weight limitations and I always hit the borderline number.  I don't want to have to worry about that!

#19 - This is corny, but I can't wait to wrap a regular sized bath towel around me!!!!!!  It's cold when there are gaps!

#20 - I would like to sign up for my first Warrior Dash once I am in better shape.  This looks like so much fun, but I don't want to get stuck or not be able to pull myself along.

#21 - Let's just say better over all hygiene. I look forward to not have as many rolls and crevasses. Plus, I will be able to reach more places to shave ;)  hahaha, TMI I know. Soooooo much easier to shave now!

#22 - I want to be able to do 10 pull-ups! It's going to be a loooooong time before I do this. LOL

#23 - I have always wanted to become a certified Scuba Diver.  Part of me is scared and the other part knows I need to be in better shape.  This is something I will definitely do!

#24 - To weigh less than I did in High School!  My senior year, I probably weighed about 170. I thought I was soooo fat at the time. geezzz.. 

#25 - I would like to take up yoga and increase my flexibility.  I am hoping this will also enhance my sexual performance in the bedroom....and other places I will be able to fit with my new, slimmer body ;)  I have start my flexibilty classes, along with my Pole Classes. I am doing yoga as well. 

#26 - I want to be able to have my hunni give me a piggy back ride!!

#27 - Tango dance lessons....I am addicted to this sexual and sensual dance.  I have been since I traveled to Argentina!  

#28 - I can do anything without being judged by the size of my body...people will not be able to use that to pick fun of me and I will believe people when they tell me I am pretty.

#29 - I can buy sexy underwear and feel confident in them :)

#30 - I will treat my body as a temple and not continuously mistreat it, gaining the weight back...

Total weight loss - 70.4 lbs
April 11, 2015 - 175.6
March 17, 2015 - 178 lbs
March 2, 2015 - 184.8
February 16, 2015 - 188.4
February 1, 2015 - 191 lbs
Jan 24, 2015 - 194.9 lbs
December 31, 2014 - 199.8 lbs
December 21, 2014 - 203.8 lbs
December 11, 2014 - 210.6 lbs
Five weeks post-op, November 28, 2014 - 214 lbs
Four weeks post-op, November 21, 2014 - 216 lbs
Three weeks post-op, November 14, 2014 - 221.9 lbs
Two weeks post-op, Nov 7, 2014 - 226.6 lbs
One week post-op, Oct 31, 2014 - 231.8 lbs
Weight morning of surgery, Oct 24, 2014 - 239 lbs
Weight at pre-op appointment, Oct 14, 2014 - 246 lbs

Before/After Bathing Suit Pics and Blood Work Results

Some exciting things have happened the past two weeks! I completed my fourth 5k and finished in under 45 mins. After that run, I have been trying to get close to a 12 min mile. I have run twice since then and my mile has been around 12:20 each time.

I finally found a bathing suit top that fit and covers my tummy. I am comfortable in showing my legs, but not the scars on my stomach or my DIEP scar from hip to hip. I dug up some old bathing suit pictures that are below and the new bathing suit one:

Before

 


 After

My blood work turned out fantastic. My vitamin levels are great and my cholesterol is good, my B12 was good too. I donated blood last week so they warned me my red blood count may be off and my RDW could be off due to the chemo I did for my breast cancer or my Iron level. 

One question I had for my doctor was about hair loss. I have noticed more strands of my hair coming out when I brush and wash my hair. I already take biotin, but he brought it up again. I am going to double the dose on some days. I am also going to be searching for a good shampoo. He said it will pass soon, that it is just a phase.  I also switched to a liquid B complex. Previous blood work indicated my B-12 levels were low. I am going to try this before I jump to shots.

I finally weighed in under 180 this weigh in. Tips for my weigh in, I always weigh first thing in the morning (after using the bathroom) and I do not wear clothes. I am just 4 pounds from moving my BMI to "Overweight" from "Obese" great feeling. LOL :) I have contacted Lotus Pole Fitness to sign up for my first pole dancing class on April 4th! Exercise is going great and I am getting at least four days in, either with Erica doing Insanity and T25 or going to the gym! I'm looking forward to doing some classes. I am working on checking off bucket list items!! 

I am going to stick with my goal of 175 by April 1st. I think I am in good shape to meet that goal. One thing I noticed about my chart to the doctor's office, was that it said my goal weight is 131. I don't remember setting that goal...I think they plugged in some numbers and came up with that :/ I don't think I want to be that thin, so as of right now I am aiming for 145. 

Be Healthy and have a great rest of your week!

Total weight loss - 68 lbs
March 17, 2015 - 178 lbs
March 2, 2015 - 184.8
February 16, 2015 - 188.4
February 1, 2015 - 191 lbs
Jan 24, 2015 - 194.9 lbs
December 31, 2014 - 199.8 lbs
December 21, 2014 - 203.8 lbs
December 11, 2014 - 210.6 lbs
Five weeks post-op, November 28, 2014 - 214 lbs
Four weeks post-op, November 21, 2014 - 216 lbs
Three weeks post-op, November 14, 2014 - 221.9 lbs
Two weeks post-op, Nov 7, 2014 - 226.6 lbs
One week post-op, Oct 31, 2014 - 231.8 lbs
Weight morning of surgery, Oct 24, 2014 - 239 lbs
Weight at pre-op appointment, Oct 14, 2014 - 246 lbs

Sooo slow at losing... Fighting a sweet tooth!

I am gutted because I did not make my goal of 180 by March 1st. I was prepared not to meet it, but it doesn't make it any easier :( This mean I have to work even harder as I would like to be 175 by April 1st. I didn't want to schedule my pole dancing lessons until I was under 180. I am coming to grips with the fact that I will now only lose about 1 pound a week. I have to work very hard for that one pound LOL I am having major cravings for sweets and I have to find a way to curb those. I found these fantastic tips and they make absolute sense!

1. Try to avoid artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners can be 300x (if not more) sweetener than real sugar. And while they may be calorie free, they really can mess with your palette. They basically bombard our tastebuds with such an over the tops sweetness, it can be very difficult to then appreciate the subtle, real flavors and sweetness in whole food. In the long run they have you wanting more and more sugar, and that my friends is counter productive.
2. Rest. When the body is tired it looks for energy (it is trying to do us a favor) and it knows the the quickest way for energy to get into the body is via sugar. Ever notice that when you are tired you crave processed carbs and/or sweets? This is why. The next time you feel like you need to rest, do yourself a favor and rest.
3. Add more sweet food. This one is especially true for my dieters and low carb peeps. When we have a diet very low in carbohydrates and sugar we tend to want sweets. By simply adding some nutritious sweet foods to your day you can cut that craving way back. Some great examples are sweet potatoes, squash, brown rice, oats, and carrots. An idea of a yummy snack might be carob chips and coconut with nuts mix.
4. Protein. If you find yourself craving sugar, just take note of how much protein you have been eating. If it seems high, try cutting back. If it seems low, experiment with adding some more in. I’m telling you, being interested in ourselves is one of the best ways to figure out what our bodies need.

I do not get as much protein, therefore that could be one reason. I also know I still need to drink fluids more throughout the day. I also need to do better at getting eight hours of sleep a night. I only get about 6-7 right now.

I have finished my chewable vitamins, so I have switched to a powder capsule. I still wanted the one with extra iron, which means I still take my calcium separate. I go for my very first blood lab next week. I am interested to see where I am with my vitamins.

Some good news! I am officially a size 14. I have even bought a size 12 from The Loft. I can now walk in to any store and buy clothes and believe me I have!  I should have budgeted for new clothes since the surgery in October. I am very lucky to have others bring me clothes they no longer want and I wear those too!! Wearing my size 12s below. Still a little tight, but I could pull them off.

So even though the scale isn't moving as fast, I know my body is changing. My workouts are going good. I have started doing T25 and Insanity with my girl, Erica, after work. I couple that with the gym on the weekends. My goal is to move to two morning workouts at the gym during the week and four workouts after school with Erica, keeping my weekend workouts at the gym. My gym workouts usually consist of 20-25 mins of cardio followed by 25-30 mins of weight training. After school workouts are mostly cardio.

Total weight loss - 61.6 lbs
March 2, 2015 - 184.8
February 16, 2015 - 188.4
February 1, 2015 - 191 lbs
Jan 24, 2015 - 194.9 lbs
December 31, 2014 - 199.8 lbs
December 21, 2014 - 203.8 lbs
December 11, 2014 - 210.6 lbs
Five weeks post-op, November 28, 2014 - 214 lbs
Four weeks post-op, November 21, 2014 - 216 lbs
Three weeks post-op, November 14, 2014 - 221.9 lbs
Two weeks post-op, Nov 7, 2014 - 226.6 lbs
One week post-op, Oct 31, 2014 - 231.8 lbs
Weight morning of surgery, Oct 24, 2014 - 239 lbs
Weight at pre-op appointment, Oct 14, 2014 - 246 lbs

Jump starting weight loss again! and Food Porn...

Soooo...even gastric bypass patients have a lull in weight loss. I knew it would come, when plateaus starting piling up and weight loss would start crawling along. Just like any normal person, we have to diet and take a hard look at our habits (new and old). Working out is not an option and it's a daily struggle to motivate myself, especially with a string of 12-14 hour work days and very busy weekends. However, I know it is very necessary and if I fail I want to be able to say I did everything I could, without making excuses. I am still losing weight, but I am not happy with my progress this month.

I can tell that alcohol is definitely a set-back. I don't drink much as it is, but I know when I do have a drink or two, I will not lose weight. I still do not eat much fried food (even though I can handle it) or carbs. I simply can not do break without getting super full. However, I can handle some carbs.

I am going back to basics with my food choices. I am replacing a meal with a protein shake and sticking to a liquid or creamy, low carb diet. My only exception is fruit, chicken, and nuts. I stocked up on cottage cheese, yogurt, protein shakes, milk and cheese. My plan is to complete a two week period.

Here are some pictures of previous lunch I have packed:

Egg Salad, crackers, fruit                     Pinto Beans, chicken w/ cheese Pineapple

   

Chicken casserole, carrots/ranch         Turkey, cottage cheese, edamame

   

Chili's Margarita Chicken and rice, almonds        Turkey and Cheese roll-ups

              

Protein Shake, oatmeal muffin (no sugar or flour)

Goals so far:
I am not really on track to be the 180 by March 1st. I will have to see where I land :/
I'm doing good with bringing my lunch to work (check)
I have gotten some workouts in during the week (check)
I need to drink more fluids (no check)

Total weight loss - 57.6 lbs
February 16, 2015 - 188.4
February 1, 2015 - 191 lbs
Jan 24, 2015 - 194.9 lbs
December 31, 2014 - 199.8 lbs
December 21, 2014 - 203.8 lbs
December 11, 2014 - 210.6 lbs
Five weeks post-op, November 28, 2014 - 214 lbs
Four weeks post-op, November 21, 2014 - 216 lbs
Three weeks post-op, November 14, 2014 - 221.9 lbs
Two weeks post-op, Nov 7, 2014 - 226.6 lbs
One week post-op, Oct 31, 2014 - 231.8 lbs
Weight morning of surgery, Oct 24, 2014 - 239 lbs
Weight at pre-op appointment, Oct 14, 2014 - 246 lbs