18 Month Follow-up Appointment and I'm doing GOOD! Break down of my Vitamin intake

I am officially 18 months out from my initial bariatric appointment and 17 months from my actual surgery date! I weighed in at 149.9 lbs with clothes on, at home I weighed 148.2 lbs. My weight chart, by date, is below. We had a small celebration in the room when the doctor pointed out I was finally at a "normal" BMI. Since I had my starting weight as 246, my personal goal is only about 2 lbs away. However, my doctor's goal for me is 134 lbs. Not sure if I will ever hit that goal, or if I even want to. I am really just trying to maintain my weight now, with hopes of toning up!

 A solid size 8, but my dress for prom was a size 6. Built for curves!

All my blood work came back normal and in range in all categories. I am still asked what vitamins I take:

• Daily - One Multi-Vitamin - Men's Silver 50+ Generic store brand
• Every few days - Liquid B12
• Twice a day - 500mg chewy Calcium with Vit D (equals 1000mg) 
• Daily - 5000mcg Biotin
• Every few days - Iron 65mg

My cholesterol was a little on the high side (still in range), so I will have to adjust my diet to try to lower it. I did pack my lunch last week and I will start doing that more and more. It all comes down to preparing it ahead of time. Back to Bento!

It is Spring Break, so I got the chance to start a new work out challenge! I am going to target my core and add squats back in! I am really in to Russian Twists right now. I just have to stick with the program! I am going with the plan below. We are heading to the beach tomorrow, so I will have to do it while on my mini-vacay! I am going to be checking off horseback riding on the beach from my bucket list!

Don't forget....

New year, new goals! What my daily diet looks like...

It's been a long while since I have updated the ole' blogspot! I actually updated my bucket list at the beginning of 2016, but have not gotten to post it. You can see the update below :) 

So 2016 has started with a bang! Things are going pretty smooth, however I have yet to fully recover my gym time from switching jobs in October 2015. I have been Having an on-again, off-again love affair with Anytime Fitness due to an ever-changing schedule. The only thing certain about my day, is that I arrive at work between 6:10 and 6:20 am. I am trying to build the capacity to wake up at 4:00 am and put my gym time in then. However, if I don't get to bed by 9:00 pm the night before, I talk myself out of the 4:00 am wake-up. I realize sleep is just as important as working out! I still have to find the balance. My new goal is to work more on weight training and toning since I don't really want to lose more weight. It will naturally happen, but I am not working out to lose weight now. I will not be hitting 30 mins of cardio full force. I am think 15-20 mins of cardio and 20-30 mins of weight training. 

My diet stays pretty much the same. Some days I obviously eat things that aren't good for me (I love cookies Bread is easier for me to eat a limited amount), but I never over eat on the bad stuff. I am sure my diet could be better and include more veggies and even protein, so this is a new goal of mine. I need to up my protein and return to getting 50-60 grams a day. 

I don't really think my stomach has stretched much over the 17 months. I still can only eat about a cup to a cup and a half of food at a time. What I need to focus on is not grazing. People who have had weight loss surgery, I am sure, figure out that they can gain their weight back by grazing on bad stuff throughout the day. This is where what you have learned in the first 12 months comes in to play. Even though I LOVE cookies, I realize I shouldn't have more than one and I shouldn't have them every day. I still stay away from fried food (with the occasional french fry and chicken) and I limit my bread intake. These are choices I MAKE, not because I can't eat the food, but I know I would gain weight if I grazed on bad stuff. The only "bad" thing I have not given up is my iced coffee. I continue to lose weight or maintain my weight with keeping Iced Coffee in my life....so it's not going anywhere. LOL

What my diet looks like now (normally):

• 5:45 am - Medium Iced Coffee with cream and hazelnut swirl (I never drink the entire coffee due to getting busy at work) and maybe a wake-up wrap (bacon, egg, cheese).
• 8:00-9:00 am - sometimes (if I miss breakfast) I get a snack of a banana and peanut butter, cheese, yogurt, chocolate, sesame sticks, or just peanut butter.
• 10:15-11:45 am - I will normally eat either school lunch of a salad or whatever they are serving (taco bowl, baked chicken nuggets). About once or twice a month we may order out. If skipped my snack above, then I replace my lunch with one of the above things (most likely I will combine them to have banana, peanut butter, sesame sticks). 
• 1:00-4:00 pm - I may have a small snack of milk, fruit, peanut butter, cheese
• 5:00-7:00 pm - Whatever I can find for dinner or order out. Last night I had some salad from Publix, banana with peanut butter, about a 1/4 cup of tuna helper that I made for my husband, and Gummy bears and baked lentils for a snack. The night before I worked until 10pm so I had a half of Nachos Bellgrande from Taco Bell. When I work late, I tend to eat from restaurants. Some of my fast food favorites are: Nachos, salad and/or soup from Publix/Chili's, Chicken Rice bowl from Chili's, wake-up wrap from Dunks, grilled nuggets from Chick-fil-a (love these), Grilled chicken snack wrap or sausage burrito (without most of the tortilla) from McDonald's, 
• 7:00-9:00 pm - depending on when I go to bed (normally by 9) I may eat a snack of cheese, peanut butter, or my favorite, Baked Lentils/peas. I have also loved mixing dried cranberries and almonds!

My priority right now is figuring out a gym schedule since some of my work days are 6:00 am-10:00 pm. Even when I work a normal day, 6 am to 4 or 5 pm, I don't want to work out. I need to get over that and get my butt in the gym. I would like to think I could do the 4:15 am work out, but yeahhhh...

My next doctor appointment is March 22. This is my 18 month check up. They say the weight you are at when you hit 18 months, is generally where you will stay. My ultimate goal is 146 lbs (even though my doctor wants me around 131 lbs). Right now I am staying between 149-151 lbs. I guess we will see what I hit on March 22. :)

 






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
• I am in a size 8 in most clothing brands

#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!

#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.

• What cracks me up now is the number of white men that look at me when I enter a room.

#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...

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

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

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

Lunch ideas and a weigh-in!

This week was a surprise for weight loss, as I dropped nearly 4 lbs. They only thing I really changed was taking my lunch three times this week. I also ran in the middle of the week, which is a goal to get more exercise in the middle of the week. It seems like I'm on my way to 180 by the end of Feb!

Just some pictures of my bento lunches this week:

Albacore Tuna with light mayo, Veggie crackers, half banana and strawberries.

Ham and cheese rolls (one piece of Havarti cheese), hummus, veggie crackers and strawberries.

Left over salad from Crispers, two slices of ham, ranch dressing, Babybel light cheese (one of my fav snacks for protein), and a cutie!

I love water, but I have also been getting more liquid from tea (sometimes McDonald's). I do half sweet and half unsweet to avoid artificial sugar. For breakfast I will do either a yogurt, Eggo waffle with peanut butter, 1% milk and banana with peanut butter, half breakfast burrito from McDonald's, or Wake-up wrap with bacon from Dunks. It all depends on how late i'm running in the morning LOL.  We have learned how to eat out with my new diet. We only order one meal and I will eat off of it. Most of the time it is chicken on a veggie, but sometimes we do steak or ribs. Rarely do I eat fried stuff or excessive white carbs. If there was one thing that I still struggle with, it would be sugar and not eating enough at dinner, so I want to snack late at night. Must do better!

I am buying size 14 bottoms now and they are fitting, but fitting tight. I am hoping within the next 2 weeks, I will fit them comfortably. I am buying most of the items from Ross and Walmart to save money. I don't foresee having to buy too many items until I am a solid size 12. 

Goals by Feb 28:
Weigh 180 lbs
Exercise in the middle of the week (*)
Pack my lunch 3 times a week (*)
Drink more fluids (*)

*= completed for the week

Total weight loss - 55 lbs
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

Three months post-op and working through plateaus

I am officially three months post-op today and 50 lbs down.

I am feeling pretty good and I have more energy than I did before the surgery. Everyone (well most everyone) has noticed the weight loss. I have continued to stay away from carbs and fried food for the most part and I still stay between 600-800 calories a day. I hit a plateau again the first week in January. I stuck around 199 lbs until mid Jan when I finally went down to 196 lbs. I find that I hit plateaus when I am not eating enough, drinking enough, or snacking at night because I didn't get enough calories that day.

Though I work out three days a week (mostly), I need to do a better job of spreading them out. I seem to do most of my workouts Thursday-Sunday. I have been successful with adding in weight training, but I have to develop it more. I really would like to hire a trainer again to show me how to properly weight train. I am super excited to have bought a Groupon for Pole Dancing lessons, but I would like to get down to 175 lbs and build my strength before I actually sign up for them. I have until late-March! That's my goal.

I am off the protein shakes, so I struggle to fit in enough protein throughout the day. I include a lot of low-fat string cheese and low-fat milk. I will most likely add in more yogurt and sliced deli meats for lunch. I haven't been packing my lunch for school :/ so that will be a goal! I bought some bento-like Tupperware and will be using it, trying to get in fruits and veggies more.

Clothes shopping has taken place a few times! I am between a size 14 and 16 at the moment (depending on the store and cut). I can easily buy clothes from most shopping outlets, which is exciting! I have also painted my own toe nails for the first time since 2001!

Goals by Feb 28:
Weigh 180 lbs
Pack my lunch 3 times a week
Drink more fluids

Total weight loss - 51.1 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

Crossing Off Bucket List Items and Making Resolutions!

I have come off my weight loss plateau for now (thank god)! I thought my weigh-in on Dec 21 was so funny because I actually gained 3+ pounds back the next day. So since the 22nd of Dec, I have really lost about seven pounds.  I haven't had any weird weighs since then. I finally am in the ONE Hundreds! I haven't seen those since 2001. Now that I am working out regularly, I believe it has balanced out. 

So I survived the holiday season and maintained my weight loss. I have read about so many people that stop losing after six weeks, or even gain some back after 2 months. I continue to work very hard at eating right and working out at least three times a week. I am now able to eat and drink anything I want, so I have to make good choices. When I crave my sweet coffee, I get a small one and drink only half of it. When I want bread, I eat half a bun or bagel, then make sure I work out. The surgery helps with how much I eat at one time, but I could always keep eating throughout the day. The real work is the changing of the habits.

The biggest (and only) issue I have had is eating too fast. Food will get stuck sometimes and it is painful. I had my first experience with throwing up just two days ago because a piece of shrimp wasn't chewed enough and it got stuck. :/  I have to be very careful to eat slowly so that I can chew enough. I also get very hungry late at night if I happen to eat an early dinner. I combat the hunger with some cheese, milk, or water. I have done better with my water and liquids intake. I have to continue to do that :)

Some of the things I can check off my bucket list are below.  There were a few I come close to checking off, but I didn't feel I could just yet!

#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.

#3 - Crossing my legs... I can do this comfortably all the time now.

#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.

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

The new year has arrived! I won't have the same resolution of just simply losing weight. I want to be more specific on how I plan on doing it. Then I also have some personal goals for the new year. They are below with some explanations:

1) Eat out less and bring my lunch to work.  This is pretty self-explanatory. Along with being able to lose weight, I will also save money.  I am probably more interested in saving the money! LOL Plus, eating out is so impersonal at times and can just be a routine. My husband loves to cook so I am hoping to do some cooking together. 

2) Properly integrate weights in to my work outs. I am so used to cardio and even HIIT, but I want to make sure I am also toning during the week.  I have seen the difference since I have started weight training in December. Plus, I want to make sure I am shaping up properly when the weight is coming off.

3) Stay away from excessive complex carbs and fried foods. I have already made this change and have stuck to it pretty well. They are items I can absolutely tolerate, but I know I should not over-indulge. People gain their weight back because they go back to old habits. I try hard to fight the urges. 

4) Eliminate toxic people in my life. This past year I have lost sight of looking out for myself when it comes to friendships and relationships. Because a person gave me instant gratification when we were together, I overlooked the way they treated me (and others). I was used, taken advantage of, my feelings were disregarded constantly, lied to, and I was flat out disrespected. I was disposable and completely optional in their life. No more...it took me a while to realize that I am really too good for those people. I feel sorry for them actuality and am at peace with my decision. 

5) I work a lot...I am not saying that I am giving up working so much, that is just who I am. My parents instilled a fantastic work ethic in me. However, I want to work smarter. I would like to focus on things that are going to propel me in to the next level of my career. 

6) Travel to a place I have not been. This is a fun one :) I may just stick to somewhere in the USA or Caribbean. 

Total weight loss - 46.2 lbs
December 31, 2014 - 199.8
December 21, 2014 - 203.8
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

Four weeks out weigh-in! I get to eat FOOD now :)

I am officially able to eat soft food! This  means I can add in other proteins like chicken and fish. I actually started this phase three days early when I tried two ounces of chicken and some ahi tuna and it didn't bother me! I was at a birthday party at TGI Fridays and I ordered the small chicken skewers and ahi tuna bites. I got full really fast. That was my first experience with solid food and I survived!!  I then went out to eat for my anniversary. I took a bite of a flat bread and it did not go down properly, either due to not enough chewing or too big of a bite. It was very painful so I had to stand in the restroom for a bit. After 20 mins, I felt better and learned not to make that mistake again!! I had to skip my soup, but I ate some of my chicken. 

I have been doing well on soft foods since I started. I definitely do not eat as much as I was able to with the liquid proteins. I probably eat about a half cup of solid food. So far I have tried boneless chicken breast, baked chicken leg, sliced smoked turkey, scrabbled eggs, meatballs, cooked squash and zucchini, cooked carrots, mashed potatoes, baked beans, ground beef, string cheese, and oatmeal. I am basically steering clear from any bread, pasta, rice, anything fried, all sweets, sugar, and high-fat foods. I do fine with spicy, so I am keeping that. heheh

Because I started eating "solid" food, I was scared my weight loss would have slowed down. I actually lost more weight this past week! Bodies are so weird. I am still eating between 600-800 calories. I feel that I will probably default around this range for quite a while. A question to my doctor will be a safe caloric range. I still keep track of everything I eat, even though it is harder now that it is not packaged in a container all the time. I can see how it is hard to get in all the protein you need. I will continue to supplement a meal with a protein shake to ensure I get 60 plus grams. Though I do get full really fast, I do get hungry again, however it normally takes 2-3 hours on the amount of food I am eating right now. 

The hardest thing for me is not the "do not drink before and after meals for 30 minutes", but the eating slowly. I have to learn to put the fork down in between bites. Especially when I am hungry and wanting to eat!

I have not yet made it to the gym. However, I am moving well and not tired every day. I still do get tired at times, but it is normally after a busy day.  Since we are off this week, I am hoping to get to it. I know it will give me energy and make it easier for me after the tube comes out! 

Other exciting things this week include fitting in to clothes that I haven't worn in two years! Before surgery I was a size 18/20. Now my size 20's are too big and I am comfortable in my sized 18 clothes. I have a few size 16 I now fit. My goal is to be a solid size 16 by Christmas. 

Weigh-in results - total loss 30 lbs
Four weeks post-op, November 21 - 216

Three weeks post-op, November 14 - 221.9

Two weeks post-op, Nov 7 - 226.6 lbs

One week post-op, Oct 31 - 231.8 lbs

Weight morning of surgery, Oct 24 - 239 lbs

Weight at pre-op appointment, Oct 14 - 246 lbs

30 pounds down - 81 to go!! Pictures next week :)