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

Beauty Products After Surgery

So I am almost two months post-op and doing great.  I'm able to eat just about anything, but I choose to stay away from fried food and complex carbs (bread, pasta, rice). My new stomach can handle them, but my new lifestyle knows I shouldn't have them. Weight loss started to slow down with sodium intake, water retention, and increase of exercise. I have read that it will pick back up once my body adjusts to the new diet of eating normal food again. I'm still happy with 1.5 to 2 lbs a week, but this past week I picked back up.

I thought I would post about some of the products I use for scars and to help with skin elasticity. I saw a dermatologist about scarring from my breast cancer and they recommended Oil of Olay Total Effects 7 for a body wash.  I have been pretty happy with it so I also the face moisturizer.  It smooths skin and I can tell a big difference.

 I have five scars from my bypass surgery, so I am hoping they will diminish with constant use of recommended products. I use Bio oil and Mederma directly on my scars. I normally use one in the morning and one in the evening.  The scars are not too bad, but I'm so tired of scars!

The last product I use on my arms and thighs. Those are the areas of my body I fear my skin will sag. A friend of mine recommended Nieva's Q10 Gel Cream.  I haven't used this long enough to talk about it's effectiveness. 

Fitness - I have been in the gym doing cardio, weight training, and working on my flexibility. I am looking forward to becoming even more active over the holiday break and leading in to the Spring tennis season!

Total weight loss - 42.2 lbs
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