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....

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

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