truth in advertising...

While I appreciate the nice comments (I've never been called "tiny" in my life!), I feel like I need to follow up my last post with "full disclosure."  The face shot was taken from a strangely flattering angle and, I think, makes me look smaller than I am (thus, the reason I didn't hate it).  

This is size L on top and 14 on bottom.

And also, droopy boobs much?  I think a new bra might be on the horizon.  "Matronly" is NOT the look I'm going for here. ;)

just because i don't hate it...

OK, so this isn't a great "portrait" or anything.  I'm just thrilled that I took an impromptu snapshot of myself and didn't hate it!

Also, NEW CLOTHES!!!

the end.

the numbers say it all, y'all...

WEIGHT

Starting weight:  245lb
Current weight:  189lb
Loss=56lb

BUST

Starting:  43.5"
Current:  40"
Loss=3.5"

WAIST

Starting:  45"
Current:  34"
Loss=11"

HIPS:

Starting:  53"
Current:  44"
Loss=9"

THIGH:

Starting:  29"
Current:  25"
Loss=4"

CALF:

Starting:  19.5"
Current:  18"
Loss=1.5"

UPPER ARM

Starting:  15"
Current:  13
Loss=2"

a little bit o' this & a little bit o' that...

Last week, Darrell and I took a trip in our new (to us) RV.  We went to SEFF in Americus, GA--a weeklong Remote Control (RC) plane gathering/festival thingy.  I know--I rolled my eyes at first, too.  But, it wound up being a lovely week!  The facility was exceptional, the atmosphere was both friendly & relaxing and the weather was extraordinary! 

I spent quite a bit of time reading.  In fact, I finished the entire Maze Runner trilogy (thumbs up for those who like dystopian YA fiction ala Divergent & Hunger Games, etc.)  I spent some time with Darrell while he was flying and enjoyed the "show" after sunset when pilots outfit their aircraft with LED's.  Murphy and I also took a few Long Walks exploring the countryside and taking pictures of rusty things.  Those of you on FB have seen these images already, but I'll post them again for everyone else.

The totally awesome part is that I know for a fact I would not have enjoyed this vacation even a tenth as much last year when I was 55 lbs heavier.  I would have been hot and uncomfortable and would not have wanted to do much of anything.  I would not have wanted to walk 5-8 miles in the country with my dog; or lie down on the ground to get just the right angle for a photo; or traipse through a field in search of old, rusty farm equipment; or sit in a folding chair for 2 hours to watch an outdoor movie; or even share an RV sized bed with my 6'2' husband and dog; or any of a zillion other things that I did without even thinking.

In other news:

I went on an unplanned clothes shopping trip today.  I was getting frustrated after trying on about 10 pair of pants--none of which fit--when I finally realized that I needed to go down a size!  While I'm still fitting comfortably into many of the size 16 jeans currently in my closet, I wound up purchasing a size 14 (regular) today at Macy's. Woot! Even better is that they are a straight leg boyfriend cut, which has historically been a no-go for me because of my extra-large calves! I also tried on (but did not buy) some sleeveless tops--and did not hate them!~Woot Woot!

Oh, and here's a bonus shot of Murphy because I discovered Instagram editing last week.  

And, he's cute.

And, I love his nose.

The End.

Comparison photos...

This is a self-portrait that my husband & I took of ourselves at a baseball game last year.

We took this one last night.




















The end.

And also, WOOT! WOOT!

i don't understand what's happening with my Bo0b$...

BO0BIE$

8 years ago when I started dating my [now] husband, I wore a 36C.  At my highest weight of 245, I was busting out of a 38DDD.  I have recently been bra shopping again, and am the proud owner of 2 34DD's.  However, I'm still 30 lbs above where I was at 36C.  I understand the cup size, but I don't get how the strap size has gone down.  I have NEVER been a 34 in my life (even as a teen weighing in the 130's).  WTF?  I mean, I'll take it--I just don't understand it.

VITAMIN UPDATE

I am proud to say that I have taken ALL of my vitamins EVERY day for the last 2 weeks.  What changed?--I started using my pill minder again.  Simple, huh?

WEIGH IN

I have officially lost 50lbs!!!  Only 20 pounds to go until I'm no longer "obese" and 30 pounds until my "I'll call myself successful" goal of 165.  Once I reach that goal, I will re-evaluate to see if I'm comfortable there or if I want to try to lose 10-20 more.

5 months!

...and almost 50 lbs!

I had my 6-month checkup with my surgeon yesterday (even though it's only been 5 months...we got a little off schedule when I got sick in October).  He is pleased with my progress overall.  But, he did tell me that it was well past time for me to start using weights at the gym.

I've only lost 10 lbs in the last 3 months.  My excuses were:  Thanksgiving, 2 Christmas celebrations, a 3-day New Years extravaganza and 4 birthdays.  The truth of the matter, though, is that I haven't really been putting forth an effort.  So, while it's great that I lost 10lbs over the holidays without really trying (which means that the sleeve is doing its job), it's time for me to start start do my job.  And, that means exercise & meal planning.

My vitamin levels were all within normal ranges.  This also is good news especially if you consider that I haven't been taking my vitamins.  Whew!

ice cream & sammies...

ICE CREAM

I have finally accepted the fact that I can no longer eat ice cream.  One of the "side-effects" of the Sleeve Gastrectomy is that many people find they can no longer tolerate certain foods.  The type of intolerance is random and cannot be predicted.  My NUT said that one of her patients cannot tolerate vanilla ice cream--any other flavor is fine.  I, however, can't seem to tolerate ANY flavor of ice cream.  One bite and I start feeling nauseated; three bites or more and I am bent over the toilet (or the garbage disposal ala Tina) for a while.  Bad times, my friends.

SANDWICHES

I met my mother at one of our favorite local lunch spots yesterday.  Since I can now eat some breads, I ordered the chicken salad sandwich (toasted to dry out the bread).  I have now eaten three meals off of this sandwich (lunch, dinner & even breakfast this morning) and still have over 1/2 of the sandwich left!!!

My weight is holding steady between 199.0-199.9.  Still under 200!!!  I have been terrible with the H20 lately and am hoping that getting back on that wagon will help get me back in the losing game.  Plus, it's the week before 'The Crying Time' and that never helps with the scales, either.

Happy Weekend, Y'all!

i'm claiming it...

I've been weighing in under 200 for over a week, so now I feel comfortable declaring permanent residency in Onederland (I don't love that phrase in general, but it fits the circumstance).

I went shopping yesterday and am also claiming residency in the regular size women's clothing department.  I didn't try on pants, but all of the tops that I bought were size L (and even one M)!!!  I also can't wear any of my 16W pants anymore--too big!

On a whim, I dug into my closet archives and tried on the stack of size 14 pants that I've been saving since 2007.  Every single pair zipped and buttoned!!--although, the eyes of the world will thank me if I lose another 10-15 lbs before wearing any of them in public. ;)

I am having blood drawn on Monday in preparation for my checkup with Dr. Steinburg on Feb. 4.  He will be checking all of my vitamin levels, cholesterol, etc.  I will admit that I haven't been taking all of my vitamins lately AND I haven't been tracking my food so I have no idea how I'm doing on nutrition & calories.  Fingers crossed!

Cheers!

1-month behind schedule, but...

199.2 !!!

2013 Unprocessed

In keeping with our blogging community tradition, I have chosen a word for the new year...

UNPROCESSED

The theory behing living an unprocessed life (as it relates to food) is to eat food that is as close to it's natural state as possible.  It's not about being "good" 100% of the time and there is no such thing as "failure."  It's really about making the best choice available at the time.  When making decisions about what is and isn't considered unprocessed, I will be using The Kitchen Test devised by Andrew Wilder over at Eating Rules.

Unprocessed food is any food that could be made by a person with reasonable skill in a home kitchen with whole-food ingredients.

I call it “The Kitchen Test.” If you pick up something with a label (if it doesn’t have a label, it’s probably unprocessed), and find an ingredient you’d never use in your kitchen and couldn’t possibly make yourself from the whole form, it’s processed.

It doesn’t mean you actually have to make it yourself, it just means that for it to be considered “unprocessed” that you could, in theory, do so.

I have been leaning toward this type of eating and cooking for many years now and was thrilled to find the Eating Rules site that so closely mimics my own views on food and eating.   

When I cleaned out my pantry last week, I was shocked at how much processed food I was keeping around...sugar, white flour, canned soups (loaded with preservatives), etc.  Once I started really examining the labels, I was again surprised to discover the less-than-natural ingredients in things like a can of Chiles en Adobo (I have since found an acceptable substitute at Whole Foods) and even my sliced water chestnuts.

If you are interested in a lengthy & detailed explanation, you can find it here. 

 

holiday stall...not that there's anything wrong with that

My weight loss has stalled.  But, since I've pretty much been "free-feeding" for the last couple of weeks, I'm not upset.  In fact, I'm pretty stoked that things are holding steady considering all the crap that has gone into my mouth lately (Garrett's Chicago Mix; pound cake; buttermilk pie; fried chicken; Buffalo chicken dip--just to name a few).  Here's a look at my last few Wednesday weigh-ins:

11/21:   206

11/28:   203.9

12/05:   205.9

12/12:   204.2

Overall, not too shabby.  Plus, there's still a chance that I can get below the 200 threshold by the end of the year!

The sleeve has most definitely been my best friend lately with all the holiday parties (and associated yummy-but-bad-for-you food).  I've been able to nibble on a variety of food without going overboard.  The best part is that it since it takes me so long to eat, nobody has even noticed the tiny amounts.

Cheers!

H2(the)O...

I have always known that I was supposed to drink water.  I have always chugged it.  I have always had to go to the bathroom every 30 minutes when I am chugging water.  I can no longer chug water (it hurts!).  As a result, my relationship with water has changed significantly.

Since VSG, it is physically painful for me to do anything other than sip liquids.  So, these days I pretty much have a glass of water near me at all times and I take sips every couple of minutes.  When I do this properly, I wind up drinking around 72oz of water a day.  Sometimes, I sip on hot tea instead of water--and I count this toward my total liquid consumption for the day.  

***WARNING--BATHROOM TALK AHEAD***

When I drink water slowly and consistently, I find that I don't have to go to the bathroom (for #1) quite as often.  I also find that I have fewer problems with #2 (i.e. less constipation).  Most importantly, I rarely have to get up in the middle of the night to go--something that almost always happened previously.  Is it possible that my body is absorbing the water more effectively when I go the slow & steady route?

***END BATHROOM TALK***

I also have discovered that I can tell a marked difference in my ability to eat based on how much water I have (or haven't) consumed.  It is very difficult for me to eat as I should on the days that I don't drink water as I should.  In fact, the majority of the time that I find myself experiencing difficulty in the eating department, it turns out to be on a day when I haven't (or couldn't) sipped on my water all day.  Hmm...

Cheers!

12-weeks post-op

I can't believe that it's been 12-weeks since my surgery!

WEIGHT LOSS:

40lbs

EATING:

I find that it is extremely difficult for me to eat solid (or even soft) food before noon.  So, I've been relying on yogurt and my homemade protein smoothies for my AM nutrition.  Lunch is usually some cottage cheese & fruit.  By dinner-time, I'm generally ready for "real" food and will have a small portion of whatever I am making for my husband--most often, a simple protein & some steamed or sautéed green veggie.

NAUSEA:

I have experienced quite a few episodes of nausea & vomiting.  It is a learning process for sure!  The NUT warned me that I would discover foods that I just can't tolerate under any circumstance.  And, boy was she right!!!  I have to be very careful with anything high fat--which produces almost instantaneous nausea and often violent vomiting even when eating the the tiniest amount.  

Not chewing properly cal also be counted on to produce episodes of vomiting--usually NOT accompanied by nausea.  It's nothing like the PB's associated with the band, either.  This is so much more painful (for me, anyway) as the un-chewed pieces of food are rather forcefully ejected from the stomach/esophagus.

PORTIONS:

I am still learning about my portions.  I have learned that I can eat larger portions for dinner than I can at breakfast.  For dinner, I serve myself about 2-3 oz of protein and about 1/4-cup of vegetable.  Sometimes I am able to eat all of it, but usually I have at least 2-3 bites left over.  Lunch and breakfast usually come in around 1/2 cup each.  Snacks are usually about 1/4-cup (lately I've been snacking on grapes and other soft fruits)

CHANGE IN TASTE:

As I was warned, my tastes have most definitely changed!  I am still very sensitive to sugar...although it no longer triggers my gag reflex.  I am happy to report that just two small bites of pumpkin pie was enough to satisfy me on Thanksgiving Day!

I still find artificial sweeteners to be bitter in most things.  The only exception is the one Splenda packet that I use in my morning coffee or hot tea.

I no longer have a love affair with cheese. :(

I have a new love affair with ginger snaps.

HOT TEA:

Let's just say that I am starting to believe hot tea cures everything!  I drink it when I'm feeling nauseated and it helps.  I drink it if I'm hungry (but can't/shouldn't eat for whatever reason) and it helps.  I drink it when I'm cold and it helps.  My coffee habit is down to one cup a day but I seem to have replaced it with a 2-3 cup a day hot tea habit.  I also have started drinking a cup of chamomile every evening after dinner.

FRUIT POPS:

I eat a fruit pop (or two) almost every day!  It's a great treat; it takes care of any sweet craving I might be having; it is only 40-50 calories; it counts as a serving of fruit.

Cheers!

"typical" day...

FK over at The Secret Diaries asked me in a recent comment to post about a typical day for me as far as food an exercise.  I am happy to oblige, but please keep in mind that I am only 8 weeks post-op and am still learning.  Plus, as I continue to heal my "typical" days are changing.  Here's what I've been doing the last week or two.

Early AM: hot tea or coffee with 1TBSP half-n-half and 1 Splenda packet

Breakfast: home-made smoothie (greek yogurt, frozen fruit, kefir, protein powder, Metamucil powder) or 1 egg scrambled with butter

Lunch:  vanilla yogurt or cottage cheese w/ fruit (or, leftovers from previous night's dinner)

Dinner: 2-3oz meat & 1/4-cup veggie

Sometimes there is a snack somewhere in there and usually another cup of hot tea.

I weigh and measure EVERYTHING!  I serve myself 4oz or 1/2 cup of food per meal (and I usually don't finish).

As for exercise...that's not going as well as I would have hoped.  But, I am making an effort to be more active in my daily life.  I've been doing a bit more yardwork, projects around the house, etc.

I am struggling with my vitamins and supplements.  I am struggling with getting in enough water.  I also know that I am not eating enough overall.  My surgeon is not too concerned at this point.  He says that I will begin eating more naturally as I continue to heal and that as long as I feel good and my bloodwork is ok (including vitamin levels) then he thinks I'm doing fine.

goals checkup...

Shortly after surgery, I set some goals.  Here's how I'm doing so far...

• Start:  244.5
• Current:209.5 
• Oct 2:  218 (achieved Oct 13)
• Oct 16: 211 (achieved Oct 31)
• Nov 4:  205 
• Dec 4:  195 

As you can see, I haven't quite met the goals on time.  But, I'm happy with my progress.  I'm close enough that I think I can still make my Dec. 4th goal.  I've lost 35lbs in the 8 weeks since surgery and I am only 10lbs away from my lowest LapBand weight.  Boo-yah! 

every vacation has a charcoal lining...

So...vacation was awesome!  We stayed at a friend's house in Cashiers, NC and got to have dinner with the lovely Amanda and her husband!  We hiked, we read, we napped.  Like I said--awesome!

Sadly, there seems to be a stomach bug rampaging through NC and I came home with it.  I even wound up in the ER yesterday because my surgeon's office on-call doctor was worried about blockage ( I called them after the 3rd round of vomiting).  Good news--no blockage!!!  Plus, I got some IV liquids and a prescription for Zofran.

I got home from the ER last night and started running a a low-grade fever.  When it reached 101, I took some Tylenol and now, after a day of sleeping, I feel better and my temp is normal.

I was so afraid that this was all because of a donut whole I ate at a party on Friday night!  I was almost relieved when Amanda told me about all of NC being sick with the bug.

Regardless, I won't be eating any more donuts for a while.

Cheers!

4.4 lbs

I went on vacation for a week.  I did not track my food.  I did not get on a scale.  I got home last night and weighed this morning.  I am down 4.4 lbs!!!

i am so ready for menopause...

I was feeling good about myself two days ago.  I ate well that day and drank a lot of water.  Yesterday I skipped my weigh-in, was very active (5 hours of dirty, sweaty, hard yard-work)  and drank lots of water.  Today I weighed and have gained 1.5 lbs.   Blech!!!  

According to MyCycle calendar, I will be ovulating tomorrow.  According to sources on the InterWebs, ovulation is associated with bloating, cramping & temporary weight gain.  So, I gain weight when I'm ovulating and I gain weight when I'm menstruating.  As a woman, I'm almost always doing one of those two things...it sucks!  

Also, my butt is sore from the yard-work yesterday--a lot of walking up and down a very steep hill carrying stuff like 40lb bags of grass-seed, mulch, topsoil, hay, etc.  More of that to follow later today.

Cheers!

Hola my peeps!

It's been a week since my last confession post.  The excitement is slowing down as my recovery levels off.  Here's a bullet recap of how things have changed in the last week or so.

• Today is my last day of soft/pureed foods--tomorrow I get to chew!!!  I still have to hold off until 3 months post-op (6 more weeks) before eating salad or raw veggies and the recommendation is 6 months post-op for bread.  
• Weight loss has slowed dramatically since I moved off of liquids, but it still goes down daily.  I am pleased.
• My total weight loss after 6 weeks=28lbs.  Body fat has gone from 50.8% (how embarrassing!!!) to 47.5%.
• I am 12 lbs away from my lowest, non-dehydrated Lap Band weight which I reached around December of 2011.
• I am still working hard to get in enough protein & water.  The protein should be easier once I'm on "real" food.  The water will just be a matter of me drinking. more. water.
• I haven't been back to the gym since Zumba last Tuesday--it kicked my butt that hard!  The Hubs and I have a gym date scheduled for this evening after work. 

In non-WLS news, tomorrow is our 4th wedding anniversary!  Sadly, The Hubs will be flying to Austin for a work conference.  I promised him a special anniversary breakfast of waffles NOT made with whole-wheat mix.  It's the little things, y'all. :)

Cheers!

PS  For those who have been married longer:  when do you stop counting married years vs dating years?  I still feel the need to tell people that even though we've only been married for 4 years, we have been a couple for 8 years.