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!