Five Years Later

I started my initial weight loss journey five years ago this month. I decided that being super morbidly obese was no longer acceptable. I made the decision that carrying around 530 lbs. was no longer for me. I was tired of being tired. I was over having to ask someone to put my socks and shoes on my feet and to then tie my shoes. I was sick of having to sit down to shower, cook, and do dishes. I was ashamed of having to send my family in to do the shopping because I could no longer make it through even the smallest of grocery stores. I was done.

I am proud to say four years later I am now down to 271 pounds as of this morning. That is a total of 259 lbs gone that I know I am not going to gain back. It's been a slow process. I lost over 100 lbs and maintained that for two years. Then I lost the other 150 lbs. I've maintained that loss for six months now. I am ready to lose another 40 lbs to be near where I want to be before skin removal surgery of just my stomach. I'd like to be there by March but that seems unrealistic to me now.

Yes, I had a gastric bypass surgery to get the last 150 lbs off but it has still been work. I still have to count calories, track protein, watch my carbs, and move my body. It has been about more than just losing the pounds. I have had to change my lifestyle and it has not been an easy process. I do know that I am doing it every day and I will continue to do so. I am not going to regain the pounds I have shed and I will make it to where I am comfortable being. Not a number set by a doctor, health insurance company, surgeon, or someone else, but a weight and size I am comfortable being. My body fat is decreasing though the scales are not moving much. I am not discouraged. That is what needs to happen at some point. I want the fat to change to muscle. It's all good.

I am back at water aerobics class two nights week. I go to cardio circuit training one night a week for an hour. I also do aerobics and strength training for an hour that same night. On nights I have no scheduled fitness classes, I am going to the fitness center at my apartment complex. I am walking on the treadmill, doing a weight workout, and using the elliptical. I have a fitness ball and bands at home I use. I am considering getting myself some hand weights (eight pounds because the five pounds at the fitness center really aren't challenging me anymore and I'm not ready to move up to ten). It's all coming together.

Just wanted to do a little update. I didn't realize it had been so long since last I posted here. Take care and happy new year to all. God bless and may you find joy, peace, happiness, and prosperity in this new year!

A quick update

Just stopping by with a quick update. I now have an iPod touch and I purchased a Nike+ sensor that acts as a pedometer. I LOVE it! Went for my first walk on Saturday, using this, and walked for an hour. During that time I walked two and a half miles and burned 478 calories according to the iPod. I actually lost track of how many laps I did on the track at the park!

While walking, I reflected how just after surgery I couldn't even make it all the way around once. I had to actually cut through to make it back to the car! After that, the most laps I had accomplished was three and then I'd be too tired to continue. This time, I just listened to my music, walked, breathed, and went with it. I had no plan as to how long, how many laps, how far ... I just decided to listen to my body and go with it. And that's what I did.

I have quite a week coming up. Work today through Wednesday. The girls and evening staff are hosting Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday night. Hopefully, most of the girls will leave to visit their families on Wednesday and then I am off to travel southward to visit my own family. I will be at my little sister's for Thanksgiving Day. Friday we will shop until Jackie drops! Saturday I go to Cincinnatti with my older sister to the flea markets. Sunday we will make the trek back home so I can be at work Monday. Though you would think four days off will feel like a vacation, I know it will go by all too quickly. Time is like that and just slips away. I am going to make the most of it and have fun. I will also squeeze in a visit with the oldest daughter and her children and my brother so all the family will be covered.

I am thankful for life, for having a clear head to make the decision to have surgery, for my wonderful family, and all of my beautiful friends. Life is indeed good and very much worth living! Thank you Lord.

Regaining my power

I am trudging onward and will not let others have the power to keep me from achieving my goal. I tell my girls at work all the time not to give away their power. They are always blaming someone for their mistakes, faults, short comings ... I tell them to stand up and take responsibility for their actions. I tell them blaming others is giving them way too much power over them. They are letting others control how their life turns out and they need to take that power back. So ... I am working on taking back all of my own power from the many I have given it away to. I know that I can do this!

TA DA!

As my granddaughter Chloe would say ... "Ta da!"

I got up this morning, took my shower, and stepped on the proverbial scales. I had to rub my eyes to be sure I was seeing the number I thought I was seeing. Tim (the hubby) and I just had this conversation last night discussing how I was nearing a MAJOR milestone in my journey. The scale read 265 lbs. I started out at 530 lbs. If you do the math, you'll find I have now lost the amount of weight that I currently weigh. I am only one half the physical person I used to be. Ta da, indeed! Another 35 lbs and I will pretty much be at my goal weight.

That said, then the trek begins to get the abdominoplasty to have the belly skin removed. I will say that though I've had no rashes, much to my surprise, I do have back pain and I know that I do not stand up straight as the weight pulls me forward. I will start calling the insurance company in January to find out what exactly they will need to get approval. I am hoping to be at 230 lbs when I go for my 18 month post op appointment at which time Dr. Vallina (my wonderful surgeon) will seriously discuss this surgery. I'd like to have the abdominoplasty before summer 2010, not because I want to wear a bikini or anything like that. I just want the skin gone and the results of my hard work to be even more noticeable. I am slowly getting to where I want to be and yes, this is my "TA DA" moment! There will be two more ... one for getting to goal and the other after the abdominoplasty.

All good things must come to an end ...

or so someone has said.

We all come to a realization at some point that the pounds are just not going to fall off forever. I know I've been the same weight, give or take four pounds, for three months now. I have not given up. I feel fantastic. I look pretty good, compared to where I have come from. If I remain this weight I will be okay. My health and quality of life has drastically improved and that's what this whole process has been about for me.

My surgeon says I should be able to lose another 40 lbs before I must learn to maintain. I figure I'm getting good practice now and I know I will keep the weight off this time. It is hard not to become disheartened or discouraged but I have found that I seem to no longer have this issue. I no longer obsess about the scale and feel the need to get on it every single day. I would love to say I only weigh once a week, but that just isn't the case. I am going to get there though.

Today the scale read 266.0 and I gasped. That is my lowest weight in over 20 years. Only 34 more pounds to get rid of and I will be the weight I was when I met my husband 26 years ago. That is a sobering thought. I thought I was so fat then and look at where I ended up. It makes me sad to look at the pictures of me when I weighed 530 lbs. I look at that woman and wonder what was going on in her life that she let things get so out of control. Then I realize that woman is ME! I can see beyond the fat and feel the pain now. I have been so blessed and know that no matter what, I am strong. I have survived so much and I will continue to survive. After all, I didn't go through all of this for no reason. The Lord has a plan, even for this, and all is well.

Oh wow!

I knew it had been quite some time since I updated here but somehow I missed the entire month of September. I don't quite know how that happened. I apologize to those of you who were used to getting updates a lot more frequently.

September 8 was the one year anniversary of my surgery. My protein levels are still way too low. I have to drink some protein now. A friend gave me some Muscle Milk to try and it isn't that horrid. It isn't the best thing I have ever had to drink but I can tolerate it so I will start drinking a couple of those per day. My B-12 was low but I think I know why and that has been taken care of. My weight remains near 270 right now bouncing up and down the same 3-4 lbs. I wonder if my body is just resting and catching up with all I have put it through the last year?

I had another surgery last month. I had noticed a knot in the incision where I had the growth removed from my left leg three years ago. Asked my surgeon, thinking it was just scar tissue and he said 'no way'. So, I had a small surgical procedure to remove whatever it was. He said it appeared to be a water filled cyst. It was sent to pathology to be sure it is nothing to worry about and that's the last I heard. Hopefully, I will be notified of test results soon but I am not really worried about it at all.

Still exercising and almost enjoying it. I only manage to go once a week right now. Work has been extremely stressful and I try to tell myself to just be thankful that I have a job right now. It isn't easy but I am managing.

Mandi and Chloe still live with us and it is a rocky road most days. Mandi still does not have a job though she is looking. She had found one then had no car and we couldn't find one we could afford so she had to pass. Having a job to do money drops was a requirement of the job. Hopefully she will find something else soon.

I will try to get back here more often. I want to make time this weekend to visit all of my friend's blogs and reconnect. I feel badly that I have let this go for so long. Know that those of you who have read here for so long are never far from my thoughts. Take care and God bless!

Vacation

So we were on vacation last week. We drove down to Orlando with my sister and her fella. We went out on an airboat and saw alligator nests, nesting alligator moms and even baby alligators. It was a lot of fun!

We also went to the dinner show "Al Capone's" and had a blast. It was a new show, quite different from the ones we had seen there years ago. We sat through that one three times before so it was nice to see a new one.

We didn't do much else there. We left there and headed over to Daytona where it was really too hot to do much of anything. We did some shop wandering and then headed on to St. Augustine. We walked on the beach, in the rain, there. Saw the old fort there and it was okay. Then we headed up to Ducktown, TN.

There we went white water rafting and had a BLAST! The rapids were class II and class IV. I guess they go up to class V. It was so much fun! My sister go washed out of her seat a couple times but managed to remain in the raft. Tim didn't really want to go but went because he knew I wanted to go. He was quite grumpy in the beginning, but by the end he was smiling and laughing. He said he would go again. I definitely want to go again.

All in all, it was a relaxing time and I'm sad to have to return to work. All good things come to an end while the bad seems to just pile on. I'll trudge onward, though.

I did gain four pounds while I was gone. Eating was not often enough and the wrong things. I'm sure once I'm back in the swing here at home, the pounds will be gone once again. It's what I'm shooting for, anyway.

Life gets in the way

Sometimes life just gets in the way of everything. Our youngest daughter Mandi has moved back in with us with her two year old to try to get her life in order. Going through a divorce and custody fight and needs support so here she is. She has applied for jobs but so far no calls. She is going to go to school and learn a trade so she is more marketable.

Work has been extremely difficult this past week. Friday was the WORST! I'm up to nine girls now and it's making staffing extremely tricky since I still do not have a full staff. I sometimes wonder why I even bother! I know it's because I care and because I am making a difference.

Weight loss is up and down yet again. Some of it is my own fault as I'm not eating correctly or just not eating at all. Even with the surgery, it is still a struggle every day, especially when I seem to be able to eat pretty much anything I want (just in smaller quantities) and have no ill effects. It wasn't supposed to be like this so soon.

Anyway, just wanted to check in. I really need to make time to make the rounds of the blogs of all my friends. I've been so neglectful and for that I apologize. I used to be so good at making rounds daily and now it's been like forever.

Vacation starts Friday next week. Tim and I are going to FL with my sister and her man. I'm so looking forward to getting away from it all. I know we're going to have a good time and it's going to fly by way too fast. I'll have my laptop and will try to check in but we'll see how it goes.

I try ...

... to get here more often but sometimes there just isn't anything to say. Life has been busy and crazy but I'm hanging in there. I had a wonderful July 4th weekend visiting with my sister and my girls. It was just what I needed after a couple of really horrible weeks at work.

First there was the scare that I may be out of a job. Illinois government cannot settle on a budget (and is currently operating without one) and the IL Department of Children and Family Services made a bunch of cuts in anticipation of less money to operate on. Consequently, they cut all funding for Parenting Teen Centers. Guess what I run? Yep, a Parenting Teen program! For a couple weeks we had to wonder if our organization was going to close us down. It now looks like we're going to be okay but I'm not certain of that, yet. I'm taking it day by day and we'll see where that gets me. LOL

We had our therapist leave and a new therapist come on. She's doing a good job but she's not the therapist we had and the girls miss her. On top of that, I hired (or thought I had hired) new staff. Only half of the ones I hired actually showed up for orientation so it's back to square one. I really hate that whole process. This means I'm running my home short of staff and working a LOT of hours. Suffice it to say that as of yesterday I already have my 80 hours for this pay period in and still have to work today, tomorrow, and at the very least, Friday! All without real compensation as I'm salaried. Gotta love that, too!

I lost virtually no weight in June and was frustrated as I mentioned in my last post. Talked with a few "in the know" and came to the conclusion maybe I wasn't eating enough calories. Sure enough, I bumped those up and the weight is coming off again. Lesson learned, once again. It wasn't that I wasn't eating, because I do about six times a day but I needed more calories to fuel my body now that I'm more active.

I got my butt kicked at my circuit conditioning and cardio classes last night. I ran on the treadmill three times. It was still only a minute, but I did it. I don't really like running on the treadmill. I've ran a few times on solid ground but I'm not ever going to be a runner, per se. I'm starting to see some definition in my thighs, though, and that's encouraging. I also moved up to six pound weights for my strength training. My arms are killing this morning. It was a good workout and I'm okay with the sore and tender muscles, really. It's all a reminder that I'm making progress. Back to water aerobics class tonight and it's all good. I do enjoy my workouts, surprisingly enough. I miss when I can't go because of work.

I did run into someone over the weekend who had not seen me since my surgery. She didn't greet me at first and I didn't give it much thought. She isn't a friend or anyting, just someone who lived in the same town I used to live in and we'd exchange a hello from time to time when we met. I know who she is and she knows me via my girls as her husband teaches at the high school but that's it. Anyway ... a few minutes later she came to me and said, "I didn't recognize you. You've lost a LOT of weight!" It made me smile to know that others really do see the difference. It was nice to know my hard work is paying off.

On a side note to all of that, Tim took pictures of me with our granddaughter Chloe in the pool on Monday. I looked at them and realized, though I'm not thin by any means, I am definitely thinner. I compared that photo to one taken exactly a year ago and oh my ... Here is a couple photos from Monday.

Follow-up with the surgeon

I went to see my surgeon on Tuesday for my nine month follow-up. I can't believe it's been that long since I had my surgery! As I said in my last blog post here, progress is being made and I'm happy with that.

He said I'm doing GREAT and obviously doing the right things. He said I look good and so far he sees no problems. He always checks me for a hernia. I don't want one, but he did say should I develop one, the insurance company would then pay for my stomach skin removal at the same time as the hernia repair. Otherwise, there is 14 pages of rules and hoops to get through (for my insurance company) and it isn't even a guarantee that they will pay then. You'd think if they approve gastric bypass, they would allow skin removal. I mean, how do they expect a person to go from 530 lbs to 200 lbs and not have hanging sagging skin? It's beyond conceivable to me!

He also said that I should set my goal at 220-240 lbs. Then when I do have skin removal surgery I would end up weighing about 185-195 lbs which is right about where I would like to be. So ... if that's the case, I'm about 40-60 lbs from my goal instead of 90 like I had thought. Woo hoo! I'm pretty sure I can live with that.

Exercise this week has kicked me in the butt. Since water aerobics on Monday I've had the muscle burn going on. Tuesday added to it with squats on the wall using our fitness balls. Egads! And then water aerobics again last night where she really worked our abs and we actually did circuit conditioning. It was fun but gosh I'm feeling it this morning.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot ... Tuesday night at class I decided to give it a go to run on the treadmill. This time, I didn't startle anyone. Some of you may remember the last time I tried to run and scared my hubby as he thought I had fallen off the treadmill there was such a pounding noise. LOL I warmed up with a slow walk and then cranked it up to 4.0 mph and was off and running. I only managed to run for 30 seconds before I thought I was going to crumble but it was running. I slowed back down and then about five minutes later, I did it again. It felt kind of good to run. Surprise, surprise, surprise! (said Gomer Pyle style) My fitness instructor said that was progress and next time to try to run three times. She said 30 secs was a good start and in no time at all I'll be up to 45 secs, then a minute, then building on that. I don't know that I'll ever like to run but knowing I can is doggone exhilarating! Gotta watch the knees, though, which is why I'm taking it slow.

Okay, enough rambling ...

Moving along

A better month was had than last month. I lost ten pounds and am sitting at just under 100 lbs gone since my surgery nine months ago. The journey continues and I have a lot of the same struggles I had pre-op but I just can't eat a lot of food at one time. I seem to be able to eat pretty much anything. I choose not to, most of the time, but I do try things from time to time. I know that now it's more a matter of keeping my head straight and focusing on my health. I am stronger and feel great! Having the surgery was the best thing I could have done for myself. I am looking forward to many things and enjoying seeing people who haven't seen me for a long time. Life is good. Tim and I will celebrate 24 years together on Monday the 8th. I can't wait to see what the end of the year brings. Hopefully, I'll be nearing my goal by then. I wanted to be there by September but know that isn't going to happen. I'm about 85 lbs from where I'd like to end up. Then the skin removal six months or so from the goal date and on I will go. Life is indeed good!

Long Weekend

So it's a long weekend for me. I finally managed to get four days off in a row. Came down to my sister Jackie's house for my nephew's graduation from high school. Sometimes it's hard for me to believe that the kids have all grown up.

Got to spend some time with my granddaughters, all four of them! We had a new one enter into the world on May 20 at 3:57 AM. Her name is Malaina Aleise and she weighed 7 lbs 4 oz. She is 20 inches long. Her oldest sister, Cecilia, is happy to finally have her here. Her other older sister, Nadia, isn't quite so thrilled. She is no longer the baby of the house and at just under two years herself, that's quite a blow. I'll post a photo of the girls with me in a moment.

Weight loss is happening again. I'm down to 282 and with just another 50 lbs gone, I'll weigh what I did when Tim and I got married 24 years ago! Wow I'm less than 100 lbs to my goal and believing I am going to make it. I refuse to let other people discourage me with tales of gaining the weight back. I still say that the surgery does not fail, we as people do. I know in my heart I am going to keep this weight off because I've worked so hard to get rid of it.

Now the photo and I'm out of here. Got things to do and more family to visit today.

Drained

It's been a long week and I'm feeling drained. I'm having a "Calgon, take me away" kind of week. Worried about my daughters and the life choices they are making. Not saying anything because every time I do, one of them then starts to feel like I'm attacking them. Just praying that they can live with the decisions they make. I'm sure I'll elaborate on this more with time.

Work has sucked a big egg this week. I had to fire one of my staff last Friday. She screwed up and it had to be done. She was a danger to the girls (not monitoring them as she should) and therefore a liability my program just does not need.

Lo and behold, I had to fire another on Thursday and one who was in cahoots with her later on today. The one on Thursday broke my heart. All I could think about was that this lady has been working for my organization for twenty years. She is over 50 years old. She is a widow. She lives alone. She has a limited skill set. She isn't likely to have an easy time finding a job with the market the way it is. It broke my heart to have to fire her. Again, it was necessary. She made some really bad decisions that has put the program in jeopardy. DCFS could pull our license and shut down the entire facility. It was that bad. I know as the program manager these things happen and I will have to fire people but dang, three people in one week. That's a bit much! Add to that my other staff are wondering who will get the axe next. No matter that these women all made horrible decisions that put all of our jobs on the line. I did what I had to do and sure pray that things get better.

Oh and you may be wondering why I said I fired three but only told you about two of them. The third will be fired later today. I wish I could crawl back in bed and pull the covers up over my head but I can't. I have to go in and fire this person. Not sure how she's going to take it. The first had little to say and I got the impression the organization will hear from her attorney. The second sobbed and collapsed and begged me to get her job back. This one is much more vocal and argumentive. I'm not looking forward to this but to say I just want it over. Them I'm going to hide out with the hubby and try to find some joy in the day.

On the weight loss front, I started to lose weight again, after being in a stall pretty much for over a month, only to get up and gain back two pounds. I tell you it's frustrating but I try to keep my focus on the big picture. The big picture is how well I've done. I guess I just have to figure out why I'm not losing right now. Nutrition group is next week so I'll talk to the NUT and see what she says. It may also have to do with a decrease in exercise. The trainer says I need to change things up a bit. I just haven't figured out how yet.

Hoping everyone is doing well. Thanks for the tips about the skin folds. I'm sure I'll be trying all sorts of things as the weather heats up and things develop. Ha!

Update for May

Eight months out and the losing has slowed dramatically. My surgeon warned me at my last visit that I would likely only lose about one pound per week now. I didn't want to believe it, but he was right. The month of April, I managed to lose only six pounds. I'm a little frustrated with this as I still have about 90 lbs to go to get to the number I'd like to be at. The hanging belly skin is beginning to be an issue. Summer is on it's way and the moist folds have begun, no matter what I've done to prevent them. I know that the itching, scratching, and rashes are what I have to look forward to. The only good news is that every issue I have will be documented in hopes of getting insurance to pay for the skin removal when I get to my goal. Water aerobics has given me a renewal. I'm really enjoying being back at that. I can't wait for the next four weeks to pass. Then I can return to my Tuesday night classes which I miss so much. I never thought I'd say it, but it's true! I will continue to march forward and know that I am making progress slowly and surely and I will be just fine!

Nothing new

I really have nothing new to report but I like to try to update here once a week or so. Work is busy as every. The girls are great! They really have been appreciative of some things I've been doing. Some of the rules and having them enforced is another matter and I catch hell for it from time to time. It's all in a day's work and they know not to "bite the hand that feeds them". I control allowance and whether or not they get to go on home visits every weekend so ...

Weight loss is slow going now; a least a lot slower than I'd like at seven months out. The surgeon warned me at my last visit that I'd be doing well to lose a pound a week soon. Boy, he wasn't kidding! I do feel that lack of exercise is playing a big role in the slower process but there are only so many hours in the day. I know it's all about planning and then just doing it but I have so many variables that I cannot control, the time I get out work being one. I get all set to leave, punch out, and then on my way out the door a crisis happens and I have to stay until it's over. That sometimes means not leaving for another hour or two and when it's already past 5 PM well ... I guess I may have to sign up for a 24 hour gym but I don't really think I'm ready for that. Wish someone in my area would go to the gym with me. That would at least give me a push. Going with the hubby just doesn't do it for me, you know? LOL

Anyway ... there you have. More drama with my girls but nothing I can do. I've tried to stay out of it and just be mom. I listen, offer my opinion (which they never really care to hear), and do my best to let it go. After all, I've screwed up my own life on many occasions so I guess now it's their turn. *chuckling*

Sunny here. Tim and I are going to go walk in the park later. I'm shooting for walking six rounds which will be 1.5 miles. I may take a break half way through and rest, I may not make it all the way, but I am determined to try. Hope you all have a beautiful day, where ever you are!

I'm Okay

Since the tummy incident I've been babying things a bit. I've also returned to my water aerobic class which is two nights per week. I forgot how strenuous that class is, though. Sheesh!

Was in an auto accident today while on my way to work. My car had to be towed due to the damage. It was not my fault as the other person totally blew through a stop sign. *sigh* These things just keep happening to me. *shrug* But I'm okay. I went to the ER to be checked out, after checking in at work and finding a ride home. They said I have muscle strain/sprain and to expect to be sore for the next 3-4 days. They gave me a shot or Toradol and a Valium at the ER. I fell asleep there for about 45 minutes. Discharged me with a script for Valium and Vicodin. Will have to wait until morning and pay day to get them, though. Until then, I'll make do with some Tylenol.

Other than that, life is what it is. My youngest daughter is going through some stuff and has made some poor decisions lately. She is dealing with the consequences. My oldest daughter isn't talking to me as she is angry. I gave her hell for harrassing her sister and she didn't take it well. They both need to grow up. They are parents and the choices they make affect so many more people than just themselves. Ah life goes on and everything will eventually work out.

As far as work goes, I'm adjusting. The hours are still a bit much from time to time. The girls in the home seem to have adjusted to my being there. They rely on me and trust me to make the fair decisions. The staff are another matter entirely. I'm finding they call off for any thing and are not very reliable. I really need to replace about half of them, at least. Slowly, I will weed out the ones who are useless. It's a process and I know it's going to be fine. I think I'm doing a good job and have had others tell me that they see a difference in the home so it must be okay.

More later. I'm going to go drop off the scripts so I can just pick up the meds first thing in the morning before heading into work.

I'm Around

I'm around but it's been busy lately. Work hours are so all over the place I find it hard to get online regularly. I'm working on it.

Went to the ER this morning. Ate a little bit of chili on top of a side salad at Wendy's on Tuesday night. An hour later I had bad stomach cramps. They lasted all night and kept me up. Went to the ER and they said there was no blockages. Said I am constipated. Don't know how I can be. I had two movements on Tuesday, one after the cramping started. Gave me a medication for the 'stomach spasms' which has seemed to help. Wanted me to drink magnesium citrate but made me gag. I did take a laxative, but so far, nothing. Haven't eaten much today. It makes my stomach hurt worse to eat or to drink. Will give it a couple more days and if it doesn't get better, will get referral from my PCP to see the surgeon. I honestly don't know what else to do. This hurts and I'm a big baby when it comes to pain.

My Apologies

I cannot believe it's been so long since I posted here. Life has been busy with the job change but that's really just an excuse. I haven't had much to share or to say lately. Today I did have an accomplishment, though.

I completed, for the first time in over four years, the entire one mile walk with Leslie Sandsone ... her Walk Away the Pounds DVD. I used to do it when I weighed 530 pounds but did it from a sitting down position. Today I wanted to go walk outside, but it's raining and I don't own rain garb so ... I popped in the DVD and started to walk. I completed the entire workout standing up and moving my body. By the time I got to the half mile point, I wanted to quit but wouldn't let myself. I knew I owed it to myself to keep going. My thighs were burning and my calves were aching but I did it; I made it to the end!

Weight is still just under the 300 lb mark. Not much happening on the scale but the inches must be moving as people keep saying I'm shrinking. I don't see it right now, but okay. My hair loss has slowed but I don't see much new re-growth yet. I have an appointment with my surgeon tomorrow for my six month follow-up. It's about a month late because of scheduling but that's okay. The skin is becoming an issue and I'm dreading summer because of what I know may come. I'll document any problems because I may need that info later on to get the skin removal approved by my insurance company.

Hopefully, it won't be so long before I post again!

Two Milestones in 24 Hours!

I had another milestone happen yesterday. At the end of the day I had walked 8349 steps. That is the most steps I've ever had recorded on my pedometer. According to the pedometer, that was the same as walking 2.37 miles. Of those steps, 1885 of them were aerobic steps over 20 minutes which means for at least 20 minutes yesterday, I was burning fat. I did 20 minutes on the treadmill at an average rate of 2.5 mph but did bursts of 3 mph when the instructor had others running. My knees were screaming but I made myself do it anyway. I can run but I choose not to right now. With my knees the way they are right now running just isn't smart for me. In time, I know I will be running with everyone else, but just not right now. I also did 20 minutes on the NuStep machine. After that, we did the 'Cupid Shuffle' and the 'Electric Slide' in our strength training class. It was fun and nice way to get us doing aerobics without it feeling like exercise. Do a Youtube search on that and you'll find out what it looks like. We first did a slower version and then one that was pretty fast later on. It was quite the workout. The song is catchy and I had a blast. Then we slowed it down doing a workout with a long band and then weights, ending with stretching on the fitness balls. I felt so good after that class but boy was I feeling it. Today I have sore muscles and am probably retaining some water but that's okay. I'll drink extra today so the muscles can repair themselves.

I also met another milestone that is even bigger, in my opinion. I am now down to under 300 pounds today! Yep, that's right. I no longer weigh over 300 pounds. Today's weight is 298.6 Woo hoo for me! I've left what I have fondly called the Tri Cities for what I call Twoterville. I've now lost 232 pounds since starting this process four years ago. Another ten pounds or so and I will have literally "lost my husband". Wow! I've lost 125 pounds over the last year. Gosh but I'm feeling so doggone proud of myself!

26 Weeks Post Op

This week I am officially 26 weeks post op. That means six months and down 83 lbs since surgery. I'm averaging just over three pounds per week so all is well. If I continue with that average, I should be at or near my goal weight come September.

I still feel great, though I have been sick this past week. Caught a cold bug from somewhere and have been struggling with it all week. On Benadryl now to at least keep the eyes from watering and the nose from dripping. I feel slightly better but have a ways to go before I'm back at 100% again. I'm tired of sneezing. I'm tired of weeping eyes. I'm tired of being tired!

Work has been interesting. I changed from being the Overnight Coordinator (campus wide supervisor for that shift) to being a Program Manager of one individual home. It's been an interesting week. First day I had to deal with figuring out how to get a client downtown Chicago when I had no staff to transport. Second day went fairly smoothly. Third day there was a big fight between two girls and one ended up with a broken finger! Third day wasn't too bad. By Thursday, the girls were starting to come to me for help in problem solving. Friday was long and there were home visits to get approved and a long meeting to get through. I did survive the first week though. Have to head back in there for a few hours this evening and then I'm off tomorrow. Looking forward to that. Hopefully, week two will settle down a bit more but I doubt it. It's going to get worse before it gets better. That's the law of working in group homes, changing rules, enforcing rules, and making things work!