Autumn has arrived! Which means that life is back to normal – school’s in, my schedule is busy, and obligations abound. But I won’t use those as excuses to slack on my goals. The great thing about fall is that the weather is cooler, which means that those wonderful fall fashions will keep me motivated. Plus, crisp temperatures mean that it’s never “too hot” to workout. I’m going to relish my nightly cup of steaming hot tea as another way to keep my water intake up. I look forward to all those hearty, satisfying and wls-friendly soups, stews, and crockpot meals that I’ll create for myself. This year, the changing season will mark new milestones that I haven’t seen in 5, 7, 10+ years! Bring on fall 2013 – it’s time to reach new heights! Sunday weigh-ins will keep me accountable through the weekend, and will give me a positive goal to begin each new week. Throughout the fall, I’ll be giving Sunday progress updates called Fabulous Fall Weigh-Ins.
Week 17 was another busy one, which makes me all the more grateful that I have this new lifestyle in check. I’ve come to realize that this school year is just going to be much busier for me for a number of reasons, but thanks to all the changes I’ve made personally, I’ll be able to handle the added pressure without derailing my progress on the scale. That fact makes me feel amazing!
So, how’s the scale looking?
I weighed in this morning at 224.4, which is a loss of 4 pounds this week, and a loss of 52.6 lbs since surgery! I’ve lost a total of 90.6 pounds from my highest weight!! Ninety pounds down!!! Over 52+ pounds off in just a little over 4 months!! I am so proud of myself and stunned by these results.
When I see this sort of progress, I realize that my decision to get the VSG surgery was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself, just as I knew it would be. I think back to myself 1 year ago, 3 years ago, 5 years ago and know that all of my perseverance through the terrible struggles with the scale was to get me to this moment. Even as I was failing and had almost lost all hope, there was a small spark, a tiny voice in my head, telling me to keep going because I could do it. Once I made the decision to get the WLS, I knew that the tool would be the missing piece of the puzzle, and it’s proven to be.
Now that living this post-VSG life has become second nature to me, I think it’s time to make some milestone goals for myself.
- I will hit 100 pounds off by November 1st.
- I will get to ONEDERLAND (199 or less) by the end of 2013.
- I will reach my ultimate goal of weighing 150 lbs before my surgiversary on May 20, 2014.
Given my average weekly weight loss (~3 lbs per week), these goals are completely reasonable and achievable. The nicest part is, I’m not going to have to do anything extraordinary to reach them. I’m just going to keep up with the food and exercise plan I’ve been following, and I know the weight will come off.
Way back when, I’d set up some rewards for myself for losing weight, and I think they still hold true:
1. When I hit 100 pounds off – buy a new, red beach cruiser. I love my beach cruiser, but I hate the color. When I went to buy it, I wanted a red one, but they were going to have to order it for me. Being as impatient as I am, I didn’t want to wait, so I settled for the one they had in stock. Now it’ time to get the bike I really want.
2. When I hit Onederland – buy an outfit from a non-plus size store. I know I’ll be able to buy a top from a non-plus size store (I could fit one now), but I’m not sure of the bottoms. I’m wearing 20s or 18s, depending on the pants, but with another 24 lbs off, maybe I’ll be able to fit into 14s? I’m thinking that maybe a store like New York & Company will have something that will work. Any other suggestions for stores with generous sizing?
3. I’ve always said that when I hit my ultimate goal of weighing 150 lbs, I’m going to buy an entire outfit from Anthropologie. I love so many of the silhouettes I see at the store, and have always longed to be able to buy more than just their housewares. This is going to be a huge reward!
It’s so fun to think about reaching these milestones and knowing that they’ll happen in the very near future, not a faraway and nebulous “someday.” I saw this quote on Instagram this morning, and it really does encapsulate how I’m feeling:
Until next Sunday, my friends. I hope the scale treats you well, and that you have a wonderful week!
Bella on the Beach 
so proud of you!
Bella, you are amazing! Keep it going! Let me know when you’re ready to shop! I love my Electra beach cruiser, Hawaii edition, red with white hibiscus flowers. There are plenty of shops in Santa Cruz if you can’t find one here! I suggest Old Navy and Banana Republic for more size options. BR sizes might only be online, but give it a try! Cabi too! Be sure to get your Anthro account up to date so that you get your birthday perks 🙂
You are doing an amazing job! I’m really happy for your success each week. Congratulations!
Wow, that’s all I can say, wow!
So awesome! Continue to stay present. Congratulations!
I used to work at NY&Co and I agree that their sizing tends to be cut a little more generously, plus they go up to size 18 AND have petites, too, in most of their pant/jean styles. So definitely a good store to start with!