13-Month Surgiversary & Monthly Progress Pics

Today marks thirteen months since my VSG surgery, and it’s also Friday, so it’s really a cause for celebration.  I was really interested to see my measurements today, since I skipped measuring last month and because I know I’ve gone down a size in my clothes.

Measurements

	4/20/14	6/20/14	Change
Neck	12.75	12.75	same
Arms	11.75	11	-0.75 inch
Wrist	6.25	6.25	same
Bust	33	33	same
Waist	32.5	32	-0.5 inch
Hips	44	43	-1 inch
Thighs	25.5	25	-0.5 inch
Calf	15.5	15.5	same
Ankle	8.5	8.5	same

I’m happy with this progress, although I did think I might see bigger changes between the two months.  Still, I’m so happy knowing that I’ve gone down a size in both pants and tops.

Photos

I have on different pants in the photo from today, but the top is the same. The photos on the left were actually taken for the Tone It Up #bikiniseries on April 29, 2014 and the ones on the right were taken today, June 20, 2014.

Even though the two photos are slightly off in angle, I can see a difference in my abs and in my hips/thighs.

My body is turned slightly in the photo on the right, but I do think I can see more of definition in my midsection. (Part of the problem is that the pants I’m wearing on the right fit me a lot more snugly than the ones on the left, so it’s a bit deceiving).

Again, the angle is off between the two photos, but I think my butt looks smaller in the photo on the right.

And just for good measure, I thought I’d include a great comparison picture, my driver’s license.  The “before” was taken 4 years ago, and the one on the right was taken yesterday, right after I got out of the DMV.  Quite a difference, right?  And that wasn’t even me at my heaviest on the right.  Wow!

I look forward to seeing what I can achieve over the next month. Thanks for sharing my 13-month surgiversary with me!

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1-Year Surgiversary &Monthly Progress Pics

Today marks one year since my VSG surgery!  To think that exactly 1 year ago today I was getting ready for surgery is really surreal to me.  In some ways it feels like the time has gone by in a flash, and then in other ways it feels like my post-op life is one I’ve been living for years now.

Once I actually got approved for and had the surgery, everything just fell into place for me.  My success has been constant and consistent because I knew exactly what I needed to do.  I followed Kaiser’s post-op plan to the letter, following all of the weight loss surgery “rules.”  I made the commitment to myself and my new lifestyle before I ever walked into the operating room, and have been unwavering in that commitment ever since.  I wanted this weight loss, this new life, so I did everything and anything I needed to do to achieve it.  I’ve re-created myself these past 365 days.

{I haven’t had a chance to take my measurements yet, so I’m going to skip those for this month}.

Photos

Since this is a special progress report, I figured I’d show a few photos that show what a difference a year makes.

left: the morning of surgery; right: today

side view
left: the morning of surgery; right: today

left: just a few pounds down from my heaviest weight – Jan 2013; right: after my workout this morning

left: just a few pounds down from my heaviest weight – Jan 2013; right: after my workout this morning

I don’t think I have the words to express how proud of myself I am for what I’ve accomplished in this past year or so.  The surgery is a tool that helped me reset my metabolism and finally start seeing success on and off the scale.  It’s given me portion control.  But it isn’t a quick fix or the easy way out.  Each of these past 365 days I’ve made decisions about what to eat, how often to workout, how to change my life.

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11-Month Surgiversary & Monthly Progress Pics

Today marks eleven months since my VSG surgery, and it’s also Easter Sunday, so the eggs seemed fitting.  Today was all about celebrating with my family, and it was a really fantastic day from start to finish.  I woke up and saw a 5-pound loss on the scale, 2-pounds of which was getting rid of water weight from my vacation. I had a lovely brunch with my family at my parents’ house.  Then my niece and I finally watched Frozen together (she’s already watched it several times, mind you). And then it was time to sweat with the Tone It Up Easter Bunny Workout and an evening walk with Sofi. All in all, a really awesome day!

Measurements

	3/20/14	4/20/14	Change
Neck	13	12.75	-0.25 inch
Arms	11.5	11.75	+0.25 inch
Wrist	6.5	6.25	-0.25 inch
Bust	33.5	33	-0.5 inch
Waist	33	32.5	-0.5 inch
Hips	43.5	44	+0.5 inch
Thighs	26	25.5	-0.5 inch
Calf	15.5	15.5	same
Ankle	8.75	8.5	-0.25 inch

This month I didn’t see as many changes in terms of measurements, and in fact, I was surprised that I was actually up a half-inch or so in some categories.  One thing I should point out is that I took today’s measurements tonight at 9pm, after a whole day of eating and drinking.  I last month’s measurements were taken in the early part of the day.  So, I do need to be mindful of the time of day I’m taking these measurements from here on out.  In the last month I’ve lost 6 pounds, which is the same rate as last month.

Photos

I’m wearing the exact same clothes in the photos I took last month and then again today.

left: 3/20/14; right: 4/20/14

left: 3/20/14; right: 4/20/14

left: 3/20/14; right: 4/20/14

I notice slight changes in my body, especially in my waist and in my back.  I’m wearing basically the same sizes I was last month, but things are getting much looser.

I’m proud of my progress in this past month, and I can’t wait to see what I can do in the month ahead.

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10-Month Surgiversary & Monthly Progress Pics

Today marks ten months since my VSG surgery, and it’s also the first day of spring.  It’s been sunshine and smiles all day today, especially when a colleague of mine, whom I don’t see too often on campus, stopped me in the teachers’ lounge and said, “you’re almost unrecognizable! You’re looking fantastic!”  He’s the track coach, and he knows I’ve been working on my run/walks and doing 5Ks, and I thought it was so nice of him to tell me that he’s noticing the changes. I’ve had several other people tell me how “skinny” I’m looking lately, and it never gets old.  I think part of it is that I was more bundled up in the winter, wearing heavier sweaters and jeans.  Now I’ve been wearing thinner tops and skirts, which show my shape more.  But I’m also proud to say that I’ve been really putting in the work to make these changes evident – eating great and getting in my workouts 5 or 6 days a week.

Measurements

	2/16/14	3/20/14	Change
Neck	13	13	0/same
Arms	12.5	11.5	-1 inch
Wrist	6.5	6.5	0/same
Bust	34	33.5	-0.5 inch
Waist	34	33	-1 inch
Hips	48	43.5	-4.5 inches
Thighs	28.25	26	-2.25 inches
Calf	15.75	15.5	-0.25 inch
Ankle	8.5	8.75	+0.25 inch

I’m floored that I lost 4 1/2 inches in my hips and 2 1/4 inches from my thighs in one month!  I triple checked the measurements, and sure enough, I’ve made big strides.  Just this morning as I was getting out of the shower, I did notice that my thighs are looking much smaller lately, which is so encouraging.  I think it’s funny that I gained 1/4 inch in my ankles; I wonder if I’m retaining water?  Either way, I’m really pleased with this progress.  I’ve been working hard at toning up, and it’s paying off.

Photos

I’ve lost 6 pounds in the month between these photos. I’ve also been working on my base tan for Hawaii, as you’ll see from the difference in my skin tone.  In the photos on the right (taken today) I’m wearing different pants that are slightly looser than the running pants I wore last month.

Left: 2/16/14; Right 3/20/14

I notice a few things between these two photos – I can see more definition in my stomach, my waist looks more “whittled,” and the skin on my stomach is getting looser.

Left: 2/16/14; Right: 3/20/14

Left: 2/16/14; Right: 3/20/14

Sizes

• Tops = size M or L, depending on the manufacturer
• Jeans = size 14, and they’re getting a bit loose
• Workout capris (worn in these photos) = size L
• Boy short bikini bottoms from Victoria’s Secret = size L
• Bras = 34D (on the tightest setting)
• Workout Bras = 32/34 D/DD (on the middle setting) The workout bras I bought have a range, which I love because they fit well and have lasted a long time.

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9-Month Surgiversary!

Today marks nine months since my VSG surgery, and oh how my life has changed in this time.  Nine months ago I was so hopeful, looking forward to this moment right here – when I’d lost enough to really notice a dramatic transformation.

• On the day of surgery I weighed in at 277; today I weighed in at 191. That’s a loss of 86 pounds in 9 months, and 124 pounds from my highest weight.
• 9 months ago I was wearing size 24 pants; today I wear size 14 from the “regular” side of the store, not plus.
• 9 months ago I was wearing tight-fitting 2x tops; today I’m wearing women’s size large.
• Since surgery I’ve lost 48.5 inches around my body.
• I can cross my legs.
• I can go up several flights of stairs without getting winded.
• I’ve run/walked a 5K.
• I’ve taken and LOVED a spin class.
• I can keep up with a Zumba class at full intensity – bouncing and jumping with the best of them, without being out of breath.
• I’ve started a toning program, and love the results I’m getting.
• I’ve purchased boyfriend sweats from Victoria’s Secret and now they’re two sizes too large for me.
• I no longer spill over the seat in the chairs at Starbucks, my car, etc.
• I’ve reached Onederland, and I’m almost in the 180’s!
• When I take my first plane ride in over 6 years to Hawaii in April, I’ll have no worries about infringing on my neighbor’s seat and I won’t need a seatbelt extender.

The way I move through the world is so different now.  I’ve always been a confident person, but I have an extra bit of pep in my step. I feel happy, content, and very, very proud.

Marking Progress

I’ve decided that to celebrate my surgiversary on a monthly basis, I’m going to start posting progress pics and measurements on the 20th of the month. I’m excited to start marking my progress more frequently.

Here’s a repost of my measurements:

	3/4/12	2/16/14	Change
Neck	14.5	13	-1.5 inches
Arms	16.25	12.5	-3.75 inches
Wrist	6.75	6.5	-0.25 inches
Bust	43	34	-9 inches
Waist	44.5	34	-10.5 inches
Hips	61	48	-13 inches
Thighs	35	28.25	-6.75 inches
Calf	18.5	15.75	-2.75 inches
Ankle	9.5	8.5	-1 inch

In total, I’ve lost 48 1/2 inches from around my body!! That’s four feet!!! I’m really excited with all of these changes, but especially the changes in my bust, waist, hips, and thighs.

And now some pictures.

This first comparison is from the day of surgery and today. 9 months and 86 pounds.

On a side note, today’s dress is one that I bought maybe seven or eight years ago at a Cabi party.  At the time the XL size was way out of reach, but today, the dress is too big on me.  That’s my sports bra showing underneath it.  The dress is reversible (colorful floral on one side, black and white on the other).  I really like it, so I may pay to get it altered; it needs to be taken in at the top and at the waist.

I’ve decided to start posing with just my sports bra and running pants on to really show the changes the toning and exercise are making to my body.  I’ve been really remiss about taking progress photos up to this point, so I decided to show photos from one year ago.  I weighed 293 in the “before” photos, and today I’m 191 – so -102 pounds between the photos.

Left: Feb 2013, Right: Feb 2014 (today)
Can you see that slight indention in my stomach? Is that the start of some sort of ab definition? Exciting!

Left: Feb 2013, Right: Feb 2014 (today)

Left: Feb 2013, Right: Feb 2014 (today)
Sorry for the crazy angle, but my sis wasn’t around to help me take the photos. Hopefully next month.

Thanks for letting me indulge in a bit of celebration today.  You can believe I’m all smiles. 🙂

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Thinking Out Loud #1

I first saw the Thinking Out Loud posts on A Merry Life, and I liked the concept so much that I decided I’m going to join in on the fun. Be sure to check out Amanda’s blog, Running with Spoons, to hear all the thoughts.

Here’s what I have milling around my mind this morning…

Today is my 9-month surgiversary, so my weight loss is definitely on my mind.  I’ve lost 124 pounds from my highest weight, and my life has completely changed.  I am so glad that I made the decision to get VSG and stuck with it through the 2 1/2 years it took me to lose the required pre-op weight. Some people think weigh-loss surgery is the easy way out, but I can vouch for the fact that it’s anything but.  It takes diligence, planning, and consistency.  The surgery has helped me tremendously in terms of portion control, but every single day I make the decisions about what I eat, how I’m going to workout, and whether or not I’m going to log it all into MyFitnessPal. The surgery is a dynamic tool, but I’m the one making sure I continue to lose weight.

I’m going to a Zumba Step class at 11am this morning, and I’m really looking forward to trying this new class.  I love Zumba, and I used to really love step classes, so this combo should be interesting.  It could also be a recipe for disaster – I can easily imagine tripping over the step as I try to samba to the beat.  LOL.  Look for a new AIF post soon, describing all the details.

I’ve been calling this week off my Fitness Staycation because I’ve taken advantage of the fact that I can hit the gym any time of day to take a bunch of classes that I’ve never done before.  I’ve always been a fan of getting lots of variety in my workouts, and I love taking fitness classes, but lately I’ve gotten out of the habit.  I’ve been so involved in my run/walks, and having the hybrid elliptical/recumbent bike at home makes it so convenient to just hop on it.  But there’s nothing like the jolt I get from taking a class at the gym.  I love the music, the energy, and the social aspect.  I’m going to aim to take a couple of classes a week at the gym from now on: definitely Spin, and then maybe an alternating pattern of Turbo Kick, Body Combat (depending on how that class goes tomorrow), and Zumba Step/Zumba.

Bathing suits have been on my mind a lot lately.  I’m going to Hawaii in early April, so I’ll definitely need a few for that trip, but I’ve also been missing swimming.  Since my gym has a pool, the only thing stopping me from swimming regularly is the fact that I don’t have a suit that fits me anymore. And this time the reason is that they’re all too big!!  My problem area has always been my thighs, so swimsuit shopping has always been a bit tricky.  In the past I went with a skirted swimsuit, but after all my weight loss, I’ve decided that my skirted swimsuit days are behind me.  But my thighs are super-jiggly, and no one needs to see all of that.

So I’m on the hunt for board shorts and a bikini top.  And not shorty shorts, but bermuda-style board shorts to cover everything I need covering.  Choosing the separates will be smart for me, because I’m still much bigger on the bottom than I am on top. I found these on Land’s End that might work well.  It’s weird to think that it’s late February, but I’m already looking at buying swimsuits.  Another example of the good changes around here.

Music really motivates me, whether I’m working out, cleaning the house, or grading papers (which I really should be doing right now instead of writing this blog post).  I’ve been having some issues with iTunes and getting my music on my iPhone lately, so I decided to upgrade to Spotify premium.  I love how easy it is to access so much new music, and so many sites and blogs I follow post new playlists there all the time.  What’s a playlist/album/song you think I should check out or follow?  Let me know in the comments.

And because she adds joy to my life daily, why not post a quick pic of Sofi? She’s such a cuddle bug this morning!

What are your thoughts this Thursday?  If you have a few to share, you should write up a quick post and link it up on Running with Spoons.

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Fabulous Fall Weigh-In: Week 26 Post-Op VSG

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 26 brought celebrations – my 6-month post op appt and my 6-month surgiversary. Looking back on these past 6 months, I am so thankful for my sleeve and my new lifestyle. I’ve worked hard for all that I’ve achieved, and I have a lot to be proud of.  Lots of things making me smile. This is the last of my Fabulous Fall weigh-ins; next week marks the start of my Countdown to Christmas weigh-ins.

So, how’s the scale looking?

When I weighed in this morning, I was 208.6, which is a loss of 2.4 pounds this week, and a loss of 68.4 lbs since surgery! I’ve lost a total of 106.4 pounds from my highest weight!!  A great loss this week, and I can hardly believe that I’m less than 10 pounds away from being in Onderland!  My main focus over these next few weeks before the close of 2013 is going to be making it to 199 or less.  I know I can do it.

This week, since I’m off, I have more freedom to experiment with my workouts.  Tomorrow I’m going to head to the track and try Day 1, Week 1 C25K again.  I’ve been jogging here and there on my walks (never more than a half a block at a time), but I’ve just been taking it slowly, and I’m not too winded.  Yesterday when I tried it on my walk with my sis, niece, and the pups, my sister said I looked like I was “tip-toeing through the tulips” as I was jogging.  She said I looked like I was skipping, and as if I should’ve been tossing flower petals to my left and right.  LOL. I’m sure it was nothing that graceful, but still, I felt pretty good as I went, and I’m interested in pushing myself a bit more.  I’ll definitely report back on how it goes. Who knows, maybe I’ll spend part of the Turkey Trot on Thursday jogging.

The other thing I really need to do this week is buy some casual clothes.  I have almost nothing to wear after work or on the weekends, which is why I spend so much of my time at home in my pjs.  Nothing wrong with that, but I would like to have a few more options, so I’m heading to Marshall’s to see what I can find.  I’ve never bought clothes at Marshall’s before because their plus size selection stinks, so this is going to be another NSV.  I’ll make sure to post if I find anything good.

I’m so happy with the way that my life is going right now.  This weight loss isn’t easy, but it is manageable.  The hard work and commitment that I put in on a daily basis is showing up on the scale, and I really can’t ask for more than that.  It’s what I wanted all along when I was struggling for all those years – for my efforts to show up.  Now that they finally are, I couldn’t be more grateful and more pleased.  I’m doing it – I’m creating the new me.

Until next Sunday, my friends. I hope the scale treats you well, and that you have a wonderful week!

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-100 Pounds Gone – Bike Ride Celebration

I wanted to do something with my friends to mark the fact that I’ve lost 100 pounds.  My friends have been there for me through thick (literally!) and thin (soon we’ll be there!), and I wanted to celebrate with them too.  A few weeks ago a couple of my girlfriends and I headed to one of my favorite wineries for to imbibe, but I also wanted to do something fitness-related, because one of the best things about losing all this weight is the fact that I can be so much more active.

Since I love riding my bike, it seemed like a natural fit.  I chose this past Saturday, November 16th for our jaunt, and crossed my fingers that the weather would hold up, which it did.  It’s so difficult to get everyone together, especially on a Saturday afternoon, so I was really happy that my sister and Tinkerbell were able to come on the ride with me.

I wanted to get a quick selfie to capture my happiness.  It was a gorgeous, clear, sunny day, I was going bike riding at LG Creek Trail, and I was going to get to spend some time with two of my favorite people in the world.  Of course I have a huge smile on my face!

Before we ever left for the bike ride, my sister gave me this adorable bicycle basket tote bag.  She’d bought a different pattern for herself months ago from Gypsea Blue Bags on Etsy, and I loved it so much that she decided to buy one for me in honor of my 100-pound loss.  How special of her!  She bought the perfect colors, knowing that I want to buy myself a red beach cruiser for my 100-pound reward.

For those of you wondering why I want to buy another beach cruiser when I already have one, the reasons are simple:

1. I love the ease of beach cruisers.
2. I love that beach cruisers allow me to sit up straight – no slouching = great posture.
3. They’re just fun!!
4. I wanted a red one when I originally bought mine, but it was going to be a special order, and because I wanted it THEN, I went with the peach one I have.  But for the past 5 years I’ve regretted not getting the red one, so now it’s time.

So, I’ll be buying this cruiser for myself very soon:

But back to our fun day riding bikes…

The first amazing thing was fitting our bikes on the back of my sister’s little Vibe.  Her bike is no problem, but my bike is a whopper.  It’s long, heavy, and very awkward to transport.  But together, LC and I were able to get it on the bike rack without too much effort.  I’m glad to know that we can fit it on there, because it means we can go on lots of bike rides to fun places that are a bit farther out of the way.

As much as I love that we are all in this group selfie, I hate that I was scrunching down so that it looks like I have a huge double chin. I know that sounds vain of me, but considering this is all about losing 100 pounds, I want the photos to reflect that. I guess I’m even more glad now that I took that selfie, above. Still, I do love that all three of us are in this photo – love these girls!

The LG Creek Trail is absolutely beautiful, peaceful, and serene, although these photos don’t do it justice. But believe me, each of us commented at different parts along our ride about how pretty the surroundings were.

We rode the trail until we were at the edge of Vasona Park and decided it was time to stop for a quick water break.  Look at this view!  It was even more vivid in person.  At this point, we decided to turn around, because the entrance to Vasona from this side is very narrow, with lots of uphills, and we weren’t all sure we were up for it.

All told, we rode for an hour and had the best time.  We chatted, laughed, and just felt so alive there on the trail.  I even had a chance to take this pic, which I adore.  Pretty good camera work, if I do say so myself, considering I was pedaling as I took it.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this milestone weight loss than riding my bike on a beautiful November Saturday afternoon with my girlies.

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Fabulous Fall Weigh-In: Week 25 Post-Op VSG

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 25 went quickly with Monday’s holiday, but also because the days seem to fly by at this time of year, don’t they?  Wednesday marks my 6-month surgiversary, and I go for my 6-month post-op appointment tomorrow.  I’m looking forward to getting the results of the bloodwork I did a few weeks ago.  (I actually got my labs back a few days after I went in to have the blood drawn, but I really can’t make heads or tails of it, so I’m very interested to hear what the doctor tells me).

So, how’s the scale looking?

When I weighed in this morning, I was 211.0, which is a loss of 0.8 pounds this week, and a loss of 66 lbs since surgery! I’ve lost a total of 104 pounds from my highest weight!!  Even though this week’s loss isn’t even 1 pound, I’m content with it.  I had fairly large losses the past two weeks, so it’s probably time for a smaller loss.  Also, last week I weighed in on Monday, so this was a slightly shorter week.  And really, any loss is a good loss, right?

This past week was one in which I was reminded just how far I’ve come. I’m still amazed when I go into a store and can try on regular sizes – given how much I like clothes, the thrill never gets old.  The most difficult part is not overbuying because I know that the sizes I fit into now will only work for a short time; soon enough I’ll be smaller.  That’s an incredible realization.  I definitely need to start going to stores like  TJMaxx and Marshalls to get some “filler” items that are inexpensive.  And I do take comfort in the fact that these “temporary” clothes will end up in a good home when I donate them.

Beyond just looking better, this weight loss has really transformed the way I feel, too.  At one point this week I had to walk up a couple of flights of stairs to get to my car in the parking lot, and I did it without getting out of breath at all.  In the past, those stairs would’ve been a struggle and I would’ve done everything I could to mask the fact that I was huffing and puffing. And when I’m walking, whether it’s with Sofi or in a 5K, I am constantly pushing to go a bit faster to feel more challenged.  I’m doing a Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving morning, and since it’s going to be my first solo 5K, I think I’m going to push myself to see just how fast I can go.  I love all these physical barriers that I’m breaking down and surpassing even what I expected would be possible.

This week’s quote is perfect because WLS isn’t a magic pill.  There’s such a misconception out there that once a person has surgery, s/he will automatically lose weight.  And while initially someone might lose weight without much effort, that period doesn’t last long.  It takes a complete change in mindset. It takes making this a lifestyle, not a quick fix.  It takes hard work, organization, and persistence.  It takes making choices that are nutritionally healthy for me when other foods might be easier. It takes planning meals daily.  It takes logging every bite. It takes moving my body and working up a sweat, which gets more difficult the thinner I get.  It takes time and dedication.  And I wouldn’t change one thing, because I’m loving all that it takes.

Until next Sunday, my friends. I hope the scale treats you well, and that you have a wonderful week!

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Fabulous Fall Weigh-In: Week 24 Post-Op VSG

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 24 was a fun week filled with lots of walks, a few NSVs, and of course, weight loss. (This post is a day late because I spent Saturday night/Sunday morning at FaveCousin’s house to do the Mermaid 5K and I didn’t have my own scale.  So, the weigh-in was postponed a day).

So, how’s the scale looking?

When I weighed in this morning, I was 211.8, which is a loss of 2 pounds this week, and a loss of 65.2 lbs since surgery! I’ve lost a total of 103.2 pounds from my highest weight!!  I’m really happy that I had a nice loss this week, especially since I lost almost four pounds last week.  This week I ate more carbs than normal, but because most of those carbs were from things like oatmeal and lentils I’m not too worried about it.  But I do want to get back to my morning protein shakes this coming week – nothing helps me meet my protein goals like those do.

This week brought a few NSVs:

• I had to buy new jeans because the ones I was wearing are all too big and baggy.  So on Friday afternoon, I bought size 18s from Avenue, which is exciting because in the past I’ve always found Avenue jeans to require a size larger than I can wear in other pants. Buying smaller sizes is always exciting, but it’s really weird to think that I was in a size 28 last year at this time.  I can’t quite comprehend that I’m wearing size 18s – the last time I recall wearing this size was at least 20 years ago.
• When FaveCousin and I went to sushi on Saturday night, we were at a really small hole-in-the-wall sushi restaurant in the Richmond District of SF.  The tables were all really close together. Normally, I would’ve been very concerned that I was taking up too much space compared to the people in the chairs behind me, but I when I looked behind me, I realized there was plenty of space.  And when we got up to leave, I had no problem scooting my chair back and making my way into the aisle.  This was one of those huge, yet quiet moments that only big girls/guys could truly understand.
• The entire experience of the Mermaid 5K yesterday was an NSV for me.  Night and day to the last one I completed, back in March of 2009.  I’ve come a long way, baby!

Today’s quote is really important to me because I’m moving into completely new territory in my journey.  I’m hitting numbers on the scale and wearing sizes that I don’t remember seeing in the last 18 years.  I’m accomplishing things that seemed so far out of reach just a year ago, and now I’m thinking of bigger goals than I ever thought possible.  Recently I was reminded to enjoy each step along this journey, and not just focus on the end goal.  I can honestly say that I am living in the moment, enjoying the gifts that each new day brings, and loving the life I’m creating.

Until next Sunday, my friends. I hope the scale treats you well, and that you have a wonderful week!

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