Monday’s Major Measurements

It’s Monday, and because I love alliteration, I figured Major Measurements were perfect for a Monday. As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I have been really remiss in taking measurements.  In fact, the last records I have of any measurements at all are from two years ago, in March 2012.  Back at that time, I was still on my quest to lose the pre-op weight loss requirement, and I was struggling with it.  So much so that after looking back at the posts on this blog from March 2012, I can see that I wasn’t really weighing in at all.  There is one weigh-in post from the beginning of the month, and it said that I weighed 297.  So, while these numbers aren’t from my very highest weight of 315, which I bounced up to in late 2012, they’re probably pretty close.

Admittedly, after losing over 120 pounds (-122.4 as of this morning!) since the first set of measurements were taken, I was going to see big changes in the numbers, but it is really astounding when I see it in black and white.

	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.

From here on out I’m going to take measurements once a month, on the 20th. I had my VSG surgery on May 20th, so celebrating progress like this on the 20th of each month seems like a perfect thing to do. I’ve also decided to start taking progress photos in my sports bra and running pants, because that will really help to show the changes in my body. This is a major step for me, taking pictures in so little clothing.  But I guess that’s all part of this journey, right?

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Mermaid 5K, Revisited

Today FaveCousin and I walked in the SF Mermaid 5K.  A stark contrast from my first Mermaid 5K, which I participated in back in March 2009 with my sister.  If you have a few minutes, go and read that post.  If you don’t have a few, I’ll recap it:

It was March 2009. I weighed 275 pounds or so (over 60 pounds more than I do now, but 40 pounds less than my all-time highest weight).  I had signed up for Team in Training, planning to walk a half marathon, but had been having difficulty with numbness in my right foot which moved up my leg all the way to my hip.  It was awful, debilitating, and extremely frustrating.  But my friend Harj decided that she wanted all of her friends to celebrate her birthday by participating in the Mermaid Run.  So I asked my sister if she’d do it with me.  From the start of the race, everyone passed us – the runners, the power walkers, the walkers, the women with strollers – everyone.  I mean, we were dead last.  And it got to me because I wanted to push harder, go farther, move faster.  But I couldn’t.  I had shin splints, cramps in my calves, and the numbness in my feet/legs.  I broke down hysterically crying shortly after we’d begun, and my sister had to talk me down.  One of the things I realized that day was that I’d have to forgo the TNT training and the 1/2 marathon, because I physically just couldn’t do it.  It was one of my low points in this journey.

The photo on the left was taken in March 2009. The one of the right was taken today. I can see a HUGE change in my face.

Cut to today – FaveCousin and I had to walk about a mile from the parking lot to the start of the race and we did so in less than 12 minutes!  We got to the starting line and enjoyed the “girl power” music – Beyonce, Katy Perry (Even though I really dislike her music, I have to admit that “Roar” is a rallying song), etc.  I was excited for so many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that today I was wearing that women’s cut shirt that I would’ve never fit in back in 2009.

At 7:35am, the race started, and while plenty of people passed us, we were far from the last ones walking.  In fact, we were solidly in the middle of the pack.  This fact alone made me incredibly happy and awestruck at just how far I’ve come.

It’s hard to see because of the lighting, but I just had to take a photo of all the walkers behind us. We weren’t the last ones!! There are more walkers for a good half mile behind this group, too.

While we walked, I felt good.  I wasn’t exerting myself, and I knew that eventually I should either push myself to start competing in 10Ks or I should start run/walking.  (More on the running in a future post – let’s just say that next year I’m going to do my best to run most of the 5K). But for today, I decided to just continue walking at my 3.8mph pace, and enjoy the lovely scenery and the great company. Today there were no tears.  Today I was all smiles as I realized that this 5K was going to be an entirely different experience from the last Mermaid 5K.

San Francisco really is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and that Golden Gate Bridge is one of the jewels.  The weather was brisk and chilly, but sunny while we were racing.  Oddly enough, the fog rolled in later in the morning, but while we walked we were blessed with the sunshine. (Although you can see just what the foggy, ocean air does to my hair – can we say ‘fro?!).

All told, we finished the 5K in 56 minutes, which is a darn good pace for walking.  I hit over 10,000 steps by 9am.  I’m so proud of all that I have accomplished and the dramatic difference between this race and the one back in 2009.  I’m a completely different person now, with abilities that match my determination.  I couldn’t be more thrilled with my progress!! Today was definitely one of the high points in my journey!

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2-Week Post-Op VSG Appt/ Stage 3 Foods

This morning I had my two-week post-op appointment with the surgeon, and it was refreshing because it was the first time I had an appointment in the bariatric department when I wasn’t worried about making the weight loss requirement.  Unlike my previous appointments, I even had breakfast (a protein shake) prior to weighing in.

I got on the scale, and it showed 266, which is an 11 pound loss since the day of surgery.  (It also means that I’ve lost 49 lbs so far, so I’m hoping that a big, celebratory post will be in order tomorrow!).  Then they took my blood pressure, something that in the past has always been on the lower side of the high range.  Today it read 119/79, which they said is perfect!  I’m thrilled!!  They asked me a series of questions about my medication, my diet, my pain, as well as my overall feeling, and told me they were really impressed with how well I was doing.  That I was following everything to the letter, and that it showed.  (I felt like they were giving me a gold star, and being the girl who is the perfect student, that was amazing).

Then I met with the surgeon, who said that he was impressed with the way that my scars were healing, with my level of energy, and my general health.  He said I was a model patient!!  He answered a few of the questions that I had, and the entire appointment went really smoothly.

Today’s visit:

• cleared me for driving!!
• allows me to move on to more activities than just walking.  Bike, elliptical, and light weight training – here I come.  As soon as all my incisions completely close (2-3 days’ time), I can start swimming!!
• moves me into Stage III foods!!!!

Stage III Foods

The exciting thing about Stage III foods is that it opens up a wide set of textures and tastes that make me feel like more of a normal person again.  I get to chew my food!  😀  On Stage III I can eat:

• eggs (although I don’t think I’ll be partaking, since I’m not a huge fan)
• deli lunchmeat, like turkey, chicken, and ham
• soft fish, like tilapia, salmon (in moderation), etc.  (No shrimp yet, since those are firmer)
• canned tuna and chicken
• tofu
• dairy: Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, string cheese, semi-soft cheeses (like gouda, mozzarella, etc).
• all fruit!!  I have to peel the skin off of fruits like apples and pears, but otherwise, I can have all of them.  Pre-op I was limiting my fruit because of the carbs, but now that my portions are so small, I’m going to have fruit with most meals.
• most veggies, well cooked.  (Stage 4 is where I can have raw veggies and greens, which I cannot wait for).  They did say to avoid overly fibrous vegetables, like asparagus.
• hard crackers and well-toasted wheat bread
• mashed potatoes

I can work with that!  I’m already thinking of fun meal plans. Today I kept things fairly simple:

I can’t tell you how delicious the peach tasted!  And having crackers and tuna?  So  good!

My veggies have to be “well cooked,” and since I really don’t like overcooked vegetables, I decided to grill the eggplant.  One small eggplant yielded enough for lunch and dinner for the next few days.

I can already tell that my grocery bill is going to go way down.  It’s going to take some getting used to not to overbuy, but I guess that’s all part of my new lifestyle.  I am definitely going to keep Eggface’s blog in my bookmarks, because she puts together food that looks so appealing (maybe because Shelly’s Italian, too, so we like the same foods?). In any case, I put one of her famous bentos on my Amazon wishlist, and I’m hoping I get it for my birthday.  If not, I’ll buy one before school starts, because it really is perfect for portion control post-wls.

Today was a great day, the whole way around.  Not only did I have a stellar appointment, but I am eating food I really enjoy, AND I got to spend the day with my dad.  He was kind enough to plant a bunch of flowers for me.  (See my IG photo —->).

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Progress Three Ways

Today marked three significant milestones that I wanted to share.

1. Last night I was able to sleep in my bed! I’ve been on a couch since I left the hospital, because my stomach was too sore to lay flat. Last night I was feeling good, and decided to give it a try, and while it wasn’t the most comfortable night’s sleep I’ve ever had because I couldn’t only sleep on one side (crick in the neck this morning), it sure felt great to stretch all the way out.

2. When I first got back to my house, about 5 days after surgery, it showed 284, which was up 7 pounds from where I was right before surgery, when I weighed in at Kaiser at 277. I wasn’t too freaked out because I knew the weight gain was all from fluids, gas, bloating, and constipation. This morning I felt less bloated than I have since surgery, and I decided to get on the scale. It was down a couple of pounds from the surgery weight! It showed 275.8, which is great. Now that I’m past the “hump,” I know that the scale is going to slide down, down, and down. I can’t wait for Sunday’s weigh in.

3. I got to move to Stage 2 foods today. These include things like cottage cheese, yogurt, and baby food. I’ve never in my life eaten baby food, but I’m intrigued by the variety of flavor that it will offer. My sister said that she tasted all the baby food before giving it to her girls, and that it was actually very good. To help celebrate this new stage, she kindly bought me a bunch of different “kiddie approved” baby food. Is it weird that I’m looking forward to having string beans and chicken tonight? LOL. One thing I learned this afternoon as I was eating 1/2 cup of cottage cheese was just how slowly I have to eat this more solid food. I was going slowly, chewing carefully, and putting my spoon down between bites. I thought I was doing well, but all of a sudden, I got super-full and a cold sweat came over me – a sure sign that I’d eaten too fast. So tonight I’m going to slow down even more. This stage lasts for the next week until Monday’s 2-week post op appt. Update: The baby food?  Definitely not something I’m going to repeat.  The taste wasn’t terrible, but the consistency and texture was pretty yucky. So, I’m going to donate the food to our local food bank and stick with the soups that I’ve been enjoying.

I’m feeling really good today; the best I’ve felt since surgery.  I still have pain, and need to take things slowly, but I don’t feel the terrible bloated/uncomfortable feeling that I was struggling with as recently as yesterday. I was able to vacuum my floors, walk 10 minutes on the treadmill, and do a bit in my backyard. This is what I’ve been waiting for.  I’m not trying to rush anything, but I’m so happy to be able to feel more normal again.

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Successful Summer Weigh-In Update – Week 4

It’s summertime! Which means that life is a lot easier – my schedule is free, healthy fruits and veggies are plentiful, and I have nothing but time to work on this goal. Success is practically guaranteed – all I need to do is follow through with my actions. My re-assessment meeting with my surgeon was on Friday, June 8th, which just so happened to also be my last day of school before summer vacation, making Fridays the perfect day to weigh-in. So throughout the summer, I’ll be giving Friday progress updates called Successful Summer Weigh-Ins.

This week was strange. I had a great week, but with my birthday on Monday and then the 4th of July on Wednesday, things were a bit off for me.  My food was ok, but I did have more calories than normal on Wednesday at the BBQ.  All good food, but just maybe too much of it.  The other days I ate fine, but I didn’t have the same “pep in my step,” especially in terms of workouts.  Last weekend I didn’t workout at all really, other than taking Sofi for a walk.  I just wasn’t very motivated for some reason.  Monday started off well with 90 minutes of bikram on my birthday, but then I just fell flat Tuesday-Thursday.  I had every intention of going to Zumba or getting in some other workout, but each day something happened that through a kink in my plans and then through me off schedule.  Like I said, it was a weird week.

{Okay, Bella, that’s all good and well, but what we really want to know is how you did on the scale}. Right?!

Today I weighed in at 304.4, which means I gained 2 pounds this week, so I have 23.4 lbs to go to reach my pre-surgery goal. I’m not going to freak out about this.  Mother Nature gave me a bday gift on Monday with TOM, I ate a big meal on Wednesday, and really only exerted myself on Monday.  No big surprises.  Even my water intake was “just okay” this week.  It was just an off week, and while I’m not excusing myself, or giving up on my goals, I’m not going to get crazy or discouraged.  What good would that do?

And by walking, I mean, “walking the talk.”

Which is exactly what I did this morning.  Right after I got off the scale, I quickly whipped up a berry green smoothie, grabbed a cup of coffee, picked up my gear, and headed to a 9am Bikram yoga class.  Today’s class was phenomenal.  A different teacher than Monday, and I’m not sure if it was her, or the fact that this was my second day this week of practicing, or a combo of both, but I could already see a marked improvement in my ability with the poses.

I still have to make some major modifications because of my weight, for example, with #6 you’re supposed to kick your foot into your hand and hold your ankle, but I can’t do that at all, so I just lift my leg and hold my arm as if the ankle was in my  hand.  Not perfect, but still attempting the posture.  The same thing for #19.  I really can’t do #20 or #21 at all, and for today, I just laid in Savasana (corpse pose).  I’m going to ask about a modification for those poses, because I don’t want to sit poses out just because my body can’t get into the perfect form.  They say #23, the Rabbit pose is one of the toughest, and I can’t do it at all…yet. As class ended, I felt good about what I did because my body got into the poses more quickly and with more fluidity than just 4 days ago.  Progress!  (I also ran into my mom’s cousin, MM, whom I have always looked up to.  She’s 10 years older than me, and when I was younger I thought she was the coolest.  Seeing her at yoga  today and getting to practice next to her was a fun experience).

Directly after yoga I headed to the pool to cool down.  I have been leaving the class a sweaty mess.  I’ve always been somewhat sweaty after a bikram class but this week I was literally dripping with sweat and my clothes were soaked through, top and bottoms.  I wonder if the vitamins I’ve been taking are helping my body sweat better?  Anyway, I was gross, hot, and just wanted to cool off, so I was so glad I took the time to pack my swimsuit, etc. with me so that I could quickly change, jump in the pool, and do a few laps.  About 20 minutes worth, which was nice.

All told, I burned 1769 calories today – halfway to 1 pound!  I’m not just saying that I’m going to do better this week, I’m actually taking the actions that will insure it.  Since I spent quite a bit on the 1-month yoga pass, I want to plenty of those classes, but knowing that I would get burnt out on all yoga all the time, I also want to keep swimming, doing Zumba, and fitting in some bike rides.  So, here’s my workout plan for July:

Sunday: Yin Yoga, walk Sofi
Monday: Bikram, swimming, walk Sofi
Tuesday: Bikram, swimming, walk Sofi
Wednesday: Zumba, walk Sofi
Thursday: off/ bike ride, walk Sofi
Friday: Bikram, swimming, walk Sofi
Saturday: Zumba, gentle yoga, walk Sofi (bike ride in the late afternoon)

It seems like a lot, but I think it’s doable.  It’s the sort of intensity I’ve been craving, and it’s high time I bring it!  I think it’s a nice balance of yoga and other workouts that I love to do.  And I think it will help me achieve my goals – on and off the scale.

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

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Successful Summer Weigh-In Update – Week 3

It’s summertime! Which means that life is a lot easier – my schedule is free, healthy fruits and veggies are plentiful, and I have nothing but time to work on this goal. Success is practically guaranteed – all I need to do is follow through with my actions. My re-assessment meeting with my surgeon was on Friday, June 8th, which just so happened to also be my last day of school before summer vacation, making Fridays the perfect day to weigh-in. So throughout the summer, I’ll be giving Friday progress updates called Successful Summer Weigh-Ins.

This week I wanted to try to see what happened if I cut back a bit on my grains at dinner a few of the nights. So Monday-Wednesday I didn’t have any sort of grain and you know what? I didn’t miss it….much. I think I started out on Monday missing the idea of having a grain at dinner more than I actually missed the grain. Because I planned meals that were filling enough, the grain wasn’t a factor in my feeling of satiety. For example, Wednesday night I had TJ’s ginger marinated cod with a side of sauteed zucchini and summer squash, and I was really satisfied. In fact, I felt full enough that I didn’t even think of the “missing” grain at all. I did end up having some quinoa last night because I had it left over from Sunday and I didn’t want it to go bad before I ate it. The scale didn’t move from yesterday to today, though, which tells me it is probably better to skip grains at dinner, unless I’ve done a fairly major workout that day. Which is just fine, since I wanted to keep my plan balanced and in moderation.

{Okay, Bella, that’s all good and well, but what we really want to know is how you did on the scale}. Right?!

Today I weighed in at 302.4, which means I lost 3.8 pounds this week, so I have 21.4 lbs to go to reach my pre-surgery goal. I’m thrilled with this steady weight loss, and I think the combination of eating well, cutting back on evening grains, and working out helped. The total for three weeks is 12.6 lbs lost, which is excellent. I’m really proud of what I’ve done so far this summer.

My first weight loss reward is scheduled for 15 lbs (5%), and I’ve decided to get a shellac manicure. Now that I’m taking Biotin every day, my nails are growing and getting stronger. Since normal manicures don’t last for me (I chip the polish within a day), I know that the shellac is the way to go. Yesterday when I got my hair done I made an appointment to get the shellac mani on July 12, which gives me more than enough time to lose the 15 lbs. In fact, I’m sure I’ll be closer to 20 lbs off by then. That’s so cool to think about!!

The week ahead could be a challenging one with my birthday and the 4th of July, but I’ve decided that this year, nothing is more important to me than losing this weight, so I’m making that the priority. I’m following it with my actions and choices. More on that in Monday’s birthday post.

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

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Progress via Pictures

I was making a YouTube video this afternoon, because I’m trying to make at least one a month, and I noticed something exciting.  My face is getting thinner! At least, I think it is.

Check out these two photos:

Taken 9.17.11

Taken today, 1.17.12

Now granted, my hair was down in the first photo, and that one is shot at a much closer angle than the second one, but do you notice any difference?

Seeing things like this just helps me feel like all this hard work and dedication (thanks for the tagline, Dolvett) is worth it.  The scale hasn’t moved that much in the last 4 months, but I’m definitely working out a lot more than I was then.  Maybe I’m losing some inches?  Or maybe the whole thing is in my head.  Either way, I think I’m feeling better than I was then, and that’s spilling over into all aspects of my life, even with my eyesight in photos. . 😉

 

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Progress via Pictures

I was making a YouTube video this afternoon, because I’m trying to make at least one a month, and I noticed something exciting. My face is getting thinner! At least, I think it is.

Check out these two photos:

Taken 9.17.11

Taken today, 1.17.12

Now granted, my hair was down in the first photo, and that one is shot at a much closer angle than the second one, but do you notice any difference?

Seeing things like this just helps me feel like all this hard work and dedication (thanks for the tagline, Dolvett) is worth it. The scale hasn’t moved that much in the last 4 months, but I’m definitely working out a lot more than I was then. Maybe I’m losing some inches? Or maybe the whole thing is in my head. Either way, I think I’m feeling better than I was then, and that’s spilling over into all aspects of my life, even with my eyesight in photos. . 😉

 

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My progress of starts and stops

Goal: My goal is to lose 140 pounds, and I’m hoping to lose a large percentage of that by August 2008, in time for CTLB’s wedding in Connecticut.

12/1 – 281.8 (Starting Weight)

12/8 – 274.1 (-7.7) This is the most I’ve ever lost in one week on any diet.

12/15 – 273.3 (-0.8) (-8.5 total) Less than I would’ve hoped, but still, -8.5 for 2 weeks is great.

1/5 – 276.7 (+3.4) (-5.1 total) The holidays really didn’t throw me off too much, it was the craving I had the other night. I weighed myself then and the scale said 283.2, so this is actually 5 lbs down from that. Anyway, the point is, I need to get back on track in full and start seeing major results.

1/12 – 274.3 (-2.4) (-7.5 total) Getting back on track feels good. I hope I can lose at this pace for a while.

1/18 – 274.1 (-.2) (-7.7 total). This is when I hate having to get my period.

1/23 – 273.2 (-.9) (-8.6 total). Finally a bit lower than after Phase 1. I may need to go on Phase 1 again to jumpstart my weight loss.

2/9 – 272.0 (-1) (-9.6 total). First week of Phase 1, again. I think I really lost more like 3 lbs. this week, because I think I had gained some from Superbowl Sunday eating.

2/16 – 270.1 (-1.9) (-11.5 total) More than 10 pounds down. I wish I would’ve lost this weight faster, but I know that slow weightloss is the key to keeping it off.

2/23 – 268.4 (-1.7) (-13.2 total) Good progress this week.

3/22 – 263.2 (-5.2) (-18.4 total) Not bad, considering I haven’t been as strict.

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I’m making a separate section for my fasting weigh-ins because those are done in the medical office, in the afternoon after “eating” all day, and with clothes & shoes on. I am going to wear the same outfit each weigh-in so that the results are consistent.

4/8 – 279.8 (Starting Weight)

4/15 – 270.4 (-9.4) Whoo Hoooo! I can’t believe I lost this much in one week, especially after the Girls’ Weekend in Napa. I am so proud of myself, and can’t wait to see continued results.

4/22 – 262.8 (-7.6) (-17 total) 17 pounds in two weeks, are you kidding me? Exciting results!

4/29 – 261.4 (-1.4) (-18.4 total) Disappointing week. 2nd TOM in 21 days.

5/6 – 256.0 (-5.4) (-23.8 total) This is amazing. Almost 24 pounds in one month!

5/13 – 252.7 (-3.3) (-27.1 total) I didn’t lose as much as I usually do this week, but I did break the 25 lb mark!

5/20 – 252.4 (-.3) (-27.4 total) Graduation party consequences that I’m totally ok with, because how often will I celebrate receiving my Masters degree?!

5/27 – 247.6 (-4.8 ) (-32.2 total) Wow! Back on track, for sure.

6/3 – 245.4 (-2.2) (-34.4 total) A better result than I thought. I’m satisfied with this.

6/10 – 242.7 (-2.7) (-37.1 total) I hit the -35 pound mark!

6/17 – 246.1 (+3.4) (-33.7 total) I knew I was going to be up this week because of all the celebrating, but it’s ok. I know what I have to do to get back on track.

6/24 – 241.6 (-4.6) (-38.3 total) I love Medifast! I’m definitely back on track, AND I’m eating real food, so I don’t have any cravings.

7/2 – 238.1 (-3.5) (-41.8 total) What a great birthday present! Finally hit the 230s and made -40 bling!

7/15 – 233 (-5.1) (-46.8 total) I’m very happy with this comeback. This is the lowest I’ve weighed in years.

7/22 – 231.2 (-1.8) (-48.6 total). Another great week. Steady progress.

7/29 – 229.6 (-1.6) (-50.2 total). A milestone, finally! Goodbye 230’s!

–Boston Vacation —

8/19 – 232.0 (+2.4) (-47.8 total). A small gain due to vacation indulgences.

8/26 – 230.4 (-1.6) (-49.4 total).  Getting back on track with losing weight.

9/2 – 229 (-1.4) (-50.8 total).  Less than I would hope, but I know why – lack of exercise and some regularity issues.

9/9 – 227 (-2.0) (-52.8 total).  A good week, finally losing more than a pound and change.

9/24 – 223 (-4.0)  (-56.8 total).  Results for two weeks.  A nice, steady pace.

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October -December 2008: I joined WW, which is a sensible program that I love because it’s realistic, do-able, and offers group support.  Unfortunately, my metabolism was so screwed up from the fasting, that I actually gained weight on WW when I first joined.  I had a few weeks of success in losing, and then I went to that familiar place.  Eating too much, not exercising enough.  Disappointing myself, and lying to those around me about how much I was losing at my weekly meetings.  I did refrain from posting my weight losses (or lack thereof) on this blog, because I didn’t want to lie here.  Let’s just say that it’s been quite a mental adjustment for me to “eat real food” again.

I learned that the fasting ,while a quick way to lose weight, was probably a big mistake.  Not only was it costly monetarily, I think in the long run it cost me 2-3 months of progress.  But I am not deterred.  I will lose this weight, even if it takes me forever to do it.  I know I can.  So, beginning this last week of December, I will begin again, with numbers that are much higher than the last time I posted, but it doesn’t matter.  What matters is that I’m getting back into losing weight and being honest with myself about my progress from here on out.

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Rejoined WW on Dec. 28th, and it felt great to go back into my neighborhood center.  My main goal is to get down to 140-145 pounds, and I’m hoping to get a majority of that weight off by October 17th, 2009, the date of my 20th high school reunion.

12/28: 266.4 (New starting weight).

1/4:  262.6 (-3.8) (-3.8 total)   This week was great. I’m proud of myself and very motivated to keep up the good work.

1/11: 263.8 (+1.2) (-2.6 total)  PMS and not enough activity.

1/18: 266 (+2.2) (-.4 total)  I am so disappointed.  Not enough activity, again.

1/25: 265.1 (-0.9) (-1.3 total)  Weighed in at home.

2/1: 264.8 (-0.3) (-1.6 total)  Not bad at all for such a blah week.

2/8: 263.6 (-1.2) (-2.8 total)  The extra workouts really helped this week.

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In February when I started the TNT workouts, things got out of control with my weight loss efforts.  I had an epiphany recently where I realized that because I was feeling so badly about my poor performance on the track and in the practices, I allowed my depression and discouragement from that spill over into sabotaging my weight loss.  I stopped attending WW meetings, I stopped counting points, and I started eating too much.  Not that the foods I was eating were necessarily bad for me (OK, so some were), but I was just eating too much of them.  Finally I decided that enough was enough.  I started listening to my body in terms of not being able to compete with TNT and I started going back to the gym and doing the exercises that I enjoy.  Plus, it was time to deal with the scale.  I’m going into this new phase of weight loss better prepared, more confident, and excited.  Of course, I’m continuing with WW.

It took me a couple more weeks before I actually got myself in gear and went to a WW meeting, but on 4/18, I did just that.  My grandmother’s recent death really struck a chord in me that I need to stop wasting my life and start living it to the fullest NOW.  I’m re-motivated, re-energized, and re-focused.  I also started WW Walk-It Challenge, and I’m loving it!

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4/18: 275.2 (+11.6 since February).  New Starting Weight.

4/25: 276.0 (+.8)  Grandma’s funeral, wine at the reception, TOM.  Proud of myself for going to WW mtg anyway.

5/2: 278.8 (+2.8) Weighed in at home.  No meeting.  Over did it with points (at lunch), used all WPAs, and not enough APs.

5/9: 276.8 (-2.0) (+1.6 total).  On track with eating, still need more APs.

5/14: 275.3 (-1.5)  (+0.1 total).  Weighed in in the afternoon (after eating and drinking), rather than in the morning (with no food).  Also, got TOM the next day.  This is huge!

6/18: 283.6 (+8.3) (+8.4 total).  This should really be my new starting weight, since I’ve been futzing around for the past month or so.

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June 18, 2009 is my new starting weight date.  Now that summer is here, I plan to kick my activity and my points tracking/meeting attendance into high gear. This is going to be (has to be) the last time I decide to do a new “starting weight.” This yo-yo cycle of losing a few pound and then gaining twice as much is so bad for me – for my body, for my self esteem, and for my overall weight loss goals.  No more of it!  I’m beginning this summer with a renewed sense of the importance of weight loss for myself.  I am worth it!

In the past I’ve had a problem with meeting attendance.  I tended to avoid meetings on those weeks when I knew I was going to see a weight gain.  No more!  I am committed to attending one meeting every week, no matter what!!!!  I’ll indicate that I went to a meeting with the (WW) after my weight.

6/18: 283.6 – New Starting Weight (WW)

6/25: 287 (+3.4)  Moving in the wrong direction.  Not enough activity and too many high-point days. No WW meeting.

7/2: 283.3 (-3.7) (-0.3 lbs total) (WW) Lots of activity this week – 39 APs!  Wii Fit every morning, swimming and biking.

7/8: 283    (-0.3) (-0.6 lbs total) (WW) Frustrating because of all of the activity this week (28 APs!), but I know it will show eventually.

7/16: 284.4 (+1.4) (+0.8 lbs total). (WW) Another gain.  For no reason! (26 APs). So frustrated, but not hopeless.  I can do this!

7/23: 284.6 (+0.2) (+ 1 lb total).  (WW) Another gain, but now that I know it’s attributed to the Wellbutrin, I’m not getting frustrated.  I know I’m doing everything I should, and once the Wellbutrin is out of my system (in a week or two), I should see a major loss.

7/30: 284.9 (+0.3) (+1.3 total).  Woke up too late to go to WW, which is so rare.  Lots of factors, see blog post.

8/6: 284.8 (-0.1) (+1.2 total) (WW) A loss from last week’s at home weigh-in, but overall, I’m still up.  Sigh.  I’m just going to keep on keeping on, because I’m working out as much as possible, and I know that it has to come off eventually.

8/20: 284.2 (-0.6) (+0.6 total) (WW) This is the first week attending the evening meeting, so the weight loss is a bit skewed.  When I weighed in at home this morning, I was down 5 pounds!  In either case, this is a move in the right direction!

9/10: 280.1 (-4.1) (-3.5 total) (WW) Wow!  I’m so happy that I decided to use my at home, morning weigh-ins as my official weight.

9/17: 276.4 (-3.7) (-7.2 total)  Yay!  This is a huge weight loss for me, and I’m so encouraged.

———–Decided to change from meetings to WW Online, with the new weigh-in day on Wednesdays. —————-

10/14: 277.3 (+0.9) (-6.3 total)  TOM and too-large portions for the evening meals/snacks.

10/21: 276  (-1.3) (-7.6 total).  On the right track.

10/28: 274.6 (-1.4) (-9  total).  Almost to 10 pounds gone.  SLOW and steady.

11/4: 279.4 (+4.9) (-4.1 total).  Sick + TOM.

11/11 280.3 (+0.8) (-3.3 total).  Still stick and not working out.

11/18: 277.7 (-2.6) (-5.9 total).  Huge weight loss in a week when I was sick and didn’t work out at all.

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12/13 – At this point in 2009, I kept gaining and losing the same five pounds.  My total for the year was that I started out 20 pounds lighter than  I ended it, but my progress off the scale was tremendous.  I’m much stronger and healthier than I was then.  I did a ton of things in 2009 to be proud of, but losing weight wasn’t one of them, unfortunately.  I feel that I am going in to 2010 with the right mindset.  It really isn’t as difficult as I was making it.  I just need to get my eating under control.  I give in too often to my desire to binge, which completely derails any progress I’ve made.  I’m not going to let that happen to me again in 2010.  I’m just not.

2010 —

This year started out almost as badly as the previous.  I’d see success one week and then back slide the next. So in the spring of 2010, I’m starting over and getting on with the business of losing weight.

12/30: 281.6 (starting weight)

1/6: 283.3 (+1.7) (+1.7 total)

1/13: 282.3 (-1.0) (+0.7 total)

1/20: 286.2 (+3.9) (+4.6 total)

1/28: 283.3 (-2.9) (+1.7 total)

Monthly Wrap-up: It’s a bit discouraging that my overall change is a gain of 1.7 lbs in 2010, but I’m not going to let that diminish my drive.

2/3: 283.8 (+0.5) (+2.2 total)

2/10: 284.1 (+0.3) (+2.5 total)

2/17: 283.7 (-0.4) (+2.1 total)

2/24: No Scale Pass

Monthly Wrap-Up: For the second month in a row, I’ve idled.  I am disappointed in myself and my lack of consistency.  While others have lost 10, 15, or even 20 pounds so far this year, I’ve gained weight.  But today starts a new day, and I’m not giving up on myself.

**At this point, I finally decided to TAKE ACTION with my eating plan, and I reduced my Points from 33 to 28 daily.  It’s five fewer Points than WW says I should have, but it just feels right.

3/3: 284.8 (-3.4!!!) (+3.2 total)

3/10: skipped this week because I was away on business

3/17: 283.8 (-1.0) (+2.2 total)

3/24: 282.6 (-1.2) (+1 total)

3/31: 286.6 (+4) (+5 total)

Monthly Wrap-Up: And just like that, my weight goes from being almost the lowest it’s ever been to being the same as mid January.  2 months down the drain.  Frustration.  But I do know that I’m going to keep going and that there are things that I can change, do better at, and get serious about. 

4/7: 288.8 New Start!

4/14: 284.0 (-4.8!) (-4.8 total)

4/21: 282.4 (-1.6) (-6.4 total)

4/28: 283.7 (+1.3) (-5.1 total)

Monthly Wrap-Up: This has been a fantastic month.  The new start was exactly what I needed.  I’ve seen success for the first time in over 6 months, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.  I also learned this month that I need to keep setbacks in perspective so that I can bounce back from them more quickly.

5/5: 280.3 (-3.4) (-8.5 total!)

5/12: 280.8 (+0.5) (-8.0 total)

After this news, I decided that I’m not going to write weekly weigh-in posts anymore, at least until the summer is over.  I’ll still be monitoring my weight, but I don’t want to post about it anymore.  I put so much pressure on myself when I lose “too little” or gain “some,” and I just don’t want to focus on that anymore.  I want to use the fit of my clothes to be more of an indicator than the display on the scale.

Beginning August 2010, I am on the journey toward undergoing Lap Band surgery.  As part of the program requirement, I need to lose 5-10% of my total body weight before the surgery is scheduled.  I’m following a 1200 calorie/day, high protein/lower carb meal plan, and also working out.  I use the Lose It app to track my calories/exercise.

My weigh-in days are Wednesday, and I weigh-in in the morning, with nothing on, on my home scale.

8/11: 291.9 Starting Weight

8/18: 288.6 (-3.3 lbs)

8/25: passed on the weigh in

Monthly Wrap-Up: I started out strong with an impressive weight loss the first week following the new, 1200-calorie plan.  I found that with my new schedule, quitting smoking, and getting ready to move, weight loss was a bit slower because I didn’t have the time to devote to working out.  Once I move on the 11th of September, I’m going to get back into a regular working out routine.

9/1: 297.8

9/8: Moving: skipped weigh-in

9/15: Moving: skipped weigh-in

9/22: 308.0 (+16.1 lbs total)

9/29: 303.8 (-4.2lbs, +11.9 lbs total)

Monthly Wrap-Up: September was a crazy, hectic, busy month for me, and the roller coaster that is my weight loss stats clearly shows that.

10/6: 302.4 (-1.4 lbs, +10.5 total)

10/13: 300.7 (-1.7 lbs, +8.8 total)

10/20: 299.3 (-1.4 lbs, +7.4 total)

10/27: 297.5 (-1.8 lbs., +5.6 total)

Monthly Wrap-Up: I’ve been making steady, if slow, progress.  Now I need to kick it up a notch and really stick to the 1200 calorie  goal and get to the gym at least 4 times a week.  Time for the Countdown to Christmas/NYE Challenge.

11/3: 301.0 (+3.5 lbs, +9.1 lbs total) New scale, water retention, going over 1200 calories.

11/10: 297.2 (-3.2 lbs, +5.3 lbs total) This new food plan of eating TJ’s salads at lunch and LC for dinner is working! Plus personal training 2x a week.

11/17: 300.2 (+3.0, +8.3 lbs total) This week’s weight gain is a combination of water retention, eating way over my calories at a dinner party on Saturday, and exercising only twice this week. 

11/24: skipped weigh-in

Monthly Wrap-Up: Still struggling with overeating, but after a huge realization Thanksgiving weekend, I’m feeling like I might have more of a handle on things. 

12/1: 303.0  Aftermath of Thanksgiving weekend free for all. Decided to up my calories to 1400. New Starting Weight.

12/8: 296.0 (-7 lbs!!) Increasing my calories to 1400-1500 per day has had a major impact on my weight loss.  Hoping this momentum continues.

12/15: 298.6 (+2.6) (-4.4 total) I had a slipup over the weekend that I paid for on the scale. 

Beginning August 2010, I began the journey toward undergoing weight loss surgery.  It has taken several month to prepare to lose weight (mentally and physically).  As part of the program requirement, I need to lose over 10% of my total body weight before the surgery is scheduled.  (I have to get down to 266, which means I have 36 lbs to go from my starting weight).  I’m following a 1400 calorie/day, high protein meal plan, and also working out.  I use the Lose It app to track my calories/exercise.

My weigh-in days are Wednesday, and I weigh-in in the morning, with nothing on, on my EatSmart home scale.

1/1/11: 304.4 (starting weight)

1/5/11: 301.4 (-3 lbs, -3 lbs total)

1/12/11: didn’t weigh in.

1/19/11: 304.6 (+3.2, +3.2 total)

1/26/11: 302.2 (-2.4, -2.2 total)

Monthly Wrap-Up: January was a month of trying things out.  I did well on journaling, but poorly on exercising.  Then, beginning the 22nd I started going to the gym and that obviously showed up on the scale.  Moving forward, the plan is to exercise more, continue eating 1400 calories, and see success on the scale.

2/2/11: No weigh in. 

2/9/11: 311.0  Indulged in many “last meals.”

Began Medifast.

2/16/11: 300.8 (-10.2 lbs) (-10.2 lbs total)

2/23/11: 299.2 (-1.6 lbs) (-11.8 lbs total)

Monthly Wrap-Up: This month I didn’t start out very strong, but once I made the decision to start Medifast, I lost weight like gangbusters.  My mentality changed, and I really had a fire lit within me.  Excellent progress for the month.

3/2/11: 297.0 (-2.2 lbs) (-14 lbs total)

3/9/11: 294.0 (-3 lbs) (-17 lbs total)

3/16/11: 291.8 (-2.2 lbs) (-19.2 lbs total)

3/23/11: 291.4 (-0.4 lbs) (-19.6 lbs total)

3/30/11: 288.4 (-3.0 lbs) (-22.6 lbs total)

4/6/11: 286.0 (-2.4 lbs) (-25 lbs total)

4/13/11: 289.6 (+3.6 lbs) (-21.4 lbs total)

4/20/11: 285.2 (-4.4 lbs) (-25.8 lbs total)

4/27/11:289.0 (+3.8 lbs) (-22 lbs total)

5/4/11: 281.6 (-7.4 lbs) (-29.4 lbs total)

5/11/11: 289.8  (+8.2 lbs) (-21.2 lbs total)

5/18/11: 283.8 (-6 lbs) (-27.2 lbs total)

5/25/11: 293.6 (crazy loading days for HCG) (-17.4 lbs total)

Monthly Wrap-Up:This post really explains my new mindset.

Things started to go south at the beginning of June.  I think my body and mind just needed a break.  Unfortunately, it cost me in terms of lbs gained.  As of June 13: 296.2 (-14.8 lbs, total).  Ugh.  But, a fresh start for summer. 

6/15/11: 293.8 (-2.4 lbs) (-17.2 lbs total)

6/22/11: 290.4 (-3.4 lbs) (-20.6 lbs total)

6/29/11:290.6 (+0.2 lbs) (-20.4 lbs total)

7/6/11: 296.8 (+6.2 lbs) (-14.2 lbs total)  Too much birthday/July 4th celebrating!

7/13/11: 295.4 (-1.4 lbs) (-15.6 lbs total)

7/21/11: 291.2 (-4.2 lbs) (-19.8 lbs total)

7/27/11: 294.0 (+2.8 lbs) (-17 lbs total)

8/3/11: I decided to move to monthly weigh-in posts. 

9/24/11: 291.8 (-19.2 lbs total)

2012 – more of the same for the first half of the year

311  (starting weight) (45 lbs to goal)

4/1/12: 305 (-6 lbs) (39 lbs to goal)

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