Sensational Summer Weigh In: Week 61 Post-Op VSG

It’s summertime! Which means that school is out, my schedule is my own, and I’m footloose and fancy free.  Summer means the weather is warm, the sun is shining, and I can kick my workouts (and my weight loss!) into high gear.  I have less than 30 pounds to go to reach my ultimate weight loss goal, and I plan to lose quite a bit of that this summer. But this summer is about so much more than losing weight; it’s about living my new life.  I worked so hard for this new, healthy body, and I want to spend this summer doing a lot of the things I only dreamed of doing when I was at my heaviest.  That means riding rollercoasters, running in 5Ks, trying new water sports, wearing styles (and sizes!) of clothes that I could never wear before.  I want to LIVE every moment of this summer to the fullest. I’ve moved my weigh-ins to Wednesdays as a way to check in midweek. My Wednesday progress updates will be called Sensational Summer Weigh-Ins.

Week 61 was awesome!  Not only did I enjoy my increased calorie intake, but I got in 6 days of solid workouts (which helped me exceed my goal of #150bysummer!), and I finally made it to the beach for the first time this summer.  With only two weeks left before I start my teacher meetings, I’m determined to make each day count.

So, what did the scale show?!

When I weighed in this morning, I was 178.4, which is a loss of 2.4 pounds this week, and a loss of 98.6 lbs since surgery! I’ve lost a total of 136.6 pounds from my highest weight!! I have 28.4 pounds to go to my ultimate goal weight of 150 pounds. I’m really excited to see a significant loss like this on the scale, because it’s been awhile!  Increasing my daily calories to around 1000 net calories per day is working well; it keeps me really satisfied throughout the day and it also curbs any cravings I may have. This morning’s weigh in marks my lowest weight on the scale in the last 20+ years, and I can’t wait to keep hitting new “lows” as these weeks continue.

One NSV that I’d like to share happened yesterday, on #TransformationTuesday, appropriately enough.  When I was originally asked to be a SweatPink Ambasador, one of the cool things the Fit Approach crew does is send out pink shoelaces and a SweatPink tank.  The shoelaces were no problem. The tank, though, didn’t fit, not by a LONG shot.  I ordered the largest size available, and there was no way on earth that it was going to fit me.  So I put it away for all this time.  Over two years it sat on a shelf, just waiting for the day when I could put it on.  For some reason, I decided to give it a try yesterday.  And you know what, it not only fit, but I was really happy with how I looked in it.

Here’s my post to the FB group:

I’m floored that 145 people “liked” my post!

Better than that was that when I posted about it on the SweatPink Ambassadors’ Facebook page, the outpouring of love and support was overwhelming!

Just a few of the comments I got from my SPAs

Lately I’ve been seeing myself as a fit person, which is amazing to me.  For so many years I  was the “pretty plus-sized girl,” but now I’m proud of the body that I have.  I’m not hiding it behind loose clothes and layers, I’m wearing form-fitting outfits that show off my strong legs, shapely waist, curvy booty, and arms that are beginning to show some definition.  I love the way I’ve transformed, and I’m really enjoying dressing this new physique.  I like showing it off a bit, which is such a switch from the years of camouflaging my flaws.   Yes, I still have things I want to work on, but I’m happy to let the real me SHINE.

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

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Friday 5: Happy Summer Solstice!

It seems odd that today is the official first day of summer, but I’ve been on summer vacation for a month already (if you count the time I was on medical leave for my surgery).  This summer has already been great, and I know it’s just going to continue.  I’ve been loving the pace and routine that I’ve developed: wake up around 6:30 or 7am, a cup of coffee and breakfast while watching Good Morning America, doing a bit of watering in the yard to keep the plants and flowers looking good, going swimming/workout out, lunch, reading/shopping/relaxing, walk Sofi, dinner, t.v., bed.

This week I’ve started weight training again, and whew, are my muscles sore!  Monday I did chest/back at the gym on the traditional machine, and I have to say, I had no real idea what the heck I was doing.  The next day or two, I felt it on my sides, rather than the back or chest.  Wednesday I did legs with a more whole body approach, following an OnDemand workout, Robert Jones’ leg building.  I did the 8-minute workout twice, which included holding a 5-lb weight in my hands as I did lunges, side lunges, squats, side squats, and a few other moves. He kept me moving the entire time, and my heart was PUMPING. I literally cannot bend down this morning.  Today is my arm day, and I’m thinking of doing a kettlebell workout.  The only downside to building these muscles is that my body is already reacting on the scale.  I’m seeing almost no movement, and I know it’s my body holding on to water and wondering what’s going on.  I knew this was the risk, so I’m not panicking.  Plus I know how  important weight training is.

Happy 2nd birthday, Fit Approach! I was honored asked to be a SweatPink Ambassador, and although I didn’t completely understand the scope of what I was joining at the time, I’m so thrilled to be included in this fast-growing group.  I have to admit that a lot of the time I feel like I’m out of my depth – my fellow SPAs are badasses! They compete in triathlons, marathons, Diva Dashes, CrossFit competitions, etc.  And while fitness is an important part of my life, and has given me aha moments, I’m nowhere near that level…yet.  I did sign up for a Color Run in September and plan on participating in the Dirty Girl Mud Run in SF in February, so maybe I have earned my #sweatpink stripes after all.

My dad and I always go to see the big blockbuster/action movies together; it’s our thing.  This afternoon, he and I are heading to the theatre to see Man of Steel, and I’m looking forward to it because I’ve heard such good reviews. I always love paling around with my dad, and yes, I do know how lucky I am to have such a great man as my father.

Sunday I’m heading to an all-day, outdoor, free concert in Golden Gate Park.  Our local radio station, Alice 97.3 FM, hosts this event every summer, and I’ve always wanted to go, but there was always some sort of conflict.  This year, my plans were open, and I’m so looking forward to this day of music and fun.

How are you celebrating summer?

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