Life of the Party

    I'm thankful for many things, but today I'm especially thankful for life. I'm getting this second chance of becoming a confident lady, and I'm going to take full advantage of it. Today presented itself with several challenges, all of which, I conquered with ease. Hopefully tomorrow I can get some much needed "me time." 

Progress      I'm still weighing in around 239ish, but I can see differences in my body. At my last doctor's appointment, I had gained a pound in lean muscle tissue, which is amazing. I still want to see more weight loss, but I'm still determined as ever. I think this is more of a journey than I had expected. My every day choices really add up.   I need to be more forgiving to myself, but I'm my toughest enemy. I still feel like I haven't made any visible progress, but I can now fit in some XL clothes. This makes me extremely happy.   

    I have finally gotten back down in the 230s and I'm ecstatic! There is no better feeling than accomplishing your goals even if they are small ones. Today I weighed in at 239.1. The small victories are worth the effort. I feel like the weight is coming off slowly, but maybe that is a good thing?    Our first full week of school will start Monday, and I'm really glad that I will be getting back into a routine soon. Being home all the time is treacherous for someone like me. The TV is too addicting and I love sleeping. New Goals: 1. I'm going to set three to four days aside for exercising each week. 2. Protein Shakes for breakfast 3. Skip the elevator when possible  4. Stop weighing in every day  5. Take my dogs on more walks     I still feel uneasy about my body and food choices. I will have to meet with the dietitian and make a new meal plan that fits my schedule. If you have any advice please feel free to comment on this post. ...

     It's raining again here in the mountains of North Carolina. As we sit and watch the morning greet us, we realize that today is a new day, a new start. I sip my coffee calmly on the front porch steps and breath in deeply the scent of rest. Mom has decided that breakfast needs to be made so I can hear her cooking. It's moments like this that I cherish most. 

    This is an image of me from about a week ago. I can see that my face is changing. I'm no where that I need to be, but its a work in progress! 

     I'm excited to announce that I'm on track! I was super stressed about not keeping up the momentum, but she said that I'm doing just fine. I think I have been doing really well with the eating side of the deal, but the exercising portion is not going so well. I do lift weights, but getting the cardio in is very tiresome. I have a hard time staying focused and into the workout.     I will try to make an effort to really stick with my routine.   I'll keep you guys posted!  

         So it's December and I'm nearly a month out from surgery. Wow, the time has passed by super fast and that is okay. I'm 25lbs down and counting. I don't know what the average should be, but this is progress. I'm still struggling with food in general. Sometimes I still over eat and have to deal with the repercussions of that. The pain is crippling at times. Advice:        I would still recommend getting the surgery if you're determined to make a life change. You need to know that this isn't the easy way out or the "best" way. I struggle each day with food choices, but I still manage to hang in there. I would suggest that you go to all the classes that they recommend. Remember to keep your water count up! 

        The first week after wls is nothing to joke about. I feel as if I'm endlessly drinking some sort of fluid. I did manage to get in all of my fluid intakes both days at home. I had to spend an extra night in the hospital (Mission) due to some high blood sugar counts. What were they expecting? All they had given me to drink was Core Power shakes, which is loaded with sugars and carbs.  FYI I'm not a fan of Core Power!          I haven't been on a scale yet, but I'm sure I'm still the same weight. I'm swelled to pop. Walking seems to be the only relief in sight! Here are some things to remember: 1. When you get home pick out some very comfy clothes 2. Don't worry about what you look like 3. Drink, drink, drink! 4. Make sure you get up and walk (it helps) 5. Note any changes 6. Try to be as comfortable as possible.        I have personally been using Glucerna Shakes, and I think they are the ...

    Monday is the big day for my weight loss surgery (wls). I'm currently weighing in at 262.3. I started way heavier, but I'm working my way down. I'm a bundle of nerves as the hours click by. Honestly, Monday couldn't get here any sooner. I think when it is actually here the anticipation will die down some. I've been on the liquid diet for 12 days in total. I must say that it does cause some questioning of what I want to "eat."      I will begin to post pictures, as soon as, I get out of the hospital. I picked the Mission Weight Loss Management facility to start this journey. They have treated me well, but driving the two hours to Asheville is very annoying. I guess this is to be expected! Where I live there are no programs offered.  May Monday be a blessing.       I wanted to have wls because I was told it would help my diabetes. This alone is worth the risk! I'm tired of fighting the battle of checking my sugar 24/7.   Wi...

Football It's the sound of the loudest fan It's the loud music of the band It's the intense moment of the game It's the moment of instant fame It's the blood, sweat, and tears It's the moment of no fears It's the coach screaming plays Its the long practices most days This is a work of progress. I will try to remember to post the final piece.