Life of the Party

    I usually dread Mondays, but today was different.  I didn't have work today, so I spent the day in solitude in my garden. It's that time of year again when planting begins. This summer will bring new strategies of gardening as I plant my first flower garden.      I spent the better part of the morning landscaping our front yard. This is going to take a while to finish and I'm up for the challenge of trying something new. Anything is better than our current status of disorganization. Mom had dumb solar lights stuck up every where. 

      It has been a few months since I have posted anything, so during this hot second I'm going to catch you up.  I didn't mean to leave any of you out in the dark, but life has been very hectic. This school year has passed by so quickly that I cannot believe we have close to a month left. Summer excitement here we come! I'm planning on going to the beach, gardening, and chilling out.       I'm currently floating around 226lbs and cannot seem to get past this number. I think the stress from work and lack of sleep has something to do with it. When first getting this surgery, I was completely nervous, but I can see the difference that it has made in my life. I'm now able to go ride my bike without the heavy laboring that was there before. I'm no where close to my ideal weight, but every pound lost is a gain for me. As long as I'm not gaining, I'm okay.      I had an appointment with my surgeon and she said that I'm on sc...

    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 ...