On the cusp

Of onederland. I can't believe it. I weigh in usually on Monday mornings and the scale said 200....OMG I haven't been 200 since, well I have no idea since when. I know when I had my first son, pre-pregnancy I weighed in at a hefty 190, so 10 lbs to go to that. Of course he will be 16 1/2 by the time I get back to the weight...omg what a long time to struggle with that one!! Exercise has been going great, 4 days last week, all on treadmill, 2 adding the stair stepper. Trying to make those legs either fall off or look fabulous by summer. I've moved right through size 16, it was like a flash, maybe 2-3 weeks at the most. Of course that is good because i had so few clothing kept in that size. After the size I am in, I'm screwed though, literally, because I have nothing smaller than what I am currently wearing. Oh well that is a good dilemna right!?!?!

Hopefully by the end of this week I will see that fabulous one number and leave the two's behind forever and ever!

me

Wednesday musings.

Not much new to report but I feel like I disregard this blog that was supposed to follow my journey through this weight loss.

I am officially 2 months post-op. I weighed in 41.5 lb less on that day and many, many overall inches down. I'm down 4 pants size and two shirt sizes since the start. It's a good move and I'm almost in the onederland of weight. I can't wait until I get there, it's a mere 3.5 lb away for me. I've been kicking up my treadmill to 4.0 which I believe is a 15 minute mile walking, I've kept the random setting with many hard hills. Today I plan on incorporating the stair stepper intomy exercise regimin also. One thing I did notice is that my weight loss slowed a bit from December 20 - January 20. I contributed that to the little nibbles here and there throughout the day that add the extra calories, so effective immediatley I cut all out. I do not pack them, therefore I have nothing to eat here at work. Easy enough. I am hoping my next months worth of weight surpasses this past month of 15 lb.

So I have decided to start a pro's and con's list to add to this...It's keep me sane....lol

Pro's
Weight is down to where I was pre-preganancy with ds2
I'm wearing size 14 pants....I don't know when the last time I could say that
Shirts are again L. Another great feat in my opinion
I have walked away from Lane Bryant forever for clothes shopping
I can somewhat shop in regular stores
I haven't had problems eating anything (of course this can be a con too)
My face looks younger
I get tons of compliments from people at work all the time

Con's
I have limited clothing in the size I am currently wearing
My tummy hasn't caught up to my legs in weight loss
I get bored sometimes with my eating plan (my own fault though)
I'm freezing all the time
I'm worried about my hair falling out
I didn't want to have plastic surgery, but the tummy looks like I am going to have a remaining pouch (YUCK!!)
I didn't lose as much weight this last month as I thought I should
too much snacking was the culprit

So there's my list.....not too shabby, everything on the con's is workable and I'm feeling a little better about it!

Oh here's an updated head shot from yesterday also. I actually don't mind this picture finally!



and here is one from before surgery...not sure if you can see the difference or not!

Friday musings

Well another week has ended and we are that much closer to Christmas again!! HA HA

Tomorrow is my 2 month surgiversary if you can say that. I'm definitely in a position to notice the changes. I am, probably for the first time, excited about my weigh in. I don't believe I have ever in my entire life been excited about stepping on a scale. How about that for a complete change of pace! I had one of my girlfriends over last night and was able to unload a bunch of great clothes to her, the rest at this point are bagged and ready to go to goodwill. I've been through most of the winter stuff and now I will have the summer stuff once the seasons get closer to changing. Today I am wearing a Large sweater and turtleneck, 8 weeks ago, I was wearing 1x or 2x shirts. I have on 16 pants which are swimming on me, so I will retire them tonight as well, and I guess I can say I'm solidly in a 14 at this point. So far so good with eating, I have tried alot of different foods, I loved it all but the portion size was definitely the difference between now and then. Before I could eat 2-3 slices of pizza, last night I had one, sans crust and didn't even finish it all. I was satisfied and everything was good!

Enough about RNY and the positives for me. Football is winding down for the season, or I could say over as far as our home team the EAGLES go....two more weekends and it's finished. I will indeed need to find something else to look forward to at this point in the year. My ds1 loves basketball so that's good for him, but leaves me out in the cold a bit. I have agreed to take him and his brother next Friday to a game. Should be fun though, even though I'm not a huge fan.

Summer is coming (well not exactly) but yeah it's coming sometime in the distant future. I hope to be at a very decent weight, as end of May will be around 6 months out. I really don't know what to expect from my body at that point, but the honeymoon is officially over or so they say at that point. The first six months is when you loose roughly 1/2 of your total weight loss. Of course this varies person to person, but I hope to be beyond that at that point, it will be interesting to see what comes up in the future.

I'm rambling on and on, because truthfully work is boring this last hour and I'm trying to type the time away. So I bid all those adieu and have a great weekend!

GO BEARS!!

MLK Day

And we are at work! Go figure. I think I'm one of the few people in the world who had to get up and work today. To make matters worse I've been fighting some sort of stomach bug. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it couldn't be the RNY (because truthfully it could and ihope it's not) but I've had this nagging at me since Sat night, no sign of it yesterday and then bam again this morning. It's gone as of right now, I'm eating more soft foods, basically bringing it back to the basics. As of this a.m. my weight is down to 208. That's 38.5 lb gone forever, I am also at my 8 week point. I think it's great it's gone so well. I have to get some pictures up soon, as I have been slacking in that dept.

Saw Night at the Museum this weekend, what a great movie, lots of laughs and appropriate for kids of all ages! It was a nice reprieve from a rainy, wet Sunday.

me

It's Friday again

The weeks seem to go by so fast. I have been having tremendous problems eating lunch this week. Everytime I start I'm hungry (or at least think so) I take two bites and I'm done. I feel if I put one more bite in my mouth it's going to come out, hurling in the air. So, I've been leaving the lunchroom and going out and walking the treadmill, coming back and finishing up at my desk. I don't know if it's right, wrong or indifferent but it's what's been going on. I also noticed that I've been low on protein on those days! Sheesh it's the one thing I really try to stay on top of.

Monday, I'm 8 weeks out, almost two whole months. I can't believe how quickly the time goes by afterward while I was waiting and waiting beforehand and it seemed to drag on by. I've not gotten used to my new tummy yet, although I don't have dumping episodes I have I'm too full, or I'm ravenous ones. It's quite an experiment with your mind and body that will probably continue for along time now. I need to figure out dinner, I'm in one of the those who cares moods. Right, I care, I don't want to be running out and get stuck in traffic or a long line. I really want to go to Soffritos' (My fav italian place) but I know three bites and I'll be over the whole thing! I would love to have some bruschetta and shrimp. Maybe Sunday!

Work has slowed down considerably, so I guess my boredom is spent here blogging instead of trying to find something to shove in my face, which would have been the case before. I really need to work on the mindless grazing that I've been experiencing at night too, I can sit and have a snack and drink. It's a bad, bad habit that I'm getting myself into, hopefully this weekend it will end as I will work to end it. I also want to get through my clothes and get rid of the big stuff that will never fit again this weekend, I have alot and I keep rifling through it but I need to declutter. I should find someone whom I can give it too, would make it more worthwhile then just throwing it all away!

I'm into 16's and some 14's now. 20's, 18's are a thing of the past! I can't believe I'm actually publishing that information. Six months ago I never would have written it! Embarrasing but now it's part of my life, my obese life and in order to heal I need to acknowledge it.

that's it for now, enjoy the weekend
me

I almost didn't come over here today

I have a friend who needs a full time permanent job. I'm going to blog about this because it's been bothering me! Sorry. Well she's a good friend, well at least I hope she is. When she's single (well with the little one only) she's great, when she's attached, she ignores everyone. It's like a rite of her's which I totally do not understand at all, anyhow, she's working now for her bil, I really think her sister is the mastermind behind this whole adventure because there is nothing there for her to do most days. Ok so yesterday, absentmindedly I tell her I'm getting an assistant and immediately she's thinking oh pick me! Um no, I wasn't thinking that I wanted her to rejoice in the fact that I will have help and be able to do my job easier in the future. Of course the reasons I wouldn't want her here are simple. 1) she's out alot with the sick little guy 2) she's unreliable and I don't think she's right for "this" job (mud in my fact if it blows up)

Ok, so she's depressed (living with a manic depressant who's not divorced yet either) I just had to throw that in there. I'm evil I know! and she's all down on me because of course they won't want her. HELLO I don't want you here. I value my friendship with her more than a job with her. I just don't understand why people don't get that! I mean friendships made at work are one thing but you don't bring friends or relatives to work with you, it ultimately causes a problem. Anyhow, now she's not "speaking" with me again. HO HUM!! I think it's time to move on huh.....

So the question of the day is: Why do people always think others' owe them something? For whatever reason is out there I would love to know this.

On a brighter note, today I went to the doctor regarding the dizziness I have been having. Ok, we go through the whole, weight (nice loss), bp (90/60 no meds), temp (fine). He's states we are going to drop one of the bp meds and I will buy my own machine and monitor my progress at home. If I go up, I take 1/2 the other pill, if I stay the same, hurray for me. It's a step in the right direction as far as I'm concerned. One pill down, one more to go!! It's been a big lifesaver and I'm only 7 weeks out!

Well that's it for today, another rambling, bumbling mess, but it's my blog.

me

7 weeks out

I have new pics to post but haven't had the time to do anything about them yet. I know, lazy me. The oldest boy is fretting over weightlifting as his coach was let go shortly before christmas and no replacement has been hired yet. He'll just have to hang tough and hopefully something will break soon!

I'm officially 7 weeks out and 40 lb thinner, although I'm not loosing it in my midsection as quickly as I would like to, have to do more exercises to help out in that area I guess. The humdrum of winter has set in. How can I love the mountains and crisp air and hate the cold winter weather!! Ah maybe if I didn't work, it wouldn't matter! LOL

Speaking of work, I need to get myself organized, I have my big move coming soon and need to be 100% prepared. Of course that means training someone, but that is ok, it's a promotion now matter how you dice it up!!

Ok, enough of that for today. I really don't have tons to blog about so it's very random at best!

Me

Moving down again.............

After a two week stall ( I blame AF) I'm moving down the scale again, today I showed a three lb weight loss, I am almost at 40lb and only 5 1/2 weeks out. I say it definitely is a boost in ones self esteem, confidence and everything else when the scale moves in the down position! I have to take some pics as my clothes I used to wear are literally hanging off of me. I will say this has been one of the most positive things I've done so far.
This section is gross, just a warning because it's my blog and I want to document things correctly for anyone who reads or is considering WLS.
Now for the down side, I noticed in the past few weeks my bowels are not moving properly and when they do, owie!! I need to find a stool softner that works without having me running for the bathroom! I have to call the doctor and see what they recommend as I am still on no pills (only crushed meds) so we'll see what he has to say! Hopefully I will get in touch with them prior to lunch so I can run out and find something! It's one of the pitfalls that's for sure...when you gotta go and it won't come out!

me

Another year

Is gone forever. I know that they are fleeting more and more quickly every year. This New Years' Eve was a bust. We are broke, unfortunately due to the dog being very sick, $500 so far and no exact diagnosis, but she is thinking bone cancer of the hips, not good for him or me. He such a dear and will be missed surely when the time comes. So we were home, heard the fireworks at the riverfront, but it had started to rain so no use going out to see them, mostly smoke I would assume. It was a bit of dismal weekend at best. No use gloating over what was though huh.

The best news is that it is a new year, 2006 was filled with such changes in our lives. The biggest being my surgery in Nov. It's hard to grasp sometimes that I've had it, it just seems surreal right now to me. Also, I've been very tired lately, not sure what that is all about, but a doc visit is in tune for me shortly also.

No resolutions have been made this year, I felt that none made, none broken. Maybe it's a cop out but it was just the way I was feeling. Also the good news, Eagles are again Division champs, hopefully they can beat the Giants this weekend, once again and forward to the next round. I would love to see them go the distance, but there are quite a few good teams out there right now!

me

Almost the new year

Alot of self reflection and promises are made this time of year. I will lose 5 lb, I will exercise, I will eat better. We've all heard them and resoluted a few now and again, but do you ever get anywhere really with them. Three weeks into January, you've had a piece of cake or you've missed the gym twice that week, you've picked up the bag of chips because there were only a few left. We've all been there done that. Not this year, no resolutions for me. I'm on my way to a healthier body and lifestyle eating so that's done.....just to continue my progress and enjoy the new year.

2006 was filled with alot of ups and downs in our family as usual. They best was watching my oldest son receive a varsity letter in football and him receiving his junior class ring. My youngest was winning the bowling championship for a second year in April. So time fleets us all, getting quicker and quicker with each passing year. The next year proves to be a doozy, I will have a senior in high school and a 7th grader. Where does the time go, I remember the day each of them were born!

Hope everyone enjoys the New Year and happiness, health and peace to all!

me

Christmas is upon us.....

So after hoping and praying all week that the check would come early, lo and behold nope! It will be here tomorrow, late with our mail, so I will be out tomorrow night until I drop or get done quick. HA!!

I've tried reinforcing with my children the true meaning of Christmas is not about toys, material objects or anything of that nature. The true meaning to me is peace, getting along with everyone all year round not just at the holidays. It's sad every year as I shop and everyone is so nice (well almost everyone) and then as soon as it's over they are all devils again. I wish for once people would just be able to get along, it would mean the world to me and I'm sure alot of other's out there.

So I sign off until after Christmas. Happy holidays, enjoy your family however big or small and count your blessings. It's the greatest gift you have on earth!

me

Christmas Stress

So last night I go home with the intentions of writing out cards for co-workers and putting up the garland to hang the stockings (no fireplace) and low and behold I'm off to the store to pickup a few items, watch a little tv with the younger boy and off to bed early, I'm dang tired.

So much for getting anything done! hmmm then to top it all off, I missed my support group meeting, totally blew my mind until this a.m. when I check my calender book. I'm such a blonde somedays that it's a wonder that I manage.

Anyhow, waiting for the last of the $$ to buy gifts and guess when it's coming? Saturday in the mail, which is generally around 3pm. Suffice to say I'll be out there till I drop or get it all finished Sat night. sigh not the way I wanted to walk into my Christmas weekend. We are due at dad's on Sunday at 4pm, salad in hand. Hopefully I don't forget to buy what I need as salad does a number on my gas....not a pretty picture. I also need to figure out when I'm wrapping. Probably Friday night and Sunday a.m. hmmm

So goes the day, work is slowing down for me finally, although i do have alot to accomplish to take over all the buying responsibilities on 1/1/07. I can't wait though, I love a good challenge.

Now to figure out what to do New Year's Eve since the request was made today for us to do something. It never ends does it

me

The countdown is on.....

For all of us out there that have not been counting we are looming ever so closely in on the Christmas holiday. HA thought I was telling you something you didn't know. wrong!! I still have not had the motivation to go out and get the last few gifts. I will probably, actually most likely be one of those crazy people out there this Sat. Sigh.....then that actually leaves little time to wrap anything. I'm just totally not motivated this year like I thought I may be.

If you happen to read my blog, please leave a comment....I'm sure this goes unread for the most part, which is fine.....but just was wondering.

me

Bad Day on Sunday

I had a great weekend until about 6pm on Sunday evening. We had gotten some King Crab legs steamed and brought home from the grocery, they were delicious and about 5 min after eating I got searing pains in my stomach and a few hours later lost it all. D also got sick, but his was in another form (sorry TMI) needless to say it put a damper on the end of our weekend.

Saturday was fruitful as far as Christmas shopping goes, I had gotten all but one item on my list, which was great for me. I figured between the crowds and the late date that I would not get nearly any of the items. Soundly Sunday morning I scanned the ads and low and behold the last item was there on sale. Zipped over to the store and got the last one. It feels good to have gifts for my kids. Now the extended and immediate family and I'm done.

This a.m. I weighed in for my first monthly weigh in. Proud to say that I am down 29lb for the month since surgery. What a great accomplishment. I will post pics later. Also, the inches are melting away. What a great thing this is.....Singing and dancing around.

All in all a great weekend

me

Happy Days

It seems that this WLS has been a blessing in disguise for me. I've not had any of the "side effects" that alot of people who do not follow the program get!! But I won't say there aren't times that I've filled up to the brim, uncomfortable is the only word that can describe that and patience on my part to let it digest and pass through without adding extra liquids down there to overfill! I sleep soundly every night (used to snore), I have no knee pain (have had a partial knee replacement), have more energy, need to exercise more (hopefully that will come). But overall I'd say yeah!! Yesterday I'm down 25lb. so that is a huge milestone for me.

Am wearing clothing I'm digging out of my closet, need to go through and see what else fits as I have not enough time in the a.m. to do this properly and still be on time for work.

The sad news, Christmas is all decorated at the house but not one present has been purchased yet, hopefully this weekend, cripes I only have two more and then I'm out of luck!! Kids have been keeping me busy on the weekends so it's no wonder I don't have time.

No griping, have a great day!

me

Two days in a row.........

Wow am I on a roll or what.....

I saw this on another blog and thought it to be quite interesting....so here goes:

COLORS
[ RED ]1. Closest red thing to you? My shirt today....
2. Has anyone ever cheated on you in a relationship? Yes, although I have to admit I've historically been the cheater, not the cheatee.
3. Last thing to make you angry? hmmm probably something stupid the kids did
4. Are you a fan of romance? Big time...I love a good romance movie too
5. Have you ever been in love? Yes
6. Do you have a temper? God yes. I manage to keep it in check most of the time, but once I lose it, look out.

[ GREEN ]
1. Closest green thing to you? Various plants in the office
2. Do you care about the environment? I do but not enough to do much more than recycle and not litter.
3. Are you jealous of anyone right now? I can't think of anyone.
4. Are you a lucky person? At times. I'm a firm believer we make our own luck though, so I think it's more persistance than luck.
5. Do you always want what you can't have? Usually. It's a long standing case of "Is that all there is??". I can manage to get past it most of the time.
6. Are you Irish? no

[ PURPLE ]
1. Last purple thing you saw? well probably the file folder in my bond lot.
2. Like being treated to expensive things? Does anyone really answer no to this? Not like I expect them but come on, let's get real.
3. Do you like mysterious things? Not sure how to answer this. I guess so, because I like to be surprised.
4. Favorite type of chocolate? I love dark chocolate...hopefuly I'll be able to have some now and again once again.
5. Ever met anyone in royalty? No.
6. Are you creative? I can be. I go through phases.
7. Are you lonely? No. I was for years, however.


[ YELLOW ]
1. Closest yellow thing to you? Post it notes lol
2. The happiest time(s) of your life? when the kids were born
3. Favorite holiday? Halloween or Christmas it's a toss up
4. Are you a coward? No - but I will freely admit I do not like confrontation with those that I love.
5. Do you burn or tan? Burn, then tan, but mostly burn
6. Do you want children? No more, I'll happily wait quite afew years now for grandkids
7. What makes you happy? Leaves turning in fall. A fresh snowfall before it has been disturbed. Fireworks in the summer. A trip to the ocean (I love the ocean). Camping out in the wilderness.

[ BLUE ]
1. Closest blue thing to you? Again the folder thing. lol
2. Are you good at calming people down? I think so.
3. Do you like the ocean? Absolutely, hoping to retire there.
4. What was the last thing that made you cry? DH
5. Are you a logical thinker? Yes, I can be. Can't say it always happens.
6. Can you sleep easily? Ridiculously easy, can sleep just about anywhere. However, once I'm up, I'm up, regardless of how early it may be.
7. Do you prefer the beach or the woods? The beach.


[ PINK ]

1. Closest pink thing to you? um, nothing I can see
2. Do you like sweet things?yes
3. Like play-fighting? nope
4. Are you sensitive? Very much so.
5. Do you like punk music? No!!
6. What is your favourite flower? Calla Lillies
7. Does someone have a crush on you? I don't think so.

[ ORANGE ]
1. Closest orange thing to you? My drinking mug
2. Do you like to burn things?no
3. Dress up for Halloween? Never
4. Are you usually a warm-hearted person? Yes.
5. Do you prefer the single life or the security of a relationship? Not sure I do single very well.
6. What would your super power be? hmmm that's an interesting question that I have no answer for....


[ WHITE ]
1. Closest white thing to you? Papers and more papers
2. Would you say you're innocent? Not at all.
3. Always try to keep the peace? Most of the time, see conflict avoidance above.
4. How do you imagine your wedding? It was quiet and nice.
5. Do you like to play in the snow? Yes
6. Are you afraid of going to the doctors or dentist? No
7. Do you have Attention Deficit Disorder(A.D.D)? I would venture to say yes even though it's undiagnosed

[ BLACK ]
1. Closest black thing to you? Computer monitor
2. Ever enjoy hurting people? No
3. Are you sophisticated or silly? Have to be silly
5. Do you have a lot of secrets? I try not to have too many. Still a few lurking out there and I'll take them to my grave.
6. What is your favorite colour(s)? Black, pink and red
7. Does the colour you wear affect your mood? Not really.

I'm a blog slacker

in the biggest way I know. There is no excuse either because I was off from work until last Friday!! Anyhow, I went for my 2 1/2 week checkup, 20lb gone forever. The weight is slowly or rapidly however you feel getting off!! yeah I'm wearing clothes I haven't worn in years, that's a great feeling.

Had a good weekend, Eagles won, Saints demolished the Cowboys, and the Bears play tonight!! Good luck Bears. Next week is the big one, Eagles/Giants, to determine the wildcard, they are tied so we are down to the wire!

I'm all decorated for Christmas but no shopping is done as of yet, of course as usual it will be a last minute affair for me. I hate waiting but have no choice this year. Of course dh is laid off, since the night of surgery, bad timing but he's getting a good unemployment from PA vs DE so that's not too shabby, of course the bad thing you have to wait two weeks to get it! Always something.

Well that's about it for today....

ciao
me

OMG what a ride

I had my surgery on 11/20, what a great success and an utter failure all at the same time. I had a great success in getting up and moving around immediately, the failure was at the darn gastrobyplex the next day, ugh, natious and everything else, it was truly horrible. I haven't taken any pain meds, want to get back to work now and am truly happy with my decision to go through with it. I've lost about 15 lbs so far, not to shabby for about 10days out I think, saw my primary care yesterday and am doing great. The biggest thing for me so far is trying on some clothing I haven't worn in a bit and it fits!! what great joy that brings me!

I will try to keep up more, have to finish decorating for Christmas now.

me

Waiting impatiently....

to hear from the doctors for my approval. She said she submitted the forms on Friday last and should hear in 2-3 days. Hello it's Wednesday now so we are on day three. I wish they would just call for pete's sake so I can move on in mind and mentally prepare for this! I am to arrive at the hospital at 3pm on Monday, not quite sure how I am going to make it through the day without drinking or eating, but it's a must!! I has to happen. Other than that I've been busy at work, tying up odds and ends in preparation for being out for two weeks. We've also finished football, team had an unfortunate 1-9 season. Better luck next year boys!!

me

We are counting down now..........

I am within two weeks now. Actually the surgery is a week from this Monday. Everything is done, all the labs, hospital pre-op visits, endless doctor appointments and now I wait. Actually I am waiting to hear that the insurance is approving the surgery also. I'm excited and have been so busy in fact too busy to blog! oy

This is the last weekend of football, so things are winding down in our life in that aspect. I can't wait to move to the losing side of things.

ciao for now have a great weekend
me