new measurements

Well I've seen the pics and the clothing sizes go down. I took some measurements today and compared them to July when I first and last took them. The results are in:

• .....................Jan 17 2009.........................May 13, 2009
• Thigh ............23 1/2......................................23 1/2
• calf ................15 3/4......................................15 3/4
• ankle ..............8 7/8........................................8 3/4
• upper arm ...15..............................................14 3/4
• wrist.............. 7 1/4.........................................7
• neck .............14 1/4........................................13 7/8
• stomach.......42 1/2........................................41 1/2
• waist............48 1/4.........................................47 1/4

these past 5 months the inches have slowed down BUT they are still coming off: -2 5/8 for a grand total of 13 1/4 inches lost. That is a lot, and I am soo excited.

It's been a while

Well, it's been a while. I went to see Bob today I was so afraid to step on the scale. The number had me terrified. Well this past month I made it down to 187 I was so happy then I made it back up to 195 so upsetting. Well today on the scale at the office I was 191. The good news is I was 2lbs down from last time. So the average has slowed so far to 1/2 lb a week. It's okay but my goal is 1 - 1 1/2 lbs a week. The 16s are getting easier to button, still tight but I'm getting there. I just have to remember that I started at a 24. I've come a long way although I am just starting to see it in the mirror, my clothes are starting to fit properly - I like not hiding behind the huge baggy t-shirt, I am still way heavy but not as much in the past. I don't like wearing the baggy Ts like in the past. This is something new to me. I still like comfy but I feel like I have something to show for now. Still have a ways to get to my goal but I'm a sliver more than half way there - that is a huge accomplishment for me. I have so much more energy and so much more to live for - it is a good feeling. I can sit in a chair and bring my legs up to me again, I can sit Indian style, I can run 3/4 of a mile now (haven't done that since 1993), there is so much more to do. I have so much to be thankful for and a lot of it is my family and friends and all the support they have given me. I have to take some 6 month bandiversy pics I will get them done soon.

a simple run

Well - I did it today I went out to go for my normal lunch time and actually ran one half mile. It hurt, it burned, I wanted to quit, but I didn't I stuck it out, once I can start doing that with no problem I can add some distance. My goal is to be able to run a half marathon. I am hoping to be able to do that by 2011. So wish me luck. Still losing weight very slowly - but it's coming off that's all that matters...

April 3

Today at work was a horrible day - we dealt with the shooting in Binghamton. As stressful as it was I didn't turn to food - not during and not afterwards. I relied on physical activity. I didn't skip my meals and I ate appropriately and healthy with the exception of one cookie and I only had half of it. At night before bed the scale hadn't gone up. That's always a plus at the end of the day. All and all it went well and as emotional and stressful as the day was - I didn't allow myself the food to comfort me.

April 2

Today I went for another fill. Bob was leery at first but after talking to him a bit he agreed that I too needed one. So we put a small one in at .3 quick and easy. Minus four pounds on the scale that's always a plus. He kindly reminded me that it was full liquids again for today and blenderized foods for tomorrow. So when I left the office we decided to go to lunch. I wanted a bowl of soup so off to Applebee's - I got a bowl of their oh so good Tomato Basil soup and a glass of water. Ate it no complications, I even ordered a bowl of soup to go and that's what I had for dinner also. After the two meals and actually feeling completely satisfied - I feel as if I found my "happy spot". Yes it is too early to tell, the fills have been wearing off after two weeks. I guess we will have to wait this one out as well, but it really does feel different! It's a good thing.!!!!!!

today is day 1 of five

This week I am spring cleaning not only my house but my body too. I am doing what they call the 5 day pouch test. It basically takes me to the beginning of day one after surgery. With this test:

• Days 1 & 2: are liquids. Liquids can be low-carb protein shakes, sugar-free jello, broth, cream soups, sugar free pudding, and popsicles (sugar free of course).
• Day 3: is soft proteins: canned fish (tuna), canned chicken, eggs, soft fish (talipia or haddock), protien bars or shakes if needed. (pureed foods)
• Day 4: Firm proteins - ground meats, shellfish, scallops, lobster - pulverized foods
• Day 5 - solid proteins - white meat, beef steaks, anything from above.

It is recommended to do this program every so often just to keep your body in check. Make sure you have stretched your abdomen up over your band. Well day 1 in progress - 4 to go! I am going to buy a bicycle today - to start riding again. I have found that I have always loved the outdoors and now that I have more zip in my life I'm going to use it to the fullest - I want to start hiking, and camping more along with riding bikes more often. It's my goal not to let my daughter follow in the footsteps that led to this, but to let her enjoy the outdoors as well and not to be afraid to go out there.

Hello friends!

I have a new inspiration!!! I have started watching the biggest loser - with that I have also purchased a few of it's books. They are fabulous especially the 30 day jump start! That book is awesome - highly recommended and easy to follow for anyone that wants to shed some weight, be sure to follow the diet and they daily routine to go with it. I found that the routine if you follow it to the tee takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. Since then I've been able to jump start my loss again. I haven't posted because it's been a standstill for the past few weeks. It sucks yeah I got depressed but I'm back with it now and feeling as good as ever. I'm now at 193.8lbs still at 4'11.75" haven't grown haven't shrunk. My daughter is now at 4'11.25" it won't be long, her shoe size is the same as mine (she will be 10 in April). But back to me I'm doing well I have 3 sessions left with my trainer until I pick back up in June - I need to reallocate that money to some bills, but with the new workout I may not need her back, we will see. I will have new pictures, measurements, and weight posted on the 11th of April hopefully there will be some change even if it comes in fractions it's better than nothing. I just needed to check in - hopefully I can do it more often when time is available - right now my family needs me, we are going through some not to good things. Everyone is hanging in there and doing good our nerves are shot but we are doing.