The 5 minute warm up walk went faster than I could have imagined, next thing you know, the sweet yet encouraging British Lady on my i-Phone ap said it was time to start running.  After the first 5 minutes, she updated me to tell me that I was a quarter of the way there.  The first 5 minutes were the roughest of the entire 20 minutes.  After that I got in a really good pace and looked forward to hearing the next 5 minute update.  Next thing you knew, it was 20 minutes, and Simone, the sweet British lady, said “YOU DID IT!  You can officially call yourself a runner!”  Awww, thanks, Simone.  Doing so well at the 20 minute run encouraged me to not re-do Week 5 and progress directly to Week 6.  Week 6 starts back with intervals and ends with a 25 minute run.  I am giving myself full permission to re-do Week 6 if required.

I’m pretty proud of myself for getting in all of the activity that I did last week, considering that I also worked about 70 hours.  I was worn out, but I did it!  I got a bit thrown off on my schedule and took a rest day where I normally don’t but that’s ok, I ran for 20 minutes!  Just might be my excuse for everything this week, ha!

Last Weeks Recap

• 1/25/12 Wednesday: 30 DS Level 2.
• 1/26/12 Thursday: Couch 2 5k Week 5 Day 2
• 1/27/12 Friday: 30 DS Level 2
• 1/28/12 Saturday: Off
• 1/29/12 Sunday: Couch 2 5k Week 5 Day 3…ran for 20 minutes and over a mile straight for the first time since High School!
• 1/30/12 Monday: 30 DS Level 2
• 1/31/12 Tuesday: Couch 2 5k Week 6 Day 1

I’m bumping it up to Level 3 of the 30 Day Shred this week…OMG am I crazy?  I still do the modified movements, but I can make my way through Level 2, so I figure it’s time to move on.  I’m excited for this week of working out!  New C25k longer run AND new workouts with the 30 Day Shred!

I figured that it would be late spring before I was able to shop in the “normal” section of the department stores for clothes, but that step happened much faster than I realized it would.  It sort of snuck up on me.  At first I was finding everything in size 1X in the Womens Department to be too large.  Well almost everything, some designers cut things pretty small.  Then I ordered things from Old Navy in the smallest Womens sizes that they sell, and everything except the tank tops that I wear to sleep in had to go back.  I gave up on Old Navy.  I thought they would be a good inexpensive choice as my size changes so quickly.

Last week I was in Macy’s with a co-worker during lunch, and tried on several things in the women’s department, but they just weren’t fitting me properly.  Since the store was fairly empty, me and my imposter ass headed over to the “normal” section and started looking around.  No one warned me how blasted overwhelming that section is.  It goes on forever and ever.  It doesn’t end.  The Women’s department is easy.  They segregate you off to a small area, you have your own dressing room, heck you’re often on a completely different floor than the “normal” section.

I then ordered a bunch of things from my favorite go to store, Talbots, and found that many of the items that I had ordered were to big.  Could it be?  Was I ready to move into the “normal” section?  Talbots can be confusing though.  Their “normal” section sometimes goes up to a 20, mainly 16′s though.  Their women’s section starts at a 14W.  This is when I learned that a 14W does not really equal a regular 16.  Women’s sizes are cut a bit softer, more round if you will, so there isn’t really a direct conversion.  I went against my gut and ordered a lot (12+ items) from the Talbots outlet/sale section in “normal” sizes.

I kept on thinking it was a fluke, that one item after another was cut large for the size, with vanity sizing being what it is, that is easy to believe.  I went into Old Navy this weekend, and since they only carry “normal” sizes, I was scared.  I felt like I didn’t belong, like I was invading a strange world, and that the inhabitants were assuming I was lost.  I filled up my arms with clothes to try on and off to the dressing room I headed.  There wasn’t a single thing that I tried on that was too tight, and I wasnt .  I actually had to go back and pick up XL’s, instead of XXL’s for all of the items.  I just assumed that I needed an XXL.  The pajama pants that I bought were just Larges, not even an extra in front of them.

When I got home from my adventure at Old Navy, where I bought a TON of things, I was surprised by the box of “normal” sized items from Talbots.  My gut was telling me that I had so much success at Old Navy that there was NO WAY that the Talbots items were going to fit.  As I was unpacking the perfectly wrapped items, as Talbots is known to do, and tried each item on, they fit.  Every blasted item fit.

So besides this new world of unlimited clothing options, seriously it’s over whelming and scary, I also came to find something new.  I wasnt focused on finding clothes that didnt touch my body.  I was finding that even if clothes touched my body or didnt drape away from my body, that I was OK with it.  Hence the title.  I am learning to let the clothes touch me and actually fit.

I still have a long way to go to reach goal weight.  I still have a pretty big fat tire around my mid section.  I could open my own airline with the bat wings that my arms are sporting, but damn it, I am able to fit into normal sizes.  My credit cards need to watch out!

Tata for now,

Scale Warfare

I reached a pinnacle moment in two departments this week, that I can’t wait to post about.  The first one is regarding clothes and there will be a Tuesday post to discuss it.  The second is about Week 5 of Couch 2 5k, which I will write about on Wednesday.

The Weekly Weigh In

• Pre-Op 2 Week Liquid’ish Diet -12.8 lbs
• Weeks 1-10 Post Op -40.6
• Weeks 11-20 Post Op -22.2
• Week 21 Post Op-NWI
• Week 22 Post Op -3.2
• Week 23 Post Op -4.8
• Week 24-NWI
• Total: -83.6 lbs

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Tata for now,

Scale Warfare

This week say me moving onto Week 5 of C25K, and I also continued to work through Level 2 of 30DS.  I am still following Anita (the one who does modified moves) for most of 30DS, but I am getting through it and loving it!

I mentioned in my 5 Month Surgiversary post that I am signed up for a 5k in April with one of my girlfriends as well as a half marathon (walking) in June for a charity event that another one of my girlfriends is a part of.  The tricky part is going to be to figure out how to work through training for both.  Luckily the walking will be the easiest for me.  I don’t think I’ll need the full 3-6 months that they recommend for training.  Once I get through the 30 Day Shred I am going to start adding in the half marathon training sessions…I still wonder how this is me now sometimes!

Last Weeks Recap

• 1/18/12 Wednesday: Week 4(2) Day 2 C25k.  320 Calories burned; 2.2 miles completed.
• 1/19/12 Thursday: 30 DS Level 2.  220 Calories burned.  
• 1/20/12 Friday: Week 4(2) Day 2 C25k.  320 Calories burned; 2.2 miles completed.
• 1/21/12 Saturday: Off
• 1/22/12 Sunday: 30 DS Level 2.  220 Calories burned.
• 1/23/12 Monday: Week 5(1) Day 1 C25k.  XX Calories burned; XX miles completed.
• 1/24/12 Tuesday: 30 DS Level 2.  220 Calories burned

Getting through C25k week 5 wasn’t/isn’t pretty, but I am doing it.  I can’t believe that I am doing it, but I am.  I don’t necessarily enjoy every session, but I feel so amazing once it is over.  I have also found that once I get through the 3 minute mark of jogging, getting through to minute 5 isn’t that bad.  It’s those first few minutes that are tough for me!

The odds of me hitting 100 pounds lost by the 6 month mark are pretty small at this point.  I’ll be honest though, I really don’t care!  I know that I am going to get there in the next few months, and I know that I am doing the right things on a daily basis.  I keep my protein over 80 grams a day, recently adding a second protein shake back into the mix so that I am over 100 on some days.  My carbs are usually less then 40 or 50 grams.  My calories range between 700-900 calories a day, some days a bit less, some days a bit more.

There has only been one thing that I have had an issue with post op (carbonated beverages), which makes me love my sleeve even more everyday.  Somedays or really some meals my eyes are bigger than my stomach is, so I wind up putting more food on my plate than I can actually eat.  For some people that might be a problem, but I have learned to listen to my bodies que’s that it is done eating, usually a tiny burp or hiccup.  I have added alcohol back into the mix, albeit only a tiny amount.  I might have a half of a glass of wine here or there, but never more than once a week, probably more like twice a month.

I’ve been posting once a week about my activity.  I’m working my way through Couch 2 5k (C25k) as well as doing the 30 Day Shred, 30 times.  I did have to stop doing 30 Day Shred everyday, and my knees are VERY thankful for it!  I had no idea that I’d enjoy C25k and 30 Day Shred as much as I do.  Granted while running I sometimes want to stop, but so far I’ve been able to push myself through those times.  I’ve already signed up for a 5k to run with one of my girlfriends.  I am also signed up to walk a half marathon with another one of my girlfriends in June which I am super excited for!  It will knock two items off of my 40 by 40 list.

I’ve written posts about how I find the thought that WLS is the “easy way out” to be complete BULL $HIT, and I still entirely agree.  This is NOT the easy way out.  While yes I do have a tool that helps me every single moment of the day, it is just a tool.  I could eat chocolate all day long, I could eat chips all day long, it’s up to me to get in my protein in, it’s up to me to exercise.  The Sleeve is very different than surgeries like Gastric Bypass, you don’t get dumping syndrome with the sleeve (apparently a few people do, but the average person doesn’t.)  Foods don’t get stuck in the Sleeve the say way that they get stuck in the Lap Band.  It’s truly up to me to make the smart choices that help me move forward in my weight loss.

If you’d like to catch up on other months in my journey they are below.

One Month Surgiversary Post

Two Month Surgiversary Post

Three Month Surgiversary Post

Four Month Surgiversary Post

Below are photos from surgery day and then photos from 5 months post op. (FYI If you want to see all progress photo’s here’s a link.)  I really started to notice changes at the three month post op mark, but this month, the changes are even more dramatic when compared to surgery day.  I still have my “fat tire” around my mid section, but it continuously gets smaller.  I’m hoping that one day it will be gone, ha!

Photo’s from 8/22 (Day of Surgery)

Photo’s from 1/22 (Five Months Post-Op)

Measurements

I forgot to take pictures before I started the pre-op diet, but I did take my measurements the day that I started the two week pre-op diet.  The numbers below include changes since 8/8, the day I started the pre-op diet.

I only take measurements from one side of my body, some choose to take measurements from both and wind up with much higher numbers.  I suppose I’m lazy about measuring!

• Waist: -9 7/8″ (-2″ this month)
• Hips: -9″ (-1″ this month)
• Right Thigh: -4 1/2″ (-3/4″ this month)
• Right Calf: -2 5/8″ (-0″ this month)
• Left Bicep: -2 5/8″ (-3/4″ this month)
• Neck: -2 1/2″ (-1/2″ this month)
• Chest Under (ribcage/bra band area): 9 5/8″ (-1″ this month)
• Chest Over (cup size): -6 3/4″ (-1 1/8″ this month)
• Total Lost: -45 5/16″

• Pre Op Weight Loss -12.8lbs
• Month 1 Weight Loss -20.8lbs
• Month 2 Weight Loss -16.6 lbs
• Month 3 Weight Loss -12.4 lbs
• Month 4 Weight Loss -10.2 lbs
• Month 5 Weight Loss -10.0 lbs
• Total Weight Loss -82.8 lbs (-70 lbs Post Op)

Tata for now,

Scale Warfare

Just for my own record keeping (this weight is on Monday the 23rd, one day after my 5 Month Surgiversary Weigh In)

The Weekly Weigh In

• Pre-Op 2 Week Liquid’ish Diet -12.8 lbs
• Weeks 1-10 Post Op -40.6
• Weeks 11-20 Post Op -22.2
• Week 21 Post Op-NWI
• Week 22 Post Op -3.2
• Week 23 Post Op -4.8
• Total: -83.6 lbs

Lunch Box 1.12.12

Coffee+ 1/2 & 1/2+Egg + Egg White + Cheese for Breakfast; Cheese Stick for Snack; Chili for Lunch; Protein Shake for Snack; Protein Bar if needed.

Dinner 1.12.12

Cod and Sautéed Yellow Pepper.  Salad Plate.

Breakfast 1.13.12

Egg+1 Slice Bacon+Cheddar

Lunch 1.13.12

Morning Star Farms California Burger w/ Slice of Cheddar

Dinner 1.15.12

Bacon wrapped filet w/ horseradish sauce.  This is an appetizer find from Costco, I love it!

Lunch Box 1.16.12

Breakfast Egg+Egg White+Cheddar+coffee+1/2 & 1/2; Snack Babybel Lights; Protein Shake Lunch; Protein Shake Snack.

Snack 1.16.12

Weak moment at Costco, but a delicious find.  These make an appearance almost daily from here on out.  A sweet treat with whole grains!

Dinner 1.16.12

I was JONESING for BBQ Chicken Pizza, but wanted to figure out a healthy way.  I used a half of a Whole Grain Roll Up, a Tbsp of BBQ Sauce, 1/3 of a roasted chicken breast, and 2 Tbsp of Cheese.  Seriously filling, I only ate 75% of it.

Lunch Box 1.17.12

I have spent a lot of this week at a client site that has no microwave, so I’ve been doing shakes for breakfast.  Protein Shake Breakfast; Babybel Lights Snack; Chicken Salad and 1/4 Whole Grain Roll Out Lunch; Protein Shake+Granola Thin Snack (about 2 hours apart.)

Dinner 1.17.12

Another healthified pizza, this time with marinara and shrimp.  I wound up only being able to eat half of my serving.  This is my serving vs that husbands serving.

Lunch Box 1.18.12

Breakfast Protein Shake+Coffee+1/2 and 1/2; Snack 2 Babybel Lights; Lunch Chicken Salad and 1/4 Whole Grain Roll Out; Snack Granola Thin and about two hours later another protein shake.

I’ve therefore decided that I am only going to do one workout a day for now.  M,W, and F will still be dedicated to C25K, but only to C25K. T, Th, and S (Saturday or Sunday) will solely be dedicated to 30 DS for now.  There’s no reason for me to over due it and wind up needing to have surgery on me knee or injuring myself so badly that I can’t proceed with either program.

Last Weeks Recap

• 1/11/12 Wednesday: 30 DS Level 2.  220 Calories burned.  Week 4(1) Day 2 C25k.  320 Calories burned; 2.2 miles completed.
• 1/5/12 Thursday: 30 DS Level 2.  220 Calories burned.  Week 4(1) Day 3 C25k.  320 Calories burned; 2.2 miles completed.
• 1/6/12 Friday: Off.
• 1/7/12 Saturday: 5 Mile Walk, but no C25K or 30DS.
• 1/8/12 Sunday: 30 DS Level 2.  220 Calories burned.
• 1/9/12 Monday: Week 4(2) Day 1 C25k.  318 Calories burned; 2.2 miles completed.
• 1/10/12 Tuesday: 30 DS Level 2.  220 Calories burned

Right now the schedule is to start C25K Week 5 next week, I might decide to do Week 4 for a third time, but I have not decided which way I am going yet.  I am working through the program at my own pace, and feel no need to rush myself!

Here is the list of 2012 items from my 40 by 40 list:

• #6-Shop in the “Normal Section”-In Progress
• #8-Reach a Healthy Weight (this isn’t specific to the BMI Charts, it’s specific to what my doctor finds to be a healthy weight for me.)-In Progress
• #10-Run a 5k-Scheduled for April 14, 2012
• #12-Hit the 100 lbs lost mark-In Progress
• #13-Get the husband to Blacksburg for a visit-Summer 2012
• #14-Own a bike (and use it) Christmas present from the hubs, 2012 is starting off great!
• #17-Wear a swimsuit and feel proud Summer 2012
• #19-Buy a pair of shorts…and wear them in public Summer 2012
• #21-Buy an outfit from Ann Taylor Loft or Anthropology-Fall 2012
• #27-Take a yoga class-Scheduled Fall 2012
• #32-Take a spin class-Scheduled Fall 2012
• #40-Take a Photography class-Scheduled March 2012
• #2- Go to Vegas-Scheduled for Summer 2012
• #20 – Walk a half marathon Schedule June 2, 2012
  
• #28- Lean to Kayak Scheduled July 2012
• #34- Play 9 Holes of Golf Scheduled July 2012
  

My additional goals:

• Only wear yoga or track pants for walking the dog and exercising.  Doing great!  Though it’s tough to not want to run errands on Saturday RIGHT after working out.
  
• Wear make-up whenever I leave the house.  Doing great!  I have to remind myself to at least put on a little when I am doing things like grocery shopping, but I am doing it.
• Make more of an effort with my clothes.  Put together complete outfits each day for work on Sunday to prepare for the week.  This one isnt going great.  While I am putting more of an effort in with my clothes, I am NOT doing a great job planning them in advance.  My morning would be so much quicker if I did.
• Photograph my food at least one day a week for the blog.  I changed this one up a bit, and have been posting photos on Thursday of random meals through out the week. 
• Track my food EVERY SINGLE DAY in My Fitness Pal.  Doing reat!
  
• Complete the Couch 2 5k program, regardless of how long it takes me.  Doing great!
  
• Comment on two blogs a day.  Um since work is kicking my ass, I’ve had to be content with reading blogs when I can find free time, whether its before bed on my Kindle Fire or on my phone while waiting for a meeting to start.  I am getting them read, but I am still not commenting very well.  I’m so sorry!

How are your 2012 goals coming along?

Tata for now,

Scale Warfare

Onto the Weigh In Portion…

• Pre-Op 2 Week Liquid’ish Diet -12.8 lbs
• Weeks 1-10 Post Op -40.6
• Weeks 11-20 Post Op -22.2
• Week 21 Post Op-NWI
• Week 22 Post Op -3.2
• Total: -78.8 lbs

My goal last week:

• 30 Day Shred  EVERYDAY; Couch 2 5K MWF
• Water, water, water.  I got in water over the holidays, but not nearly enough.
• >75 grams of protein a day.

The Reality:

• I hit my C25K goal, my water goal, and my protein goal, but I didn’t hit my 30DS goal.  I am going to write more about that on Wednesday, but the basics of it is, I need to scale back.

My goals this week (22):

• 30 Day Shred  Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (or Sunday); Couch 2 5K MWF
• Back to basics.  Two protein shakes a day, only lean protein at meals.
• >75 grams of protein a day.

Tata for now,

Scale Warfare

Every evening when I go to lay down my yoga mat to start the 30 Day Shred, my dog decides it’s time for me to pay extra attention to him.  He’s taken to laying down directly on the mat while I do the warm up, and I have to kick him off when it’s time for the first round of pushups.  During the sit ups he seems to think it’s his personal snuggle with Mama time.  I might need to shut the door to the basement and keep him upstairs during Level 2!