Tag Archives: Post Op Info

Big Milestone! #WLS #VSG #ONEDERLAND

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I know, long time no talk.  The whole not having access to external internet at work thing is really cramping my blog style.  Here is my daily schedule:

  • 5:15 Wake Up; Shower; Walk the dog; Pack Lunch bag; Get Ready
  • 6:15 Leave for work
  • 7:30 Get to work
  • 4:00 Leave work (if I’m lucky…some days closer to 5)
  • 5:00 Get home (sometimes it’s 6ish); Walk the dog; Change for the gym.
  • 5:30/5:45 Leave for Gym
  • 7:00/7:45 Home from gym (depends on what class or classes I’m taking)
  • 8:00-8:30 Cook Dinner
  • 8:30-9:00 Dinner
  • 9:00-10:00 TV if I havent already fallen asleep; take care of the dog; get ready for bed; pass out at 10:02

Rinse and repeat.  That doesnt leave much time for anything else.  Blogging has taken a pretty big hit because of this.

The past 6-7 weeks the scale has been screwing with me.  I’m up and down, and up and down, and up and down.  I have lost overall, but that evil bastard of a scale didnt want me to break through the 200 mark.  Well guess what I saw this morning??

That’s right, ONEDERLAND!!!  I havent seen my weight start with a 1 since sophomore or junior year in high school.  I finally broke through!  I hope it stays like this forever.  I hope that I’m done bouncing around up and down up and down!

Since I am telecommuting today, I am going to use my little mini breaks to get several posts written.  What’s in store:

  • Supplements/Vitamins
  • 6 Month check-up…almost 2 months late (Blood Work and Nutritionist Updates)
  • Responses to questions that I’ve received via email or through comments on the blog regarding VSG and working out.
  • 8 Month Surgiversary

Tata for now!

Scale Warfare

 

Actually Following the Rules #WLS #VSG

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When I started working out, well more than just walking, I emailed the nutritionist in my surgeons offices asking her how much I should be eating.  While she wasn’t entirely clear, she gave me this basic advice:

Workout days (WOD) I should be closer to 1000 calories and 100 plus grams of protein range.  My personal add on to these days is less than roughly 60 grams of net carbs and 12+ glasses of H2O.

Non Workout (NWOD) days I should be in the 800 calorie and 80 plus grams of protein range.  My personal add on to these days is less than 40 grams of net carbs and 8+ glasses of H2O.

While she isn’t worried about counting carbs, I am, since I know that they make me want more and more.  I am not talking about whole grains, I am talking about the “white stuff.”  I am really trying to focus on avoiding overly processed foods.  I do allow myself an indulgence a few times a week (which my new therapist said is a GOOD thing,) I track the indulgences and make sure that they fit with in my plans for the day.  This past Sunday for example, the step kids brought home a crap ton of those mini york peppermint patties.  Not really a favorite food of mine, but suddenly I had downed three of them.  Since I had missed the spin class in the morning, I turned what I thought had turned into a NWOD, turned into a WOD.  I headed up to the gym and did almost 8 miles on the elliptical in 60 minutes and burned those bad boys off!

I’ve been following these guidelines for a little over a week now and the scale is already moving again.  I have a feeling on double workout days, I might need to go a little higher than the 1,000 calories, but for now I am sticking to the prescribed experiment.

If you’re on myfitnesspal, feel free to add me as I share my food journal.  My name on there is scalewarfare.

Tata for now,

Scale Warfare

Seven Month “Surgiversary” & Weekly Weigh In #WLS #VSG

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I completely missed the 6 month surgiversary.  I took my measurements, but throughout my travels for work I wound up losing them and then of course never got around to taking pictures.

I’ve learned a lot in the last month or two.

  • I can live in the real world eating everyday foods in restaurants and on the go.
  • With the above being true, I have to be just as vigilant as I was before WLS to make sure that I make smart choices.  I have a built in portion controller now, but overly processed foods and sweets go down very, very easily.
  • I still can’t handle carbonated beverages very well.  I’ve done OK w/ a half of a beer, but another one wound up being no bueno.
  • I threw up for my first time post op.  I some how forgot about my sleeve.  I ate my food and immediately drank water.  The food and the water both came out, luckily I could feel it coming so I made it to the bathroom.  Good reminder that I’m NOT normal when it comes to eating and drinking at the same time anymore.
  • I found my collar bones, they are out all of the time and not just hiding out now.
  • I can feel my hips and my ribs.  I haven’t felt either since probably high school.
  • I was out with a couple of girlfriends this past weekend, and one of them had their sister with them.  I hadn’t seen their sister in well over a year and she didn’t even recognize me.  She had to ask her sister if I was the same “INSERT NAME” as the one she had met in the past.  NICE!
  • The weight loss is MUCH slower now.  I seem to lose a lot two weeks in a row and then stay fairly stagnant for a couple/few weeks.
  • I’ve learned that its very possible to gain post op, especially when things get really stressful and food choices are less and less in my control.  I’ve gotten those things in check and am back in a losing pattern.
  • I’ve quit letting the scale control me.  If it goes up a bit, I re-evaluate what I’m doing, but I no longer freak out.  I am in the marathon part of this process, it’s going to take my body as long as it takes to lose the weight.  As long as I know that I am doing the right things, I WILL eventually get there.
I am shocked almost daily at what my new body can do for me.  We recently signed up for a gym and there isn’t a class that I’ve tried that I couldn’t complete and I feel amazing about that.  I was supposed to take a spin class this weekend but wound up missing it due to need to get some things done at home earlier in the day.  I have so much fun, yes fun, going to the different classes.  Body Pump and Body Step have been awesome.  Yoga was amazing and I am going to start taking it weekly.  I am trying another new class this week called ME (Metabolic Effect, you can read more about it HERE and see a short clip of a class HERE.)  Think 30 Day Shred, but for 30 minutes and bootcamp style.  The class can apparently boost your metabolism for up to 48 hours after the class.  EXCITED!!!

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

Five Month Surgiversary Post

Below are photos from surgery day and then photos from 7 months post op. (FYI If you want to see all progress photo’s here’s a link.)  I hadn’t looked at my before pictures for two months, and I was shocked at the change when I looked at them compared to the 7 month post op photos.  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 3/22 (Seven Months Post-Op)

This sports bra needs to go.  Its one that I usually wear over one that is much much tighter to keep the ladies in place when working out.

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: -11 7/8″ (-2″ in two months)
  • Hips: -11″ (-2″ in two months)
  • Right Thigh: -5 7/8″ (-1 3/8″ in two months)
  • Right Calf: -3 3/8″ (-3/4″ in two months)
  • Left Bicep: -3 1/8″ (-1/2″ in two months)
  • Neck: -2 5/8″ (-1/8″ in two months)
  • Chest Under (ribcage/bra band area): 10 5/8″ (-1″ in two months)
  • Chest Over (cup size): -8 7/8″ (-2 1/8″ in two months)
  • Total Lost: -55 3/16″
  • 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
  • Months 6 & & Weight Loss -17.8 lbs
  • Total Weight Loss -100.6 lbs (-85.8 lbs Post Op)
My goal for month 8 is to get into ONEDERLAND and get out of the Obese category in the BMI.  Seriously.  I am so close that I can taste it.  I really think that stepping up my workouts is going to be the key!
I think my ultimate goal is to set a final goal weight and reach it by New Years Eve.  I have an estimated goal number in my head, but I think some of it is going to come down to how much extra skin I have.  The more extra skin I have, the harder it is going to be to get into a healthy BMI range.

Tata for now,

Scale Warfare


Weekly Weigh In Week 24 #WLS #VSG

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In the last two weeks, I’ve lost 8 pounds.  Those two weeks were HUGE victories for me, as they were the most I’d lost in two weeks since maybe Month 2.  I knew not to expect big things this week, yesterday morning after seeing the scale up .4 pounds (which is actually 0, since our brand spankin’ new scale weighed me in 0.4 lbs heavier than the old one), I decided to not weigh in this week.  I am doing all of the right things, so when the scale doesn’t move, or it bobbles up and down less than a half of a pound at a time, it’s mentally smart for me to ignore the scale.  Otherwise, I get frustrated and focus too much on the scale.  So the scale is hidden for the week, or maybe two weeks, we will see how I am feeling next week.

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

Five Month “Surgiversary” & Weekly Weigh In #WLS #VSG

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Five months?  Has it really been that long since surgery?  I am finding it harder and harder to remember life pre-op.  I am loving the new life that I am living.  Everyday is another chance to move towards a healthier future.  I now spend my time looking forward to being active instead of finding ways to avoid activities at all costs.  That’s not to say that I didn’t exercise before, readers of this blog know that I did, but no where near the intensity that I am able to now.  My body is changing, my insides are changing, I feel absolutely AMAZING.  It’s hard to imagine how I am going to feel in another few months.

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)
Hitting an even 10 pounds this month thrills me.  There was a week or two that I was certain I wouldn’t hit the double digits for this month.  As you can see, I just barely hit the double digits and the pounds per month is decreasing slightly each month.  Completely OK with me, as long as the scale keeps moving in the right direction.
I am 2.2 pounds away from being in the same weight “decade” that I was when I graduated from high school, which is one of my personal NSV’s.  Once I get past that mark, I am going to be shooting for the 100 pounds lost mark and then shortly after that ONEDERLAND.  Seriously I haven’t had a weight that started in the 100′s since 9th grade.
The scale goes down very slowly some weeks, heck some weeks it doesn’t move at all, but I am learning to work through those weeks.  I keep focusing on working out and making sure that I get my protein in.  LOVE my sleeve!!!

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

 

Week 22 Weekly Weigh In #WLS

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Last week I decided I wasn’t going to weigh for a while, but I wanted to peek at the scale this morning and sure enough it was down a few pounds, so I wanted to track them!  I don’t know if the scale moved because I took two days off from formally working out (more on that on Wednesday) or because I really focused on water this weekend, either way, I’ll take it.

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

Week 21 Weekly Weigh In #WLS

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Well, I’m starting to learn that watching the scale is a bit like trying to watch a pot of water boil.  It doesn’t happen while you’re looking at it.  I’m going to stay off the scale for the next two weeks, and weigh in again on the 22nd, my 5 month Surgiversary.  Remember my goal of 100 pounds in 6 months?  That is very likely not going to happen, and not for a lack of trying, that’s for sure!  I’ve been working out every single day, sometimes twice a day.  I did take this past Sunday off, hoping to avoid getting sick, well that didnt work.  I am definitely coming down with something.  I’m going to push as long as I can, but I can feel whatever it is coming on.  Even though I took Sunday off from formal exercise, I did clean the house for four hours before crashing for a while.

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
  • Total: -75.6 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 C25K MWF, but I did miss one day of the 30 Day Shred.  I also got in a 7 mile hike though, and four hours of house cleaning, so I’m not feeling too entirely guilty.  The only day that I was short on protein was yesterday, when I started to feel really cruddy.

My goals this week (21):

  • 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.

Tata for now,

Scale Warfare

Week 20 Weekly Weigh In #WLS

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I almost forgot to Weigh In today!  I think subconsciously I wanted to avoid the scale after letting New Years Day get away from me a little.  I had a couple of pieces of candy, my carbs were high, my protein low; Overall not my best post op day.  I did work out, I am so happy that I am really making working out a part of my everyday life.  Even the days I’m traveling or coming back from a road trip, I am still getting in my scheduled workouts!

Sugar Free December started out strong and hit a few road bumps.  Over all though, by far the best December of my ENTIRE adult life in regards to avoiding all of the excess sweets.  I had less than 5 cookies the entire month, I had less than 5 pieces of holiday candy the entire month.  I’ve never been able to say that in the past!

Onto the Weigh In Portion…

  • Pre-Op 2 Week Liquid’ish Diet -12.8 lbs
  • Weeks 1-10 Post Op -40.6
  • Week 11 Post Op -1.8
  • Week 12 Post Op -3.4
  • Week 13 Post Op -4.0
  • Week 14 Post Op -1.2
  • Week 15 Post Op NWI (No Weigh In)
  • Week 16 Post Op NWI
  • Week 17 Post Op NWI
  • Week 18 Post Op NW
  • 4 Month Post Op -9 (Multiple Weeks!)
  • Week 20 Post Op -2.8
  • Total: -75.6 lbs

My goal last week:

  • No Goals last week. 

The Reality:

  • No Goals last week

My goals this week (20):

  • 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.

How was your weekend and New Years?

Tata for now,

Scale Warfare

Four Month “Surgiversary” #WLS

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It gets harder and harder each month to remember what it was like to eat and live prior to surgery, even though I did it for 32 years.  Eating 2-4oz at a time is my new normal.  I’ve never had this much energy, nor have I ever felt this great.  I workout 5-6 days a week, and it just feels so normal, it’s what my body wants.

I did have a rough month with the scale.  The first couple of weeks it just wasn’t moving, so I took a break from the scale and had my husband hide it from me.  I was so happy to see that it had moved this morning.  Even though this month wasn’t my biggest weight loss month to date, it was a very great month in terms non-scale-victories (NSVs).  Loss of inches, and also great that it’s the first month that people have commented on a daily basis about my weight loss.  I have a hard time seeing the changes since I see myself everyday, so it’s very encouraging to hear others notice.  I also finally had to break down and buy new clothes this month.  I was out of pants.  I didn’t have any other sizes in my closet to turn to, and I obviously couldn’t leave the house pant-less.  I also had to buy new bras, I have dropped 8″ in my band size, almost 10″ at this point.  Jeans I bought at the beginning of the month are already getting too big.  I have to remind myself of the NSVs when the scale doesn’t move, but sometimes that is hard to do.

Now that I am four months out from surgery, there really isn’t anything that I can’t eat.  That is both a blessing and a curse.  It means that I can eat things that I really shouldn’t, but it also means that its easier to eat in out or eat in social situations and still feel “normal.”  I focus a lot on listening to Sleevie McGavin and trying to pay attention to wether it s satisfied or not.  For anyone that has been obese the majority of their lives, they know what I mean.  I spent years, decades even, not knowing what satisfied really was.  I knew how to eat until it hurt, I knew how to eat until I went into a food coma, but I didn’t know how to eat until I had just enough to be satisfied.   I have a second chance at life with my new stomach.  I am having to relearn a lot, but I wouldn’t trade this for anything.  I am so excited knowing that I will get to live a longer healthier life thanks to my sleeve.

I have gotten back into exercising, see my 6 Month Challenge for more information on that!  I’m doing really well working towards my goal of 100 pounds by the 6 month mark (February 22nd), but I’m not entirely sure that I will hit the full 100 by then.  Things are certainly slowing down.  BUT, I will hit the 100 pound mark by next spring, regardless of whether it is at 6, 7, 8, or even 9 months out.  I WILL.  I WILL.

One Month Surgiversary Post

Two Month Surgiversary Post

Three Month Surgiversary Post

Below are photos from surgery day and then photos from 4 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 12/22 (Four 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.

  • Waist: -7 7/8″ (-2″ this month)
  • Hips: -8″ (-3″ this month)
  • Right Thigh: -3 3/4″ (-7/8″ this month)
  • Right Calf: -2 5/8″ (-0″ this month)
  • Left Bicep: -1 7/8″ (-1/2″ this month)
  • Neck: -2″ (-1/2″ this month)
  • Chest Under (ribcage/bra band area): 8 5/8″ (-1 1/2″ this month)
  • Chest Over (cup size): -5 5/8″ (-2 1/4″ this month)
  • Total Lost: -38 3/16″
  • 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
  • Total Weight Loss -72.8 lbs (-60 lbs Post Op)
72.8 pounds AND 38+” lost in four months.  I am by no far the quickest loser, nor am I the slowest, regardless I am so happy with the progress that I am making.
I am thinking of hiding the scale again for another month.  We will see how I do with it being out, if I start getting obsessive with again, it will get hidden :)

Tata for now,

Scale Warfare

Week 17 No Weigh In #WLS

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So I’ve been off the scale for a couple of weeks now, and I’m completely jonesing to get on it and see if it has moved.  At least I only have to wait until Thursday to see how I’m doing.  It was actually easy to not weigh myself at first, but this morning was pretty stinking hard.  I had a somewhat challenging weekend, that I come out of pretty well, but I am sure the scale is up a bit at this point, and I’m hoping to not be disappointed when I do get on the scale on Thursday.

On Saturday I headed up to Baltimore for one of my girlfriends birthdays, it was so much fun!  I did drink for the first time, and it went pretty well.  I can tell you that you feel the alcohol IMMEDIATELY post op.  I got a shot of American Honey whiskey on the rocks.  Ok actually there were two, but it was over about 6 hours and I split each of them with one of my girlfriends.  As quickly as you feel the impact of the alcohol, it also leaves.  It took about two minutes to feel that first sip wash over me, and within 15 minutes or so the impact was gone.  I did have a bit of a stomach ache afterwards, so I am glad that I stuck to water most of the day.  I also tried fried pickles for the first time and holy WOWZA they are amazing.  I am glad that is something I’m not around a lot.  I didn’t do great with protein on Saturday.  The good thing is, is that I started my day with an egg and turkey sausage, and then had a protein shake on the way up to Baltimore.  I didn’t do horrible, but I was short on protein by about 17 grams.  My carbs were super low though, I got in a TON of water, and I did a ton of walking. So hopefully it all balances out.

Yesterday we had over a couple of local family members and then some mutual friends so that they could check out the new house.  I mainly put out sleeve friendly foods, so it was easy to stick on plan.  I did try less than a sip of two different beers, just enough to taste, but not enough to even require that I swallow.  The carbonation still scares me a bit.  I did eat more than I normally would at a meal, but it was over a few hours.  I tracked it all and feel good about how the day went otherwise. Protein yesterday was spot on.  Water yesterday was above and beyond.  Good day over all.

Sugar Free December has now hit a road bump, thanks to a half of a brownie and a half of a cookie.  But hey, if I can end December having a total of one piece of sweets, I’m still calling it a win!

NSVs from the past week:

  • I got compliments almost daily at work from various co-workers about my weight loss.  It is so encouraging to hear.  Of course the family members who came over said nothing, but that’s pretty much par for the course with them.
  • I ran between a few of the bars this weekend because it was cold and never once got winded.  Score.
  • I had a fabulous weekend with my sleeve and never once felt deprived, even with two social events.  I love that I can live a very normal life and still enjoy bites of this or that and basically feel normal.
  • I’ve really ramped up my water this week, I do have to focus more on it than I have in the past, but it is nice to be getting back to a normal water routine.

Onto the Weigh In Portion…or No Weigh In Portion for a few weeks.

  • Pre-Op 2 Week Liquid’ish Diet -12.8 lbs
  • Week 1-10 Post Op -40.6
  • Week 11 Post Op -1.8
  • Week 12 Post Op -3.4
  • Week 13 Post Op -4.0
  • Week 14 Post Op -1.2
  • Week 15 Post Op NWI (No Weigh In)
  • Week 16 Post Op NWI
  • Week 17 Post Op NWI
  • Total: -63.8 lbs

My goal last week:

  • Actually these are my goals from Week 17.
    • Continue with my exercise.  Six days this week.
    • Water, water, water.
    • Makeup everyday, even the weekends.  

The Reality:

  • I am not sure if this is one that can be checked off or not.  I exercised formally 5 days last week.  Saturday I did a ton of walking, but I didn’t track it, nor was it exactly aerobic most of the time.
  • DONE.  Over 100 oz a few of the days. 
  • Done’ish.  The only day I didn’t get it was Saturday.
  • DONE.  I even wore make up on the way home on Sunday from Baltimore!  Granted it was very light and natural, but I still took the time to put it on.

My goals this week (18):

  • Continue with my exercise.  Six days this week.  It will be a challenge since I am going out of town Saturday!
  • Water, water, water.  This could potentially be a challenge this weekend since I will be out of my normal environment down at my Moms house.  We are sleeping at my grandfathers house (they live in the same neighborhood, we switch who sleeps at his house and who sleeps at my Moms.)
  • >75 grams of protein a day.  I am going to pack plenty of protein shakes and Quest bars so that I can make sure that I have quick readily available protein with me.  I wont have a ton of control over food that is available, but at least I will have those things at my side.

How was your weekend?

Tata for now,

Scale Warfare