I was a 38/40 F/G, so big, really really big.  They flattened and were losing fat but not skin.  I had reduction done and asked the doc to go smaller than normal because I ride horses and I was tired of the pain.  I now have 32D (which is MUCH smaller than you'd believe).  I don't regret the reduction and lift for a second, but I would expect either surgery or really good bras in your future, be pleasantly surprised if you don't need them!

My MIL is queen of passive aggressive *****iness, and you're right men don't get it.  It wasn't until she said something truly awful about the kids in front of my husband that he finally got it.  Other than that, I am just glad we're military and don't live anywhere near her.  As for the NSV, that is SO awesome.  I remember that one well and it truly was life changing being able to go into any store I wanted.  The choices are a bit daunting but still awesome, I got myself an Express card to celebrate!

So if you don't know about The World According to Eggface (http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/) you should head on over there.  She makes these "bites" that are like crustless quiches or frittatas in bit size form.  She has many many of them listed on her site, so head on over and peruse.  

Today I decided to go out on my own and use her basic ideas but make my own and I did 2 different ones, so I had easy lunches and snacks for the week.  Some of these may be a little high on carbs if you are just starting out so watch that!

TACO Bites

1 cup ground turkey cooked (I cook a large batch with just a pinch of salt and pepper to taste so that I can make multiple bite recipes out of it)

1/2 cup of salsa (whatever type you like) drained to get as much fluid off of it as possible

1 cup 2% shredded mexican blend cheese

1 tsp taco seasoning (or make your own for less sodium!)

5 eggs

Add everything but the egg, and mix.  Beat eggs separately then add to mixture.  Spoon mixture into a mini muffin tin, should make 24.  Cook at 350 for 30 min. (though it only takes 25 in my oven).  I then serve it with Fage 0% in stead of sour cream.  YUMMY!

"Pasta" Bites

1 cup cooked ground turkey

1/2  onion diced

1 julienned carrot (leave this out if you're watching carbs)

1 can diced tomatoes (I like using the basil seasoned ones) make sure to DRAIN

1 tsp italian seasoning

1 cup 2% shredded mozzarella

5 eggs

Add onion carrot and spice to a pan and saute until onion is translucent then add to ground turkey in a bow and add cheese.  Beat eggs and add to mixture and follow same instructions above.  I serve with a bit of marinara for dipping but they are fine on their own as well.

These keep well for days in the fridge and make excellent go to snacks and lunch.  Anyway hope it gives you some ideas of ways you can play with her recipe base and have some fun!

I lost a fair bit of hair but it was never noticeable to anyone but me.  Personally I wouldn't do anything now, unless you are looking for a change.  

Thank you!  You have been an inspiration for me from the beginning.  I won't lie being called a skinny minnie doesn't get old :)

It’s been almost a year!  Oh my March 19th is my 1 year surgery anniversary.   I went to see my surgeon on 9/19/2011 weighing in at 262 pounds.  On March 19th, exactly 6 months later I went into surgery weighing 234.4 lbs.  Today I weighed in at 131.6 lbs!!

Are you on the fence, is this for you?  Are you willing to do the work?  Will you change your lifestyle?  Will you count your calories, keep track of your water and take your vitamins?  I can’t answer those questions for you.  But if you will do those things, this WILL work.  You might not lose as fast, you might lose faster, you might not decide that running 20 miles a week is for you, you might find a new passion.  I’m not sure what your journey will look like but I can tell you mine has been awesome. 

I don’t make excuses for not playing with my kids, I’ve found my passion for exercise and horses again.  I have so much energy!  I still deal with crappy things, my life isn’t perfect but if pre-surgery me could talk to post surgery me, she would see a completely different person.  On top of losing the weight, I’ve graduated from college (finally!) and I’m half way through my MBA too.  Anyway enough blathering, here are some pics because you know that’s why you’re here!

Last February at my husband's promotion.

The first few weeks post surgery

July 2012

Just this past Saturday on my new horse.

That's great I never knew it existed!

We don't live far from each other (I'm in Alexandria).  Where exactly do you go?

YAY!  What a waist you have there!

I'm actually thinking of going with the one on the right.  But the consensus among my friends is very split.  I'm just not thrilled with the bow on the black dress, it falls right where my little pouch of extra skin is and I'm not sure even with spanx it will completely disapear. 

I think I would have burst out laughing in his face!  That's a fantastic NSV.

That's amazing progress!  So proud of you.

So I finally get to go to a formal event with my husband (he'll be rocking his dress mess blues).  I've never in my life gone formal dress shopping while skinny.  We never did the wedding thing.  So I went out and tried on some dresses.  I'm soundly in a size 6 (started in a 24/26) and it's F U N.  As a caveat I did have a breast reduction done.  I don't' think I'd be fitting in quite as many if I hadn't.

Anyway before. . .