So the journey so far has been interesting. I am down almost 70lbs from my program start weight. Feels good. I take the steps more at work every day. I work on the 6th floor and my goal is to take all 6 flights by June. Right now I can go from the 3rd to the 6th without feeling my lungs explode and try to do it 3x every day .  

Throught all of this time I haven't looked at my self in a mirror in just the bare minimum until the other day shopping for some pants because my 26/28 fall off when I walk and the 22/24 are just about to do the same thing. I was in Dots because it makes no sense to spend more than a few bucks on anything at this point and put on a size 22 pants, my sister (self proclaimed fashionista) told me they were too baggy in the legs, so I got the next size down which fit fine and decided it was time to see what this really looks like..and there it was..the jelly roll/skin.  I thought I was going to be mortified and was shocked -no doubt about it-but after a few come to Jesus moments in the dressing room mirror to really take it all in I realized that I am grown woman with 2 kids and anyone who knew me before would realize that Barbies are dolls and real women come with dimples,dents,stretch marks and whatever else life can toss our way. I purchased my ever shrinking pants with a smile on my face and walked out the store happy as can be.  The skin thing was a concern for me while deciding on having the surgery. Everyone has their own issues, but when I thought about what I was gaining, longer life span, energy, more confidence..its worth a little extra pudge here and there compared to the whole lot of pudge I carried around for years.

I went back to work finally after my surgery.  It wasn't bad, overall. I was a little sad to find out a position I was shooting for was given to a temporary while I was away. But it got me to really thinking about things and I've decided I am going to go back to school. Call me a liberal bleeding heart, but I want to work with girls who are missing support systems in life and losing their way. Back to work-  It was really interesting to hear the theories regarding my leave for the past month

1- I  was in an accident that resulted in my spleen getting mangled
2- I was overwhelmed by work and had to take a "mental health" break (my favorite!)
3- Physical therapy due to a fall at work down a flight of steps

I've decided to let them think what they want until they ask and then my response will be "for personal reasons". The hardest part of the return was trying to get comfortable sitting all day. The "over the should boulder holders" were killing my back. Its actually been easier to get in my protein now that I can eat regular food. I never thought that day would come. I just need to work in getting in my fluids.  I am sure I'll get that figured out.  How is everyone else?