Ups and Downs

May 04, 2009

I'm not one for roller-coaster rides in real life, and the nonliteral ones are even worse!

Fortunately, the ups and downs I've been having lately aren't too drastic in either direction; mostly small victories or defeats.

For example; yesterday, I was craving chocolate. I don't keep chocolate at home, of course, so I decided to go buy a little candy bar. On the way to the store, I talked myself out of it. I knew that after I ate the candy bar I'd feel disappointed in myself, so I turned around and returned home. I ate a 1/3 cup of dried fruit instead. Woohoo!

On the other hand, yesterday I didn't exercise. Not that it's the worst thing in the world because I usually manage to exercise every day so missing one day probably won't kill me. The problem is the reason I didn't exercise; it's not like I had such a busy day that I couldn't fit in a walk or something. There are times when I have to work early, early in the morning and have things scheduled all day and evening so I don't end up exercising. Fortunately, it doesn't happen a lot, but when it does I don't beat myself up about it. However, yesterday, I pretty much sat around all day reading or watching tv. I could have easily gone for a walk! Sigh. I don't want to get out of the habit of being active every day I can.

All in all, though, things are going well. I've lost 80 lbs and feeling the difference! After months of "just" fitting better into the clothes I had begun to grow out of, I'm finally moving into a lower size. Last week I had to buy new pants and shorts because I was drowning in the ones I had! Woohoo! I feel good. :)
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Rewards

Mar 10, 2009

Just before I lost 50 lbs, I decided I needed to come up with non-food rewards for accomplishing weight loss goals. For 50, I bought myself three necklaces. Now, whenever I wear them, I remember why I bought them and feel very proud of myself.

I'm a believer in baby steps and have chosen to buy myself flowers whenever I lose 10 lbs. Well, I lost another 10+ lbs as of yesterday, making the grand total 61 lbs. Here's a picture of the flowers I bought myself:

Reward Flowers

It was cold, windy, and cloudy yesterday, so these flowers in my office made it feel a little like Spring. I love flowers - they are so cheerful and fragrant - it's hard to be in a bad mood with flowers on my desk.

I've also decided to get my hair done when I've lost 75 lbs. I used to change my hair color often, but a couple years ago I found a color I really like and have stuck with it ever since. Well, it's time for a change again! I'm going to highlight my hair and go a lot lighter! I'm really excited!

These little rewards are just one of the ways I keep motivated. The biggest reward has been how good I feel. I love how loose my clothes are getting, how easier it is to move around, how much more energy I have now, and how good I look. These rewards keep me exercising (and my goal to bike across the country) and help me make better food choices when times get a little stressful or I'm sick (like I am now).

As soon as I get my hair highlighted, I'll be sure to post a picture of my new blondness! :)
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Introduction

Feb 16, 2009

Hello! My name is Julie, my user name is juliebeth. You can call me either, but the latter reminds me of when my mom gets mad at me. :)

I've been overweight most of my adult life. I was active in high school; tennis, volleyball, swimming; so I managed to not gain weight even though I had poor eating habits. When I moved away for college, I gained weight. Fortunately, I walked a lot since I didn't own a car, so I didn't gain too much weight. After a few years, I moved home to prepare to serve a mission for my church. I had a car and my same poor eating habits. In 6 months, I gained 50 lbs. I was really active on my mission and learned to eat better, but when I returned home, I resumed my former lifestyle and gained another 40 lbs. By this time I was right around 300 lbs. Slowly, I gained a pound here, a pound there, until last year when I started driving to different states for my job. I ate to stay awake and often eating at greasy diners (with fabulous food!) was the "only" option I had for meals. I gained 30 lbs. That, combined with the occassional pounds from the previous years, put me at 351 lbs when I decided to have weight loss surgery.

I wouldn't have ever thought to have the surgery, except my dad and step-mom offered to pay half of it for me. They offered last spring and I took 6 months to decide to do it. I'm so glad I did and just wish I would've be ready to do it sooner! My surgery took place December 23, 2008 and to date, I've lost 53 lbs and weigh less than I have in 6 years. I feel great! My clothes fit again - in fact, some of them are almost too big! I have lots of energy and find it easier to do simple tasks. I can only imagine what it will be like when I lose even more weight!
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About Me
Location
26.0
BMI
Surgery
12/23/2008
Surgery Date
Feb 16, 2009
Member Since

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