Kelly A.

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Well, I hit the one year mark this past week!  I am weighing in at 177lbs.  I have 23 left to reach my personal goal of losing 200 lbs.  I have a BMI of 27.7 (my surgeon called my BMI "perfect", this site calls it "moderately overweight")  I still want to get into the "normal" range!! 

My life has changed dramatically, I have changed too.  I am mostly happy.  I am enjoying a new and improved social life.  I do have more to say, but am just super busy and can't stay online.  Hope to update soon. 

Well, I got on the scale today and am down to 182 (lost 172!) and couldn't be happier!!  I have begun rehearsing for a singing and dancing role in a local Cabaret!  Dancing!!! I last danced in a class 17 years ago, when I had signed up for an adult tap class, but had to quit after just 2 lessons due to pregnancy complications.  Prior to that I hadn't danced formally since I was a kid!  But it is something I love, and am so excited to be doing it again!!

For New Years Eve, just 9 months after surgery, I bought a new outfit.  I shopped in a junior store, buying size 14 Mini Skirt and a large top.  A year ago I wore a size 32W and a 4X.  I also got a pair of high heeled boots for Christmas and haven't walked in heels since I was about 20 (I am almost 43!!)...so I felt like a million bucks!!

Recently a friend of mine had bypass surgery, and I have enjoyed being a supportive friend to her.  She is doing great!  Just this week my big brother also had bypass.  He went thru a different hospital, and is having major complications.  He has spent 2 days in ICU :(  Keep him in your prayers!!  Hopefully a year from now he will be as happy with his decision to have RNY as I have been!!!

I wasn't sure if I would ever be able to write a blog with this title!  But this morning I got on the scale for the first time in a week, and here I was...198.8 lbs...in the ONE HUNDREDS for the first time since probably 8th grade!!  I also started wearing size 16 jeans, even straight Levi's!!!  It feels amazing :)  I am not getting as much exercise as I should, life just keeps getting in the way.  But I am very motivated to keep at it as I have lots of skin and am determined to love EVERYTHING about my body, so I will work out until it is the best shape I can get it!!  

I have lost to date 155 lbs!!!!

Well, I am over 5 months since surgery and am sure I could not be happier!  I am down 135 pounds and feel amazing.  I am wearing size 18 jeans and shopping in normal stores.  Every time I shop I am excited and surprised at how easy it is!  I bought clothes in a sporting good store!  Never even considered doing that before!  I am wearing size Large or XL shirts, buying the Larges as I am only shrinking more!!  I RAN A ROAD RACE!!  I was just a mile, but it was the first time in my life I ran a mile without stopping or walking!!  I loved it and want to train for a 5k.  I feel like a different person!  I went canoeing and thought I had died and gone to heaven!!! I was so in my element and can't wait to get back on the water.  I am planning some camping and hiking trips in the near future.  Returning to school after summer break was amazing...the reactions from the faculty were so cool!!  I get tons of compliments and enjoy each one, there was a time when I could not take a compliment.  I am totally a new person

Well, my labs were basically fine, with the exception of Iron, which was low but not anemic.  So he wants me to take Vitron C.  Also my blood pressure was really low (106/72 or something like that) But he was happy with my progress!  He thinks my goal of losing 200 lbs is too much.  I want to get to 154, he thinks between 165 and 180 would be better.  Well, that's a first!  We shall see. 

I signed up to run a road race, just a mile, for my company's charity (YMCA STRONG KIDS)...I have only run a 1/4 mile so far, but am training and plan to work up to a mile by the end of August.  Also, it's ok to walk it too...but I hope to run :)

I am aware that I am not the person who "discovered" Zumba, but this morning I feel like it!  I took my first class yesterday and the energy burst it gave me is intense!  I blogged about fatigue in my last post, and now can see it may be directly linked to not getting enough exercise!  My dear old pal Becky (who I have been friends with since 3rd grade) invited me to her class. I was scared but excited to try it.  Well, it was like going home.  I felt my body come alive, and the dancer that I  have always been was awoken.  My brain has always been a dancer, and here was my body getting back in the groove.  I kept up with the choreography!!  It was so fast paced and lucky for me it involved alot of rythyms and steps that were familiar to me as I have been with a Colombian man who loves to dance for 20 years.  Now, I haven't danced with him in a long time, but it all came rolling back to my feet!  It also helped that I loved the music :)

So today I went to bed at 2am (due to energy rush after evening class) then woke up BEFORE my 6am alarm, raring to go!  I am going to my 3 month follow up with the surgeon today, even though it's been over 4 months.  I look forward to getting the results of my bloodwork, and hope it is ok.

I also did a play for the first time since I was in 10th grade.  It was a blast and we made lots of new friends!  I am def singing in cabaret this year, but after enjoying that Zumba class last night I may even try to dance!!

One more thing, I reached the 120 LOST mark this morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is my 4 Month Post Op...I am down 118 pounds and so happy with the decision to make this change!  I have given away all of my fat clothes, and am happily wearing size 18 jeans!  I even went out in public in size 18 shorts!!! REAL shorts, with a button and a zipper and no elastic, and they were short!  I felt so self concious, as my legs are a battlefield of veins and sagginess and cottage cheese, but it felt good too.  I am also trying to go sleeveless in public, which is huge for me.  Still haven't done it in front of my group of friends/coworkers...to weird as my one arm is so saggy.  This was a problem BEFORE weight loss and NOT due to weight loss.  One really big saggy arm :/

I am very proud of myself for all that I have acheived.  I wish I could fast forward and be at the 200 lost mark, but it is really nice being so confident that I WILL get there!  I am dealing with some hair loss, some lagging energy and skin problems (rosacea on my face).  My normal med for my face doesn't seem to be absorbing so my acne and redness are gross...seriously swollen today.  Some days it's fine and I feel so pretty but this week is gross.  Need to make an appt. with my dermatologist.  Also, I missed my 3 month post op with the surgeon, due to work obligations, so have to go see him next week.  At that visit I will hear how I am doing as far as blood and levels, so it may answer the question about fatigue.  The hair loss was expected.  I am not bald or anything, just seeing alot in the shower and on my shirt.  But I did get a much shorter haircut and everyone seems to like it.  I just keep looking at the big picture and knowing it is all worth it!!!  

Am not getting much exercise lately, unfortunately.  The summer for me is my busy time of year with work, so I am mostly just walking and only a couple of times a week.  Luckily I get more exercise at work this time of year!  I work at a summer camp, and I love it :)

So as of this morning I am down over 106 lbs.  I am still working on my Summer Bucket List, and I keep adding to the list as I scratch other things off (because each thing I do inspires me to do more and shows me that I am ready willing and able to do so much more!!) So for the past week I have watched campers (age 6-14) going on the Flying Squirrel at camp.  They are harnessed to a rope and pulley and a group of kids and adults have the other end of the rope and run back causing the camper to fly 40 feet in the air.  So I kept saying "I want to do that" and people didn't think I was serious.  I have a terrible fear of heights, and have had this fear for about 20 years.  I can't even stand on a chair to reach something, that is a known fact to my coworkers.  So last night after work, a group of adults were hanging around the ropes course as the ropes specialist began to close up for the night.  One co-worker asked to go on the squirrel and a crowd gathered.  I was asked if I want to go on, and as I looked at all of the adults I realized this would be my one chance this summer to have so many strong willing people ready to help me cross this off of my Summer Bucket List.  So I let them strap me into the harness (in and of itself and experience that only other fat or once-fat people could begin to understand!) and then before I knew it  I was flying high in the tree tops!  I looked down on all of my cheering friends, and my little cabin and how tiny it looked, and I was on top of the world!!!  I smiled from ear to ear and shouted "This is Awesome!!"  I know my 3 daughters were looking up at me from the ground and were learning all sorts of life lessons at  that moment!  All 3 have had the opportunity to do this and similar activities at camp and have shied away, out of fear and embarrassment (they are all overweight).  I pray that my example continues to motivate and encourage them!  What a memory :)

I have just passed the "3 month mark" and want to put some thoughts here.  I am down 102 lbs.  I have surpassed any weight loss endeavors or accomplishments of the past, and it is so good knowing it is forever, that I won't screw it up!  I just this week went back to the hospital and sat on a "panel" for people about to have surgery to hear my story and ask questions.  I was so happy to do this, to be on the other side and give hope and encouragement to people who feel the way I once felt. 

I bought a pair of size 20 jeans!  They fit!  I am looking forward to the weekend to wear them and a new top (given to me by a friend)...I am going out with a bunch of people that work with me.  I am so lucky to have a job that I love, it is good for me physically, mentally and even socially!  Last night a dear work friend took me and my 3 kids to dinner at a chinese restaurant.  I ate about a 4 inch square piece of egg foo young and just the insides (veggie part) of an egg roll.  AND WAS SATISFIED.  Later we went to a specialty cupcake store, where I ate literally a pinch of his cupcake, and each of my daughters...thus 3 tiny pinches.  AND WAS SATISFIED.  That is the beauty of this surgery, I am always satisfied, rarely hungry.  A typical lunch at work is 2 ounces of deli turkey (plain, no bread or spread) and either a sugar free pudding cup or a "no sugar added" fruit cup (the size you put in a kids lunchbox)

I had to stop going to the trainer at the Y as my summer camp schedule gets in the way, but am trying to make a point of getting exercise in.  Yesterday I scratched something off of my SUMMER BUCKET LIST, I walked up to a part of the camp that I had never seen due to my inability to walk that far.  I went to the field, and the archery range...and got to shoot an arrow!  Another first for me :) I also started my day by going to the high school before work and walking the track and doing some calesthenics.  I found out later from the HS gym teacher that I had only walked a half mile, so I will do double the laps next time.  After work I went to dinner with a coworker and my kids, we walked all over the waterfront and the beach. 

Speaking of my SUMMER BUCKET LIST, let me explain this.  There are so many things I have wanted to do, but my pain, weight, size, or lack of confidence have held me back.  This is my summer to do as many of those things as I can!  I want to hike, kayak, camp, see the field (done!), see the archery range (done!), and walk around Hyle Pond (another part of camp I haven't seen). 

Already life is impoving, in only 3 months (well, seven if you count my pre-surgical weight loss)...and I just know that it will continue to get better and better!!!  Again I have to say THANK YOU GOD!!!

 Today is such a happy day for me!  I am 2/10 of a pound away from 100 lbs. lost...and know that when I got weighed back in December it was "point something" and I just didn't write down that part...so I am officially onehundred pounds lighter than I was last Thanksgiving!!! In less than seven months I have made this happen.  I lost almost half of it before surgery.  I firmly believe that the surgery is only my tool and that I have done the work, the hard work...and am so proud and excited!  I shopped yesterday and bought size 22 jeans at Macy's.  I used to wear a 32, but that was tight and I certainly couldn't have worn anything like jeans or pants without elastic!!!  And Macy's was NOT a place I could think of buying clothes.  They're sizes ran so much smaller than Catherine's or Lane Bryant.  I am not getting to the gym as much as I want to, as work keeps getting in the way.  But I do get alot of physical activity at work, as I work at a summer camp and walk up and down hills and the other day I played dodge ball for an hour!  That was a new experience!  I have little moments everyday that make me so glad I made this decision.  Yesterday as I folded laundry, I looked at my daughter's jeans from a plus size Junior Store, size 22 and said what the hell?  I am gonna see if they fit.  They did!  They were too baggy on her...and she gave them to me.  I am catching myself crossing my legs....haven't done that in twenty years.  I sit on benches, stadium seating, etc and don't think twice about fitting or breaking a chair.  Seriously I think about it for a sec and realize I don't have to worry anymore!!  I look forward to going to theaters and concerts or ball games again and not worrying about the size of the seats, or even airplanes!!  I can't afford any of those things, but it's nice to know if I want to go my weight won't hold me back!  I have some goals for this summer, fun goals!  I want to kayak.  I want to hike and to camp.  I want to see parts of the summer camp that I work at that I have never seen before due to my inability to walk so far.  Nothing will hold me down!!  Thank you God for this gift!!!!