Reconsidering my BMI, dizziness update, and a was/is photo opp

I was filling out some life insurance paperwork tonight and pulled my most recent PCP visit record from last Friday. They have my height officially listed as 5'9". I took that and recalculated my BMI based on that value and it is at 25.9. As in point-nine away from normal weight.  As in 6 pounds from normal weight. Holy cow. It's particularly ironic since it was my height inconsistencies in my medical record that caused my denial and subsequent fight to get approved. I typically self-reported at 5'9" or 5'10" back in the day and was sort of surprised when I came in at 5'7.5" but took it because of the impact it had on my BMI in qualifying. I think all of the work I have done in the gym has helped my posture. So, I'm going to own 5'9" for now and leave the previous 5'7.5" behind. I'm not going to change my goals, though.

I was at the PCP because of intermittent dizziness that I first mentioned here last week. They did orthostatic testing and found significant drops when I go from sitting to standing. Something was also going on with my heart rate that shouldn't have been. Everybody drops from sitting to standing but mine was too much. So, I had a bunch of blood drawn to check just about everything. The doc also reviewed my food record and suggested I up my sodium content as well. We had been eating low sodium for hubby, so now I happily have my chicken with soy sauce, and treat myself to a G2 once a day. If that doesn't help and my bloodwork is normal, I get to go visit the cardiologist.

Finally, hubby and I hit my work formal holiday party last weekend. I have posted a photo in my progress pictures here that shows our was/is from last year to this year - both taken the first week in December. The "is" photo isn't the greatest quality but you'll get the gist. I will try to post it here but my ability to add pictures has been wonky on the Mac since the upgrade. So, if you can't see it, head on over to my photos for a peek. I have one in there I call my "barbie doll" photo, as well. I felt so elegant that evening. People really didn't recognize me - as in they'd look at me, make eye contact with NO recognition. Then they'd sort of jump and scream at me like I had jumped out at them. That really bothered me.

Thought for the day from my image consultant: "Elegant and sexy are different sides of the same coin."

The Barbie Doll (or is it Beauty Pageant winner?) photo:

Be well, y'all!

Laurie

Laurie - O.M.G.!!  I totally understand why co-workers didn't recognize you - you don't even LOOK like the same person!  Just freakin' unbelievable, lady.   You are stunning and have done a phenomenal job with this wonderful tool we have.  

I am in total awe of you!  

Awesome post! Hope it's nothing serious, God bless!

Oh my goodness Laurie - you are just stunning!  What a great reminder of what is possible!

You look amazing.  Congrats on your great weight loss!

WOW!  What a difference a year makes!  You look fabulous!

You BOTH look good!

Great job!  When we met in person I would definitely say you were 5'9''.  You are a tall woman!

Looking awesome!!!!!!!!!!!

Laurie, you look faaa-bulos!  I wish you were feeling as terrific as you look, but as you say it's being looked into. 

Re the people jumping and screaming, well, it was a compliment.  :)  Next year it probably won't happen because people will be used to your new look.  With your hair lighter and your body lighter, you do look like a different person. 

Congratulations!

You both look SO fantastic!!!

As for the dizziness... I get the same thing too. I eat enough protein and drink plenty of water - wonder if upping sodium could help me? When I bring it up at the surgeon's office they just kind of shrug it off! Argh! Do you know how much sodium you were getting each day before increasing it?