1 year surgiversary - what a ride it's been!!

Mar 22, 2011

So here it is, my one year surgiversary! What a year it’s been. Fantastic, joyful amazing year of discovery and re-discovery. 

Where do I start...I written about my life prior to surgery in an earlier blog. So I’ll take this from the morning of surgery. I weighed in at 120kg (264lbs). I was strangely calm, yet quiet and reflective. I knew this was something that I wanted to do, I had thought about and planned and whilst I didn’t have a goal weight in mind, I had goals. That’s what kept me focussed. 

My mother is elderly and lives in South Africa whilst my family and I are in New Zealand, half a world away. My mother had been ill and we all thought she was dying. I had promised her that if she ‘hung in there’, I would bring the whole family back to visit her for her 95th birthday. I keep my promises and she’s a stubborn old bird, but the thought of a 24 – 28 hour door to door trip each way was overwhelming. Flying is not only uncomfortable, but painful and embarrassing.  So my first and most important goal was to fly with ‘relative’ comfort back to South Africa in time for her 95th birthday on the 10th January 2011.

Next was to kayak with my husband. He had built a beautiful cedar-strip kayak with paua shell inlay and I wouldn’t get into it because I thought I wouldn’t fit. I was also petrified that if by some small chance I did fit and the kayak rolled, I wouldn’t be able to get out.

I wanted to dance and I didn’t have the puff, the stamina to lug my weight around. I love dancing, but was aware of the spectacle of this obese woman gallivanting on the dance floor.

I used to love windsurfing but couldn’t haul myself onto the board, which meant if I fell off while off-shore I wouldn’t be able to get back on again.
 
I have dreams sometimes that I can fly, soar above the land and sea...I wanted to see if I could experience that.

I used to ice-skate, but the picture of this fat old woman on the ice was ludicrous...I wouldn’t even be able to do the boots up. Let alone skiing, which I have never done before... once when my family went to try it, the man at the equipment hire shop indicated, respectfully but clearly, that I wouldn’t be able to fit the ski boots. So I had to toboggan – ungainly, graceless, not a pretty picture.

So how did things change... the weight started to drop off after my sleeve. Six weeks after surgery I started Zumba classes, I was the oldest, fattest and most uncoordinated there, but I didn’t care. As time went on I shrank and learnt the moves... and my increase in stamina meant I could outdance some of the younger ones!!

I started to get into clothes that I had kept in suitcases for years. I began to dress up for functions and allow, no encourage photos to be taken of me. A murder mystery evening, Grease and even the Rocky Horror Picture Show, resplendent with a shocking pink wig.

Then with spring came kayaking, nervously at first and then with growing confidence. (now I have my own – plastic not cedar, but still fast). Then I gave windsurfing a go, technology has advanced so much that I probably need a new board, but I think I should have a few lessons to see whether hurtling across the water at breakneck speed is still something I want to do as I near 50.

Our trip back to South Africa was amazing....firstly was fitting into the airline seat. A precious memory is a microlight flight over the Victoria Falls – awesome. I am so privileged to have done that. How special, a year ago I wouldn’t have made the weight restrictions.

1/1/11 New Years day I did a paraglide off Lion’s Head, part of the Table Mountain range in Cape Town. So beautiful, it truly was like flying. Breath-taking, again a year ago I wouldn’t have met the weight restrictions, let alone been able to manage the hike up to the take off point. And I wore shorts!!! I was in my element, such joy.

In the Eastern Cape about 10 days later I went for a horse ride along the beach with my husband and daughter. I had not been on a horse for about 20 years. I hadn’t want to subject a horse to my weight, animal cruelty and all that. Well, cantering along the beach was truly terrifying... much worse than either the microlight or paraglide... but riding up through the dunes and along the cliff edge watching a pod of dolphins frolicking in the waves was a truly magical experience. I felt so at one with nature.

And then, of course, was my mother’s 95th birthday. I was delighted to keep my promise.. and didn’t mind the photos ... well most of them.

Since our return I have started rowing, even though getting up at sparrow’s to be verbally abused by the coach is a challenge. I have noticed an increase in muscle tone and stamina. I can fit into a wetsuit that was custom-made for me 30 years ago. Ok, ok breathing is over-rated, as is circulation... but I can fit into it.

A few weeks ago I went rollerblading along Tamaki drive – battled to get the boots to do up over my calves and had to go up a size to get them to do up; (I’m a lot happier in my own skin, now. I accept that I have big legs and that’s just how it is) but such a lot of fun and great exercise. And I have bought vouchers to try skiing at Snow Planet... and if I like it, I might even try on a real mountain. 

So what to do this weekend  after rowing in the morning; shall I try skiing or windsurfing lessons?

What are some of the other changes? Although I considered myself a generally positive person, I didn’t expect the increase in self-confidence and baseline happiness to crank up a few notches. People remark on my ‘presence’ and how I carry myself and interact.  I have developed a cross-addiction .... clothes-shopping. Fortunately I am a bargain-hunter and seldom pay the full price for anything. I seek out sales or buy 2nd hand designer outfits. Oh, and last week I bought my first pair of zip up boots since 1980. 40% of the original price. Yay!!!

What are the negatives? I vomited water at 3 weeks after unthinkingly gulping it down. And then at 5 months, I vomited after bolting down steak and drinking water afterwards. And then I had a bout of gout – I manage it by drinking water and eating cherries if I get a tingle... I haven’t taken any medication for it. My hair started to thin from about 3 – 6 months, but I was the only one who noticed. Loose skin – who cares, I don’t. The only part that others see is on my arms... my wrinkly tum (kangaroo pouch), upper thighs and origami boobs only come out in the privacy of the bedroom and bathroom.

Regrets? Only that I didn’t do this years ago... and if I had started the process sooner I could have got it done for free through the local district health board instead of self-paying... but don’t regret the investment in getting a life.

Oh and by the way, I’ve lost 50.9kg (112lbs) since surgery and 63.4kg (139.5lbs) since my heaviest ever and now weigh 69.1kg (152lbs). My BMI is now 24.8. I haven’t seen those numbers since the mid-1980s.

Check out my photos!!
0 comments

8 months today.

Nov 22, 2010

So my weight this morning is 75.9kgs (97 pounds) .  I have lost 44.1kgs since surgery and 49.1kgs since the beginning of this journey.  I have lost 56.6 kgs from my heaviest ever, thats 124.5 pounds.

I have gained as well, gained in energy and stamina but more importantly in confidence and happiness.  I have also exchanged one addiction for another - I now buy clothes... lots and lots, but almost never pay the full price.  I shop on-line for 2nd hand designer items, or buy on sale or outlet stores.

I do need to take some photos,...I keep saying that but I will soon, I promise.

0 comments

7 months and a few days

Oct 27, 2010

Well, have I mentioned "I love my sleeve".  I feel like bursting out into song, was it Van Morrison who sang "have I told you lately that I love you?"?

This is going to be quick because I am at work and need to get on with it.  But when I weighed in on my 7 month anniversary, I weighed in at 79.4kg (175 lbs), that means I have lost 40.6kgs (89lbs) since surgery, 45.6kgs (100lbs) since starting optifast and 53.1kg (117 lbs) since my highest ever.  Yippee!! Woop Woop, Yeehah and other sounds of jubilation.

I am finally getting a life back and reaching some goals...I have gone out kayaking with my husband, I am fitting into Elle Macpherson underwear and it looks good!  I hope to do some windsurfing when the weather is conducive.  My confidence has increased in leaps and bounds and I am HAPPY.  I also do weird things that I would never have done before... like arriving early for a massage and deciding to fit in a quick 25 min workout, rather than going shopping.

My bmi is 28, anything I lose from here on in is a bonus.
2 comments

Wow!! It's 6 months and I'm overweight

Sep 22, 2010

 Hi there, 
I weigh on Tuesdays and 23rd of the month (weekly and monthly surgiversary).
When I weighed on Tuesday I had lost 1.2kg (2.6lbs), I was thrilled, it had taken my weight down to 84.6kg.  I was really hoping to be below 85kg at 6 months.  So 2 days later, this morning I jumped (aka climbed gingerly) on the scale.  I weighed 83.4kg/183.5lbs (did it a couple of times to make sure).  I couldn't believe it, I was down another 1.2kg.  Wow!!

So, I have lost 36.6kgs/80.5lbs in 6months.  I'm over the moon!!  This has been a much better month.  What is different, well, I guess I have been more accountable, logging my food and exercise in myfitnesspal.com

And the best of all is that my BMI is now 29.9 - so I am now overweight!! I haven't seen this figure since 1999.

Happy days.

0 comments

5 months down.

Aug 23, 2010

So yesterday was my 5 month anniversary.  Here is thegood stuff, I've lost 31.4kg (69lbs) since surgery.  I have got my waist back.  I am feeling more confident and getting more compliments.  I have also bought some new clothes, even a pair of black satin pants size 14.  They are a bit tight, but I'll get there.

But I am struggling with a few things.  I was really good with exercise, but the last two weeks or so I have only managed exercise 3 or 4 x p.w.  I used to walk most mornings, but the weather is miserable.  It is winter here, rain most mornings.  We moved my treadmill because we had a party 2 weeks ago and it hasn't been moved back so I haven't used that either.  I feel guilty about not exercising.  I have been going to zumba 2 - 3 times a week and do resistance exercise once or twice a week.

The other thing is I'm am sneaking in some rubbish.  I had a biscuit/cookie last night after dinner. (dinner was a small piece of steak and tomatoe/onion salsa).  That's not too bad, but add some cashews and pecans to that and it pushes up my fat intake.  Sunday I had two Ferrero Rocher chocolates, a biscuit and some nuts.  Saturday, I had two squares of chocolate, one Ferrero Rocher choc and a biscuit...oh and a glass of wine.  But I don't feel guilty about the wine.  i probably have about one a week...and it was a Saturday night.  Oh, I've just remembered I also had 4 chips at lunch time on Saturday.

I have pretty healthy meals most of the time.  Either a fruit smoothie with yoghurt and protein powder or cereal with protein powder or scrambled egg on toast for breakfast.  Still can't eat a whole egg and piece of toast.  Lunch is usually tuna or chicken with crispbread or something similar.  And dinner is either chicken, or meat with some vegetables.  i work the rule, protein first, then veg and fruit and then carb.  I often make a bolonaise sauce with mince, tomatoes, onions and peppers and will have that with parmesan cheese - no pasta.

But I wonder how well I would be doing if I was exercising 5-6 x p.w. and not grazing.  Trying not to beat myself up.
2 comments

Photos now loaded.

Jul 24, 2010

 I've now loaded some before and nearly after pics, morning of surgery and 4 months post-surgery.  I was really pleased that I could fit into a NZ size 12 / US size 10 dress. It's very forgiving, fitted around the bust and waist, where I am smaller and flowy/drapy around the chunky bum, hips and thighs.  Unfortunately my husband focussed in on the still fat ankles and calves...he was sitting lower down taking the pics looking upwards, so my head is looking quite small. Also look quite scary with the red eyes.  Need to do some editing.  But have a look at gallery.
morning of surgery - sigh
4 months and 27.kgs (60.5lbs) lost since surgery

0 comments

Woop Woop!!

Jul 22, 2010

I'll write more later this evening AND post some pics, but I do have to get showered and ready for work.  But I do need to do a quick post.  I weighed this morning - 4 months since surgery.  Down 27.5kg (60.5lbs) Woop Woop.  Body fat  now under 40% - 39.7%.

This is the lowest weight I've been since...probably nearly 10 years ago!  Yippee!!  I wore a dress on Tuesday and had about 10 people tell me how nice I looked.  (Normally I wear pants/trousers so the old thighs don't rub together and cause a rash)
2 comments

Well, this will be a quickie - 3 months down

Jun 22, 2010

Got to get ready for work in about 15 mins, but just enough time for a quick post and brag.
3month anniversary today - lost 22.5 kg (49.5lbs) since surgery and 27.5 (60.5lbs) since the beginning of this journey.  Woo hoo!!

I'll have to get some photos taken and upload them.

I try to exercise everyday, haven't done my walk this morning.  The weighing and measuring on an anniversary day takes too much time, ...ok, ok ... that's a crock.  But I do have a Zumba class this evening.

I am pretty good, did have a thumb size piece of nougat yesterday, satisfied mouth hunger, but didn't really like feeling uncomfortable afterwards.  Still battle to get the requisite amount of protein and water in... but still concentrate on the protein...and watch the carbs.

Unfortunately hips are shrinking more slowly than other parts, damn and bugger. But waist is looking good.  Slowly getting back into old, thinner clothes. 
2 comments

Good news and bad news.

May 31, 2010

First the bad news...yesterday I overslept and missed my morning walk.  I went to a zumba class last night but my leg (left thigh) was really sore.  I pushed on through the class but when I got home I was in agony.  Just moving was so painful, so my husband and I rubbed it down with voltaren gel (an anti-imflammatory).  Its a bit better this morning, but the weather is nasty.  Cold, very wet and windy...so no walk this morning.  I was also planning on going to the gym this evening, but maybe should give my leg a rest.  Possibly should see a chiropracter?

The good news... I lost 1.9kgs this week, thats just over 4 pounds for those who work in imperial measurements.  That brings it to nearly 18 kgs (39lbs) since surgery 10 weeks ago and nearly 23kgs (50lbs) since the beginning of this journey. Whoop, whoop!!
1 comment

2 months down!!

May 22, 2010

So it's a chilly morning and I'm sitting in bed with the electric blanket on eating my breakfast, egg and avocado mayonnaise on wholegrain toast.  Eating it slowly, v -e-r-y slowly.  Now I'm not a complete slug!! I did get up at about 7.30am on a Sunday morning (it's Sunday morning here in New Zealand) and do my monthly anniversary weigh-in and my measurements.... more about that later.  Then I got dressed and took my hooligan springer spaniels for a long walk, about 5km (3 miles) up hill, down dale and through the reserve and back along the beach.  They had a wonderful time, swimming in muddy streams and chasing the seagulls who taunt them.  THEN I made my breakfast and climbed back into bed.

Now onto the more important matters - my monthly weigh in... not that I only weigh in once a month...but that I weigh on the week and month anniversary of my surgery.  The good news is that I have lost 15.5kgs (34 lbs) in the 2 months since surgery and about 20.5kgs (45  lbs) since I started this journey with optifast at the beginning of March.


My size 20 jeans are getting too loose for me; the size 18 were a bit tight last week, maybe they will fit a bit better today.  Luckily I had two suitcases of clothes, for seasonal and weight changes.  I sorted through those a couple of weeks ago and have a range of size 18 pants in a variety of colours (mainly black, of course... but also dark brown and navy, with a couple of other colours thrown in for good measure) that hopefully I will soon be shrinking into.  All s-t-r-e-t-c-h... what other kind would I buy?!?  And as I have said in other posts, boy! do I work that stretch.  I have thrown away a bag of clothes that are now too big, but too tatty to give away and I have another bag of better quality clothes that I need to give away.  And I still have some clothes in a suitcase that are size 16 or too summery. (We are heading into winter, here in the Southern Hemisphere).

So I haven't gone clothes shopping, but I have bought new gym shoes and socks.  I tried on some boots, but they wouldn't fit over my calves... damn!  I have always had this problem, even when I was thin, under 60 kgs.  I have had heavy legs, calves and ankles.  But I thought this time I might have had more success as these were bigger women boots!  But no such luck.  I hope this won't stop me from trying out skiing next winter when I am thinner.  I have never skied, but it looks such fun.

I see my surgeon again on Tueday, 9 weeks post-surgery.  Such a nice guy, really professional and listens.  I'll be glad to show off how much I've lost in the last 6 weeks.

My other challenge is going to be continuing to walk every morning even through winter.  It is hard getting out of bed when it is black outside, cold and windy is off-putting too... But when it is tipping down with rain like it was on Friday...it was tooo much.  So just had a 15 min workout with a DVD, not quite the same thing...especially as far as the dogs are concerned   But I am enjoying my zumba classes.  Will aim to do 2 of those a week... as well as a work out at the gym another twice a week.  I think that will be pretty good - 3.5km (2mi) walk Mon - Fri am and a 5km (3mi) walk on a Sun.

As far as eating goes, I'm not doing too badly.  I struggle with some foods, even if I chop it up finely and chew, chew, chew.  But all in all, I'm doing ok.  I try and eat normal food, rather than pureeing everything into baby food mush.  It's certainly cheaper, on Fri night we got Thai takeaway... I ordered a chicken satay starter and ate half... the other half was my lunch yesterday... with a few scraps as dog treats.  Which reminds me, I met a friend for lunch on Wed, as she has a toddler we decided to picnic in a park where Abby could play on playground equipment.  Kathryn bought herself a subway and I had ordered a side of smoked salmon and avocado as my lunch from a local cafe.  Kathryn looked at what I had brought and said, "That's not lunch", meaning that's not enough to eat.  My reply was, "No, it's not lunch... it's TWO lunches"...I only ate half and had the rest later in the week.

Well, I think that's enough from me...catch ya'll later.
2 comments

About Me
Auckland, XX
Location
VSG
Surgery
03/23/2010
Surgery Date
Mar 26, 2010
Member Since

Friends 37

Latest Blog 16

×