Launa N.
3 yrs out...what life is like for me
Jan 05, 2011
So I weigh in at 158. My happy weight is 145 and I will see that again soon. I have a closet full of clothes waiting on me to rejoin them! LMAO
Anyhow, so here's the goal...8 glasses of water...I have a hard time with that and so I will simply have to measure and choke it down.
For about 6 months I've been bad on my vitamins. Yep, I've choked those down this morning already. In 2 hours I get to do it again.
I'm saying "no" to bread, sugary treats, and anything that is mostly carb. It seems hard but if I'm shoveling in the lean proteins then there's no room for junk. So far today, I'm still working on my protein shake...I'm not a morning person.
Reality for me is that I can eat most anything without dumping or pain. I also can eat a simi-normal volume. Most people I meet just assume I'm a regular person who isn't very hungry. I homeschool my children and so grazing is WAY too easy. I got into the habit of it because I was trying TO gain after slipping down to a weight that didn't look good on me. Yeah, it was way to comfortable. Now it's time for me to jump back into keeping track. I will not be one of those people who ends up back at square 1. I love the way my face looks and my boobs...cuz lets face it, those do suffer with quick and extreem weight loss. I love that I look normal...ie...I have hair and healthy skin and not a bunch of saggy excess. My face is not sunken. We've all seen those people that you KNOW instantly they've had WLS. They look like death! So what do I want? To drop 10lbs and 1 solid pant size...tone thighs and tone upper arms...a beautiful muscular back...and an ass that doesn't move by itself. So instead of jumping into an exercise routine being SMO, I'm coming in from the world of normal. Until now my exercise routine has simply been about moving. You know, eliptical and walking. Now I've got to get tough. I want to be THAT person!
My husband is fit...not buff but very into the cardio and long distance running. I'm physically disabled (leg brace similar to people who have had polio...AFO) and so running is not an option. So I can't join him as I'd like. I have to seek my own path into fitness.
So here I go, invisioning long lean tone muscles and knowing they can be mine!
March 19, 2009, weight 126lbs, 15 days post tummy tuck
Mar 19, 2009
My stitches come out on the 25th. After that the kids and I are going back with my mom to stay a week or two. I should be ok to care for my family after that. That will give me 7 weeks total healing before I become super mom again. I did make the concession to turn off my corner water cooler and buy a sink filter so that I won't be lifting the 3 gallon water bottles. I intend to give myself as long as the doctor says before going back to that.
I appreciate all the prayers and well wishes. I'll post pictures soon. Right now there's nothing to see.
Still a bit sore. Mainly my hips and mons area. The hips it's the "saddle bag" area that's sore to the touch. Just an all over bruised feeling.
I also still couldn't say if I would do this again. It's not a mild surgery.
weight = 134lbs, 1 year, 22 days post-op
Dec 29, 2008
So I was terrified that I had packed on some pounds during the holiday. Mainly because of traveling. It's so difficult to eat right while traveling. I've also discovered that I can have a bit of most desserts without any sort of ill feelings as long as I have my protein first. This is both good and bad. Good because it makes me feel a bit normal that I can have a tiny sliver of pie or a few bites of cake...Bad because that knowledge that I can tolerate these things opens up a whole can of worms I'd hoped I would never open again.
So even though I indulged in some of the delicious treats and the holiday gatherings, I maintained my stance on moderation and protein first. I pray that as long as I maintain my boundaries I will be able to keep a healthy life. I did pass on things like stuffing which are pure carbs and opted for a bit of sweet potato pie without wipped topping. Sweet potato is suposed to be the uber super food, right?
What are your good food options when you go to someplace like my dads? He did appetizers instead of a Christmas meal. He served chicken nuggets (obviously from McDonalds), chicken eggrolls, cheese dip, pigs in a blanket, and cookies. There are no good options there. He's got to be well over 400lbs though. I don't know if he knows better. He said he was trying to think of my kids and what they would eat though. That's nice. I just try to make my kids eat normal food though. I know they have food allergies (nuts, malt, eggs, pineapple, kiwi), but it's not that difficult to get around. The hardest one is the malt because it's in most breads. Anyhow, his heart was in the right place but I'm sure all the blood flow has been cut off by the grease in his arteries. I just recently got him back in my life and am not ready for him to die.
Anyhow, so I nibbled some chips and cheese and an eggroll. Then I had 2 chocolate chip cookies. I think that was my worst stumbling block while traveling.
At mom's she had salad and tuna available all the time. So I had options there. There was turkey, too.
Rob's moms didn't really have a bunch of bad stuff either. Ham, mashed potatoes (I made), greenbean casserole, rolls, pumpkin pie. So I had a bit of pie, some ham, a few bites of potatoes and greenbean cassarole.
I guess I didn't do too bad since I've been bouncing between 134 and 136 and today I'm 134 again. I'm also on my period so I'll probably be 132 in a few days.
I still start most days with a protein shake. I've switched to almond milk for those. My milk allergy was kicking my tail and causing tiredness and headaches. Problem solved with the almond milk. Fortunately yogurt and cheese are pasturized and so don't bother me. I then eat at 11:30, 2:30, 5:30, and 7:30. The 7:30 is because I'm up until 11 every night (at least). So I'm still not breaking the no eating within 3 hours of going to bed rule.
I need more exercise. I have a sort of secret goal to be able to pass the push-up/sit-up requirements for my age group and gender in the army by the time my husband comes back from Iraq. I know I'll probably never be able to do the run because of my leg, but it wouldn't hurt to try that, too. I'd love to be able to surprise my husband. I also know that the more calories I burn, the less I have to stress over what goes into my mouth. I'll always need to pay attention to it, but it gives me a little more wiggle room. I also want to make sure I maintain this for the rest of my life. I don't want to be like my mom who has been thin her whole life and now that she's in her early 50s has blown up like a balloon around the middle. I want to be around for my grandchildren.
I also really want to make some more friends here. With Rob deploying I'm going to need some true friends. My neighbor and I get along good but they're trying to get out of here now. He's part of 1st CAV too and doesn't want to deploy with them. I don't know if they'll make it out or not. My other friend is going "back home" when her husband's part of 1st CAV deploys.
I'm too old with too many kids to go "back home". Besides, I don't really feel as if I have a "back home" to go to. My home is wherever my husband is. In this case, where he leaves me is where he'll find me again. We've even agreed that when we settle it will not be "back home". Most likely in the Wimberley/San Marcos area. We like that one the best so far.
Does your skin tell everyone that you've had WLS????
Oct 01, 2008
I get it all the time when I go into a GNC or healthfood store, that I just don't LOOK like I've had gastric bypass. The first thing they say is that my skin glows instead of looking sallow and gray. I am told all the time now that I look so much younger.
Well, I owe my energy and renewed health to WLS, but I owe my skin to BeautiControl. You can look at some of my earlier pictures and see the difference in my skin. (I never wear foundation, just eye make-up, blush, and lip gloss) I just began using BeautiControl skincare and spa products back in May. The difference is amazing! My skin is soft, clear, and bright.
Currently enrollment to become a consultant is at it's lowest price. Just $99. For that you get $500 worth of product that is put together with YOU personally in mind. The skincare is the one that is right for your skin. The make-up is the one for your skin tone. The spa products are universal and loved.
I do not make any money off people enrolling. I, myself, do not actively sell BeautiControl. I enrolled to get the products for my own use. Even though we are military and move often, I never have to find someone else to buy from. I meet the minimum requirements just buying my own product and I get a deep discount (55% off) off my own purchases. That alone made it worth it.
So if you're interested, please message me. I'll be happy to give you more details or answer any questions.
Today is one of THOSE days...
Sep 23, 2008
I didn't weigh today, but I do have an observation. Before I started this journey, my lay around the house and be lazy clothes were baggy. The baggier the better. I couldn't stand for them to really touch me anywhere. As I got dressed this morning, it's a lazy crazy around the house day, I chose pull-on shorts and a t-shirt. That's not too strange so far. BUT they're princess pink close fitting soccer shorts. The t-shirt isn't at all flowy or baggy eithere. It fits in the shoulders...shows the boobs...and sits close down the trunk. Don't get me wrong, the body is far from perfect with my tummy bulge and the diastasis desperately needing surgical intervention, but I still feel good. I don't feel like my clothes are suffocating me. I'm not tugging at them. I'm comfortable. I'm not wearing men's workout pants or grandma's mumu either.
Things have definitely changed.
People tell me all the time how much younger I look. Ok, so I'm using BeautiControl skincare and it's awesome stuff. I sell it, BTW, so contact me if you're interested. ;)
BUT it's also about how I act, dress, and move. I don't think the actual weight-loss made me look younger, but it definitely made me feel younger. As a result, maybe I'm really acting younger. I don't think I act younger than I AM, but I'm finally acting my age and not like grandma.
I'm 32 and most women under the age of 35 automaticly assume I'm in the ballpark of their age, even if they are only 23. *LOL* It's good having people think you're 25 and just married to a much older man. I spent so many years looking and feeling older than my husband when he's got a good 6 years on me.
Which of course, makes me start hearing that song by Dr Hook and the Medicine show...."I've got a couple more years on you babe, that's all..."
A little lesson in music history for those who are just not into that stuff...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Hook_&_The_Medicine_Show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ3DWa_QLO4&feature=related
By all means branch out and try some of their music. ;) It's good feel good stuff!
143 and back on track
Sep 21, 2008
My mom and her husband went home yesterday since their power came back on. It was actually ok having them here. A little crowded but everyone was great.
On a completely different note, I got my new gadget. A BlackJack II. I've only had it for 2 days and it's definitely some work to figure it out. To be completely honest, I was so excited to get it and now I almost hate it because it's so hard to use. I'm sure I'll get used to it and then love it...I hope. DH and I agreed that I needed a PDA so that I wouldn't keep carrying around that thick planner everywhere I go. So after being a Franklin Covey girl for over a decade, it's hard to go from paper to tiny little buttons. *LOL* It's a bit frustrating.
145lbs as of today...
Sep 13, 2008
I've not been able to eat right really for 2 months and exercise was out of the question except to take the kids for walks. It really made me feel very run down. I found myself eating mostly south beach bars all day and only eating dinner with everyone else.
The weight continued to come off, but I'm sure it would have been faster or more if I'd been eating right. Not to mention how crappy my body felt.
So now I'm still unpacking because our household goods were delivered a week ago. I expect to be finished by Monday. I've already got the treadmill in the livingroom and begun to eat better food choices. I am also starting to measure everything again. Even my leftovers are getting vacuume sealed and frozen in individual pre measured portions for quick use later.
I'm going to try and get in to see my PCM in the next 2 weeks and get rolling on getting my stomach fixed. DH leaves for NTC around Oct 1 (in preparation for deployment).
I need to start getting an idea of when I get that procedure done so that I can see what sort of help I can get around the house during recovery.
I'm so tired of this bulge in my middle that makes me feel 4 months pregnant. I can wear anything from a size 10 to a size 14 depending on how it's made...but mostly size 12. That's pretty good from a tight size 26/28 not even a year ago. I know I'd be an 8 if I could have my stomach fixed. 8 would be small enough for me. Even if I never get smaller, though, I'm very happy with the journey I've taken.
162lbs....a loss of 93lbs
Jun 26, 2008
I'm one of the "lucky" ones who can eat almost anything. No sugar unless it's naturally occurring. No caffine (stimulant). No carbonation. Aside from that....bread, pasta, steak, salad, raw veggies, even the occassional potato chip at a party....no problems.
My portions are currently around 3/4 a cup at a time. I can eat a whole taco. I can eat 1/2 a quarter lb hamburger patty with cheese.
Tonight I'm loving Sheppard's Pie. I had some leftover homemade mashed potatoes, leftover rotisserie chicken, leftover steak. I threw the meat in the food processor to turn it into a ground meat consitancy. Layered it with carrots, greenbeans, peas, and corn. Topped that with a little fat free brown gravy. Then piled on the potatoes. I baked it for an hour. I was able to eat a condiments bowl (holds 3/4 c) of it. Some foods if they are heavy, I can only do about 1/2 a cup.
Tuna salad and crackers....meat, cheese, and crackers.....I can only do 3 crackers. I intend to keep it that way. I eat as much now as I EVER want to.
I'm struggling with my size though. I still feel bigger than I am. I have a hard time deciding what fits and what doesn't. I buy a pair of shorts that I think I will fit and they're loose. In 2 weeks they don't fit anymore. A waste of $$$.
I want to shop the sales and buy things that are at a discount, but I can't really because I don't know what size I'll be when that season comes around.
I don't see myself getting smaller than a 10/12 though. It just wouldn't be right with the way I'm built.
Down 86lbs and stress is killing me...
May 23, 2008
I was hanging on the edge about asking to get my panni in the first week of July. I really want to get it done, but I also want to wait until I'm completely finished losing.
It was going to be July because DH was deploying in December and he has block leave in July. So much has happened though. The army is trying to transfer him to a different unit. This is good because it means he won't deploy (as far as we know), we'll be moving closer to home, and he'll actually be doing his MOS. This is bad because we have to actually move, don't have the $ to move and put a deposit on civilian housing, don't have time to save enough $, and won't be able to get post housing for quite some time. There's still a possiblity the stop-loss will hit and we'll be staying here and he'll deploy, as well.
My baby brother's wedding is finally over. It was beautiful, but the expense of going to it broke us. No one can say I don't love my baby brother.
My extended family is one huge crisis and the whole thing just makes me angry and want to cry at the same time.
Then someone got mad at me today all because they were trying to call me and I had no idea my phone was dead.
Now I really do want to cry. My head is killing me and I just need a good long soak in bubbles.
Nothing seems to be going right lately. I get up just for someone to knock me back down again, it seems.
I decided to come back on here to update and to hopefully find some encouraging words.
Down 80lbs
May 07, 2008
In the last 3 weeks I'm only down 9lbs. That's 35lbs from goal. I go see my surgeon in 3 weeks and hopefully will be scheduling my tummy tuck.
I'm happy with my look and how I feel. I just want my hangy tummy gone so I can wear shirts that don't fall below my crotch.
I'm in a 16/18. 16 if it has stretch...
I just bought some tops in the "regular" people section of the store. They were XL, but a L would have worked.
I've gone from a 42C bra to a 38D. I'm almost down to a 36DD.
I'm anxious to drop more weight, but not because I'm concerned with my look. I'm only worried my surgeon won't approve the tummy tuck. I have a limited window to do it. I need it done at the end of June. I hope he'll consider going ahead because I'm happy with me now.
I still need to go and get my rings resized. My wedding and anniversary rings fly right off my hands if I'm not careful.
