TazRN
Chugging Along
Apr 01, 2008
The week so far is going okay. I lost one pound today. Yipee KiYay - well not really that exciting, but hey a pound is a pound and for that I am thankful. I will take what I am given at this point. I wish it was coming off a little faster and who knows, it may pick back up very soon - I have definitely increased my protein intake and cut back a lot on carbs. I am excited to see where I will wind up this weekend with my weightloss for the week.
Life in general is great. Clothes are very loose now - will need new ones very soon (especially for church) - again, thank God for scrubs and me getting to wear them for my work attire. I am getting lots of compliments on my weightloss - this is very encouraging. Exercise is great - gets easier everyday. I am working out with the intent to get to the top of Chimney Rock in Asheville, North Carolina. This peak kicked my butt a few years ago - dam near killed me while I tried getting to the top - I did not succeed in getting to the top like I would have liked. This summer I will conquer that sucker, as well as ride the Top Gun Rollercoaster at Carowinds in Rockhill, South Carolina.
Well that is enough for now. Will update in a few days. Taz
Highest Weight - 367
Preop Weight - 336
Postop Weight - 334
Current Weight - 295
Goal Weight - 200
Life in general is great. Clothes are very loose now - will need new ones very soon (especially for church) - again, thank God for scrubs and me getting to wear them for my work attire. I am getting lots of compliments on my weightloss - this is very encouraging. Exercise is great - gets easier everyday. I am working out with the intent to get to the top of Chimney Rock in Asheville, North Carolina. This peak kicked my butt a few years ago - dam near killed me while I tried getting to the top - I did not succeed in getting to the top like I would have liked. This summer I will conquer that sucker, as well as ride the Top Gun Rollercoaster at Carowinds in Rockhill, South Carolina.
Well that is enough for now. Will update in a few days. Taz
Highest Weight - 367
Preop Weight - 336
Postop Weight - 334
Current Weight - 295
Goal Weight - 200
Slow Going Still
Mar 30, 2008
Well it is still slow going on the weightloss this week. Since 3/21/08 I have only lost 3 pounds and quiet honestly that to me just sucks my big one - literally. I have been busting my hump walking like crazy (2.2-4.4 miles per day) and exercising by playing tennis and boxing on my kids Nintendo Wii System. Now for all of you nay sayers out there who don't think playing tennis or boxing on the Wii isn't a workout, how about try it and then get back to me on it. I go for a good 30-45 minutes alternating between the two and it makes me work up a sweat. It sure beats sitting there and watching TV all day. It is also great when the weather outside is bad and I can't walk like I would like to. Anyway, one of my good friends here on OH (Cheryl C. - cudos) suggested that I up my protein from 60g/day to about 108g/day (based on my weight) and see what happens to the weightloss then. I am going to try this for the week and we will see what happens. Taz
Highest Weight - 367
Preop Weight - 336
Postop Weight - 334
Current Weight - 296
Goal Weight - 200
Highest Weight - 367
Preop Weight - 336
Postop Weight - 334
Current Weight - 296
Goal Weight - 200
The Longest Week
Mar 27, 2008
This week has been tough so far. I have only lost 2 pounds since last Sunday and that has been tough seeing how I have lost so much weight in such a short amount of time. I must say that taking 3 days off from exercise (family vacation) is probably a contibuting factor into why I haven't lost more. I also think it has to do with my body reacting to the amount of weight I have lost already. My body is in a state of shock and is making adjustments to the stress of what I have been putting it through (at least this is what I am thinking - based on what I have seen other people write about). I do feel good that I have lost a total of 70 pounds now. I will keep working hard and start back walking everyday again - the vacation is now over. Taz
Highest Weight - 367
Preop Weight - 336
Postop Weight - 334
Current Weight - 297
Goal Weight - 200
Highest Weight - 367
Preop Weight - 336
Postop Weight - 334
Current Weight - 297
Goal Weight - 200
Under 300
Mar 21, 2008
Today represent a huge hurdle in my weightloss journey. I have tipped the scales at the 299 pound mark and I am very happy to say the least. This is a defining moment for me because it represent the weight I was when I got married in 1991. I am hoping for many more hurdles that I can jump, but right now there is just something magical about being under the 300 pound mark. I am going to savor this moment for now and I am very thankful for achieving this milestone. There were many days (prior to surgery) that I often wondered if I would ever get under the 300 pound mark. Honestly, I never really thought I would be able to do it, but God bless my surgeon, Dr. Givens, for giving me the tool to lose this weight and start leading a normal healthy lifestyle without the use of medications. Taz
Highest Weight - 367
Preop Weight - 336
Postop Weight - 334
Current Weight - 299
Goal Weight - 200
Reliving My Youth - Memories
Mar 20, 2008
I just had to do it, I posted pictures of me from 20 years ago when I was in my prime and nothing, and I mean nothing, was an obstacle for me. I was loving life and enjoying every single minute. I had a great looking body that allowed me to do many uninhibited things. Hopefully my weightloss journey will help me to recapture some of those feelings. Having lost 64 pounds so far has already helped me get back some of my mojo. Can't wait to get some more mojo. In those pictures from 1988 I weighed 220. I am 83 pounds from looking good again. At least that is what I am going to tell myself. Taz
Back In the Groove
Mar 19, 2008
I am back at work and finally caught up with all of my paperwork for my students. That was the thing I dreaded the most in going back to work. I love my job and working with students in the hospital. I love shaping the minds of kids who will be taking care of me someday. Makes feel like I am making a difference in the world for everyone.
My students and coworkers were all floored in my appearance in such a short time away (2.5 weeks). Many just can't believe how much weight I have lost in such a short amount of time, to be honest - neither can I at times. But in reality, I do realize it because I am busting my ASS everyday to stay on track and not eat junk like cakes/cookies/french fries/etc. - it also helps that I have walked my tail off everyday since I got out of surgery. Over the last week and a half I have pushed myself to speed up my walking (even doing a little running) and distance. I am now doing anywhere between 2.2-4.4 miles per day. I really believe that increasing my distance and time has allowed me to lose more weight that would otherwise be possible at this point.
One last thing, I am slowly closing in on losing the approximate weight of one of my children. My son weighs 73 pounds and that has been kind of a short term goal for me. Weird I know, but in a unique kind of way. Those 73 pounds are symbolic because I see that as the equivalent of literally hauling my son around on my back every single day. Another way to look at it would be like carrying around six 12 pound bowling balls. What a load.
Highest Weight - 367
Preop Weight - 336
Postop Weight - 334
Current Weight - 306
Goal Weight - 200
My students and coworkers were all floored in my appearance in such a short time away (2.5 weeks). Many just can't believe how much weight I have lost in such a short amount of time, to be honest - neither can I at times. But in reality, I do realize it because I am busting my ASS everyday to stay on track and not eat junk like cakes/cookies/french fries/etc. - it also helps that I have walked my tail off everyday since I got out of surgery. Over the last week and a half I have pushed myself to speed up my walking (even doing a little running) and distance. I am now doing anywhere between 2.2-4.4 miles per day. I really believe that increasing my distance and time has allowed me to lose more weight that would otherwise be possible at this point.
One last thing, I am slowly closing in on losing the approximate weight of one of my children. My son weighs 73 pounds and that has been kind of a short term goal for me. Weird I know, but in a unique kind of way. Those 73 pounds are symbolic because I see that as the equivalent of literally hauling my son around on my back every single day. Another way to look at it would be like carrying around six 12 pound bowling balls. What a load.
Highest Weight - 367
Preop Weight - 336
Postop Weight - 334
Current Weight - 306
Goal Weight - 200
Holy Shit Batman - Stomach Restriction Has Been Found
Mar 16, 2008
Well I will say this, you can definitely tell when it is time to stop eating. For the first time since I have had surgery, I felt like what it means to "feel full". The restriction that I have been searching for finally kicked in tonight when I had a scrambled egg with bacon bits cooked in it (6 grams for the egg and 3 for the bacon bits sprinkled on top = 9 grams of protein). Believe it or not, I actually cooked two eggs with bacon bits (18 grams protein) thinking it would be no problem at all. You have to realize that up to this point, oatmeal and mashed potatoes were no problem going down at all - absolutely no restriction what so ever. It is hard to believe that one tiny egg had me down for the count. I ate five bites and the pressure in my chest said "take one more bite and I am going to make you throw up". I did not push the envelope. I finally felt full physically, but mentally that was a whole other story. Mentally, I did not feel like I had a meal at all. Is it my mind playing tricks on me? I can definitely see how I am now going to need to retrain my thought processes. One other thing, it really makes me wonder how in the hell people actually meet their necessary protein intake requirements, without supplementation. I just don't get it. I only ate 9 grams with one egg and active people are supposed to get 70-85 grams per day. I guess as time goes on and the pouch expands, more food will fit, but dam that was one weird feeling in my chest - right below the rib cage. I have often wondered what that full feeling would feel like and now I know. One last note, and please tell me if I am wrong, I feel like no matter what, I will have to drink at least one protein shake everyday for the rest of my life. I drink three everyday now to get 69 grams of protein in. I do envision getting down to one. Taz
Crazy Sunday
Mar 16, 2008
Sunday represents another good day on my weightloss journey hus far. Went to church again, 2 Sundays in a row - I'm on a roll, and again people were mystified with my weightloss so far. I lost 11 pounds this week alone from last Sunday and people can really tell the difference now. I am looking forward to more of that as time goes by. I will enjoy it now because I know there will come a point when it will fade away. I have lost 59 pounds total so far since I started my weightloss journey, 28 pounds since surgery on the 28th of February = 28 pounds in 18 days. I feel pretty good with where I am at right now. I lost a good bit prior to surgery ( lots of water weight ) so I really feel like what I am losing now is good "fat" weight.
Tomorrow I start back to work. Part of me is excited and part of me is nervous. I have gotten into a good routine being at home and being post-op (food, vitamins, eating, exercise, etc.) for the last two weeks. I just hope that I can transition everything back to the real world now. It was easy being at home and just concentrating on taking care of me, but now the real work/challenge begins - incorporating all of this stuff while dealing with family and work. I can't wait to see how this all plays out. Anyways, that is enough for now. I will update as my week goes on. The one good bonus, for this week, is that after these next few days pass by, I will be off from work for another week - due to spring break and the students getting the week off. Life is really good I guess. Taz
Highest Weight - 367
Preop Weight - 336
Postop Weight - 334
Current Weight - 308
Goal Weight - 200
Tomorrow I start back to work. Part of me is excited and part of me is nervous. I have gotten into a good routine being at home and being post-op (food, vitamins, eating, exercise, etc.) for the last two weeks. I just hope that I can transition everything back to the real world now. It was easy being at home and just concentrating on taking care of me, but now the real work/challenge begins - incorporating all of this stuff while dealing with family and work. I can't wait to see how this all plays out. Anyways, that is enough for now. I will update as my week goes on. The one good bonus, for this week, is that after these next few days pass by, I will be off from work for another week - due to spring break and the students getting the week off. Life is really good I guess. Taz
Highest Weight - 367
Preop Weight - 336
Postop Weight - 334
Current Weight - 308
Goal Weight - 200
Note To Self
Mar 13, 2008
Walking is melting my pounds away. Part of me wonders if I am pushing it too much. My body really feels okay, other than some muscle soreness from all of the walking I am doing, but once I get warmed up, the soreness works itself out. Starting on Tuesday of this week I decided to increase my walking 
routine from 1-2 miles per day up to 4.4 miles per day. Upon doing that I have seen my weight drop 2-3 pounds per day. 
I wonder how long this will keep going on? Part of me wants to take a break and maybe do this every other day, but the other part of me says keep going and see how much I can get off by doing this. I almost feel like it is a catch 22 situation. Anyway, I will have to see how this plays out in the next few days. On Monday I will be going back to work, so that may curtail some of my walking. I do plan to walk at least 2 miles everyday, but I don;t know if I can get the 4.4 miles in or not because right now I do 2.2 miles in the morning and 2.2 miles in the evening. I know that once I start work back, realistically I am just not the type of person to get up at the crack of dawn and do those 2.2 miles before I go to work. Might that change once I become more fit physically? Who knows at this point in time of my weightloss. 
I guess only time will tell. Taz
Highest Weight - 367
Preop Weight - 336
Postop Weight - 334
Current Weight - 314
Goal Weight - 200
Note to Self - It feels Dam good to be near the 300lbs. mark and it definitely feels Dam good to now be in the 40's BMI range instead of the 50's BMI range
routine from 1-2 miles per day up to 4.4 miles per day. Upon doing that I have seen my weight drop 2-3 pounds per day. I wonder how long this will keep going on? Part of me wants to take a break and maybe do this every other day, but the other part of me says keep going and see how much I can get off by doing this. I almost feel like it is a catch 22 situation. Anyway, I will have to see how this plays out in the next few days. On Monday I will be going back to work, so that may curtail some of my walking. I do plan to walk at least 2 miles everyday, but I don;t know if I can get the 4.4 miles in or not because right now I do 2.2 miles in the morning and 2.2 miles in the evening. I know that once I start work back, realistically I am just not the type of person to get up at the crack of dawn and do those 2.2 miles before I go to work. Might that change once I become more fit physically? Who knows at this point in time of my weightloss. I guess only time will tell. TazHighest Weight - 367
Preop Weight - 336
Postop Weight - 334
Current Weight - 314
Goal Weight - 200
Note to Self - It feels Dam good to be near the 300lbs. mark and it definitely feels Dam good to now be in the 40's BMI range instead of the 50's BMI range
Two Week Mark
Mar 12, 2008
Two weeks since my surgery took place and I must say that I am satisfied with where I am at, except for one thing, and that is I still don't feel any feelings of restiction or fullness. I am starting to wonder if I ever will. I might not and that means I will always have to be on my toes in regards to how much I eat. I am afraid it might possibly be a fact of life at this point. One week from now will tell the true colors because that is when I get to eat meats. Hopefully dense proteins will give me the feeling I am seeking, but if not, I have mentally started to prepare myself for what I must do for the rest of my life.
On other fronts, all my wounds are healing well. I feel like I am ready to take on the world physically. I feel like I am ready to start lifting weights again, but I must wait six weeks. I know, from my medical background, that it will take that long for my stomach muscles to heal up properly, even though I had the RNY laparoscopically. Exercise is great. I am walking 2-4 miles everyday and loving it. My joints, feet, hips, and lower back feel absolutely wonderful. I used to quiver at the mention of walking a mile, I could easily do it, but I would detest doing it. Now the miles are much easier to do both physically and mentally. Everything I have done up to this point has allowed me to hit an important weightloss mark and that is the 50# mark. To date I have lost fifty pounds and feel great about it. My next conquering mark will be the 75# pound mark. One only knows how long it will take. I would like to hit that mark before my next doctors appointment in April. Take care, Taz
Highest Weight - 367
Preop Weight - 336
Postop Weight - 334
Current Weight - 317
Goal Weight - 200
On other fronts, all my wounds are healing well. I feel like I am ready to take on the world physically. I feel like I am ready to start lifting weights again, but I must wait six weeks. I know, from my medical background, that it will take that long for my stomach muscles to heal up properly, even though I had the RNY laparoscopically. Exercise is great. I am walking 2-4 miles everyday and loving it. My joints, feet, hips, and lower back feel absolutely wonderful. I used to quiver at the mention of walking a mile, I could easily do it, but I would detest doing it. Now the miles are much easier to do both physically and mentally. Everything I have done up to this point has allowed me to hit an important weightloss mark and that is the 50# mark. To date I have lost fifty pounds and feel great about it. My next conquering mark will be the 75# pound mark. One only knows how long it will take. I would like to hit that mark before my next doctors appointment in April. Take care, Taz
Highest Weight - 367
Preop Weight - 336
Postop Weight - 334
Current Weight - 317
Goal Weight - 200
About Me
Location
35.7
BMI
Surgery
02/28/2008
Surgery Date
May 28, 2007
Member Since
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
