New Job, Mom's Rock & 8 Weeks Post-Op

Tomorrow is my 8 week mark post-revision to the sleeve.  I am still chugging along.  They say, slow and steady wins the race right?  (I keep telling myself that hoping I'll believe it one of these times)  Things are progressing, albeit slow.  I've been about 210 for a little bit now.  I admit, I haven't planned nearly as much as I should lately.  I KNOW that I do better when I plan, but that hasn't been the case much.  I have some non-scale victories to report though!  My mom is super sweet and the cutest thing ever.  She sent me $100 to get a few new items to wear to my new job (I'll get to that in a minute...).  In NYC, $100 doesn't usually go very far, so I took my ass to Target and hit the mark down racks, then to Old Navy and hit up whatever sales were going on.  Here is me 8-weeks post op, taking a pic to send to my mom to prove I was buying clothes with her money and not making student loan payments:

Now here is my victory.  I am wearing size 16 pants in this pic (don't mind the crazy hair day I'm having, I think I used a fork for a comb or something), and the pants are actually a little too big!  Not only that, both the top and the sweater are size large and fit just fine!  NO XL's or XXL's here!!  That's a first!  I don't know how long it's been since I was able to be totally out of the XL zone.  I'm shrinking before my very own eyes!  Even though the scale isn't screaming "you've made it to the 100's!" just yet, my body is whispering (...you're almost there!).  I am committing in the very moment to go walking a minimum of 3 lunchtimes this week.  

I mentioned a little while back that I was interviewing for a new position in my hospital where I work.  Well I got the job!!  Woot!!  I gave my 2-week notice and will be starting my new position on October 14.  I am very excited to move on to something more challenging.  Of course this means tons more work, with not a huge pay increase, but I'm hoping that I will be able to prove myself important enough very soon to get a promotion that my new boss said we will have to get the compensation department to note and pay me accordingly.  All in all this has been an excellent couple of weeks.  I have been totally distracted from meal planning and school because of all this new job business, but I'm prepping to have a great fall season.  Squash recipes await!

6 Month Bandiversary



I know I'm a couple days late, but Wednesday was my 6 month Bandiversary.  I cannot believe it's been six months.  Here are a few of my achievements having lost 50 pounds thus far:

• I can now put on boots or shoes without struggling to pull my leg up toward me and holding my breath.  I used to be embarrassed to have to put on shoes that took any effort in front of people.  I would intentionally wear easy to slip on and off shoes if I knew I was going to be in front of people to lace or put shoes on.
• I can cross my legs pretty comfortably.  That means without holding up the crossed leg with my hand to keep them folded.  I can also cross at the ankles more comfortably too.  I feel so lady like!! (I no longer sit like a linebacker)
• Pretty much all but a few pairs of jeans are now too big on me!  I need to shop, but I'm hesitant.  I have been blessed with a friend who has had surgery before me (and who's an overachiever in the weightloss dept).  She's been passing down some great in between clothes to me.  Thanks LR!!
• I can go up and down the stairs more comfortably (and quickly!)
• I fit in most chairs easy breezy!
• I can now wear a sweater under my winter coat and not feel like a stuffed sausage!  Oh, and did I mention that I can button my winter coat and still have room??
• Time for new shoes too!  My feet are shrinking! Any excuse to shop...

Those are just a few of the great changes that come to mind.  I am discovering things daily that are making me smile.  For example, last night I was out with two girlfriends, both of which are "small".  One is petite, and a tiny little English elf, and the other is tall, super slim and huge knockers.  Last night for the first time in ages, I didn't feel like the fat friend.  I am still MUCH bigger than either of these two girls, but I felt completely comfortable.  I felt attractive and confident.  Not that I was much of one for a lack of confidence before, but now having the physical confidence to match the personal was a big achievement.  All week I have worn dresses to work, dressed in things I had considered "special occasion" clothes, and felt great about myself. 
So here are a couple pics, a before and now if you will.  I took the pic in the sweater dress on the 6 month anniversary.  Whatchya think?

BEFORE

(Taken 6 days Post-Op)

TODAY

(Taken 6 Month Post-Op)

Birthday, Thanksgiving, and an Unfill

I had a fill a couple weeks ago and yes I've lost weight since, but I have been getting sick intermittently.  Like really sick.  So after much contemplation, I have gone back to the doctor for an unfill.  I was definitely in the red zone.  If I was lucky, I might get down about 1/2 cup of food without launching into hurls.  I was only really keeping down soups, over easy eggs, or anything of that consistency.  I was having episodes of heartburn and or regurgitation when I would lay down.  Night cough.  Severe discomfort.  HICCUPS!!!  So off to the doctor I went and she has loosened me up "just a hair" as she said.  I can contest, it worked!  I just had some soup and I had restriction, but no pain or vomiting.  What a relief.  So now tomorrow, I can celebrate my birthday and thanksgiving without yacking all over the place.  These are my fancy birthday party it up nails!  Whatchya think?? (ignore the busted cuticles)

GLITTER!!!!

New Clothes!!!

I'm shrinking and so it's getting high time that I buy some new clothes.  I bought this sassy number from asos...

I also bought a couple more...

and...

I'm not quite out of the plus sized section, but I'm pretty sure by the spring I will be.  These dresses should hold me through the winter for work.  I am trying to buy things that I can style with belts, sweaters and such as they get too big.  Being that it's fall/winter, layering is expected so I'm not too worried. 

So how am I doing on the journey?  I have no idea!  I decided to stop stepping on the scale for a while.  I need to give it a break.  I started all this so that I would FEEL better.  Looking better is the bonus.  And the number on the scale is just that... A NUMBER.  I won't let it define my progress.  I'm enjoying watching my clothes get saggy on me.  While it's frustrating when looking for something to wear, it's kind of fun to redefine how I present myself to the world.  I'm so tired of wearing jersey knit and clothes with lycra and stretch!  I want to wear some nice fabrics!  I deserve it.  I work hard for my money and I deserve to feel good in the things that I spend that money on.