I have been reaping the benefits of losing weight in several ways: increased energy level, more self-condidence, and of course, NEW CLOTHES! But I am now beginning to notice a new and even more amazing benefit from this surgery...very minimal back pain! Most of you know my history-I had back surgery at 15 and was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis of the spine. Needless the say, the 100+ pounds I packed on after high school only made my back pain worse. Not to mention that I chose a profession where I am on my feet, lifting, pushing, and walking for 12 hours at a time. I used to take 8 advil a night just to get through work!
But lately, I have noticed a very significant decrease in my back pain and stiffness and I have taken ZERO medication for back pain since my surgery (Advil and Motrin are not allowed anymore with my new stomach). Last night I had an extremely busy and active night at work, I was on my feet for the first 5 hours straight without a break. I kept thinking, "wow, I am going to feel this tomorrow" But guess what...I don't feel anything! I woke up feeling great, no backache, no stiffness. This is a brand new development! A year ago, a night like I just had would have left me taking handfuls of Advil, laying on heating pad, and being "down in my back" for 5-7 days. I really enjoy buying new clothes...but I have to say a healthy back feels even better!!
*note* For some reason, no one is able to comment on my blog since I changed the layout. I have not figured out why. But feel free to e-mail me, my address is at the right of this page. I love hearing feedback and that I am inspiring others!!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Another reason to smile...
Monday, May 18, 2009
Realization...
Today I had one of those days where I just wanted to cry all day. I know you've all been there. I was emotional, sensitive, and stressed, and it seemed every little thing raked on my nerves. I blame PMS, because like I said, nothing really specific happened and I mostly was just feeling sorry for myself. The point of my post is not to gain pity, though, but to reveal a huge realization...
I didn't/couldn't use food to soothe my stress today. In fact, it never even occurred to me to eat away my stress, because I think I have finally accepted within myself that food is not there for comfort anymore. This is a huge realization for me! In the past, my teary-eyed PMS days were filled with comfort foods-ice cream, fast food, junk food- you name it. And I always told myself that I "deserved" it because I was stressed. Well today, I had to find other means to deal with it. And, seeing that this is all fairly new for me, I probably did not handle it as well as I should have! I bit my fingernails, cried, and moped around the house watching lifetime movies. But I didn't eat!! And I didn't want to! I did, however, hang up a few new items of clothing that I bought yesterday in sizes I haven't worn in years. THAT was waaaay more satisfying than any variety of ice cream Ben and Jerry's could ever conceive :)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Side by side-profile
New Stats!!
I realize it's been awhile since I have blogged (on this blog anyway, lol). The "new-ness" of the surgery has worn off and it's just become a part of my life now. I find myself saying very often, "no thank you, I don't have a stomach" I love to see people's reactions to that! :) Of course, its a bit of an exaggeration, because I do have a stomach, but it's just not much to speak of!
When having lunch with some friends from work last week, I finally had to tell the waitress that I'd had weight-loss surgery because she just could not understand why I was only ordering a cup of soup with nothing to drink. People look at me like I am crazy when I order food now! I don't/can't drink with my meals, but I have learned to just go ahead and order something because it really seems to bother the waiter when I don't! But then the waiter is always asking me if my drink is okay, because I never need a refill, just a to-go cup! It really is an intriguing way of life, I must say! I have to say I really am adjusting well, I don't feel deprived, I feel FULL! I am still eating about a half cup of food per meal, but it's not as much of an exact measurement of food as it is, 3 bites of this, 2 bites of that and I'm done. Yesterday I had 3 bites of a chicken sandwich and 5 french fries and was completely stuffed. (yes, I realize french fries aren't on the plan, but hey, I am only human...and it was only 5!) I really make a point to consume protein at every meal, anything else is just taking up precious space!
Well, I am going to quit rambling and get the the point of this post--New stats! I hit a 2 week plateau on the scale, and then finally overcame it with a 7 pound loss. Yea! But all the while, my clothes were literally falling off of me more and more each day. I almost lost my scrub pants in a patient's room last week! So I knew I was losing inches even if the scale wasn't budging. I have no idea, NO FLIPPING IDEA, why I didn't take my measurements before surgery. Craziness I guess. But, refer to the top right of this page for my pre-surgery clothing sizes, BMI, and body fat %. Today I will be adding my current clothing sizes, BMI, body fat %, and measurements. I also realize it's been awhile since I've posted a pic of myself, so I will try to have Chris take one of me tonight to post. Okay...enough talking...drumroll please! (I am posting the new stats here and above right, side by side with the old stats)
STATS 5/14/09 3.5 months post-op
Weight: 255 (-58.5 lbs)
BMI: 37.7 (-8.6)
Body fat: 40.6% (-14.3%)
Jean size: 20/22
Scrub top size: 2X
Scrub pant size: 2X
Bra size: 40 D
Waist: 45 inches
Hips: 54 inches
Thighs: 32 inches
Calfs: 16 inches
Now, I have some measurements to use as a baseline! I plan to take measurements once a month. I am feeling great and so excited to say I am going into this summer with more confidence and optimism than I remember...probably ever! I am also only about 25-30 pounds away from my high school weight...now THAT will be a milestone to celebrate! I am going to party like it's 1999! LOL , seriously...because that's the last time I was that size...in high school! Get it? okay....been up 25 hours....it's starting to show...I'll end this post now :)
