It's the little things......NSV's galore!

When the scale decides not to move........it's time to focus on your non-scale victories!

It is funny the things you take for granted when your body is inline with societal norms and expectations.

I went to the movies on Friday afternoon, and found myself sitting differently in the seat.  I no longer have to lift my leg over my other leg to cross them.  Yep, that's right, I looked down and realized my legs were crossed and didn't even think about doing it, it just happened.  I haven't been that comfortable in a movie seat in.....well, I am not sure I can even think of the last time I was comfortable in a movie seat......

I also no longer have to worry about having to ask for a table, rather than a booth at a restaurant.  OR worry about whether I will fit into any other chair........my hips and thighs are smaller now. 

It is just amazing to me, how my body movies differently, how my clothes fit differently, it is a trip!

I bumped into my friend the other day, at the gas station, and she didn't recognize me.  I see this friend at least every other week and she had to do a double take before she recognized it was me.  BEST COMPLIMENT EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Only 3 months out from surgery, down 50lbs since surgery day and 94lbs since April!  The journey is just beginning!!!

By the numbers........

The numbers don't lie!  I can't believe that I have lost 9.25 inches since January 9th!  That is CRAZY!!!!!   That makes a total of 37.25 inches since June 29th.

I know I complain about going to the gym, but I do LOVE the results that it is showing.  A HUGE thank you to Liz Dumont with B4 Fitness and Lifestyle Coaching! Check out the classes and training she offers: http://www.bariatricbootcamp.net/.

She pushes you while understanding the needs of a bariatric patient. I wouldn't go to the gym unless I had someone pushing me and encouraging me.  The group of women in our Monday and Wednesday strength training class are amazing and keep me going!  Such a great support system.

I started my journey at 419 back in April.  My surgery weight was 375 and my current weight is 330.  I use the numbers on my scale at home.  I am really trying to focus on non scale victories and inches and not the number on the scale.  As long s the scale is moving in the right direction, I am happy!

NSVs

• Until yesterday, I had never been able to adjust my car sea, without opening the car door.  Last night on the way to the gym, my seat didn't feel right, so I reached down and was able to adjust it without difficulty!
• I can put my hand on my office chair, while I am sitting in it.
• I no longer need a seatbelt extender when I fly.
• I was able to have a bite of a dessert and be satisfied.
• My rings are all getting too big.

So, if I can make the life changes to become healthier, so can ANYONE!!!

PS:  My blog yesterday about sex, was the most viewed blog yet....you dirty people!  :-)

Let's talk about sex baby..........

I am now 10 weeks out and I'm not sure if anyone else has experienced this....but damn my sex drive is a little crazy!!

Regardless of which procedure you choose, there are going to be hormonal changes.  I have definitely experienced this.  I have moments, when I just cry, for no apparent reason.  But I have also had an increase in my sex drive.

"In a 2012 study published in Science Daily researches found that fertility did not increase but libido (sex drive) increased"

When you are overweight your body produces more estrogen. When you lose weight, the estrogen is decreased and the testosterone to estrogen ratio is increased. Testosterone is linked to higher energy and sex drive.

There was a study in 2010 that found that 70% of women who had WLS reported improvement in sex.  The study reported that there was an improvement in sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and overall satisfaction.

Now, some of this is hormonal, but let's face it, when you drop a ton of weight, you feel more attractive.  And, we all know that confidence is sexy.  So if you are feeling better about yourself, your confidence has increased, you will start to receive attention from people that you never thought you would receive attention from.  This is certain to have a part in an increased drive.

I did a great deal of research before surgery, but I sure didn't think to research sex after weight loss surgery. I have always been comfortable in my skin and been a pretty confident person, but I definitely look in the mirror and see positive changes that I like and am becoming more and more comfortable in my own skin.  I always assumed it would improve because my body would be smaller which would open up more variety in positions, etc.

Anyway......just another layer of complexity to this life changing decision!

This Is Us.......

I adore the show This Is Us!  No really, adore is not the right word.  It is a show that touches me every time I watch it.  There are lots of powerful messages.

I was excited to learn they were going to do a story line around weight loss surgery, but I was also nervous that they wouldn't do the process justice.

The reason I have been so open about my journey is because I want people to understand it is not a quick fix, it is not the easy way out, I did not "cheat" because I chose surgery.

So to hear interviews with Chrissy Metz where she says she is losing weight, but didn't chose surgery because she didn't want a quick fix, I get frustrated.  Do you drop weight quickly at first...of course you do, because you have a significantly smaller stomach AND you can't fit much into it, so your body starves and feeds off of fat that is stored.

Trust me when I say the surgery itself, is the easy part of the journey.

My emotions have been ALL over the place for the past 7 days.  I am tired of always eating and drinking.  I am tired of weighing my food, tracking what I eat and struggling to get in all the protein I need, plus adding veggies.  It is frustrating to never have clothes that fit properly because you are dropping weight and it doesn't make sense to buy clothes because they will be too big in just a few weeks. 

It is an emotional journey and unless you prepare before surgery, really change your relationship with food, get active and surround yourself with supportive people, even surgery won't help you lose and maintain significant weight loss.

This morning, on my surgery center's FB support page, Dr. Dovec shared that the average person does 22 diets before they even look into weight loss surgery.  So, pretty sure that means those fad diets, diet programs, etc are not quick or long term fixes........

She also said that only 1% of all Americans who qualify for weight loss surgery actually have the surgery.  There are approximately 200,000 weight loss surgeries performed annually.

Surgery ONLY works IF the following formula is put into place:  (stolen from Dr. Dovec)




weight loss surgery + changing your understanding and relationship with food + getting more active + mental health strategies = LIFELONG SUCCESS

Here's hoping that the writers do this story line justice and it is accurate!

Anyway.........I will continue to share my story and journey so people understand what weight loss surgery is really about!

Food Culture

Last week, I was in Birmingham, AL for work.  I always knew that my company had a serious food and alcohol culture, but you really notice it when you are not partaking.  I was a bit nervous about the trip because it was the first trip I have been on since surgery.

So many things went through my mind, would I need a seat belt extender, what would people say when they saw me (seeing they haven't seen me in a year), how will I manage food and will I be okay with everyone drinking around me.

So......when I got on the plane, I immediately tried the seat belt and cried.  I didn't need the extender.  I can't remember the last time I flew and didn't need a seat belt extender.  I even own one because I was tired of being embarrassed every time I had to ask a flight attendant for one!

We don't always see the physical changes in us....sometimes we have to rely on others to point them out to us.  Everyone was so kind and flattering.  I was glad they were able to see the difference because I don't always.  It made me realize that my hard work is paying off!

Because I have been so open about my journey, I wasn't too worried about people being curious about my portion sizes.  But again, damn does my company have a serious food culture.  All was good, I was able to find food that worked with my tummy......then I encountered cheese curds....yep, deep fried fattening cheese!  I couldn't help myself, I could only eat 1, but it was sooooooo good.  Our meetings always end with an amazing meal.  We went to a steak house, no problem right?  WRONG!  I ordered chicken, was proud!  I didn't have any bread, again, I was proud!  I had 1 shrimp wrapped in bacon, still doing good.  Then our server, Steven, brought out delicious gratin potatoes.  So, I just had one small bite of potato.  Still not bad, right?  I have a sweet tooth, that doesn't quit for days.  Dessert came out and it had creme brulee on it.  Soooooo, like an compliant bariatric patient, I had a bite of all three small desserts.  Yep....bring it on food police!  I am 9 weeks out and dove into the deep end.  My portions were still very small, but clearly I overate that night.

So why am I not beating myself up over the food cheats?  Because what I realized was, my relationship with food has forever changed.  I eat to live, don't live to eat.  I eat because my body needs me to.  I didn't feel like I was missing out.  Because I have been so open about my journey, most people were supportive and respected my food choices and portion sizes.  Remember, I said, we have a serious food culture?  Well there were a few people who were food pushers.....but I explained to them why I was choosing not to eat different things, even though they still didn't understand.  My journey, not theirs!

I also learned, that I really miss being able to have a beer.  I didn't drink often before surgery, but I miss not having the option available.

I have to trust the process and do my best to work hard to get the results I want and need. 

I am 36lbs away from my 2nd scale goal.  I know I am going to be very emotional the day the scale reads 299.  I have NO idea when the last time the scale read under 300lbs.  My mom found an old camp physical slip and the weight listed was 172lbs.  That was from when I was 12 years old.  That is my current goal weight!  

Hard work pays off and anyone who says weight loss surgery is the easy way out.....well they can kiss my ass!  This is one of the hardest physical and emotional things I have ever experienced.