Month 9 post Gastric Sleeve Surgery

My birthday in 2013 and 2014. Year of personal change!!

I haven’t been blogging very much.  I cannot pinpoint exactly why but, I am back… I hope to be more consistent.  So where are we in the journey of Rhonda’s weight loss and what’s happen the past six weeks?

I turned 35 and while it’s officially middle age I am not stressed or sad because I am "smaller" than I was when I graduated high school and I feel great. So, this age thing is not going to get me down.. (and repeat)..

We went to the beach for Spring Break and had a great time just resting and getting away. We loved Dauphin Island. If you like low key and the beach it's a great place. I need to blog on our great experiences. Anyways,  I had some “awe-inspiring” moments that seemed surreal during my clothing shopping adventures.  We had saved some money for us to shop with at the outlet stores. First up was some undergarments. I went from a 46/48 bra band size to a size 40. Wowzer. Then I went to buy some under armor compression heat gear.  Let’s face it- the big down side to weight loss surgery is this sagging skin and dang it, I will wear whatever to be comfortable in

Honeymoon 2012 and Vacation 2014

my skin. Compression and spanx feels good to wear because it’s supportive and keeps the loose skin in one place. Anyways, I was consulting the sales lady about sizing and how tight it should feel and she said I could do large in women’s or medium in men’s. I looked at the lady like she had lost her mind. She showed me who was boss.  I am wearing a large in compression clothing?!!  I have also purchased size 16 shirts. That seems unreal.  I am wearing XL shirts and not self-conscious as I was in my previous post. . Most pants are XXL/18/16. It depends on brands, size and material. One of my girlfriend’s says she varies from a size 4 to size 8 or 10. Holy smokes that’s crazy.  My friend Sarah is a consultant with CAbi and hosted a party at her home recently.  The clothing is flattering, chic and feels amazing. I bought 2 pieces- I can’t wait to share it with you. Again, the XL was too big.  :)

People often say, "I had no idea you were so fat". Umm yeah, I was fat and unhealthy. Very thankful I am getting less fat and trying to be more healthy. 

Size 18 dress bought at Macy's

My husband said our vacation was very different because I was full of energy and ready to go and he was tired and wanting to lay around. It felt good to “feel good”. I was able to enjoy thing my time with my family.

Measurements and weight.. I haven’t weighed in one month. Weighing after our Spring Break trip was out of the question. Then, I took my scales to work for a project and brought them  home on Friday. So, tomorrow will tell us the story.

Stress has defiantly caused me to eat candy and make poor food choices this past month. I still eat

 considerably less than I did pre surgery.  Most meals I eat 40% compared to a year ago. My “stomach” is not expanding. When I feel “pms-y” I eat what feels like a lot but, hey it happens and it's nothing like before. Here is photo of the dress I wore for a few special events. It is moving on to my friend Tracee's home. Happy to retire the dress that felt great for events. 

So, I have been busy with the last few months of school and with my college classes.. But, I still have goals:

1.  I have a wedding in 3 weeks. I am hoping to lose enough weight to wear a size LARGE dress I bought at the beach. 

2.  I am planning on starting back with my trainer for the months of June and July. 

3.  Drink more water. (the neverending goal)

4. I only buy clothes that actually fit and I like to wear at the moment- too many items purchased and not worn because they didn't fit or I suddenly didn't like it. Ha

I am not done!  The journey of having Gastric Sleeve Surgery in July 2013 was one of the best decisions I ever made. And they say "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step"... My journey is far from over.