What a difference a year makes..

I mentioned in a recent post that one year ago this week, I made a decision to figure out a way to be healthier. I went to a seminar about weight loss surgery.. I talked with my PCP and she was on board with me getting healthy.. or as I would say to become less fat..

I want to just say- I am thankful for the compliments and acknowledgements. A lot of days, I smile and say thanks. I don't expect people walk around and hand out compliments to me. While this journey is a physical one - I hope my friends know that I am not that vain and a lot of days it's hard to admit that I allowed myself to get where I was. So, thank you for reading my blog and asking for updates and most of all for loving me at my highest weight and my current weight. I truly appreciate it. 

My friend Brent warned me about the haters out there. You know those people. They talk to others about your weight loss "surgery" and the fact that you posted on facebook you wearing jeans 4 size smaller..  I really wish those folks would delete me as a friend or get a life. But, I know that there isn't much I can do but, keep plugging along. Those people are why most people keep surgery a secret. Their sweet lil secret.. Honestly, those people can kiss my..... There is a reason why people say "Haters gonna hate". 

I dated a guy many years ago and his parents warned him the great danger of dating someone fat. I think that is about the dumbest thing to say. But, yes it is dangerous to be overweight. (to clarify I think it was more of social fear than my general health.) Cleary, I remembered that statement and the impact of those words.

So, on the road to being healthy and less "dangerous"..  This photo on the right was adoption day for John and I. I remember seeing these pictures and thinking I will put these pics on my wall with my wedding and honeymoon pictures- Happy and joyful times while being fat and really unhealthy (and dangerous). This will motivate me and remind me that yes, I was happy but, not healthy. Time for a change. A radical change!

One year motivated..  That's how I feel today. We are a few days away from my 3 month surgery anniversary. So, where am I?? I lost 15.2 pounds this month. whoa. WHAT??

Highest weight 353 +

Current Weight 278.4 (I triple checked it!)

TOTAL weight loss 74.6 pounds
BMI points lost  (since highest weight) 11.6

Total Inches Lost since 6/21/13 (Measuring fat is not easy!!)

• Chest 10 inches (3 inches last month!!!!!!)
• Arms 5 inches (In the beginning my left was smaller by 2  inches now they are about an inch apart)
• Bust  7.5 inches
• Hips 8 inches 
• Belly button region 9.5 inches (2.5 inches this month)
• Thighs 4 inches

Where I feel the most difference?  All over but, with clothes my butt and certain shoes. 

Goals for last month

Well, I had to make adjustments. Drinking more water but, not really keeping track. Being more proactive about adding veggies and fruit in my diet.  Working out 3-4 days a week is all my schedule allows right now. I am doing better with running but, I have not ran as much.. For the first time ever-- I am doing the elliptical for warm up. I have improved so much in my working out routines. Makes me feel proud because lots of folks only use an elliptical for working out and it's my warm up!!   Remember what I call county fair days at D1? (click here to read more about my first experience)?? (County fair is where you do mini station work outs for 30 seconds then move on- you can do anything for 30 seconds, right? Sometime, the coach changes the music every 30 seconds.. Intense and good for you!) I am going to say I almost rocked it this past week. I completed most of the challenges or stations and felt good. A great piece of advice from D1 was to eat a banana on my way to work out. Wow, I felt so much better!!!!  

I also had a goal to motivate others when I was given the opportunity. I appreciate all my friends who have shared this blog with their friends who complemtating weight loss surgery. I hope this helps them. When skinny or in shape strangers come up to me and tell me they read my blog, I get embarrassed and think why is that skinny person reading my blog.. Then I remember one day I will be healthy (and hopefully skinnier) and some overweight person will motivate me on why going to the gym is important. For now, I have my photos on my wall to remind me daily. 

Goals this month..  I want to continue making progress. When you look at the numbers and progress this month was incredible month. A dream come true. I saw my pcp the other day and I could tell by her response she was proud of my success. I am too- I have worked hard.  But, I also know there is a lot of people less fortunate than me and I know that I am blessed beyond measure... A second chance on life. 

Mid Month Update..

So for the next 8 weeks I will also be blogging about my experience with "Burn it 2 Earn it". Burn it 2 Earn it is a weight loss challenge that started on September 16th and ends November 16th.  I am not a person that likes to compete. Even with this workout challenge- I feel like my biggest enemy is myself. I think for a lot of people this is true. 

I started working out at D1 one month ago. I really wasn't sure that I really needed this type working out element. It felt a little intense and hard core. But, I worked out 1 day that week-- 2 days the next week and I worked out at D1 4 days last week. I am a believer. I need to be purposeful or intense if I am going to meet my long term goals!

Clearly, I stepped up my game by adding in the workouts. Working out has change my entire weight loss journey. It feels weird to say that but, its true.  I think as humans we don't want others succeed in where we have failed. What a waste! I am thankful that I am surrounded constantly by people who are encouraging me every step of the way.  It's also a key to my success.  This month I have lost approx 7 pounds. I am hoping for 10 pound loss by the end of the month! 

Non Scale Victories...

• I was solidly in a 26/28 clothing at the beginning of this journey. I am wearing mostly 22's and I even had a dress on the was 18/20 this week.
• My balance and physical endurance has improved greatly.
• While all of my workouts and trainings are still modified - my physical ability has improved.
• The whole reason this journey began was because we realize I was suffering from neck vertebrae separation and lower back issues due to weight. While I am have soreness from working out on a regular basis- I am not hurting anymore!
• I zipped up a raincoat the other day that I have never been able to zip up!!!!!!! 

I have also realized the importance of weight training. It's actually a huge part of melting off fat. I know- we have all been told lifting weights will make you gain weight or that it will "make you bigger".. Check your sources. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, a mere 21 percent of women strength train two or more times a week. What you don't know: When you skip the weight room, you lose out on the ultimate flab melter. Those two sessions a week can reduce overall body fat by about 3 percentage points in just 10 weeks, even if you don't cut a single calorie. That translates to as much as three inches total off your waist and hips. Even better, all that new muscle pays off in a long-term boost to your metabolism, which helps keep your body lean and sculpted.  (To continue reading more click here.) (and whoa!)

I am hoping to have a blog more about strength training soon! We started with some weight training this week.. I was so scared of the weight room but, I have decided that day by day I will conquer it. I was also recently told this: "Since fear is mostly about ignorance, the best part is that it's as temporary as you choose." My batwings (arm fat) need to leave permanently. 

Have you ever had a time in your life where you felt mentally "off"? Like everything is going
okay but, you can't seem to get motivated or feel excited? That was me this past week. I wasn't depressed but, I was not roaring to go..  Not a feeling I am used to feeling. I assume it could be a number of things.. I realized tonight that I missed a nutrition class at D1 today. I was so pumped for the class and I had it in my calendar or so I thought. uggh.. Now that I have started blogging I wonder if it's a ADHD issue.. Sigh..   Anyways,  I also spent the weekend trying out a few new recipes.. Here is a sneak peak. This is my breakfast "casserole". (It's healthy too!) I will post the recipe this week. 

Till next time..