Weight loss surgery to baby Feb update

It's already February.. Time is flying- So- a few weeks ago I was at a fellow staff member's home and saw a newsletter on the fridge talking about how we spend our time. It got me to thinking.. 1% of the average day is roughly 15 minutes. Do you spend 1% of your day working out? reading your bible? praying? working toward your goals? Often times when I say I just don't have time for _________.. I stop and think umm- is this important? If so then I make time for whatever... I mean we all have 2% of our day to take time for ourselves..


I had my 2nd appointment with the baby psychiatrist doctor this week. I was in a mood- first I was a few minutes late.. then the scales weight me in at 10+ pounds than usual... I told the doctor I thought his scales were crap- he says well, actually we occasionally adjust the scales to panic folks. Looks like it worked on you... Umm yeah, I did not think it was funny..  then he kept on with his humor- calling the baby (that is not been created) the "twinzies".. He thinks red headed twins would be so fun. I didn't really care for his humor- and he didn't stop calling the baby "twinzies".. I am rolling with it on the outside- but, inside I am like not one bit funny. Haha. I love babies but, the thought of having twins is overwhelming.. We did a lot things at the appointment- blood work and psych evaluation- He talks about stuff I never think about- like the plan to lose weight post pregnancy- He is committed to working with me. I guess I can get over his funny sense of humor.  haha.. I am totally off melatonin and using essential oils. I am a fan of Young Living essential oils- I hope to keep tracking my experience so I can share with you. I know to some folks it's hocus pocus- I understand. 




I have pretty "relaxed" about losing weight- it's been a while since i have made real progress. It's time to step on the train- and seriously finish what I started- how many times have I said that?? So, I am pretty much going hard core with weight loss the next 30 days. I have been making changes and not seeing weight loss- if this continues I will probably start checking in with doctors..  I need to do my part- tracking calories, seriously working out and and following the plan post surgery. 

My hubby John is a beachbody coach and has purchased the 3 day refresh for me. I start it Monday- Shakeology says: In just 3 short days, you can get your health, energy, and vitality back on track—all without starving. Don't worry, I am not expecting miracles- I think of it more like a cleanse. Then I plan to do a higher protein diet- which is what I am suppose to be doing.. I also am committing to 4 days of working out a week. I hope to do more.  I have worked to hard to not finish what I have started!!!  And, since I will gain weight during pregnancy- I need to be in shape before we get started.As far as our goals for 2015- we are standing strong. We finished our foster parent classes. We are eating better at home..  We are "gazelling" our way through debt. If you have not taken the time to learn about Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University- then let me step upon my soapbox- we did it as a part of our premarital counseling process- it is great. We got off track for about year or so but, we are more committed than ever- because we are committing to our budget we are able to travel and do things we had planned. By committing to our budget we are hitting our goals by decreasing debt- You can do it too!
So I know what you are thinking.. Rhonda is like one big networking scammer.. Haha. It's okay to think that.  More updates coming soon. Make sure you take time to make your goals happen!  

8 months post op

So, I started several posts and never actually completed them. I am not doing a very good job at blogging. Motherhood, Full time school, a "part time" job that is really full time and life is my excuse.

In my post that I never posted I said this:

Okay, top right was Oct. 2012,
Bottom left was July 2013,
the other photo was Feb 2014.
This shirt no longer fits!!!!

I feel that I am doing okay. I am 7+ months post op from the Gastric Sleeve Surgery at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. And I am celebrating 105 pound GONE.  I was barely fitting in a 26/28 and now I am in a 18/20.

 I feel like I spent 2 months trying to clear the 100 pound hurdle. But, I woke up one day I was actually out of the 250's and was down 105 pounds. One year ago, I was 353 pounds. I was in a bad shape. I wasn't honest with my life or myself a year ago.. I was merrily surviving.  I have 3 friends who are going through pre op preparing for surgery. I have to keep myself in check because I want to jump up and down and scream "You are making the BEST decision of your life"!! And for me, it has been the right decision for me.

--------------

So, we are 8 months post op today and I still wanna scream "best decision ever!!" How do I feel? Great. I am so thankful to be where I am at today. My PCP and my ob/gyn also feel that I am doing good. We are all in agreement that I am in a much better place health wise.  I am very close to being at the size I was in high school. I have no idea what I really was weight wise. I am also going to bypass my husband and my brother's weight and I have a feeling there will there will start some healthy competition begin.

My wedding weekend in May 2012 (size 3x shirt) and Feb 2014.

People are concerned my stomach will stretch back out. Well, here is what I know: Somedays I can eat a lot. I mean like a lot. Like breakfast, non fat latte, skinny cow bar, smoothie, half sandwich, chips, popcorn and a dr. pepper. Somedays 2 bites of any meal I choose and I am in misery. There are more meals that are a few bites than than the "eating a lot" days. I definitely make bad decisions some days. Snow days at home with my family are a guarantee bust. But, you know what my worst day now eating is probably better than my best day 1-2-3-4-10 years ago. So, I do not dwell on it. Plus it's all in moderation. My sleeve/stomach has attitude and sometimes I eat something and have no problems and a week later- I eat the same thing and feel miserable.

So, what is the progress like?  Remember they say you do the best in the first 6 months. So, I am on the "slower" period of weight loss. I am very happy with my progress thus far though. The truth is it's hard to tell when I lost 50 pounds but, now people can tell every 10 pounds I lose. That's good cause I need encouragement!  

I am in the 240's. (it's silly to post an exact number because it changes every day up and down) (110 +/-  pounds lost)
I am in a size 18 but, can wiggle my hips into a size 16. I am in a XL shirt but, still feel self conscious. My 2x shirts is too big. I have quite the chest and we do not expect I will lose as much there. That's ok I am not afraid of breast reduction surgery!! I also have some extra skin to pass along to anyone needing it.

The non scale victories are lots of fun!

February 28th and December 28th

Ring size was a size 8 and had to resize my ring to 6.5!!!!
My photos from 2 months ago show major progress. Check out the photo --->
I am down at least half size in shoes.  (was a 10 and now between 9 1/2 and 9). One foot is bigger than the other..
Unofficially (my husband isn't home to measure me) I have lost 56 inches in various parts of my body.
My chest, hips, belly 13+ inches gone.


It's becoming challenging to measure the inches with the loose skin and I could really wear spanx all day and be okay. That means I have a lot of firming up to do. aka I need to get back to working out on regular basis..

I still miss food. But, food doesn't comfort me or make me feel better. People have told me I make the journey look easy. I am glad to hear that. It's much easier than being fat but, I would not use the term easy. Nothing about weight loss is easy. It's hard work. It doesn't matter if you have 10 pounds to lose or 200 pounds it's hard work. I want to continue to encourage people to step up to the challenge and do something stop surrounding yourself around negative people/haters. I once read:  “Success is a journey, and the road to get there isn’t easy. There will be those who say you can’t make it, ‘it’s too tough’, or that you’re not strong enough, others will try to challenge your strength and try to knock you off and some will refuse to get out of your way. Success is a journey, and for me – it was worth the wait”

To my supporters who encourage me often- thank you. It's means a lot to me and as my dad always says keep on, keeping on. 

twitter.com/mamabensen
http://instagram.com/mamabensen
https://www.facebook.com/rhondad

BatWings!

So, my least favorite part of my body?  My batwings! (Batwings also know as upper arm fat.) I own it and I know they are something I inherited genetically from Granny Duckett! Yesterday, while shopping at Boutique (yes, I can shop in them now!) I saw a shirt and thought I can pull it off with my already present batwing arms and maybe I can do it with leggings! Umm NO. Sometimes, you need to know just because you have lost a lot of weight, they carry the outfit in your size and a style looks good on  others doesn't mean you should wear it. I feel like my arms look even bigger.  I am NOT sad or depressed- it actually reminds me the journey is not over. So, for my friends and coworkers and pull off the style please rock it for me. 

My brother and I lose weight in 2013!

We have had a lot of family time recently. Thanksgiving, Wedding extravaganza, Christmas and the actually wedding was all in the past few months. I am not complaining. It’s a special time and it’s been fun. A year ago during Christmas I shared with my family that I was going to have weight loss surgery.  Many folks do not share because of the “back lash” or lack of support but, I felt that this battle needed my family's support and I didn’t want to mislead anyone. My family was supportive but, my brother will tell you he was apprehensive. I shared with him that losing weight is a journey that lots of people take- some of us will succeed and some will fail. All of us will take different roads to get our results. No road is “easy”. My brother was 298 pounds last Christmas. He really didn’t have room to judge and he knew it. Being fat sucks. 

So, he left that Christmas and made some decisions. He started working out, changed his eating and got with his PCP to help create a plan for him to lose weight. I think he wanted to show me he could do it. He did it. He lost over 75 pounds. He looks fantastic.

My Brother Kyle and I lost a combine total of  170 pounds in 2013!

The New Year is a time when lots of people make goals and jump on the bandwagon to lose weight. I support getting healthy. Some people need medication; some people need weight watchers, some people need to get moving and some people need surgery. I support it all. My life has greatly improved..

 Everyone says I look better but, more than anything I feel so much better. I was in bad shape a year ago. I was weighing in at over 350 pounds. My feet hurt so bad- I was sick on antibiotics 3 times last November and December. My breathing was labored and I was developing asthma. I had no energy and felt exhausted much of the time. My life was leaving me in the dust. I was really too fat to work out. Let's be honest I had a big amount of weight to lose!

Today, I do not diet. I had a lifestyle change. I did use phentermine for 6 months and lost 13 pounds. I know many people who lost weight with phentermine, hormone injections or shakes. I think I would have been more successful had I done a few things differently. Weight loss plans like weight watchers are proven to be a great tool. Working out is also a great tool. All these things are tools. Tools to help you be healthy and feel better. These tools do not work if you don’t make a decision to eat better.

My brother and my family are supportive. I am blessed without a doubt! They know that losing weight is hard and it's challenging. It's a mental game as much as a physical game. I didn’t just have a surgery and lose weight. Therapy along with working out and some other life styles changes was important key to my success. 

You can have a getting healthy story like Kyle and I have by next Christmas. It’s not going to be easy but, I promise you it will be worth it. I guess it’s only fitting that my brother gave me scales for Christmas. He knows I will not be offended and use the precious gift. It’s all fancy and tells me I have not drinking enough water. Ha!  

Losing weight isn’t easy. If it were, everyone would be doing it. The most important thing you can do for yourself today is to live a healthy, active lifestyle. Remember, weight loss is not a race but a marathon. Our bodies, our minds, our lives are meant to be filled with balance. Learn from us and get motivated to change your lifestyle in the New Year.  Cheers to 2014 and to your life being better.

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. 

The in Between?!

I love antique shopping. On Friday, I stopped at a sale near work because they had chairs I wanted. They were waay out of my price range. So, I put in a bid and they called Saturday and said they were mine! (that never happens!) So Sunday, I pick them up and I am hanging out because it's raining and I would prefer to not get my new to me "victorian parlour chars" wet! Somehow we start talking about losing weight and low and behold the lady having the sale had "gastric sleeve" surgery. She was 20 or 30 years older than me and has already had hip replacement surgery. Her husband didn't support her or come to the hospital during surgery. Her sister took care of her post surgery. She talked about the fear of working out.. Of course, we talked about loose skin and our options.. And it's in that moment I realize again -I am blessed..

Here I am. One year ago this week- I asked my husband what he thought about me having weight loss surgery and I met Dr. Fuller (my surgeon) at a weight loss seminar..  And now I am 11 weeks post surgery.. Beginning my 6th week of working out..  What an incredible journey to being healthy! I like working out but, I struggle with eating enough and working out. I am working out 2-3 days a week to be able to keep it balanced. (what a somewhat silly problem to have!) There is not many days I hit over 1,000 calories. I like working out especially when I am not dying. It's strange, eh? I think the weight training is going to be a key part of me tightening up my skin as I lose weight.

We all make excuses for being unhealthy or fat or apathetic. My girls keep me busy with appointments. I struggle with finding time for everything. Maddie has allergy shots twice week. I actually started shots too. Sounds great but, we learned that I don’t do well working out post allergy shot. One more thing to work around. Maddie has 4 doctor's appointments this month.. This month Lauren has 4 doctors appointments this month plus weekly therapy and weekly i Can dance class.  Life is about choices and decisions. I am moving personal therapy to twice a month. I am not going to feel guilty for working out only 3 times a week. I am working out more this month than I worked out in the past 2 years. We do what we have to do for our families. Oh, have I told you I am taking 12 hours of college classes too? Yes, yes I am crazy but, blessed!

I am excited to do my three month update (coming up next Sunday night). I hope to finish the week strong!  I am about 30 pounds from being to my halfway point. I do believe I am "thinner" than I have been in 5 years. Defiantly since I moved Little Rock. Eating is getting easier but, I still struggle with eating enough. My favorite go to lunch is smoothie (with splenda and soy protein) and half sandwich. {Total Calories=500 calories and Total Protein= 50} I usually do eggs for breakfast but, no matter how I spin it- 1 egg is all I can do. Dinner is usually a few bites and I feel done. So, as you can imagine I feel like my tropical smoothie lunch is important.

I waited long enough. I have been overweight 20 years. I am committed to being healthy and sharing my story. The ups and the downs. The highs and the lows. The success(es) and the struggles.

You are the author of your story. Make it a good one. Some of my contacts are below. And as always, thanks for reading. Your support means so much!

My (Surgeon) is Dr. Jon Fuller. He is at Arkansas Bariatric Surgery Center. You can click here to learn more about weight loss surgery with Dr Fuller.

Josh (My physical therapist) says you don't even have to join D1 gym to receive PT with him. Seriously, if you have joint or muscle aches or  just too fat or too weak to work out please call or email Josh. (joshlanders(at)sbcglobal.net) or message me for his #. He takes most all insurances.    

If you are looking to step up to your game then Tisha is the person to connect with at D1. (tisha.kelly(at)d1sportstraining.com

Day 1 of the D-1 experience

It's late. I am tired and sore- so this will be short and sweet.  Andrew was right! The experience was awesome. It was addicting.. The people are encouraging.. And boy howdy, do you feel the work-out.

Background info on D-1:
D1 is The Place for The Athlete.  They provide custom training programs, expert coaching and the latest in physical therapy, all in a motivating, high-energy environment. Every person who walks through the doors of this state-of-the-art facilities is trained and treated like an elite athlete.  D1's athletic-based, motivating atmosphere is designed for student-athletes and adults to receive the D1 Experience via their replication of top college/pro training environments and facilities.  D1 places a strong emphasis on developing positive character, core values and self-esteem, ingraining character building in every workout. Profanity, negativity and tardiness are prohibited at D1. Click here to check out Little Rock D-1.

My thoughts:

D-1 is serious, motivating, positive and hard work. They use everyday tools to help you be your best. This is

not dancing or movement class or walk around and get your heart rate up.. This is a fast paced training environment where you might or might not cry 30 minutes into because you physically can't go another step- they encourage you EVERY step of the way- even if when your only half done. They were so glad I just showed up. I will not lie.. I completed warm ups (jogging 4 laps, doing lunges and other activities I can't really describe then we did "mini station work outs".   There were 2 -5 exercises I could do. There were 2-5 exercises I couldn't do.. and 2-5 I just didn't do because of my tiredness. As my leader (Tish) says "listen to your body"- so I made it roughly 30 minutes. Tish said.. I would be tired tomorrow. She was wrong. I was tired 15 minutes after I left... I am pretty worn out.

Hey, I did waaay more today than I have done in years. Ladies and gentlemen we will call this success.  But, I am going back. Actually, I am joining a Burn it 2 Earn it weight loss challenge at D-1. So, it looks like I will be sticking around till the holidays. Come join me. If I can do it then so can YOU!!

FEAR (just a 4 letter F word)

We fear the thing(s) we want the most. Why is that?  Have you ever been so afraid of failing at something that you decided not to try it at all? Or has a fear of failure meant that, subconsciously, you undermined your own efforts to avoid the possibility of a larger failure?  I mean I am sure most of my readers have experienced this at one time or another. The fear of failing can be immobilizing – it can cause us to do nothing, and therefore resist moving forward. 

But when we allow fear to stop our forward progress in life, we're likely to miss some great opportunities along the way.

A few weeks ago- one my former co-workers asked me if I wanted to work out at D-1. For those of you like me-allow me to explain--- D-1 Sports Training (A Place For THE ATHLETE) is an athletic training complex that does like NFL combines  and they are generally owned by athletes like Peyton Manning, Michael Oher, Tim Tebow and the one in Little Rock is co-owned by Jermain Taylor. I am not an athlete. No one uses that word to describe me. 

And then the stories begin in my head.. I don't have the clothes to work out. What if I am the fattest girl ever to work out at D-1? What if the people there think I took the "easy way" out?  What if I collapse after 3 minutes? What if...... Wait- what am I scared of? Failure? Failure would be not trying. It's mind over matter.  I need to become...

Andrew (who was a UCA soccer player and works at D-1) has faith that this is good for me. He believes in me. Actually, everyone I tell that I am considering this-says that's awesome and I can do it.  When I tell Andrew my fears.. he says just the words I needed to hear:  "Don't. Worry. About. It. Seriously. People come in all sorts of different fitness levels and strengths. As long as you can beat your embarrassment you'll fit in perfectly".  Deep breathes.. tomorrow at 11:00 I have a date at legit gym.. with a real person and a whole lotta work out....

We all know my end goal is to be healthy. Not to be perfect.  One step- one day- pound by pound- the transformation will continue... 

and so As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

One Month (and some) Anniversary of Surgery. Where are we?

Photo on the Left was taken today. Photo on right was taken
on surgery day. (July 9th)

August is super busy for me. School begins.. I work longer hours.. And this month we several drs appointments happening right in the middle of everything. I realize it's been a week since I've blogged. Actually started this on Friday.. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to announce we have a breakthrough.. And some exciting results.. 

Victories:

Clothing.. down a complete size and then some.. I actually bought some clothes to wear for the fall when I get to that size.. 

I am off my acid reflux meds. 

I am suppose to be limiting my NSAIDs meds.. This is really hard.. I am cutting back but, it's rough.. Tylenol doesn't cut it! 

Starting Weight VS Today:  
350 (ish) and today 299.1 (this varies between morning and night +/- 3 pounds) 

Inches lost as of today:  (since 6/21)

Chest 7.5 inches

Bust 6 inches

Hips 5.5 inches

Belly button 7 inches

Where I feel the most difference? my hips

In this picture- you can hardly see my knees today! 

Goals for next month: To be never in the 300's when I weigh-in-- right now, it's on the border and I want them gone! More exercise!! More Protein! Get medications straightened out!! Continue therapy!  

Thanks for your love and support. 

love, RDB