And the rock rolls down the hill...finally!

So, this was the photo accompanying my last post:

I had been stuck at 98 pounds down for almost 6 weeks. I was working out 5-6 days a week, recording everything I ate, drinking my water, taking my vitamins, and generally following the program to the letter. Yet, the scale would not move. At all.

Well, friends, the bouder has moved. As of today, 8 months post-op, I am 101 pounds down.

Just to compare:

1st Day of pre-op Liquid Diet Today, 101 pounds lighter

I've also had my 6 (well, turned out to be 7) month follow up visit with my surgeon. My labs were fantastic. My cholesterol is actually low: 122, down from 139 last visit, which was down from 193 pre-surgery. Blood pressure was 117/68. All other vitals were normal. Normal. Hee.

Some other statistics:

* I am wearing jeans 10 sizes smaller than I was wearing 8 months ago, tops 9 sizes smaller, and I've gone down 8 band sizes and 2 cups sizes in bras. I'm even wearing smaller sized shoes.

* I exercise nearly everyday. I alternate cardio and strength training. On cardio days, I walk 2 miles, and complete 1 mile on the elliptical. I had been running (!) but my knee started hurting so I've backed off...for now. On the days when I can't because of scheduling or choose not to go to the gym, I work exercise in some other way. For example, yesterday I spent most of the day outside moving and painting deck furniture, cleaning, planting herbs and flowers, and walking. I've put a lot of pictures of myself on this blog and in most of them, I look pretty cute: hair done, makeup, and usually, a new outfit. I thought this picture would be a welcome, realistic addition to the Banana Pouch: this is what I really look like, after working out, at 6 a.m. Yes, that is sweat on my forehead at 6 a.m. Yes, it's still dark out.

* I haven't had a Diet Coke (or any soda) in 8 months.

* While I would love to say that I haven't smoked in 8 months, we all know that isn't true. BUT, I can say I haven't smoked in nearly a month.

To celebrate and mark the occasion of losing 100 pounds, I'm going to do a couple of things. First, of course, is the second part of my tattoo. I've decided to switch it up a bit; I'm not adding to the first one on my chest. Instead, I'm going to have the second word, Courage, placed in a location to be named later. I shall keep you posted.

Also, I'm going to organize a food drive with the goal being to donate 100 pounds of food to a local non profit that serves people who are homeless or otherwise in need. I'm still figuring out the details of how it will work, but I like the idea of donating food to people who don't have enough to eat to commemorate the accomplishment of learning to eat less.

As in past progress posts, I've done a little research on things that weigh what I have lost. My Aunt Donna really enjoys these, so for her, a List of Things that Weigh 100 Pounds:

* A Burpee Big Maxx Pumpkin, 70' diameter

* An adult male deer

* A 2 month old horse

* A Rotax aviation engine. Like for a plane. Seriously.

* A Hawkbill sea tortoise

I've learned a lot over the past eight months, and not all of it has been fun. I've worked hard, made my share of mistakes, but I wouldn't trade this journey for anything. Thanks for coming along with me, everyone. Stay tuned; this is just the beginning!

So Close!

I am two pounds shy of reaching the 100 pounds lost milestone. I have BEEN two pounds shy of reaching the 100 pounds lost milestone for two weeks. The scale will not move.

I have amped up my workouts considerably. I am now walking one mile and running the other. On alternate days, I walk 1/2 a mile, run 1/2 a mile and do the entire weight circuit. I have exercised everyday for the past three weeks. The scale will not move.

I am tracking all of my food using Livestrong.com. I am drinking water every waking moment of the day. I've kept my carbohydrate intake to less than 70 grams a day. My protein intake is at least 60 grams a day. I have faithfully taken my vitamins each day. The scale will not move.

I am frustrated but I am also sure that I am doing everything the way I should be. So, the scale will not move. Big deal. I am running. Me, running, in public with people. I haven't eaten fast food in almost 8 months. Me, who at one point ate all three meals from a sack in my car. I haven't had a diet Coke in almost 8 months. Me, who used to start the day with a 52 ounce gutbuster from Quik-Trip. I am wearing clothes that are 10 sizes smaller than the clothes I wore 8 months ago. Me, shopping in stores other than Lane Bryant.

So, even though the scale will not move in the right direction, I am.

Turn Around Time

So, I spent some time last night re-reading all of the blog posts here at Banana Pouch, starting with the very first one I posted the day I got the date for bariatric surgery. I looked at the pictures, still wondering if I really have lost all the weight that I have. As I read, I remembered being on the roller coaster of emotions before surgery, the planning, the hell of the two week liquid diet. I read about how I felt the first day I went back to the gym; how tired I got just walking the track a couple of times but also how great I felt just walking the track a couple of times. I remembered cleaning out my car, and being amazed at the lack of fast food bags, 32 oz. go cups of Diet Coke, empty cigarette packs, and crumpled bags of potato chips. I remembered how fantastic it felt when I walked into that dressing room at Old Navy and tried on those size 18 jeans and they were too big. I remembered the first time that someone said to me, "You look great! Are you losing weight?"

I needed to remind myself of all of these milestones for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that for the past 2 1/2 months or so, I haven't been following my plan very well at all. I started smoking again; of course, at first it was just at parties or out with friends. But, as it always does, it soon became a regular habit again and I found myself spending a lot of time sitting on the couch, lighting up again and again. I started feeling that familiar tightness in my chest when I tried to exercise so...I stopped exercising. And so the pattern began again. Wake up, smoke. Drive to work, smoke. Lunch break, smoke. Drive home, smoke. Couch and tv, smoke.

Now here is the good and bad thing: I am still losing weight. Good because, well, I'm still losing weight. The restrictive nature of my surgery is going to make me lose weight one way or another. Bad because, well, I'm still losing weight but I was not choosing to lead a healthy lifestyle. I felt the control that I had worked so hard to obtain start to slip away, and it was not a good feeling.

So, turn around time. I put the cigarettes down on Saturday. I picked my running shoes up again on Monday. I've started going to the gym in the morning before work so I don't have any excuses to not go after work. I DO NOT enjoy getting up at 5:30 but I hate it a whole lot less than going back to who I was before July 22, 2010.

I started slowly Monday, just walking. I was very afraid that after so much time away from exercise, I would be back where I was in July: in pain, out of breath, hardly able to do anything. But you know, our bodies are the damndest things. This morning, not only did I walk but I RAN. Not the entire two miles but a good portion of it; I would walk a lap, run a lap, walk a lap. I did two miles in 24 minutes. And I didn't feel like I was going to die. My body, despite not showing it much love over the past 80 days or so, got me through. It's an amazing thing.

So, it's turn around time. This are the things I am committing to do, and I'm putting them out there so I feel that I am accountable:

1. No smoking. Ever. I've learned I am not the kind of smoker that can have a couple at a party or a bar, and then not smoke again for three months. I'm the kind of smoker who has a couple at a party, and then buys a pack on the way home from the party. So, I am committed to no more cigarettes.

2. Find a way to get some kind of exercise in every day. Now, this may seem overly-ambitious, especially considering the lifestyle and amount of stress I tend to carry. However, I think it is feasible. Exercise doesn't have to be an hour at the gym. It can be a walk on my lunch hour, or a yoga video at home, or a quick walk around my neighborhood. I will try to get to the gym every morning, but if I can't, I am committed to finding an alternative exercise option.

3. Track my food, exercise and water intake everyday. I've started utilizing the Livestrong.com site for this, and it is fantastic. I really do recommend it for anyone who wants to pay more attention to what they are eating and how much they are moving. The site features a huge database of foods with complete nutritional information, including protein, fat, carbs and sodium. Plus, bonus, it's completely free. For those Weight Watcher veterans out there, it is very similar to the Weight Watchers Online site. Tracking my food intake has made a dramatic difference in what I choose to eat, and I'm committed to continuing to record the food I eat.

4. Make a six month follow up appointment with Dr. Hoehn. Some of you may have noticed that I've not reported the results of my six month follow up appointment with Dr. Hoehn. Well, that's because I haven't had it yet. The lab I went to lost my samples, so I've needed to make another appointment to have the labs redrawn. Now, I could blame it on Lab Corp or schedules or the universe but the truth is that I haven't been all too excited to get those results back this time around nor to see Dr. Hoehn. I know that the smoking combined with the decrease in physical activity has probably had an effect on my both my cholesterol and blood pressure. But, it's time to face the music. I am committed to making an appointment with my doctor today, and following up with him within the next month.

So, there you are. Some of you may be disappointed in me, but that's okay. Choosing to have surgery to lose weight is a decision that I will always be proud of, but it is not a pass to go back to the lifestyle I was leading prior to July 22, 2010. Thin, no matter who you are, doesn't mean anything if you aren't leading a healthy lifestyle. That, above all else, is what I am committed to.

Six Month Comparison Pictures

Six months later...

I'm down 91 pounds.

I'm wearing pants five sizes smaller.

I'm wearing tops six sizes smaller.

I exercise four days a week.

I have a tattoo.

I shop at the Gap and Old Navy.

I'm in control of the choices I make, whether those choices pertain to food, exercise, relationships or my health.

I walk with my head held a bit higher.

In Praise of Porkrinds: Six Months Progress and Other Thoughts

Hi All!

Well, it's been six months since my surgery. The time has really, really flown by. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was choking down another protein shake in preparation for the surgery, and here I am, six months and drumroll please...91 pounds down. That's four pounds from last month. I've been stuck around 90-91 pounds for a while; I've definitely hit a plateau. I'm sure the holidays didn't help much, and I've been sick a couple of times already this winter so my workouts have not been as consistant. I'm making a big effort to change that. I really, REALLY want to hit 100 pounds lost soon; I have a second part of a tattoo to get to!

The plateau is normal; a fellow blogger recently went through one at this stage as well so I know there is hope. It is easy to get discouraged, especially after six months of watching the scale move down so quickly. But, I keep reminding myself that this is normal, and that if I follow the program, then I will see results.

Now, on to the fun stuff!

What I'm eating now:
I've started to re-introduce small amounts of carbohydrates into my diet. Whole grain flatbreads, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, small amounts of other breads like pita and sandwich thins. I definitely notice that I get fuller faster, but if I make sure to get the proteins in first, I'm okay. What does not work? Pasta and rice. Both are just not pouch-friendly, as my friends like to say. I pretty much avoid them altogether.

The carb balance tortillas are a life saver; I can whip up a quick quesadilla or chicken wrap in no time and they last forever in the fridge which is important since it takes me a while to get through things. The turkey meatballs (from Aldi, my new favorite store) and shrimp are also great for a quick dinner or lunch. I take six or seven meatballs to work in a little barbeque sauce and I've got a protein packed lunch in about 60 seconds. The flatbreads are good with a little hummus and a piece of ham or turkey; I actually have that for breakfast a couple of times a week. I'm still supplementing with protein shakes once a day.











Snacks!! I was missing my chips, and I'm not afraid to admit it. They were practically a food group for me pre-op. Now, most varieties of the salty delicacies aren't pouch-friendly. So, give it up for porkrinds! Come to find out, they are low in fat, calories, and most importantly, zero carbs. And they have protein! I keep a bag in the pantry, and they do the trick when I'm needing the salty, crunchy goodness of chips. The almonds are also a staple; crunchy and protein so I eat those quite a bit for a snack. And, Starbucks FINALLY answered my prayers and did a 100 calorie version of Frappuccinos so I try to keep those around, as well.

What I'm wearing

As I mentioned in previous posts, shopping has become quite an enjoyable experience. A little too enjoyable sometimes so I really have to keep myself in check. It is just sooo much fun to try on little things, and have them fit!! On Saturday, while shopping with my pal L, I grabbed a pair of Calvin Klein jeans on the off chance they would fit. I was telling myself the whole way to the fitting room, "Now, don't be disappointed if they're too small...just remember, not everything is going to fit." Well, folks, those Calvins were too big. Way too big. There was some happy dancing going on in the Marshall's dressing room. Unfortunately, they didn't have them in a smaller size. But, at that point, I didn't really care

I also bought a couple of cute things at my new favorite store, Old Navy, marked down big time after Christmas. The lavendar sweater combines two of my favorite things: sequins and cardigans. And, one of my new favorite things, an XL size tag. I used to cut the tags out of my clothes sometimes, just because I couldn't stand to see the size I was at. The flowered dress I got for $8 and it's a great transitional piece that I can wear through spring. And the black dress...I bought the black dress to wear for a party. I've always wanted a little back dress, and this one was perfect. I felt H-O-T in it. Plus, put a camisole underneath to keep the ladies in check, and I can still wear it to work.

How I'm Looking and Feeling

You fill in the caption on this one...no comments on the cleavage. It was a party, and I've got a lot to celebrate.

Thanks for reading!!

Jennifer

Five Month Progress Pictures

As promised many, many days ago, here are some new progress pictures and stats.

I'm up to 88 pounds down; the weight loss has slowed considerably but that is normal. I am stepping up my workouts for the new year; I am going to up the number of times a week I complete the weight circuit to at least 3 and I'm going to try to start doing cardio in the mornings. I stress the word try; I am not a morning gal but I am going to give it my best college try.

Here are the pics. The one on the left is from July, and the one on the right from just a couple of days ago. I am currently wearing sized 16 jeans, XXL-XL tops depending and XL dresses. I really do see the changes, especially now that I'm staring at these pictures. I feel...blessedly normal for the first time in a long time.

Four Month Progress, Apologies, and Updates

Hey Everyone, if there is anyone still out there!

I am back at the blog, after six crazy weeks. I suppose I've been so busy living life that I haven't had a lot of time to write about it. My apologies; I will try to keep everyone updated in a more timely fashion.

Let's start with the good stuff: stats. As of today, I am 85 pounds down. Here are some things that weigh 85 pounds:

Keira Knightly

A mature female timberwolf

A pit bull

The suits bomb experts wear when they defuse bombs

A cubic foot of the Sun

A dwarf goat

Imagine trying to get through a workday, a workout, or a just a typical Saturday with any of the above strapped to your ass. 85 pounds. CRAZY. I'm still wrapping my head around everything but it's a good wrapping around.

I do have pictures, but they are on my computer at work. As soon as I get them off, I will get them posted. I have definitely started to notice a big difference in how I look, especially from the back. I seem to have lost my ass somewhere; it was there my whole life but now it appears to have vacated the premises. I'm not complaining, other than buying pants is a bit difficult.

While my ass has left, a new body part has made its first appearance in quite some time: my clavicle has shown up again. I really noticed it about a month ago; I looked in the mirror in my car to check my lipstick, and there it was, just jutting out as plain as day. Welcome back, clavicle!

Other body-related observations

* I ran into a woman I know who is completely blind, and who I haven't seen since before the surgery. She gave me a hug, and said, "Wow, you've lost a lot of weight!" I even feel thinner.

* The blood pressure cuff that didn't fit on my forearm six months ago now fits perfectly. Same for the velcro pouch I use to hold my iPod at the gym.

* I'm cold ALL THE TIME. I used to sweat like a sinner in church; now, I have to wear a jacket in my chilly apartment or else I actually shiver.

* I can cross my legs at a restaurant booth. I used to have trouble sliding in behind the table.

* My boobs are a lot smaller; I've gone down from a 48DD to a 42D.

* I'm sleeping much better, and I feel a lot more rested. After a recent visit to my parents, where I slept on the couch, my dad reported that I am no longer snoring.

* This may be TMI for the random guy who follows this blog, but I got my first menstrual cycle last month since March. Then, on Sunday, for the first time since college, I had my cycle two months in a row. This is a really big deal for me; my menstrual periods have been wackadoo since I was in high school so I am very relieved that they appear to be regulating. Now, that being said, the cramps, bloating, headaches and moodiness have SUCKED. I'm seeing my gynecologist tomorrow; she's been very supportive of the surgery, and wanted me to follow up with her sometime after my third month post-op.

* In the last month, I have experienced quite a bit of thinning of my hair. Especially when I wash it, or style it, I am shedding handfuls. I knew this was a possibility, and according to my doctors and other people who have had the procedure, it is completely normal and should turn around within a couple of months. I'm not too worried; I've got a pretty good head of hair to start with, and I added a new supplement to my regimen; horsetail root. I am also going to buy some special, tea-tree oil shampoo on the advice of a friend who is a stylist.

* My feet don't hurt any more! I can wear heels, reasonable ones, all day at work and my feet/ankles/legs aren't in agony. I know this has everything to do with the weight loss; there is so much less pressure on my tootsies. I even bought a couple of pairs of new shoes, including a truly awesome pair of peep-toe heels that look awesome with jeans.

Shopping and other news

So, I like shopping now. A LOT. It is such a rush for me to be able to walk into any store, and know that there are options for me there. Old Navy, Kohl's, Target, even the GAP! I bought clothes at the GAP! Me! I really have to control myself; before, finding stylish, flattering clothes was a huge challenge so when I did by chance stumble on something that worked, I snatched up one in every color. Now, I have to consciously tell myself that just because it fits and flatters, I don't HAVE to buy it. Most of the time, this strategy works. The other great thing I've learned is that so-called "normal" stores clearance racks are chock-full of my sizes! Usually, at plus-sized stores, all of my sizes are long gone by the time the clothes make it to the clearance rack. At Gap and Old Navy, my sizes abound! While on vacation, I found several dresses for less than the cost of lunch, a skirt for less than a coffee at Starbucks and a kick ass pair of jeans that were cheap enough to rationalize getting them tailored. As soon as I can get someone to take some fashion show pictures, I'll post them.

Well, for now, that's all I've got time to post. There is a LOT more going on; what I'm eating, how my workouts are going, getting through the holidays, and (eeek) getting back into the sitcom that is dating. But for now, I'll leave you with this image. I like this picture of me...I like being able to say that I like any picture of me. Hee!