2012 reflection

As 2012 comes to a close, I think back to the way I felt at the beginning of the year. I was over weight, unhealthy with a desire to change. I would look at other women and say to myself "I wish I could wake up and look like them" or Why were they born with that body and not me. My knees would hurt if I walked for too long, not to mention out of breath.  I wore a size 22 clothes and they were getting to be too small. I had only a few items that still fit but did not want to buy bigger clothes.

I wanted to hide all the time and I did hide from cameras and wanted to stay in the house and just send my family out to the events we were invited to. I did not want my husband to look at me naked and God knows not naked with the light on!! I felt like he deserved to be with someone else who looked as good as he does. Very low self esteem and low confidence.

I finally decided to change ALL of that!! I did research on having weight loss surgery and decided that no more would I lie to myself and say that I could loose the weight on my own!! I wanted to be healthy for myself and be around longer for my children. I did not want them to be embarrassed to have me come to the school for them. I decided that I deserved to be happy and HEALTHY!! I was tired of taking blood pressure medication and was afraid that Diabetes was not far away!! I had to put aside how I thought others would talk about me for having such a surgery...because guess what??? They were talking about me already because of my weight!!

So I had the gastric bypass surgery and it was one of the BEST things I've done for MYSELF!!! I am no longer on blood pressure meds, I feel better, sleep better, look better and enjoy life A LOT MORE!!! I am aware of everything that goes into my mouth and I make a decision not to hurt myself ever again like I did for sooo many years!

My family was very supportive of my decision and are happy that I am now happier! It is a huge adjustment....it is a LIFESTYLE change and a LIFE LONG commitment to myself. But I feel like I am worth that life long commitment to take better care of myself!

I also went after a promotion at work and got it! My husband got a better job and enjoy what he does. We were truly blessed in 2012. I am even thankful for all the trials that came our way. It made us stronger and drew us closer together. If you can't work with your partner then why have a partner?? I learned that there is a blessing in my testing!! It comes to make you stronger, wiser and better!

I am thankful for the support of my readers. Many or few, I thank you for helping keep me accountable on this weight loss journey!

I pray for peace, blessings and triumph for each of you and your families. I hope you go after every dream and reach every goal you set for yourselves in 2013! Why wait til the beginning of the year to set goals for yourself? EVERY day you wake up is another chance to get it right!!

Happy New Year dolls!

Can you see me now...

So, I was talking with a co-worker about how I've noticed more eye contact since I've lost weight. Which made me think!! When I gained the weight, people would not make eye contact with me so much...especially strangers out and about. Here lately, when I'm shopping for example, strangers will make deliberate eye contact with me and speak!! Why weren't these strangers speaking, and saying excuse me when they want to get by me in the isle and all when I was heavier???

You may say to yourself, "self, was she not paying attention before the weight loss??" The answer is YES I WAS!! I'm the type of person that observes EVERYTHING! My brain is constantly going and analyzing my surroundings! So yes, I did notice that the eye contact was not being made prior to weight loss! But I still want to know WHY this happens?? Have we become a society that is programmed to ignore or push aside the overweight, unpopular, not so pretty, people in this world?? In my opinion, the answer is YES, FOR SURE, CERTAINLY!! Does society care about all the people that are hurt, feels unloved, discarded and all the self esteem issues that are developed, self hatred of ones self; that is created from being pushed aside? In my opinion I say NO, because it continues to happen; so much so that people don't even realize that they do it to another human being! It is the "norm" now days. People don't realize it is done, until it is done to them or someone they love and that person decides to speak on it.

It makes me mad that this happens on a daily basis, and it made me even angrier when I thought about all the times I have been overlooked and not spoken to! What can I do about it?? I'm not really sure at this point.  Even sometimes when my husband and I have been out and about and people(strangers) will give eye contact and speak to him but not me! Ugh...this makes me sooo mad the more I think about it! Now all of a sudden, every one every where I go wants to speak to me, makes me not want to speak back or yell DON'T SPEAK TO ME NOW!! But I don't, because that is mean and I'm not usually mean unless I am provoked. (lol)

On a side note, I went to a party a few nights ago and I hadn't seen a lot of the people in attendance in a good while. It was funny to see their reaction to me, and to my surprise a lot of them didn't even know who I was. This has made me start to look harder in the mirror and at pictures that I take of myself. I don't see the person in the pics that I see in the mirror!! When I look at the pics I see a totally different person, I don't recognize that person in the pics. I know she is me but she does not LOOK like me! My husband tells me I look like a different person every time he comes home (he is a truck driver). At first, it was a joke to me and my response would be..."well you have a new wife every time you come home" It was funny then, but now that I realize that I truly do look like a different person...it is so weird to me.

I also thought that by me loosing weight that it would be easier to find clothes in the store vs buying online.....WRONG!! Being in between sizes right now is SOOO frustrating!! I was standing in JC PENNY looking for an outfit to wear to a Christmas party and a Christmas gala and I was about in tears, on the phone with my husband!!! I had gone to 4 different malls and all of the usual plus size clothing stores I shopped in. In the plus size stores, everything was too big or did not fit just right anymore.  In the other stores, either they were too big or I clearly did not need to leave the dressing room with the clothes on!! lol. At any rate, I was horribly mistaken by thinking shopping would be a breeze! I don't even want to shop anymore, this took the excitement away from being a smaller size!! I ended up ordering a dress online and bought a size 14, which I had to get altered to like size 13 (I would assume). I felt like I still looked very plus size in the dress, however, everyone told me that I looked great! It is hard to adjust my thinking to the smaller me. What I see in the mirror is again, not what everyone else sees when they look at me. I will be glad when I can see what others see when I look at myself.

I know this post is kinda all over the place, but so is my brain and my train of thought! So bare with me! I guess I had a lot of ideas and thoughts when I started this post and my fingers just kept typing!

Below are a few recent pics of me...enjoy

 

 

20lbs til goal/6 month f/u

Had the appt on Friday, classroom setting with others that had surgery the same time as I did. We are all doing well. My vitals were excellent! I am 74% away from meeting the final goal weight of 165lbs. My BMI went down an additional 12 points. Well ahead of schedule at this point for pounds loss!!
It was nice to hear the medical staff congratulate me on such wonderful progress. They were surprised that I look so well...in terms of looking healthy and not sickly, since the weight has come off so quickly. My lab values were ok as well. I'm anemic...but that is normal for me. The nutritionist advised that the hair loss should stop and began to grow again. Also to begin taking biotin to assist with hair growth. I'm excited that everything checked out fine. My next visit with them will be in 6 months.
The nutritionist also advised me to do more strength training for toning vs cardio so I wont loose too much more weight. I am 20 lbs away from my goal!!! Whatchout nah!! I hope to be bathing suit ready by summer!!

posted from Bloggeroid

Grown-folk talk!

Ok yall, we are all adults here. And, as I promised, I am going to keep it real with my readers! I know no other way! So...this is grown folk talk in this post!
I was talking with a girlie friend today about some of the unexpected benefits of weightloss...when I realized that there really are several! Most folks think of the obvious ones like being able to fit into smaller clothes or bending over to tie your shoes without feeling like you're gonna pass out (lmbo...it happens!!). To be able to actually see and feel your knee caps and wrist bones. To be able to see your collar bone! Those are major NSV's (non scale victories).
One HUGE surprise was the increase in my libido!! O.M.Gosh! I was aware of the increase gradually, but not really paying attention to it. It certainly has my attention now! Sometimes I feel like the men...always thinking about sex! I am very in tune with my sensual side now. Not sure if its because I am feeling more confident, more comfortable with my body, not tired all the time...maybe it's a combination of them all! Either way, the libido has increased by leaps and bounds! I am more inclined to try new things because I am not concerned with not being able to breathe! (i know someone other than me has been in that "position")...don't judge me! Lol.
Needless to say, my husband will enjoy this benefit as well! (sorry honey). Ladies we have to put it on our men and blow their minds every now and then! Big beautiful women included! Never feel like you are not worthy of love! We can work it just like the thin girls!
I am so much more confident in myself and I love me more and more everyday!

posted from Bloggeroid

OUCH! I fell off the wagon...

Ok...so I fell off the workout wagon for a few weeks! Like 3 weeks to be exact! I got in a slump and did not have motivation to do anything! I also noticed that I did not loose many pounds either. So I understand that my success is directly related to me putting in hard work! There is a misconception that this weight loss surgery is a "quick fix" ....that is soooo not true!! Yes it does assist in the weight loss process but it is by far NOT the end all-be all!!!
People who have this surgery still have to work hard at exercising and portion control just like anyone else.
I got slack in my quest to lose the rest of the weight that I need to. But...I am back on track and will do my best to keep moving! I have included free weights to my workout so I can tone as I loose! My honey is helping me with the weights and making sure I dont do too much to injure myself!
I encourage anyone to continue toward the goal that has been set! Even if you get thrown off course, find your motivation and get back at it! Persistance does pay off!
BTW...the size 14's that i have are a lil too big ALREADY! woohoo...25-30lbs left!

posted from Bloggeroid

Hush that noise in the dressing room lady!!

Absolutely stoked that I got to shop and actually BUY clothes from Old Navy!! Yep! ME. OLD. NAVY. PROUD. So much so that the woman in the stall a few doors down from me told me to hush my squeels!! Yes, I let out a few shouts of excitement when the size 14 jeans fit me NICELY!! ;-) The shirts are size large. It may be a very small thing to some but a huge thing for me! I also got fitted for a new bra yesterday and I went down from 42D to 38C!! Did a "go head its my birthday shuffle in the Layne Bryant dreasing room too!! Lol DON'T JUDGE ME! Undies down from 22/24 to 14/16!! My husband is not too happy with that but I'm pretty ok with it. Being able to tuck my shirt in and not be worried if i look too fat is amazing!! I smile more and just love the way "HEALTHY" feels!!
A bra that actually fit does WONDERS for a girls figure...OMG!! lol!
Enjoy this life, make it lasts as long as you can by being healthier, making smarter food choices, get moving if only for 30 min a day, and LOVE WHO YOU ARE!

posted from Bloggeroid

The OTHER side

Today I went in the clothing store to buy a jacket and a shirt and for the first time I had to go to the OTHER side of the store. I started off on the plus size side (auto pilot) and was gerting frustrated because nothing would fit. Then it dawned on me to try the OTHER side of the store jusr to see if things would fit better. And guess what....they DID!! I was shocked that they fit better than I had thought. I've been thrifting for clothes so far and had not bought anything from a regular store since the surgery.

It made me feel so good to no longer have to look to the other side of the store and see so my beautiful pieces of clothing that I would love to have....now I can not only go over there but I can PURCHASE from that side. This may not be a huge deal for others but this is another one of those non scale victories thay I mentioned before.

Loving this new way of living...I feel so FREE!

posted from Bloggeroid

NSV...Non scale victories

I have began to realize several "little things" since having the weight loss surgery.

*I can cross my legs, (woohoo)
*My wedding bands are too big (could not wear them pre surg)
*My shoes are too big (feet shrinking)
*my eye glasses slide down my face

I could go on and on; but the point I'm trying to make is, dont always see the numbers on the scale as your only victory!! Things that you notice that you could not do prior to losing weight is a VICTORY!!

BE ENCOURAGED DOLLS!

posted from Bloggeroid

Excuse me...do I know you?!?

Lately that has been the question I get asked ALOT!! People I have known for years give me a second and sometimes third look since loosing 60+ pounds. It is rewarding to know that everyone can see my transformation...but also gives cause for concern. I often think "what did I look like before the surgery" or did people just OVERLOOK me because I was over weight?!? Hummm....

At any rate. I am loving who I am and how I feel!! Yes I do try hard to stick to the diet and exercise plan but just like everyone else i fall off the wagon. The important thing is to get back on track and work just at hard to reach that goal. Even if your goal is to not eat so many calories or not to have that "favoriate snack" or whatever it is!! It is a goal for you and don't let anyone minimize your goals! Much love to all my dolls!

posted from Bloggeroid

SHOCKED....is an understatement!!!

Hi dolls!!

I have been consumed with LIFE here lately...but I am alive and doing well!! I have a few things to catch you up on.

I'm weighing in at a whopping 190lbs now! Down a whole 62lbs!!! I've continued to exercise and eat healthy and learning to enjoy my new lifestyle! I'm in between clothes sizes right now. A 14 is a bit snug and a 16 is too big. I have fallen in love with bargain shopping for clothes too!! It's the best thing ever!!

Self esteem and confidence is way up. It's AMAZING to feel good about how I look and to be comfortable in my own skin!

I nominated a co worker for a health and wellness award for her accomplishments toward a healthier lifestyle. We had a ceremony for her and several others to recieve their awards today and I went in support of her. To my SURPRISE...there was an award for ME!! A wonderful person and someone I consider a FRIEND secretly nominated me for the health and wellness award. She wrote a very touching statement on how I have inspired her to lead a healthier life. Then I find out that several other co workers were in on the surprise too!

I want to give a sincere THANK YOU to her for considering me an inspiration to her and others. I feel like if I've been given a second chance at healthy...then I'm obligated to help others! She doesn't realize that she is a part of the reason I continue to work hard at this journey! I don't want to let anyone else down...including myself!

I have included a pic of the award I recieved and a few recent photos of me!

Make everyday count! Thanks for following the journey. Later dolls...love ya!

posted from Bloggeroid

Post P90x...

I did it and survived!! I could barely get outta bed this morning...but that let me know that I did it RIGHT!! I will continue with the program to see what kind of reaults I end up with.

Neat lil health fact...
~Sex burns about 360 calories per hour.~ GO forth and BURN!!

Below ia a recipe for the dinner I made tonite:
skinless chicken drumsticks (8)
3 c whole wheat noodles
2 whole onions chopped
1 1/2 c chopped celery
1 1/2 c fat free chicken broth
1 1/2 c fat free cream of mushroom
2 tbsp lemon pepper
2 tbsp garlic powder
2 tbsp parsley
2 tbsp basil

combine all items (except for noodles) into crock pot and cook on high for 4hrs. Turn crock pot to low and add noodles and let cook for 1hr. noodles will thicken the broth. Serve and enjoy!!

posted from Bloggeroid

P90x....

I did my FIRST workout for P90x today.....and I actually ENJOYED IT!! Is there something wrong with me?!? YES!! It's called DETERMINATION!! I WILL have a BANG'N body and be HEALTHY!! I started with the cardio X first, took a break and going to do the AB ripper next...pray for me!!

As far as clothes sizes go
..I'm in between sizes 14-16. Meaning the 14 is a bit snug (like I should not be seen outside my house in them just yet). The size 16 is too big! What's a girl to do?!? Keep pushing is what I'm gonna do!!!

Here's a funny lil health tip to think about today:
~Curvy hips indicate smart women who will deliver intelligent children.~

Have a happy, healthy day dolls!!

posted from Bloggeroid

35...and holding

I celebrated my 35th birthday on 9/1. I am always excited about my birthday; so much so, that I celebrate all month long!! (dont judge me). It was especially great because I got to be with my brother!! I love him to pieces!! We have a VERY close relationship. He and I have been through soo much together and there is a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE between us!! I also got to see my nieces and nephew...i <3 those babies with all my heart!

The biggest reason to celebrate is because for this birthday I AM HEALTHIER, HAPPIER, and feeling FINE!!

My babies will be back in school tomorrow....YESSSS!! I can relax and have my house back!

Nighty Night dolls!!

posted from Bloggeroid

Photo Gallery

I'm not sure why the gallery is not working, but here are the pics that were featured on that tab. I will update this post with more pics as they are taken to document my progress!

2/14/12 252 lbs

4/2012

4/2012

2 weeks post op

about 4 weeks post op

about 2 months post op

comparison starting/3 months post op

 

starting to wear clothes I could not even get into... and they are too big!!

Could not wear these 3 months ago...now look!!

PROGRESS!!

 

Can you see the difference???

This was taken 8/5/12

 

FINALLY....ONEderland!!!

 

Taken 8/11/12

 

9/9/12 I like the way I look now, but I'm starting not to recognize myself....I look sooo different!!

 

This dress is size 16 and is too big! This is my brother and I...love him to pieces!

 

 

 



 

 





 



Measurements are IN....

I had my last session with the personal trainer today. Let me just say, he really got it all in!! OMG!! Dude has tried to hurt me the last 2 days. After having a session with him yesterday, and got a brutal workout, I could barely move this morning. I was hoping he would go easy on me, since this was our last session together....no such luck!! In the end, though, I appreciate him not going easy on me because my measurements are outstanding!! The measurements below will be listed from current/previous....

Neck: 14.25/14.5

Chest: 42.75/44.5

Arm: 14.75/15.25

Waist: 40/45.5

Hips: 45.25/47

Thigh: 23.25/24.5

Waist/hip ratio: 0.88/0.97

Pre surg BMI:41.93

Current BMI: 33.5

Goal BMI: 24.96

Pre surg body fat: 41.8

Current body fat: 38.2

 

He was very impressed with my progress. He told me he could tell I had been working very hard on my own inbetween our sessions because of how good my numbers had come down. He said he thinks that I will continue to do well on my own, I appear to be determined to reach my goals and he has no doubt that I will get there.

 

That made me feel good! That he has faith in me to continue on to reach those goals we have set together!! All the sweat and pain has been worth this this far!

 

Persistance pays off! I am a determined person! (ok more like stubborn), but when I set my mind to something, I let nothing stand in my way to get what I want! And what I want is to be healthy and happy; feeling good and looking good; and helping others reach their healthy goals as well! I don't know everything there is to know about healthy living and eating....but I promise to share everything I learn with ANYBODY that is willing to listen!!

 

Have a great day dolls!

3 month f/u report...

I start this entry sitting in the surgeons office waiting for him to come in to see me. The first bit of good news I got was on the SCALE. 198.2!! Official weight-in with the dr's office. WOOHOO! Go me! Then on to the rest of my vitals...b/p 122/62, pulse 64, resp 16. Those are all good. Especially the blood pressure; because he took me off b/p meds the DAY of surgery! I was a bit concerned then thaty b/p would get out of control, but it didn't. It came down rather nicely!!

The nurse that took me back remembered me pre-op and said to me "you're smiling soo big today...did you have braces when you started with us"? My reply was yes, she says "you didn't smile very much before the surgery, I didn't even notice them before". She said to me again that I looked so much happier and I looked like I felt better than ever before!! And guess what...SHE IS RIGHT!! I do feel a lot better than I have in YEARS!!

It's amazing what a lil weight loss will do for ya!! I walk with my head high (before I always walked looking down at the ground) and I do smile more often! My spirits are higher. It has not only been a body transformation...but a LIFE transformation! I had no idea that I would experience all this when I signed up for the surgery! They told me it would be a lifestyle change and they weren't kidding!

It's soo important to have an amazing surgeon not only for his skill but for the office staff to be supportive of patients as well. And that's what I have at my surgeons office! It has made a world of a difference in my progress and recovery.

Ok...side note...he really needs to come on here. I've got other things to do!!

Ok. so the MD finally came in to see me and he was VERY impressed with my results/progress. I am well ahead of weightloss schedule. No signs of a hernia. All my labs are great. My vitals are excellent. No snoring, no blood pressure meds, and no more acid reflux. He said he could tell that I had been working really hard because of how far ahead of his timeline I am. He told me to keep up everything that I'm doing and he will see me again in 3 months!

I'm so excited that he was so proud of me. I really have been working very hard to stay within the guidelines that have been set for me! I look great, feel great and am doing great! Kudos to ME!!

posted from Bloggeroid

To my SURPRISE....ONEderland

I got up this morning thinking to myself that I WOULD NOT get on that scale again!! My curiosity got the best of me and I wanted to see how much more I had to go before I reached my last goal that i'd set. So, I get on the scale with no expectations and "to my surprise" I DID IT!! I quickly jump off the scale and grab my phone to snap a pic of the scale (for memories and PROOF) and hop back on...and it said 199 again!!

I was soo excited! I came running downstairs to show my husband and ANYBODY else that would listen! I couldn't contain my joy...smiling from ear to ear!! I threw my hands up in the air to thank the Lord for his blessings! I have done well with this surgery...NO complications. That is a blessing all ita own! I haven't had to fo back into the hospital for anything, it's been a smooth recovery thus far!

Thanka again to all that celebrate with me and cheer me on to the next goal. I have to think about what I want to accomplish next with this journey....stay tuned!

#ONEderland!!

posted from Bloggeroid

What IS gastric bypass anyway?!?

I'm soo glad you asked!! I realized that I've been carrying on about this amazing surgery I had, when I realized that I haven't explained what the procedure is! So below, I have included some info so you can see what I've had done....



This is what my new stomach (pouch) looks like.


This is how my surgery was actually done. They did not cut my abdomen open, they used what is called trocars to go inside my abdomen and do the surgery. Think of them as extentions of the surgeons hands. It's actually rather cool.

The part of the larger stomach that is cut away stays inside of me. It contains the hormone ghrellin. Thats tells your brain when to eat. So by cutting away that part of the stomach, it helps to control my appetite. Yes I do still get hungry, but it is ALOT less than the average person.

If you have questions, please leave a comment and I'll be happy to explain further

posted from Bloggeroid

Picture worth 1000 words...

YES!! That is ME on the scale today. I finally reached a huge goal I set for myself. That was to have lost 52 lbs before returning to the MD for 3mo f/u. I DID IT!! I am so PROUD of MYSELF!! I am determined to make the BEST out of this opportunity I have been given for a NEW lease on life!! No one can crush me today!

I will walk in the dr office with my head HIGH and proudly get on that scale!!!

My next small goal is to reach 199 lbs by the end of August!! I think its time to celebrate ME and my accomplishment very soon! Not to mention that my BIRTHDAY is a few days away! #Virgo!!!

Moral of the story is...DON'T GIVE UP!! Even when it looks like you won't meet that goal, push through it. The end result will be well worth it!

posted from Bloggeroid

Well Rounded...

In an effort to make ME happier with myself; I started with learning to love who I am as a person. It took me a loooong time to arrive at that point. It took alot of self searching, being completely transparent and honest with myself!! I had some issues to work on from my past and my childhood. Once I saw that and began to work on ME; I decided to fix some cosmetic things i've been wanting to change for a while. (ok lets all admit that we have some things we don't like about how we look).

I decided in January to close my gap in my teeth. I have NEVER liked it. Even when I had children...I prayed for them to not have a gap...and they ALL did!! My father adored my gap and both of my grandmothers have a gap. I still didn't like it.

The other thing was to have the weight loss surgery; first for health reasons. I didn't want to have high cholesterol or kidney disease, or heart disease...all which run in my family; and also to like the way I look. To be happy with ME...hence the "Journey to a Comfortable Me".

Lastly is to dress like I FEEL!! Cus I feel great now! I have to purchase a new wardrobe. I'm just excited about life yall!! Excited about not only loosing weight but being HEALTHY!! And setting a good example for my children; so they will grow up and be healthier and not continue the unhealthy things we've "always done" as a culture!

Enjoy your day dolls!

posted from Bloggeroid

...Where have YOU been?!?

It's been a LONG while since I've posted. I've been busy with getting the kids ready for school again and I GOT A PROMOTION!! I'm really excited about that! Learning new things and more responsibility has been added. It's cool tho cuz IM EXCITED!! Woohoo!!

OAN...I'm just in LOVE with Instagram (mzprissykb follow me). I can connect with all these fitness folks and learn soo much about eating healthier and see what they eat and get ideas and recipes!! LOVE IT. I've actually tried some of the recipes and they turned out great!

I go for blood work tomorrow and my 3 month follow up with the surgeon on 8/28. I'm excited and nervous. I want to have done a good job at loosing weight and at my diet choices. I think I have done well. But you never know what the MD will say. I think my weight loss has slowed down some and I worry if its because of something I have done or not. This will def be a question that I ask when I go in!

I want to thank all those who have believed in me, encouraged me along the way, and have helped me continue this journey and also to those who have joined with me in their own personal journey! You have made this a lot easier to do and it has held me accountable to my personal journey!

Special thank you to my husband! He has been a huge supporter in this journey from the beginning. He has begun his own journey and we are getting healthier together. This has also brought us closer in our relationship. Thank you babe!

I have downloaded an app to assist me in blogging via phone. So I promise to do better and post more often.

Stay tuned for a post for sure after my f/u visit with the surgeon. I'm trying to be down to 199 by the time I go back; if I don't, it will still be ok because I STILL lost 49lbs in 3months!
WORD.....Later dolls!

posted from Bloggeroid

Sweet nuggets

I got some nice feedback today, in general conversation with a certain lady! She told me I inspired her to embark on her weight loss journey! That made me feel kinda cool! That me, a bonafide FAT girl, could inspire someone else to healthier living.  She has done a marvelous job since her journey began.  What she didn't know, is that she, too, inspires me to keep going, to increase my workout, and she gives me alot of encouragement.  That's a pretty cool trade, I'd say.

I see the same things she sees with my transformation. Her work clothes are getting bigger, her outlook on life is a bit brighter, and she is somewhat happier it seems.  Who could complain about results like that. She's a young lady that has alot of years left in her life to live.  I wish her well and hopes she takes advantage of every opportunity that comes her way and enjoy every minute of it! ROCK ON GIRLIE!!

There is also my "favorite" co-worker, that is on a weight loss journey and I hear she has lost a good deal of weight in 1 month's time. Congrats to you too doll! I see your clothes getting a lil looser too! We will be the baggie pants society after while...lol!

At any rate, I am proud of these ladies for changing their lifestyles for better living! They say I'm helping them, but they are helping me too! It makes my restrictions a bit easier to live with while I'm working.

So I say KUDOS to all of the GORGEOUS women I work with at "misfit island"

This is what the world sees for now.....

this is what WE see in the mirror!!

I MUST be crazy!!!

Good morning dolls!! I am thinking very seriously about starting P90x with a friend from work very soon. I don't know what I could be thinking....or if I'm even thinking AT ALL.  At any rate. She has had much success with P90, so we will embark on this journey TOGETHER!! Nothing like a little moral support to get you through the tough stuff!!

I have FIVE MORE POUNDS (5lbs) to go before I CRACK the 200lbs seal!!!! YEA BABY!!! I'm just a wee bit excited about that! KUDOS to me! I can not WAIT for that scale to read 199 an less!!  I can remember back to the days when the scale read 120 and I thought I was the FATTEST girl on the planet.....WTH was wrong with me?!?

My truck driver has started his own workout/weight management regime and is doing rather well! He can't allow his wife to be too fabulous for him! He's quite a looker (if I say so myself) right now anyway; so he's just toning and muscle building now.  My son is doing well with the Insanity workout....being healthy has caught on like a wildfire around here!! I'm glad, because it makes my journey just a lil easier.

I purchased a workout ball. To continue to do what my trainer teaches me in our sessions. That has helped me alot as well. I can vary the workouts that I do for all around weight loss and toning.  I have to get rid of these bat wings and take on that "onion booty" that I so desperately want.  The onion is the goal...if I can't quite make it to the onion, then I can settle for a "baby donkey booty".  lol...don't judge me! IJS!

We have been trying out new recipes and have enjoyed them so far.  Below is one that has become my favorite breakfast meal...

Spinach Scramble

6 eggs (egg whites)
1 cup spinach
1/2 cup tomatoes (diced and seasoned)
1/2 cup low fat mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp EVOO

Heat the EVOO in a medium pan. Cook the tomatoes and spinach until tender. Set aside.  Beat the eggs (egg whites) and cook til almost firm, add in the veggie mix and cook til eggs are done.
Sprinkle cheese and enjoy!

This has lots of protein and is DELICIOUS! You can also have a slice of whole wheat toast with I can't believe its not butter on it.

I hope you all are enjoying this blog. I may start adding tips and things that I have learned on this journey thus far, so it can help others as it has helped me!!  Leave me some feedback, I'd love to hear from my dolls!

Be breezy!

I'm all over the place!!

Good morning dolls! I am up early for a day off! Since I've had surgery, I am unable to stay up very late and I rise rather early every morning (even if I have nothing scheduled).  I have been connecting with several people thru Instagram, amazing women whom have also had some form of weight loss surgery.  I get to peer into their lives and see their progress and accomplishments! There are a number of people who are having alot of success with post surgery eating and maintaining weight loss.

Many of them take pics of their meals and have inspired me to come out of my "comfort box" where food is concerned.  I am excited to try new things, healthy options for eating.  I have been eating "safe" meals. Meals that I know are the right options for me, and flavorful. But now I'm ready to explore with new herbs, seasonings and pairings that I would have never put together on my own.

I have "food envy" with some of the ladies, because it seems as if they really are ENJOYING what they are eating and not just eating because its TIME to eat. There is also a co-worker of mine that comes up with amazing recipes and is having great success with her weight loss plan.  Kudos to you girlie for sticking it out! The girls at work are fabulous cheerleaders in my corner! They help keep me encouraged. They notice small changes in my physique; and just good gals to have around. We keep each other on track (since quite a few are on a weight loss plan)

With that said, I am preparing this weekend for a "wine tasting/pot luck" at my home with some great friends. Thing is.....I am unable to sample any of the wine selections that will be brought to my home; and probably most of the appetizers as well. At any rate, I will enjoy the fellowship with my friends and I am making some appetizers that are healthy options for me to enjoy.  I may just fill my wine glass with some crystal light and enjoy it just the same.

I am due soon for my 3 month follow-up visit with the surgeon.  I am determined to make him proud of me! I feel like he took a chance on me and helped me change my life, the least I can do for myself and for him, is to do what he has instructed me to do and hopefully to surpass the expectations he has laid out for my weight loss journey.

I have also noticed that I am starting to take more pics of myself now. Before the surgery, I would not take a pic, if my life depended on it!! Which now makes it hard to show the progress, because I don't have alot of pics me overweight! I feel like I'm back to the "pre weight gain" KaSandra!! I care about how I look when I go out now. And not that I was a complete slob before the surgery, but now it's just different, but familiar to me. I feel better about myself. I had come to love the overweight KaSandra, but I was not HAPPY with the overweight KaSandra. I am waayy more active than I ever was! I want to get out and do more things, when I have time off. Instead of lying around the house because I'm soo tired and not feeling well. I have more energy.  Basically, I'm just excited about LIFE!

Here is a dish that I put together for dinner last night. It was full of flavor and OMG good!

2 boneless skinless chicken breast
2 cups carrots, snap peas, white onions, and celery
1 large squash, washed and sliced
2-4 tbsp EVOO
1 tbsp lemon pepper
salt/pepper to taste

Heat the EVOO in a large pan, cook the chicken breast until done, cut into strips and set aside. Saute' the remaining veggies until tender, add the chicken breast back to the pan. Sprinkle lemon pepper, salt and pepper over food and stir. Enjoy!

 

Just Random.....

At the advice of the infamous "Brittany" I have revamped this blog. I am very new to this whole blogger thing. So, If this seems like an amateur is writing this......it is! I was also given some advice to join blogger sites, (not sure what they are) and to follow other bloggers (not sure how to find them). Any help on how to do any of the above, would be greatly appreciated.  I've added a photo gallery and will be posting pics of my progress. There is a "tell me what you think" tab too. Post comments, blog ideas, or questions you'd like for me to answer.

I had another successful session with my trainer. He felt that I was doing soo well, that he decided to add a 3rd set of exercises to my regime. It made for a very good workout. I was sweating like a true fat girl when I was done!! I was proud of myself tho, because I did not give up and quit when it got hard.

I have one more month to go before my birthday....so, I will be grinding hard to reach the "hot mama status"!! I also have hope that I will have broken the 200 barrier by then. I'm currently at 207 lbs.  I've found 2 cute dresses I'm going to wear for my night(s) out for my birthday celebration; I just hope they won't be too big by then! That's a whole 4 weeks away!

Excited about continued progress, increase in my self confidence, and overall outlook on life. I thank God I had no complications during surgery nor afterwards.

On a side note, I got a promotion at work! Woohoo, super excited about that! Bigger and better things are ahead, I have faith and believe that!

Later dolls!!

I surprised myself!!

There's SO much going on that I had to post twice in one day!!  I was going through all the documents I have from this gastric procedure and from my nutritionist. I was going over one of the papers she gave me when I first started and they have me charted as losing 47 pounds by 3 months post surgery.  Well to my surprise, I realized that I have met more than half of that goal. (I'm down 40lbs in 2 months), and I will have met and exceeded that goal by the 3 month goal they set for me!!! I was ecstatic!!! That is amazing to me. I have been doubting myself here lately because I have been struggling SO much with food choices and WANTING to eat what I shouldn't. I had been mentally beating myself up especially about hitting that plateau and not being able to break through it. Low and behold, I am doing alot better than I thought!!!

This gave me the confidence I needed to continue in the right direction.  When I go back to the doctor in August, I hope to blow their minds with my progress!  I love setting goals and exceeding them! I'm still working toward that "hot mama" goal by my birthday and also the "onion booty" goal! It may take me a while to get that onion, but I'm going to do my best to get as close as I can!

I have a small issue with loosing weight though! My body has "broken down" my fat stores in order to aid in elimination of the fat....the thing is, now I'm giggly!! I have a HUGE issue with this!! I'm not used to having a giggly booty and giggly arms, and pretty much giggly EVERYTHING!! OMG! I mean, I'm glad that I'm dropping the weight, but the loose booty, arms, thighs is too much for me! When I was overweight, my fat stores were more solid, therefore I did not giggle every time i move. When I'm out in public and moving around, my focus in my brain is on "if my booty is shaking too much.

Just thought I'd share...don't judge me! lol

Enjoy your evening dolls!!

And the award goes to......

Terrific News....I've been selected for a blogger award!!!! I'm just a bit too excited about this!! Thanks to Brittany for the nod! She posed some questions to me and here are the answers.....

1. What do you feel your purpose is in life?

to be a caregiver and inspire others

2.What is your favorite book?

don't really have one

3. Who or what inspires you most in life?

My mother and my grand parents

4. Would your rather donate time or money?

time.

5. What are your best qualities?

my drive, determination, and personality

6. If you were an organ in the body which would you be and why?

brain. because I am an integral part of my family

7. Why do you blog?

in hopes to inspire and help others and give them a very personal look at my weight loss journey

8. What is your greatest accomplishment?

being a good wife and mother

9. Who is your role model/ hero and why?

my mother and my grandfather. My mother taught me how to be a strong woman, a great mother and an outstanding wife.

My grandfather taught me the value of hard work, being the best at whatever I do and loving my family. R.I.P Thomas!

10. If you could be anything or anyone in the world,what would it be and why?

President of the United States! I would fix this country and eliminate a lot of the foolishness going on in this US of A.

As apart of the Sunshine award I have to nominate 10 blogger for this award and I choose:
Since I don't know 10 bloggers. I choose:

http://thejovialmom.blogspot.com
http://churchat.blogspot.com/

Thank you again Brittany for the nomination!!

Quest for the "Onion"

I'm BAAACCCKKK!!! Hey dolls! I'm feeling great! I've broken the plateau!! WOOHOOO goooo me!  Not by much, but I did! I was getting worried! I'm more committed to working out and I'm on a new mission.....I want an "onion booty" and flatter abs! So, Zumba it is! I have this image of my new self and it kinda looks like this......

Yea, that's the 'onion booty" I'm talking about! She looks good in ALL of her clothing! It may be a stretch, but that's what I'm working toward!  I'm excited because now healthy living has caught on in my house. My son is doing the insanity workout!! Rock on J, cause mama can't keep up! My husband has also worked out with me alot! He'll even go on a walk through the neighborhood with me! That encourages me! At least I don't feel like I'm doing this totally alone. 

Shout out to all the new readers....I have been told by several people I know that they are keeping up with me through this blog!  I hope I can encourage you, make you laugh and let you know that even though I had the surgery, this is STILL a long, hard journey! WE can do it together! I may have a little bit more help, but the struggle is still the same. It is still just as hard to resist various foods that I have a love affair with!! (flaming hot potato chips) Those things are the devil! But they are soooo good! I still have to exercise just as hard and control my portions!

Leave some feedback, share your weight loss journey with me! I may be inspired by some of your tips and your story! 

On a side note..I bought some smaller sized clothes this weekend. They are some really cute summer dresses. Pics to come when I wear them.

Love on yourselves, it's important for healthy self esteem and a happier YOU!

Later dolls!





Food is the DEVIL!!

CRAVINGS to say the least!! Isn't that what got me in this mess in the first place?? YES, I think so!! I want some of everything!!! Will power is running on LOW right now!! Lorday! So, I gave in and had some hot chips! YES I DID, I'm human! (they were the best thing EVER)...I digress! Any who, i gave in to the voice inside my head that would not leave me alone! I thought about those chips in my sleep, every waking minute, and especially every time I went into the kitchen! OMG! It was finger licking good! I messed up but I enjoyed every chip that went into my mouth!

Then, the guilt sets in! Because I know I'm not to be eating chips. And giving in to temptation of food is why I was overweight in the first place! I can admit that this was a bad move. But sometimes you get weak, ya know! It's just like giving in to any other temptation. My consequence is that I get to hold on to a few extra pounds! So, I must commit to exercise that much harder to erase the footprints of those chips. It is a lesson learned, and I can be honest with myself and others and say it probably wont be the only time I give in to a food temptation. But, I will say that I will do my best to fight off the wilds of the FOOD DEVIL!!