4 Month Update & WOW Moments

Good morning my fellow Junebugs! What a month it's been. My weightloss since my surgery has been fairly steady, although slower than most. As of this morning I am down 60 lbs (51 since surgery, 9 prior). I am very happy with this! My husband and I returned from a trip to Bethesda MD (I had a to give a talk at a scientific symposium) on Sunday night. We left last Thursday. The last time I flew Independence Air I had to ask for a seatbelt extender. This time I decided to try it without. First, if anyone has flown in what I call a pencil jet you know that the aisles are quite narrow. I always had to walk sideways and hope I didn't put my butt or belly in someone's face. This time I could walk down the aisle facing foward and my hips didn't even rub. Then came the seatbelt test. Not only did I not have to use an extender, but I actually had to tighten the belt 4-5" from the longest point. And.........drum roll please..........I could put down the center arm rest for my hubby and me!! Unbelievable. The big test came when I had to use the restroom. The last time I flew I could barely squeeze into tiny restroom. This time I had room to spare! I was so darned excited I couldn't stand it. The symposium was held at the Holiday Inn in Bethesda and they had a beautiful spiral staircase from the first to second floors. I can't tell you how many times I had to go up and down those stairs over the four days, but not once was I out of breath! I also had to give a presentation to about 40 researchers and physicians, and although I was VERY nervous, I did great. Would I have done this 60 lbs ago...NO WAY. Food wise over the four days I did great, and it was so wonderful to really not have to be thinking about it all the time. I brought Atkins (sugar alcohol free) bars with me and did well with my choices during all the meals. Heck, I even lost 2 lbs while I was there! I have lost 10 lbs in the last month, but my weightloss comes in spurts. I will lost 5-6 in a week then nothing for 2 weeks, then another 3-4 lbs in the next week. This has been pretty steady like this from the beginning and I'm pretty used to it. As long as my scale doesn't move up (which sometimes during 2 week no loss period it fluctates between 2-3 lbs) I'm happy. For those experiecing perceived stalls. Measure yourself, or notice if you drop clothes sizes. Somewhere on this site is the true definition of a plateau. A real plateau is when you do not lose any weight OR inches for 4 full weeks. And this will happen to all of us at some point. The other times our weight is being redistributed, even when the scale does not move. So, please don't get discouraged if your scale doesn't move. Make sure you measure. I hope everyone has a great week. Take care and God bless. Love, Debra 239/179/125

ITS so great to hear how HEALTHY you have already become. THOSE WOW moments are the best. NO seat belt extenders, fitting in the aisles on the plane without going sideways! SO glad things are well. I hear you about going up the stairs all day without a problem. ITS so great~ KEEP smileing! KEEP looseing and be welll ((HUG)) lisa

Lisa, it's so good to have each other isn't it! Thanks for being here for me. {{{{HUGS}}}} Right back to you. Love, Deb

Congratulations on your WOW Moments. This is wonderful to hear how much healthier you feel. Like I have told many people, my WOW moments are like getting little presents all the time and it makes me feel so good about myself. I know you are experiencing this and I am really happy for you. I don't think you are losing slow, but even if you are you must think we are in this for life now. Doesn't matter if it takes a litte longer to get where you want to be it is just we are all going to get there. Thanks for sharing your life changing events, makes me more determined to get to my goal, but enjoy lifes little Wow's as I (we) go. Keep Up the Great Work Deloris 309/288/204/135

Dear sweet Deloris, Yes, those wow moments are like little presents, never thought of it that way. And yes, it's okay to lose slower, then I feel like it's going to stay away. You are doing great also...keep it up. Love, Debra

Debra, Good for you, I recently flew and it was great being able to pull the seat belt tighter and tighter. Congrats on the food! It is so hard traveling and making good food choices and you were able to do it! That is wonderful! Your doing wonderful despite the plateaus, and I am sure you will continue to! Hey I still get winded a bit at steps, so that is another good for you!!!!! Congrats again! Ilyssa

Hi Ilyssa, I see my doc for my official 4 month check tomorrow. Can't wait. Traveling was okay. I just tried to make sure I planned for it and brought my atkins bars with me and drank lots of water. It was good. Thanks again for your support. Love, Deb

Congratulations Debra!!! You are the best! I am very happy for you. Jo

Thanks Jo, you've been there for me through all this, and I appreciate your support! Love, Deb