WOW Moment for me...yes, even 5 years out!!!
I have shared with many of you that I have been losing weight that I had gained back since I had my RNY in Jan. 2004. My lowest weight after having RNY was 168#...then, I regained up to as high as 212#. I am 5'8", so my IBW is 140# with a IBW range of 126-154#.
WHY did I regain? Several reasons...a medication I was taking and I got comfortable with my pouch and took it for granted!
I am now 1# away from my goal weight...I weigh 169#. My goal is to weigh 168# by Mother's Day. I *think* I will achieve it.
Here comes the WOW part ~ I bought my 1st pair of size 12 jeans this weekend and they fit!!! 
To many of you a size 12 is a large size...but to me, it has been an unachievable goal for many years! I wore a few, and I mean a few size 12 pieces of clothing before, but never jeans. This IS my WOW moment!!!!
Once I achieve my goal on Mother's Day, I am resetting my goal again. On June 1st I am setting another goal to work towards. I want to weigh 158# by birthday in December. At that point I will stop.
Last time I posted about my weight loss, I received several PMs asking me how I lost the weight. Here are a few things I have done to lose the weight:
1. Set a realistical goal ~ meaning, don't expect to lose more than 1# per week or to lose quickly...you are in this for the long haul and it IS a committment. Love your body for it will be with you for the rest of your life.
2. FOLLOW THE POUCH RULES ~ rules are just that...they are made to be followed. If you don't follow them, you are only cheating yourself-no one else. Again, love your body-you only have one body for the remainder of your life.
3. When you set your goal, set it in stages. What do I mean? If you have 30# to lose, I wouldn't set MY goal as 30# to lose. I would set my goal as 15# by a certain date (at LEAST 4-5 months)...then, once you achieve the 15#, reset your goal for the last 15# for another 4-5 months. Why do I say this? Because LOOKING at 30# to lose daily may seem more overwhelming than looking at 15# or less.
4. If you can, partner up with someone you TRUST. Why someone you trust? That way you can spill the beans about what you did/didn't do to achieve your goal towards weight loss and that person can correct you verbally. You TRUST that person to give you advice and that person will not steer you wrong. I recommend that you "report" your weight weekly to this person, so that you hold yourself accountable to someone.
5. Drink plenty. This goes without saying. A hydrated person will be less likely to overeat.
6. Chew gum. I am lucky that my work environment allows me to chew gum. When able, chew gum. Many times, I find myself just like a new born baby...they just want something to "pacify" them versus actually something to eat. If I chew gum, it pacifies my urge to eat.
7. Exercise. Why is it so low on my list? Because honestly I don't get to exercise as I would like to. When I do, it is just walking in my neighborhood. ANY activity at all is good activity. Park your car away at the end of the parking lot, take the stairs versus the elevator, whatever you can do to take extra steps is GOOD for your heart. Remember, be good to your body for you only have one for the rest of your life.
8. Get plenty of rest. I know many of us do not sleep well. Do you know that if you are not sleeping, that it WILL affect your eating patterns? I CHALLENGE you today to take action regarding your sleeping problems...even if that means making an appointment to see a physician.
9. Take your Vitamins. How are you going to keep on top of feeling 100% if you don't?
10. See your physician for follow ups. Stay on top of your overall health for you are important!!!
I love y'all!!!! 
on 4/12/09 10:06 pm
A size 12 is a NORMAL size ya'll!!
The only thing I have a question about is the chewing gum. Every doc has a different protocol, so I would suggest everyone check with your doc. Gum is a huge NONO with my surgeon, his reasoning being that if the gum is swallowed ( accidents happen) it can plug the opening to your pouch and require surgery to repair. So just check with your surgeon first!!
PS..Olivia looks radiant . Please tell her the whole family wishes her nothing but the very best in her new life as a married lady!! ( her honey is cute too)!!
A casual stroll through the lunatic asylum shows that faith does not prove anything.
Food doesn't give me the satisfaction that clothing does!
What I mean is, when I can wear something I haven't been able to fit in I feel satisfied. That STICKS with me longer than the few bites of something I shouldn't eat.
Same thing with you...don't tempt yourself. When you eat, don't put the beverage in front of you. Eat your meal TOTALLY DRY. See if that helps you.
YOU GO GIRL!!!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!
Instead of my 30lbs, im setting it for 15lbs, but i have to go for 3 months, if i work hard, i know i can do it.
I have never, ever not drank when i ate. Thats huge for me, i feel like i just can not do it.. Well, starting today, im going to try my hardest to do so. I also have started parking my car in the very back and walking. Its about the only exercize i get. Im hoping to rejoin the gym soon. Finding time to go is the problem. Anyways, good job!!! I want to be at 168 with you! MY GOAL is to be 150.. im only 5'3" so thats still overweight. ugh.
150# is not something to knock...even at 5'3"! Sounds like a great goal to me!!! I say GO FOR IT!!!!
Why the rush of 3 months? Why beat yourself up? Remember, slow and steady wins the race.
You might be surprised and find out that you achieve your goal sooner, but why not pace yourself to lose it slower? Just MY OPINION!!!! I really believe you are being too hard on yourself. Love yourself and be good to yourself, for you only have one body.
One other thing...guess what? I wasn't always "good" these last few months!
I had weak moments where I cheated and ate foods I shouldn't have eaten. Why did I do it?
I guess b/c I am human??!!! But, I recognized my mistake, and kept on going b/c I KNEW what my goal was and NOTHING was/is keeping me from it.
Hilary, YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!! GO FOR IT my friend!!!
Sorry I missed your call my Monday buddy!
I love this 10 list; I need to lose some weight get my TT done and move ahead.
I am so proud of you and your continued success.
Keep up the good work. You can do this and continue as a success.
Now.. I am waiting on the move.
I am selfishly wanting you closer!!!
And I am so excited for Olivia and your whole family! WOW! Thanks for such great news.
I love you.
"DON'T WORRY ABOUT TOMMORROW, GOD IS ALREADY THERE!"
JULIE 
Certified OH Support Group Leader - Weigh Down (Baldwin County)
RNY 1/17/06
