Just Want to Say Hi to Everyone!

I haven't posted in a while and wanted to say hi to everyone.  Work is keeping me extremely busy and I am also in a couple Masters-level courses trying to finish my degree.  After taking the last two semesters off (because of the surgery) I had forgotten how much I hate school!  I haven't even been able to attend my last two support group meetings because of school.  Otherwise, I am doing quite well. My weight loss has slowed down dramatically.  However, I am still losing.  I am officially down 123 lbs (in 6.5 months)!!  Woohoo.  Since it has slowed down, my reluctance to buy clothes has all but disappeared.  Old Navy and I became quite good friends with their after-Christmas sale!  I even had a semi-WOW moment there one night.  I was trying on a particular jacket that I liked but there was only a 2X left on the rack.  While I was trying it on, one of the young, cute, employee girls walked over and told me that I should get a smaller size because the one I had was way too big for me.  WOW! Speaking of new clothes, I have also had to buy all new underwear.  In 6 mos, I have gone from 4x down to a large... not even XL... but L.  It doesn't get any better than that!  And I found that I love boxer-briefs.  I've never worn them before but I think I could switch them entirely.  Who knew? In the last two weeks, I have started jogging!!  The idea is to start training so I can participate in a couple 5Ks this spring.  Walking in our local Jingle Bells 5K just before Christmas inspired me.  I've run a couple time now and even taken my dog.  She's never been a very good walker as she always pulls so hard she chokes herself.  But something must have clicked in her brain recently because she's been very good the last half-dozen times we've walked.  I decided to give her a try with the jogging and she completely shocked me by being so good.  I couldn't ask for a better  running companion.  The running was initially bugging me because I have a fair amount of skin around my stomach area that keeps bouncing up down.  I went to Wal-Mart and paid about $5 for one of these neoprene exercise waist-bands things that has velcro to hold it together.  It has worked  wonderfully.  It holds my belly in place and also makes it sweat a lot.  I don't know if that helps in terms of shrinking your belly but it makes me feel better so I'm not complaining.  I would highly recommend one for anyone in the same situation. As if my schedule isn't busy enough, a Tae Kwon Do place opened up very near my home and I signed up for two weeks of complimentary lessons.  Tonight is the first night.  I'm not sure what to expect but think it should be a blast. Sorry for the book but I'm excited to be posting!  Exams are just around the corner so it may be a week or two before I get back. --Eric

Good to "see" you Eric and to hear that you are doing so well.   Isn't it amazing to discover new things like your unknown love for boxer-briefs? Good luck with school and continued success with your journey!

Hi Eric!! I am so glad to hear from you.  What an awesome Wow moment.  i am so proud of your great progress. Congratulations.   123 pounds in 6 months is amazing.  I know your wife must be enjoying the new you.    He I am gonna neet that belt you bought for sure when I have this baby and get back on the grind of a daily routine of exercise.   Continue trudging along with school it is hard but all so worth it in the long run.  My husband is doing the same and sometimes I barely spent time with him.  Take care and don't be a stranger ok.

Great to hear from you Eric! Congrats on your inspirational progress!! Hope to hear more when you have your next semester break.

It's so good to hear from you.  I was just thinking about you last week or so.  Thought you may have run away!  Now we know - school and work and life take time and more time. Your are doing great - you are an inspiration.  Keep up the good work and don't wait so long to touch base with us fellow OHer's.   Boxers or briefs?  Hmmmmmm!

HI Eric, Wow you are so busy and have so much going on in your life.  Congratulations on your weight loss success and how exciting to be jogging again- and with your dog.  That is wonderful.  I'm happy for you.  Enjoy the new undies you earned them!

New undies are a good thing!!! LOL Nice to hear from you.

((( Eric ))) Hey guy .. have missed seeing your posts.   Sounds like you are doing great and busy too.   I tore my leg up right before New Years and my one thought was .. This had better not mess up my ability to go hiking!!   Looking forward to some of the outings we discussed after Catoctin ...  I hope I can find the time, trying to use the RV more this year AND we have added a firetruck to our 'fleet' so we will have parades and musters going on too, but I am determined to spend more time outdoors. Hugs, Mo

Wow, Eric, congradulations. It is amazing to see such a significant loss in such a shrt time. I ma sure you had a blast in Old Navy, I would have been dancing up and down in the store if someone had given me such advice!!! Good luck on exams. Ellie

Hey Eric, Good to hear from you.    Let me know what 5K's you register for.   If they fit into my trainning schedule, I might join you! Take care and keep up the great work.