Traveling all the time these days but wanted to update

Hi all, I've been on the road nearly 80% of the time since I returned to work. It will be this way until probably mid-June- when we will hopefully move. At that point - it should only be every 2nd or 3rd week and only for a couple of days at a time. Traveling this much after surgery has been an experience. I'm finding I pretty much need to stay in hotels with a fridge or I can't get my protein in. Also, it's really hard to get in a routine for foods. I'm still only able to eat seafood or ground beef. Chicken feels horrible in my pouch. I managed to eat part of a salad with grilled salmon on it yesterday but it really hurt my system so I have to assume I'm not ready for that. And if I hated seafood before - I am getting to where I think I'll sprout gills now. Weird food I can eat - chili. Why I can eat chili and not chicken - I have no idea. The scale at work moved so I have no earthly idea today of where I'm at- I'm guessing down 40 odd pounds as I'm now down 2 full dress sizes. I've been more focused on how I feel than on the pounds although I did buy a pilates DVD as some hotels have DVD players in them and then I could do some working out. I'm trying to walk much more and take the stairs when possible. I'm feeling good enough that as the weather gets better, I'd like to start a walking program. All in all, I'm coming along. My chest isn't shrinking at the same rate so I'm looking seriously off balance. And another weird effect, my rosacea is clearing up. Go figure. Anyway - I've updated my picture trail account. I hope all of you are well. I'm lurking some but with the travel it's hard to post as often. All my best, Michele P http://www.PictureTrail.com/gid8601208

WOW Michele - I just have to tell you how beautiful you new picture is!!! I didn't recognize you. Keep up the great work. I'm glad that you're finding your way with protein on the road!!! I'm sure it's hard, it's hard for me and I'm home every day. lol Hugs, Laurie

Hi Michelle, You are doing awesome! It sure can be difficult trying to eat right when you are on the road. It looks like you are doing pretty well though. Congrates on the weight loss so far. Your pics look great. You look 10yrs younger already! God Bless, take care and keep up the great job.---Toni

Thanks both Lori and Ton - 10 years younger and not being recognized is a good thing. I actually had that happen the other day - someone I worked with quite a bit in the past but hasn't seen me in 7-8 months when they switched jobs was on a flight with me. I thought it was weird that Jim didn't say hi- particularly when he was sitting kitty corner from me on the other aisle seat. So - after the first leg - I asked how he was doing. He did a major doubletake and you could see the "Who are you?" morphing into "Holy Moses". Quite cool. I bought some of those fitted stretch dress shirts that Lands' End came up with in Plus sizes. (No wrinkles, fights stains - a traveling God Send but I digress...) It was the first time I wore a button down shirt in like 10 years due to the bust. So the majic shirt - besides being fitted, has a nice princess seaming front and back so they make you look really shapely. Anyway - had one on and besides the fact I had to run from my husband to make it out the door to work safely - out of the blue another person I work with blurted out - "Oh, my gosh. You have a waist." I said "Duh - everyone has a waist." And they said "Um - no. You have never had a waist since I've worked with you and you do now. You look great." For the record, I bought another shirt just like it in a different color. I fully intend to buy one or two in every size as I go down given the reactions I get. I reread my profile the other day and realized just how different my life is today - just in three short months. I stopped defining myself by my weight, I have much more self confidence, I'm not willing to let people treat me badly anymore. So - no at business dinners - I don't get dessert and I have to make sure I can get a fish I can tolerate. I have a scar that is just HUGE. Yet every day I get more of the life I remember back - the life spent just being me - not worrying on what everyone was thinking when they looked at me. Not spent breathing heavy because of all the weight I was carrying. Literally the weight of the world is off my shoulders and each day gets a little easier. And that scar? Well, it's a badge of honor - right there near the scars of the two C-Sections. They are the scars that remind me that living isn't free and some of the best things I have ever done came to me through some pain. Everyone needs to make the decision right for them. But I am so thankful to have had the courage to do this and so grateful for the support of the folks on this board who helped see me through it. Best regards, Michele P

You look so dang cute in your profile picture! I had a hard time with chicken in the beginning and still have a hard time with pork chips and steak. I find if its got some kind of extra moisture (ranch dressing, gravy, etc.) It helps so much. I think thats why chili goes down so well, lots of fluid. That Pilates DVD is a grat idea. You are doing so well. Happy traveling.