5 Months Post-Op Update - VSG

Although I come and read posts on this site almost daily, I've gotten away from posting regularly.  I'm sorry about that - I know how much I love reading updates, struggles, successes, etc on this site.  Between keeping my blog current and just "life", I haven't been good about paying it forward here.  I hope to be a little more present ongoing.

So as of last week, I'm officially 5 months post-op.  Getting this surgery is still the best thing I've done for myself.  I do find that I'm often surprised by my own changing habits.  I find myself thinking - Who Am I? on more than one occasion.  For example, I had a bad day at work last week.  When I say bad day, I'm talking the type of day where it takes everything in you to keep from just saying - I'm out!  I've worked for the same company going on 20 years now and have experienced your run of the mill bad days, but something was different about yesterday.  To make a very long story short, someone had erased (accidentally) work that I had completed that originally took me over 3 full working days to complete.  Although it was an accident, this person was told not to go into that spreadsheet and change anything - so needless to say it got me riled.  To add insult to injury, my boss asked if I could try and get it all re-entered within the next hour.  SERIOUSLY?!  Needless to say, it was a very stressful day that included dropping all the other hot potatoes and "balls in the air" that I needed to complete yesterday in order to repeat work that I had already completed.  I was stressing - seriously stressing All. Day. Long. trying to get those numbers re-entered.

After a couple of hours of total panic and fury, I had the strangest thought.  I actually said out loud - "I am so stressed out.  I wish I could go to yoga tonight."  What?  I didn't run to the pantry and find some yummy food to make it all better?  I didn't think of what fast food or comforting meal I could have?  I seriously was stressed and to deal with the stress went immediately to thoughts of yoga?  Who am I, people?  Seriously!  The yoga studio that I attend is about 2 blocks from my house.  They didn't have a class that I could join last night, but you know what?  I looked at their other studio's schedule and they did!  I drove a total of 20 minutes (each way - and out of my way) to attend a class last night.  And you know what?  I felt marvy after.  I can't say it was just the yoga that made me feel great.  I think it was the empowerment that I selected and wanted yoga vs. food on such a stressful day.  WIN!

My stats to date:

• Start Weight: 283.2
• 10/1-4/13:  Supervised Weight Loss Phase + Pre-Op:  -60 lbs
• 4/13-5/13:  Month 1 Post-Op:  -20 lbs
• 5/13-6/13:  Month 2 Post-Op:  -10.2 lbs
• 6/14-7/13:  Month 3 Post-Op:  -13.6 lbs 
• 7/14-8/13:  Month 4 Post-Op:  -6.4 lbs 
• 8/14-9/13:  Month 5 Post-Op: -7.2 lbs 
• 9/13-10/13:  Month 6 Post-Op:  -1.0 lb so far
• Total Post-Op Weight Loss So Far:  -58.4 (and counting)
• Total weight loss:  -117.0 lbs
• Current Weight:  166.0 lbs

A few NSVs:

• I'll just say "see above".  :)
• This is a huge one for me too - I fit into a size 8 two weeks ago.  WHAT?  A size 8 in JEANS and dress pants!  Unreal!  I still have about 20-30 lbs left to lose.  I can't imagine what size I'll wind up in.  It's exciting and scary all at the same time.

Here’s to seeing less of me next week!

Janell

You are doing great in every way!  Doesn't it feel fabulous?  I was just thinking about the "who am I?" question, as well.  I wish I could pocket this feeling of empowerment and pull it out when things get tougher down the line.  

But, lets talk about yoga. 

I took my first ever yoga lesson in June and now I think it is might be serving as my addiction transfer.  I don't think I have missed a day of practice the last few weeks. 

I no longer surf the internet for "best ways to eat" or recipes.  Instead, I look at yoga websites and have spent a shocking amount of time trying to figure out how I can go to a yoga retreat without feeling like I am cheating my family.  (Clearly, must go international to a place that is tropical with yoga AND scuba so then everybody is happy! Right?) 

Not that I am naturally good at yoga, in fact, just the opposite.  I clearly NEED it!  There are times in the midst of a class that I want to burst out "I FEEL GREAT!" even as I wobble precariously on one leg.  

I have always been someone who liked being physically active --- I have done a lot of running and biking in my time.  But, I don't remember ever getting that kind of a rush in the middle of a workout.  

Congratulations on your progress so far!  It will be fun to see how the story unfolds.  

Shel

Shel,

I keep telling my husband that I think I'm obsessed with Yoga too!  I do end up going at least 3x a week. I would go even more often but my son does Taekwondo and that means I'm at that studio already 4 times a week.  It's such a wonderful practice and so good for stress and just helping me learn to meditate.

I cracked up at your internet surfing moving from food to yoga.  I have a Pinterest Board dedicated to Yoga now too.

Thanks for the encouragement.  Namaste!

Nice job, Janell!  Your story is a sure sign that you are making the meaningful changes in your thinking to help you in the long-run.  

Well done! 

Tracy - Thank you so much.  You know I'm a big fan of yours and have always loved to read your advice and about your progress.  You have been an inspiration to me throughout my journey thus far and I imagine that will continue.  I have to say though, while I try not to compare myself to others, I always look at your signature line with your monthly stats and always hope that in the 7 months I can be at goal weight too - but at the rate I've slowed down some, I just don't see that happening (unless you have advice on how to drop 25-30 lbs in 8 weeks).  Regardless, I'll get there and I'm on the right track!

Consider this, my friend -- at your weight you are already wearing the same size clothes I wear...and I'm 30 lbs. lighter.  Admittedly, I can get into a size 4 or 6 if the cut is right and the fabric is stretchy  but still...you are doing GREAT!  

Don't focus on the number on the scale - focus on your measurements and the sizes you can fit into.  That's a LOT better indicator of how much "fat" you still have left to lose.  And if you can get an underwater body fat analysis done, all the better.  

Thank you - I'll try to shift my focus. I think we get so used to tracking and focusing on weightloss it becomes the primary tool. Clearly there are other types of success and ways to measure it!