posting from under a rock...

...or so it seems! I haven't been around much lately, and finally decided to check in today and voila!!! everything's up and changed! So, as Im home taking a day of R&R from life as a high school special ed aid I decided I'd get on the ball and get my profile together! We should all, after doing all that, get honorary PhDs in web design or something! As far as my journey goes, I"m still plugging away! I hit 7 months on the 14th. I've lost about 65 lbs. I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. I need to talk to my doctor and see about my thyroid testing that was done. But I will take personal responsiblity too. I really need to cut back on the carbs, as they started invading my life again. That's the bottom line. I do feel so much better when I've eaten higher protein based foods over carbs any day! I will pat myself on my back for getting my vitamins and protein in! Water's getting alot easier as it's just plain easier to drink more now. I started my job at the beginning of this school year. I work with a student who has cerebral palsy, and is in a wheelchair for school purpose. (She can actually walk with a walker, but the school's too big to manage it with ease.) I definitely get plenty of exercise! I do need to do some toning exercises on my thighs and abs! Watch it wiggle, see it jiggle! All in all, I feel so much better, more alive then I did a year ago! Last year this time I was in the midst of approval battle! Life is good! I hope this finds everyone doing well. I have to play catch up! Happy losing...or maintaining! Kirsten

Hi Kirsten, Congratulations for your loss and making yourpath along the way! Lois

Lois! Thank you! You're looking pretty darn awesome lady! Kirsten

Hello Kristen - Loved your recent photo update (on your profile) for October - oh, and I think you're right, they look a lil big, which means this time next month, you'll probably be giving the new pants and shirt AWAY! Great problem to have, huh? Congrats to you! You didn't ask for any opinions or advice, so Im going to keep this short - feel free to IGNORE all of it. There TRULY is a "window of opportunity" with this surgery - and as it starts to close, it picks up speed. Example. First 12 months, I lost 186 pounds, it then took another NINE months to lose an additional 49 pounds. That's with me still "trying" to do everything right. You are 7 months into your "magic" period, with a good 5 months left to kick some major butt, you can do it. You mentioned disappointment and too many carbs - try try try to cut back and focus on protein, it'll fill you up, I PROMISE!! I still get full on dense protein, when I remember to eat them first. You can do it, you're MORE then worth it, turn the disappointment into aggra - direct that anger at the carbs, if need be, I always do better when I'm aggrad - and lord knows, I've had Cadbury Fruit and Nut bars, tempt me thousands of times on this journey. Good luck with the thyroid treatment/testing - I would hope if there were any problems your doc woulda' subscribed meds immediately - are you currently on synthroid? If so, maybe the dose needs to be increased ...if not, maybe you need to get on it. DO NOT let him/her drag their feet on that, they are CUTTING INTO your OPPORTUNITY time, every day is valuable right now - as are YOU! Nice to see you posting again - Lei

Lei, There's no way I could ignore any of your advice/suggestions. I really admire your success, and your ways of thinking! I appreciate everything you've ever offered up to me! I like the perspective on the "window of opportunity." It's definitely food for thought--no puns intended! It's now wonder I always end up back here needing a push in the right direction! Thank you! Kirsten

Kirsetn, please try not to be too disappointed. First of all it is 65lbs you would not have lost if you had not taken this journey.... I am at the 8 month mark and have lost 85lbs - disappointed? somewhat when I hear others who have lost over 100lbs at this mark - but I look and feel better than I ever have. I have about 40 more lbs I want to lose. This month I lost 5lbs but it is an effort and I need to keep plugging away - watching what I eat and exercising and toning. Could I have lost 85lbs without surgery? - not a chance! So you need to put a positive spin on things - you are much healthier than you were with the additional 65lbs..... You should listen to Lei - try to stay away from the carbs and fill up on protein - this is your window of opportunity so try not to waste a day of it....... and get your doctor to speed up with your results and any treatment you may need..... You can do this - you did not come this far to be thwarted! Jackie

Jackie! True, true, true!!! I know, but sometimes I just feel blah and want to have a pity party! I do feel tons better tehn I have in a long time! Thanks for your support! Kirsten

I totally understand Kirsten. I have stalled out also. I exercise my butt off and most don't. I am running 2 -3 miles every other day..and instead of losing, I put on almost 5lbs. It can be discouraging. Big Hugs..and ya look great !!! Smooooooches, Dana

Hey lady! Sounds to me like you're building muscle mass!!! Awesome! Thanks for being there for me! xoxo Kirsten