6 Weeks Post-Op - ONEDERLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did it!  I haven't been in Onederland since like middle school.  It greeted me this morning with a smile and I replied with a fist pump!  Clearly my scale should have played a song, shot out balloons and streamers - maybe even confetti.  Sadly, it just shut off after the obligatory 5 seconds without even congratulating me.  Oh well -  I know I'll be walking on air today knowing that my first number in my weight no longer starts with that "2".

I have really worked this past week at getting my protein intake higher.  I hit 70g each day this past week.  I was really happy with that although eventually I'd like to be at 80g or higher.  I reached 70 by adding in another protein drink.  The scale moved this week, but not as much as previous weeks, so not sure if it's just adjusting to the additional protein or if my body is just being difficult.  Regardless, I lost 1.8 this week for a post-op weekly loss average of 4.3 lbs.

My stats to date:

• 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:  -5.8 and counting
• Total weight loss:  -84.4 lbs
• Current Weight:  198.6

I know we all want to see large drops on the scale each week.  I feel like I want to see at least 3 lbs each week.  Like I said, this past week I didn't see that type of loss.  Instead of getting bummed out, I know slower weeks and even stalls are very normal.  Someone suggested once that I figure out the % of excess weight that I've lost as my measuring stick vs. just pounds lost. Just looking at post-op numbers, I had 74 lbs to my doctor's goal of 150 lbs.  At 6 weeks post-op, I've lost a total of 25.8 lbs of that excess 74.  When calculated, I can say I've lost 35% of my post-op excess weight in just 6 weeks. Perspective people!!  (That's what I tell myself anyway!)  Now if you look at my total numbers, I had 134 lbs to lose to meet my doctor's goal of 150 lbs.  To date I've lost a grand total of 84.4 lbs which comes out  to 63% of my excess weight lost.  See what I mean about looking at things in percentage terms vs. pounds lost?  It's amazing!  I encourage everyone to figure out these percentages for themselves.  I think we too easily fall into the habit of comparing our losses to others that have had this procedure.  It's really unfair to do that to yourself.  Keep to your numbers.  Celebrate YOUR progress.  

My family and I are heading on vacation next week.  I'm excited about going on vacation and just feeling more energy!  We are going to Universal Studios in Orlando for a few days (and you KNOW I'll need some energy there) and then heading to Sandestin, FL for a week at the beach.  I can't imagine being on the beach and not being disgusted with my body.  I won't be floating around in a bikini obviously, but just to feel confident enough to walk the beach without worrying how hideous my legs, behind, etc. look will be such a NSV.  Speaking of....

A few NSVs:

• My in-laws saw me this weekend for the first time since Christmas.  They didn't know I had the surgery and also didn't realize I was losing weight on my own.  They were shocked when they walked in.  My Mother-in-Law said, "You look just so cute!"  It felt really nice.  I was glad I waited to tell them.  They worry a lot (they are in their 80s) and would have been freaked out about the procedure.  The reveal was fun.
• My size 14s are still getting big.  I tried on some 12s, but they are still too tight.  I'm hoping that I'll be in 12s by the time I get back from vacation mid-June.
• I signed up for Stitch Fix and got my first "fix" last week.  Everything in the box fit.  How is that possible?  I'm so used to getting stuff that although it's my "size" is always too tight somewhere.  It was glorious to put on new stuff and one piece after another fit well.  I didn't buy everything due to the continued and expected losses, but having 2 nice pieces purchased from them helps to round out my vacation wardrobe nicely!

Here’s to seeing less of me!

JC

Congratulations on your progress.  You did a great job in your pre-op weight loss!  Well done!  And congratulations on one-derland.

best wishes,

Carol

Thank you so much.  I am convinced making all the changes that I did pre-op (including the weight loss) helped set me up for a much better post-op!

JC

Wow, excellent progress.  You are doing a great job!  xoxo

Thank you!  I've loved following your progress as well!

JC

That's great!!!!

Thank you!!

Virtual High Five to you!! I'm so excited for you! I feel like I'm in the same boat as you.......14's are too big and the 12's feel a little snug! Did you keep all the pieces in your stitch fix? I got one two weeks ago and all the shirts were too big.......I had XL listed as my size. I change it to a L! Yay! You're doing great! So happy for you! 

PS - I think I may be in onderland too. I go to the Doctor Monday and will find out then! I thinks its finally time to buy a scale!

Thank you!!  I didn't keep all of the stitch fix, but kept 2 pieces - a maxi dress and a shirt.  It was just so fun to get them and try on new, different things.  I bet that was fun to reduce your size to a L! 

I'm sure you are in ONEDERLAND too - you just need to get that scale!  Regardless, once you confirm, I'll be celebrating with you too!

JC

Nice job, JC!  You are doing great   I tried StitchFix for awhile too and loved the stuff I got.  I eventually stopped the service just because I was spending $$ I shouldn't have on clothes - it's addicting once you get smaller!  

Have a fantastic time on your family vacation :-)