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

That is such a great post!!!  We have to celebrate each others victories and yours are certainly worth a congratulations (silly scale for not knowing how great this is !) 

Love the story about the inlaws and soooo am looking forward to our beach trip in July, and the not stressing over the whole bathing suit issue!!!  I know you'll have fun and just wait till the end of the summer and how great it will be then!!!  

I buy my replacement clothes from Threadup and I actually bought a box of them last eve small on purpose, just because I know Ill get there.  What a great feeling!!!! Im just barely squeezing into 12's now, but I was able to get 9 work blouses for about a $100 in a size 12 and hopefully they will serve as the motivation to stay on point and even if they are a bit tight so much the better!  By the end of next mth they should be good!

Oh and really nice %'s!!!!!

Yes - it's always fun to celebrate with each other.  Thank you so much! 

I've been buying some clothes on Ebay too in smaller sizes just to prepare.  It's been such a good way to get cheap clothes especially during transitional sizes.  

I appreciate the support so much - thanks again!

What an Awesome Post!!!  Enjoy you vacation!!! 

Congrats! Love those NSV's!