Non Scale VICTORY and assorted updates

Hey all,

I know that no one really comes on here just to read about how I'm specifically doing, but I like to pretend I have an audience.  I think we all do, that's why we're here.

So where am I now? I'm almost 3 months post-op (RNY on 3/9/15) and I'm down 51lbs.  I weigh myself too often but I can't help it, I just have to see where I am.  The good news is though that if I don't see a loss (or I go up a couple ounces) I don't freak out.

I have TWO non scale victories to be happy about though. One is that, I got into several pairs of size 18 pants (I started at a SNUG size 22). I'm starting to really feel better and take part in the world again. I hope I'm not alone in that at my highest weight, I really hid from the world.  I felt like I didn't deserve to be a part of it because I had made myself so fat and I was punishing myself.  But I'm starting to get back out there, see my friends, make plans...and it feels so good to know that I'm finally making progress.

My second victory is that this journey has finally made me confident enough to get back to school and I have a VERY clear goal in mind.  I'm finishing my bachelors starting on July 13th and eventually I want to complete my certification in bariatric counseling. There isn't really much of a source for that here in Sacramento, CA and I wish there had been. I struggle every day with the addictions of my pre-op life. Sugar is an addiction. I had no idea how hard it would be to change my relationship to food. People did try to tell me, but I could not have imagined how difficult this is. I feel like in two years when I finish  my degree and other certifications, I'll be an advocate and someone who can handle the more emotional side of this journey.

My surgeon does great with the after care physically but the are NOT the warm fuzzy hold your hand type. I feel like I could be, for others who are like me and struggle constantly with self worth issues due to weight and the emotional turmoil from changing their lives this way.

So RNY for all the pain I'm still working through is giving me my life back and set me on a path to a career I could really love.

So that's where I am. Where are you?

Erin

HW: 283 CW: 231 GW: 163

Congrats Erin!!  51lbs is AWESOME and going down in pant sizes always feels really good!  I'm glad you are starting to feel better about yourself and getting out there.  This will only help your weight loss even more!  I also think it is GREAT that you are going back to school, that takes a lot of guts and confidents.  So here's to you on all your victories!

  I am 2 weeks behind you (3/24/15), I have lost 55lbs since my preop diet and 29 of that is since surgery (ticker not updated).  I also weigh myself quite a bit, I much rather do that than somehow gain 5lbs in a week and not realize it. LOL  Now that I know that stalls are normal, I try not to freak out if I haven't lost anything for a little bit, I just sit there and say " I know this weight is going to come off but I kinda would like it to happen now so I can see it" LOL.  Anyways, the other day I saw a pair of size 16 Old Navy jeans for sale on our facebook sale site so I went and tried them on, they were way to big!  The lady told me she had some 14s so I tried those on and again they were too big.  The next day I went to Auropostal in the mall and looked at their shorts, asked the lady if she had any size 14's and she said they didn't sell anything above a 12 in the store and I would have to go online.  Now keep in mind I was a size 18 when I started this journey, so I knew there was no way my butt was fitting in a size 12 but for Sh**s and giggles I decided what the heck let me try them.  I could NOT believe it when they zipped right up!  My sister lives in Korea and I IMed her right away, I was soooo stoked!  There will be many more times that I will have to buy new clothes and that is just fine by me!

  Hope you have a GREAT day, keep up the good work and congrats on all you have accomplished!

Hi Erin - glad to see you post!  It sounds to me like you definitely are participating back in life and making plans and goals - good for you!

I'll be 7 years post-op in October.  I remember when I was at your stage - I also weighed often - which isn't a bad thing.  I did keep a daily weigh-in diary and would look back when I thought I stalled - but in reality I really hadn't.  It helped me keep my sanity.  I may have had a week or 2 with maybe 1 lb lost, but the 2 weeks before that I may have had 5 or 7...

back in the day I used to host weekly fashion posts.  What we were buying, what size, what we were wearing etc.  It was a lot of fun.  Unfortunately my weight has crept back up - I'm 20 lbs heavier than my goal weight and about 14 lbs heavier than I want to be.  I need o get busy on that!! 

We "old timers" love to hear the progress of the new folks on the site.  It also helps us remember what we need to do to be successful. 

Jody,

 Keeping a daily weigh-in diary is smart!  I keep a weekly one for my measurements but never thought of keeping a daily one for weight.  Funny thing is, I ask my husband all the time if he remembered what it was earlier in the week. LOL  The "old timers" on this site have really good info.  I learn so much each time I come on the site (daily). You guys are such an inspiration and I'm so glad all of you can be honest and tell us about your re-gain, how to lose the re-gain or even how some might have kept from having re-gain. 

  The fashion posts sound fun!  I am sure everyone enjoyed it.

  As far as your re-gain is concerned; good luck with taking it off and please keep us posted!  You got this!!!!  Hope you have a wonderful day!!

Erin, you are doing great.  I, too, had surgery to get my life back and it worked!!!  I am a very busy 66 yr old who has been to horse shows every weekend in May but one and headed to Tennessee for one this coming weekend. 

Hurray for you working on your goals.  I tell folks all the time, surgery is for our tummies, but our brains often need work too.  You will be a great advocate for those who are struggling with the "head" part of all of this.

I will have my 5 yr anniversary of RNY this September.  I met goal and kept going down but rebound is real and I ended up fine.  Now I am about 5-10 lbs higher than I would like but because of all my exercise, I am underfat according to my body scan and my recent stress test scored me like a healthy 31 yr old (at 66). 

Awesome Post!!!!!!  I love your Positive Attitude and Goals!!!  

I am an every morning weigher.  I don't want to see the afternoon numbers.....LOL.  I never freak if my scale is up a little but if I get out of my 3 point comfort range then I watch my carbs and increase my Protein.  Usually vacations put me up a little but I get back on track as soon as I get home.

Hi Erin, Congrats on your NSV's.  Gotta love those! 

I laughed at the daily weigh-ins, because I absolutely weighin every day.  Lol and if by chance I need to go to the bathroom and I still haven't left the house yet... I retake off my clothes and check again...  Im ok with it either way, im just happier if It goes down...But in general Im happy with the progress.  It is such a fun ride!

I think the college goal is really neat.  Your journey will no doubt provide you with a unique perspective that will give you insight into your potential patients problems.  Your doctor may even let you work out of his office or give you referrals.  What a neat thought...

Great job on the progress so far!!

Jo

Congratulations on your victories! Good for you

Congrats Erin!

Love those nsv's and your amazing attitude!