I did it! Down over 100 lbs!

This week I've been in Chicago for work.  I arrived on Sunday and just got home late last night.  It felt odd to be away from my scale - it's just that other tool I use to be sure things are going in the right direction.  I was anxious to get on this morning for my official weigh-in for the week.  As I stepped on I kept thinking about how diligent I was tracking my food all week even while traveling.  I made sure to still get in plenty of walking (exercise) along with meeting my protein goals each day.  It was tough, sure, but I went into the week prepared and armed with - protein drinks, peanuts, protein bars, etc.  Although I felt confident that I did all the right things, I still worried as I stepped on this morning.  Guess what?  My planning and diligence paid off - Down 3.8 lbs this week!  This pushed me over the down 100 goal that I had.  I'm officially down (pre-op and post-op) -102.4.  YAHOO!

It was my first business trip since my surgery.  It was great because nobody had met me before though - so they only were introduced to the "new" me.  Nobody on the team was aware I had the procedure, but I worried about how I would feel with all the food around, the chocolate they always have on the table, etc.  I worried a bit about not being able to each much - would that draw attention for some reason, etc.  I found myself pleasantly surprised the entire week.  I never felt tempted.  Not once.  It could be due to the lack of hunger that has been gleefully absent since surgery or maybe my head is "in the game" and in a place I've never been before.  Regardless, I felt empowered and strong.  While everyone else was snacking away on bagels and donuts in the morning, I had a protein drink and a handful of grapes.  At lunch they brought in pizzas, pasta salads, cookies, etc. and I had a protein bar.  They all ate mini candy bars, Skittles, etc. at the table throughout the session while I had nothing and certainly didn't miss it.  Dinner was always a really top notch place where I could always find a nice piece of fish or scallops for dinner.  Although I still can't eat a large quantity (still around 2.5 oz max each meal), nobody questioned it.  In fact, throughout the week people kept saying, "I wish I was as healthy as you are."  SCORE!  

So hair loss - let's talk about it for a third time.  As I shared last week, I chopped mine off way shorter.  I still adore it.  ADORE!  I've gotten a ton of compliments on the new style and it was so great to feel "trendy"  I don't think I've ever had trendy hair before.  I've always had pretty hair, but never trendy.  I'm in love with it.  The great benefit to having it much shorter?  I don't notice the hair loss.  Is it there?  Sure.  Do I still see some?  Yes, but it's nothing like what I was seeing before fall out in the shower.  It gives me peace of mind to see less and less in my hand.  Although I know it's because I've cut it, not because the loss has stopped, it mentally gives me peace of mind.  That has been a nice shift.

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 
• Total Post-Op Weight Loss So Far:  -43.8 (and counting)
• Total weight loss:  -102.4 lbs
• Current Weight:  180.6 lbs

A few NSVs:

• Feeling trendy with my new hair cut.
• Feeling fabulous and healthy on my business trip all week.
• Being called "healthy" while on my business trip by co-workers.
• When we walked through Chicago, I was always at the front of the line walking quickly.  Pre-surgery, I hated those people.  I hated always having to keep up with their pace and feeling insignificant if I couldn't.  I didn't walk at the front of the line on purpose, it's just my "new" pace.  I was probably hated for that pace this week and yet, I embrace it.  :)

Here’s to seeing less of me next week!

JC

JC, Congrats!  You are doing Fantastic!!!  Now I think I saw something about a golden apple for your signature block, once you hit the 100lbs lost mark, you need to get you one of those!! Your post is so uplifting and encouraging, it's just wonderful!!  I love your NSVs but I really like the "new" pace one! LOL  Good luck with the rest of your journey, may you continue to slaughter those goals and have many, many more NSVs.

Thank you so much!!  I always try to keep my eye on NSVs too so that's one that I noticed while in Chicago and realized how much I always struggled to keep up (or if I did keep the pace I was so out of breath I couldn't talk). What a difference!

I just love it!!! you certainly can steal my apple, you deserve it!!  You are doing great, now just keep on keeping on!!!

Thank you, Price!  I do realize that getting to this point is still the "easier" part (if there is an easier part, right?).  I need to stay the course over the long term and am planning for success.  :)

You couldn't have convenced me during the losing phase that was easy but maintenance is harder.  And it never ends.

What a GREAT Post!!!!!   Hurry and Get your Gold apple for losing 100 pounds on your Signature!!!  I'm sooooo jealous of those Gold Apples!!  I'm thinking you have to copy it from someone who has one.....Price has one!!!

I wish I knew how to copy it!! Thanks Roz!!!

Ask Price or Linda E.

Congrats!  You are an inspiration - keep up the good work.  How do you get an apple anyhow?  I am still 15lbs from it but it will be the carrot (or apple) I can work towards.  Do the web God's on this blog give it to you or do you copy it yourself?