10k all the way!!!

Today I competed in my first 10k. I walked at a 4.1 pace and finished in 1:30:32. I'm so proud of myself! It was a pretty tough course with rolling hills the whole way. Above are the pictures of me coming in and crossing the finish line.

4 months out

What a difference four months has made. I can't believe it is me that I'm looking at in the mirror. It just does not seem possible. I really like who I see but sometimes can see the pain of the old me looking back. It is a daily struggle to like who you are and constant struggle to be a better person. There is always room for improvement and right now I'm focusing on improving me both mentally and physically. We truly are our own worst critic! However, almost everyday has a WOW for me. I keep amazing myself!

Above are my 4 month photos. I weigh 197 pounds here and am 75 pounds down!!!

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Looking back

Today I thought would be a good day to post some older photos of me. Basically, so I myself can see the changes thus far. It is hard to believe how fast things have changed. How my "fat suit" is melting away and the cocoon is becoming a butterfly! It is amazing how my energy and attitude have changed and blossomed. I think I truly feel happy with myself now. I'm learning new things, trying new things and enjoying life. This second chance has been a blessing in all aspects of my life.

In the picture above I weighed at least 282 pounds, but I think I was more than that. I looked awful and I felt awful.

Look at me now!

I'm offically a ONElander!

Hi all,

I'm officially a ONElander, which means under 200 pounds!! Wow, I can't believe this. I do not know the last time I was under 200. It has been maybe 25 years ago. I feel great with a ton of energy and a new attitude! I can do anything I set out to do and I won't let anything get in my way! Here is my official picture of me under 200. I love my RNY and it has changed my life forever! What great gift and I'm working my tool!

I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

The Turkey Trot

Today was the Turkey Trot walk/run. We did 1.5 miles today. I did it at 4.0 pace! Here is a photo of me before leaving for the race. It was such a beautiful day. I have been training for my 10k walk, which will be in December. I'm also going to start training for a half marathon that will take place in February. Look at me go! I feel like a new woman!

Yesterday was my 3 month followup! I'm down 64 pounds after a 2 pound weight gain...Yuck. The doc told me not to get freaked out about it, it happens. So, I'm trying not too! This is my first stall since surgery, so I can't really complain, plus 64 frickin pounds!! Wow.

Again, all my labs are fantastic!!! My A1c came down even further to 5!! My fasting blood sugar was 86. All my other labs were well within normal range. I'm so happy with the results.

Now, I have to pick up my training for my 10k. I walked four miles the other day in 1 hour and 5 minutes, which is 5 minutes faster than before, so I'm very happy with that. I bought a Garmin to keep track and so far love it!

We're off to Austin this weekend for a Warrior reunion! I can't wait it will be loads of fun. Oh yeah, we are going to see ACDC as well! Rock on!

Well, last night was Halloween and I decided to dress up. I was going to be the Swine Flu but gave it to my hubby instead. It was a big hit, especially the pink sweats. Poor Bill did not want to wear the sweats but I pretty much threatened him (ha, ha) and he wore them. I was Spider Woooman!! We went to two parties and had a ball. Enjoy!

2-1/2 month out photos -59 pounds

Here are some photos of me 2-1/2 months out. I've lost 59 pounds so far. I'm really pleased with my progress and I think I can finally see the difference. I did a total closet clean out and now have nothing left in my closet to wear! I missed getting rid of some of my old clothes and some jackets that I wanted so bad but didn't even wear! I hope the ladies I gave all my clothes to will get good use out of them.

Last week on the OH website I found out that one of my OH friends had passed away. She had surgery the same day as me. She had a tough time and went into cardiac failure. She was brought back but never woke up again. They found that her potassium was way below what it should have been. She leaves behind 3 young children. She was 37 years old. RIP Becky.

Two months out

I'm two months out from my RNY (gastric bypass) and absolutely love it. It is the best thing that I have ever done for myself.

I have already accomplished the main goal for me having the surgery. That is not having to take any more meds for my diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol. Yesterday I went to my PCP for my diabetes check-up. I was done 59 pounds since my last visit with him. All of my labs were excellent. No more medications at this point. My hemoglobin A1c was 5.8, fasting glucose 96, cholesterol 149, LDL 89 and my HDL 34. I'm so pleased with all of this.

On top of my labs being excellent, I am down to a size 18/20 from a 26/28. I walk five days a week and have so much energy.

I still have to work on my depression but that is coming slowly. I have to find me a good psychologist to work with.

I'm experimenting with healthy foods and a lot of vegan recipes. I have a great website that I go to for those. I've made so many of her recipes so far and they have all been delicious!

I'm working at home again doing my medical transcription, which I love. I have time for myself and it is so peaceful! I'm continuing with my hospice work and might look into doing some nursing on the weekends with them.

Things could not be better. I'm so happy I chose to change my life. Every day is a challenge but it is worth giving it a try and seeing what else I can accomplish.

One month out. Down 46 pounds.

A big WOW moment for me!!

I had a big "WOW" moment yesterday when I went shopping for a new outfit to wear to work tomorrow. I used to wear a size 26/28 pants/shirts. Today I was able to fit into a size 20 with room to spare!!! This is only six weeks after surgery! Yeah for me!

One Month Follow-up

Today was my one month follow-up. What a great surprise. I no longer have to take my diabetes medications. My fasting blood sugar is 107. I no longer have to take my blood pressure medications. My blood pressure has been very good. No more cholesterol medications. My cholesterol was 156. I do still, however, have to take my Prozac!! I'm officially down 43 pounds (since my starting weight).

My clothes are getting really baggy and big, but I'm not quite ready to buy new clothes. I'm going to wait until I drop a couple of sizes. I guess I will officially look sloppy for a bit.

I can now eat a regular diet. Sounds easy, but it is not. This is the time where I will find out what agrees with my pouch and what doesn't. So far everything has been good. I have been fortunate enough not to experience "dumping syndrome" yet.

That is all that is going on in my world at the moment.

Poem

As We Begin

I live inside this outer shell, inside living a life of hell
Strangers words & ugly stares, makes me believe no one cares
In a world filled with pain & terror, what is reflected in my mirror?
Who is that? Where am I? Things are bad, I want to cry.
The answer is near, problem solved. Now watch me as I evolve.
From caterpillar to butterfly, now the world just dances by
No painful words or shameful tears, I've added to life better years.

Kellie Ricker

Well, I made it through my first couple of days at work with no problem. My daily food choices consist of a protein shake for breakfast, cottage cheese for lunch, popcicles for snack, and yesterday I had Wendy's chili for dinner. Mind you, I only ate 2 tablespoons of each. I think the Wendy's chili would last me 4 meals.

Me and Bill went to Olive Garden today for lunch and I ate some Minestrone soup. Man the bread sticks looked good and I so wanted salad. I'm not quite at that stage yet. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I'll be able to eat the salad.

Eating out is definitely a challenge at this point. Overall, I'm very pleased with my surgery. Thankfully, I've had no problems at this time.

I'm waiting for my energy level to pick-up which hasn't happened yet but I try and not let that stop me from what I need to do. Me and Bill have been walking the KOA (great hill for a great workout) every other night right now. I only do my 2 miles at this point but will hopefully be back up to 4 miles in no time.

Tonight is blues night with some friends. I can't wait to relax and listen to the music.

Getting Started

Well, I had my gastric bypass on August 3, 2009. The lead up to it was exciting, anxiety, doubts, fears, tears, lots of hard work. My journey started in December 2008 with a seminar at Wilford Hall in San Antonio, TX. It was exciting learning all the options that were out there for me. It was frustrating thinking that their program required:
6 month nutrition supervised diet
Sleep study
Cardiac echo
Blood work
Mammogram
Pap smear
Pysch evaulation
Swallow study

I thought man I'll never get through that. But, I'm so grateful that I went this route. I've learned so much before surgery and I think that will make me even more successful. Patience has paid off.

The team at Wilford Hall is exceptional. The support group even better. I really miss that I won't be able to attend those every month. It doesn't help that I live 3 hours away. I have found support through some on-line groups and friends who have been through this process.

Today I'm 39 pounds down from when I originally started in December 2008 and 24 pounds down since surgery.