WEEK FOUR...........OMG! WHO IS THIS PERSON?????

So week four is here. I am doing great. I feel awesome! I honestly don't remember the last time I felt this good.........not only my health, but emotionally. I am back to work this week, after a summer off. We had an all district training yesterday and three different people commented to me about, not only how I look, but my countinence. They said I just light up the room when I came in. That I was "bubbly" in my personality. They also said that it had been a VERY long time since they had seen this in me.

I guess you don't realize how "far gone" you were until you get back to this point. My husband said it best yesterday when I was telling him my story. He said, "It's because you finally have HOPE back." That is so true. I realize that I had been at a point where I was giving up and ready to just continue gaining weight. I didn't know what else to do. This surgery HAS given my back my HOPE that I can beat this and become the person who is deep down inside me waiting to emerge.

WEEK THREE............YIPPIE!!!!!

Ok, so this week has had its ups and downs. First, I feel like the second week of Biggest Loser when you only lose 1.5 pounds. SUCKS! But, I have to remember all that I have accomplished so far. I measured myself and I have lost 26 INCHES so far. Holy Cow!!!!!!

I must say I haven't felt this great in a LONG time. I am getting to point where food choices are rearing their ugly head. But I am talking through them and learning to view each day as a new day.

Thank you again to all of you who are supporting me with positive emails, posts, comments. It makes such a difference. This week I saw people I haven't seen in a few months and got some positive comments. BIG SMILE!!!!!

TIPS FOR WK 1 POST OPP

So I got to thinking, I should give you my tips for getting through the first week of post opp.

1. Make sure you have lots of pillows to pile around you on your bed or maybe a reclyner. It's easier on your belly that way.

2. I found a spanx girdle (cylinder style) to put around my belly area. I felt like my guts were going to fall out and that gave me the support I needed. NOW BE CAREFUL, this is one that I wore prior to surgery so it fit. Don't buy one that you think will "SUCK YOU IN". You don't want that. Just the comfort.

3. Sugar-free popsicles were a must for me when I got home. Just make sure that you have lots to choose from as far as what you can eat/drink when you get home. I limited my self to like two things and think that messed with my mind..........Like I can only eat this or that?..........What if neither sounds good?

4. REALLY get to walking ASAP. I put it off thinking I might die if I did. After my first walk, I seriously felt so awesome. It changed my recovery completely.

5. Start a journal right away if you haven't already. A good friend who had bypass several years ago had me make a list of things I wanted to do now that I had done the surgery. ie, cross my legs, shop at ANY store for clothes, hike the falls trail without DYING. This will become a check list and a "boost" for you on those hard days. But just writing how you are feeling is very powerful and great way to look back on how far you have come.

6. PLEASE CALL SOMEONE IF YOU ARE FEELING DOWN> There is nothing worse than being in pain and feeling depressed. Ask for encouragement. It truly makes all the difference.

7. Last but not least, get back to a regular schedule ASAP. I found that if I gave myself other things to think and worry about, I felt more upbeat and ready to move through each day.

First Post-Opp

Got a wooo hooo from the dr and office. I have lost 14 pounds since my surgery Aug 3 and 32 pounds total. I am begining to feel great and SO glad I took on this challange.

I will admit my first week was very hard. I had some complications during the surgery which extended my recovery time and probably added to my emotional state. Had a break down last Friday wonder what the heck I had just done. But a good friend reminded me you feel better every day, and each day to ask yourself "Do I feel better that I did two days ago?" I am answering the questions "YES" every time so it is working. It helps to put you in perspective and keep you looking to the future.

Introducing ME

Welcome to my blog. I have decided to make my journey public so that my story may change someone elses life the way mine will be changing.

I have dealt with my weight ever since puberty. I was a very fit, active, slim kid growing up. Puberty hit and WHAM! There went the cute girl figure. I remember my first diet being in 7th grade. It was hardcore too. Not just a young girl deciding I was fat and wanted to be skinny. This was coming from adults who told me I was too heavy and needed to be on a diet. Now granted, I was 12, about 5'4 and weighed 135 pounds. Looking back I realize I was just fine, but I allowed other influences to tell me different. It changed my whole perspective of myself. From then until now I have dealt with other people telling me how my weight is an issue and I should be on a diet.

I have always felt like others judged me because of my weight. I don't blame them, because I realize that I do it myself. I walk in a room and look around hoping someone there is bigger than me. When I found that person I would tell myself, " I am so glad I am not "that" big. I can't believe they let themselves do that." If not, I would be like a hermit so I wouldn't stand out. I have society to thank for that.

I have come to point where I am done fighting this battle on my own. I will be 40 next year and want this to be the start of a new phase in my life. I hope my story/blogging will inspire you in whatever journey you need to take. Thanks for reading.