5 month update!

Yesterday was my 5 month anniversary of my gastric bypass surgery. I thought that you all would like to see some new progress pictures before I give my update.

Back view

Front View

Right side view

Left Side View

I have lost 90 pounds total. I lost 20 prior to surgery and then I have lost 70 since surgery in October. I have been on a plateau for the past month or so. My weight loss has slowed down, well... basically it has stalled. I have not changed a thing about my diet or exercise program at all. I reached out to my nutritionist about this issue and she was very reassuring that I am doing great and that this plateau is typical and to be expected. She also let me know that my 70 pound weight loss in 5 months is a bit faster that what they typically see. She thought that because of the fast weight loss that it might explain why I have been on this plateau. It will pass eventually and I will start losing again.

Our family has joined the YMCA. I am exercising more than I ever have in my life. I do some sort of cardio 3 times a week. I like to swim and walk the most, but I also use the elliptical and the stationary bike as well. And I also lift weights. I meet with a trainer at the Y a few weeks ago and he set me up on a weight training program. I try to get into the Y to lift at least 3 times a week. It is a constant challenge to find time to work out. But I do what I can and Tim has been super supportive. He watches the kids in the Y pool so that I can lift weights and swim laps. He is really a huge support to me. I can not say enough how blessed I am to have Tim as my husband. He is fantastic!

My food issues are basically none existent now. I can eat pretty much everything except really doughy bread. I haven't puked in weeks. It is awesome! I think it is a combination of me learning good habits (eating slowly, chewing really well, no fluids with meals) and my pouch just being more efficient at moving food through to the intestines. Whatever the reason I am thrilled that I can eat chicken and eggs again! I also can eat salad again. That is such a huge thing to me. Salad is so crisp and satisfies so many of my cravings because of the endless possibilities for add ins and ons. It is a great way to eat what the rest of the family is eating in a carb free way. Tonight Tim grilled chicken breast and they made chicken sandwiches with sauteed mushrooms, onions and cheese on hoagie rolls. I took the chicken and diced it, then threw it on my salad with the cheese and the sauteed veggies on the side. I tossed the salad with some balsamic vinaigrette and it was delish! It just makes life easier if we only have to cook 1 meal for the whole family.

I am still struggling to remember to take my vitamins. I have to take them in 3 doses. Basically my body can only absorb so much at a time and that is not enough to sustain me. So I have to absorb the vitamins and minerals 3 times a day spaced at least 2 hrs apart. Plus I take some prescription medicine for my thyroid that can not be taken within 2 hours of any vitamins or minerals. That means I have 4 separate times for doses throughout the day. With my kids, husband, household and volunteer responsibilities it seems to be easy to forget a dose here and there. But I am doing better than I was a month ago with remembering, so that is something. I am sure it will get better the longer I put effort into remembering!

I am getting closer to my weight loss goal. Well the goal itself is kinda hard to pin down. My surgeon wants to see me hit 175 pounds. He would consider me a success if I hit that weight and then maintained it. But when you look at the BMI charts for my height a weight of 175 would still leave me in the upper portion of the "overweight" category. I really want to be at a healthy BMI. The upper portion of "healthy" BMI is 150 pounds for my height. So I am not sure what I should use as my "goal weight". Also I know that I will have hanging skin when I am done losing. Whether or not I have surgery to remove the skin may have an impact on how close I can get to my goal of 150. At any rate I am 73 pounds from my Dr's goal of 175 and 98 pounds from my goal of 150.

This is where I need to remind myself of how far I have come and stop focusing on where I need to go!!!!

Thank you for your support and love. I never expected the outpouring of love from everyone! It feels like I have my own cheering squad in all my friends and family members! It really helps me stay motivated! Thank you so very much!