A New Me

Hey there. I just realized that I didn't post a new entry last month. Actually, that's a good thing because it has been a busy, amazing month. I feel great. This has been, hands down, the best decision of my life. I have been, in the 11 months post surgery, going to therapy exploring my food addiction. I have to say that I am enjoying food more that I ever have in my life, now that I am slowing down enough to savor the flavors, textures, experiences of food. One thing that has helped immeasurably in that regard are friends I have made in the WLS community. My biggest inspiration is Michelle - whose blog is full of recipes, tips, stories and information. Her marvelous ideas about food are great for non-ops, too! Worth checking out.She has made eating much more fun and enjoyable for me since my surgery. She is running a contest to give away a Cuisinart ice cream maker, so a great time to check out her blog. http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.com/

As of today: eleven months exactly and 147 pounds lost!

A New Spring

I am happy. I had a week off from school for Spring Break. It was filled with activity. My best friend Susan and her husband Glenn visited from PA. My house is cleaner than it has been in a long time. I planted flowers, cooked, read, rested, went shopping - both in stores and in boxes of outgrown clothes. I find that I like my old clothes more that I bought when I was thinner. Easter was a beautiful day - Randy gave me a compliment for cooking a big holiday dinner when I did not eat many of the things. I thought about it - but find that it is really not about eating the food - it is joyful to please y0ur family. 8 1/2 months after surgery - I weigh 125 pounds less.

Saturday Musings

Time is really flying for me of late. Busier than ever in school. Seem to be running on caffeine (twitch. Not enough to notice. twitch)

I have had the flu crud the last week - missed 3 days of school. Can't help thinking how this would have left me reeling pre surgery. Lots of WOW moments like that lately.

Realizing that I was not even close to being the biggest person in the room at a staff meeting.

Having my car towed for repairs and getting up into the towtruck - no problem. (Big WOW moment!)

Having to remind myself to eat - always wanted to be "that girl".

Striking up a conversation with a stranger getting gas one morning and realizing how much more outgoing I am when I am happy and confident.

Feeling brave enough to weigh myself with jeans on in the middle of the day and still liking what I see!

Seven 1/2 months and 115 pounds gone!

I Heart My Life!

I have been waaay busy lately - I have even been neglecting the internet (gasp!)! But I am happier than I have been in ages. I have the energy to push on like the Energizer bunny. When I look back at my life a year ago, it seems like a different person was living it.

Good things in my life lately:

Jim and I went to the coast last weekend - I went to sleep with the ocean roaring in my ears each night. Bliss. Had some nice meals, walked on the beach, even a little wine.

My BFF for the last 40 some years. Susan and her husband Glenn made plane reservations for March to Fresno. I am SO excited!!

My hair is finally getting back to more like normal. It took a big beating from the shock of my surgery and was falling out like crazy. Sure am glad I had a lot to start with (and for Sandy, my good friend and hairdresser)

Bags and bags of clothes donated to Goodwill!

Eating is more and more enjoyable - in no small part to Shelly - a fellow WLS friend who has a great blog http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ She is my inspiration for eating well and m0st creatively! My lunches are envied in the staff room every day. I heart Eggface!

109 pounds gone and feeling fine!

New Year - New Life!

I had the best winter vacation ever - it was amazing to have energy to have fun, instead of just falling apart from exhaustion. The "food issues" of the holidays were not issues. I still felt as if I nurtured my loved ones - I told each to pick one favorite cookie - and baked four batches - it was amazingly, enough. (Guess I must have eaten waaay too many cookies all by myself in years past! :) I took a breather from the gym in the three weeks before the holiday vacation and discovered that I fell out of my swim suit when I went back! I donated five huge bags of clothes to Good Will. And this morning I woke up to a nice surprise - six months to the day after surgery I hit a milestone - exactly 100 pounds lost! Who-whooo! Feeling terrific.