Clothing Sizing Sucks

No wonder women have messed up body images...  Today I'm wearing a top that's a 3x, and pants that are 22.  Both fit appropriately, not too loose, not too tight.  Yesterday I was wearing a 1x top and 18 pants, again not too loose, not too tight.  WTF?  why are the sizes so different?  I've accepted that sizes don't really mean anything, but if I hadn't I would be devastated that I was in a 3x after I had lost so much weight.  Luckily for me the top is one I bought long time ago (8 years ago, at at a store closing sale for like $5...I never wore it because it was too small).  It still had the tags on, I figure I might as well get the use out of it now before it gets too big.

So what size am I?  No frackin clue.  Somewhere between a 1x and 3x?  How do you determine what size you wear?

On the other had I need some new exercise clothes for me Derby Lite class.  Went to Target and got a pair of workout capris, size xxl. From the "normal size" section, not the "plus".  Happy Dance, Happy Dance.  They are a little too tight for me to wear out in public (some people would, but not me), but for this class they're perfect. Just have to wear a longer top to cover the pooch.

Also got a couple new long sleeved tops and a pair of pants from Goodwill.  The pants are an 18 from Lane Bryant, but they look soooooo small.  Haven't tried them on yet, will save them for a few more pounds down.  The other 18's I bought are just starting to fit right.

Now that the weather has changed I've got to clean out the summer clothes from my closet.  Not sure If I'm going to donate those right now, or wait until next summer.  Most of the stuff is getting too big now, I'm just afraid if I give everything away I'll regain the weight and have nothing to wear next year.  I have to keep telling myself that won't have, I won't let that happen.  I may just move them into the spare room to get them out of my main closet, that way I can really see what I have for fall winter.

Ten Things Thursday

1. I realized as I was walking the dogs last night that I have lost a dog.  Not literally, but my one dogs weighs 66 pounds, just the amount I have lost currently.  She's HEAVY...put's into perspective as to how much I have lost.
2. Went to see Earth Wind and Fire last night.  Amazing show, if you have the chance to see them GO.  You may not think you know any of there songs, but I guarantee you do, and you'll be up and dancing.
3. Because of the concert I missed my Derby Lite class, very bummed.  I had fun at the one last week.  I realize I never blogged about it, but I will soon.
4. My butt still hurts from the fall I took in the first class.
5. Tried on the size 18 pants I bought a while ago.  I got them up, buttoned and zipped!  Still too tight to wear out of the house, but so close.
6. Had a nice time with my mom helping her at the craft show.  It was lots of work, but it's fun.
7. Saw lots of family and friends while I was home.  Everyone was shocked at how much I've lost already.  It was great to see their reactions.
8. I'm jealous that I'm not going to BOOBs this year, maybe next year.
9. Going to my exercise class for the first time in three weeks.  Looking forward to it, but since I'm still sore from Derby I'm a little scared at how I'll feel tomorrow.
10. I love Fall.  Going to pull out all the decorations I have this weekend.

Half Weigh There!

So today is Weigh in Wednesday, and as you can tell by the title, things are going very well.  Today's weight...

262.8

That makes 66.2 pounds lost since the beginning of this journey.  My goal (for the time being) is to weigh 200.  That would require a loss of 129 pounds from my highest.  So as of now I have lost (just a little) more than half that.  totally blows my mind!!!  It's been just over 4 months, I never thought I would have come this far this quickly.

I've still got a long way to go, and probably more.  My plan is to get to 200, then re-evaluate my goal.  I've learned a lot about myself during this time.  Most of all that I'm not perfect, but you know what...I don't have to be perfect, no one is, even those who seem to be.  

I just have to try my best, and when I stumble I just have to pick myself up, dust myself off and keep moving in the right direction.

Weigh-in Wednesday

Another week, another pound...   266.4.

Not great, but I'll take it.  I haven't done so well with my eating this past week.  Had a work dinner it was so yummy and so fattening, and had ice cream a couple of times.  I know, I know not following the rules, but not going to beat myself up.  I lost, I could have lost more, but this is me living my life... the good, the bad and the ugly.

I have been doing really well with exercise, taking the dogs for walks is so much nicer with the cooler weather.

I'm excited because my new exercise class is starting tonight, Derbylite.  I think it's going to be so much fun, as long as I don't kill myself.  I'll take a picture in all my gear tonight.

I'm leaving to go see my mom this weekend.  She's got a business making soap and other bath products.  This weekend is her biggest craft show of the year, so I go home and help her every year.  Check out her website, she makes awesome products:  Yellow Rose Soapworks  The weekend will be crazy busy, set uop friday and then show's open from 8-5 saturday and sunday.  Oh and it's 50% chance of rain...did I mention it's outside?  Rain is nothing new, usually rains every year, it just makes it yucky.  People still come and shop though,

I'll get to see some friends and family as well.  First time since surgery. Can't wait!

Pants on the ground

I have almost no clothes for fall/winter.  Given that it's been going down into the 50s at night and only up into the 70's in the day this is going to be a problem.  So Saturday I took off on a shopping adventure.  It was nice out so I grabbed a t-shirt and a pair of capri's out of my closet and headed out.

First stop Goodwill...by the way, did you know they have a rewards card? Neither did I until I signed up on saturday.  Anywhoo, was walking around Goodwill and I realized my pants were falling down, not just a little, but a WHOLE LOT...like it's a good thing my t-shirt was long, or I would have been indecent.  Had to keep my hand in my pocket or they would have been on the ground.  First purchase...belt for 99cents. :) Also got a pair of casual pants and a dress shirt for work.

That's what I get for not looking at the size, they were a 26, considering I'm into 20's now, I'm surprised I made it out the door without them falling off. Time to clean out some things from the closet so that doesn't happen again.  What a great feeling.

After Goodwill I went to the outlets.  Struck out there.  Didn't see anything I wanted to spend money on, knowing it might be too big soon. No good deals to be had.

Then stopped at Fashion Bug and Walmart.  Found a soft jacket type thing at FB, but in a size 0X.  A teensy bit snug, but wearable.  And will be fine as I lose weight.  Also got a tank to wear under it, as well as a casual long sleeve shirt.  Walmart I picked up a t-shirt and a shirt for work.

All told I spent about $80, but got  4 shirts to wear to work, two casual shirts and a pair of casual pants.  More money than I have spent on clothes for awhile, but really not that much.

It's hard to spend money on clothes not knowing how long they will be wearable.  How did you keep yourself clothed during the losing period?

Weigh-in Wednesday

267.4

Down another 1.6 pounds.  Yipee!  

Thanks for all the great comments on my pics.  It's so nice to have people tell me they see a difference.  Only   one person in real life says she sees a difference.  It's amazing to think I've lost 60+ pounds and no one else has said anything.  I'm going home to see my family next week so I should get some good reactions then. :)

Pictures

Ok I promised pictures and here they are.

Pre-Surgery

16 weeks post surgery

Pre-surgery

16 weeks post-surgery

The shirt is new, just got it yesterday.  The shirt I started with was just way too big, couldn't really see anything.  The new shirt is an xxl from Target, yes from the regular section.  Obviously it's too tight and I'd never where it out of the house, but definitely a NSV that I could even get into it.

I've noticed as I've lost weight I have gained rolls.  Need to invest in some type of garment to smooth everything out.  Any suggestions?

 

Weekend Wrap-Up

Had a good, fun productive weekend.  And the best part the weather has changed and it was cool, yes cool this weekend.  It wasn't 90 degrees and 100% humidity like it has been most of the summer.  It was so great!  Dropped into the high 50's at night and only up into the high 70's during the day.  If it would stay this way I would be in heaven.

Had two great walks with the puppies.  It includes a great upper body workout as well.  Holding Millie back since she pulls so much and pulling Missi since she likes to stop and smell everything.

Had good luck at Goodwill.  I desperately need fall clothes, everything I have is smaller sizes in short sleeves/summer type.  I got a four tops and 1 pair of casual pants for $18.00.  Pants:  new with tags Lee casuals, Land's End sweater, no tags, but looks brand new, a top from Cold Water Creek and one from Chicos.  Amazing steals!  Only the sweater fits right now, the rest should be OK by next moth. I'll go look at a few more stores and see what else I can find.  I may need to break down and buy some new stuff.  I hate spending the money, but I'll need some sweaters and long sleeved shirts.

Went and picked out all the gear I need for my Derby Lite class.  So excited, it starts next weekend.  I can't wait, it looks like so much fun.  Let's just hope with all the padding/protection I have I won't kill myself.

I'm do for some new pictures, but forgot to do them yesterday.  I've got to do them, especially since I didn't do last month either.  Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with new pics.

Have a great week everyone!!

Thanks, weigh-in and TTT

1.  First thing I want to thank those of you who responded to my last post.  It really means a lot to me that there are people out there reading along, and willing to take time to encourage me.

2.  Missed posting on weigh-in Wednesday, but I did actually weigh in.   After my pity party the other day I wasn't expecting much, but... 269.  Yowza, that's 60 pounds down from the start of this journey.  I just need to learn patience.

3.  I made a yummy meal yesterday, Shelly's Zucchini Roll-ups (aka Pasta-less Manicotti) from The World Accrding to Eggface.   It took a while to grill the zucchini since I was using my little bitty George Foreman grill and could only do two slices at a time.  Other wise it was easy peasy.  and did I mention yummy?  I added crumbled turkey sausage to add a little more protein.

4.  I am less than 5 pounds from half way to my goal of 200lbs.  I may revise my goal if I actually make it to 200, but for now that's what I'm shooting for.

5.  I had a personal trainer come out the the house and teach me how to use our weight machine.  She had lots of great suggestions.  I totally feel the burn.

6.  Now I have to make sure I actually use the weight machine.

7.  I missed my monthly support group meeting for banders yesterday.  I'm so bummed.  This is the 3rd month I've missed.  July was cancelled due to the holiday and August I was on vacay.  I really miss the group.  I have to make sure it's on my calendar for next month.

8.  I think part of the reason I've been feeling blah is because of #7.  There's nothing like meeting up with people who are going through the same things you are.

9.  Off to exercise class tonight.  I also missed last weeks class, may have contributed to blahness.

10.  I am so thankful for all of you followers.  Just knowing you are out there encourages me to keep going.

Blah

The title pretty much sums it up.  Just feeling blah about my journey.  Up to now I have been doing amazing, better than I ever thought possible.  I had no loss last week and I got on the scale this weekend (I know I shouldn't, but I did) and it was the same as last week.  Maybe it will be better tomorrow, but I'm not planning on it.

My eating isn't bad, staying around the 1200 calories my nutritionist recommended, taking the dogs for at least a 30  minute walk 5/6 days out of the week.  Just no movement on the scale.  I think I have entered my version of Bandster Hell, and I DON'T like it!!!  I find my thoughts going to why not eat whatever I want if even when I do eat ok I don't lose, might as well enjoy right?

TTT actually on Thursday!

1.  Sitting in a meeting, done with my part, but at the back of the room and too hard to get out, so I'm playing online.

2.  Trying not to get discouraged by the 1 pound gain this past week.  I'm noticing more bad eating habits trying to creep back in.  Got to nip those in the bud.

3.  My hair started falling out about a week ok.  big clumps in the shower and throughout the day.  Doesn't bother me since I've got so much hair.  I usually get it thinned in the summer, so I have more than plenty.  I can understand if you didn't have lots of hair to start with this could be upsetting.  I'm getting my protein in, I didn't start biotin, but maybe i should.  Thoughts?

4.  The arm band holder for my ipod actually fits around my upper arm.  When I started I had to wear it around my forearm :(.  So much nicer on my walks now.

5.  I've hired a personal trainer to come to my house and teach me how to use the equipment we have.  Mainly the weights, we have a big giant weight system that I'm not sure how to use.  She'll give me some exercises and routines to do.  Then in a couple of months I'll have her back to see how I'm doing.

6.  Friends were supposed to come in for the weekend, but thanks to the remnants of Isaac we are supposed to get they changed their plans.

7.  Have been furiously trying to get the house ready for them.  It's now cleaner than it has been in a loooong time.

8.  I'm jealous of everyone going to BOOBs.  At the time of registration I wasn't sure so I didn't sign up, but now I  really wish I had.  IT sounds like lots of fun, and it would be great to meet other bandsters.

9.  Price of gas jumped again, was 3.99 this morning, but I didn't have time to stop.  Wondering if it's going to be over 4.00 by the time I leave.  I'm almost on empty, so I'll have to get some tonight.

10.  Can't wait for Fall to get here.  I'm tired of it being sooo hot.  I love Fall :)

weigh in wednesday

Running late trying to get out, I was downstairs dressed and about to walk out the door when I remember I didn't weigh in. So back upstairs, take off the clothes (they're heavy you know).

273.4

Up one pound since last week, ugh should have just stayed in bed today.  Rationally I know that one pound is just normal fluctuation, and that the 6 pound loss I saw last week was an anomaly, but still.  It's hard to see the scale go up.

So I rush to get to work, get a space in the close garage (yeah me) and head into work. OK, maybe today will still be ok.

Except you have to badge in and my badge doesn't want to work.  Ok, push the button to talk to security, they tell me my access isn't valid... WHAT???  is this their way of firing me?  Said they would send someone down to badge me in and figure out what was going on.  So I wait, and wait and wait.  20 minutes later still no one.  Get back in my car, drive to the front of the complex go try to go in that way.  Have to wait in line at reception, they finally confirm that I still should have access (yay, for not being fired).  They send me down to security have to have a new badge made, with a new picture...so not picture ready today.

So should have made it into work before 8:30 actually wasn't in the building until after 9:30.  Head to the cafeteria to grab some eggs for breakfast only to find out they've already closed breakfast.  ARGH.  Head to the coffee shop in the building to pick something up cause I'm starving.  Not a good idea, ended up getting a chocolate croissant and I ate the whole damn thing. DOUBLE ARGH.  

So all in all my morning has sucked.  Just trying to make it through the rest of the day.  

TTT, second time around

I was in major brain fart mode last night so I couldn't think of anything, even though earlier in the day I had lots of things I wanted to write about. Let's continue where we left off yesterday...

5. When I walked into aerobics class the instructor looked at me and said "wow, I can tell you've lost weight since last week" :)

6. I thought I saw my elusive collarbones at class last night in the mirror, but alas when I came home I saw no evidence of them :( Must be that special mirror in the workout room.

7. On vacation I made it through two rounds of golf (9 holes each, and with a cart) and felt I could have gone another 9. Last year it took everything I had to finish 9 holes without feeling like I was dying.

8. I fit into those size 20s I bought a few weeks ago at Goodwill. I can't wait until I get into those 18s.

9. I'm going home to see my mom at the end of September and I can't wait to see how much more I lose before then. My goal is to be around 260 by them.

10. I'm sitting in a really boring meeting doing this. It started at 8:30 and is scheduled to go until 4. UGH I hate all say meetings on Friday (well, any day that is an all day meeting sucks.) Hopefully we'll get out early.

Have a great weekend everyone!

TTT

1. Didn't have to use a seatbelt extender on our trip to Florida.

2. The slight unfilled seems to have been enough. No PBing since and no horrible pressure. I'fe been on soft foods so far, tomorrow is first "real" food so we'll see how it goes.

3. I'm scared about moving back to real food.

4. I had lots of things in my head, but I cant think of them now. Ill finish TTT tomorrow.

Weigh In Wednesday

Holy sh#$%#$!

272.4

Six pounds since last week!!!  I know that some of this is because I had a fill that was a little too much so I've been on liquids/soft foods for a week. However, I think a big part of this is the amount of exercise I've been doing; 13 out of the last 14 days I've done at least 30 minutes. That's HUGE for me.  I've found things I love to do, so it's easier for me to keep with it.  Hopefully that will last.   I can't wait until my Derby Lite classes start next month!

I wanna be a Derby Girl

I've been looking around for new types of activities/exorcise to keep me motivated. Before my surgery I heard about an organization I wanted to try, but I new I wouldn't be able to make most of the classes do to recovery. Yesterday I just happened to check and see if they were starting a new session and low and behold they were having an information session that night, so I went and had a blast!

So what is this great organization you may be asking...Derby Lite



From their website:
Derby Lite is Roller Skating for Fun & Fitness. Our certified instructors lead high energy classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced skaters where ladies become healthier humans - physically and mentally - as they learn to skate a la roller derby without the impact or competition. Each 90-minute to two hour workout includes off-skates dynamic warm-ups, on-skates skills and drills, upper body strength exercises and cool-down stretching. It's a balanced, whole body workout that's never boring, shows progress week after week, and brings you into a welcoming community of women like no other. Are you ready?

I had so much fun, even though I fell on my ass a couple of times. I haven't been on skates in a long time. Last time on Rollerblades was more than 15 years, and quad skates I haven't been on since Junior High.

I didn't feel embarrassed, or out of place. The girls were great, and so encouraging. They made me feel welcome. I'm so sore this morning, especially my butt! I can't wait to go back.

Classes are once a week for 12 weeks, 90 minutes each. I think it's going to be an awesome workout. the classes themselves aren't expensive, but the gear I'm going to need is a little pricey. Skates, helmet, wrist, elbow and knee pads, and I don't want to skimp on the padding ;)

Now I just need to come up with a cool Derby name. Any suggestions?

2nd PB and 1st unfill

Oops I did it again (not that Britney was talked about PBing). Saturday I tried tuna salad with some cucumbers. Not sure what caused it, but I ended up running to the bathroom again. Mostly saliva that came up.

I stuck with liquids for the rest of the weekend. No problems at all. Left a message with my surgeon's office. They just called me back and scheduled me for an unfill tomorrow morning.

Hopefully just a slight unfill will take care of the problem.

First PB...ugh

I've really been hoping to avoid the dreaded PB (productive burp), unfortunately its just another one of the many new experiences I've had since getting my band.

Started normal enough, still eating soft food since my fill tues. Had mashed potatoes with melted cheese. Ate about 1/4 of a cup and the feeling hit. Pressure, saliva...ugh run to the bathroom just in time for it to come back up. Not a lot, but still no fun. Slimed for a whole.

Feel better now. Need to remember this and do everything in my power to not let it happen again. Not sure exactly why it happened eating too fast too much not chewing enough. So eat less eat slower and chew more. Learn my soft stop signal.

Guess I really do have a band in there after all.

Weigh-in Wednesday

I know I just got weighed at the doctor yesterday, but since I'm using my home scale as the official weigh in scale I want to be consistent, so hopped on the scale at the usual time on Wednesday morning and this is what greeted me...

278.4

That's right 278.4, all the exorcise this past week has paid off big time. So I have reached the big 5-0, fifty pounds lost since the beginning of my journey.

I still have a long way/weigh to go, but I am so happy at where I have gotten to in a short period of time. It has not been easy. I have learned many things, the biggest is that I have more will power than I ever thought possible.  The band is a great tool, but it has not really stopped me from eating so far, it's been shear determination.  Hopefully with this second fill I will get some more restriction.

So far things have gone well, but I know that can change, that I have to keep up this new attitude I have and not take the band for granted.  I also realize the key for me is exorcise, I have to move my body to lose the weight, it's not just about what food I eat.

Thanks to everyone that is following along, offering encouragement.  It REALLY does help me.

Fill #2

Went in for fill #2 this morning and things went well.  Met with the dietician and she is pleased with what i'm doing.  I confirmed that I should be trying for about 1200 calories a day.  She said to continue to make sure I get my protein and fluids in.  She said as I get more fills and more restriction it may be harder to do.

Official doctor's office weigh in...drum roll please....

279.8

Holey Moley, that's 49.2 pounds down!  I've been kicking butt with exorcise this week, and it shows.  We'll see what my home scale says tomorrow when I do my official home weigh in. Three months and almost 50 pounds! I am amazed. 

She put in 2cc but i gurgled too much so she took out 0.5cc and it was fine.  So I have a grand total of 4cc in a 10cc band.  I'm scheduled for another fill on October 2.  I could have made it sooner, but I'm going to be traveling, and I don't want to be worried about issues out of state.

Fluids today, then soft foods for two days then back to "normal" food.  So far drinking a protein shake without problems (knock on wood).