Walking around in women’s underwear

Happy Holidays everyone!!

GOAL WEIGHT REACHED!!!

I hit my goal weight! 149lbs! YAY!!!!!!


I can't believe it, in some ways it feels like its been forever since my surgery but I know its only been 8 months! I would be happy to get into the 130's but if I don't, then I don't. I'm not really worrying about it. I got to the 140's.... now i just need strength training to give me back some muscles cuz I'm so weak now!

Some fun for today

A little bit of light entertainment to fill your day creatively.
Take a minute and do this. It is the cutest thing ever and how on earth it works - I can't imagine.

                               Draw A Stickman
                                Try this, it is cool and fun.
                               You won't believe what happens after you draw a stick man!!  I wish I knew how this works!!!
Click on site below                                 http://www.drawastickman.com/
.

FMM

FMM: Have You Ever?

1. …traveled outside of your home country?  If so, where?  

Yup, I love to travel.  I've been to Greece, Turkey, Punta Cana and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), several places in USA and several places in Mexico!

2. …performed on stage in front of at least 1,000 people? If so, share some details!  

When I was a kid, I was in the choir and did the Festival of Trees performances often.  Never did get over my stage fright though!

3. …watched an episode of Jersey Shore?  

Unfortunately once.  It was a mistake I regret to this day.  That's an hour I'll never get back of my life.  It was like a train wreck, I couldn't look away.

4. …baked a cake from scratch?  If so, what’s your specialty?  

Many times.  Banana and carrot are my favs I'd say.

5. …worked in a grocery store?  

Nope.  I never ever wanted to work in the food industry in any way.

6. …dated someone who was your best friend first?  

Sort of.  Hubby and I met and tried dating for awhile and it was just the wrong time.  So we became best friends instead.  3 years later, we decided to give it another try and here we are married now 1.5 years :)

7. …made a difference in someone’s life during Christmas?  

I donate, I've worked at Santa's Anonymous wrapping presents for kids and stuff.  That's about it.

8. …been on TV?  

Yup a couple times.  Once for a troubleshooter thing because my ISP was screwing people over and they decided to interview me.  Another when I was a kid, they did a Christmas special for several families called "Yes there is a Santa Claus" as our parents were both union workers and had been on lockout for 18 months on strike.  The other unions and donations made it possible for us to have a pretty amazing Christmas for 6 kids!

9. …had cosmetic surgery?

I've had lasik surgery and weight loss surgery.  I don't really know if either are considered "cosmetic" to others so I've noted them but to me they were absolutely necessary and I wouldn't change those decisions for a second!

10. …learned a second language?  If so, what else do you speak?

All Canadians (pretty much) learn French in school.  I speak it haltingly and can understand it mostly.  I'm also teaching myself Spanish :)

Now it’s your turn.  I know it’s a busy week, but I hope you’ll take a few minutes to share your answers on your own blog.  And if you do, don’t forget to come back here to link up in the comments.  

Happy Monday friends!

My vitamin ritual

Everyday I take:

1 - B12 tablet (melts under your tongue)
2 - Vit D drops 1000iu each
2 - Adult chewable multi vitamins
Bio-Strath Liquid mineral supplement (30 drops)   http://www.nationalnutrition.ca/detail.aspx?ID=971
Calcium Magnesium Citrate liquid
1 packet - Pro-Biotics

Now I am adding 150mg 2x/day of Feramax to the mix

Bathroom post... don't read if you aren't interested... lol

TMI!!!!!


So....Interesting. I started the iron (half the dose recommended just to see how it was going to affect me) and instead of making me constipated, I've actually had normal bathroom times every single day since I started taking it. I haven't had a daily BM since I was on mushies after my surgery until now. I would go sometimes a week with nothing and then just rabbit turds. So far, I'm liking this iron supplementation! Giving it a few more days and then I'll move to the full 300 mg dose/day, hopefully this continues!

Doctor's orders....

Went to see my doc on Wednesday for follow up after my last blood work. I'm teetering on anemia apparently. She said the range for women is 12-300 (quite the range IMO!) and my level was 17. She said that it can cause depression, anxiety and fatigue being low in iron so that might be my problem! So, now I'm on daily iron supplementation and I have to get re-tested for blood work in 3 months and she said she wants to see it above 50 by then. I've never had iron supplements before, I hope they don't make me constipated MORE. I have enough trouble with the bathroom since my surgery!

Also, she said she didn't want me losing any more weight. She thinks my weight is fine where it is. I think I can do another 10-15 lbs and still be healthy so we'll see. I told her that I feel pretty good, other than fatigue mostly. My anxiety is up and down depending on stress. I don't handle stress well and find myself easily overwhelmed. She wants me to really focus on getting my exercise in which will also help with all of the mood and fatigue too. I know I need to exercise, and actually I have a trainer that called me so I will get going on that too.

At long last...

My pictures from the "during" weight loss phase of my photoshoot done when I was 50 lbs down.  So around 175 lbs.  I'll have another shoot when I'm at my Ultimate ultimate size :)

I can definitely see that I'm thinner now.  I'm not a huge fan of the makeup either.  It looks cakey IMO.

Lots of the same pics over in different poses... sorry!

http://photobucket.com/cherylscott

151 lbs!!!

The lightest I've been in over 15 years!  I really didn't think the scale would be showing a loss as I've been hovering over the same few pounds for a few weeks... and I've been having some issues in the bathroom..TMI I know!

I'm so happy I had this surgery.  Best decision ever.

Today, I'm going to work the Health & Lifestyle Show for Weight Loss and Beyond.  I'm a little nervous someone I work with will see me and find out I've had the surgery.  I'm still keeping that on the down low at work.  It's a hard line between wanting to tell people I know and keeping some personal privacy as well.

Last night was my company Christmas Party.  I rocked a sweet dress...

Wahoooooo!

We got the phone call this morning! We have a year extension from the military for our final move!!! That takes a HUGE load of stress and time constraint off of us. We felt very pressured to make a decision and get the move going regardless of the issues with selling our houses, now we have some leeway. A whole years worth!!

The plan now is to move to Vancouver around the summer time or early fall. By then we will be able to LEISURELY sell both houses (although that's a WHOLE OTHER source of stress for me right now), have our house hunting trip and move at the nicest time of the year. It feels so much better knowing that we have that extension.

I'm looking forward to moving to Vancouver. Hubby thinks he's forcing me to move but honestly, I'm ready for the change. The adventure. The no snow. lol

Now we need to call Relocation Services to find out how early we should be looking for a summer/fall move there so we can use those dates to work backwards to selling the place we're in now, getting my transfer done at work... etc.

It's exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time. I am going back to the doc on Wednesday to find a new anti-depressant/anti-anxiety med though I think. There's been so much stress and I'm not dealing with it well. I constantly worry, over prepare and think catastrophically about everything. It's not good for me or my marriage.

Weightloss has slowed right down.

I would say I'm averaging about 2-5 lbs a month now as I get nearer to my goal.

First major goal is 149lbs, next Ultimate goal is 135 lbs

I'm sure if I got off my ass and started exercising that might happen a little sooner but ...meh. I have no desire and I really need to find some because I know that I've lost alot of lean muscle over the last year. I can feel it in my strength.

NSV!

I've hopped on the scale a few times in the last week because I'd noticed my Size 8's getting loose.  Looks like I'm on to Size 6 now!  Also.... I can wear knee high boots.  WITH ROOM TO SPARE!  No acrobatics to get into or out of boots that previously would have taken up shop at my cankle and refuse to move an inch further. 

I'm also nearly "NORMAL" for my BMI!

Nov 11... Remember to Remember

Things have been hectic

I'm seriously slacking lately on this blog and really all of the places with my online presence.  I didn't even do my 6 month weigh in and measure.  I haven't weighed in a couple of weeks.  I have really no desire to step on the scale at all.  I might be up, I might be down... I just don't give a crap frankly.  My clothing is all hanging off me so its a good thing I think. 

My mother in law has been in town a week now and she's going to be here another week yet.  It's not that I mind her staying with us but I feel out of place in my own home when we have guests.  I feel that I have to always check on them, entertain them, not just veg out in front of the tv... A couple of weeks is a long time to feel displaced in your own space.

As well, we own a rental property.  Our renters bailed on their lease and are exiting it early.  Now we are in a mad dash panic to get the minor cosmetic repairs done and get the place sold before the end of the year.  Not easy to do in the land of perpetual cold and winter.  Siding a shed in near freezing temperatures sucks the big one.

I feel stressed out at work lately.  Some days I think that I'm pretty damn good at my job.  Other days, I can't believe they pay me to do this when I clearly have no freaking idea what I'm doing.  It's a battle with my own insecurities of being good enough.  I'm the type of person always looking for approval.  I don't know why.  Maybe it was my lack of a real father figure growing up.  Maybe it was living in fear from an abusive step father that beat my mom all the time.  Maybe I'm just a needy person because I just AM and its not a product of my environment.

The deadline to move to Vancouver is ever quickly approaching.  I think I have resigned myself that we're definitely moving there but it stresses me out with all the things we need to do between now and March to make that happen.  We have 2 homes to sell, a new home to find, and then getting my transfer and actually MOVING to a new province, new city... I've never lived anywhere other than where I grew up.  It is stressful and exciting all at once.  This opportunity to have our move paid by the Canadian Military won't come up again so we need to capitalize on it while we can.  I just wish we had a little more time....

Lastly, I've been fighting this cold/flu that's running through my office for the last week or so.  I've been absolutely exhausted with a sore throat on and off the whole time.  I wish I didn't give a crap about my job and more about my own health so I would take a sick day.  There's just so much to do.

Anyway, there's more but I feel like I'm just whining now so I'll end with a ... HAPPY FRIDAY TO EVERYONE!!!

I really like this blog and I think you should read it.

It's about weight loss.  Not WLS.  Just weight loss.  Read all 3 parts.  I think this girl is amazing.


http://www.canyoustayfordinner.com/what-i-miss-from-135lbs-ago/

Apparently I've spent too much time at work on GastricSleeve.com 

It's now blocked and labelled as "suspicious"


lmao

I'm in a funk.

I feel really run down lately and as though life's stressors are weighing on me more than they have in a long time.  I'm not sure how much is my surgery (although I doubt any of it really is) but more how I'm handling stress.  Stress at work, at home, with my renters, with my marriage, my dog, my brother, my friends.  I feel as though I'm not coping well like I was able to in the past.

I'm not really sure what this means exactly other than perhaps I need to give my anti-depressants another shot.  I hate that I might need to take them forever but I constantly live in fear that perhaps this is the one bad/sad mood that I can't pull myself out of on my own and I'll be back into a deep depression once again.
I feel like I'm on the verge of tears all the time and I shouldn't be.  I feel alone and I know that I'm not.  I think I'm having difficulty with seeing the glass being half full.  I have much to be thankful for, my weight is completely manageable and almost within the healthy range, my skin is better, my asthma is better, my knees don't click anymore....

But instead I am focusing on the things going wrong and that are hard right now and I'm waking up every day exhausted, irritable, and scattered.

Something needs to be done. I just don't know what it is.

I gotta say

I'm feeling pretty damn FIIIINEEEEE lately.  I am now in a size 8. 

For a true sense of how happy I am lately.  Watch the banana.  WATCH IT!!  YEAH BABY!

Taken from a fellow WLS'er and blogger....

Thanks goes out to Sarah from  http://onmyweightohappiness.blogspot.com/

Request from my fellow bloggers.....

I love reading fellow bloggers blogs and following their journey. It gives me inspiration and motivation. I also feel a sense of connection to each and every one of you because your going through the same struggles as me, I'm not alone in this.

Maybe some of you are aware and others are not but I have a few requests....

I love commenting on blogs, I read every single post every one makes but sometimes I don't comment on everyone's because it takes so much time having to do all the comment verifications. Now I know some of you prefer to have the comment verification up and that's fine, but some don't know they have it or know how to turn it off. You can turn this off by going under Settings, then Comments and then under Show word verification for comments? - click NO.

The second request is....

I love reading everyone's comments on my blogs, means a lot. But there's a lot of people who I can't respond back to thanking them for the sweet comment or when they have advice or questions. Whenever you comment on someone's blog they get an email notification of the email, but so many times when I go to hit reply I realize the person doesn't have their email address in there for me to respond so instead it looks like this:

Bill < noreply-comment@blogger.com >

Which means I can't reply back to your comment to say whatever I want to say back, I would reply back on my blog but not 100% sure people go back to read updated comments all the time. So if you would like to get responses back from your comments you can change this by:

Go to the Dashboard, the first section hit Edit Profile then make sure there is a check mark in the 2nd line that says "Show my email address", that means whenever you comment on a blog that person will be able to respond back to your comment via email.

Again I know some of you prefer not to have people contact you back for privacy reasons and I respect that, again just throwing it out there for an FYI for others.

I have some exciting (and scary) news!

I'm going to be in the paper!

Well, my likeness will be at least...  at some point.  Ok. I guess I should explain.  Here's some backstory....  (get comfy but...  I'll try to give you the Coles Notes version)

When I decided that I was interested in WLS.  Like ready READY interested... I started doing some searching online.  I ended up on ObesityHelp.  Unfortunately, I tend to stay away from there most of the time now because its just toooooo cliquey and all negative... but I digress....  While I was doing some research, a woman messaged me on chat after I'd posted questions about the local Weight Wise program and how long I could expect to wait for WLS paid for by the provincial health care.

After a really interesting discussion with her, I got up the nerve to make an appt with a company she was referring for at the time... and I convinced my hubby to come along for both moral support and so I had some voice of reason there with me.  He has been in my life for 6 years and seen me heavy, fit and heavy again in that time, so he understood that I was on this path to finding a way to a healthier lighter version of myself.

I met this woman, and then booked with the company for my surgery with Dr Almanza in April of this year.  Since then, this woman and I have become friends and she has opened her own weight loss consulting company employing the values that she wants her clients to come away with.  Weight loss is only part of the answer.  A healthy lifestyle including exercise is also part of it.  After seeing her business case, I decided to become part of her company even in a small way.  I chose to be a patient coordinator/consultant.  I now offer the same support, information and advice that she once offered me.

Ok.... now, to the present day...

I have a photoshoot on Oct 16 as a successful sleever.  She wants to do banners, advertising on her website and now.... (or later...eep!) print advertising in the newspaper.  That part frankly scares the absolute crap out of me right now.  I don't know if I'm ready for the whole world (including my coworkers) to know I've made this choice yet.  I'm not ashamed of this choice at all but I do know that I want to keep my personal life separate from my work right now and I don't know if being the "face" of Weight Loss and Beyond Consulting is the way to do it.  This is the same reason I keep a separate Facebook page.

I wish I knew how to handle this gracefully in a way that allows me to feel confident in my professional privacy while still helping this company grow and help people realize their WLS (as well as dental and cosmetic) goals.



For anyone who reads and is interested... check out  www.weightlossandbeyond.ca
Feel free to send me a message on my Facebook (Happy Sleever), on my blog or contact Colleen on the website if you want any information.

A week and where does it lay me?

Well.. it weighs me in at 5 months post op!

I can't believe how fast the time has gone by.  I am now a size 10-12 depending on the store and fit easily into many clothes that had found a home in a pile, in a basket, in the back of my closet.  I now rejoice at a size MEDIUM for dresses and tops... even with the jugs I continue to have.  My poor chestesses have not escaped from the weight loss unscathed unfortunately.  I am definitely far from an E cup these days but the girls, they're a holdin up.


This week at work has been pretty stressful with quarter/month end at work.  I won't say that my eating has been stellar but its been ok.  I did partake in a bag of popcorn twists at one point but I regretted it quickly.

Sleevie is behaving nicely most of the time and I'm able to take more water now than I was before.  I used to drink very little but these days I'm getting in a pretty good share of liquids.  Not yet (I think) the full 64oz I'm required to drink but I'm getting better.  I still have to be careful not to drink too much to fast or I definitely can re-live it although more often than not, I just get the chest pain that feels like food stuck instead.  It's funny you know, I chat with newbie sleevers who have all the same questions and fears and thoughts as I did a mere 4-5 months ago.  Now, here I am, one of the "experienced" ones.  At 5 months.  It's amazing what a little time does.  And in a few months, those same newbies will be feeling the same as I do today.  And in that time, I'll be looking at my 1 year anniversary with my sleeve.  The mind boggles.


Before I get on a rant or anything of the sort, I want to make sure I share my latest stats! I missed measuring this week on my anniversary date so tonight I figured was a good a time as any :)

grrr

I thankfully didn't let a jerkazz trainer ruin my resolve tonight.

A new trainer called me last night to book me in for a free session with him to see if I wanted to continue my training sessions with him.  We confirmed that we'd meet at the training desk at 6pm tonight.

At 615 I went down to the main desk and basically said...  should I expect Chris (trainer)  to be late for every training session I pay him for since he couldn't make it to this one, the FIRST one with a new client?

The girl at the desk advised me that he'd called in that he wouldn't be in.  WTF... and why the hell did he not think that perhaps ME as the client he went to the point of calling at home last night MIGHT need to know so I wasn't driving like a crazy person to get there on time just to find out I didn't have to????

I was fuming.  As I recall it, I'm fuming again.  One thing that makes me so so so angry is having someone waste my time.  He had the time to call the gym but not to call his client?  I'm sorry but I don't give a shit... someone could have called me.  My old trainer would have, I expect the same from the new trainer.

I was mad enough that I nearly cancelled my gym membership then and there.   I decided to instead of leaving while angry (which would be my normal response) I worked some of my anger off on the treadmill for a half hour.  I felt better after although I'm no less ready to fire his ass.  I don't know yet what I will do.  He's broken my trust already and I need to be able to trust him to have him as my trainer. 

I don't know yet whether I will continue to train with him after this.  I welcome any levity, authors of common sense or general tomfoolery.

For the scale addict in all of us

I found this... somewhere. I can't remember where. Hopefully it wasn't here on a friends blogger feed because I'll feel like an idiot but my memory is shit lately.

Anyway I think they're great articles about scale addiction and how (literally) the same person looks like at the same weight with and without exercise.

It's the sole reason I'm back at the gym.

http://primitivestimulus.com/2011/03...scale-addicts/

http://everydaypaleo.com/2011/06/22/...ddicts-part-2/

The time has come

I have an appt with a new trainer.  TONIGHT.

No point in putting it off any longer.  I NEED to get moving and I need the motivation a trainer provides me because I have none.  As I near the weight I was a year ago before I regained it all again, I realize the differences in my body this time around.   Last time I was working out like crazy and pumping weights and it showed.  I was lean and super tight and sexay... now, I'm loose and jiggly at nearly the same weight.

Time to get some of my muscle back.  I remember this path from once before.  It's a painful one but one full of self worth and accomplishment.  And I'm worth it.

The scale has lost its hold on me!

I just realized this morning that I haven't had the urge to weigh myself in over a week!  I was getting on pretty much daily since my surgery.  I see the difference in my clothing and I can feel the difference in my body so I know that I'm losing still but frankly, I might just move to only weighing at my 1 month mark from now on.  It's so liberating to not have that scale addiction!

10 WLS commandments

Found this online.  Love it, stole it for my blog to remember it.  I'm guilty of some of these items occasionally :)

1^st Mistake:Not Taking Vitamins, Supplements, or Minerals
Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include: Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning. Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible.

2^nd Mistake:Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity  
A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back. A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery.

3^rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals 
Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating.

4^th Mistake:Not Eating Right
Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you.

5^th Mistake:Not Drinking Enough Water 
Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too.

6^th Mistake:Grazing 
Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement.

7^th Mistake:Not Exercising Regularly 
Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest!

8^th Mistake:Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much)
Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies.

9^th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda 
Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there.

10^th Mistake:Drinking Alcohol 
If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it. Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations. If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker

Nervous for nothing

I've been dreading a family function recently.  I'm still pretty new in the post-op phases really and very unsure as to how I wanted to handle telling people that I've had WLS.  ESPECIALLY my family.

It was my gma's 75th and my dad's 57th birthday party on Sunday (Sept 4).  Much of the family that I haven't seen at all this year (and since I was over 220 lbs) would be commenting on my weight loss... this I know.  They've seen me lose and regain many many times over the years so I was prepared for the latest barrage of questions and comments. What I wasn't prepared for was the unbeliveable support!

Up until (literally) the drive to the restaurant I was still deciding if I should tell them or just stick to my work response of "medically supervised diet".  I finally came to the conclusion that if anyone should understand how hard its been for me, it would be them.  So I decided even if they judged me for it, I didn't care and that I was feeling too good (having just broke into the 160's...yay!) to have them affect my mood.

So I told anyone who asked.  At one point, most of the people in the room were listening as I recounted my surgery experience and a few were interested in possibly pursing it themselves!  I received support like I didn't expect and some family may make this journey along with me.

In short, I'm happy I chose my sleeve.  I'm happier yet that I chose to start telling people in my life about it.  I'm still uncomfortable with my work knowning though... because its none of their damn business mostly but also because its not up to them to decide if I required that surgery for sick leave post-op or not.  A medical doctor said I needed leave for at least a week, so I had leave for a week and I have the dr note to prove it. :)

4 months!

I had a great NSV last night.

I went to a seminar on Minding Stress and its affect on weight. It's put on by the Weight Wise program here and there are many people in the program that are going through the modules for possible approval for bariatric surgery to be paid for by the province. I was paired up with this obviously uncomfortable woman that was hugely obese. We talked about what stresses us out and how we react to it... specifically how our eating changes as we react to it. When I gave my answer about how I use comfort foods like mashed potates, pot pies (etc) she said "yeah well, you're so skinny so it doesn't matter how you eat".



She didn't know me from a whole in the wall and she thought I was "skinny". Yay!

I explained that I'd already had my bariatric surgery and I was 50 lbs down so far. She said how she'd been talking to the psychologist about it and didn't understand how he could say that post op she could become MORE depressed. I explained that you really can. You mourn food and you have to develop a new relationship with food so you don't make yourself sick. You have to be willing to understand that with this surgery comes the understanding that you will never visit a buffet again, you will never finish a normal sized meal again (let alone a restaurant sized one) and that counting calories, low fat, and the food guide no longer applies to you.

It's a HUGE change and one that requires that you're fully prepared for it... mentally and emotionally. She thanked me, she hadn't realized that. I was pleased to be able to give my experience to a possible future bariatric patient from another patient's perspective instead of just the doctors telling her what she should/shouldn't do.

REACHED!

Yay! I was hoping I'd reach my goal of 50 lbs down before the 27th  (4 month WLS anniversary). I did!

My next major goal is to see 149 lbs. I wanted to see the '40's so bad last time I lost weight and I could just never get there. So that's my next major goal with my ultimate goal being 135 lbs


I'm pretty happy with myself. The best thing about this sleeve is that while anyone can lose weight on 600 cal a day, the sleeve can save me from myself by not allowing me to binge and overeat in a moment of weakness/emotion/frustration etc.

I'm going to do something I hate doing.  I'm making a goal. 
I want to be down 50 lbs by my 4 month date.  Which is next weekend.  3 pounds to go. 

I'm not doing anything to make it happen but I'm going to try and focus more on protein and cut the carbies back a bit.  Calories aren't an issue at all as I'm still struggling to get in more than 600 a day. 

Today for breakfast, I couldn't even finish half of a packaged oatmeal.  It's amazing and frustrating all at the same time.  I'm feeling really good though.  My bloodwork was stellar, my energy is coming back and I haven't started losing my hair yet so I might be one of the lucky ones that doesn't.  Fingers crossed!

1.            What is your occupation right now? 
I'm a commercial property and casualty insurance underwriter for a major insurer.  I moved over to this job in January from doing commercial automobile insurance.   
2.            What color are your socks right now?
Barefoot. 
3.             What are you listening to right now?
TV sounds.  I'm not watching, I'm surfing.  But I like the background sound.  Have NO idea what is on right now... last show that I glanced up at was "Big Bang Theory" 
4.            What was the last thing that you ate? 
1/4 of a Turkey pot pie, minus the top shell 
5.            Can you drive a stick shift?
Nope.  We have a vehicle that's a stick and hubby always has to be the one to drive us.  He keeps saying he's going to teach me but ... not yet! 
6.            Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Hubby!  He's driving home from Vancouver Island today. 
7.            Do you like the person you stole this blog from?
Yup, sure do! 
8.            How old are you today? 
34. 
9.            What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Hockey. duh... I'm Canadian.    ;) 
10.          What is your favorite drink?
Coffee I think.  Things have changed alot since my surgery.  It used to be diet coke but I haven't had that in a few months. 
11.          Have you ever dyed your hair?
All the time since I was in Jr High.  I love changing my hair, its the one thing you can change in an instant! 
12.          Favorite food?
Indian butter chicken.  Haven't had it since I had surgery though... too heavy for me now!  I need to find a new favourite... wait does snow cones count!? 
13.          What is the last movie you watched?
Green Lantern.  mmmm..drool... Ryan Reynolds... 
14.          Favorite day of the year?
Oct 31.  Halloween... AND Hubby's birthday! 
15.          How do you vent anger? 
I rant to hubby usually. Or my blog. 
16.          What was your favorite toy as a child?
I had a Puffalump.  A teddy bear one.  I LOVED THAT THING! 
17.          What is your favorite season?
Fall.  Totally.  It's just so pretty 
18.          Cherries or Blueberries?
Blueberries 
19.          Do you want your friends to blog this survey?
Heck yeah 
20.          Where is you favorite place to escape?
Find a beach and a water source and I'm happy. 
21.          Favorite TV Show(s)?
hmmm... these days I'm really diggin Family Guy and Big Bang Theory 
22.          Living arrangements? 
We own 2 mobile homes right now.  We chose mobile home living so that we could enjoy to travel and not worry about saving up for it or dipping into savings.  It works for us right now.  One of the homes is currently a rental property which we are planning to sell in the next couple of months.  We're looking at moving to the West Coast in the next year so that's the plan right now.
23.          When was the last time you cried?
A couple of weeks ago maybe?
24.          What is on the floor of your closet?
Laundry basket 
25.          Who is the friend you have had the longest?
Whew... I have no clue... 
26.          What did you do last night?
Hung out and updated my online presence, downloaded pics from my camera, generally a whole lot of nothing actually. 
27.          What are you most afraid of?
Being abandoned, emotionally and physically.  I really struggle with the fear of being left.  Stupid parental stuff haunts me. 
28.          Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? 
Cheese. 
29.          Favorite dog breed?
Havanese.... here's my Bailie!  He's normally very fluffy but the groomer shaved him right down! 




30.          Favorite day of the week?
Saturday. 
31.          How many states have you lived in?
None, I'm a Canuck!  But I have only lived in 1 province, Alberta 
32.          Diamonds or pearls? 
Diamonds. 
33.          What is your favorite flower?
Gerbera daisies

46 pounds down!!

3 month bloodwork results

I talked to the nurse that is going to spend some time with me on diet/etc post-op... the one I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I met at a Weight Wise seminar.  I told him my blood work was done a couple of weeks ago but that I hadn't heard anything yet... so he looked it up!

His comments as he said them to me....

B12 - 468.  DOUBLE what normal is. 
Thyroid - Perfect
Proteins - Good
Electrolytes - Great
Cholesterol - Great
Liver Function - Good
Sugars - Good   5.3 Normal
Coagulant - Normal
Blood Count - Perfect

There's still a few tests to come back (like Vitamin D) but he said this is the best blood work he's ever seen in a post-op bariatric patient!  Yay me!  I asked him if this meant I had to start exercising and stop using my surgery as an excuse... lol... he laughed.   I see him on Aug 18th to go over my food logs etc.

In the words of Charlie Sheen .... WINNING!!

been a few... updates!

Well I'm home from the amazing beautiful hated-to-leave Vancouver Island.  It was a really lovely 10-ish days with a 2 day drive across BC, my first ferry ride and many many days of sitting beside the crystal clear mountain fed river, Puntledge River.  It was so beautiful there.  Hardly any skeeters like crappy Alberta has although a FREAKING HUGE SPIDER did manage to run across my bed while we were there.  Thankfully I had my hubby to rescue me <3

I managed to manage my weight/eating while on vacation pretty well.  I didn't get sick once.  Wahoo!  I even managed to lose weight!

I'm now OVERWEIGHT!!!!  I'm no longer OBESE!!  This is so exciting!!!  I'm (as of yesterday) 45 pounds down and feeling really good.

I even bought a goal dress!  Check it out on my facebook for now.  If I get better pics... (i.e of me IN it) I'll post them here too.  My badge is found to the right on my blog, Happy Sleever is my FB :)

Success!

I had a mini goal of 179 lbs before we left for the Island.


I hit it this morning before we left!!! Wahoooooooo
I am wearing clothes I haven't worn since last summer before I had my last regain. I'm so happy with my sleeve!

3 MONTHS!

MORE travel!

This time not for work... for fun instead!

Headed to Vancouver Island tomorrow... we drive from Edmonton to Kamloops tomorrow morning (10 hour drive) then Kamloops to Comox (including ferry) on Saturday will be another 7 hours-ish. Going to be a long drive but we're looking forward to it!!

Yesterday was my 3 month surgiversary!!  I will post results tonight :)

Travelling for work

sucks.

I spent 3 days in and out of a vehicle driving for hours at a time, in work clothes, listening to my brokers complain about things I have no control over and didn't get a stitch of overtime to show for it.

Eating on the road is really tough post-VSG.  The very first day I experienced dumping and damn near shit myself in the vehicle with my boss and co-worker.  I had what I thought would be a decent meal... 1 over medium egg and a breakfast link.  It's a damn good thing that the towns we were between were only 15 minutes.  I barely made it into the gas station bathroom before I was in trouble.  And to top it all off... no toilet paper. I had to use the paper towels  :(  Not a great way to start off the day or the trip.  From then on, I was nervous the rest of the trip....afraid I'd eat something too rich and I'd crap my pants. I stuck to a single egg and a little bit of yogurt the rest of the breakfasts and there was no other incidents of explosions in my pants thank heavens.

I managed to enjoy calamari appetizer for dinner one night and a lunch with bacon wrapped scallops once too.  Thankfully I didn't have too many questions and was able to simply say "among other things, I had a stricture and I have problems getting food in now because it gets stuck if I don't chew really well and comes back up"... was it a lie?Well technically yes.... afaik there is no narrowing but it is true that I do have to chew really well and not eat too much or it gets stuck and comes back up.  It was enough to satisfy them into not asking too many questions and just looking at me concernedly instead when I grimaced in pain if I swallowed too much at once.

First visit with my PCP

So I had my first appointment with my PCP yesterday.  She was never aware that I decided to have this surgery, let alone that it was in Mexico.  She had referred me to the Weight Wise program where bariatric surgery was a possibility at some point, but was surprised to hear that I did self pay. As I have had some issues with concentration, memory and focus lately I wanted to get all my vitamin levels (etc) checked to see where I'm at.  She's also getting my glucose checked to see where I'm at there.  I was pre-pre diabetic when she last checked so it will be interesting to see where all my levels are now.

Interestingly, she was fine with the fact that I chose to do this surgery.  She was unhappy/unthrilled/whatever that it was in MEXICO *gasp*  Actually.  She really did literally gasp.  I brushed it off.  I read that as ignorance to the care that you get in Mexico and made sure she knew that I had great care and was really happy with my surgeon and the facilities.  She was really happy with the weight I've lost  (40 lbs as of yesterday  woot woot!) and is happy to see I'm also off my anti-depressants at this point.  She did mention that the issues I'm having COULD actually be related to the depression (I have PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder, also mental health issues run in my family) but time will tell if that comes back up in the future.   It will be monitored closely, of course.  If necessary, I will go back on them but I'd rather not as it was helpful in my weight regain and subsequent deeper depression so I'd like to not go down that road again if I don't have to.

Friend Makin Monday: How much weight have you lost?

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: http://www.alltheweigh.com/ so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: How Much Weight Have You Lost?  And what have you gained from losing it? (If you’re participating in FMM – and you’re not on a weight-loss journey, tell us about a powerful change you’ve made in your life!)

This time around:  I've lost 39 pounds so far.  I'm learning how to eat to live and eat the things my body needs.  I'm learning how to really listen to the cues my body is giving me and ignore the demons of head hunger.  My confidence is slowly returning and I'm not taking anything for granted this time around.  This truly IS the LAST TIME I'M LOSING WEIGHT!



Now it’s your turn!  Tell us about the changes you’ve experienced in your own life! And don’t forget to come back and link up! Happy Monday friends!!!

pharmaceutical intervention

or better known as :"I am full of shit"

I hadn't gone to the bathroom for a full week and while I eat so little so its not as distressing...  I didn't have that lump/rock feeling in my belly, I certainly wasn't feeling very good.

I had to take a laxative.  I HATE taking laxatives beacuse they hit me so hard but I definitely feel better afterwards.

And I lost 2 pounds.  lol

Weight Wise Module 2

I went to my 2nd module on Thursday night.  It's been a little busy and I haven't been able to blog about it until now but I am super excited!!

The module was about nutrtition and the guy teaching it was a nurse for the program.  He mentioned some really interesting stuff that I needed to ask him about when we finished for the evening.  I told him about my struggles with weight loss over the years and the most recent gain (after a 70 lb loss) that led me to my choice of the VSG surgery.  He was talking about a test that can measure your BMR.  A test they do that ACCURATELY measures it!  It takes an hour or so to do the test but at the end you will know how much your own body can burn in a day which can help greatly with weight loss.  He said they don't do this test for just anyone... you need to show a marked interest and compliance with journalling your food and such before they would do it. 

Anyway, I told him I had the surgery.  He asked where and when I told him he was impressed!  He said he had seen the images of the Jerusalem Clinic and even knew Dr Almanza's name!  He asked who my followup care was being provided by and I told him that I hadn't even told my PCP yet that I'd had the surgery and that I was hoping the Weight Wise program's dieticians etc would be able to be my followup care.  He told me that they are for pre-op care and would be unable to help me as a post-op.  For a moment I was bummed... and then he said... what you need is ME!  Wahoo!  He's agreed to be my post op nurse for my followup.  I told him about my focus, fatigue etc and he wants me to get my bloodwork done.  I already had an appt for this coming Tues to tell my PCP about my surgery and have her order my bloodwork.  He said he would even talk to my PCP about my surgery and help me out there.

Thursday night was a good night!! 

A wee bit o' nervousity

In a week and a half, I have to go out of town (on the road to northern BC) for 4 days.  I'm a little concerned as to how I'm going to get my meals in me and not be in pain, nauseous, or simply just not eating for a few days.  It's a work trip so I'm at a cross roads... no one in the group going knows I've had this surgery.  I'm not really sure how to handle it.

Of those that read my blog and travel with others that don't know... I'd really appreciate some coping skills here...

Dehydration

Water is still a problem for me.  I'm trying but I've never been good at getting my water in... even pre-op.  Unless I could guzzle a bottle or 2, I didn't get in my water for the day.  Anytime I try to get my water in, I'm met with nausea so it makes me loathe to try.

Well its been my undoing the last few days.  I KNOW my water intake lately has been very poor, especially over the last few days.  Bad enough that I've managed to get myself a decent migraine and I've been in bed for 2 days laying in the dark.  No sound, no light... and no sleep either because of the pain.  I've been so bored.  Even the light from my cell phone to check on my facebook has been too much for me to handle.

I've increased my water intake alot today and its making a difference where even a percocet didn't help. 

My bad.  ok ok, I know.... I will try harder to get my water in!

Frustration

Sometimes I need to stay away from the bulletin boards.  It frustrates me to see when people are posting about pain or some complication they might have asking for what they should do to a bunch of people online instead of calling their doctor.

I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV.  Nor, does anyone else on these multitude of BB's out there!  I might piss some people off so I try to not respond to those threads because they get my blood up.  I'm not immune to questions of experiences of others going through the journey but come on, if you have PAIN -  CALL YOUR DOCTOR!!!! Don't wait for someone in a faceless land of the internetz determine your physical health!

argh. I think I need a time-out

Goals

Goal setting has always been scary for me.  In the past, I've either hit my goals for a very brief period, or I've not hit them at all.  Fear of failure makes me loathe to try goal setting again.  But, I know that it gives me something to aim towards and I know the sense of accomplishment I felt when I reached the 199, 190 and 189 goals.

So, I'm changing my ticker.

The last time I lost weight (2 years ago) I got to 152 lbs.  I was trying so hard to see the 140's.  So, my goal is 149.  When I get to 149, I will re-assess my goal down to the 130.  But for now, instead of focusing on all that distance between 130-149, I'm going to just focus on 149.

My weight loss seems to come in spurts.  I won't lose anything for about a week or so, then I lose a few pounds.  I'm not going to stress it.  I wish it would come off more consistently but it doesn't, so it doesn't.  This isn't a race.

heavenly smells

My favourite smell in the whole wide world is baking bread.

Every day I take the commuter train to work and I walk through pedways to get to my office tower downtown.  I have to pass a store on my way called "Press'd" that sells sandwiches and soups.  My salivary glands are now relating where I am in the pedways like Pavlov's dog does to the bell.   I get to a certain point in the pedway and even though I can't yet smell the fresh baking breads, my mouth is suddenly salivating at the soon to smell yummy goodness.

It's a bittersweet position since I don't eat that stuff anymore and frankly really... I physically couldn't.  I LOVE the smell though and savour it every single morning.

ahhhh

2 Month Results!

Friend Makin Monday!

List a few common items that can always be found in your fridge.
Source yogurt, no sugar added applesauce, fresh strawberries, soy milk, marble cheese strings, low fat cream cheese, cucumber and eggs

What kind of milk do you drink?
Soy, usually the lower fat version.  Hubby buys it and I put it in my morning protein shake for that extra calories/protein

Do you prefer fresh or frozen vegetables?
Fresh veggies... steamed or grilled.  Bestest way to cook them!

What do you currently have to drink in the fridge?
Water and soy milk.  Hubby keeps Coke Zero, vitamin water, V8 and beer in the other fridge in his office

How often do you clean out your refrigerator?
Every week.  The night before garbage day :D

What’s the healthiest thing in it right now?
Tomatoes, carrots, lettuce

What’s the most unhealthy thing in it right now?
 There's a canolli in the freezer waiting for hubby to eat it :D

What do you wish you had in it that you don’t have now?
blueberries!

How often do you shop for groceries?
Rarely, I have a house husband (aka House B!%C&) for that.  He does nearly all of the shopping

What’s the weirdest thing in your fridge right now?
Nothing, its pretty empty actually.  Hubby has been out of town for 11 days and I haven't bothered to shop while he's been away!



Now it’s your turn! Don’t forget to answer the questions and come back to post a link in the comments section!

Happy Monday!

Vanity sizing

I loves it.

I went clothes shopping today.  For the first time since I regained all this weight.  I lived in sweatpants at home in the middle of a very deep depression the entire time I regained it so I didn't need work clothes.... now as I lose it, I need some as my current clothes are starting to fall off and hang on me in a very unflattering way.

I just have to express my absolute love for vanity sizing.  I'm FULLY aware that my current size does NOT put me in a size 14 and a Large (not XL! yay) but to hell with it... it feels fantastic to see that size on the back of my pants.  I don't care if its unrealistic and I'm fooling myself.  Whatever works!  Hell, I've been stuffed into Size 6 Lu Lu Lemon pants for the last year so size 14 is actually closer to the truth!

Tomorrow is my 2 month surgiversary.  Time for more measurements!!!

Wahoooo GOAL MET!

I saw 189 on the scale this morning!  I wanted to get to the 180's by the time hubby came home and I did!  I didn't do anything different except try harder to get my water in and here I am.  I'm so happy to see those numbers!


yippee!!

Memory/concentration/focus

I haz none.

In the past couple of weeks I've been really struggling to maintain my mental faculties.  I'm pretty new in my department and I have a very technical job, it scares me because I find my retention really poor lately.  It's as though my brain just stops before it even starts thinking.  It starts at " I know I need to think about this..." and that's as far as it goes. I can't even get to the stage where I can't remember.... hell I can't even START thinking about remembering!

I'm afraid I'm going to burn the house down.  Driving even makes me nervous as my attention span is really poor right now.  I'm sure that its related to my diet and that I must be deficient in some things.  I just wish I knew what it was and what I could do to change this.

Weight Wise Module 1

I attended the first Weight Wise class  (Getting Started - Planning for Success) last night.
See http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/ps-ww-module-tracker.pdf

The very first thing they mention before they start is how this program is NOT for bariatric patients.  I disagree somewhat.  I think that the parts that mention learning how to recognize barriers, encouraging motivation, etc ARE relevant regardless of whether you've had the surgery already or not.  Of course, the point of this program is to potentially move people through it to a possible surgery at the end.  The whole reason *I* want to be part of this program is that it offers free weight management sessions with a dietician and psychologist.  So to get those free sessions, I have to do 4 total modules and take some of the stuff with a grain of salt.

Next session is July 7 for Module 2 : Nutrition (Finding Balance) - The role of calories in weight management.  I might not attend this one as calories aren't something that I'm really worrying about at this point.  I can't decide.   Then I have the next one on Aug 4, Module 3: Managing hunger and appetite. Another that may not be useful for me since I have neither anymore.  Although head hunger I DO have so meh... not sure.

I WANT to do Modules 7 & 9, as well as Craving Change.  So I might just bail on the next 2 coming up this summer and then do those 3 when they're offered.

Water

I'm still really having difficulty getting in my water.  Honestly, I try but I feel like I'm drowning in water sometimes.  I am so busy sometimes at work that I barely have a chance to pee let alone get my sips in.

I drink 1 -1.5 cups mixed with my protein shake in the morning, 1/2 cup of coffee, 1 cup water in the afternoon.... and that's about it.  I'm really not good at this part.  :(  I LIKE water, I just can't take in the amounts that I used to be able to so I find it harder to get in my daily amounts. 

Any tricks?

Mindful eating x10000000000

Sometimes I miss being able to eat the way I used to.  Eating now has a whole new process and it requires full time attention or I risk getting physically ill.  It's unpretty.  Tonight a single strawberry was my undoing.  I only had the strawberry but apparently I didn't chew it well enough because it easily made a re-appearance.

bleh!

uh oh...

I have had a headache for 2 days.  This morning I have that foggy headed, tender neck feeling....

Damn.  Going to have to high dose the Vitamin C when I get home and hope it doesn't become a full blown cold/flu.  It will be my first time getting sick since the surgery.  Makes sense that I could get sick as my immune system is likely working overtime the last couple of months to heal me.

I had some red wine on the weekend.  It took me like 2 hours to drink 1 single glass.  It burned a fair bit going down and I felt pretty woozy on just the single glass.  Didn't expect that but I liked the flavour even if i did get a bit of heartburn from it!

Whoosh fairy!

Looks like I'm having a whoosh after that mini stall.  I've lost a pound a day since it started on Friday!

My mini goal of being 190 by the time hubby is home this coming weekend is already met.  I think I'll amend it to UNDER 190.... 180's here I come!

yay!!

Woot!

Down a pound!  I knew that the issue was bathroom related! 

Hubby is going to Vancouver island for 10 days as of this afternoon to see his son.  My mini goal is to be down to 190 by the time he gets back.  That's 2 pounds. Should be easier for me to get my exercise in since I won't be going around any other schedule but my own...well other than the dog.. lol

Wish me luck Diary!

meh

Today wasn't a good day... intestinally speaking...

I haven't gone #2 in days and I was feeling a little... erm... backed up.  I haven't lost weight in a few days either which I'm sure is related.  I was actually considering taking something tonight when I got home to remedy that.  Well apparently the "no sugar added" pudding from Jello took care of that.  Within 20 minutes I made a beeline for the bathroom.  huh... lesson learned.  No more pudding at work!

Then tonight, I had the toppings from a small slice of Hawaiian pizza from last night (ordered to watch the Hockey game).... I think I had 2 bites and that was it.... it all came right back up.  Returned!  Sleevie was NOT happy.  I seem to also regained my bile in the last week or so because since the last time I posted about puking to this time, now I have that nasty acid taste and bile come up whereas a couple weeks ago I didn't.  Interesting, I'd guess Sleevie has healed enough to have bile return.  Nasty... but interesting.

Hoping for a loss tomorrow on the scale!  Fingers crossed :)

mmm yum yum

Hubby made Shepards Pie for dinner.  With a twist.

Mashed sweet potato over creamed corn and ground hamburger with bbq sauce.


SO. GOOD.

Non VSG postyness

It’s BYOC day – Bring Your Own Crazy…. five questions we all answer in an effort to get to know each other better and to give our blog brains a break! Copy and paste to your own blog and ENJOY!


1. How and why did you first start blogging? And how long have you been blogging?

I started blogging back in 2005.  I have always been a writer and like to be able to get my thoughts out as freely as I can.  My last blogs were Livejournal (which I haven't updated in a couple years) Livejournal  and Fishie musings (which I haven't updated in 1.5 years)   Gosh I'm bad at keeping up with my blogs...

I will try and keep this one going.

2. Tell me about your perfect mate – if you could invent him/her?

I'm married to my best friend.  What more could I ask for?  My perfect mate and I met on plentyoffish in 2006, dated very briefly as he was fresh back from Afghanistan and not in a place for a relationship so we got to be good friends instead.  We lost touch for about a year around 2008 when I was mad at him for starting things back up with an ex that had previously ripped his heart out and stomped on it.  We reconnected at a Nickelback concert in April 2009, engaged by Sept 2009 and married by April 2010!  He's funny, sweet, crazy, silly, smart, kind and overall a great person.  His selfless contribution of his life and health for his country makes me want to be a more selfless person. 

3. Do you wear fake eyelashes? Do you want to? Do you use glue or self-stick ones? Do you like how they look?

I have had the permanent falsies put on in the past.  I went to Greece for a couple weeks and didn't want to fuss with makeup while I was gone so I had them put on.  They were fantastic.  I didn't have to wear eye makeup at all and they always looked amazing.  I would definitely do it again even being that they were an hour to get put on and $100!

4. Let’s say money was no object and neither was time off to recover – are you an advocate of plastic surgery after weight loss?

Hell yes.  I would love to get my crepe-y tummy skin removed and  my boobies lifted when I get to goal.  The rest, I think I'd be fine to not bother with but when I've lost weight in the past (numerous times) those were the 2 areas that really bothered me.

5. Repeat question. Summarize your week in blog land and in real life.

Real life--- Honestly its boring.  I've worked myself to crazy exhaustion as usual.  I've worked out a couple times (which at this point really is just walking), I've occasionally considered kicking my hubby in the ass (see perfect mate ... above) because he was annoying me for some stupid reason and I've seen my brother and we've planned a camping trip for July.  My life is pretty boring at present.  On the flip side,  I've done alot of dreaming about what I COULD be doing... about getting a job in Dubai and moving there, about moving to Vancouver Island, I've even looked at real estate.  It's all pipe dreams at this point as we have 2 houses here currently so we have to stay at least until the end of this year so our renters are out.  The place we're living in?  Well we just bought it in Dec so we'd definitely lose money if we sold so early... who knows where life is going. 

Blog Land - trying to keep my blog current and properly chronicle my VSG experiences as openly as I can.  I want to make sure that anyone that reads these entries understands that its not all a bed of roses and its not easy by any means.  It's easy(er) to lose weight since you're so restricted but the head crap is sometimes alot to deal with.