A teensy scare, a new low, a great day and a fun site

For the first time in YEARS, I took a pregnancy test.  I was scared and completely in denial that I could be pregnant.  Hubby had the snip a year ago but hasn't been tested so there's always a little niggle at the back of my brain that says "oh please, don't let it be this time".  This month I was 8 days late.  I haven't been this late in a long time and so I began to worry.  Bestie tried to talk some sense into me but I alternated between panic and outright denial.  I didn't want to test because I was afraid... what if it was positive?  I've never ever wanted to be a mother.  As a step-mom I'm happy but I never wanted to bear children myself.  I couldn't imagine going through that at 35.

I bought my first First Response test in a very long time and thankfully I tested negative on Friday. I was still worried since Aunt Flo hadn't made an appearance and I wasn't feeling any of the usual signs she was on her way.... well other than extreme annoyance at hubby for minor things but I don't need Aunt Flo to help me with that ;)  She showed up this morning with a vengence and as usual I went through the hating her but silently (or not so silently) cheering that she'd made an appearance at all.  After a day of cramps, I loathe her again and lament loudly at being female.

Also yesterday, I reached a new low on the scale.  138lbs!  Even with menstrual bloat I'm at this weight!  I feel amazing and can't believe that I'm 85 lbs down and will see my goal before my 1 year surgiversary at the end of April.  Heck, I will likely surpass it although I'm really determined now to put some muscle back on and get strong so maybe I'll be able to stave off any further losses on the scale.

Today, Aunt Flo and all, I met with a great lady that helped me become this healthier version of Cheryl that I get to see every day since April 2011.  I met up with Colleen from Weight Loss and Beyond Consulting and spent the afternoon with her and a friend that I referred for her sleeve surgery coming up March 15!  I'm super excited for her to start her sleeve journey and feel this excitement that I enjoy every day!  She has a cautious and reserved attitude to this process and I know that once the pounds start to come off and she starts feeling as great as we do, she will be just as thrilled to share this journey with others. This process is about sharing your journey with others, I think its an important part of the whole thing to be able to pass on your experiences, share in the highs and lows with those that have been there and those that are considering this path.  I don't regret my sleeve for a moment and I wish that I'd had the courage to share it with more people sooner than I have.

Lastly, I HIGHLY recommend you all check out this site.  These gals are HILARIOUS and give so much great information for post op patient of bariatric procedures.  I wish I had the time to spend watching ALL of their great videos!     http://bariatrictv.com/

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...

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.