divinediva

Send Message

Block

Add Friend

Hey everyone! It's me again and I'm still standing. As I continue this fight, I realize that I have a choice in my destiny. I chose life by having the surgery and my outlook has been positive throughout my journey. I've managed to remain in my size 8 skinny jeans and I've completed my bachelor of science degree in business and applied management. I still have my loving and devoted husband of 18 years by my side and BTW he still thinks I'm sexy. After my graduation ceremony in May, I plan to vacation a bit, and then I really need to find employment. I've been a hermit for the 9 years prior to my surgery. Now I'm ready to take it to the next level! Pray for me! I'm loving this journey!

Wow! I cannot believe it has been more than a year since my last post. I apologize for being so insensitive, because before I lost weight I was on here everyday searching for some hope and inspiration. Believe me guys, there is hope, but the inspiration has to come from within, because although we all have the same issue of being obese; we all got where we are through different paths. We can however use each other for strength in knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel. Yet, the old adage is still true that anything worth having takes time patience and perseverance to see it through.
Nevertheless, there is no end to this journey of weight loss, because as soon as you slip; it will creep back into your life. I've found that protein supplements are my friend and I realize the more protein I consume the less carb cravings I have. That conclusion took some trial and error. I've also noticed that it wasn't just my body that was changing; it was also my mindset. So while it was changing I chose to incorporate positive actions that would help me along in my goals for a more healthy lifestyle. I am more active than I have ever been in my life. In addition, my food choices are definitely more healthy without even thinking about it (the dumping helped with that) and my mind is clear to pursue my academic goals so that I can start the business that I've been dreaming of since I was a child. I graduate with a Bachelor Degree in Business and Applied Management in May of 2013.
In essence, I am enjoying life. BTW........I'm still sexy LOL!!!!!! I pray your continual success on your journey as well.
Divinediva

Sitting here just thinking about my life, how it has developed, and where I want to go from here. As far as the surgery is concerned, The easy ride is over. I've picked up 9lbs and I feel like I need to get a handle on it before it goes up any more. Like I've stated many times before, I am a carb/sweets addict. I'll say in the morning "No sweets for me today" but by 2:00pm I'm craving cookies. UGH! I wish I had some will power over it, because I don't want to gain my weight back. So far I haven't given in to temptation today, but then again it's just 10:50am. My plan is in order to get a hold of my cravings to just eat meat, vegetables, and yogurt for the next 3 days and see what happens. Usually if I can abstain for 3 days then The cravings go away as long as I don't slip up and give in I can go a while without having sweets. Anyway. That's where I am on my journey right now. I'll check in in a few days to relay my progress

I'm still holding on to my weight of 160lbs, even though I work out religiously. I don't t look at it as a bad thing, I mentioned it just as a reference to my progress. Others swear that I'm losing wieight, but No, I'm a "scalewatcher" and it says (every morning) 160lbs. I've slacked off on my eating habits also. Instead of being very meticulous about it (my husband says obsessive) I eat whatever I cook for my family, I just don't eat as much. I know that I'm a sweets eater also, so that could be a huge contributer in my stagnet weightloss. I'm happy, and I think I've become comfortable with it (160 lbs) Deeep down inside I think I'm really afraid to get any smaller, because I keep getting comments like "How much more weight are you trying to lose?", and "Girl! you don't need to lose anymore weight!", I've even been told by a close friend that I'm starting to look like a "Crackhead". Hmmmmn, and I didn't do this to look sick, I like looking healthy. I'm 5' 2" at 160lbs and I wear a size 8. A size 6 is the smallest I think I want to go, so it is what it is. If I get there, Oh well........I'm still loving life, having a great time with my friends and family. I've even been seriously thinking about going back to work. I just need to figure out what it is I want to do. I've been out of work for the past 9 1/2 years raising my daughter, but now I feel like being more than just Mom and Wife. I'm ready to spread my wings and see where life takes me.  I'm loving this journey!

I made it to my surgiversary! I'm Happy, Healthy, and down 83lbs. Looking back on the past year of my life, I can truely say that WLS changed my life for the better. My self esteem has increased tremendously. I no longer sit on the sidelines hoping not to be seen. I speak with confidence and people  listen to what I have to say. I'm so much more active than I was before the surgery. Life is good!
I still have to watch what I eat and exercise, because I've noticed if I don't, I gain a few pounds, but as soon as I get back on track, it comes off again. In the beginning I wanted to weigh 130lbs because that sound like a good #, but at 160lbs. I'm in a size 8 and that's the size I remember looking my best. So if I get to my original goal that will be something new to me, and if I don't, I won't feel like a failure, because I'm satisfied where I am so far. When I went for my year post op the dr didnt seem too concerned with where I am as far as my weight. He assured me that I'm doing what I'm supposed to do and to expect more weight to come off in the future, sooooooo that's it for now. Gotta get off of this computer so I can continue living the second chance at life that I've been given...........PEACE!!!!!

Wow time is flying! It's been 10 months since my surgey and I've lost 78lbs. I almost forgot to write a blog this month because I've been having soooooo much fun just living the life I've always dreamed of. Well let's see......over the past month I have ran another race. This time I ran The 4mile Bear Lake Trail. I've been rowing and tubing on Coldwater Creek, I've consistantly maintained my 5-6 day workout regimen. I have a group of friends that I hang out with on a regular bases (this is a good thing for me because I always felt so insecure I would never befriend anyone). We went out partying one night and as we walked through the crowd, I heard "Wow, she's Hot!" I turned around and they were talking about me OMG! I can't believe I'm considered as"HOT" now. I had another friend visit whom I hadn't seen in 8 yrs. She said she couldn't keep up with me because I'm always on the move. Of course you can see my energy level is waaaay up! I'm feeling great as far as my health. I had some issues with my knees hurting when I first began to run. I had the Dr. exray them to make sure there was nothing seriously wrong with them. She told me that because I was heavy for so long that I'd developed some arthritis in them and to stop running..........Not!.........My  fitness instructor recommended Glucosamine with Condroitin. I started taking them and I got a little relief, then my hairdresser told me to drink Elations, so I did and I got a little bit of relief. I then realized that I probably should take a little more than the average dose because of malsortion with the surgery so I take them both daily. Within a week my knees felt like brand new knees (the kind that allows one to "DROP IT LIKE IT"S HOT") So I will be running until I get ready to stop!
I remember when I hated to shop. I just spent a whole day with my girlfriend shopping in Destin Fl this past weekend. I wont mention the damage, but when hubby gets the bill, I may have to change my housewife status. There was sooooo many things that fit and I looked great on me that I had to get them right? I puchased Mediums size 9, and some 10"s. Even my shoe size has changed. I use to have to buy some 11's, and this weekend I purchased this Bad ass shoe in a 9...........
I am so grateful to have had this surgery. It has given me a life filled with blissful times and the courage to go out and make life happen instead of living by chance......Im doin me, Im livin life right now, and this is how its going to be until its over........and its far from over!

I'm 9 months post-op and 73lbs lost. I've accomplished two of my goals this month also. I am 170lbs and I entered my 1st 5K and Ran the entire distance! I was so overjoyed when I crossed that finishline I started dancing the Tootsie Roll! I plan to enter another run in a couple of weeks. Everything is still the same as far as health wise, I have no complaints. My hair has completely stopped shedding and it's growing thicker again. My husband has been all hands LOL and he keeps sending me texts (even when we're in the same room) telling me how sexy he thinks I am. I think he's quite sexy himself. We're having a blast! Thank you Dr. Lord!!!! Anyway, I'm living my life like it's golden and loving every minute of it. I feel great!

I've been MIA for a while, because I had to re focus. I couldn't figure out why my weight loss had stopped. So I stepped it up at the gym. I attend fitness classes four days a week which includes 1 hour of spinning on Mon and Fri. One hour of body shop on MON and Fri. One hour of Muscle Max on Tues and Thurs. One hour of PIYO on Tues and Thurs. on Wed I walk on my treadmill for an hour then do "Jillian Micheals 30 day shred" or "The Firm cardio sculpt 2" DVD's. I joined a running club and I meet with them on Saturday mornings for a 4 mile walk. Whew! yes I am tired as hell, but my weight loss started moving again!!! I am 172lbs and I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know it may seem like I'm killing myself, but that's all I do all day besides housework and taking care of my family. The fitness center has become my social gathering place. I've met lots of great people who are concerned with their health and fitness and you know what they say...." How can you learn to soar with the eagles if you stay down here with the chickens" so basically I want to be heathy and fit so I'm in the right company.
This month my goal is to begin training to run my 1st 5K......I walk more than that when I walk, but I've never ran one, so I want to build up enough speed and stamina to go the distance.
I had to realize that the surgery is a tool that will HELP me meet my weight loss goal, because I was under the impression that once I had it, I would automatically lose the weight......NOT! sometimes I think I work harder now on my wiehgt loss  than I ever did, but I'm getting the results I want. All of my medical issues are still gone. I'm just taking the vitamins and supplements. My hair still sheds, but not as much, as a matter of fact, I'm starting to notice little hairs growing where the baldness was, and because of the vitamins, and supplements, I like the texture of my new hair. It feels so healthy!!!. My skin looks great too. I think its the fish oils I take.....Hmmmmn
When I look back at my life before the surgery, I remember how miserable I was. I didnt want to move because it made me so tired to put forth effort to even clean my house. Now life is good. I look forward to everyday with pleasure. If I dont have anything to do I make something to do. My family is more active now since I'm more active.......I'm loving it!!!!!

I'm 6 months out from having my surgery and I'm still here! My weight loss had slowed drastically! I guess the surgery has done its part, now it's time for me to do my part. Tomorrow I'll be starting my third week back at the gym. I've been riding the bike and walking on the treadmill, even though my weight is not dropping, I've lost 2 inches in my stomache, and that's a good thing. I started using the pedometer they game me at the surgery center and that has kept me aware of my activity, because I can be a lazy person sometimes. Ive learned to get up and get things for myself instead of yelling across the house for my 8 year old to get me something that is just out of my reach. I know....how lazy can one get?
I had my 6 month post-op visit and Ive lost 62lbs, so that puts me at 181lbs. I'm happy for the weight lost so far and when I look at the over-all situation, that's a healthy weight loss. My labs are good and everything. I just need to drink more fluids...... no I need to do a lot of things, like not eat sweets, but I realize I have a sweet tooth and I've learned that I can eat a cookie and not feel sick so I've been eating sweets everyday. The difference now is I dont eat the whole row of cookies. I can only eat maybe one or two. I've been baking my own from scratch. My family loves them. I try to make them as healthy as possible so I wont feel so guilty. Last night I made a speghetti recipe from a book titled "Skinny cooks cant be trusted" written by Monique. Wow! it was the bomb even if I could only eat 1/2 a cup. I think thats where my obssession has turned to.......cooking. I want to cook everything. We never eat out anymore (which is a good thing). I just look up recipes on line or out of a book and start cooking. I'm having so much fun. It's better than sex........naaaaaa, I take that back. Any way I'm still enjoying life after my surgery. I have so, so , so ,so much energy. I look forward to tomorrow instead of dreading it.
There's also two sides to every story........ soooooo on the flip side, my hair has thinned soooo much. No, I'm not bald because I've always had a bunch of hair. I use to get charged more at the salon 'cause I had so much hair.....it's just much thinner now, so I guess I can say it looks normal to eveyone else. I had PMS before the surgery, but now its that other one..... the one where you're a crazy person for a few days. I have panic attacks the day before my cycle and I'm so moody that I cant stand myself.....my poor family. They are my angels...... they try soooo hard to please me. I know that I can be a tyrant. I love them soooo much. I need some help with that issue. That's about it for the negative.
I've been taking Biotin and Zinc supplements for my hair. Also Fish oils and drinking protein supplements. which helps with hair too. I hope everyone is still taking your multivitamins, Calcium, and B-12 every day for optimal health and to avoid malsorption issues......love you all......TTYL

Hello Everyone,
I hope your holidays are blessed, and that each and every one of you are happy with the choices you've made to change your lives for the better. I know I am. I've made it to 5 months post-op and my weight is not dropping as fast as it did in the beginning. I'm cool with that because I cant keep up with buying new clothes. I've lost 60lbs so far, so that puts me at 183lbs. My mom bought me a pair of size 12 skinny jeans, LOL and they FIT!!!!! I was afraid to try them on at first, but now I don't want to take them off. I can't explain how I feel.........all I can say is WOW!!! it feels great to be able to walk in a room and turn heads because I look good instead of because I bumped into someone while their making room for me to get through.
My 8yr old daughter is happy too, because I spend more time with her. I'm not tired all the time, so we get out and ride bikes, and we do our OWN feet. That was a task before, because I couldn't reach mine. She likes it when her friends come over and play on her Wii system' because I'm the champ at boxing, I knock 'em out every time so she brags that her mama knocked them out LOL
I'm eating most foods now, although if I eat anything too fattening (like egg rolls and fried foods) I still get nauscious. I still have issues with not being able to drink when I eat. I dont think I'll ever get use to that, but it is what it is. All in all this was a good month. I havent worked out in over a month (sad to say) so I have to get on the ball and get it right and keep it tight. Maybe next year