runningagain

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Hi Everyone,

The last two years have been great.  I've gone from being morbidly obese to moderately overweight (which I will gladly take).  I am wearing a size 10 pant and M tops. 

Yesterday I hopped on the scales (as I do every Thursday) and couldn't believe that my weight had moved down to the lowest point ever.  It moved down .2 (and I know it's not HUGE, but for me it is).  I was so estatic when I saw the lowest number on the scale looking back at me!!!!!  After months of the scale not moving, it moved.  That gives me hope that maybe some more will come off.

As for training, my son and I just finished a beginner running program (10 weeks) and have now started the intermediate one.  We run 6 days a week and meet twice a week.  Saturdays we do our long run development with is a minimum of 90 minutes of running.  Prior to this surgery I never thought this would be possible. 

What I sometimes felt would be impossible is turning into reality.

Loving my journey,
Tammy :-)

I'm so thrilled.  Today, I tried on my first pair of size 10's and they fit!!!!!!  I was beside myself!!  I actually bought them.  They are Levi's, medium, petite.  I never ever expected that I'd be able to get into a 10!!  After being a 24, I feel tenfabulous!!  Couldn't help the pun!!  Had to share this HUGE moment!

Hi Everyone,

Today I went for my "year" visit.  All went well.  I was a lil' bummed because I'm not at 160 yet.  I went to my appt. and didn't say a word about it.  Spoke with the Nutritionist and she told me that I have exceded surgical expectations!!  That was so good to hear.  She explained that the next year is going to be harder.  She also explained that with this surgery, it decreases our Basal Metabolic Rate.  The only thing that helps with that is exercise.  Glad I'm already doing that.  :-)  My quality of life just continues to get better and better.  Words could never express how thankful I am for this awesome tool and the people who have supported me and helped me to get it.  Life is awesome!!!!!

I'm so excited....I NO LONGER QUALIFY FOR SURGERY!!!!!!!  I'm Moderately Overweight, not Super Obese!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  YEAH!!!!!!!  Down 131 pounds!!!!!!!  Love my RNY.  I'll be sharing my story Monday night at the YMCA.  Going on a cruise in about a week.  Can't wait!!!!!!!  Just wanted to share my excitement about no longer qualifying for surgery.  You read that right, I no longer qualify for surgery!!!  Just seems so good to type it and read it!!!!  Have a great day!!

Tammy :-)

Last Saturday, August 15, 2009, I ran my very first 5K!!  The race was at Onondaga Lake Park and it was at 9:00 am.  A year ago, I could have never ran the race I ran.  The race was a lot of fun.  Prior to it starting, we picked up our packets and put our numbers on.  I was #139 which was kind of ironic because that's the # for my son's Boy Scout Troop. 

There were 273 people and the line at the starting line was long.  Once the horn blew to start the race, you were walking slowly to the start line as the group ahead started running.  It was about a 15 second delay or so for me to get up to the starting line and I was in the middle of the pack....would have been double that probably if I was in the back.  I was nervous before it started...once it started, I just concentrated on pacing myself because I didn't want to crash and burn.  We weren't allowed to wear iPods, but suprisingly I was able to stay focused.  As I was running, I reflected on how far I have come in the past 10 1/2 months.  I can now do a lot of things that I couldn't do before because of the weight.  Life is so good now and I'm loving it!  At the halfway point, my time was 17 something.  So I was feeling pretty good and tried to step it up.  I passed a couple of friends (who usually are faster than me) and just kept running.  About 1/4 of the way before the finish line, I was exhausted.  I gave the race all I had and finished with a time of 35:40.  I was #207 out of 273.  I'll take it.  This race was a victory for me.  It is a culmination of hard work, perseverance, supporting friends and family and great doc's.

After the race, awards were given out.  There were also drawings for door prizes and tons of food.  My children told me after the race that they want to run a race :-).  I'm going to sign them up for a "fun run."  Exercising has been imperative for me in my weight loss journey, but I realized that my children are inspired by what I am doing.  I didn't win an award at the race, but in my opinion, I already have the best awards (yes, more than one) life can offer.

Take Care,
Tammy :-)

Hi Everyone,

It's hard to believe I'm 10 months PO.  It's been a great ride so far and I am so happy with all of the positive changes that I have experienced.  I knew this surgery would be good, but I didn't realize how good it would be.  I feel younger, more energetic and more confident than I have in years.  One more week to go before I run the 5K race....it's on August 15th at 9 am in the morning.  My goal is to not be last and to finish without walking.  The latter I'll be able to do, not sure about the first.  Yesterday I went to a waterpark with the kids and it felt amazing not worrying about being the biggest one there or if people were looking at me wondering why I was wearing a swimsuit!!!!  So many things have changed from the way I look to the way I think to the way I feel.  It's all good and I'm loving life!!!! 

Tammy :-)

Did I say I'm lovin' my RNY????  One of the biggest 'AWE" moments that I have experienced recently is walking into a store and not being able to shop in their plus size section, which starts at 18.  I'm a 14 right now and proud of it.  Someone told me that 14 is the "average" sized of woman.  WOW!!  Am I average??  I went to New York & Company and tried on a 14 and it fit.  I didn't buy it, but it fit.  Prior to that, I went to Dress Barn and tried on 14's and they too fit!!  Those I bought.  It just doesn't seem real to me.  When I see a picture of myself, then I feel thinner.  When I look in the mirror, I feel thinner.  When I exercise and workout, I feel thinner.  Despite all of that, I still really do not feel the size I am in my head.  I still find myself browsing over the plus size clothes even though they don't fit.  People are calling me slim and skinny and I really don't feel either of those.  I feel healthier than I have in years, but those terms do not come to my mind at all.

I'm still in training for the 5K which will be on August 15th.  I really enjoy running....it's a great stress releiver too.  Last Sunday, I ran 3.6 miles and walked about 2 minutes.  I felt awesome and there's not doubt I couldn't have done that at 305 pounds!!  I bought an Ipod Shuffle and that helps to keep me going when running.  I run at least three times a week and fit in one or two more workouts. 

Have a great day everyone, thanks for reading my blog and happy losing!!!!

Hugs,
Tammy :-)

Hi Everyone,

I can't believe I only have 37 more pounds to get to my doc's goal of 160.  I have been training now for two weeks for a 5K.  It's a 12 week program that helps you to learn how to run a 5K.  We are gradually building our way up to 30 minutes of straight running.  Tomorrow, we will run for 4 minutes, then walk for 3 minutes.  We'll do 5 reps. of that.  The first class I attended was a little tough and I was the very last person.  I was talking to the coach and she went up ahead and said, "I'll be back for you Tammy."  I said, "I'll be here!!" 

I just kept thinking and focusing on putting one foot in front of the other and about the good I am doing for myself.  It doesn't matter if you win the race, as long as you reach your goal and give it your best.  When I was younger, I ran indoor, outdoor and cross country in high school and really enjoyed it.  I may never run as fast as I did back then, but I set a goal and I will achieve it.  That's what matters. 

That first week, my knees hurt a little bit.  The second week, I had pain in my left foot.  I was so scared that would hinder me from running, but I prayed about it and haven't had that pain since!!  Praise God!!  Last week's running class was easier (not easy) than the week before.  During the week we have to run at least twice on our own and both runs were great for me.  I pushed it and ran 4.0 mph for the first two reps, 4.2 mph, 4.4 mph and 4.6 mph on Wednesday, then Friday I repeated that only the last one I bumped up to 4.7.  I'm hoping that by increasing the speed a little at a time, I will increase my speed on the course.  If I can maintain an 11 something mile for the race in August, I'd be happy.  

Have a great day everyone.

 

I'm down 101 pounds now and feel great.  Each day seems to get better and better since having this surgery.  I went to the Bariatric Center and they told me I am right on track.  I go back again in 3 months.  They did my iron and B12 levels.  Yesterday I tried on a size 14 skirt that I bought back in the winter time and it fit!!  I couldn't believe it!!  What a great feeling. 

Have a great day.  I hope all of you are doing well.

Hugs,
Tammy :-)

Hi Everyone,

I figured it's time to post again since it's been a while.  The weight loss is slowing down but I am still losing.  My life now is a much better quality than 6 months ago.  I have more confidence and enjoy shopping for clothes.  It's great being able to buy what I LIKE versus buying what will cover my belly!!  Prior to surgery, I would nap almost every day.  Now I don't need to.  Sure, once in a while, I will snooze, but it's not on a daily basis anymore.  My energy levels are through the roof and I must say that my house is cleaner now....LOL!! 

Some huge changes I've made in my lifestyle include:

-Going to the gym at least 3 times a week (I've been going for 12 weeks now)!!!!  Should be a habit now.
-Since before surgery, drink decaff. coffee with cream only, no more sugar.
-Eat a lot less and listen to Libby (my pouch), when she says it's enough, it's enough!!!  I love her!!  She's my new best friend....LOL!!

Benefits of RNY:

-I actually enjoy sitting with my legs crossed now, I can cross them and it's comfortable.
-I can sit in an auditorium seat and not spill out of it or have my thighs hurt because they are being squashed!!
-I'm not out of breath when doing various activities
-My heart must be healthier.....haven't had blood work since the iron and B12 (both were higher than before surgery).
-Compliments on how good I look (love those), it's rewarding when people compliment me and don't know about the surgery.....it makes me feel like I must really look thinner.
-Going out to eat is a lot cheaper!!
-People are giving me clothes and I'm lovin' it.  I feel like a kid in the candy store!!  Last week two of my friends gave me a bunch of clothes.
-I can wear a size 16 now instead of a 24!!!!!!!
-Tops are XL.......I'm a proud XL!!!
-I don't worry about having a heart attack like I did when I was 305.  I don't wake up thinking about how big I am.  I know I'm doing all I can do now to be as healthy as I can be.  That gives me peace of mind.

Because I've lost the weigh, I now have those "bat wings"!!  UGH.......I work out my arms at the gym and hope they will firm up.  Everything else seems to be shaping up good, it's just my underarms are really flabby. 

I hope everyone is doing well and I thank all of my friends for your encouragement and support.  This website has been a wealth of support and encouragement for me and I hope to encourage those pre-op just like I was encouraged pre-op. 

My life is amazing and I don't think it could get any better!!  I'm a new person and loving life!!  Have a great day and thanks for reading.

Hugs,
Tammy :-)