Friday, July 30, 2010

Update - 6 months out.

Well, I just got back from my 6 month check-up @ PMRI (preventative medicine and rehabilitation institute), where they have the weight management program. They weighed, measured, checked blood....and came to the conclusion that I'm doing pretty alright.

Here be the stats - now (starting)
weight - 235 (361)
waist - 38.5" (46)
hips - 51" (67"!)
neck - 13.5" (17.5)
BMI - 36.7 (54!)

I'm so thrilled with everything. The only lab that remains iffy is my cholesterol - the bad kind. Everything else is within normal - even my pre-albumin - which measures how much protein my body is absorbing from my food/vitamins. I was surprised at that one, since I have not exactly been stellar with my protein intake - but my body is doing great......

The PA ordered some powder for under my belly (I get rashes sometimes, but I would much rather rashes to my former fat belly), and ordered me to go back on the B12 vitamin. She also said she doesn't need to see me for another 6 months. *cheer* I'm so happy! =)

Now tomorrow is a nutty day - Zumba in the AM, lunch with Liz (one of my surgery buddies), and dinner/entertainment out with the girls from work. My friend, Christine, is in an outdoor theater presentation of "Guys and Dolls" up at Longwood Gardens...and prior to, we are going to dinner at a place called Half Moon - which has a great menu with dinner items, but strange things like ostrich, emu, buffalo, and alligator. Curious.

Next week - I'm starting workout buddies with my friend, Ryane, who is back in my life after a long repose......I'm so thankful she's back in my life. I missed her. But that's another story - and not entirely mine to tell.

Thanks for reading.....lots of love......
<3
Laurie =)
on my way to my 6 month follow up @ PMRI! More info to come! =) Thx 4 reading!
Laur =)

Monday, July 26, 2010

How Sweet!!!

Hey, all -

Long time no blog - I'm trying to be better about it, but life keeps getting in the way! I'm a busy woman!

This weekend was wonderful. Went to Scranton to work the St. Joseph's Center festival, like I do every year, making funnel cakes. But first....I went back to Zumba! Made it through the entire class without dying - and even did some of the moves that threw my SI out to begin with. I was so proud of me..and had so much fun.

Sooo, we're at St. Joe's - I'm wearing my brand new, size 18, Old Navy jeans (got them for $5! you can't get plus sized jeans for $5 EVER) - and I finally see my friend's Dad, who is 5 years post bypass and one of my biggest supporters! He and his wife waited around to see me - and were so proud when they saw me. Then the other amazing thing happened...

Each year I run into my 5th grade teacher, Mr. Cici. My sister and I see him - go over and give him a hug, ask how he is - we start talking.....and all of a sudden he asks Jennifer, "so how IS Laurie?" I said, "I'm right here!" He thought I was my BABY sister, Erin! Now, not only is she small and stunning, she is 14 years my JUNIOR! I was so excited! It was hilarious....he was so embarrassed, but I was so flattered! I was thrilled with the mistake! His daughter, the lovely Marifran, went to high school with me and has been keeping him aprised of my progress - but to see it for himself must have been shocking. It was the highlight of my night!

So, here I am. Current weight is 237.....size 18....can shop at regular stores now.....unbelievable. And I'm still losing. I can't wait until my 6 month check up on Friday!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

It's been a while.....blah blah blah blah blah.....

Hey, all -

I know I've been absent as of late..and after my Wegman's meltdown, I was kinda embarrassed. But I'm only human....and I was so depressed about my venture there....the first meltdown of its kind since surgery. One in 6 months isn't bad, right?

Brief update - I'm now down to 241# (at last weigh), BMI is 37ish, and I'm wearing a solid size 18/XL pants and XL, sometimes L shirts. It's pretty twisted....but amazing and I love it. Feeling pretty good - but know I'm not getting enough of my protein in....my nutritionist will not be happy with my 6 month labs.....I've been a slacker in the protein dept....but I digress. I actually got my 80 grams in yesterday...so I'm on the right track. I just have to stay there.

I'm going back to a Zumba class on Saturday with my sister.....I hope I don't throw something out again.....I'm a bit nervous, but excited all at once. My foree back into Zumba...hopefully it'll be a wonder to behold.

I will say - the energy I have now? Rediculous. We went to NYC on Sunday - and I was outwalking everyone! Jeff actually said, "I think I liked it better when I had to slow down for YOU....SLOW DOWN!" It was pretty liberating not to have to ask everyone to slow down for me. To be able to keep up? I'm so proud. I got to see the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Empire State, and went to dinner with my sisters - who happened to be there for the Yankees game. They came into midtown afterwards to meet us at our Italian restaurant on 46th. It was wonderful. I even drove into the city instead of taking the train....that was an experience - not sure if it's one I'll repeat....but I've driven in Manhattan once.....*check!* Off the bucket list.

K, I'm off to get ready for work. Thanks for reading! It's been too long - and I promise not to be gone so long next time.

*hugs*
Laurie =)

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Struggling 2day. Wegman's is @ the same time incredible & the devil. 4got how incredible the food is. Got a salad. Cried. Dumbass me. Thx 4 reading. <3 Laurie

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Just have to share...I'm wearing size 18 jeans! I was so thrilled I bought them without thinking. Woot! 6 mo. followup on Thurs. Can't wait!
Laur =)

Monday, July 5, 2010

How different life is.....

This was an amazing weekend. We went to upstate NY to celebrate my Grandma's 90th birthday. It was a wonderful weekend.... I got to see family I haven't seen in forever! Getting comments from family like, "you're lookin' skinny" and "you look so wonderful" was so great....when usually I was the one sitting in the shade, sometimes avoiding people due to my weight. It's a strange new world.

But I have to say, the best part was the energy I had to play with my little cousins....play with my nephew....walk all around my cousin's property....and not worry about being too tired afterwards. And to be fully satisfied with a bite of each kind of food and not gorge myself? Amazing. I truly enjoy food, but don't let it rule me. It's pretty cool!

I'm now down 119#, wearing a size 20 regularly - the 22s are too big now...and the 20s are getting baggy...I may have to break out the 19s soon...it's insanity. But the most lovely insanity I've experienced in a long while. I can't wait until my cousin Jenny's wedding this weekend....dance dance dance.....woot!

Take good care - hope you had a wonderful 4th of July. Thanks for reading!
<3
Laurie =)

Friday, July 2, 2010

Merely "Obese"

Hey, all!

Internet is back, I'm back in full addict mode, we're moved into the house and I'm feeling and doing very well! But there is one great, pertinent piece of news I am thrilled to share....

I am no longer in the "morbidly obese" category according to the BMI charts! I am merely "obese". I'm so thrilled. Never did I think with a BMI of 56 at the start of this journey that I would have one under 40 so soon. It's so amazing. I can't put it into words.

On another note - I have started journaling my food again and am realizing that I have not been a very good girl. I am averaging about 50 - 60 g/protein/day...when I'm supposed to be getting 80. My labs are not going to be good unless I get on the stick. And I plan to - I have to get my labs drawn in the next two weeks....gotta get it together! Bring on the shakes and bocoup snacks. The problem is? I have no cravings at all, never feel hungry, and have no inkling of what I want to eat when it's time to eat. I definitely only eat to live now....and it's still a strange sensation. I love it, don't get me wrong, but it's still weird, even after 5 months of it.

Tomorrow is Grandma's surprise 90th birthday party in Auburn, NY. I can't wait to see my family - some of which don't even know I've had surgery...so they'll be shocked to see the difference in me...in all facets. So cool. I can't wait to see my Grandma!! =) She's amazing.

Thanks for reading, all! Have a wonderful Independence Day weekend....don't eat too much potato salad and don't drink too much! <3

Laur =)