It was tough, but I made it through vacation!

I will say that it was very, very tough being away on vacation in the Outer Banks for a week. Tough because I couldn't control what I eat as much as I do when I'm home. I was limited with my food choices, especially because we went out to eat several times. I KNOW that I didn't get all my water and protein in every day. That's a given.

But, now that I'm home, I need to get myself back into the grind and back on schedule! I will say that I ate A LOT LESS than I ever have before on vacation. It was really nice to experiment with a few things (cheese ravioli, white pizza, pulled pork) and actually have them stay down. I'm still a little nervous when it comes to trying new things, especially when you're away from home.

I did get on the scale this morning and I actually managed to lose a couple pounds on vacation!! I guess I sweated them off in the heat and humidity on the Nags Head beach!

Here is a picture of my hubby and I (looking like lobsters) at dinner one night:



We really had a wonderful, relaxing time on vacation. I only wish it didn't have to end. Reality truly sucks!!!

Until next time, peace out!

First true test of the new me!

I am on vacation in the Outer Banks, NC. I consider this my first true test of my new eating habits. Being away from home and away from the convenience of cooking in my own kitchen, I was a little worried about going on vacation. We all know that vacation usually means splurging on foods that you typically wouldn't eat -- ice cream, cotton candy, french fries (especially with vinegar), etc. I was a little worried about having to eat "my" foods while the rest of my family splurges on the typical "vacation" foods. Would I be able to get enough protein in? How would I feel with them eating all the "junk" food?

I've been out to eat several times at home, but I'm usually able to check ahead all the nutritional information of wherever it is that we're going. Down here in the Outer Banks, I don't have that option. It's a little overwhelming and frightening...

We just got here yesterday. After unpacking and getting ourselves settled in, we decided to go out to dinner at a pizza/Italian restaurant. I figured that I'd be able to find something there. Even though it probably wasn't the healthiest option, I ordered a white pizza with ricotta cheese. I haven't gone the pasta route or the salad route yet...and I knew that white pizza at least had some protein in it. Needless to say, it was an incredible slice of pizza that I had (everything stayed down) and I was able to have a leftover slice for lunch today.

The house that we are staying in is stocked with a wonderful kitchen, so I'm going to cook dinner tonight and tomorrow night. I'll at least be able to control what I eat and what I put into it. Hopefully, I'll have an incident-free and enjoyable week here in the Outer Banks!!

Until next time, peace out!

I did it -- I'm in one-derland!!!

I'm finally here!!! For the first time in 12 years, I have finally made it to one-derland. Got on the scale this morning...and I was astonished to see 199 pounds!!! What a wonderful way to start my day. I have an extra bounce in my step this morning.

Now to set a new goal. My original end goal was 170 pounds. That means, I have 29 more pounds to go. I know I can get there, and maybe even beyond.

I'd have to say that my new goal is a commitment goal. I've been on-and-off with my exercise. My family life (three young children) and busy work schedule (working in communications for a school district) sometimes does not allow me to get to the gym. I've been trying to supplement gym visits with my treadmill. My goal is to workout in some way, shape, or form AT LEAST 3 TIMES PER WEEK!! I know that will help to turn some of these rolls and flab into more toned muscle.

Anyway, I'm feeling really good and wish you all luck in your endeavors. Whether you're reading this as a fellow WLS patient or just reading it because you know me and the blog email is forwarded to you, I wish you luck in whatever it is that you are striving for. With a little work and hard effort, you'll get there!! Just keep your chin up and your spirits high!!!

Until next time, peace out!

Reached a milestone...and another one's right around the corner!

Milestone #1: I fit into a size 14 today!!

Milestone #2 (almost there): I'm only 1.4 pounds away from being 200 pounds!

OK, now let me backtrack and tell the story. My mother and I went shopping tonight. Since this journey started for me, my clothes have been progressively getting bigger and bigger and I've had to "retire" many pairs of pants and tops. I went shopping earlier in the summer and picked up a few tops and pairs of capris for work, but that's it.

Right after my WLS, I was in size 22/24 pants and 26/28 tops. As soon as the weight started coming off, the sizes started going down. I seriously think I skipped over size 20 and went right into size 18. That's where I've been the past few weeks, until yesterday at work, someone pointed out that my capri pants were too big. I thought that my co-worker must be mistaken, because I had just bought the capris two months ago. When I really examined my legs, I thought "Yea, she's right." I was floating in the capris!

So, my mother and I went to Avenue and Ross tonight in search of some good finds. I didn't want to spend too much, since it's at the end of one season and I'll have to be buying long-sleeve tops and sweaters soon enough! I found a few bargains tonight...but the best news of all was that I was able to fit into a size 14 top and I bought this beautiful dress suit for work -- also in a size 14! I can honestly say that I haven't been in a size 14 since right after I got married -- 12 years ago!!! What an awesome feeling!!

OK, onto my second milestone. I had set a personal goal for myself to be under 200 pounds when I leave for vacation. Well, we leave for the Outer Banks next Sunday and when I got on the scale this morning, I was at 201.4. Only a pound and a half and I'll be in ONEDERLAND!!!! Again, that's a territory that I haven't ventured in since right after I got married 12 years ago.

Overall, I'm feeling really good right now. It's been more than 3 months since my WLS. The only problem that I'm having now is hair loss. Can't wait for that to stop. My only challenges now are making sure that I get enough protein and water each day. Some days, that is a challenge. Most days are alright, though.

Until next time, peace out!