Feeling really good...for the first time in my life!

I've finally started being accountable for that New Year's Resolution that I've made so many years...lose weight...get in shape...eat healthier.

For the first time in my entire life, I can actually say that I'm taking the bull by the horns and I'm making it happen. The WLS last April was the first step into making this frequently-requested New Year's Resolution a reality. The WLS has given me the tool that I needed to restart my life.

So far, I've lost 95 pounds...gone from a size 22/24 to a size 12/14...and have become more active than I ever thought possible. I am trying my darnest to exercise at least 3-4 times a week. For the last couple of weeks, that's mostly meant 30 minutes/night on the treadmill in my basement.

Tonight, for the first time in 386 days (yes, that's right), I hopped onto the Wii Fit. I had fun hula hooping, running, and doing step aerobics. It was a nice warmup for the treadmill tonight. What a moment it was when I did my body test and it told me that I lost 86 pounds since the last time I was on. I was a little disappointed, however, when the Wii Fit told me that my body age was 45 -- I'm only 40! That's bad enough -- I don't need someone telling me (machine or not) that I'm any older than I really am!

Anyway, I'm going to try to do the Wii Fit a few times a week in addition to cardio -- it's a fun way to do some strength training and aerobics without ever having to leave the living room.

I had another one of those "moments" today when one of my principals stopped by my office and said: "Professionally speaking, I want to tell you how awesome you look. You must be so proud of yourself." I felt all warm inside receiving such a nice compliment, and politely replied "I feel really good, and that's what matters."

Several people have asked me how I lost so much weight, and I honestly don't hide the fact that I had WLS. There's no way that I could have done this all on my own, and I really am proud of how far I've come. I can't take all of the credit for it, and I have no problem telling people that I had WLS. It can be a tremendous tool for someone who was in the same boat as I was, and I think it's something to be considered for anyone overweight. It's not for everyone, however, and demands careful research and thought!

Anyway, I wish everyone a good week. Until next time, peace out!

Had My Nine-Month Checkup Today!

Just got back from my nine-month checkup at Barix this morning. According to their scales, I'm down a total of 93 pounds since my surgery on April 30th. I'm happy with that, but as I discussed with my doctor today, my eventual goal is 160 pounds -- another 18 pounds to lose. I'm not in any rush. I'm quite pleased with how I look and *feel* right now. For the most part, it's just toning and some refining that needs to be done.

The weight loss has substantially slowed down -- if not stopped -- so I know that exercise is what I need to focus on now. I got on the treadmill last night for the first time in weeks (I know, bad Shelly). I do enjoy walking and jogging on the treadmill, and I really do enjoy going to the YMCA -- when I can get there. I am trying to get up 3-4 mornings a week at least 30 minutes early, just so I can get down on the treadmill. I'm going to rely on my husband (c'mon, Gary) to help me with this as I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON and would sleep until the last possible second, if left to me!

Anyway, back to my checkup appointment today. My bloodwork was all excellent, with the exception of a slight iron deficiency. I have always had a problem with my iron levels, so this wasn't a shock to me. According to my doctor and the nutritionist, the only change I need to implement is to take my iron pills more consistently and every day (I was only taking every other day). I'm going to try a new chewable iron supplement from Barix -- one that doesn't have the typical side effects from iron intake. We'll see how that goes! :)

My doctor was very pleased with my progress and with how I look. He commented that I don't look "hollow" like some patients he's seen that have lost almost 100 pounds. That made me smile inside.

Oh, I received another positive comment yesterday that I thought I'd share. I had an appointment at Cabrini College to talk about finishing my Master's Degree. (I only need four classes to finish, so I'm going to start this summer back at graduate school -- something else to look forward to!). Anyway, while meeting with the Dean of Graduate Studies, he commented on how "well-polished" of a woman that I was. I had a class with him three years ago, and he noted how different I look. It made me feel *very* good inside and made me think about the person that I've become -- and also about the person that I used to be.

With this *new* me has come a definite sense of confidence. Not an overbearing "look at me" type of confidence (at least, I hope it doesn't come off that way). Rather, one that I feel comfortable with myself and being in any situation. I'm more confident at work -- in my personal life -- and around my family. It really is a great feeling and one that I hope will continue for a while, if not forever.

Enough of my rambling. I wish you alla wonderful week. Until next time, peace out!

Stuck in a rut...

I've been hovering at the 97-pounds lost mark for a few months now. I knew that the weightloss would eventually slow down, so I should have expected this. I really am quite happy with how I look and feel, but I'd like to lose another 10-15 pounds and "firm up" my body. I'm 5'8" in height, and my current weight is 173 pounds. That's the lowest I've been since high school, so I really am quite happy.

I don't know what it is, but I just can't get myself motivated to exercise. I can't use the excuse that I don't have enough time because I really do. I spend several hours a week doing non-essential things such as Facebook, so I really should turn that time into doing something useful for myself.

As soon as I get done this blog and get off the computer, I'm going to go put my exercise clothes and sneakers on and go downstairs to the treadmill. Really, I have no excuse. I need to get this body into shape!!!

So, hopefully by my next blog, I'll be sharing about how much time I'm spending on the treadmill or at the YMCA instead of how much time I'm wasting on Facebook or surfing the net. Until next time, peace out!