First Stall - Check!

Well I didn't get a chance to post last weekend and figured since there wasn't much to talk about, I would just wait until today to post a new blog.  I hit my first stall last week.  Not too bad!  I have lost weight every week since June 17th, 2012 until last week.  And I was totally okay with it.  I am shocked it didn't happen until now so I'm happy it has come and gone!  I wasn't really worried about it because I started an intense weight-lifting routine and just figured is was muscle building.  And I'm fine with that!  I was starting to think this past week would be another stall but mid-week the scales started moving again and I ended up losing 3 pounds this week!  So I'm now down a total of 127lbs!  I'm very pleased with the progress and still amazed at how fast it's all happening.  I feel blessed to have a healthier body now and am LOVING all the things I can do now, physically, that I couldn't before and things many people take for granted!

It was my baby girls' 8th birthday this week and I was remembering this week how skinny I felt when she was born, even though I was 48lbs heavier than I am now.  Unlike most ladies, I lost a lot of weight with all my pregnancies.  The doctors said it's because I was so big to start out so the healthier eating and more activity made me lose weight.  From the day I got pregnant to a week after Gabrielle was born, I lost 35 pounds.  Here is a picture of the first day I took her out after she was born and another one taken today.  I couldn't wait to head into my workplace that day to show my co-worker all the weight I lost, AND my new baby! haha  8 years later, I am 48 pounds lighter than that day and so happy that I can do things with my babies that I have never been able to do since they were born!

So my last post was about the confidence issues I've been going through.  I believe many of you prayed for me because I have felt the prayers!   What a difference I feel in two weeks!  I'm not quite where I want to be with my confidence, but I'm almost there.  I want to first of all thank my Heavenly Father for helping me realize who I am IN HIM!  It really doesn't matter what people think of me - what matters is that I'm living my life for Christ each day.  I will be the first person to admit that I lost sight of that for a while.  But it's all good now!  Secondly, I want to thank a couple of friends who had some really wise words for me that really helped me - Rob and Steph.  Steph, a friend who I babysat when she was 10 years old but is now married with her own children sent me this message last week and it meant so much:

I've been thinking about you a lot lately, especially over the last week. Let me first say that the success you have had is INCREDIBLE! To lose 124 lbs ever is amazing, but to do it in the time frame that you have is truly something!  I have struggled with whether or not I should say anything to you about your recent confidence struggles, only because I don't want it to come across as the "weight loss counsellor" voice, but rather my own that has struggled the same way and had many friends struggle with the same feelings, and please just take it something to consider as you work through these feelings of lost confidence.  I would encourage you to sit down (literally) in a space that is quiet and without distraction with a pen and paper. Write down all of your strengths and gifts... Personally, emotionally,as a mom, as a Christian, as a wife and a woman... Everything that comes to mind, and take your time. Know that those are the things that define you, the things that your friends and family and even strangers in a lunchroom will see... If you allow them to. Keep those things at the front of your mind and thank God for each and every one of them. Allow Him time to remind you of all of the things he loves about you and consider ONLY His opinion of you every time you walk into a room. 

Steph, thank you SO MUCH for those words!  I hope that anyone reading this who is struggling with the same things will be encouraged by them too!  And Rob, you are da man!  You have been a HUGE source of strength and encouragement for me and for me and Stelios as a couple.  Your words of wisdom hit me like a ton of bricks and I'm so thankful to God for placing you at Southwood and in our lives!

Another group I want to thank is my Wednesday morning Bible Study ladies.  Without even knowing it, you have helped me SO MUCH.  You are all such a huge blessing to me week after week!  Some weeks I just sit there and take it all in and some weeks I'm the noisy one.  But in all of it, you just let me be me, and I love you all for that!

I also want to thank my family.  Mom, you are always there to listen to me about the good and the bad stuff. I miss you so much and wish you were closer but I believe God had a plan for us to go through this journey this way and I'm so proud of all you have accomplished in your weightloss journey.  Tammy, thank you for your encouragement too.  You have always been the skinny one in the family and I always felt like I had to measure up to you, physically.  In all the years I was so overweight, you never made me feel less that who I am in Christ and I thank you for being my biggest fan. I love you and can't wait to run, swim, go on roller coasters and anything else we can this summer!

If any of you are struggling with weightloss, with depression, with loneliness  or with ANYTHING, I have learned that the key is to surround yourself with the right people.  I've always been a people pleaser and thought that I could be friends with ANYONE.  But I've learned the hard way that some people are just not meant to be close to us.  I have learned in the past few weeks to surround myself with people who are going to inspire me and strengthen me in my journey, whether it be this weightloss journey, my spiritual journey, my marriage or parenting journey, or whatever journey God takes me on.  And I'm thankful for the people God has put on my heart to allow to walk beside me.  I am truly a blessed woman and I thank you for your love, support and encouragement in THIS journey to better health!

Total Loss: 127lbs

I Have Confidence In Confidence Alone... or do I?!

Good Sunday to everyone!  A few times this week I was going to blog but thought I'd wait until Sunday.  I have felt a need for therapy via this blog so I'll use it today.  I shared a little with you last week about my confidence issues.  I have examined it more this week and have discovered that it's not getting any better.  On Thursday this past week, I had to set up two computers in the lunchroom in Target.  The new employees started that day as well, setting up the shelves to eventually start stocking them.  They were all in the lunchroom while I was setting up the computers and I almost had a panic attack.  I was so intimidated by all these people who didn't know me.  Now, if you know me at all, you know that I have never been shy or quiet and I can usually get a room full of strangers carrying on in minutes.  But that has disappeared.  I hate it.    I think I know WHY this has happened and I plan to talk to someone about it this week, but I really hope I can get through it.  I went to church this morning, which I haven't been to in a few weeks, the first couple of weeks were because I was sick and the other time was because of exhaustion from working so much (I know, no excuse, but I DID use it as an excuse because I just didn't want to be around people!)  My job at Target is done now, so I'm going to get back to my old routine of gym every morning, Women's Bible Study on Wednesday (again, I'll be pushing myself to go because it's easier to stay away from people right now) and just seek out the friendships who make me a better me!

Okay, there endeth my weekly confession! haha

I have a couple of NSVs to share this week.  This first one is the most important one.  In Feburary 2007, God took one of most wonderful people on earth to Heaven to be with him, Nanny, my grandmother.

The night she passed away, the whole family met at my aunts house to make funeral arrangements, pray, sing, and just remember the wonderful and truly amazing woman she was.  All her children then presented me with her Family Ring.  I was shocked and honored to receive it.  I am the oldest grandchild so I guess they thought it was fitting for me to receive it.  I have never really been able to wear the ring because it only (barely) fit my wedding ring finger or my pinkies.  I didn't want to wear it on my pinky because it would fall off.  And I never had it resized because the jeweller said the back of the band was so thin it would break or they would need to add gold to it.  Well I tried it on my right ring finger this week and it fits perfectly!  I LOVE that I can wear it now and have Nanny with me all the time! This ring is one of the most precious things I own and I treasure it so much!

Another NSV happened when I went to Sam's Club in the states yesterday.  I was walking down the clothing isle and saw all this nice women's clothing.  I saw a top that I really liked and saw that it was only $4.81.  I wanted it so badly but thought there was no way it would fit, even though the sizes go up to xxl.  I held up the xxl and it looked like it would fit.  Then I held up the xl and thought that I might even be able to wear that one.  It has a draw string under the chest so I figured since I couldn't try it on, I would get the xxl and just pull it tight if it was too big.  I got home and tried it on and I could have easily bought the xl!  I haven't been able to buy clothes in regular stores in decades!  So it was very exciting.  Here's a picture - excuse the un-matching hat and dark bra underneath! hahaha

And this NSV cracked me up.  I was in the shower the other day.  I hardly ever get showers anymore because I just enjoy baths so much more, mainly because my job was really strenuous and it felt good to relax and WARM up in a really hot bath.  Well, I was in the shower, washing up, and as I was washing my belly and under my chest area (sorry if that's TMI) I felt hard spots and I started freaking out.  If there was a camera in the shower it would have ended up on America's Funniest Home videos! For about 15-20 seconds I was literally scared and wondering what kind of cancer this could be that I was suddenly dying from!  Then I realized it was my RIBS! I've never felt my ribs before! hahaha  Again, once the realization set in, I couldn't stop laughing - it was so funny how one minute I was dying from cancer and the next I was laughing hysterically about having ribs! hahaha (Sorry, no picture for this one! hahaha)

Well this past week I lost 2lbs for a total of 124lbs.  It really feels like I blinked and suddenly had 124 pounds off.  It has happened so fast, which I'm grateful for.  I would not have been able to do this last job I had if I hadn't lost the weight because I wouldn't have been able to manoeuvre my body to do the physical aspects of it.  Most importantly, I wouldn't be able to cuddle my kiddies like I can now and I just LOVE that!

1 Peter 3:4-6 But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 

Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

1 Samuel 16:7 For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

Total Loss: 124lbs

Stress

Well, it's been a stressful week!  I've had a lot on my mind and a lot of things going on with loved ones that has been just eating me up inside.  In the past, my response would be to run and get the most comforting food I can find - ice cream, chips, diet coke.  But I can't do that anymore.  So dealing with stress has become harder for me.  I've been too busy to get to the gym this week, although I'm working out all day at work.  But I just haven't been able to find that outlet to release the stress.  And because of that, I've let it manifest in ways that is not me.  A friend even had the guts to tell me about it this week (Thank you BR for your honesty - that's true friendship!)  I find that as I lose more weight, I'm also losing my self-confidence. Isn't that strange?!  I might sound the opposite when I talk about my accomplishments but it might actually be a cover for how low I actually feel and over-compensation.  When I was 100lbs heavier, I never had self worth issues.  I seem to have more now.  I can't figure it out why, but I hope to look into it more and maybe see the social worker at our Bariatirc Center about it.  I hate feeling this way.  I want the old Dayna's mind and heart back with the new healthier body.  Can I have both?  I sure hope so!

It's been a pretty slow week - not much to report on.  So this will be a short post.  I had my 6-month surgery follow-up this past Thursday.  The doctor and dietician were very pleased with my progress.  The dietician said that I'm considered "healed" at this point in regards to my surgery site.  I have to try to start eating more and more variety, but I find that hard still.  I will try though!

I think I may have mentioned this in a previous post, but some of my girlfriends and I have signed up for a half marathon in October.  So training is underway.  I have always hated walking but thought I would enjoy running/jogging more because I get "there" faster! haha  I started the Couch to 5K program and it's a great resource.  Yesterday I had my (almost) 8 year old daughter join me as I went for a walk/run around the neighbourhood   She totally rocked!  And she pushed me to keep going.  Of course, she just kept chatting the whole time we were gone but when I was starting to find the running hard, she just kept encouraging me.  I might have to take her with me on every run!

 This week I lost another 2lbs for a total loss of 122lbs.  I am feeling good physically but not so much mentally.  It's okay though - I'll figure it out and come out on top!  Aside from all of that, life is good and I'm thankful to God for helping me through this journey.  I also thank my family and friends who continue to support me all the way!  Here is my 6-month post-op monthly pictures - I had to change my top because the red one is too big.  I'm hoping to get it altered because it's an awesome summer tank-top! haha

Total Loss: 122lbs

120, gone!

Well I thought I hit my first stall this week but I forgot I lost 2lbs at the beginning of the week so I'm still down! 120lbs gone.  I really want to put the word FOREVER after gone.  And as much as I want to believe that it's gone forever, I'm a realist.  I have no intentions of ever gaining that back and I will do everything in my power to keep it off.  Many people have said "I've gone 100lbs gone forever!" and then gained it back plus some.  So I'm just going to go forward on my journey and do my best to stay as healthy and active as possible!  120lbs lost.  That puts a smile on my face!  The thing that stresses me out though, is the lack of clothes in my closet.  I need another trip to the Sally Ann Thrift Store in the states to get some good deals.  Clothes being too big is a nice problem, but expensive!

I don't have much to say this week.  I had a quiet New Years because I was so sick.  I went through two sets of antibiotics (finished them yesterday) and my ears are still not back to normal, but at least I feel human again.  I went back to work on Wednesday and it was good to be active again.  The only problem is that the store is full of dust from all the construction and it's cold because of open doors all the time.  So my nose keeps running like a facet!  But I'm thankful for the job and a great supervisor to work with!

Oh, one thing I have to make mention of is that Stelios and I went to see Les Mis on Friday night and I was SOOOOO excited to be able to sit in the chair at the theatre and not have to flow into Stelios' chair.  Usually I have to lean on him to fit.  But this time I had room on each side of me and crossed my legs the whole time!  What an awesome experience!

I would like to take this opportunity though to send a shout out to a dear friend of mine.  I have mentioned her on my blog before - she's such an inspiration.  Lorna is waiting for a double lung transplant and was told yesterday they had lungs for her.  But at the last minute they realized the lungs were not usable, as they were contaminated with pneumonia.  This made all of us quite sad.  But of course, Lorna being her normal cheerful self took it all in stride and was so positive about it all.  She is a true hero and inspiration.  I posted this picture of her a few months ago, but I have to post it again in honor of her tonight.  If you're struggling with weightloss and feel like you just can't "get off the couch" to get moving, look at Lorna in this picture.  She is hooked up to oxygen and still working out to make her body as strong as possible to be ready when she gets her gift of new lungs.  Love you Lorna - you rock and you rock my world!

We are thankful that Lorna is on the priority list for lungs.  I posted this song for her last night, a song that I sang at a Women's Conference a few years ago.  The words are so applicable for what she is going through.
A reminder - when you can't trace His hand, trust His heart!

Total Loss: 120lbs

A December Overview

Well this month has been kind of a crazy one!  For a (mostly) stay at home Mom, I have been SO busy.  The first week of December was pretty slow - just normal day to day stuff.  But then each week got busier and busier.  I had the awesome privilege of singing a few Christmas gigs this month.  I miss it SO MUCH.  It was so nice to sing and actually have enough breath to sing a whole sentence without running out of air.  When I was at my heaviest, it was really hard to get a good tone, good breath support and just feel comfortable standing up to sing.  Now, I feel like a rock star! haha  Not quite, but you know what I mean!

I also participated in my very first bake exchange.  I know - kinda ironic since I shouldn't be eating baked goods.  But I did it more to have goodies in the house in case we had company.  While I was making my cookies for the exchange, I did what most HONEST bakers do, and licked the bowl when I was done.  And to my frightening surprise, the sugar didn't affect me at all.  I was kinda hoping that I'd end up in the bathroom with diarrhea or something (which is common for WLSers to experience with too  much sugar).  But unfortunately, this was not the case.  I hate to say it, but sugar and I are friends.  Sugar still likes me.  I wish it weren't the case.  But true.  Anyway, I still enjoyed a few cookies and was smart about making sure I got the exercize I needed to not gain any weight from my night of treats.  

(My friend Becca, in the middle hosted the bake exchange and my friend Barb came too!)

In our Weightloss Support Group, one of our Administrators/Leaders has kind of named us all as Team Awesome.  If there is a group of us running in a marathon, or participating in something we wouldn't have done before weightloss, we are part of Team Awesome!  This is a way of encouraging ourselves and helping us to realize that we really have done an awesome job in attaining the goal of good health.  Carrie encouraged us all at our December meeting to take a Team Awesome sign home with us and take a picture of ourselves with it whenever we do something that we wouldn't have done before weightloss, something that is a Non Scale Victory (NSV).

 Well, on December 14th we took the kids to one of my new favorite restaurants (mainly because it caters to people who have had weightloss surgery by allowing us to order from the children's menu).  It was my third time going to this restaurant and I STILL had a bit of anxiety when I walked in a saw all the booths.  To this day, I still look for tables with movable chairs in fear that I won't fit in a booth.  Well, when we were seated at our BOOTH, I was just sitting there and nonchalantly put my foot up on the seat, hugging my leg to my chest.  I just about died! Not only could I sit in the booth with room to spare, but I could also get my leg up.  I know this is not a huge deal to people who have been able to do this their whole life, but to someone who has been crippled by heaviness their whole life, this is a whole new world!

Another opportunity for me to use my Team Awesome sign was a couple of weeks ago when we got some snow.  I haven't really been able to play with my kids in the snow since having children.  I HAVE done it, but it always hurt and was so burdensome because I was out of breath after 2 minutes.  So this day I got my snow gear on (that is miles too big for me!) and went outside in the snow with my kids.  There wasn't much snow at all, but the fact that I could get out with tons of energy and not hurt at all meant SO MUCH to me.  I just LOVE being able to do things with my family that I couldn't do before.  Watch out Calgary Stampede this summer!!!

On December 17th I started a new temporary job that kinda just fell into my lap.  I'm setting up the Telecommunications Networking and Point of Sale Systems for a new Target store in the city.  It's really interesting.  The first day I kept saying "Thank you God for helping me lose the weight so that I can move around this building without pain."  6 months ago there is NO WAY I would have been able to do this job.  But I now have the stamina and energy to do what needs to be done and to lift the heavy equipment that comes with the job.  I feel like I have a new lease on life!

December usually sees many gained pounds with people.  Lots of yummy desserts, cookies, turkey dinners, etc.  Well I've actually had the most brutal cold I've ever had for the past week and it's kinda turned me off from eating.  But even before the cold came on I was able to stay focused and not eat improperly.  Yes, I had some goodies, but where I would have eaten 'til I made myself sick before, I was able this time to eat enough just to enjoy it and move on.  Here is our Christmas Eve family picture last Christmas and our picture this Christmas Eve:

When I first had the surgery I was hoping to have 60lbs off for Christmas and then when I saw how fast the weight was coming off, I realized I might be able to get 100lbs off for Christmas.  I reached that goal last month.  I just logged my weightloss for the past couple of weeks for my sake, but since I last truly blogged, I've lost 13 pounds.  This past week I lost 3 lbs.  I am now down 118 altogether.  It's still a bit of a shock to me how much I've lost in such a short amount of time.  But I'm thankful for every single pound lost.  I am thankful that I can be more active with my children.  I'm thankful that I can be more playful with my husband (and I don't only mean sexually - I mean just being silly, wrestling, sitting on his lap to cuddle, etc.)  And I'm thankful that I can sing songs about my Heavenly Father and feel like I can convey the message in the song without the distraction of poor breathing.  I am SO blessed.  And this Christmas, as I celebrate the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ, I also celebrate the life He has given back to me in good health.  Thank you Jesus!


Total Loss: 118lbs

Update (Busy Christmas Season)

This week I lost another 5lbs for a total of 115lbs.

Total loss: 115lbs

Update

This week I lost 5 lbs for a total of 110lbs.

Total loss: 110lbs

Truckin' Along!

Well, again, it's been a busy couple of weeks and I didn't get to post last weekend.  So here I am updating for two weeks.  I'm still on a bit of a high from hitting the 100lbs loss mark.  When I sit and think about it and realize that I've lost 100lbs in 5 months, it just blows my mind away.  I think about all the stuff I'm able to do now and how healthy I feel compared to then and I'm so thankful for this journey.  It has been a hard road and I really wish I didn't have to go through all the physical struggles that I did, but it's been worth it!

It's funny though, because I have been getting some aches and pains the past few weeks that I really didn't expect with a huge weightloss.  I have bursitis in my hip.  Many days I feel like a 90 year old woman!  But the doctor said this is to be expected - it's just my body adjusting to the sudden weight change.

On the hair front, I decided I couldn't do the wig.  It was giving me a headache, I guess from the weight of it.  So I've done some investigating and found some products to help me hide the baldness until my hair grows back, IF it grows back.  I also found out that the reason the Biotin Vitamins weren't working is because I wasn't taking enough of it.  The ones I was taking were 250mg each and we are supposed to be taking up to 3000mg each day.  So I upped my Biotin this week and I have already noticed a difference in the amount of hair falling out.  Hopefully I'll start to get some regrowth.

The gym is going well. For a few weeks I had to cut back on the amount of weightlifting I did because of my tendinitis, but it seems to be okay now as long as I'm wearing my brace.  I also noticed that when I started back to doing my own weightlifting routine, I was able to lift more weight by up to 20lbs on some machines!  It's so good to see results in that area too!

This past week I had the privilege of going out to dinner with my "Phat Sistas".  We went to Smoke and Spice again and again shared a meal for 2 between the 5 of us and had leftovers.  Here's a picture of us from two months ago with a picture from this week.

I realized this week that eating out is SO MUCH cheaper now for me.  The meal with my sistas cost me $8. I took Michael out for breakfast yesterday and because I've had surgery, they let me order from the kids' menu.  Our breakfasts cost $7.49 altogether!  Not bad!

Here is my monthly picture.

So for the week of November 26th to December 2nd, I lost 2 lbs and this past week I lost another 2lbs for a total of 105 lost.  The weightloss is going to slow down, I'm sure, but I'm so pleased with the progress so far.  I've gone down 4 (almost) 5 pant sizes! Whoot!

And again, all glory to God!

Total Loss: 105lbs

100 Cheers to Good Health!

So, this week saw a big milestone for me - I hit the 100lbs lost mark!  This is very exciting.  I was hoping to have 100lbs gone by Christmas and it happened with time to spare!  My next goal is to have another 38lbs gone by May 8th, 2013.  That will be the 20th Anniversary of my high school graduation and if I lose 38lbs by then, I will weigh the same amount as I did then.  I'd actually like to have more than that gone by then, but that's my goal for now!

Well, yesterday was the 100lb mark but I lost another pound since yesterday, so I lost 5lbs this week for a total of 101lbs.  Over the past few weeks I've been thinking about what my blog would be about when I lost 100 pounds. So I want to give 100 Cheers to Good Health!  I've split the following list into 2 sections. The first half are things I'm able to do now that I couldn't do before, and also things I'm thankful for that came with this weightloss journey.  The second half is a bunch of encouraging comments I've received through Facebook, Emails and my Blog.  All of these items are things that have blessed me over the past few months and have helped me in this journey to better health.  This list is not exhaustive and I'm sure as soon as I hit "Publish" I'll think of more things, but we'll start here!  Also, this list is not in order of  most favorite to least favorite, except for the first few.
1. My body is a healthier place for God’s Holy Spirit to dwell!


2. Being told that my reliance on God for strength has encouraged others to renew their relationship with God and start going back to church.  This is probably the BIGGEST thing for me!
3. Being told by so many people that I’ve inspired them to start their own journey to health
4. Better (and more) intimacy with my husband ;)
5. My Children are able to sit on my lap to cuddle with me – I didn’t have a lap before
6. No Blood Pressure medication needed anymore
7. Being able to hug my husband and get my arms all the way around him
8. Going for bike rides with my kids
9. Breathe A LOT easier while singing
10. Giving kids “airplane rides”
11. Less Depression and more contentment/happiness/joy
12. Being able to drive without pushing the seat as far back as possible to fit my stomach in
13. Walking far distances with no back pain
14. Going on field trips with my kids class and not hurting from walking around or being active
15. Exercising at the gym
16. Being able to use public washroom (even though I avoid them when possible.  I couldn’t fit in the stalls before)
17. Being able to sit in booths at restaurants, or tables with the attached chairs
18. Going down a huge water slide while vacationing with my family
19. Walking around Niagara Falls and Marineland with NO PAIN and LOTS of energy
20. Do not need a cart to hold on to in the stores
21. Helping with Summer Kids’ Kamp at church and having lots of energy to do it!
22. Better/more restful sleep
23. Able to cross my legs
24. Fold my arms
25. Sit in a chair with arms and not feel like my hips are going to burst out the side
26. Able to sit in an airplane seat without an extender seatbelt
27. Do yard work
28. Can put on socks with ease
29. Jump in the pool instead of using steps
30. Getting in and out of the vehicle is easier
31. More pep in my step
32. Longer stamina for grocery shopping and running errands
33. Willing to get my picture taken now (left myself out of family memories for a while there!)
34. Can clean my own house now instead of paying someone else to do it (maybe that’s a minus! :P )
35. Don't have to plop down on furniture or rock back and forth to gain momentum to get up
36. Can touch my fingers around wrists
37. Wear more stylish clothes
38. Legs don't rub together when walking or running
39. Skin is a lot better
40. Wearing high heals
41. Can tie my shoes with ease
42. Parking anywhere in the parking lot and not having to look for a space with lots of room to open the door
43. Able to control my food portions and food choices
44. Able to stand for a whole music concert without any pain
45. Learned how to cook/bake healthier things
46. Finding out where all the good bargain stores are for clothes
47. New clothes only lasting a couple of weeks (gets expensive, but feels good!)
48. Realizing that I was carrying around the equivalent of 2 of my children on my body for the past number of years.
49. Being able to talk to my sister about working out and being active (we avoided this topic while I was at my heaviest)
50. Going on rides at amusement parks that I couldn’t fit in before and avoided
51. Fitting into clothes I kept from 15 years ago, and they are actually too big
52. Made WONDERFUL friends with my PHAT Sistas (Physically Healthy and Awesome!)
53. Found out who my true supporters and friends are

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54. Hi, Dayna.  I just wanted to say thank you for your posts.  Your comment before your surgery about "don't let another 5 lbs join you" really hit home for me as I gained 5 lbs on March break and was being casual about it.  Thanks for the push.  I've made some food changes and I'm now down 10 lbs from that "holiday high".  According to my doctor, I could lose another 30 lbs, but 20 more is my goal.  Keep workin' hard.  The effort will be worth it. 

55.  You are an incredible woman, Dayna...a true firecracker in this often dark world! God has great plans for you, my friend!! Best of luck on Monday and we look forward to your updates. But remember, success or not, we all love you no matter what!!! 

56. (Your post) made me laugh and cry all in 5 mins. Only you Dayna!! :) I am glad that you had "the talk" (with the kids), which only shows how strong you are emotionally and spiritually! Loves ya and will be waiting for that update for me to call you!! Hugs dear friend!! You go girl!! 

57. Wow! As if the surgery wasn't enough, you had "the talk" with your kids?! You are one amazing woman! And then to give such a clear testimony in your blog?! You go girl!! 

58. Your honesty is raw, thank you for allowing us into your life in such an intimate way. Praying for you, and looking forward to seeing your smiling face at Church again! 

59. I can notice your eyes! They look so "alive". You are doing so awesome!!

60. Don't concern yourself with the opinions of others, do what you've got to do for yourself. EVERYONE knows how hard it is to eat right, exercise and maintain a healthy weight. 10lbs can be as difficult to loose and keep off as 100lbs. Keep on keepin' on, you're doing great! You have obviously not treated this surgery lightly, you're making all the necessary lifestyle changes to back up and support the surgery. A lot of people don't realize you can just pack the weight back on eventually, you have to start and maintain a healthy lifestyle, the surgery just gives you a jump start! I'd ask the nay-sayers if they have an issue with someone getting liposuction or other form of plastic surgery? Those types of surgeries can be just as controversial but much more widely accepted and in most cases, they don't make the person any more healthy, they just "look" better. God bless you, Dayna. Lots of people are rooting for you!

61. I just finished reading your blog!!! It's awesome! You are doing so great hun :) You have accomplished so much and you will accomplish sooo much more. Reading your blog I can tell you have what it takes to get to your goal. So very proud of you and all that you have done to get to where you are at!!!

62. You are doing amazing! I like reading your blogs - they are so inspirational. Both the NSV (Non Scale Victories) and SCV (Scale Victories) are impressive.:) 

63. Some people no matter what will always have negative comments. Concentrate on the positives. Congrats on all that you have accomplished so far! Way to go! 

64. I'm trying to make changes in order to become more healthy. It's so difficult to have the willpower to do this. No matter what method you used, you are still the person accomplishing your goal. Your biking and swimming and other activities are inspirational. Thanks for your willingness to share the journey. 

65. Congratulation Dayna! Don't let any negative comments get in the way, you have made a huge change to become healthier, that's what matters. 

66. Dayna, I just wanted to encourage you. You are doing a great job in this weightloss journey. Your positive attitude and desire to be as healthy as ever will prove great success. God bless you as you discover this new you on the journey. Peace and joy be yours.

67. Dayna, I am so very proud of you & enjoying your blogs! Praying each day you feel a bit better, I know with God's help you will..love you 

68. My belt unexpectedly slipped into one hole further today - a nice surprise to start the day. Wanted to say thanks too for being honest in sharing your feelings after the surgery that you realized you had not done everything possible as you assessed you had before the surgery. It pushed me to realize I was not taking control of my own situation.

69. I also listened to a speaker last night who said "Are you a victim (the world happens to you) or are you a victor (you happen to the world)". We give so many excuses for why we do or do not do things. It may be a natural human tendency, but I'm done with that! I want to take charge of my body and our family eating. If I want to achieve this goal I have to invest my time, effort and money! It almost seems to validate that it's ok...strange as that sounds. Mommy has always been "last", but it's time to invest in me (and ultimately my family) so I can be healthy and around for a long time! Anyway, I thought I'd share how you've helped to kick my proverbial butt. Keep working hard - investing your time, effort and money towards your goal!  

70. You looked fabulous at Church this morning! I have been inspired by you, and reading your blog and talking to you has kicked my rear in gear. I bought a pair of running shoes yesterday and a fuel belt (to carry water and keys) and went for a run for the first time in over 3 years tonight. It felt better than I expected, I was able to run longer then I thought I would. Keep rockin' it out, we're all cheering you on! 

71. I'm not sure if this in encouragement or not....but whenever I glance at your profile pic, I think it's your sister. Keep up the good work - you are an inspiration to many! (And yes, that's a compliment - I think my sister is beautiful!)

72. Keep a picture of yourself before you lost weight and every time you get a craving remind yourself that you've worked extremely hard to keep yourself healthy and it just isn't worth it to give in. I'm guessing you are a strong willed person, that means you can easily put your mind to something and push through it. The biggest and most important strength we have comes from God, pray your little heart out every time you feel like you might slip up. Anyways, hopefully something I've said helps encourage you :) 

73. I can't believe you are at 78 lbs already. That was QUICK! Wow! Job well done. If you are not already on Pinterest, you might want to sign up for it (I can send you an invitation). It's a great way to find healthy snacks and recipes and organize them on your own "boards". I just made some healthy protein muffins made from protein powder. I make my lunch-shakes with vanilla powder now because you can mix it with just about anything and it will taste ok (spinach, mint leaves, pineapple, bananas...etc). You are doing well just keep thinking "LAKE, STAMPEDE, WATER FEATURE." Look-out Calgary....there's a brand new Dayna coming next summer! 

74. It has been my entire life and will continue to be - to find balance. I have learned to not eat what I can't stop eating. I have learned that food is essential for survival but is not my God. God has given it for me to enjoy but not to worship. Rewards should not be food based. You can do this. You know more about your needs and your wants - knowing is half the battle. You also know that when you start something it may not be worth the consequences to even taste test. Go in faith Dayna. You are a super star! Be His presence in all you do. 

75. Hey Dayna, you're doing great! Just remember it was a BAD habit and now you need to believe you have the ability to make better choices. You're going to rock this! All the best to you on your journey. 

76. I am so proud of you. Keep up the great work. Just think about all the energy you have now compared to a few months ago. Do you really want to go back to that? I don't think you do. You are getting it altogether now and it's not only you that you are making healthier, but your family too. So it's a win win situation! I love you and I'm in this battle with you. Let's see who wins! lol! I think you have me beat already! 

77. Congratulations dear cousin! You have done so well and I know you will be able to handle any challenge that comes your way as you continue this journey. I think of you often and I'm sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers your way :)

78. As someone who LOVES all things food, (especially the bad stuff!) and a lifetime Weight Watchers member, I have learned a few things that work for me when it comes to the food battle. For instance - something I say to myself a lot when I'm tempted to overeat or eat really bad foods is, "Nothing tastes as good as ______________ feels." I fill in the blank with different words like confidence, healthy, success...it is kind of my inner mantra! Congratulations on your success...hope this tip helps! 

79. I just wanted to say how excited I am for you after working so hard to lose your weight. The nsvs are becoming more obvious for you each week. Whenever you feel the cravings just remember how good it felt to achieve those nsvs and how tired and sick you felt before this all started. You are gaining your life back and I know you don't want anything to get in your way. You are a very blessed woman as you have many who love and support you as you continue on this journey. You are an amazing woman and you blow me away with your God-given talents. You give to others, now it is your time to take care of yourself. I look forward to reading more of your blogs.

80. Remember how far you’ve come in just doing something about it right now.  Just think, you could be still gaining but you are so not.  I am so proud to have you as my friend.  When I think I want that bag of chips I think "Dayna’s doing it and so can I".  You’re having an impact.  Oh, and you pick awesome friends!

81. Remarkable weight loss and you are looking great! As a weight watchers attender, I am thrilled to read that you encourage people to try everything else before going for the surgery because I believe you - if you need to lose weight, seek the way that best suits your lifestyle without resorting to a life-altering, massive surgery - while it is successful and you are proof of that, the emotional turmoil must be difficult. You were one of the reasons I was encouraged to go back to WW (after 12 years). It wasn't because of your surgery and the result from it but it was because of what you said about doing everything you can --- before you consider surgery. Thanks and good luck.

82. Don't get discouraged if you are not down 100 lbs by Christmas. You are doing GREAT and you look wonderful! Love you lots! 

83. Dayna you are an inspiration to everyone!!! So very proud of you.  Love you and keep up the hard work.  You’re the one doing all the work I just keep seeing the results!!! It’s your hard work.  

84. Just wanted to let you know that I am very proud of you and you are such an inspiration.....I just joined my fitness pal online and have had a great week food wise....now to incorporate some exercise.....smothered with the flu right now so it makes exercise less desirable. What exercise do you do? By the way....love you big time. 

85. I know I am a little behind but I was reading some of your weight loss journey blog. You are doing great and like you said it is about being healthy and I like that. Do you mind asking what your goal is? I saw you lost 87 lbs or something like that. Wow that is great in itself but I realize it is just the beginning of your journey. God Bless you for taking the steps to make yourself feel better. Noone should ever put you down no matter how you go about doing it. 

86. I just wanted to send you a message to let you know how proud I am of you. I sat down tonight and read a bunch of your posts on your blog that I had missed recently. I'm so excited for these changes that you have made in your life and you have inspired me to do the same. Two weeks ago "M" and I bought a treadmill. We put it together and I am going to actually start using it! I am loving all of the food tips that you are putting on your blog and I will definately be using some of them! I just wanted to say thank you for your frienship and thank you for inspiring me to be a "skinny-mini" too! I will keep you posted on how I'm doing. Thank you for the tips and for allowing us to follow your journey...I love you and I thank God for you!!!

87. I too thought the "Phat" was a play on "fat". I also think it is even better knowing the new meaning. You are a PHAT (new meaning not old one) princess. I personally think the old name of your blog shows your personality better. It has pizzaz!  Keep up the good work with your journey.  

88. This is YOUR blog and you own it! For those of us who know and love you best, we understand the context of " phat" in this case ... All blogs are "intellectual" property and as such, you are entitled to write what you wish. I enjoy reading your blog and don't change another thing about it or you because my dear niece are "created in God's image" and He is being glorified daily through your witness.

89. Hi there, Phat lady.  I liked your previous title and now knowing that it can also be an acronym for "Pretty Hot and Tempting" I like it even more. I'm sure Stelios would agree.  Regardless, I certainly was not offended by the previous title and thought it was cute and creative. I also see your blog (and any other blog) as a creative writing exercise in a tongue-in-cheek style.  Continued success with your weightloss program! We're all very proud of you. 

90. Like you, I thought that Phat was just another way of spelling the word Fat and putting a little twist to it. It is only your family and those who have been close to you all these years who know what a big deal this is for you. You make me proud! I am so happy too that now you are "able" to do things with your kids....things that you wanted to do before, but couldn't. Keep up the great work! I love you with all my heart. 

91. I know it’s been a while since we've really touched base, but I just wanted to tell you that I am very happy for you and proud of you for making these changes in your life! I know that it isn't about the outside, but about having the most fulfilling life possible where you can be a healthy and active mom! I know it is hard work, I still have time where I struggle, but it is worth all of the sacrifice and hard work to be healthy and to honor God in caring for what He gave us   I wish you all the best and hope to catch up again soon! 

92. Hey there my friend, I am sorry I haven't made the time to tell you how great you look. I miss you... And I think you are looking fantastic and I can't even imagine how good you must be feeling with that much success. Way to go, cheering for you my friend! 

93. Just wanted to let you know that you are my inspiration!!!! :) since July I started watching what I am eating and going on the treadmill and I have lost around 40 lbs. 

94. Congratulations Dayna...way to go!!!

95. WHOO-HOO!!! I'm beyond thrilled and proud of you my friend!! You're amazing!!! :) Love ya lots!!

96. Wow, congratulations on this huge accomplishment Dayna!

97. Way to go!! So happy that you've reached this milestone. Many more to be conquered...and you will!!

98. You have been so God honoring in this journey and have always told others how you have relied on God.  You should be proud of your witness as well as your weightloss journey.

99. Looking great. The weight loss even makes your eyes look bigger.

100. I want to encourage you with this passage of Scripture: [3] Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—[4] but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.  (1 Peter 3:3-4 ESV)! That's what it's all about, not hotness and beauty.

So there you have it! I know that you probably won't read all of that, and it's okay.  It's for my sake more than anything.  This morning in church, my lovely friend, Kathy-Jo came up to me and said "I have to tell you something.  I asked (my son) Nathan this morning how much he weighs and he said 100lbs."  It's hard to believe that I have lost a whole 13 year old!  Here's me and Nathan after church today.  Thanks Nathan for being my visual reminder of what I've lost! (Hmmm... that sounds bad... I didn't lose YOU, just the weight you represent! haha)

As always, I thank you all for your support and encouragement.  I truly could not have accomplished this without the love and support from my beloved family and friends.  I am an amazingly blessed woman!

Total loss: 101lbs

Wiggin' It!

Well I experienced my first workout "injury" this week.  I developed "tennis elbow" - I'm assuming it's from the weightlifting.  In the body pump class we use a barbell for the whole class so I think the overuse triggered the pain.  I have a wonderful friend who "hooked me up" with a brace for my elbow which will help tremendously now.  I was also given some anti-inflammatory cream to put on my elbow, which worked wonders!  I'm not allowed to take an oral anti-inflammatory anymore due to surgery.  So this was a blessing to be able to get it in a cream form.  Looking forward to getting back to the gym tomorrow!

Something I thought I might eventually have to do happened this week.  I've mentioned that I've been losing my hair a lot lately.  This is common after any major surgery and moreso for us WLSers because of mal-absorbtion.  The doctors told me to make sure I'm getting all my daily protein and water in and this should help the matter.  Well, I'm getting my daily amounts and some days I get more than needed.  But still, my hair is falling out by the handfulls.  It is almost as much as a person going through chemo.  This is something that I really don't enjoy!  I wanted to be a hairdresser when I was younger and really enjoy styling hair.  My parents would go crazy waiting for me when I was younger because I took so much time doing my hair.  Well, that's not the case anymore.  I cut my hair a couple of weeks ago because I was sick of seeing long hair everywhere.  Now I just see short hair everywhere!  SOOOOO... I did it.  I bought a wig!  I wore it all yesterday while a friend and I (and our kids) went to Detroit to go shopping.  It is hard to get used to wearing it.  But I figure that I'll have to wear it full time soon, or just go around bald.  Some may say that I'm being vain in wanting a wig and I should just suck it up.  But let's face it women... our hair aids in our femininity.  I may use this opportunity to shave my head for a cause though, and hope that my hair will eventually grow back.  So if you see me with long hair all of a sudden, now ya know why!

On Thursday morning I attended my first ever Zumba class with my friend, Barb.  It ROCKED!  I was definitely not the smoothest, but I did it!  It is an excellent workout - I really enjoyed it.  It will be a part of my regular workout routine now.  Looking forward to Aqua Zumba tomorrow night again!

So besides these few things this week, nothing else is new.  Oh yeah, except for some more weight loss!!!  I lost 2 pounds this week, for a total of 96lbs.  Only 4 more for the big 100!!!!  This weightloss is happening a lot faster than I really expected it to.  I'm so thankful to God for bringing me into good health sooner rather than later.  Not only for the health, but I'm thankful for the new outlook on food.  I still don't really enjoy eating and only do it to survive now.  I don't hate it as much as I did a few weeks ago, but it's amazing how 5 months ago, I couldn't get enough take-out, nachos, ice-cream  etc.  Some days I almost need to put on a timer to remind myself to eat.  Going to the gym has been a wonderful distraction.  I really look forward to that hour or 2 of just pushing my body to the limits and making it the most healthy that it can be.  I want my body to be a healthy, Holy Temple in which Jesus Christ can dwell.  And with His strength and help, I am doing it!

I was late doing my monthly picture this month, but better late than never!

"... for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me."  

Philippians 4:11-13

Total Loss: 96lbs

Move it!

Well, I really never thought going to the gym could be fun, but I am really enjoying it.  I used to enjoy it when I lived in Calgary and my sister and I went to Spa Lady.  We had a great time together, that is, when we didn't skip the gym because we couldn't find parking right by the door and opted to go to Arby's instead!  Well, yesterday morning I went to the gym and ran into my friend Becca.  She was there for the Step Class.  I had planned on doing a regular workout, but since she was there, I did the step class with her and her friend.  We had a great time.  Classes are always better with friends.  We are all still beginners so we didn't look the smoothest, but I really don't care about that.  I just want to move it!  Then last night I went to the Aqua Zumba class with my friends Linda and Barb.  That class is A W E S O M E!!!  I would encourage every woman to try it at some point.  It really makes you feel like a lady! ;)  And again, it was so much fun being there with friends!

Today I went to Body Pump class.  This was only my second time but I felt like a pro! hahaha  Just kidding. But it did help that I had done it before and knew what to expect.  I really enjoy this class - probably more than any of them, because I feel like I'm getting the best workout.  I had to leave 10 minutes early to get to an appointment, which works out fine because the end of the class is working on the legs, which I find difficult.

I have really bad knees and I truly thought that after I had lost a lot of weight, my knees would get better.  But unfortunately, I think they are beyond natural repair.  I'm going to see my doctor about it.  I was told by my doctor in NL about 8 years ago that I would probably need knee replacement if I didn't get the weight off soon.  Well, not only did I not get the weight off, but I gained another 50 pounds.  So, unfortunately, I think I may have to head into surgery at some point.  :(  Every time I go up the stairs my knees have a ripping sound and it hurts so much.  The step class is challenging at times because of my bad knees, but I take the lower impact options so I don't do more damage.

So the purpose of this post is to encourage you to MOVE IT!  You'd be amazed at how just starting to move your body will help in losing weight.  And moving it with friends makes the journey that much more enjoyable!  Find a gym you can join with friends, or get a group of walking buddies together.  Or, when the snow comes, find a parking lot that has a big pile of snow and get your friends out to climb it together.  There's so many things you can do to get moving - be creative.  Just move it!

Life's Good!

Well, it's been two weeks since I last posted.  Sorry I didn't get a new blog post last weekend - it was a busy weekend and all week has been kinda crazy.  But here I am now!

So, it has been almost 3 weeks since I joined the gym and it has been going really well.  I manage to get there at least 4 times a week.  I'm hoping to start going twice on some days this week, as me and my "phat" sistas (which I like to rename "Physically Healthy And Terrific!") are going to be going to an Aqua Zumba class.  That should be lots of fun!  At least it's under water and people won't be able to see how silly we look! haha

Last week I went through my closet and tried on some clothes that I have had for over 13 years.  One is a skirt jumper I actually bought in 1997.  I loved it but haven't been able to wear it since probably 2002.  And the other was a short-set jumper.  Both of these items I've been taking with me through all my hundreds of moves over the past few years, hoping that someday I would fit back into them.  Well, last Sunday I tried them on, and they FIT!  Not only did they fit, but there was lots of room!  (those of you who went to university with me will remember this one!)

I also went through the rest of my clothes this week and it turns out I don't have very much to wear.  I had ONE long sleeve top, that is too big, and one pair of jeans that I would wear in public.  I have a few more pairs of pants that are too big in the legs that my mother-in-law is so graciously working on for me.  A dear friend of mine who had surgery after me and is a couple (or more) sizes smaller than me gave me some sweaters this week, which I DESPERATELY needed.  I have been SO cold lately.  This is normal after surgery.  I don't know if it's just that we have less insulation, or if it's just our body adjusting.  Either way, it's better than sweating all the time, which I was like before surgery.  I'd rather be cold than hot - you can always add layers when you're cold.  You can only take off so much clothes when you're hot before it's inappropriate! haha

I tried eating something yesterday that I haven't eaten since before surgery.  I was out running errands and didn't pack a snack for myself.  So I did it... I had a McDonald's cheeseburger.  It was only the kid's size burger, and I only ate half of it, but let me tell you - it was DISGUSTING!  I felt so gross the rest of the day.  And I'm very thankful for that feeling.  I don't think I'll be trying one of those again any time soon!

Last Friday, Roman's class went on a Field Trip to Ojibway Park, a nature park here in Windsor.  Since it was his first field trip, I really wanted to go.  Also, I wanted to go because I CAN!  Let me explain - last year, I hardly went on any field trips with the kids because I was physically unable to get around.  I went on one field trip last year with Gabrielle's class and that's only because it was a movie and I knew I didn't have to do much moving.  This year, going to the park, and going on little hikes was so wonderful!  And during lunch I had an "ah ha!" moment with Roman.  He climbed up on my lap to cuddle (which he LOVES to do all the time) and when he put his arms around me, I realized I could put my arms around him enough to touch my sides again.  AND he had room on my lap to sit down.  I would have to say that when my children get up on my lap now to cuddle, and me having an actual lap for them to sit on, is probably my favorite part of this journey so far.  The way we can hug and cuddle is worth every struggle that I've gone through during this process!

Well, it's been a long day - we had the boys' "friend" birthday party today, so I'm pooped!  But it's time for my weightloss update.  So LAST week (November 4-10) I lost 4lbs.  And this week I lost 1lb.  It's funny how the body reacts differently each week, even though I do the same thing.  I HAVE been doing more weightlifting this week so maybe that accounts for the lower loss.  But it's all good!!!  I'm feeling great and healthy and I'm so happy to be able to do things with my family again that I had dreaded or just didn't do before.  This is what it's all about!!!

Total Loss: 94lbs

Get behind me, Satan!

A new post two days in a row!  Well, I just needed to vent and this blog allows me to do that - get my feelings out and maybe hear from someone else who understands and has been there!

So I did the Body Step class today at the gym. Now, being a musician, I would THINK that I have good rhythm.  BAHAHA  Apparently you need to be like J-Lo in order to do these classes!  Okay, it's really not that bad, but it did take a lot of getting used to.  I will continue to go back to these classes because I know that as I go to more I will learn the steps and moves and it will be second nature.  But wow, did I feel like I had two left feet today.

Because of my double-left-footedness, I felt really silly and I felt like people must have thought I was not cut out for this class.  I know in my head that no one was even paying attention to me, but those were the thoughts going through my head.  About halfway through the hour-long class I had to finally say "Get behind me, Satan!"  I know it was the devil planting insecure thoughts in my head.  And I had to keep reminding myself that all the suave people around me had been doing this class for a long time.  I had to remind myself that I've come so far with my ability to exercise.  And I had to remind myself that I had the power of Jesus Christ on my side!  So here's a kick in the butt, Satan!  I will keep going to these classes, and yes, I might look uncoordinated, but it's all good!  At least I'm doing what I can to make God's temple healthier!

That's it for today!  Thanks for "listening!"


Matthew 16:23
"Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

Dedication to Manda!

Well I would like to dedicate this post to my friend Manda!  Manda and I became friends through our Weightloss Surgery Support Group.  She is celebrating 1 year since her surgery today.  And on this, her surgiversary, she ran/walked a 5K race here in Windsor.  WAY TO GO MANDA!!!  She has lost over 200 pounds and is thrilled with her new lease on life. She has been an inspiration to many of us and we are blessed to have her as a friend!  Manda, you rock!  Thank you for inspiring us!  We will miss you as you move away this week, but we will always be your phat sistas!

Well, as I said on my last post, I joined the gym this week.  On Friday I decided to do the Body Pump class.  Actually, I decided to just WATCH it, but while I was standing at the doorway watching everyone get ready, this really sweet lady told me to come in and try it.  I didn't really want to when I saw all the barbells people were carrying to their spot.  Looked VERY intimidating.  But she talked me into it.  And she said I could set up next to her.  So she got all the gear and then proceeded to bring me to the front of the class! YIKES!  If any of you have done a body pump class, you know it takes a lot of coordination and you have to kinda know the moves ahead of time.  Well, I did it and stuck it out for the whole hour.  It was HARD work!  But I felt so good after.  Can't say the same about yesterday though... I was aching in places I didn't know I had places!  But no pain, no gain!  I plan to go back... early.... to get at the back of the class this time! haha

A few of my friends and I went to the states to go shopping yesterday at second hand clothing stores.  We all buy used clothing because there's no point in buying full price clothes right now, as the weight comes off pretty quickly in the first year.  We hit some stores that had 5 for $5 sales.  It was awesome!  I bought a couple pairs of jeans that are a size smaller than what I take now because, seriously, for a dollar, how can you go wrong!!

To update you on the Biotin that I told you about a few weeks ago (a vitamin that's supposed to help with hairloss, which is common after any major surgery, especially the one I had)..... don't waste your money!  The doctor and dietician told me that there's no medical evidence to show it works.  PLUS, the best things for hair (re)growth is protein and water.  I know this to be true because I have been taking the vitamins regularly now for a number of weeks, but it has not stopped the hairloss.  I could make a wig with all the hair I'm losing!  So I decided this week to cut my hair off.  I was sick of seeing long hair everywhere.  It's a big change, but it's fun to do something different.  And it takes a lot less longer to do my hair in the morning now!  (see picture above with me beside Manda for the new-do!)

I realized this week that my wrists have gotten smaller.  It's funny how you don't realize that the whole body loses weight - not just the tummy or butt.  I tried to get my fingers around my wrist this week, something I haven't been able to do in... hmmmm... I don't know if I've EVER been able to do that.  So that was kinda cool!

Well, it's my weekly weightloss update.  The scale is being mean again this week, but it's all okay!  I know I'm still losing inches.  A top that I wore yesterday is way too big now and it was just right a few weeks ago.  So this week I lost 1lb.  And I'm TOTALLY okay with that!  It's probably a change in my body too since I started working out this week and doing a lot of weight-lifting and toning.  Either way, it's all good!  I had someone tell me in church today that I look great.  My response was "and I feel even better than I look!"  This journey is about health and feeling good in my own skin.  It's also learning more about my way of dealing with things in a healthy manner instead of eating for comfort.  A lady in my support group said this week that she encountered a frustrating situation and in the past she would have gone right to the fridge to eat.  But now she has learned to channel that frustration into something healthy, so she went out to rake some leaves and clean up her yard.  That was a HUGE accomplishment!  Weight gain is all mental.  I would say, oh, 99% of overweight people are that way because we use food as an escape from something or TO something.  I'm learning to not USE food as a crutch.  I still have days where I struggle.  But being healthy feels a lot better than a Reese Peanut Butter Cup tastes!

Psalm 121 

1  I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved;
    He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is your keeper;
    the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
    nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all evil;
    He will keep your life.
8 The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in
    from this time forth and forevermore.

Total Loss: 89lbs

We Meet Again, Good Life!

I joined Good Life Fitness in November 2009 to prepare to lose 90 pounds before my cousin's wedding in Newfoundland the following August.  Upon signing up, I had a fitness assessment by a trainer there, who, when I told her my goal, said to me "oh, that's an unrealistic goal - there's no way you can lose 90 pounds in 9-10 months."  My spirit was crushed.  Yeah, maybe that WAS an unrealistic goal.  But I believe the correct response should have been "Wow!  90 lbs!  That's a huge goal, so let's get started and get you ready to achieve that!!!"  She was let go a couple months later - apparently I wasn't the only one who's spirit she crushed.  Not only was she so negative, but she didn't realize how that negativity affected my desire to lose the weight. I quit going to the gym about 8 weeks later because I thought "what's the point!"

Well, this past Tuesday, I joined Good Life Fitness again, thanks to Dad and Michelle giving me a membership for my birthday!  (THANK YOU AGAIN!)  My routine now is to get ready in the mornings and when the kids go to school, I go to the gym.  It is AMAZING how different going to the gym feels now compared to the last time.  When I signed up on Tuesday, Krissy, who signed me up introduced me to the new manager.  His name is Andy.  He is so nice and friendly.  And he has such a positive attitude.  Krissy told him about what I went through the last time I was there with that negative trainer and he was stunned.  He genuinely seemed sad for me.  I've noticed such a difference in the atmosphere at the gym this time around.  Maybe it's my attitude that's different.  But it just seems to be a lot more positive and friendly.  There are no "buff" body builders going around like they own the world.  Sure, there ARE body builders, but they look at everyone there as fellow health-seekers.  It's great!

I told my girlfriends today that going to the gym this time is so different because I know I've already won half the battle.  I'm going to the gym now to get toned and aid in a journey that has already been successful.  The last time I went I always felt like the mountain was too big to climb.  This time, I feel like I'm already almost at the top of the mountain.

NOW, LET ME JUST SAY that this is the mindset I had the last time.  And it was a completely WRONG mindset.  I wish I had someone telling me the last time that I've already reached the mountain top by just getting to the gym!  I wish someone had encouraged me that even though there's a long way to go, I was going in the RIGHT direction.  I wish I had someone push me to complete what I started.  I might not have ever needed the surgery if that were the case.  So if you are reading this and feeling like your mountain is too big, then just get up, put on some gym shoes and walk up and down your street today.  Then tomorrow go a little bit further.  And add more each day.  If you can afford a gym membership, go to the gym and if you need encouragement, find someone on the staff who will be your cheerleader!  Or better yet, let me know and I'll cheer for you all the way!

Yes, I do enjoy going to the gym a lot more now, but I probably would have liked life better if I had stuck with it 3 years ago, lost the weight on my own and had been healthy for these past 3 years instead of suffering like I did. So, as the Participaction commercial says "Don't just think about it, do it, do it, DO IT!"

 Me on my first day back at the gym!

New shoes Dad and Michelle bought me for my birthday.  I feel like I'm walking on clouds!

That's What Friends Are For!

My whole life I've been blessed with amazing friends.  Before I get into talking about some friends who mean a lot, I just want to say that my sister has always been my very best friend.  As well, my Mom has been a friend that I couldn't live without.  And my Dad...  most fathers and daughters are not "buddy-buddy" (but WE are certainly good friends!) Dad was always my number one fan and remains that way to this day!  I love you Dad and Michelle - thank you Michelle for your friendship too - you're always there with a listening ear!  Now, let me tell you about some others!

The very first memory I have of a good friend is Lorna.  Lorna's parents and my parents were friends before they were married.  We went to elementary school together for a couple of years and then she moved away.  But we always kept in touch and wrote letters (yeah, remember those things!)  She is still a dear friend to this day.  And she is also a HUGE inspiration in my life.  She has Cystic Fibrosis and is awaiting a double lung transplant.  Her lung function is 26% so it's crucial she get new lungs soon.  And because of her size, she requires pediatric lungs.  Lorna's Mom posted a picture of her on Facebook a few months back that hit me like a smack in the face.  I was just starting the Optifast Shakes in preparation for my surgery and doing a whole pity-me party.  When her Mom posted this picture, it really put things into perspective for me.  Here is my friend who can barely breath, working out to make her body stronger for her eventual lung transplant, and I was complaining because I couldn't eat a burger!  Thank you Lorna for being such an inspiration to me.  I love you and pray that God will bless you with amazing health SOON!

The next friend that comes to mind who has been in my life a long time is Nicole.  Our earliest memory of each other is playing in her kitchen while our parents were downstairs chatting.  I was about 5 years old.  They had a box of "Promises" on their table.  

We were fooling around and wasted water on them and were so afraid we'd get in trouble.  Well the years went by and because our families were friends, we saw each other from time to time when my family would visit their town.  But when my family moved to her town in 1987 we soon became the best of..... enemies! haha  We really didn't like each other for a long time.  And there is no real reason for it.  But THANKFULLY, during university, we came to know each other in a whole new way that turned into the best friendship I have ever known.  Nicole is the most amazing friend anyone could ever ask for.  She has been there for me through all the highs and lows.  We have the most amazing memories (that are just as vivid today as they were 15 years ago).  And even though we live so far apart, we will never be closer in our hearts.  I love you Nicole and thank God for your friendship and loyalty.  You are amazing!

I have many friends that have become forever friends.  And even though distance separates us physically, we still remain close.  My friend Andrea became an instant, amazing friend when we moved to NL in 2003.  It was like we were friends our whole lives.  She just "got" me!  Andrea has been such a role model for me.  Stelios and I didn't have any children together when we met Andrea and Brad, but when I was pregnant with Gabrielle AND Michael, I would watch Andrea so closely because she is the most amazing mother and wife.  Their children are amazing and I wanted so badly to be half as good a mother as she was.  Andrea, thank you so much for showing me what a Godly mother looks like.  I love you and thank God for bringing you into my life!

Cheryl is another friend who I met at a very young age but we actually lost touch for a number of years until we were in high school.  And when we were in university together, we just clicked.  She's just as crazy as I am.  We have the type of friendship where we can say anything nasty to each other and we just laugh it away.  Our friendship is one of a kind, and I'm so thankful for her!  She brings so much laughter into my life! Thank you Cheryl!

I probably shouldn't have even started this post now that I think of it.  I am going to leave out friends who have made an profound impact on my life ( but you know who you are!)  Charla was my best friend in grade 6.  We lived in the same city for that one year.  But the friendship we built has lasted to this day.  It was our common love for God that made our friendship so strong at such a young age.  Thank you Charla for being such an amazing example of God in my life!  My friend Tonya became one of my best friends in Jr High School.  She was the Pastors daughter, which meant she moved around a lot.  It was hard on our friendship, but we always stayed close and wrote lots of letters (there's that word again!)  We don't talk much these days, but she is still on my "list" of great friends!  

Some other friends that are on that list are Geraldine, Denise, Jon, Pam, Karyn... there are many and I would use up half the world wide web to talk about each friendship in detail because they are all such amazing friends!)

You're probably wondering why I'm posting about friendship instead of weight stuff.  Well it's because I've been reminded this past week of how important friends are in any journey we're going through.  I have gained 6 new friends in the past couple of months who have been my rock in recent days.  They are all from my Weightloss Support Group.  It's so amazing to have friends who are on one of the same journeys we are.  Outside of this surgery, we don't have a WHOLE lot in common.  But this surgery has brought us together as friends in way that is actually very new to me.  And it's fantastic.  I love these girls and thank God so much for their friendship and encouragement.  Manda, Becca, Barb, Linda, Dawn and Shantelle; thank you for coming into my life and making me laugh over the past few weeks!  You are a huge blessing in my life!

So about my weightloss journey this week... It's been a great week in that regard.  The scales started moving again after being on a stall.  Yesterday morning I had the privilege of watching a half marathon and was inspired to start working towards running it myself next year.  I have noticed a lot more NSVs this week too.   The biggest one is when I went to Tim's with my WSG girls.  I have avoided tables and booths for years where the table or chairs couldn't be moved because I just couldn't fit in them comfortably or at all.  I would always try to get to the restaurant before my other guests arrived so I could pick a table with chairs that weren't attached.  Well I was telling this to the girls the other night and my other friend, Manda (who has lost over 200 lbs - WAY TO GO MANDA!!!!) said she was the same way.  So the other girls told us to go try sitting at such a table now!  So we did!  And by golly, WE FIT!! Not only did we fit, but there was lots of room to spare!  This picture doesn't really give an accurate view of how much room I had because I was sitting side on, but let me assure you, there was lots of room!  I know to some this may not be a big deal, but to me, it was huge!  No more clamming up when going to a restaurant or somewhere with pre-fitted seating. These and healthy improvements are what make this journey so exciting.  I don't care if I ever fit into a size 4 jeans.  I want to be healthy and comfortable with my surroundings!  And I'm on the road to that goal!!!

Well this past week I lost 4 pounds which makes it a total of 88 lbs!!!  I will be joining a gym this week, thanks to Dad and Michelle (an AWESOME birthday gift!)  So I'm hoping that the weight loss will continue at a steady pace since I'll be getting into the time when it slows down normally.  Again, I want to thank everyone who has sent me messages of  encouragement and support this past week.  Almost every day I go to my computer and receive some kind of message that gives me warm fuzzies and reminds me why I'm sharing my journey.   I thank God for you, and mostly, I thank Him for being Who he is in my life - my Father and Provider.  Thank you God!

Total Loss: 88lbs