a picture really shows the progress

     First let me apologize for being the worse blogger ever!  Since I've stabilized at between 132 and 135...it just has not been very exciting.  So I'm going to say in my case, no news has been good news! And I know that is not always the case.
     Let me explain this picture, someone in my WLS facebook page that is people around the Dallas area shared a picture like this.  So I'm really glad I kept a pair of fat jeans too, I was able to recreate what she did....what a difference. From size 18/20 to 6/8.
     I will be honest, I've not been perfect...I still make sad choices sometimes but my little tummy keeps me straight.  I'm doing great with my weight training because of my trainer, but slacking some on the walking....need to pick that up.
      I continue to feel great, I'm enjoying life and having a blast shopping and getting dressed everyday.  Christmas was a new coat, new boots and clothes.  Then I'm still getting a box from stitch fix every other month.  If you have not heard of Stitch Fix, it is really fun!  You fill out an extensive profile on your style and sizes and likes.  They pair you up with a personal stylist, you choose how often you want a fix and price range.  Then at whatever interval you get a box of 5 items, if you purchase the 5 you get a big discount.  In every box I have received at least one item that I would not have picked out myself, but it's usually the item I get the most compliments on too!  Some people have trouble giving up control...but it's been good for me....got me out of my rut.  The cool thing also is the items don't go with each other, they go with things in you wardrobe, so each box grows your wardrobe exponentially.  I believe currently their biggest size is 14, so if you are not there yet wait.  I also waited until my weight stabilized.  If you are interested, please use my referral link.  Stitch Fix referral ; it will save me a little bit on my next box!!!!  Maybe I should do a fashion show for my next post?  Trendy Grandma's fashion tips??? Some ideas are coming together.

Last bit of news, something I also waited until I stabilized to do, and that was to get my rings resized.  They went from a 6.5 to 5.5....that is a full size in my fingers!  I love my rings!

A week of fabulous!

Last week was really fun as far as clothes went, I think I looked pretty cute everyday...my photography skills need some work though...not sure if its the lighting in the bathroom...or if my phone doesn't take that great of pictures...or just me? Anyway, here goes the fashion show.

Yellow chevron top, with citrus accessories from Charming Charlies 

Super cute print top from Stitch Fix

Maxi Shirt and fabulous necklace from Stitch Fix

Close up of the necklace

Dolmen Sleeve top, I would have never picked this out for myself. But it is really flattering. This top is also from Stitch Fix

Boyfriend jeans, the last item from my first Stitch Fix.

What a great concept Stitch Fix is....5 items that go with several items you already have in your closet....super wardrobe really expands your wardrobe.

Who Knew?

Who knew shopping could be so much fun? I'm truly enjoying clothes shopping, the selection of cute things in small and 6/8 is amazing! The next 3 pictures are something sort of fun and dorky at the same time. Its Disney Inspired outfits.  This is my start, waiting on the jewelry for the next couple. 

Obviously Minnie Mouse, you can't see my ears but I have little Minnie mouse earrings too. I saw a silver bow necklace that will round this outfit out. 

Ursula, black shorts, purple top and sea shell jewelry.

Nemo Inspired, orange top, white bottoms, black sandals and fish necklace. I had trouble finding the fish necklace, but found a fish key-chain and made my own.

I continue to love cute workout clothes, but this was a huge NSV, for the first time ever...or at least since puberty, my thighs don't meet in the middle.

Had an super shopping trip to the Gap for new school clothes, will be posting pictures of those next. Then a friend became a Stitch Fix Stylist and I'm waiting on my first box from them....feeling pretty awesome to be able to be in on that trend.

1 year update

My 1 year surgery follow up appointment was postponed from June 15 till today, not by my choice. The medical Dr that worked with my surgery group...doing follow ups and pre op teaching is no longer with them. I'm beyond disappointed about that, but what can you do...today i waited in the exam room for over an hour, till one of the surgeons got there...so I'm not in a good mood about all of that. But the good news is my official weight loss for the year is 93 lbs, and they are happy with my progress and the fact that I'm working out regularly, I need to be better with my protein....been slacking a little and my vitamin  D.  So those two items are now on my radar!

Now for the fun stuff. right after school was out, I went to Orlando with a work friend, we went for an EdCamp, then stayed a few extra days for Disney.

I had a great time, it was the first time I'd done a vacation with another woman....even though the first day was job related.  The weird thing was, even though I felt like I ate a lot and I drank a lot I still lost weight. The great thing was, I had so much more energy to enjoy everything.

My second trip was to take Joey to North Carolina. to spend the summer with his Dad and that part of his family. I loved seeing Kaylee...my one and only grand-daughter in a sea of grandsons, but I also lost weight on this trip and marked another item off the bucket list.

Flying is the wind tunnel was probably the most fun I've ever had.....the real thing might have been better, but my weight and health two years ago when I did that was not the best.  The next picture is at a lake...I did not get pictures of all the fun stuff we did there...they had one of the blob things and a Tarzan rope thing....again....back at 229 lbs, that would have not been any fun at all. I had a total blast....and lost another lb on that trip. Last picture is me and Kaylee, only grand-daughter....love all my grandsons....but OMG this girl is so much fun to shop for.

Next appointment is in 6 months, Jan....I am going to be a better blogger between now and then.

I made it!

My goal was 139, which is a 90 lb loss. So I made it with a lb to spare. I guess my new challenges will be 1. not losing too much more (that is a weird concept to me) 2. Maintaining this weight and 3. Continuing build some muscle hoping to tighten up some of the loose skin.

This is me and Dontae, he is my personal trainer, he is the third one I've had since joining the gym.

Absolutely nothing against the other two...I made progress with them too...I just think my weight loss was so fast during those times and I was not strong...they got me strong enough to start getting some great results. I'm still a work in progress, but I cant believe how far I've come.  Im actually sporting the beginning of a six pack! Who would of thunk?

Tomorrow I get my bloodwork done; my 1 year follow up is  June 15.  I can't wait I know they are going to be pleased. I certainly am.

The Last Pound is the Hardest!

At one point this week I hit 139.4; that is .4 away from my goal of 139. But this morning I was 140.3, sigh. I know it's not all about the scale, I am really happy with wearing size 8, but still.  My one year surgery follow up appointment is June 15. I will get there by then!

I had my physical with my primary care Dr. last week, its official: I'm off all prescription meds; he is very happy with me.

Last week at work was a bit of an ordeal; our district is becoming a Google for Education (GAFE); so I was in the 1st cadre to become Certified Google Educators. We can take it a step further and become Certified Google Educator Trainers, but not sure about all that yet.  Let me just say, Google Engineers are amazing people...what Google can do is wonderful; but they really need to ask educators to create the test questions.

Nerding out with Google glass!

Yesterday, Bill and I drove to Shreveport, to see Blake and the Golden Knights perform at an Air Show. It was awesome. Barksdale AFB, put on a great show as did the Golden Knights. Super proud Mom right here!

And since this is a weight loss blog, I will mention that it felt great to be able to walk around and enjoy without huffing and puffing.

Color Run

The Color Run happened this weekend, it was a blast!  It is not timed, so it really is all about having fun.  As you can see we started out all clean.

It was fun going through the Color Stations and I ran the whole way. Not fast but I stopped once for water and slowed down for color.

I must have spent 45 minutes to an hour in the shower trying to get clean...but cant wait to do it again.