TheNewMe

Well, the numbers are slowly moving again! Today's weight = 180 pounds. Unbelievable. I don't even know how to process this. I have lost 150 pounds to date since December 2013. BMI down from 58.5 to 31.9. Only 35 pounds to goal weight. I really never thought I would see even this amount gone. A year ago I was on track to lose 50 pounds before surgery. I wish my friends, family, and supporters knew how much they have truly helped me through this journey. I love you all. God has brought me here. He has been transforming me into the woman he created me to be and that is fabulous! What a gift to work along side my Saviour and friends to strengthen my character and body into a spiritual, physical, and emotional warrior. 74.25 inches off of my body since September of 2014. My year anniversary is coming at the end of September. I am hoping to be at goal weight in 72 days. I may make it. That is only 3.5 pounds per week on average. If I don't, I am still over the moon excited...

So today I had some time to kill, so I decided to window shop. I have not tried on clothes for a very long time. I have no idea how to fit this new body. I still have a ways to go and more working out to do to refine, but I have no idea what looks good or how to shop for me. When you have children, they come first and shopping for clothes always comes to them first. That is just the way it is and no mother or father ever regrets it being that way. So as I was trying on clothes, I went to a couple of places that were not they typical buy it because it is a bargain places. I started picking up pieces that I truly liked and then proceeded to try them on. I was pleasantly surprised at the sizes I was able to get into. Some things just didn't fit right and looked funny on me so I put them back. As I went to another store, I found even more that I liked. I found jeans that looked good on me. I tried on several dresses and found one that fit me perfectly. It was the first time EVER that I...

Well, today I did it. I wore horizontal stripes AND sleeveless! I don't really remember the last time IF EVER that I can say it happened. I was so excited because I have been looking at this dress for several months now and Friday it was on clearance for $4.00! That is my kind of deal. I couldn't pass it up. It fit me so good, in fact that I actually fit into a Medium but went for the large because it was longer. I felt so confident in it. I don't know how it looked but my husband said I looked Audrey Hepburn cute. I may even go out and cut my hair that short too this coming week. We'll see. Yes I did and it felt great!

I am starting my day off kind of strangely. I got up as usual, washed my face, brushed my teeth, took my vitamin, ate breakfast. Then...nothing. No work today. I have been temporarily laid off. There's absolutely nothing they could do about it. Until our governor signs the state budget, I will continue to be laid off. I am glad the government will be able to continue to get paid. I would hate it for "them" if they had to go without for a while. Don't get me wrong, I don't think we will go without. God has graciously always provided for us and I don't expect him to stop now. We will be taken care of, it will just be tight for a while. Anyways, I will act like I am working and take care of the behind housework and church work that I have to do. I will play with my children and teach them this summer that we can still have fun on a budget. I will spend quality time with my handsome husband. Most importantly, I will spend time with God reflecting and learning abou...

UPDATE Wow. What a journey this has been and it is far from over. God has brought me so far since moving to Pennsylvania in November of 2013.  I remember before we moved, I was in terrible shape. I remember praying the song "Revelation" by Third Day to God on an almost daily basis because I really didn't know what direction to go. So many mistakes, so many moves, going back to college in later years and then only to graduate with no prospects of a job. For over a year I wondered what would I become and how I could get out of the prison that I had made my body over the years. I was trapped. This body was taken over by high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea, and 185 pounds overweight. I have been carrying this for over 20 years. I went to my doctor and she told me I was not a candidate for weight loss surgery because I would just go back to my old habits and never be successful. I was depressed.  We had not applied to any ministries because honestly, they never ...

Well, I did my first 5K this past weekend. It was a mud run and lots of fun especially with our team. I plan on doing it again and would like to try more of that variety. I don't look forward to running in any but hiking like that would be great. I have reached a point in my journey where I am not exactly happy with myself and I know I shouldn't feel that way. Perhaps if I got out every day and walked like I was supposed to I would feel different. I wonder if anyone else gets to this point and when will I be happy enough with myself without beating myself up about it. I know how far I have come but I still look ahead to what I still want to accomplish. Is that wrong? And, if and when I reach that goal will it be enough for me then? Okay, moving on to updates. Lee is still doing fine, although it seems as though I really don't get to talk with him much these days due to schedules and scouts and exhaustion. Chris is still doing scouts and needs to get his butt in gear...

I stepped on the scale this morning. It is something we do more than we should but I have been trying to break a barrier. I set my sights to get under 200 and guess what?! It finally happened!!!  199. I know it is only a pound under 200, but I will take it!!!You know why? Because EVERY little pound counts. I have lost another 4 inches as well. I am so happy because I feel so much better about myself and am healthier than I have been in a long time. For my friends who are still struggling with weight loss and similar issues. Keep on keepin on! I still struggle with the snacking issue. I always will, but I have to keep on going  because I am important, not only to myself but to my family and most importantly to God who gives me more strength and credit than I deserve. Family Update: Lee has lost some pounds as well and still looking good! Chris is still getting taller and his voice deepens every week. Jamie is still struggling with allergies and eczema and is sta...

Well, my doctors are pleased with my progress so far. I don't know if I will ever reach my goal weight, but I am happy with my health progress thus far. I feel amazing and it is nice when people notice the change. I would like to take credit for it all, but I know that God has brought me through this journey and He will not leave my side as I continue. I give all glory to Him because He made me strong enough to handle this. I weighed today and am happy to say that the scales are moving again. I am down to 202 - down 128 pounds from when I started. I still have an addiction to snacking so I am working on not buying things like that. Even though they are not bad for me, they are bad when not used in moderation so until I can conquer such a problem they are off the menu. I have lost another 5 inches, which means a total of 64.75 inches off of my body since September. Hallelujah! AND we took a family trip on Monday and had a great time. We stopped at an overlook to take some pictur...

Well. today marks a special occasion for me. I got into a size 14 today. This may not sound like a lot, but let me tell you where I am coming from. Before my weight loss journey, I was a size 26 without hope that I would ever see a size 14 ever again. The last time I saw a size 14 was right before I got married (24 years ago this June). Yes, they are still a little snug - but, I am wearing them today and they look good. I still have about 63 more pounds to go and a ways to go physically, but I am a very happy girl today because this means a lot. I will do my happy dance today while celebrating St. Patrick's Day.  Family Update: Lee: Is amazing. He hasn't been feeling well lately so pray that he will get better soon. Chris: Is almost as tall as his dad and is doing very well. Jamie: Is changing so much especially lately. Kobi: Dogs really don't change that much. Penny: I think she is going to stay small which is okay for a cat. Geoffry and...

Well, Here is my update: I am feeling so good! I remember the Frosted Flakes commercials with Tony the Tiger saying "They're GREAT!!!". That is how I feel. I am down to 218. I haven't been this weight for over 19 years. Exercise is something that I want to do now. I don't even really dread it. Zumba was fun this morning and when I get home I will do my weights and more cardio and strength training. I feel alive. God is teaching me the value of caring for myself so that I can be of value to Him and my family.  Speaking of family: Lee is doing well. He is helping me by being my cook and telling me how good I look, plus he started a challenge for himself today so we can do this together. Chris is slowly turning into a man. He cut his hair this past weekend and it looks Marine-like. He looks so grown and is doing well and serving in the church. Jamie is okay. She has been sick for a while, but I think she is just fine especially when her ...

Wait for it.....Celebrate with me!!! As of today, I have lost 100 pounds and 44.75 inches off my body. My journey that started when I moved to Pennsylvania in December of 2013 is over half way to goal. I am COMPLETELY off of medications and machines for blood pressure, asthma, and sleep apnea. I feel great and not looking too shabby, if I do say so myself-(it is okay because others say so too). Thanks to a lot of prayers and support from so many people, I am on the right track. Thanks to my Great and Holy Savior who is teaching me more and more each day about how great life can be.  Family Update: Lee has been a little on the sick side this week, but is on the mend and happy. Chris is getting taller and handsomer by the minute. Jamie is getting her tonsils taken out tomorrow-we're hoping it will help with her allergies. Kobi is still a dog and sweet sometimes and annoying all at the same time. We have a new addition since Christmas, Penny a beautiful calico kitten....

I am just feeling AMAZING today! I don't see my doctor again until next week, however I had to go today and get lab work done so I weighed while I was there. 245. 245!!! Only 100 pounds to go until goal weight and only 15 pounds to go until I have lost 100 pounds. WOW ! Then, I stopped by the pharmacy to check my blood pressure- 115/77- I have not seen these kind of numbers since well before I had children over 18 years ago. I am now officially off of blood pressure medicine. Since September 7, I have lost 34.75 inches from my body. I feel great and even though I still have a ways to go, I have come so far. My God has seen me through my struggles and is continuing to bless me every day. I will win this fight because He has already won it for me. Family update: Lee: Is doing fine and is really starting to enjoy the holiday season. Chris: Still in Boy Scouts and just turned 14! Jamie: Still in Girl Scouts and just had allergy testing. She will start getting weekly sho...

 I feel good today. I fit into a size 20 jeans this morning. That is down from a size 26. Three sizes!!!! What an amazing feeling. On top of that, my doctor has cut my blood pressure medicine in half and if I start feeling strange again, I can stop completely. I can't always wear my CPAP mask at night anymore either because I find that it is too much to breathe.  I am still finding not enough time to do my fitness plan as I would like. I guess I need to just stop trying to plan and just do it. Family update: Lee is writing a novella and doing well. Geoffry is starting his new job today. Chris is still enjoying Boy Scouts. Jamie started Girl Scouts this week and loves it. Becca is getting adjusted and has been a great help to me. Kobi, well he is still a puppy and still growing. *Can't wait to go to the Eastern Christian Convention next weekend with my family.

Okay! Drum roll please!!!   I have lost 20 pounds since surgery, bringing my total weight lost since December 2013 at 70 pounds!!! Also note-worthy is the fact that I have lost 24 inches since September 7, 2014. My restrictions have been lifted and my pre-diabetes is GONE !!! I am really feeling great and I am truly thankful to my doctor and his staff. Also, I am thankful for friends and family who constantly follow my progress, pray for me, and have loved me through all of my life transitions.  Quick family update: Lee is doing well. Chris is doing well. Jamie is doing well. Kobi is doing well. Geo is finally home with us and he brought Becca. Our great snow season is not too far off. (Yes, I am STILL happy about that!!)

My weight loss journey Well, it has been a few months since I have posted. (No surprise there!) Here is an update on how I am doing in my new journey: I was approved for surgery and had gastric bypass on September 22, 2014. When I got to the hospital that day, I was down to 280. Now, I know a lot of people would scream in horror at telling weight amounts or stories, but I like to be totally honest. Plus, for those who may read this--DON"T BE AFRAID of numbers! It tells the true story of where you came from and where you are and where you are going. I had my two week post-op appointment with my doctor yesterday and I had lost another ten pounds since surgery. WAY TO GO ME!!!!! I am down                                                         60 lbs !!!!!! I am so proud of myself and I feel great! I know I have a LONG way to go, bu...

Physical: I do not have much to say. My surgery has been postponed due to my needing to have my sleep pattern right before surgery. I have to prove that I can wear my mask more than four hours per night before they will allow me to continue, so I now have three more weeks to accomplish that goal. I have proven I can do it, however if I continue waking up so early with leg cramps, etc. then I will be setting myself up for failure. In addition, I need to overcome my aversion to exercise. I am okay with any of it, however making it a habit is proving to be harder than I expected. Work: Work is going really good. I am getting more comfortable with my role as case manager. I have another review coming up in a month so I will continue my quest for perfection in my job. Mental: I am in a better mental state now. I am content and happy even in the place where we moved. I am making better choices and pushing myself to be a better person so it makes me feel more calm and collected. Spir...

I have not been good about blogging or journaling before, but I am going to give it another try. I can make myself create a new habit if I want to. I will be committed. I am feeling good today. I woke up WAY too early for a Saturday, but maybe that will give me time to just be. Happy Saturday! **** Well, I didn't want to do anything today, but I made myself get up and exercise and I feel so much better and ready to work! I have already gotten so much accomplished. Back to it! **** I took a nap after lunch and then got up and did 15 minutes of latin dance fitness. Feeling good, I think I will tackle another job!

Well, I have started a new journey. Life has changed in so many ways in the past 6 months. We moved to another state, Lee and I both took new jobs, we left our oldest to finish high school, just to name a few. I have been able to seek medical help with my asthma and sleep apnea, which have GREATLY improved life for me. I have also decided to proceed with gastric bypass surgery at the end of the summer. This is not a decision I took lightly and have prayed and thought a lot about it. It seems to me that the benefits far outweigh the risk. I have so many health concerns and this is by no means the easy way out. I thought that at one time, however I have been educated on the real deal for weight loss surgery. This is going to be a hard journey, but worth it in the long run. Baby steps. I will take MANY, but eventually I will come out on the other side walking proudly. My first goal is to lose 15 pounds before I go back to the nutritionist and fitness specialist at the end of this mo...

Well, the last time I was up here, things were much different. I am now back in my home state, heavier than I ever have been, and slowly approaching age 40 (next year). This is truly my last chance to do anything about myself. I have battled depression and major life changes in the past year. I now view things a little differently. I see this next year as what could be the biggest year of my life. (1) On September 3, 2011 I will turn 40 and I want several things to happen; (2) I am trying to amp up my prayer life; (3) I am hoping to graduate with a Bachelor's degree in August of 2011; (4) I NEED to lose 150 pounds before September 3, 2011 -- it is now or never! How will I ever get this much accomplished? Well, I intend to stop all volunteer work and much of the television watching so I can effectively complete my schoolwork in a timely manner. Also, I will attempt to push myself to keep a schedule and to make God my number ONE priority and exercise my number TWO priority. I figure ...

Well, I have lost 16 pounds so far. I had a really bad emotional week, but atleast I did not gain anything. Moving forward!!!