Bariatric Beginnings
My Personal Weight Loss Surgery Journey To A Healthier, Happier Life And Helping Others.

Tag Archives: goals

Mighty Proud

April 13, 2013

My 3rd 5K is in the books! I finished in 49:08, that’s 5 1/2 minutes off my time from the two 5Ks I did last year!! That’s a huge accomplishment for me! To me it doesn’t matter how slow you go because you’re still lapping everyone on the couch and if you aren’t capable to running yet than walk. I had to stop about three times and just power walk, but that was a hell of an improvement from last time. I am mighty proud of myself today. My Dad and I are already signed up for our next (and my 4th) 5K.

My Dad and I before the run!

My Dad and I before the run!

My Dad and I crossing the finish line! Thanks to Tom from http://beariatric.com/ for the awesome picture!

I’m home lounging around this evening since I’m a little sore and exhausted. The husband and I have a long day tomorrow traveling for calling hours for a family member. Monday is my first day at my new job, I’m pretty excited, I hope I like it. Yesterday was my last day at work, pretty uneventful thankfully and it was nice to come in to a huge vase of flowers on my desk, I truly felt loved.

And just a quick little rant before I close, the hanging, sagging loose skin is starting, oh joy! I am about 100 lbs lost from my heaviest weight ever before my sleeve surgery in 2010 and it is starting to become uncomfortable. I even have an embarrassing incident that occurred because of it. And it’s only going to get worse as I am only 3 months out from my gastric bypass surgery and have another 90-100 lbs to go until I hit my surgeon’s goal. Please remember to read the about section of this blog if you are unfamiliar to why I underwent two different weight loss surgeries! I guess it’s time to pull out my flexees compression shorts. I hate wearing those, but I guess I’m going to be uncomfortable either way so I’d rather wear the shorts I guess. It’s a small price to pay for being healthy I guess!

Daily Inspirational Quote: “If you have a dream, don’t just sit there. Gather courage to believe that you can succeed and leave no stone un-turned to make it a reality.” ~Dr. Roopleen

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Checking A Goal Off The List

April 1, 2013

Well, I didn’t win in either category I was nominated for the Backstage Pass Radio WLS awards, but it’s okay,  I was up against some of the biggest names in the WLS world so I’m happy and honored to have just been nominated! And there is always next year!

Yesterday was my first holiday post gastric bypass. My husband and I went down to Columbus to his sister’s house for dinner, his parents were also there. I did very well with my intake by making sure to not over do it. I seem to be doing well this time around, I haven’t gotten sick yet or had any dumping syndrome which happens sometimes with gastric bypass. I remember after my sleeve in 2010 having so many issues with eating, but this time around I haven’t had any problems like I was expecting, which is a great thing, I’m curious if the fact that I’ve already had one surgery had anything to do with an easier time now. If you are new here and weren’t aware that I had two surgeries please check the about section at the top, it will explain everything.

I also had a little non-scale victory, my fingers are officially not as big around as my husband’s!  His wedding ring is a little tight on him and when he wears the ring it leaves an indentation on his finger. If I put it on it’s too big!

Nothing really new here, my three month follow up appointment is coming up in about 2 1/2 weeks on the 18th. I start my new job on the 15th, I am on orientation through Thursday of this week as I am on spring break from my current job, so it is all working out nicely. Nothing like paperwork and outdated videos to get you excited! But really, I am very excited to start my actual position here in two weeks. My dad and I are running our first 5k of this year on the 13th. This will actually be the third 5k that I’ve done. Though I am 50 pounds lighter this time around so I should be able to shave off some time! I’m excited to check my first goal for the year off my list. Now it’s time to add a new goal to work on, just need to think of one, anyone have any ideas or a goal they are setting for themselves?

Don’t forget my giveaway for the “Recipes For Life After Weight Loss Surgery” cookbook is going on through this Friday, April 5 at 5:00pm (EST). You can enter at http://bit.ly/10lOPQt which will take you to the giveaway section on the Bariatric Beginnings Facebook page.  So far there are 117 entries in the drawing for the cookbook, the winner will be announced Friday evening on the Facebook, on Twitter, and on here.

Daily Inspirational Quote: “Hope can get you through anything.” ~Jamie Ford

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No News Is Good News

March 6, 2013

Sorry if it seems lacking in the personal weight loss surgery update department here with me, but there really hasn’t been much to update at this point. Hey no news is good news right?! I’m doing really well, I haven’t had any issues other then the two irritated incisions which are doing better this week, the antibiotic cream really seem to help.  I’ve been working my butt off at the gym getting ready for my first 5K of the year on April 13. Just finished week 3, day 2 on my training this afternoon. It’s hard to believe I’ll be 2 months out next week on the 14th, wow that flew by quick! I don’t have another follow up or official weight in with my surgeon until April 18 for my 3 month follow up. I do have counseling next week at the bariatric center and may decide to weigh in at that point since my floors at home making weight on my scale impossible! Guess you’ll just have to check back on the 14th and see if I posted a weight or not.

I try not to post numbers a lot (or honestly fret about them…even though I do sometimes) because this journey of mine is about so much more than that. It’s about being healthy and being able to enjoy life more. Not being just a mere spectator. I will be turning 30 in 3 months and I want to make those years and the remainder of my life the best years ever. I want to enjoy my children (if I have any) and their children. I want to be able to live life to the fullest. I never again want to stay I can’t do something because of my weight. I want to be able to say count me in. Yes the medical community looks at numbers and I’m not saying that numbers aren’t important. But if I stop losing and still weigh 200 lbs I’m not going to be upset because I used to be 418 lbs and barely able to take care of myself. It’s not likely that I will ever weigh 160 lbs again, I know this and my doctor knows this. But he said to me it’s able being healthy and being able to live and enjoy life. Yes, there is a part of me inside that wants to see onederland, but I know that might not be possible because I started so big. It’s still early, only 7 weeks out, so time and hard work will tell.  My personal goal is to be able to do everything in my life that I dream of doing and I feel myself getting closer every day. Whatever I end up being on the scale I know one thing, I’m in a better place than I was 3 years ago and that to me is success.

Current pic (7 weeks out)...consider yourself lucky, you're seeing me without makeup, I don't do that much anymore. :P

Here’s a current pic at 7 weeks out…consider yourself lucky, you’re seeing me without makeup, I don’t do that much anymore. :P

Daily Inspirational Quote: “I think that we are like stars. Something happens to burst us open; but when we burst open and think we are dying; we’re actually turning into a supernova. And then when we look at ourselves again, we see that we’re suddenly more beautiful than we ever were before!” ~C. JoyBell C.

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My 2013 Commitment

December 28, 2012

Many people make New Year’s Resolutions at this time of year, included me. Many of our resolutions are far fetched, never reached, or abandoned shortly after they are made. For 2013, I’ve decided to make my resolution a simple one, no magic numbers this year, I want to commit to becoming a healthier and more fit person that I was this. I found this great picture below and I believe that it symbolizes my goals for the year. The happier person part I was able to accomplish in the year that is now coming to a close. With my bypass surgery just a little over 2 weeks (17 days!) away, I have committed to make 2013 my best year yet. I also turn 30 this year and want to make my 30s the best years of my life. I am ready to leave my 20s behind and never turn back. A lot happened, both good and bad though I feel the bad outweighed the good many years. It’s time to forget them but I will never forget what they taught me. With the new year just around the corner, what is the one thing you’re willing to commit to in 2013.

z913

z909

Daily Inspirational Quote: “Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed.” ~Paulo Coelho

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Unstoppable

December 20, 2012

I asked this question last night to some friends and I’ll ask you, the new year is right around the corner, what are your goals for the upcoming year? Did you met this year’s goals that you set for yourself? One of my goals for this year was to finish a 5K, I did do that, in fact I completed two 5Ks this past summer. Sure I had to walk some of it because I’m still a big girl but I did it and crossed the finish line both times. I’m very proud of that accomplishment! There are people my size that can barely walk. My goals for this year are to really rock the bypass surgery that I have been hoping for since before my sleeve. Now that I am medication free I feel like my body will lose the weight better, having been on 7 medications before I’m sure that didn’t help in me losing. I would also like to do another 5K this year but by running this entire thing this time, maybe even a 10K in the fall? I would also like to make more friends, friends that I can occasionally get together with. I have a friend that is close but I only see her a few times a year and she lives about an hour away. Another goal that I would like to accomplish is to secure a better job. As much as I enjoy my job with the children, it isn’t ideal. I am hoping after losing more weight that someone might be willing to give me a chance. I like I’ve said before until you’ve personally experienced weight discrimination in regards to a job, you don’t believe it actually exists. My ultimate goal for 2013? To be an unstoppable force.

You know what would make my week ? A snow day tomorrow. The snow is finally on it’s way, it’s December 20 and I’m in Ohio and it still hasn’t snowed yet! I’m so ready for my Christmas/winter break from work. I would love to start it a day earlier. I doubt that will actually happen, but I can wish can’t I?

It’s 25 days until surgery day! My countdown “item I’ve learned” for today ties in with my goals from this year and last. I’m learned that I can push myself to do anything. I completed two 5Ks this year. I am still a heavy person, but I’m lighter than I used to be. I decided to not let the extra weight get me down and completed those two events. I actually ran parts of it, sure I had to walk some of it, but many people my size can’t even walk. Without my sleeve surgery in 2010 I don’t believe I could have accomplished that.

Here is me back in August 2012 right before completing my second 5K of the year.

Here is me back in August 2012 right before completing my second 5K of the year.

Daily Inspirational Quote: ”Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge after them in an unstoppable manner.” ~Les Brown

Remember our regularly scheduled 4th Tuesday of the month chat will not occur next week due to it being Christmas Day. We’ll be back on our regular schedule of every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at the beginning of the year.

See you on January 8 for our next support chat!

*ALL CHATS ARE LOCATED AT HTTP://BARIATRIC.OLI.US/ AND BEGIN AT 8:OO PM (EST)*

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Rewards

October 3, 2012

I finally broke down and made my monthly chiropractor appointment. I try to only go at the beginning of the month. I am good for about three weeks after my adjustment and then usually I am in pain the fourth week. Well it was that time and I started really feeling it over the weekend. I walked out of the appointment feeling like a million bucks, I got my adjustment, muscle stimulation on my shoulders, heat on my neck and shoulders, and ice on my back. Plus I always feel like I am going to fall asleep while I am laying on the table getting the ice and stimulation. It’s nice to go do this and relax for a bit. What I really need though is a massage. I have never had a professional one before but I really want to have one. Maybe that will be a reward to myself in the future.

Learning to reward yourself with non-food items is sometimes a challenge when you have always turned to food to celebrate or reward yourself. I have tried to think of things that I can do for myself when I am looking to reward myself for meeting a goal or celebrating. What are somethings that you do to reward yourself? If in the past you used food as a reward was it hard for you to learn to reward yourself differently?

Some things that I have rewarded myself with instead of food have been, new makeup, a new hair color, new shoes, new clothing, a new tattoo, or book. Recently, I got myself a new pair of shoes to reward myself for going medication free.

Yay for being medication free!

I think my next reward with be the massage, maybe a reward for when I get my surgery date and insurance approval. My ultimate reward will be my trip to Ireland and Scotland which I would like to take when I reach my goal weight. My goal is to be able to go this summer and celebrate my 30th birthday there. I will keep working my butt off to get there.

By the way, how do you like the new layout?

 

Daily Inspirational Quote: “The most beautiful people I’ve known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.” ~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

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Stay Tuned!

July 26, 2012

So I think that I am going to move forward with holding a weekly online support chat group for people considering weight loss surgery or who have had weight loss surgery. If you are interested in participating in the chat, please answer the two polls below so I can plan a time and a day of the week for us to me. Right now I am in the process of creating a location for us to meet at and chat online. Details to come. Stay tuned!

This is a big step for me to help me reach my goals both personally and professionally. I want so badly to help others as well as help myself at the same time. I think creating a real time support chat for some of us who are struggling or just have questions is a good idea.

Can’t wait to get this off the ground!

 

Daily Inspirational Quote: ”Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” ~George Bernard Shaw

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Heading In The Right Direction

July 25, 2012

This afternoon while waiting for my car to be fixed I sat there thinking that I was being so unproductive, that I could be doing so many other things. I thought this day might end in a big lame day of un-productivity (is that a word? I don’t think so…it is now!) But sitting at home for the first all day I realized that my day was much more productive than many other people and much more productive than two or three years ago. Before the car repair (just got the radio replaced) I went and donated three bags of food to the local social service agency and after the car repair went to the local humane society and donated some bleach and laundry soap that they were in very desperate need in. I also reconnected with my old personal trainer and I am going to start volunteering at the humane society in October. I love animals and want to help. It gets me out of the house and I hope to meet some new people. I like my Mary Kay, but that is a hobby and maybe not the right kind of thing for me. I want my life to take a different direction. I started my 3 months medically supervised diet yesterday, I meant with the doctor yesterday and he was very sweet. I also ran/walked 3 miles with my Dad yesterday. Tomorrow Patrick and I are going to go run, hopefully outside weather permitting, if not we will head to the indoor track instead. My goal is to live my life as full as possible. I want to get under 200 lbs and be able to feel like I can conquer the world. I know I am heading in the right direction right now. Getting the diet in line-check; increasing exercise-check; fixing relationships-check; enjoying life-check, doing meaningful things-check!!!!!!

 

Daily Inspirational Quote: “Direction is more important than speed. We are so busy looking at our speedometers that we forget the milestone.” ~Unknown

 

Don’t forget to take my poll about a possible WLS online support group!

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Hard Work Pays Off

July 15, 2012

Tonight I am posting an article about a friend, Michelle is a friend of mine and a former next door neighbor. This article shows you that hard work pays off. I am honored that I have a custom made wedding bouquet designed by her that I carried on my wedding day and admire every day. Please take time to read this article about her and maybe pledge a few dollars if you are able.

Stow teacher turned jewelry designer to make debut at New York Fashion Week – Stow.

Remember never give up on your dreams, whatever they are.

 

Daily Inspirational Quote: ” A successful life is one that is lived through understanding and pursuing one’s own path, not chasing after the dreams of others.” ~Chin-Ning Chu

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What I Have Learned And Become And Will Be

July 12, 2012

The day began as my two year anniversary from my gastric sleeve surgery but it is ending as the first step in my new surgery, gastric bypass. My surgeon is completely on board with having me get bypass and my psychologist says that I am mentally in the perfect stop right now. For my insurance I have to do 3 months of medically supervised weight loss, which I will be doing with one of the doctors at the Bariatric Center. My 3 months begins July 24 and ends on September 25, after that we will submit everything to insurance and go from there. We are hoping for a January 2013 surgery date. I am very excited to start on this leg of my weight loss journey.

Since today is my surgi-versary, I want to reflect back on the past two years and what I have learned and also how far I have come. These are the milestones that mean the most to me.

  • I have gone from a size 32 to a size 24.
  • Both my shoe size and ring size have gone from 11 to 9 1/2.
  • I am able to sleep on an actual bed without fear of breaking it.
  • I ran my first 5K on May 19 and am signed up to run another on August 19. Maybe next summer, I will be able to do a 10K (who knows?)
  • I have learned that there was a woman deep down inside of me. I love wearing skirts, dresses, and makeup now, heck I even sell makeup now!
  • I have learned to love myself at this size and am not ashamed, but at the same time I know I need to lose more weight to accomplish all the things in my life that I want to do.
  • I have learned who my real friends are.
  • I have learned that writing in a great form of therapy.
  • There are always people out there who will criticize you, but I have learned that the only person I need to worry about pleasing is myself. If you don’t like me or what I am doing, too bad, I am doing what is best for me, you don’t have to be my friend if you don’t like it.
  • I have learned that exercise isn’t that bad! :P

In other news, I have began a  relaxation fish tank. The sound and the beauty of an aquarium really help my anxiety (I had one 8 or 9 years ago). We had the tank running last night before we got the fish and I sleep pretty well, it helped calm me last night when I go anxious. I just need to give them each a name, I want special names that are meaningful so that is how I will spend the rest of the evening until Patrick gets home before I have to make dinner. Check back tomorrow to see what their names are!

Meet my two goldfish (names to be determined).

 

My algae-eater (no name yet) being anti-social and hiding for the two other fish.

Thank you to everyone who follows my blog and leave comments, your kind words always make my day. I announced on my personal Facebook page that I am moving forward with gastric bypass and I was blown away by the overwhelming support I have received. Thank you all! :)

 

Daily Inspirational Quote: “May today mark the beginning of many new joys and accomplishments and a continuation of all of the good things that you have already achieved.” ~Unknown

 

 

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