I will buy you a new life

The title is a line from one of my favorite songs by Everclear. That’s what I did. I bought myself a new life four months ago.

I have lost 67 lbs and am still going strong. It seems like years since I had my surgery, but it’s only been four short months. I am on track to be below 200 lbs by New Year’s Day. I’m at 220 right now. I am a size 18 in pants; down from my starting size of 26 (yes they make them that big). That’s the first time I’ve made that specific information public. I know it seems that I am know no limits when it comes to sharing, but admitting my pant size was a lot more frightening than my weight for some reason. It will be so nice to shop at a store other than Lane Bryant! It’s awful only having a few stores where you can shop.

Here’s a partial list of things I have not had since before starting the pre-op diet:
• Carbonated beverages
• Candy bars
• Pizza
• Pasta
• Bread
• Chips or crackers

When I see them written out, I can’t believe I’ve had the willpower to fend off all my former favorites. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not easy. Halloween was a regular torture fest. I was super busy and had a stressful week at work, so I already wanted to stuff a whole cake in my face. The company party was stocked full of yummy treats, but I stayed true to my diet and didn’t have even one thing. I’m not looking forward to staying strong and on track during the holidays, but I’m confident I can do it.

I know it’s important to not deprive myself, because one day I might snap and eat my weight in chocolate. To avoid deprivation, I have one treat a month. August I had a few bites of wedding cake (it was so sweet it started making me nauseous). In September I had a half a piece of carrot cake. In October I had 3 oz of frozen yogurt. The point is that I have very little of each treat and it satisfies me.

Working out is truly the key to weight loss. I keep a very strict routine of being active every single day. This usually means going to the gym Monday through Friday and doing something a little less boring on the weekends. This past weekend Eli and I went to Radnor Lake and hiked both days. Sometimes we walk around our neighborhood or I dance like a crazy person to the game Just Dance on Wii. We also play racquetball, and I like taking cardio classes at the YMCA. I’m finally to the point where I like working out. I feel better and more energized if I do. It’s also been quite the stress reliever during a busy couple of months at work.

Your support and encouragement is always very much appreciated. You guys have been my very solid rock so far. I look forward to continuing my journey. Until next time …