Fab yall.....just super fab!!

My most favorite word to use is the word "fabulous".  If you have been following my blog for a while you have very likely figured that out already.  The fabulous thing is......that my life, my mind, my body, my attitude, my health, my everything gets more fabulous every day.  Weight loss surgery didn't make any of this happen.  Weight loss surgery forced me to make changes in all those areas I just listed.  I didnt really have to make any changes if I didn't want to.  The surgery only makes me eat less......it doesn't force me to eat healthy.  I choose to do that.  I chose to make a lot of changes in my life in order to have an all around better me.  So.......here is my fabulous news for you today. 


I have lost 3 pounds since school started 4 days ago.  That means I have lost a total of 48 pounds since surgery on June 2nd.  That really really means I am only 2 pounds away  from my midpoint goal of 50 pounds.  I am going to give myself a lot of credit for this loss this week. Because I was awesome and I rocked it out for my first week back at work.   Here goes.....

--I spent HOURS this past Saturday online reading, researching and making notes so I could plan my meals
--I spent $300 at the grocery store on Sunday so I would have EVERYTHING I needed to eat healthy and have a lot of different options
--I planned, prepared, and packed my meals every nite so I didn't have to figure it out each morning.  I always packed more than I needed so I was never stuck without options (fruits, protein drinks, edamame etc.).  This came in handy when I didn't go straight home or worked late in the classroom.
--I got up early enough every morning so I could make a healthy smoothie or eat my protein cereal, pack my meals for the day and not feel rushed
--I made sure I did the best I could to eat and drink as needed throughout the school day (I didn't do great with this because when I am super busy....I am not hungry.  My class eats at 10:45 am as well and I am not hungry then.  My break is at 1 so that is too late to eat.  Will work that out.)
--I not only committed to but I attended a very high impact Zumba class on Tuesday and Thursday with some girlfriends (I never had an issue committing to workouts......I had issues following through with it)

So......Wow!! I have lost 3 pounds this week!! I figured I would because I am naturally more active at work but didn't expect this. I am really excited. For all my followers who have had surgery and have nay-sayers in your life who think you took the easy way out to lose weight......you make a list like this and show it to them. There is NOTHING easy about being healthy. There is NOTHING that feels as good as being healthy does. 

Something I cannot take credit for are the people in my life who have been so amazingly supportive.  Surprisingly, two of my biggest supporters are men.  Considering how shallow men are (and yes....they are) it has been wonderful to have 2 very important men in my life to be the ones I can't wait to tell about my successes.  My dad....my rock as usual is so awesome.  He has always been my cheerleader no matter what anyway.  My best guy friend, Raj, has been a HUGE support.  Totally didn't expect that. He asks me go walk or workout with him and he eats super healthy (vegan) anyway so he loves to cook weird Indian dishes for me that are nothing but healthy.  He is a big cheerleader too and always has something supportive to say to me about my successes.  Very nice to have. 

I have some girlfriends who have been more than fabulous.....Niki T., Ashley M., Angie D., Debbie A., Jennifer R., and Tracy W. THANK YOU!!!!  These ladies are the cheerleading squad. There is nothing better than good girlfriends. Better than a boyfriend or husband for sure!!  Some of these ladies were already super sweet friends who also have first hand experience with weight loss surgery and have been more than helpful.  I have been surprised that some girlfriends haven't really been supportive at all. Or just don't say or ask anything about my journey.....even when I tell them.   These are girls and I have to remember what weird little creatures we can be to other women.  Regardless.....I am beyond blessed with some girls that have been such a great support for me the past few months.

Oh and I cannot forget how grand my Montevallo Elementary School family has been about my journey....THANK YOU!  I am almost brought to tears by the love and support of my work family and this journey.  I hear sweet, positive, supportive comments from faculty and staff members everyday. Everyone has been so awesome at work this week.  Postive support is what pushes you forward. 

 This is what I call FABULOUS yall!!

Survival......

The first week of school is almost DONE and I survived.  I feel fabulous and I "think" I am going to do just fine this school year.  I don't have very many students and the behavior issues in the classroom this year are nothing compaired to last year.  I may just survive this year after all. 

For my followers who don't know me personally, I teach children with more severe disabilities.  Primarily very young children with autism, behavior disorders and more significant developmental delays.  I am also in the last 8-10 months of my PhD program.....the hardest part.....the reserach and analysis.  A lot of stress on my plate over the years which put a lot of bad choices and habits on my plate which put a lot of fat on my already genetically doomed butt.

I did worry how hard it would be to balance my new healthy lifestyle with work and school demands. I had surgery in June.  I had all summer off and was able to have almost 100% control over my day as far as planning, meals, rest etc.  Very little stress at all.  In my past, being overly stressed meant eating bad (my drug of choice), not working out because I was too tired and very unmotivated, sleeping too much or not enough, sick all the time, and just not in a healthy place with any of it.

I am hoping to take any crazy stress I have this year and put it into healthier choices.  I love to work out especially if it resembles dance, anything outdoors, concerts, social groups etc.  Football season starts in 2 weeks and I LOVE....no I kinda LIVE for that.  Roll Tide!! I am in a tailgating group on the Quad this year which is FABULOUS and will be so fun.  I start real guitar lessons at a local college in September. I am in the 16 year old and up group.  This should be interesting.   I have decided to only surround myself with people who are emotionally and mentally healthy and educationally stimulating. People who constantly complain, live life with a doom and gloom perspective, and spent more time judging than supporting are no longer a part of my healthy life. So......I hope this is where I find my happy place on stressful days.

(Don't worry....weight update coming soon!!!)

Almost half way there!!

Today I have lost 45 pounds!!  I am 5 pounds away from being halfway to my goal!  I am slowing losing more and more clothes everyday that I cannot wear anymore (believe it or not, that is a bit frustrating).  I really wanted to make it until late fall/early winter before I had to buy new clothes.  I can wear almost all my shirts.  I am fine there.  My pants may fit great in the morning but by lunchtime they are literally falling off.  Like falling down my butt.  I am trying to hold on to enough to wear until the weather gets cooler!  I know this isn't a bad thing but it is an expensive thing.  I don't want to buy clothes right now that I can wear next summer. 

This past week was my first week back at work (teaching) since the end of May.  Only teachers this week but a super busy time.  Everyday several of us would go out to lunch somewhere.  One day was mexican, one day was a local tavern and the other 3 days was a quaint little hippy coffee and sandwich shop within walking distance of the school.  It is called Eclipse Coffee and I LOVE it.  It is the coolest place.  You can get breakfast all day, really cool and unusual sandwiches and salads, pastries, coffees, smoothies, milkshakes and......you can even get drunk there if you want.  At nite it is a hangout for the college locals with book readings, bands, poetry etc.  Seriously very cool place. 

Eclipse was my favorite place to eat this past week.  I had so many healthy options. One day I got thier homemade Red Pepper Hummus with a fabulous pita bread and another day I got a salad trio that had a a lot of quinoa, couscous, fruits, nuts, and veggie options.  Was amazing. 

I cooked really healthy at nite too.  Will share some of my recipes from this week in another post. 

I was hungrier at nite this week and I think it was because I was eating so healthy during the day and.......not having my small portions throughout the day.  I will need to learn how to balance this.  I ate A LOT more carbs than usual at nite.  I craved crackers and chips and breads.  A LOT!!  But I lost about a pound a day this week so I "assume" my body just needed the carbs. Yes, you must have carb people.  And it is ok to eat something bad every now and then.  I think the fact that my protein, fruits and veggies heavely outweighed the carbs stuff is the reason I did so well this week. 

I did not "workout" or do my long walks this week.  I was more active than usual but did not workout. Was so tired and hoping it because I was awake so early and working all day etc.  This will be my next biggest hurddle.  I love to workout but when I am tired and have a lot of work to do.....I will not work out.  I am going to have to workout if I want to start seeing bigger results and a toner body. 

This is my last weekend before the kiddies show up on Monday for school.  I don't need to go clothes shopping (I am selling a TON of my old ones right now though).  I didn't want to travel.  I wanted to get my house organized, cleaned, etc AND......I am spending the day creating my own recipe book for my new healthy lifestyle.  I am making a section on smoothies (my fav breakfast food), snacks, lunch ideas, dinner meals, and of course sweet yummies.  All of these are of course postop, healthy, sleeve friendly.  This will be my other hurddle this school year.  Meal planning.  I already know for a fact if I do NOT plan.....I do not do well.  I am hoping my own personal recipe book of ideas helps. 

Will get it all finished today, print and make my grocery store list.  This is my back to school shopping and I am excited!!

Wooaaaahhh......

I am losing so much weight this week I don't have time to keep up to post.  I think I also wanted my ONEDERLAND post up so I could enjoy it a few more day.  I will never have another ONEDERLAND milestone moment, needed to enjoy this one. 

However I have lost another pound this week for a total of 44 pounds since surgery on June 2, 2012.  Moving down in ONEDERLAND now.

I have pouted and fussed about not taking measurements before surgery.  I really should have done this.  Tonight, while trying to log into the blog, I used an address that took me to Google+ instead.  I found something that blew my mind.  I found the preop pics I took. The preop pics I took in a sports bra and leggings.  My Pound Cake was OUT.  I thought I had lost the pics in cyberspace somewhere.  I had taken them with my phone camera here in Alabama before I left for Mexico.  I downloaded them from my phone in Mexico. For some reason I had to create a Googl+ account.  Had no idea what Google+ was so certainly had no ideas where the pics went but I really wanted them back. 

These are pics that I don't think many would take,  moreless post for all the world to see.  So, I will have to take new pics this weekend and see if I can do a little side by side compairson of where I was and where I am now.  DAMN I wish I took measurements BEFORE.  For my preop followers, please do this.  You will lose 2xs the inches than you do the weight and you will need the inches to help you when you feel discouraged. 

Will "try" to get some new pics this weekend.  (No promises.....school starts Monday)

ONEDERLAND ONEDERLAND ONEDERLAND!!!!

The milestone has been reached.  The goal has been met.  The most anticipated moment since surgery has come.  The scale had the most magical numbers on it this morning. The picture says it all.......I have officially entered ONEDERLAND.  Yes,  I am weighing in my 100's for the first time in over 12 years.  NEVER ever again will there be a 2 in the front of my weight.  NEVER!! 

Date of surgery: June 2. 2012
Time since surgery: 9 weeks
Total weight lost: 43 pounds
Feeling: FABULOUS!!!

A quickie.....

Quick post tonight.  I feel like I am getting a cold. OF course I am because school starts Monday.  My first cold in FOREVER but I really think it is because I sat in a bar the other nite that ALLOWED people to smoke.....where no smoking is allowed anymore. Shame shame on Cafe Forenza in Birmingham, Alabama.  Storming outside too so I am going to bed early.

But......today I have lost a total of 42 pounds!!!  I am at 200 pounds exactly.  That means only one pound until "One-derland"! Fabulous stuff!!

My little party dress

I bought this cute little dress at the outlets last week to wear to a big surprise party for a friend this upcoming Saturday nite!  This dress is CUTE! Yellow eyelet, strapless, knee length. Will complement my Perry tan too.  Thinking I will wear aquas, teals and blues with it. Feather earrings for sure.  I cannot wait to wear it.  That is a first!  Uusally I dread what I am going to wear.  But not only is this dress going to be so fun to wear Saturday nite but it is also as size 14/16!!  I was in a 18w FOREVER and had really pushed myself in to the 20w's earlier this year.  This is really fabulous and I will try to get pics Saturday nite.  I also get to see tons of my forever Birmingham friends that I haven't seen in.....forever! 

41....and that is not just my age anymore!!

Surgery date: June 2, 2012
8 weeks/5 days since surgery
Total weight lost...................

Oh my gosh.....never thought 41 would be so fabulous.  Literally.  Not only did I just turn 41 years old 2 weeks ago but TODAY.....I hit the scale and I have lost 41 pounds!  That is INSANE to me!

I am finally starting to "feel" smaller.  I have felt soooooo fabulous, healthy, and happy for a long time since surgery but I am finally feeling smaller. People notice! I can see it, feel it, love it.  Everything is so big on me. Kinda sad to see some clothes go.  I have pulled a lot of things out of the closet to sell and holding on to some things because they just fit better or look ok even if they are a bigger on me.   Shoes are even getting big.  Had no idea my feet were fat too.

I have talked about how much I regret not doing measurements before.  I sooooo wish I did.  But when at the outlets the other day I did let a undergarment/pajama store do my chest measurements.  That is one measurement I knew.  I measured 2 sizes smaller around and 1 cup size smaller.  YAY YAY YAY!!  I think boobies are overrated anyway.  All they are is fat!!  So I have wanted that part of me to trim up anyway. Not attractive when they are hanging to your knees 20 years from now anyway.

As soon as I join a gym, I will get my current measurements.  I went today to join the little place by my house and it was closed/locked.  Not sure I like that too much.  Not sure if they are only open when they have the classes or not but I am hoping it is a place I will like.  I am soooo ready for some cardio. 

PS:  I am soooooooo stinkin close to being in one-derland it is almost like I am waiting to win the lottery.  One-derland will happen this week!  Amazing!

I'm a pear....down there!!

I haven't weighed since my post the other day.  I am waiting for T.O.M. to pass because it makes me feel so blah, bloated and FAT!  Instead of getting discouraged by a 2-3 pound water weight gain, I just don't weigh for a week.  The fun part about that is I "should" see a nice little weight loss on the scale next week.  I bet I see "one-derland"

I am back home from my beach trip.  Came home early so I could spend the weekend at the lake with my family.  My brother and his family are in town and I cannot wait to see all of them tomorrow. 

So, since I do not have any exciting weight news to share tonight I will tell you all this......

While shopping at the outlet stores yesterday at the beach, I was in the big girl size section (as usual). The lady in the store said, "Ma'am, that is the plus size section. Your sizes are on the other side of the store. You don't need to be in that section". This will certainly be the MOST fabulous words I have ever heard. 

Any other life long fluffy friends totally understand my sense of pride hearing those words in that store.  It is a first EVER for me.  I have always been embarassed to even shop in the junior or missy size sections of stores. Always feel like the skinny bitches are looking at me like I am a plague in their perfect little world.  There are stores like White House/Black Market, Ann Taylor, J Crew, Banana Republic etc etc that I have never even walked in.  I know they don't have big girl sizes.  It wasn't even that I didn't think they had the sizes.  I didn't want to imagine what the sales clerks would think if I walked in.  I will say that one thing I am REALLY REALLY looking forward to is not being stuck shopping in the same stores over and over because they have cute clothes....in big girls sizes.  Fluffy friends, we all shop in the same stores.  I gurantee you I can name them now:  Old Navy, Lane Bryant, Target, Walmart, Ross, JcPenney, Sears, Belk, Cato etc etc.   I WILL own one boutique dress next summer.  Promise you this!!

Even though I gained a lot of weight over the years, I was still in misses sizes in my shirts.  Could easily wear a size XL.  Sometimes a large.  My bottom half....my "honkey tonk badonkadonk" has ALWAYS been bigger than my top half.  My bottom half is a plus size.  Still out of proportion just at an unhealthy level. Regardless,  I am a pear.  I am booty blessed!! Got them birthing hips. I think even when I hit the gym hard and really start seeing the big loss, I will be a beautiful, curvy,  bootylicious, pear down there.