Life 9 months post Gastric Bypass Surgery-LOTS to CELEBRATE!!!

The truth is, 9 months after surgery, I'm kind of past the "discovery" phase.  Other than my current stats, there's really not much "news" to report.  So, lucky for you, this will be another short and sweet blog post with the basics.

In two days it will officially be 9 months since my bypass surgery last August.  The one recurring thought I have is, "WHY didn't I do this sooner?", "WHY didn't I just had bypass instead of lap band in 2006?", "I could have had EIGHT MORE years of LIFE?!".  Ahhh, but I suppose that wasn't part of His plan.  Better late than never.

Today I weighed in at 107 pounds down.  Based on our conservative goal of a total 180 pounds to lose, I have 73 to go.  I wonder how long that will take.  It's coming off steadily but in a lot slower fashion that the first 80 or so.  I'm OK with that; so long as the line on my weight loss graph keeps going the right direction!!!

I feel like I say the SAME thing over and over on each post.........I can't get over how much more energy and LIFE I have in me.  As the days, weeks and months pass, the feeling only intensifies.  Aside from my health, it's been the number ONE benefit for me, honestly.

I think about the things I used to NEVER do and how much I am enjoying them now.  Just last year I was paying others to plant flowers in our garden and tidy up our yard to enjoy.  This year, I am able to do it myself AND enjoy it.  It's still physically demanding for a near 50 year old; but my body tolerates the heat and the labor now.  I now have the mobility to do those things.  It's literally AMAZING to me.  I am so grateful.

Here's a few things I managed to accomplish this weekend while Kevin took his turn to trim all the overgrowth along our fence lines.  I did it last year (pre surgery) and promised him this year was on him!  Together we managed to FINISH the back yard with the exception of needing a chain saw to trim a few limbs from trees and one small pile of leaves we ran out of lawn bags for.  FINALLY we're ready to kick back and enjoy our yard for the season!

Memorial Weekend was probably our first weekend in over 6 months that we didn't have any plans.  So we agreed to commit to one thing and then spend the rest at home working on chores and relaxing.  We kept our promise to one another.

I have a cousin who is a mere 48 and in congestive heart failure.  He was told there was nothing more they can do for him (no more stents, bypass surgeries, etc).  Additionally, he was denied for a heart transplant recently.  So we decided to take a day trip down to Kimmswick and meet up with him and his wife for the afternoon.

My aunt, who is fighting a battle of her own (ovarian cancer) asked if she could crash our party.  So she and her hubby rode their Harley down and met up with us.

It was a beautiful weekend.  We had a gorgeous day, sunshine and mild temps, wonderful company and just a simple good time.  I think it was great medicine for everyone.  While some may consider that I'm in a battle of MY own with obesity, I see it as I've been given a new lease on life.  I am so glad I was able to spend the day with people I love who are fighting for their lives.  We shared laughter and tears.  It was much more about being together than it was where we were or what we were doing.

We closed the evening by having dinner at my cousin, Charlie's local haunt, La Pachanga.  FUN times.  So fun that we've already set another "date" for June 20th.  For all my Kranz cousins, don't miss Cousins' night at Fairmount Park!!!

Below is a photo of us (with our spouses) at LaPachanga.......celebrating LIFE and LOVE.

Wishing you all PEACE, LIFE and LOVE-

Lori

WOW, what a difference 8 months can make! 100 lbs. down and 80 to go!

I've been putting this blog entry off; because I have so many random thoughts swirling in my head.  It's a lot for one person to digest, let alone try to craft into words.

For those wanting the cliff notes version, here you go:  I FINALLY made it to the 100 pound milestone.  I wasn't sure I'd ever see the day....particularly after a failed lap band procedure in 2006.  The doctor gave me a realistic goal of losing 180.  Judging by how long it took those last pesky 5, I'm guessing the next 80 is going to require a LOT more effort on my part.  While I'm doing real well with eating healthier and portion control.....it is time to step up my game.  Physical activity is going to be the key.  I'm hoping that the warmer weather will bring a desire for me to get a bike and ride as well as do more hiking and yard work.  I'm not one for working out, per se.  We'll see.

Now then, for all the friends, family, folks aspiring to lose weight, etc.........here's the REAL story......

My starting weight was 356 pounds.  I am now at 256 pounds.  At my heaviest I was wearing a size 34 pants and a women's 30/32 shirt.  That's equivalent to a men's 3XL and sometimes I'd even get a 4X because I liked them roomy!  Today I am in a size 24 pant (I can't remember the last time I fit in that size, to be honest) and a 22/24 shirt.  I wear a men's XXL comfortably (with room to spare).  I cannot describe how completely strange it is to look in the mirror weekly and literally watch your body shrink.  I really only SEE and FEEL it in my clothes.  All of a sudden, I'm fitting into smaller sizes, my old clothes look ridiculous and my face and body look a little different every day.  It's like I'm morphing into the unknown.  But in a "Man, I FEEL good" kinda way.  And when I say I "feel" good, I mean, I have boundless energy as compared to a year ago.  It's truly AMAZING to get my life back.  I'll explain that later.  But first, for fun, I had Kevin take a few pics of me in some "before" clothes and some "present" clothing.  I was remiss and didn't save any of my size 34 pants so I found a 32 to use for illustration.

Below is me in the clothes I wore last hockey season.  And the shirt fit me (as Kevin said) "like a second skin".  I put this CHILL shirt on the other day (to wear out) and was like, "HOLY CRAP, it's a dress!".

Recently I've been forced to purchase new clothes.  It's been FUN begin able to go into a Ross, Marshalls or TJ Maxx and find designer label clothing in my size again.  I scored a few new items:  Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Jones New York, etc.  Now for sure I feel like I'm getting the "old" Lori back!!!

BY FAR the greatest "gift" I've been given post surgery is A NEW LIFE.  I know it sounds cliche; but I was a prisoner to my fat for soooo long.  I had limitations which mounted year after year as I continued to gain weight.  I had a VERY poor self image.  I avoided a LOT of things, opportunities to meet new people (based on the impression I'd leave them with), etc.  As I look back, I feel sorry for the "old" Lori....and anyone else who is or has ever felt that way.

Types of things I avoided:  business travel, social gatherings where I didn't know EVERYONE who would be there or would be meeting new people, sporting events (I always felt like a pretzel after trying to squeeze into the seats and 2 days of muscle relaxers thereafter was hardly worth it), pool parties, walking.........I'd NEVER consider walking a block or two downtown to a restaurant or a sports venue because I'd get too winded and my heart would race, our family's annual Miles Against Melanoma fundraiser walk in honor of my grandpa and uncle (I, myself, am a survivor), concerts (for the same seating issue), taking the kid to the Zoo, Disneyland, Disneyworld type places, etc.  The list is ENDLESS.

I am THRILLED to say that I've been to more sporting events in the past 8 months than I probably have in the 8 years prior!  This is great for me and for my marriage as it's a passion we share.

Kevin and I are now able to work in the yard TOGETHER now.  Yesterday we cleaned up our flower beds in the front yard, trimmed hedges and did our best to make the place look warm and inviting for guests.  Next week we tackle the backyard!

I'm looking forward to the day I can sit in the lawn seats at Verizon/Riverport/Whatever it's called these days and get up on my own accord, without Kevin having to hoist me up.  Maybe by July when we go see Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago.  Fingers crossed!

While I know in my heart of hearts, my friends and family loved me before....I just feel MORE of a person now than I ever did, psychologically.  Less weak, less vulnerable.

The energy boost is nothing shy of INCREDIBLE.  I am so thankful to now have the willingness, desire AND capability to do the things I've always enjoyed.  I cannot wait to buy a bicycle and start going on little family rides.  Our neighborhood borders two parks, we can easily ride to the park and back all summer.  I'm even considering taking an aqua cycle course over the summer.  So, in a sense I'm discovering a whole new me....or discovering the old me that was long left behind.

I'm not sure if I ever shared this tidbit; but at the age of 18, I broke my back.  Double fracture of my T-12 (12thThoracic vertebrae).  I was 1/4 " away from my spinal cord.  The doctors thought I'd never walk again.  I defied the odds...was released from the hospital next day with nothing more than a back brace to wear for 9 months.  I am convinced that this is when the weight began to pack on.  Prior to that I was attending my first year of college at UMSL and working out with my good friends, Kelly Beran Weiss and Grace Gain Masters every day.  We'd rotate:  one day swimming laps, one day playing basketball and another day running.  Not to say that's the sole reason for my weight gain.  Much of it has to do with genetics, too; but it was where the downward spiral began.  That was 1985.  So, in essence, I've served this prison sentence (trapped in this body) for 29 years.  TWENTY NINE years of accumulating weight gain before I was able to turn things around.  That's over HALF my lifetime.  It was time to take my life back.

Below are a couple of pictures from this morning.  They are my "present self".  I was trying to figure out what I'm going to wear to the Cardinals game today.  For those inquiring minds, I chose the bottom outfit; because I didn't like the smaller shirt showing my rolls and back fat.  However, now that I see the bottom pic, I still see the spare tire.  I guess some things will juet be for now.  I'm going to simply be proud of the 100 pound loss and learn to live with the little imperfections, knowing that I'm still a long way from where I was a mere 8 months ago.

A few little benefits of being 100 pounds lighter:

• I can't tell you the last time I felt short of breath.  It's been wonderful being able to walk and be on the go
• Did I mention I can cross my legs now?
• My legs and ankles do not swell near like they used to.  I can wear cute sandals again!
• If I choose the right clothing, I can actually see that I have an hourglass figure, even if it's a larger scale than most.
• Buying new clothes out of necessity makes you feel a LOT less guilty about spending money on yourself!
• I can fit (with room to spare) in my stylist's chair!
• I can fit in stadium seating
• I no longer need a seat belt extender or extra seat when flying
• I no longer need a selt belt extended in the car
• I do a lot more around the house now........more energy for keeping up with meals and dishes, helping out with lawn care, etc.
• I don't get as exhausted after merely taking a shower now.  This is incredible in itself.  I don't get dizzy bending over to shave, or winded by the time I get out.  I don't have to lie down for a 15 min break afterwards, although habit has be doing it still.
• I can bend over and reach to get whatever I need.
• I can go up and down the stairs to the man cave now without worrying so much about falling or getting out of breath or my knees screaming.  Silly yet HUGE.  Although often once I'm down there I wish I hadn't gone..........cos I discover the mess that it is.
• Now we're planning on taking the kid to Legoland in August....and I'm not at all worried about walking it.  If and when I get tired, I'll pull up a bench with a drink and take a rest.  No big deal.

I know I'll think of a dozen more wicked random thoughts at like 3 am in the morning.  But for now, you get the gist.  100 pounds has given me a new lease on life, literally!

Special Note to all the friends and family who have invited me to parties/places in the past that I've declined.  I hope you know that it was never that I wasn't interested in attending.  I just avoided meeting new people or people outside of my "safe circle".  I'm glad to be getting past that now!  So please keep us on the invite list!!!  If we decline, it's simply because we have to slow down a little or because we have a conflict.  For my friends with the "three strike rule", I hope you'll reconsider!

When you go through a transformation like this, it's not just in body, it's also in mind and in spirit (heart).  It's a total transformation.....and I hope to emerge a much brighter, happier, grounded person from it.

Thanks for following along; and I wish you all the best in your respective journeys.  Until next time...........

Lori

PS-I discovered a WONDERFUL product that I use for preparing HEALTHIER meals for myself and my family.  It's called Wildtree.

Wildtree offers the highest quality herbs, spices and culinary blends that are free of preservatives, additives, fillers and promote a healthier lifestyle. We believe in the value of making cooking a quicker, easier, more healthful project for those who are short on time. Wildtree also offers a fun adventure for those who wish to be more creative in the kitchen. 

Easy, delicious recipes Food should be natural, nutritious, delicious, and easy to prepare - all at the same time. Wildtree products enable you to create spectacular, great tasting dishes with just three or four ingredients.

I am so passionate about it that I became a rep myself.  What Wildtree has taught me is that you CAN enjoy healthy meals without having to sacrifice taste and/or flavor.  The Wildtree product line is organic, no GMOs, no preservatives, no MSG, no fillers, etc.  It's also ideal for parents who choose to treat their children's medical issues (ADHD, Autism, etc) with a clean eating diet.

For more information, check out my website and my Facebook group:

www.mywildtree.com/LoriTaber

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1591198804477018/?hc_location=ufi