Today

Today is the 3 month mark. Today I weigh 200 pounds.  (Yesterday at the Dr.'s office I weighed 199!)
Today my measurements are as follows:

Hip:  47 (down 2 from last month)
Waist:  36 (down 2 from last month)
Bust:  38 (Chest is 35) (down 2 and down 1 from last month)
Thighs:  R-28 L-29 (both down 2)
Arms:  R-16 L-15 (left is down 1, right remains the same)

Now to put this all into perspective.  The last time I weighed 200 pounds was in 1988.  I had just graduated high school and was about to embark on a wild rollercoaster of an education and friendships at the Model College of Hair Design.  For then it was my dream to be the hair stylist for Days of Our Lives...just so I could work with that hunk Tony Dimerra.  I should have went for it, but fear of failing stopped me. 

Today, I try not let fear get in my way of my dreams.  If I want something I go get it, even if there is a price to pay.  Life is too short to not take that chance on your dreams.  One day, all my dreams WILL come true.  Only I can make that happen.  This I know.

Today, I am proud of my accomplishments and failures.  I know you are probably sick of me posting about my weight loss journey, and that's okay, but I do it so I have a journal to scrapbook one day.  It's part of my history.

So with that, Happy Friday y'all!!
Love,
TT

P.S.  GOOD LUCK TO MY NIECE MEGAN MARLAR AND THE FARIBAULT EMERALDS DANCELINE THIS WEEKEND AT THE STATE TOURNAMENT!!!  SHINE ON LADIES!!!

2 Months Post Op

This post is a bit late for the 2 month mark.  But here is a photo from January 19, 2012 in my bathing suit.  I should have taken a photo of me in my suit the day before surgery, but I didn't.  I do have one from the doctor's office from back in December 2010 with my sweats on, but you can't really tell just how big I was because they are so baggy.

 

I took my measurements on January 18, 2012 and at that time I weighed 215 pounds. (I weigh 207 today!)  They are as follows:

Hips:  49 inches

Waist:  38 inches

Bust:  40 inches (36 inch chest)

Thighs:  R-30 L-31

Arms:  R-16 L-16

All I can say is....Victoria's Secret here I come! :)  And I feel good. Physically and otherwise.  I do plan on joining the gym here in the next couple weeks to tone up and get some muscle.  I want to avoid the saggy skin syndrome most often associated with bariatric surgery.  If I want to look good, I have to work hard.  Lots of that going on these days too! 

I switched houses within the MSOCS organization so now I work in Faribault with my bestie Cheryl Benzick.  So excited for her to come back to work full time and actually work together. 

And in order for me to advance in my career and become a Supervisor, I have to have a Bachelor's degree.  So back to school I go!  I was partly inspired by a good friend of mine, Ricky Webb, who is attending Rasmussen College in Eagan and I followed him there.  I will be taking my classes all online however and they will start a mock class tomorrow with real classes starting next Monday. 

So go me.

I just can't give up and have to keep on trying and work hard!

Until next month,

Love,

TT

4 Weeks Post Op

Four weeks ago today I had my life changing bariatric surgery.  I took my measurements on November 16, 2011 and here's what they were:

Weight:  243 pounds
Hips:  54
Waist:  41
Bust:  41
Thigh:  33(R) and 34(L)
Arm:  17(R) and (L)

Today, December 15, 2011 I took my measurements and am happy to say they aren't the same as above!

Weight:  221 pounds
Hips:  51 inches
Waist:  38 inches
Bust:  41 inches  (Chest size is 37 inches)
Thigh:  31(R) and 32(L)
Arm:  16 (R + L)

So while progress is being made according to the numbers, I really haven't noticed too much.  My favorite pair of jeans still fit, but are just a tad bit loose.  I did notice right away that my bra can be clasped on the first set of hooks.  Maybe now I can go to Victoria's Secret! :)  I could never do that before.  I will try to take a photo today for my scrapbook to show the progress, but I'm pretty sure you don't want to see me in my underthings on here. :)
Thanks for all your support and love through all this.  Everyday I thank God for my family and friends!
Love,
TT

14

On December 3, 1997 I gave birth to my Gabryelle.  She is my second daughter and has been a joy (for the most part) for the last 14 years.  (I apologize for the late post Gabby!)

So at 14 she plays basketball (00) and volleyball. She's quirky, sarcastic, and humorous. She can come up with a quip faster than a comedian on the Comedy channel and it's so natural.  She gets almost straight A's and doesn't have to even TRY hard.  She does her homework and chores without being told or nagged on.  She loves to hang with her friends, both in and out of school.  She loves to do artsy fartsy things and has a great imagination.  She makes her parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles proud everyday.  I can't wait to see what the next 14 years brings from this child.  She will succeed in whatever she chooses to do in her life!
We love you Gabby Girl!
Love,
Mom