Weigh in and photo's

Last week: 72.1kgs
This week: 70.3kgs
Loss: 1.8kgs (total -39.8kgs)

FAB-U-LOUS!!!!

Next weeks goals: Hit 40kgs loss (another 200grams).

Doesn't sound like much of a goal BUT it is Christmas week (which will include Xmas dinner) and its 'that' time of the month..........always a challenge.
But hopefully having a challenge will keep me focussed.

Here are a few photo's from last week alone in no particular order

- Hubby making fruit kebabs for 2 of the kids 'shared lunches'

- Adam doing his triathlon (in mid slide) which he came 2nd out of the boys (girls started seperately)

- Reece at his recorder concert

- Adam at his folk dancing concert

- Me going to my work 'do'

Crikey dicks

It's Sunday night and I haven't updated all week................sorry. I did weigh in on Monday.

Last week: 72.9kgs
This week: 72.1kgs
Loss: 800g (total: 38kgs)

Again ----- what can I say? I'm very happy with this result with the time of year and everything.

Last night we had our work 'do' which I didn't enjoy............don't get me wrong, I looked fabulous (photo's to follow in next post) but it was basically a big 'piss up' and I'm over that. We were supplied taxi's there and back and the one's picking us up at 11pm (actually arrived at 11.20pm and we were last drop off so didn't get home until midnight) couldn't come quick enough.

I have also had a friends kids (13 and 10 year old girl and a 7 year old boy) for 4 days as she had to travel to Wellington with her hubby for an operation and THAT was hard work, especially because I had to work every night and hubby doesn't cope with noise and kids very well............LOL
We did survive but it was quite stressfull, especially the week before Xmas and their last week of school (fun days, shared lunches etc).

I am sitting here at the moment with a good strong bourbon and coke zero......nice.

Here are a couple of photo's from when I was in Wgtn with my sisters.
Be back tomorrow with this week's weigh in.

The first photo's are of my big sister from May 2009 to Nov 2010....a bit different eh?




My big sisters:
The one in the middle is the oldest and I'm the baby. There is another one in Australia who is between me and Kim (the next one up).

Weigh in

Last week: 73.4kgs
This week: 72.9kgs
Loss: 0.5kgs

I'm not getting sick of saying ---- YAY!------ for another loss. Exercise and water dropped a bit this week but overall, still a good week.

I have been SO busy the last couple of weeks, its ridiculous. Thank god I only work part time because I just couldn't fit a full time job in....hahaha.

I still have photo's to download from my weekend in Wellington and other bits and pieces but can't find the camera at the moment and don't have the energy to look for it.

I have 80% of my Xmas shopping done which is very organised for me. Usually I wait until the final 3 days (especially for the kids) as everyone's taste changes or they now want something different. Since I have been so busy lately, I decided to get it out of the way early and if people (as well as kids) aren't happy with their presents...too bloody bad!

I get a ham every year off my work (Xmas present) and Mum is bringing the Turkey so all I have to do is the salad and roast vege's (might also get a small leg of lamb).
I have Xmas cake (homemade) and Christmas pudding for dessert (with the customary custard and cream) and lots of Xmas lollies and chocolates. Pretty sure I haven't forgotten anything??????

Finding the 2 hardest people to buy for are my Mum and husband. They don't want for anything (that's right hubby, you don't!) which makes it incredibly hard to get them something meaningful. Oh well, I'll just have to keep looking.

I have also had my 2 packets of Christmas cards sitting on the table for nearly 2 weeks now and still haven't sent them out *sigh*. I might start them now actually.

Right, best I get moving.

Weigh in and 6 month post op check up

Last week: 74.5kgs
This week: 73.4kgs
Loss: -1.1kgs (-36.7kgs total)

Very busy weekend.............I have a few photo's and what not to chat about but I'm on my way out now, so "I'll be back".

2nd post today and its only 9am...photo's

Back again.

I got my son to take a few photo's of me before he went to school.
I am terrible at importing photo's but I will try and put the 'before, 3 month, 6 month' for each angle..........he's hoping.





I seem to be getting closer to the camera each time......LOL.





Crikey this side view even amazes me.





WOW.

Here are a couple of photo's of my hair that I was trying to explain in the earlier post. My hair is usually DEAD straight and the hairdresser just did a couple of curls which took her about 3 minutes to create a subtle wave effect which I loved. I on the other hand spent over an hour trying to do this and it looked NOTHING like it........just a straight straw like mess.......*sigh* practise, practise, practise.






And finally I will leave you with a photo of my gorgeous boys who's had 'wacky hair day' on Friday to raise money for the sibling of one of their school mates who has leukemia. The principal offered to shave his head if they raised $1000 and one of the Head teachers said he would get a Number 2 (he has quite long hair) also.
The kids managed to raise $1900 so the principal shaved his head and the Head teacher got a number 1 (shorter than a number 2) haircut.........fantastic school!.

Weigh in

Last weeek: 75.5kgs
This week: 74.5kgs
Loss: 1.0kg (total - 35.6kgs)

Now that's better. I got rid of the 900grams I put on last week plus another 100 grams...........nice!
I did a few days extra walking and made sure I drank my water. Simple things really but time and time again I let them go by the wayside.

I'm off to Wellington this coming weekend for my 6 month check up........I can't believe it has been 6 months, how different I look and FEEL.

I was going to take the kids with me so they could see my sisters and their cousins etc but then thought............Nah, they will see everyone at Xmas plus I don't want them to miss a day of school or their golf lessons on Sunday.
PLUS this will give me more time to maybe visit the 'shops' and have a nice look around without worrying about where they are and what they are up to.
I am also hoping to catch up with a few friends (Jo, I'll text you and maybe we can catch up on Sunday for a coffee at Westfields?) and stay with my mate Jo (another Jo) plus fit in a dinner with my sisters, brother-in-laws etc before my appointments on Monday.

I haven't been to Wellington before as I have always gone back to Hamilton for my follow up appointments, so it sould be interesting what the ladies are like there as I really gelled with the Hamilton girls.
I go for my blood tests tomorrow and I am hoping they are all OK. The only concern I have is that, when I get up I have been getting a few sparkles in front of my eyes and a bit woozy which doesn't sound that great but I have always had low blood pressure so this isn't that much of a biggy BUT it seems to be happening much more than usual. I have been taking my 'pills' daily (which include iron, calcium and a multivitamin) but it will be interesting to see if I'm lacking in anything or if it is just normal.

Had a very quite weekend. Was suppose to go to a 'work do' on Saturday night but hubby wasn't well and decided not to go. He wanted to still take me and drop me off but I hate going to those things alone (even if I know everyone).... dumb eh.
I was dressed and ready to go and was wearing a 'little black dress' with red shoes and long necklace. I think I look quite nice except for my blinkin hair. The hair dresser showed me how to curl it with my hair straightner but after half an hour of trying to curl it, it was straight and horrible looking with a flick here and there.
I will have to practise this technique again before the next one.

I will make sure I take 6 month post op photo's this week as well.

Weigh in

Last week: 74.6kgs
This week: 75.5kgs
Gain: +900 grams (total -34.6kgs)

Oh bugger, I knew last week was too good to be true. I've been quite good this week so, I don't know?????

Not stressing about it at all. (Weird ha?)

This stupid computer of mine is playing up so I'm going to leave it there for today. Might be back later to update.

Weigh in

Last week: 76.8kgs
This week: 74.4kgs
Loss: -2.2kgs (total -35.5kgs)

S H I T

Say it with me everyone --------- WATER IS MY FRIEND!!!!!!!!

What the hell happened there? I haven't had a decent loss like that for AGES and basically all I did was make sure I drank my water everyday (one thing at a time eh). I guess I was a wee bit more active as well but nowhere near as active as I should be, so it had to be the water I reckon.
I also tried not snacking which I think was huge as well as that bad habit was creeping back into my life. Everytime I felt like a snack, I drank water and it looks like it has worked. I love re-focusing!

So I'm now under the 10kg 'left to lose' mark which is amazing and over the 35kg mark 'lost to date'. Didn't think I'd ever hear those words.

Goal this week - MORE OF THE SAME!

Better not hang around here this morning, I have my eldest boys 'Athletic' day and he also made the relay team (very proud) so it will be standing on the school field for a few hours this morning and the weather isn't great so maybe I'll get some exercise in by jumping up and down on the spot to keep warm.......hahaha.

Catch ya later.

Little things

I'm finding the little things are really exciting.

Examples of good things:

My six year old put his arms around me this morning to give me a hug and said "Mum, my arms go all the way around you now and they touch at the back. I like you being skinny Mum"...............*tear*

People at work telling me that my clothes are getting too big and its about time I went and got something smaller....hehehe

My cousin giving me her size 14 'little black dress' because it is too small for her now (and I use to go shopping with her when I was size 22 and she was a 14).

Being able to wear more fitted clothing and NOT constantly pulling them off my tummy and down twards my knees.

Having people I know NOT recognise me in the street (this can occasionally be annoying though).....LOL

Being able to go and have a drink with my husband at the clubrooms after his touch rugby game because I'm not horrified to have any of his friends see how discusting look (he has NEVER felt like this - it has always been in my head).

Being able to bend over and tie my shoelaces up without discomfort and without huffing and puffing when I get up.

Having my rings get too loose (even though this is going to cost me money soon when I have to get them re-sized).

Enjoying more quality (active) time with my family rather than sitting on the couch.

Suck-in underwear...........enough said!


Examples of not so good things:

Not having enough money to just go and buy when I need (not want).....didn't allow for this at all (ie. undies, bra's, work pants, tops). I thought I'd get away with it until I hit my goal weight but even with 'hand me downs' from friends, I'm still finding I don't have enough clothes.

Absolutely NO IDEA how to shop as a slimmer person. Now you think this wouldn't be a 'not so good thing' but I really, honestly have NO IDEA what styles suit me and what cuts to wear. I really don't want to be one of these people who lose weight and then start wearing clothes that aren't appropriate (Mutton dressed as lamb).

Can't handle alcohol. Again this should really be a positive as I'm now a cheap drunk. I can only handle 3 bourbons maximum but when your at a party or BBQ or something like that and we intend to be there quite a few hours, I'm not able to start drinking with everyone else, I have to wait until later in the evening as I only last about an hour once I start drinking and then want to go home.....haha.

Excess skin...........enough said!


The BIGGEST thing to date for me is - I feel normal now.
This operation for me was to get that exact result. I didn't want to be glamoures or change my appearance (ie. hair, dress sense etc), I just wanted to be normal.
I didn't want to stand out in anyway or be the center of a conversation and I think slowly, I am achieving this which makes me really happy.
When I go up to pick the kids up from school now, I look like most of the other Mums there rather than the fat Mum trying to hide in the corner and not make contact with anyone else. When I go out now, I feel confident I look nice and can relax and enjoy the evening rather than constantly fidgeting with my clothes and hiding behind my husband or kids.

Life is good.

I have managed a couple of bottles of water yesterday and doing the same again today. Had a lovely prawn and salad dinner the other night and tonight will also be something tasty and healthy. I get so angry with myself because when I actually do get myself back on track, I feel fantastic...........I guess that is never going to change eh?

Right, off to make some breakfast.

It's all a bit too easy......

I've had a weird day so far. Good and Bad.

Got up at usual time to the kids fighting....hahaha little buggers.
Jumped on the scales (which I try not to do during the week) and found I was down to 75.5kgs (lets hope that stays the same for next Monday's weigh in) and instantly I was elated to think I was still going down at a steady rate but scared at the same time.
Scared because really, it has all been a bit too easy in the last 6 months. Yes I know I have had a major operation which is suppose to drop weight at the speed of light BUT it doesn't seem to matter what I do (good or bad) I still lose a decent amount of weight and I KNOW it is all going to come crashing down soon.

My eating and exercise has been so relaxed that I am now not worried if I have protein with one of my meals or don't go for a walk etc because I'm going to lose weight anyway............BAD WAY TO THINK but true unfortunately.

Even sitting here now, after eating 4 x vitaweats with ham and cottage cheese plus 1/2 a pump bottle of water I feel like I'm 'cheating' somehow.

When I first had the op, I made sure I had all the right food in the house, every meal was lovingly made with the correct amount of protein etc. I stuck to the rules (ie. no drinking 30 mins before or after a meal) and was even exercising more often than not. Now I'm leaving meals to the last minute and then just throwing anything together which I can usually eat but doesn't have the correct amount of substance in it to keep me going to the next meal. I am living on coffee only (and bourbon hahaha) and haven't been drinking my water and exercise consists of walking to the car and back *sigh*.

Trying to think WHY, I have come up with a major that I think is the answer.
For the past 25 years I have constantly been on a diet, constantly thought about food, constantly felt guilty when I ate something I shouldn't because I knew it was going to put weight on. Now I realise I have been having a mini holiday of the mind. I haven't had to worry about any of that really because no matter what I eat or don't eat, I'm still in the honeymoon period and won't put any weight on - in fact, I'm still going to take it off.

So what am I doing about it?

I went to get the grocery shopping this morning and restocked my cupboards with the food I should be eating and preparing for myself and my family and it felt good.
I also went into Farmers (department store) and looked for a pair of 3/4 black pants for work and a pair of jeans and I got both in a SIZE 12.........SIZE 12. Major incentive!

I can honestly say that I can NOT ever remember being in a size 12 - EVER. I'm sure I must of when I was young (like 12 or 13 maybe) but never as an adult and I nearly started crying right there in the changing room. I also had a blouse that was a size 14 that also fit...........OMG, OMG, OMG!!!

That's when the lightbulb went on and I decided I liked being this size and I wasn't going up another size - so I'd better get my ass into gear and make sure that happens. I also reckon that even though I'm losing weight, I could be losing it quicker if I stick to the 'rules' and do what I know I'm suppose to be doing.

Right I know what to do, its just a matter of doing it now!

RANK AND BABBLE OVER........sorry.

Weigh in and photos

Last week: 77.6kgs
This week: 76.8kgs
Loss: -800g (total -33.3kgs)

Very happy to have even got a loss this week due to my bad habits creeping back in.
I actually had to get into bed last night before 8pm (my kids tucked me in ... haha) due to eating 2x steamed puddings that we got with some hangi's. They were really thick and stodgy (which of course made them so tasty) and even before the last mouthfull I started feeling quite light headed (but ate the last mouthfull anyway...dumb!!!) and within minutes my stomach was in agony, I was feeling like I was going to throw up and pass out at the same time. I just wanted to get into a fetal position, so off to bed I went after about 20 minutes of this and it carried on for at least another 15 minutes before I felt it starting to pass.

Belive me..........LESSON LEARNT!

I have had an incredibly busy 2 weeks with heaps of visitors (which I love) and birthday parties (the kids have had and gone to).
Reece just turned 9 years old last week and his father told him he could have a few mates stay the night and he would do lots of stuff with them.
We ended up with 3 of his mates (plus my 2) and they arrived at 4pm (Reece had already been to one of the boys parties that day so he was hypo before anyone arrived....great) with sleeping bags in toe. After presents were opened, it was into Nan and Papa's 4WD (its a 7 seater so we had to borrow it) and off to fishing they went. Thankfully Hubby wanted to do the 'boys only' thing (god love him!) so I stayed home and sat down in front of the TV with a coffee. Within an hour I got a phone call to say "come and get your little fella, he has fallen off the wharf into the water and is quite upset". Knowing Adam (said 6 year old) I wasn't surprised by this phone call and went and got him (sitting in the car with heater on and only his brothers hooded on....hahaha, so cute). He was a bit teary as he had gotten a big fright but luckily his father had scooped him out within seconds and there were no major injuries. The 4 x 9 year olds stayed on and didn't catch anything but had a great time. They all got home around 8pm and we ordered Pizza for dinner, they watched a halloween Shrek movie and then all packed up again (minus Adam) and went eeling for a few hours. Father caught 1 eel but they let it go again....all had fun apart from one boy who Andrew managed to scare half to death when doing the 'light under the chin' trick outside the car window at 10.30pm at night.....LOL.
Home, another short movie (with popcorn - photo below) and 4 very tired boys got into bed just before midnight. Lots of farting and giggling from their room for about 10 minutes and then peace...........ahhh.
Unfortunately the weather packed up on Sunday morning, so the golf game was cancelled but they did watch a 3rd movie plus play with lego and a new game Reece got off one of the boys, so all good. Last child dropped off at 11am.....yay!

Other news:
Andrew and I also got the Fort up (Castle) so I have also attached a few photo's of this. When it was laying down and we were painting it, it all looked like straight lines etc but have a look at the final product.......hahahaha. The kids didn't notice and thought it was cool so that was alright.

There are also some 'putting practice' photos as well of Andrew showing the boys how its done.

Photo's are in no particular order but you will work out which is which.

Weigh In

Last week: 78.8kgs
This week: 77.6kgs
Loss: 1.2kgs (total - 32.5)

That's better.

Feeling good, bought myself a new top (size 14) and I think I may be starting to look like I come from this century........hahaha.

Very busy weekend with it being a long weekend. We have just had one family leave and am expecting about 10 or 12 people soon so I'd better get the house cleaned and more food made.

Be back later

P.S

Oh I just checked and I've only put on 500grams as last week I was 78.3kgs not 78.2kgs..................hahaha not that that makes it any better.

Chow

Weigh in

Last week: 78.2kgs
This week: 78.8kg
Loss/Gain: +600 grams (total loss - 31.3kgs)

Well that's the first time I have had to put a 'gain' on my weekly weigh in's.
Got to say that I'm a little surprised with the gain.

YES, I have had a few alcoholic nights and YES I have been graising a wee bit and YES I haven't been to the loo for 4 days (which isn't unusual these days) but I thought I'd still lose a little.
Ah reality has come crashing down...........you can't carry on with bad habits and still expect to consistantly lose weight week after week. It has only taken 21 weeks for this to become apparent but it has finally happened......oh well, best I 'up' my game and put a bit more effort in.

Hubby and I were only talking about going for walks together a few days ago and getting into more jobs around the house which is exactly what we both need as we have gotten a bit 'lazy'..........not the right word but I can't think of another one at the moment. He is very active in his day to day job but wants to carry that on after he gets home from work and I need to increase my exercise as I'm getting complancent because up until now, no matter what I do (or don't do) I'm still losing weight.

Lesson learnt.......time to get on with it Rachel!

I had a lovely weekend with my boys. Saturday Adam has a mate over and they ran around like maniacs all day until hubby took them off to the golf course for a hit around (phew, peace at last) and then we went to a BBQ on Saturday night which was lovely. Sunday was spent cooking (Curried Sauages, Choc Chip Muffins, home-made hokey pokey, strawberries/orange segment, icing sugar and choc chips for dessert) as we had visitors for dinner (oh and white bait fritters, oyster kilpatrick and battered oysters). Visitors gone by 8.30pm and all the family (hubby included) in bed by 9pm so I could sit up with a coffee and watch a bit of telly.....bliss.

Hope everyone else had a cracker of a weekend, best I go and update my side bar (not going to bother with the ticker this week).

Start saving

OK, this morning for some weird reason I have noticed I NEED stuff.

Example:

Undies - I went through my draws for a decent pair of undies and I have about 3 pair that are OK (all size 14 now...hehehe). The rest are too big and I figured I'd just hold onto them and wear them but they are just too big and falling down (or bunching up).

Bra's - I am basically down to 2 pair, 1 x black and 1 x white. The white one is 1 size bigger than the black one and it is now starting to show under clothes (pouching) so this is something else I need to address.

Shoes - I swear I've gone down a size and all my shoes are getting too big and uncomfortable.

Watch - I have already taken out the 'link' to make it smaller but that's it. I'm guessing a new watch for Xmas will be nice....LOL

Pants - I am down to 1 pair of black long work pants and everyone (MEN AND WOMEN) all told me that they look way too big and they don't have any links for a belt.
BELTS - talking about belts, I went into 3 stores to get me a belt for my pants (jeans especially)and they didn't have one SMALL enough......SMALL ENOUGH!
The smallest they had was a medium and it was too big............BEST FEELING EVER!
I managed to grab a black one off my husbands jeans that just fit my jeans and they will have to do. My size 14 jeans are looking baggy but the size 12 pairs I have are still a bit too small. I'll just have to grin and bare it.

Tops (casual and work) - Again I seem to be inbetween sizes at the moment, size 14 - 16 on top and some clothes look too big and some are just a bit snug.

WHERE AM I GOING TO GET THE MONEY TO BUY NEW CLOTHES FOR SUMMER????
Better start saving eh?

Here are a couple of photo's:


Adam (6 years old) and I


The boys having a treasure hunt with their Nana Val


28kgs down (currently 31.8kgs down)


I like this photo because you can see daylight through my top (under my arm) and there seems to be a slight curve there.....hehehehehe

Weigh In

Last week: 79.2kgs
This week: 78.3kgs
Loss: -900g (total - 31.8kgs)

Another loss, amazing!
Week after week I just keep losing weight...........WOW. It is still really weird to just keep losing weight consistantly, something that has NEVER happened with me. I would have lost an amount of weight and starting putting it back on again...hahaha. 20 weeks and still going, fabulous.


I've had a slack week unfortunately, water intake has been next to nothing and the exercise has been non existent BUT since school is back today I'm hoping to get back into my usual routine. We had our 16 year old cousins staying this week and installing polythene xpole under our house. This will hopefully be the last lot of 'insulation' we need, so will be nice and snug next winter.

When my mate Jo was here last I week she gave me another bag of clothes which was perfect timing as I was in the last of my clothes and some of them are now starting to look a bit big. There was 2 pairs of jeans both size 12 and I can get 1 pair on and done up but they are still a little tight and the other pair just wont go over my thighs,yet are both the same brand (HERO) weird eh?
Anyway I am sitting here in a grey trendy hoody sweat jumper thing that I love and am nice and warm on this wet and rainy day..............thanks Jo.

Right its time to drop the kids off to school (YAY!).

Weigh in .............. 70's girl!!!!

Last week: 80.3kgs
This week: 79.2kgs
Loss: 1.1kgs (total - 30.9kgs)

Both of last weeks goals achieved....tick!

Well I'm now a 70's girl AND have lost over 30kgs.
I can't believe it, I really cant.
The most I've EVER lost on a 'diet' was 26kgs and I thought I was superwomen THEN but as per usual I put it all back on.....not this time people!

Everytime I do something I think, "this is the best I've felt in years" and I just keep getting that feeling.
I am making a list for my eldest (Reece) boys for the school holiday's of what we have been doing each day on the school holidays (long story, I won't bore you all with why) and I am sitting here looking at it and we have actually done some form of activity 6 out of 7 days AND I have been involved which is a huge thing as I am usually the spectator. Feels great.
I am now involved in my families life rather than watching them live life.....sounds deep I know but it was EXACTLY the main reason I wanted this operation done.
There were other reasons of course but this was the main one. My kids are only 6 and 8 years old and I was watching them grow up and not being involved....not now.

OK, soppiness over...hahaha

The plan today is to get some of that underfloor poly stuff and get our cousins to install it hopefully tomorrow. When we moved into this house, it was big, spacious and accommadated us nicely BUT it was COLD and since we are into our 3rd year here we want to finally get it cosy and warm. We have already (over the past 3 years) put in carpet, a heat pump, hrv system and new pink pats in the ceiling (plus we have a wood chipper) but it still needs something else (even though it is much better now, I hate being cold). So we are going to get the underfloor styrofoam stuff installed under the floor boards and get the polyurathane (sp?) put on the ground under the house and that should do it.

Another beautiful day in the Bay, so I'm going out to enjoy it.

Passing Wind

I still have my 2 nephews staying with me and at the moment I have 4 boys lined up on the couch watching Alvin and the Chipmunks.........there was just a part where one of the 'chipmunks' (don't ask me which one) farts and the roar of laughter coming from my lounge room is incredible.

Just lost one to the PS3 but still have 3 left with a big bowl of popcorn.


Today is filled with making either a banana cake or banana muffins, getting something for dinner ready and keeping 4 boys entertained because it looks like it is going to rain.........boo hoo.

Weigh in

Last week: 81.8kgs
This week: 80.3kgs
Loss: 1.5kgs (total -29.8kgs)

Wah who! Another great loss, I'm amazed at how the numbers on the scale just keeps going down.......brilliant!

OK - 2 goals for next week - get to 30kgs lost AND be a 70's girl. There is only 200 grams in the first goal and 400 grams in the 2nd.

Can I do it?

YES I CAN.......

I've had a resonable good week. Still the same old problems Water and Exercise but slowly but surely I'm getting better at them both.

It is now school holiday's for the kids and I have my sister-in-law and 2 older nephew's staying which is great as we only see them a couple of times a year.
My youngest nephew (their little brother) is playing rugby for Wairoa in the Ross Shield which is a big thing here in the Hawkes Bay (hubby also played in the Ross Shield when he was 12 or 13 years old). He has to stay with his team but we now have something to do for the next 5 days (go and watch rugby).
My boys are so excited their BIG cousins are staying with us(they are 14 & 15 years old) and have been hassarring them since they arrived.

We also have a dear friend who is visiting from OZ and his kids, plus are also expecting another family (2 addults & 4 kids) at some time over this school holiday period. Busy, busy, busy but I LOVE it, the more the merrier I say.

The weather in the Hawkes Bay today is glorious, my themometer is reading 25 degree's and I have been sitting out on the front deck drinking coffee and reading a magazine...bliss.

Right, I'd better start thinking about something for dinner for them all as I am off to work in a few hours and if I leave the menu to hubby and the boys it will be either pies or noodles.....lol.

Weigh in

Last week: 81.9kgs
This week: 81.8kgs
Loss: 100 grams (total -28.3)

Not totally unexpected as I had a couple of good weeks running, so it was bound to slow down at some stage.

Apart from the scales, I am having other little victories in this weightloss journey.

1st thing:
2 people that I haven't seen for a few months didn't reckonise me on the weekend AT ALL which was really funny. One was a guy that I don't know that well but he knows hubby well and he actually introduced himself to me while I was talking to him????? I thought he was pulling my leg but when I told him it was me, he got all embarrassed and asked if I'd grown my hair longer or something.......hahahaha. I said "yeah something like that"......hahaha.

2nd thing:
I have a top on this morning that I bought in Hamilton (last visit) that was way to small at the time but I loved it and it was cheap, so I got it............this morning it fit!!!

3rd thing:
My Mum has just gotten back from Australia and bought me the cutest little dress with matching purse, shoes, and necklace and earrings (I know, spoilt much?) AND 2 pair of the cutest little undies I've ever seen (tiny little boy pants things that look like they would fit a 10 year old). So for a joke I tried them on AND THEY FIT ME. This is huge for me because I have ALWAYS wore the 'granny panites' as they have always been comfortable and held everything in (sorry TMI?) but these are the first pair of undies that are cute and fashionable and I love them. All I want to do now is go out and buy heaps more but I'll hold off for a few more months.

So even though I only lost 100g on the scales this morning, I feel my shape is now LOOKING different and I am more confident to wear clothes with SHAPE.

Exercise:
I got up this morning and got the kids ready for school and we were actually a little early (nearly NEVER happens in this house) so they asked if we could walk to school and I suprised everyone by saying YES (even myself). I'm finding I'm saying YES to heaps of things now rather than saying NO and then trying to think of an excuse as to why I have said no (rather than admitting I'm just too lazy). It is a fantastic feeling and the kids (and dog who also gets to come) get out and about more, so its got to be a great thing for the whole family.

Weigh in

Last week: 82.6kgs
This week: 81.9kgs
Loss: -700 grams (total -28.2kgs)

I can't believe I am still steadily losing weight. NEVER has weight loss continued for 16 weeks - NEVER!!! I have nearly lost 30kgs -------------- 30kgs O.M.G.!!!!

A lady at work told me on Friday that it seemed I had slowed right down with my weightloss and was that it for me? I told her that slowing down means I'm losing 500g to 1kg rather than over 2kgs a week and I was MORE than happy with that. She isn't overweight at all but eats carrots and goes to the gym constantly and I think she is a little jealous of me and my op but would never say.................not my problem eh?

The last thing I am going to do is feel guilty or like I've 'cheated' with my weightloss. I have been overweight since I hit my teenage years and its about time I started feeling good about myself and NO ONE is going to make me feel any differently. This isn't the 'easy' option that some people seem to think it is but I don't have the time or energy (well I do have the energy....hahaha) to try and make people understand.

Oh yeah, I meant to mention yesterday................ my hair is starting to fall out...grrrrr. I was hoping to avoid this by eating my protein plus I have always had very healthly hair etc but alas, I was in the shower yesterday washing my hair and I had lots coming out *sigh* bugger, bugger, bugger. A few people have suggested I cut my hair short but as I've said in other posts, I look like a boy with short hair and I really like my long hair as I can do lots with it. I'm just hoping that it is short lived and I don't lose too much. Zola mentioned a hair and nail treatment that seems to work with some people and not with others so I might go and investigate that today.

Right, I'd better get these boys off to school.

Shopping

Well there is good shopping and bad shopping..............today I had to do some bad shopping for new SMALLER bra's. Since going down in weight I have had to go down in bra size (girth) but not cup size but today I went to a C cup. Now some of you won't understand why I'm so upset by this but coming up 6 years ago I had a breast reduction and hoped that when I had this gastric bypass done, I wouldn't lose anything of my boobs. I started (at my starting weight) at 22D and up until today had gotten into an 18D but today I tried on an 18C and it fit perfectly (with now pouches bits).....................*sigh*....haven't told hubby the bad news yet hahaha.

I popped into Farmers for my new bra's (they had the best selection) and seen some lovely skirts and dresses I would just LOVE to get into for summer.
I will soon need to get a few bits and pieces as the clothes I'm in now are starting to get a little baggy.

I started in a bottom size of 20 and a top size of 22/24. I am now in a 14 on the bottom and a 16/18 on top - so I have basically gone down 2 sizes both top and bottom (mine you I reckon it looks more than that).

I now have 2 pair of size 14 pants left for work, 2 pairs of jeans and 1 pair of cargo's and about 7 or 8 tops which is actually more selection than when I was at my largest...LOL, so we are not at crisis point yet but I have absolutely NOTHING suitable for summer. I have mostly work tops and nothing casual for around the house and on the weekends. This is a dilema I haven't had before.....weird.

My eating has been OK, this week I have been a bit lazy and have been making something for the kids and hubby and I have been having a ready meal (snack size of course). Last night one of my boys had a friend here so we made 'home-made pizza's' which was fun and much more healthier than store bought ones.
I remember I could polish off nearly 2 large pizza's (yep - 16 slices) on my own pre-op but last night I managed 1.5 pieces and was very satisfied...........I'm still amazed at what fills me up these days.
Tonight is fish pie (my favourite) for me and hubby and the kids are having pizza's again as there is still heaps of left-overs (they are in heaven).

The plan this week is to concentrate more on my water (a recurring theme) as I have been a bit slack this week. Exercise hasn't been too bad and I've walked the kids to school and back a few times with the dog in toe. Didn't make it onto the treadmill but still think I'm doing OK with exercise.

Work has been really quiet but as they weeks go on things will now start building up so I'm looking forward to that as I much prefer to be busy than not.

Weather has been incredible today, sun shining with lots of heat in it.
No more earthquakes for little ole Napier (we had 2 this week, 5.2 and 5.4).

Roll on 'weigh in' tomorrow................feeling positive.

Weigh in

Last week: 83.7kgs
This week: 82.6kgs
Loss: 1.1kgs (total - 27.5kgs)

Pleased with this loss as my pattern of loss seems to be if I have a decent loss one week (ie. last week) I usually get a mediocre loss the following week - but not this week!!!!

The exercise has increased ten fold and now I just have to match that with my water and I'll have a winning combination.

This morning I'm off to watch my eldest in his school's Cross Country event. Last year he came dead last in his years event so we can only improve on that....hahaha.
I also went down and joined both boys up at the local golf club and they now have full member ship plus Sunday morning lessons start in about 3 weeks....nice.
One is also doing cricket and the other 'touch' so its going to be a very busy summer.....BRING IT ON!

Right I'd better get these boys off to school.

Father's Day

Well my father and hubby have both had a great day so far.

Presents were opened at some ungodly hour, big cooked breakfast was shared.
Dinner is a Lamb roast with all the trimmings. The kids went for a bike ride with myself and Andrew and we stopped and played rugby and soccer at the park. This was the first time I went on an 'outing' with hubby and the kids and actually participated and it felt great AND the kids thought it was awesome that Mum was with them. More of that to come in the future.

Now, the kids are sitting at the kitchen bench drinking chocolate milk and eating a sausage roll, I am drinking a coffee and watching the movie "he's just not that into you", my Dad is mowing the lawns and my husband has gone to golf.........a perfect day!

I have been on the treadmill a few times this week (running and walking) plus I've walked the kids to school a couple of times and with my 'bike ride' today, I'm feeling really energetic.................long may it continue.

Weigh in

Last week: 84.9kgs
This week: 83.7kgs
Loss: 1.2kgs (total -26.4kgs)

Liking that loss, its amazing what you can achieve once re-focused.

I cut down my drinking (1 night only) and focused on my food more with a bit more planning. I have also had next to no carbs which is a biggie.

I also realised that I wanted to be 'running' on my treadmill by my hubby's birthday which was last Friday, so I didn't achieve that BUT I'm happy to say I jumped on the treadmill this morning and was on it for 20 minutes and at least 7 of that was running.....hahaha.

Weigh in

Last week: 85.8kgs
This week: 84.9kgs
Loss: 900g (total -25.2kgs)

Another great result but I'm starting to slack.................

Its been 3 months and I was in Hamilton on Monday (hence why I'm late posting) for my check up and even though all my blood results (iron, calcium, B12 etc) came back perfect, I know I can do better.
I have let a few bad habits back in, like have a biscuit with my evening coffee which I don't need because I'm not even hungry. I was justifing it because I had to have a pill that had to be taken with food but now I have just swapped the times around and I take that pill in the morning with breakfast....duh Rachel!

One or two rules are now a little different at this stage (i.e. not drinking for an hour after eating - use to be 30 mins) but everything is basically the same.
It was a fantastic time to re-focus and get back up on the wagon. I thought I had been quite slack with my liquid intake and exercise but everyone was pleased with what I had been doing and said it was fine.....???? Sometimes I put too much pressure on myself for no reason.

Anyway, its basically keep doing what I've been doing but keep focused because the honeymoon period (first 6 months) is half way through and I can either stuff things up now and slow my weightloss down or keep ontop of things and keep it going.

They were really pleased with my weightloss thus far and said they had expected (not a rule just a guide) me to lose about 27kgs by the 6 month mark but as I had already lost 25kgs, I was well ahead of myself which was fantastic. That was excellent to hear because I really had no idea if I was tracking along at a fast, slow or anyother rate.

I went to Hamilton with a girlfriend this time (Mum's always come with me in the past) and we had a ball shopping and eating out etc. Every meal we ordered we brought about half of it home.........hahaha. We even ordered a mini wrap (1/2 size) at a foodcourt and could only eat half of that (she has also had the op - 4 years ago).

Right, that's me for today. I think I will go and try and sort out the 'Week by Week' thing on my sidebar as it doesn't want me to update it for some weird reason.

Chow..............

Progress Photo's

Well I can't for the life of me work out how to get the pictures set up on my side bar all within one file.........I'll have to work on that.

Here is some photo's 3 months post-op. Hopefully I can get them in order.

FRONT VIEW - May 2010 - 110.1kgs




SIDE VIEW




BACK VIEW

Weigh in

Last week: 86.6kg
This week: 85.8kg
Loss: 800g (total - 24.3kgs)

Another stunning result - even after my 2 HEAVY nights of drinking.
Food and exercise hasn't been too bad this week (walked the kids to school a couple of times last week) but the drinking was shocking! Hubby and I had a session one night at home during the week and then we went out for dinner to a friends on the weekend and I completely abliterated myself on bourbon and not much else (food included). Thankfully we were within walking distance of home, so I managed to stumble home at god knows what hour......hahaha, haven't done that in years.

Was a little scared jumping on the scales this morning but was pleasantly surpised at my loss. Mini goal this week is to hit my 25kg loss mark....only 700g's.

Makes me laugh when I now say.........ONLY 700 grams because in years gone by, 700 grams could sometimes take me weeks and weeks to lose where now I will have gotten rid of it within 1 or maybe 2 weeks (I'm aiming for 1 week).

I made an awesome discovery this week while sitting on the couch.........I can now cross my legs properly..now you all know what I mean eh? They actually sit next to each other when I cross them and I don't have one legs sticking up in the air...hahaha. Such a small thing but it made me smile.

Since this is my 12th week (3 month mark) I will be taking photo's this week and comparing them to my 'before' photo's (happy Jax???).

I am heading off to Hamilton again for my 3 month check up on Sunday morning (get some shopping in before the shops close) and I am going up with my mate who also has an appointment with Zola the nutritionist. Feeling really good about everything and luckily have only had 1 other set back with throwing up this week after eating salad with an egg?????? I think maybe I just ate it too quickly rather than it not agreeing with me.

Sorry if I'm boring you all but I want to have this all written down so I can look back on it and reflect.

Pictures this week.......................

Weigh In

Last week: 88.4kg
This week: 86.6kg
Loss: -1.8kg (total -23.5kg)

I THINK this is my lowest weight..........

I went back through old posts and 86.6kg is the lowest weight I can find (Dec 2007), over 2 years ago now. I had thought I'd gotten down to 84.6kg but if I'm now at my lowest weight or if I have another 2kgs to go - I am estatic!!!!

I feel fantastic, I look 100% better than I did a few months ago and my health is better than it was last time I was at this weight. No knee or ankle pain, no reflux, no breathlessness. My skin has cleared up and I have a general overall feeling of wellness. Gotta love that.

Its the first time in my adult life that I can say I have a VARIETY of clothes to wear (even if I am going through them fast) and I feel good about myself and not so self conscious.

We went to a cousins 21st on the weekend and I didn't feel I had to sit in the corner and fade away. I was comfortable mingling and wasn't constantly fiddling with my clothes to make sure they covered all the right area's.

Life is pretty good at the moment. I am over half way to my goal weight now and can't wait to lose the 2nd 20+ kilo's.

BRING IT ON.............................!!!!!!

Weigh In

Last week: 89.4kgs
This week: 88.4kgs
Loss: 1.0kg (total 21.7kgs)

And another one bites the dust..............good job!

I had a great weekend with my mates and we shopped, went out for lunch and had a few drinks, watched a basketball tournament (which her daughter was in) and had a good ole' catchup.
She and her eldest daughter got some fabulous clothes while up here but I resisted as I want to save myself for when I get to goal. I'm still going through my wardrobe as well as clothes Joanna and my sisters sent me, so there is no great panic yet.

It was a full on weekend but she is so laid back that we just cruised through it without any stress.

Getting back to food - we went to a couple of cafe's over the weekend and I was really disappointed to find that at the majority of them, there was only 1 or maybe 2 options for me. Everything is pasta which creamy sauses, or bread or wedges with sour cream and even the salad's are full of stuff I couldn't eat. I even tried going for a muffin or something but that was no good either............*sigh*. I thought it would get easier as time goes on and I can eat a more varied menu but had a real problem with the breakfast and lunch options out there (dinner seems to be fine).

Well the plan this week is to try and get in more exercise and water (seems to be the same everyweek really).

Skirts

I wore a skirt to work last night - first time in YEARS I have worn a skirt.

My sister's cleaned out their wardrobes for me and my eldest sister had about 3 skirts that still had the tags on them (size 16) so I decided to wear one to work last night and I felt sooooooooo dressed up......LOL (I usually only wear black pants). It was a black knee length skirt and I wore it with a black and white blouse and a new pair of black high heels (I didn't own a pair so went to KMart and got a really comfy pair for about $25). There is also another black one, above the knee and a navy blue below the knee one.

I have my girlfriend and her kids arriving from Wellington today and I can't wait. It is only 9.20am and I have done all my housework (beds, bathrooms etc) in anticipation of their arrival, this way I don't have to do it over the weekend while they are here.

Unfortunately I have to go to work tonight but hubby and the kids are here and they will be totally entertained while I'm at work. I'm doing a huge Nacho's for dinner as young and old love Nacho's and there are something I can make beforehand and hubby can just 'put it together' when the time comes to eat.

I am also looking forward to a few bourbons and a good ole gas bag.

Weigh in

Last week: 89.4kgs
This week: 89.4kgs
Loss: 0.0kgs

My scales were showing a small loss over the weekend but this morning - zip, narda, zilch..........oh well, I did have a very decent loss last week so I'm not complaining. I did eat out twice this week and had a couple of bourbons on the weekend, so all in all I had a very enjoyable week.

I'm told there will be a few plateau's along the way and I'm cool with that (suprisingly) and my clothes are getting smaller by the week and I am now getting much more comments about how good I look which is really weird as I think they might really mean it...........LOL.

I managed to get into not one but two pair of jeans that I bought from EZIBUY years ago and I just couldn't throw them away as they looked really nice on (when they fit). When I had one of the pairs on (the darker denim) everyone commented on how small my legs looked, so I don't think I'll be taking them off anytime soon....hahaha.

Work (own business only) has been really busy which is great (but exhausting for hubby) and still having to go to work of a night and manage a family has been quite challenging lately. I am taking all my required vitamins which I'm sure is helping me get through the days but I could really do with things a bit quieter. There are NEVER enough hours in a day.

I have my mate and her kids coming up from Wellington this coming weekend and I can't wait. Her mother passed away last week and she is the sibling that runs around and does everything as well as having the most active and busy family I know, so she will need a good rest. Her daughter has a basketball tournament on in Napier but apart from running to and from the basketball arena, we will be visiting wineries and going out to lunch quite a bit hopefully......(hubby will entertain the kids - oh and work...poor bugger).

Right, I must go and organise my kids rooms. We have been going to do it for nearly a week but THINGS keep getting in the way. We are going to seperate them into their own rooms again as being in the same room and getting them to go to sleep of a night just isn't working anymore, so seperate rooms it is! The elderest boy is as happy as larry as he is moving into the 'playroom' which has a tv on the wall and the little fella doesn't have one................mmmmm going to have to think about rules around that one I think or all hell will break loose.

See ya.

Shopping and very cold

Shopping has unfortunately started happening, not that I don't like shopping but I wanted to wait until I was further down in weight than I am. Anyway, I am mainly buying thermals (still) or long sleeve skivy type clothes and I have quite a collection now but they are not wasted because I am layering like you wouldn't believe.
I also went out and got a pair of jeans and 2 more wastcoats to wear around home but I guess I am being somewhat good and getting most of my stuff from The Warehouse or Farmers etc.

I spoke with the surgeon about being so cold as it is driving me up the bloody wall and he assured me it was 'normal' at the part of the process as I have lost my 'insulation' quickly and my body wasn't adjusting fast enough. He reckoned next winter will be much better but I will never lose the feeling cold again......bugger!
I am killing everyone else at home and work because I am constantly rugged up and then have heaters on as well.
I am currently at home with our heatpump going plus a smaller electric heater, I'm thinking about also putting the fire on. I have on socks, slippers a waistcoat, 2 thermals and a skivy and I'm still a wee bit cold. Mind you it is raining and miserable outside which doesn't help.

After speaking with Cheryl in Hamilton on Monday about her eating (she is way ahead of me and has tried much more) I have been trying a few more things and all has gone well. Zola told me to wait for the weekends to have a piece of toast but this morning I decided to just see if it would go down OK, so I had half a piece of toast with a slice of edam cheese and tomato, heaps of salt and pepper and it was excellent. I felt full afterwards and enjoyed eating it and it is now something different I can add to my breakfast menu. I am going to have a poached egg on toast for the weekend which I am also looking forward to.
I have been slacking off with my meals a wee bit the last week or so, so must get back into it. I have been looking around for a really good pan that is large enough for a family meal but a good cast iron one or something like that so it cooks evenly and doesn't burn on the edges etc and the only one's I really like are over $200 and I just can't justify that for 1 pan. Hopefully someone will have a HUGE sale soon and I can grab one.

My water intake has been shocking and so has the exercise, so I have just walked to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water to drink and will also go and do some homework soon to get in some exercise..............vacuuming should do it....LOL.

Right off I go..............catch ya later.

80' GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last week: 92.3kgs
This week: 89.4kgs
Loss: 2.9kgs (total 20.7kgs)

3 major victories for me this week:

1. I'm an 80's girl and will NEVER go back to the 90's again
2. I hit over 20 kilos lost in 8 weeks
3. I went to Hamilton for my 6 week check up (it was actually 8 weeks) and all
is well and the team are really happy with my progress.

While in Hamilton, I went out with Mum (who came with me for my 6 week check up) for dinner on Sunday night and I had a chicken breast stuffed with cream cheese with a seeded mustard creamy sauce on a bed of potato mash with roast veges.........TO DIE FOR. We also had breakfast (1.5 eggs benedict without the bagel or bacon) and lunch (bacon, mushroom and potato stack) while we were away in Hamilton and all went down really well.

I also got to catch up with Cheryl who had her op on the same day as me and she looks amazing, fantastic, happy and everything else positive I can think of.
She has lost an impressive 37+ kilos and is just beeming. It was so nice to talk to someone (even though we didn't nearly have enough time to gas bag) who is at the exact same point in their journey.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, I really don't celebrate my birthday but I had some wonderful friends over from Bangkok and it was lovely to spend time with them, which just happened to fall on my birthday.
Last weekend I also had a wee get together at home (which I didn't want to do but got talked into it) so mother, father, other friends and family got to celebrate with me.

I have been asked by a few people to put some progress photo's up BUT I don't want to yet. I figured every 3 months will be good as it should be noticable then. I have the dreaded 'before' photo's and will put them up with the 3 months ones (in 4 weeks).

Right, since I'm at work and want to get home, I'd better sign off. I'll update my ticker later.

Weigh in

Last week: 92.6kg
This week: 92.3kg
Loss: .300g (total 17.8kg)

Well........................I am still suprised I lost 300grams with all the DRINKING and EATING I did, well not huge amounts of eating but definately eating the wrong things.
I am back to basic's (and the rules) now our visitors have left and my 2 seperate birthday 'parties' are over.

Yep - I turned the big 40 !!!!

Weigh in

Last week: 95.1kg
This week 92.6kg
Loss: -2.5 (total -17.5kg)

Pretty happy with that considering I have my 'mate' this week and from years gone by, I have ALWAYS put on about a kilo this particular week of the month....so pretty blinkin happy.

I have been super busy this week with work (first week of the month is alway really hectic) and it was the kids last week of school so we had 'fun day's' with mother having to make 'plates' of food which my kids insist we have to make rather than buy from the shops.....hahaha.

I also spend about 3 hours shopping as I look at every damn label on everything now.
I have however gotten some really cool stuff that I didn't even know exsisted (ie. Japanese Panko Crumbs etc). I always loved supermarket shopping but now I love it even more....LOL. I am still making some really nice meals and I am aloud salad's now so I have been having lots of these with HEAPS of coriander (my favourite herb). I seem to be eating much more fish than ever before and I think it is because it is 'safe' to eat and I have found quite a few recipe's for fish.

Oh yeah, I also had my baby's 6th birthday on Thursday and of course we all had to be up at 5am before Dad went to work so we could open presents.
He then had a 'party' of sorts on the Saturday afternoon (after Rugby) where he invited 2 mates and they played rugby down at the reserve Dad and brother, they all had a great time and ran off SOME of the lollies they had eaten. They then watched the 'This is It' Michael Jackson movie that his grandparents got him for his birthday, played more games, had pizza for dinner (I tried one piece but ate it too quick and it ended up in the toilet) and then pirate ice cream cake and then I dropped the boys home................phew..........................

One the way home I was craving a drink (alcoholic type) so I went to the bottle-o and grabed a bottle of Jim Beam Bourbon (I already had coke zero in my fridge) and got home and poured myself a drink (weak) and sat down and drank it........bliss!
I then had another one...........again............bliss!
Hubby wanted to know if I felt tipsy as I was told alcohol would be more potenent (sp?) but I felt fine, not even tipsy......but relaxed. I didn't want to push my luck so I left it at that.
We then had a visitor for dinner last night and I again had 2 x bourbon's and felt fine but left it at that. I made a big Chicken roast dinner with lemon stuffed chicken, roast potatoes, pumpkin, kumera, carrots and a vege bake with mushrooms, capsicum, brocolli, cauliflower, onions and leek, topped with a cheese sauce and a sprinkle of edam cheese on top................devine. I had about 2 spoonfulls of each and felt satisfied and 'normal'.

As the weeks go on, I am eating more normal foods and eating with the family and not feeling like such an outcast now. Getting on the treadmill still isn't any easier and I have to convince myself everytime to get on there as I have always hated exercise and an operation hasn't changed that.
Hubby in his misguided compliments has been telling me that I am gettin flappy now (which means in his words - your losing more weight) so I am looking forward to going back to Hamilton and meeting with Advanced Physio who will set me an exercise program which will include TONING.

Rambling now...............

I'd better get my house in tip top order as I have 10 people (4 adults, 6 kids) arriving sometime today for the first week of the school holidays...........can't wait!!!!
I won't get another opportunity to update until they go, so I'll catch ya all next week.

Weigh in

Last week: 96.4kg
This week: 95.1kg
Loss: 1.3kg (total 15kg)

More than happy with that. I got a bit slack towards the end of the week with my exercise and water, so am going to make sure I keep this up for this week.

Eating more variety still.
I have a lemon and herb piece of crumbed fish last night with potato/brocolli balls (home made) and a salad with lots of coriander (yum) and it was delicious.
I have really missed having my salad's and made one up on Saturday with everything I love in it and have had two goes at it and there is still 2/3 of it left and I made sure I only made a small one up,......hahahaha.

I am still dishing myself up too much. It is definately WAY less than I use to but I find I am putting too much on my plate and either the kids or my husband end up eating my leftovers.....hahaha (all healthy stuff of course).
Last night I put 1 small piece of fish on my plate, 2 brocolli balls and a small 'tong' full of salad and apart from the salad, I only ate half the fish and 1 brocolli ball AND the kids told me how little my meal looked to start with....LOL.

My eldest boy (8 years) keeps telling me how 'lovely' I look now I am eating healthy which always brings a tear to my eye. I never REALLY realised how much all my dieting etc affected them and how much they noticed things before I had my op. All the kids know is that Mum had to have something in her tummy fixed and now she can only eat little bits of healthy food. I am really suprised that they are eating pretty much what I am now. I always just assumed they wouldn't eat this and that but they actually are enjoying my new healthy menu.

HRV
Well the 3 hrv boys turned up at 8.30am on Friday morning and were gone again by 10.15am with it all installed. I am sitting here now looking out my windows at the front of my house (I have big sliding doors/windows) and they are CLEAR. I am looking at 3 houses across the road which all have fogged up windows but not us...yay!
The house is definatley more 'even' if that makes sense. We definately had rooms which were freezing and rooms which were OK with temperatures but now they all seem similar (which has pleased my hubby as he is superstitious and was sure there were ghosts in the house......hahahaha). They reckon by next year we should see the benefits as far as the house being completely dried out but I am happy so far.

Off to the treadmill I go............

Bits and Bobs

HRV SYSTEMShit Tracey - don't tell me the HRV systems are crap after I just paid them over $3,500 and they are due at 8.30am to install it.
SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE ME POSITIVE FEEDBACK ABOUT HRV............PLEASE.

Anne - food in a minute - smoked Fish Pie Recipe:

1 small onion
535g Watties Very Special Creamy Corn Soup
1/2 cup frozen pea
1/4 cup parsley
zest of 1 lemon (this added a really nice taste)
400g tin smoked fish
450g pkt Wattie's frozen Homestyle Mashed potato

Fry onion until clear, pour in corn soup, peas, lemon zest, stir over heat for 2 minutes. Stil in smoked fish (break it up) and parsley.
Pour into a medium oven-proof dish and place mashed potato patties onto top, overlapping.
Place in oven (preheated 180oC) for 25 - 30 minutes. Done.

Janine - Vodka over wine
Interesting that you say that 1 glass of wine knocks you over but your fine with vodka. I was also (pre-op) the same with bourbon. David (surgeon) told me I could still drink my bourbon and coke but I wasn't to drink the pre-mixes and had to mix my own with bourbon and either diet coke or coke zero.
As we are going to a winery for my birthday (there's heaps up here in the Hawkes Bay but I have chosen Crab Farm) I guess it will have to be wine.

I think that's it?
Oh yeah the WLS get together.............can't remember who asked me about this but I haven't decided yet. I have a girlfriend up here who has also had the surgery (4 years ago) and she is keen to come but I'm not 100% sure yet.

Right, that's me............night.

Drinkies are good to go!

Well I spoke to Zola yesterday and asked her what can I be eating now that I'm going into my 5th week post op and she said, apart from bread, rice and pasta.....everything! I can try everything now but just be careful.

I also asked her about having a wine on my birthday (another 2 weeks away) and she said "yep but maybe just have the one" which suits me fine. I haven't had a drink for so long that one is proberly all I'm going to need....hahaha. Plus I still have to go to work that night (bummer eh?) so won't be able to go overboard.

I have been dying for a salad so that's the first thing I'm going to make today. Haven't decided what protein I'll have with it but I'm off to the supermarket so I'll have a look there. I'm really loving fish (seafood in general) at the moment but I did try a chicken thigh yesterday for lunch (with steamed veges) and it went down OK but it did feel uncomfortable for about half an hour which I didn't like but Zola reckons the more I eat it the less uncomfortable it will be.

I am sitting here in a huge jacket with my heater on,,,,,,,,,,,, this house is sooooooo cold but tomorrow morning I am getting a HRV installed and can't wait.

I did get a DVS when I was in Wellington and it was brilliant but we rang them about 2.5 weeks ago (same time as HRV) about someone coming out to give us a quote and never heard back from them (I hate bad customer service) so HRV it is.

I'm rambling now, so I'll jump in the car and go and get some shopping.

Fish Pie again for Tea

I just love fish pie but I'm sure my family is getting sick of it....TOO BAD FOR THEM...LOL.

I am trying the 'food in a minute' one I seen off the TV, looks yum so I will have to wait and see tonight.

All food has been good this week. I had a poached egg for breakfast this morning and my husband had a huge big breakfast (2 x eggs, 3 x bacon, 2 x sausages, 2 x hash browns and 2 x toast) and his plate was overflowing. I looked at him and said "remember when I use to eat more than you and look at our plates now", we both had a giggle at the differences now.

My 2 oldest sisters sent me up some clothes (they are both smaller than me - I am the youngest but was ALWAYS the fattest). Anyway I reckon half of them were still a bit small (size 16 & 18) but the other half were either too big or fit.....brilliant!

I really don't think I am going to need to buy any clothes for quite a few months which is great. I am looking at all the winter fashion now and thinking that it will have to wait until next year.

So I have a huge 'fat' pile of clothes already and the most suprising thing is that I have grown out of 3 or 4 of my bra's.....hahaha. My cup size is still the same but the 'back' measurements have come down so that size is shrinking. Luckily when I last lost lots of weight (lowest 84.3kg ?? I think) I went out and bought lots of 'pretty' bra's and I have managed to get 1 or 2 out. It feels so nice to put on something pretty rather than just plain white or black.

I am still madly cooking up a storm and have just remembered that I marinated some chicken thighs with garlic, ginger, lemon juice and chilli for tea tonight.....oops hopefully everyone is hungry - chicken and fish pie....hahaha.

Getting to 'like' my treadmill more and more everyday.
A goal I have set myself is that I will be running on it before the end of August.

Weigh in

Last week - 97.6kg
This week - 96.4kg
Loss this week - 1.2kg (total 13.7kg)

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY this week.

Had another night of food not staying down - indian curry chicken drumstick.
We did the drumsticks in the crockpot so they were nice and tender and then added an indian sauce we have used for years (and love). It was high in fat but I made sure I didn't have any of the sauce, only what was on the drumstick but within a few minutes I was off to the loo.........bugger.

Did 4 days on the treadmill which is also suprising as well as walking the kids (and dog) to school which is only a 20 minutes walk both way but better than nothing.

I have tried a few more meals that HAVE stayed down, including last nights dinner which was a beef casserole with mashed spuds. I have also changed 'cruskit' to sakata crackers with different toppings as it seems I'm having more......hahaha.
I made pumpkin, celery and kumera soup yesterday for lunch and that was devine.

I must admit though, I am still having to remind myself to eat as I'm not getting hungry which is the weirdest feeling.

It was another wet days yesterday so the kids and I made the soup and then double chocolate chip muffins with chocolate icing and sprinklings.

So 4 weeks down (going into week 5) and I'm starting to feel more 'normal' as I'm starting to have more variety in my meals.

2 more weeks and I can have a drink.......hahaha, I'd love a glass of wine.

Right I've just got off the treadmill and now need to have breakfast (weetbix with yoghurt and protein powder).

Weigh in

Last week: 98.9kg
This week: 97.6kg
Loss: 1.3kg (total loss: 12.5kg)

Someone asked me how much this op cost.
$18,500.00 and I reckon it is worth every penny.
I had 2 other procedures done but this was just for the bypass.
I am with Southern Cross Health insurance so I get an ex-gratia payment of $5,000 which helps (my bank manager agreed).

Even though there are certain 'rules' to this operation, I no longer feel I'm on a diet. For the 1st time in about 25 years, I'm not on some sort of a diet and it feels liberating.

I had a lovely meal with my family last night and felt like a 'normal' person with what I was eating. I am really enjoying trying new foods and not feeling like I'm missing out with anything.
Example: Yesterday was a horrible cold, rainy day so the kids and I stayed indoors and baked. We made a chocolate cake and chocolate chip muffins and I didn't feel like I had to lick the bowl out.....LOL

LIBERATING................

1st reaction

SEAFOOD CHOWDER

I am so peeved that I had a reaction to the seafood chowder I made last night, I was SO looking forward to it.
I made it with the seafood, cooked it in the fish stock and then added the lite coconut milk and thickened with cornflour. Tasted fantastic (while eating it), everyone raved about how lite and tasty it was but unfortunately within 5 minutes of eating it I was in the loo. I then got very, very hot and had to get changed into a summer top (I had thermals and 3 other layers on before that as I was cold).
So I'm guessing that I won't try that for another couple of months and then maybe it may agree with me a bit more.

But I won't give up, tonight I'm thinking of making a nice hoki fillet steamed in foil with corriander, lime and chilli with either brocolli balls (potato and brocolli mash with mozzarella cheese in the middle, rolled into a ball and rolled in breadcrumbs then baked in the oven) or a vegetable bake of some sort.

Anyway I'm off to drink more water and then jump on my treadmill.

Food glorious food.........and exercise!

I am sitting here with my trusty cruskit with a big piece of ham on it and a slice of edam cheese.............yummo and no problems going down.
Everything I have tried I have been very careful with and so far there hasn't been one problem. I haven't had any bad effects from anything I've tried and am really enjoying now making myself special tasty meals.

Being 'week 3' I have I am only going the the loo (#2's) once a week now which Zola reckons is OK but it feels really weird to me as I have ALWAYS been a very regular once a day girl.

I have also been drinking my water which has gotten easier as I now have a 'mizone' bottle which has a brilliant spout on it.

EXERCISE!
This is a word that has ALWAYS scared me. I hate, hate, hate exercise but know it is essential and has to be done. A couple of years ago I bought a treadmill which I used regularly for about 2 or 3 months and it has been an oversized coat hanger ever since....BUT on Thursday I was watching THE BIGGEST LOSER on TV and the girl who won it last session (Michelle - I loved her) said something about having balance and you just HAVE to have time for exercise or you are just going to go back to the way you were. One of the contestants had a gastric bypass years ago and was huge again which also scared me so I instantly got off that bloody couch and dusted off the treadmill and jumped on. There is NO WAY I am ever going back to what I was and getting this op is a 'tool' only and if I don't change my ways (food & exercise) I will put weight back on and there ain't no way I am going back there SISTER!!!!! (stepping off soap box).
So I managed 15 minutes both Thursday and Friday and have yet to jump on today as we have just gotten back from rugby (my son scored 6 tries out of the 11 their team made - very proud mum) and have been cleaning the house as we have guests tonight - BUT I WILL GET ON IT TODAY. Plus I always feel better once I step off knowing I have done something for myself and it didn't kill me after all.

I am starting to get a 'too big' pile in my wardrobe now. 1 or 2 items that I put away basically as soon as I got home from hospital but now a few more after a couple of people at work told me that what I was wearing was baggy.....hehehe baggy, love it.

I haven't gotten around to making that seafood chowder yet BUT tonight is the night as we are having guests and they love seafood. It has been quite cold here the last week or so, so I reckon the fire blazing, a hot bowl of chowder while watching the rugby is going to be a perfect night.

Right I'd better get back to my cleaning............*sigh* a women's work is never done.

Week 2 - All going well

Last Week: 101.3kg
This week: 98.9kg
Loss: 2.4kg (week 2)

Still can't believe that. Its actually coming off!! I will NEVER be over 100kgs again..................NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have put on 400g in the last 5 days as I'm not 'going' to the loo again. I'll have to get that benefibre into me again.

I'm quite excited about this week as I'm allowed to start eating more 'normal' food. Its called the 'soft solids' week and basically its trial and error with overcooked vege's and soft meat.....mmmmmmm sounds yummy hahaha.

I made a fish pie last night which I'm going to try today and I also have a fabulous seafood chowder recipe (thanks Cara) which I am definately having in a few days.
I just intent to eat with my family this week (rather than my own seperate little meal) and just have the mashed potato, vege's and whatever meat they are having.
I have gotten lots of fish and chicken thighs as these seem to be the theme with new post op'ers.

My usual daily food so far has been:

Breakfast: 1 weetbix, 4 tsp plain yoghurt, 2 tsp strawberry protein powder.
I usually get through about 2/3 of it which is about 4 or 5 teaspoons.

Lunch: 1 Lite cruskit with different toppings, like, vegemite and cream cheese or tuna and cottage cheese or garlic roasted hummus and grated edam cheese....yum.

Dinner: 2 - 3 'ice cubes' of either lamb or chicken with vegetables (I made these up pre-op with a pot of vegetables with either chicken or lamb added, mixed up to mush and then frozen into ice cubes).
Last night I had 2 lamb ice cubes with 2 tsp of mashed potato and 1 tsp of mustard sauce (family had corned silverside with mustard sauce) and it went down beautifully but again I was only able to eat about 2/3 of it.

I don't snack at all (one of the rules - 3 meals a day only) and I have gone from about 8 cups of coffee a day with 1 sugar to 2 or 3 half cups of coffee with 2 sugar tablets and trim milk of course.

I am having a REALLY COOL dilema with my clothes this week as they are looking too big for me and a bit 'daggy' but my next size down are still a wee bit snug.
I have also realised that when I got down to my lowest a couple of years ago (84.3kg) it was summer which means I have HEAPS of smaller summer clothes but bugger all winter clothes.
I am currently FREEZING all of the time, even with the fire and everyother heater in the house going and have been out and got myself another pair of long casual pants and thermals but I'm still cold.
Not that I'm complaining (much) as I realise the layers are now (and forever) coming off and I LOVE THAT feeling, so I'll just live with it.
I keep imagining myself in a pretty summer dress which has always been a dream of mine, to wear a pretty summer dress. As I am so short (5f2") I have never been able to wear a dress especially with my weight as I looked ridiculous and shorter than I actually was. But BRING IT ON sister, I WILL be in a dress by Christmas.

Right I'm off to have my weetbix for breakfast (practically the only cereal I can have that falls within the sugar/fat guidelines). I have found a new variety "Wild Berry Bites" which I'm trying this morning. It have mixed berrys which will be a nice change from the plain weetbix.