Rachels Weight Challenge

Catch up

2011-07-10T11:40:00.006+12:00

Crikey I didn't realise it has been nearly 2 months since I updated.

HEAPS has been going on since then (photo's to follow): In no particular order:

I turned 41 years old and got a new dress labelled by the shop the "James Bond dress" (you will see why - skin tight but gorgeous).
The kids went to my Mum's for the night and Hubby and I went to a very beautiful restaurant (fine dining) for dinner which I felt very spoilt and then came home and watched the rugby final............hahaha, we are such romantics.

Our youngest boy turned 7 years old and got a new bike for him birthday. He didn't have a party this year but we went out to 'Breakers' with the grandparents for dinner and the boys and I made cupcakes during the day and I also made his number '7' birthday cake.

Both boys are playing rugby with the youngest with e more 'natural' talent (or so we thought). Oldest boy has now really gotten into it and performs outstandingly every week. Got player of the day last week (love the below picture - look at the colour of his legs) and has been asked to trial for the rep team for the 'Spooner Cup'.....we are so proud.

I went to a Novelty cake decorating course (which was on the day AFTER my son's birthday - typical) and had a really good time and am now NOT scared of a piping bag.

I had my post-op 1 year check up in Wellington and weighed in at 64kg exactly (1kg under my goal). David (surgeon) was very pleased with everything I have accomplished and was surprised I admitted to some of my 'whoops' moments (but have learnt from most of them).
Met up with the gorgeous Jo and baby Jaynie while there (unfortunately I forgot my camera). Also went out for lunch with some old work mates which was awsome and then called into my old job to say hi (since I did work there for 15 years), hence it was very good for my ego seeing as they hadn't seen me in about 3 years.

Went away for a 'girlie' weekend with my 2 BFF's and we had a fabulous time, no husbands/boyfriends or children with lots of alcohol and good food......bliss!

That's about it I think.

Just really enjoying life and being more involved in EVERYTHING.

Photo's in no particular order either........

It's been ages..............

2011-05-18T08:51:00.004+12:00

Sorry, I didn't realise how long it had been since I updated.

Lots going on really. On Mother's Day after all the baking I did because the kids school gala was on, we went to the gala and I got some beautiful stuff (earings, bags, necklaces etc) for an excellent price and then we won a PLAYHOUSE. Yep, a playhouse! Hubby had only finished making their 'fort' not long ago and now we have a playhouse to go with it.,......hahaha. It was part of the gala, a local company (their kids go to the school) said they would build it onsite and then raffle it off at the end of the day. All kids got a book of 5 tickets to sell (which we bought 4 of) and then on the actual day I decided I would get 'just one more' and that was the one that won it. The kids love it!

I had a fabulous Mother's Day and got my present I had been hinting about - gumboots! Getting up at the crack of dawn to watch the kids play soccer and rugby on a damp/wet field is a nightmare but now I have my gumboots, all is good.

I have a niece who is going overseas on the student exchange program and her family need to raise $13,000 in 3 months so we have been doing all sorts of stuff to help. There have been hangi's, easter and mothers day raffles, trivia nights and a cabaret still to come..............busy, busy I tell ya.

I am also going away on a 'girlie' weekend with 2 of my faviourite people in the whole wide world (waves to Jax) to Auckland for a bit of shopping, a bit of nice food and lots of wine and bourbon......yeah baby! Can't wait.

I am also heading down to Wellington at the beginning of June for my 1 yearly post op check up. I am still amazed it has been 1 year (actually 1 year anniversary is on the 25th May). I still feel fantastic, I haven't had any problems and am still under my goal weight of 65kgs (currently 64.8kgs).

All's good (and very busy) in my world at the moment and I love it.

Weighed in this morning

2011-04-11T12:21:00.002+12:00

Jumped on the scales this morning and I was 64.5kgs which is still 500grams under my goal weight which I'm very pleased about.
I have been getting on a couple of times a week just to keep myself in check and I am amazed that my weight is pretty stable now. I have been hovering between 64.5kgs and 65.5kgs which is AWESOME.

I have also made my 1 yearly post op appointment with my surgeron David Schroeder on the 16th June (Thurs), so I have taken Thurs and Fri off work and will pop down to Wellington and stay the weekend as well, which will give me over 3 days to catch up with everyone. I am planning to catch up with my old mates at work as well as my mate Jo (and latest addition Jaynie) on the Friday and then family (and a bit of shopping) on the weekend before I head back Sunday afternoon.......nice!

Kids have finished all but 1 of their sports and the next session stuff doesn't now start until after the school holidays....yay.
Mum is moving into her new house tomorrow so Andrew and I will be 'all hands on deck' to help out. I then have my 21 year old nephew and his girlfriend arriving from Australia (I haven't seen him in about 10 years) on Friday for a few days and of course school holidays start on Friday as well.

That's it from me, I'll try and get my butt on here more often as I'm getting a bit slack without having to 'update' my weight on a weekly basis.

One last thing - extra skin.
I have noticed in the last week or so how much excess skin I have and it is getting more and more noticable. My tummy and legs are really bad but I can hide that with excellent spandx/support underwear (my best friend since the operation) but my arms and neck look yucky, my arms especially. They are looking more and more wrinkly and it isn't attractive. I have been over the moon lately that I am now not embarrased to wear sleeveless tops/dresses etc but the further along I go, the more I feel like I need to cover up again..........*sigh* never happy eh???? hahahaha.

Guess what I did today?

2011-03-27T13:55:00.005+13:00

Its called a BIKE JAM

It is a fun (Yeah right!) bike ride for kids aged 5 - 13 years.
My oldest did the medium course 4.9km on his own but my little fella (6 years old) had to do the short course (2.3km) with a parent - namely me!
I figured it was only 2.3km, how hard could it be???? Ummmm it was a mountain bike ride not a road ride..........I have ONLY ever ridden on the road. I think we did it in about 15 minutes but it felt like HOURS.
The before and after photo's of me (on a friends camera) won't be pretty I'm guessing but I did take a photo of the kids.
It has been raining and the course was very muddy with puddles and lots of stumps and bloody tree's etc on the course....I was quite proud of myself for doing it as I thought it was quite hard. My little fella finished in the top 5 and my oldest boy was in the middle of the pack. I was very proud of both of them as it was their first time and they did very well.

The kids also had Muftii day with all gold coin donations going to the Christchurch Earthquake appeal. You had to come in red and black.

Photo's

2011-03-21T12:11:00.003+13:00

I didn't weigh in this morning which is more than likely a GOOD thing as we have had friends from Wellington staying for the past 5 days and we did a bit of OVER INDULGING in food and alcohol and I can feel it.

I have been thinking about it and think I might just weigh in 'officially' and record it on here maybe every month? I dunno, I'll see how I feel.

Had the camera out on the weekend, so my 6 year old son took my 'at goal' photo's (which aren't really any different from the 9 month photo's I took a couple of weeks ago). I also took some photo's of the kids making cup cakes out of Reece's new 'Kids Cookbook'.

I also want to say a huge CONGRATULATIONS to Jo and J who had a beautiful little girl called Jaynie.

No particular order:

Weigh in - G.O.A.L.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-14T09:11:00.005+13:00

Last week: 65.9kgs
This week: 64.9kgs (Goal was 65kgs)
Loss: -1kg (-45.2kg total)

I did it, I can't believe it, I actually did it. It took me 41 weeks or 9 months and 17 days.
Not that you need proof but here it is anyway..............

I am so excited, I'm actually numb. I have NEVER in my 25+ years of dieting - EVER hit goal. I've come pretty close in the earlier years but NEVER hit goal.

I am sooooooooooooooo going shopping....hahahaha. Winter coat (and maybe a few other things) here I come.

I have also been busy baking for the Christchurch Earthquake. This kids school got a 20 foot container organised to be sent down and all the schools in the local area filled it with stuff (ie. one school did clothes, one school did blankets etc and our school did food (fresh - baked)).
I loved doing it because I felt like I wanted to do something to help but you feel so helpless. Yes I have put all the change and notes I have into collecters boxes and texted a number or name to my vodafone account to donate but it just didn't seem enough. Everyone I know loves fresh baking, so I really enjoyed doing that and thinking about all the families that are still without basic needs having some fresh baking to eat.

I also get a new car this Wednesday (well its near new - 4 years old). I am really excited because its the 'newest' car I have ever owned and it is a automatic (never owned one of those before). It is a 2007 Nissian Maxima SI Sedan and it is navy blue (I'll take a photo when I get it) and it has been a company car of a good friend of ours and when they re-new their lease's, he gets 1st option to buy it. I currently have a Toyota Camry Station Wagon which I LOVE but it is a 1997 model and it is now starting to cost us money when warrants etc are due. It also needed another radiator 2 weeks ago (2nd one in 2 years) which was pricey, so I'm hoping with this car having been a company and had all of its services etc, it should last for many years to come.

OK that's all my news for today, talk soon.

Weigh in

2011-03-07T09:17:00.004+13:00

Last week: 66.9kgs
This week: 65.9kgs
Loss: -1.0kg (total - 44.2kgs)

OMG, OMG, OMG...................900 grams left to go until I get to goal!! I can honestly say I have NEVER, EVER, EVER been this close to goal in my life.

Feels good!

Guess what this week goal is????????????????? Yep, you guessed it.

Hit Goal weight by this time next week.

I know I can do it, I just have to GET THE JOB DONE!

I am so excited ------- can you tell? LOL.

I have just thought of something, what will my 'reward' be for getting to goal? I haven't even thought of it before as it was always 'so far away' but I reckon I should do something special to mark the occasion.
I cleared out my wardrobe yet again this morning don't actually have any winter clothes for this winter that will fit me. Maybe getting myself a winter wardrobe might be a goal (just need to win the lotto this weekend...hahaha). I would really love a stunning winter jacket, its always something I have wanted.....hmmmm will think about it.

We are going to have 3 days off at Easter (if we can get a driver, our normal guy is also having time off) so we are thinking of heading to the Wairarapa for a night and then 2 nights in Wellington. Will go and do the 'family' thing with my sisters but this time I'm not going to spend that much time with them (sounds horrible eh?), just a coffee and a chat and then off to our mates house for the remainder. My mates actually come and visit us and ring us, where I never hear from my family unless it is for a birthday or something, so I'm going to spend time with the people who I hear from and see and NOT feel like I have to 'do the right thing' (as my mother would say).........bugger em!

Right, time for a coffee..............bye...............

More Art Deco photo's

2011-03-01T09:09:00.004+13:00

My mate Zelda came around yesterday with some more Art Deco photo's - thought I'd share them with you. We had SO MUCH FUN.

Andrew with 'Chloe' who use to be a Wainuiomata girl who became this weird sort of icon years ago........Andrew has always loved her and she was at the Art Deco weekend as she now lives in Hastings.

The BAD BAD shooters............I'm smiling because I didn't have any and I new what they were going to be feeling the next morning.

Zelda and I at night in Napier looking at all the beautiful cars

Some ladies all dressed up walking past who loved Andrew's car and wanted a photo in front of it............our Morrie is a classic (1957) not a vintage but everyone just loved it because it is very cute.

The four of us after just arriving at Mum's flat............getting ready for the evening ahead

Me posing in front of the car (hubby inside the car arriving at Zelda and Steve's

9 month post op photo's

2011-02-28T13:39:00.006+13:00

Before photo - May 25th 2010 - 110.1kgs
After photo - February 25th 2011 - 66.9kgs

Jo - Remember this top? This is one of the one's you sent me and it is a size 12 and I laughed and laughed when I got it and held it up, saying I would never fit in it and now it fits perfectly..............GOBSMACKING! Actually there were 3 business tops like that, that you sent me and those are the only things that fit me know.......time to go shopping ;)

Weigh In

2011-02-28T08:49:00.002+13:00

Last week: 67kgs
This week: 66.9kgs
Loss: -100 grams (total - 43.2kgs)

N.I.C.E.

I had hoped for a wee bit more but a loss is a loss.

Goals this week: WATER, WATER, WATER!! I have (again) gotten quite slack on the water front so my focus is water this week.

I have spent quite a bit of time on the couch this week watching the devastation from the Earthquake in Christchurch.............just absolutely tragic.
They are now starting to interview people around Christchurch who are feeling the ongoing effects (without water, power etc) and it must be really hard. I feel guilty everytime I turn my TV off and go and do something else (ie. take a break from it) because the people down there can't just turn off and have a break, they are living it and even though I am seeing it on TV, I really just can't imagine how hard it must be.

I seen a piece on the 'Breakfast' show this morning about the Kiwi's overseas sending messages of support back home and this really warmed my heart. Kiwi's are very special people and 'have each other's back' in most cases. Being an Aussie girl, I am also really proud of my country and how they have supported Christchurch in this terrible time.

Right better go and get my water bottle.

Weigh in

2011-02-21T07:35:00.005+13:00

Last week: 68kgs
This week: 67kgs
Loss: 1.0kg (total - 43.1kgs)

Very pleased with this result.
Only 2 kilo's away from my goal...............yipee!

It was 'Art Deco' weekend here in Napier and hubby and I along with another couple stayed in town (my Mum has a 2 bedroom apartment right on the Marine Parade in Napier and they were away - perfect!), got dressed up and did the 'art deco' thing.
We had so much fun and are definately going to make it an annual thing now.
Our outfits weren't perfect as it was only our 1st year but we all have a better idea on what to wear for coming years.

Some photo's of the Art Deco weekend:

Street Jazz Band - they had everyone dancing by the end of the night.

Hubby and I

Friends that came with us

A few of the awesome cars as well as some of the 'dressed up' people

Our outfits before we put them on

Our 1957 Morrie Minor - wrong era but we took it anyway and it go heaps of attention

Hubb and I again - I think we look really cool.....

Weigh in

2011-02-15T10:53:00.002+13:00

Last week: 68.2kgs
This week: 68kgs
Loss: 200 grams (total -42.1kgs)

This is the exact weight I was 3 weeks ago.......grrrrrr!

I am very pleased that I managed to lose 200grams after the weekend I had (Mission concert weekend) eating and drinking but I feel I am STUCK with only 3kgs to go until my goal weight........so, this week I am back into it. FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS.

Water intake will increase and so will activity. I also went and got the B12 nugget pills that disolve under your tongue which I have also been taking with my other pills and I do feel better for it (they have now found that gastric by-pass patients get B12 defincient over time and B12 is now included in the daily pill popping).

Mission weekend was fantastic (photo's to follow). The crowd we had for the weekend was excellent and even the kids were really well behaved and all looked after themselves (getting older now which is nice).
The concert (STING) was average, Sting was average and the new 'no booze' rule, as they had bars set up inside the concert DIDN'T work............thank god we smuggled 'hot stuff' in which put me on my arse and I ended up sleeping for a hour or so after drinking VERY STRONG bourbon and falling over and cuddling everyone and telling them I love them (whether I knew them or not......hahaha).
Our friends who came up were divers, so we had the best 'snacks' at the concert. We started with smoked salmon on crackers (with a bit of cheese and salami to go with it), then had crayfish.............yum!

That's it from me today. I'll download those photo's at some time tomorrow hopefully.

Weigh in

2011-02-07T10:12:00.002+13:00

Last week: 67.9kgs
This week: 68.2kgs
Loss/Gain: Gain +300g (not going to update my ticker...LOL)

Ummmmmmmmmm................moving on then.

Mission Weekend in the Hawkes Bay this weekend and we have our usual horde of people arriving from Wellington to stay with us and go to the concert. STING is playing this year which I'm not very fond of but its the 'atmosphere' not the artist that we go for.

I envisage LOTS of alcohol and nibbles which means 'you know what next week' but I'm not worried as this is my favourite weekend of the year where I 'let loose' and have no intention of even thinking about what is going into my mouth (whether it be food or liquid).
Great attitude eh?......ha ha ha ha

Mission weekend........here we come!

Weigh in...........a day late

2011-02-01T08:53:00.002+13:00

Last week: 68kgs
This week: 67.9kgs
Loss: -100 grams (total -42.2kgs)

Mmmmmmmm that was a bit small but still a loss...............I'm happy.

Sorry its a day late, hectic around here.

Kids off to school today....yay!

Weigh in

2011-01-24T10:08:00.002+13:00

Last week: 68.2kgs
This week: 68kgs
Loss: 200g (total - 42.1kgs)

Excellent, love it....another loss.

3kgs exactly until my target/goal weight.

Shrinking

2011-01-21T14:46:00.002+13:00

Sizes and changes (inside and out).

Feet: I've gone from a size 9/9 1/2 to a comfortable size 8

Top: I've gone from a size 22/24 to a size 12/14 (small/medium)

Bottom: I've gone from a size 20/22 to a size 10

One word that still comes to my mind when I think of these sizes is INCREDIBLE.

Other things I have noticed:

I have taken links out of my watch to make it smaller.

I can now fit bracelets without looking like they are cutting off my circulation.

The only size belt that now fits me is a S = small when I haven't been able to fit into even an XL in the past.

My features now look longated rather than round (ie. face, hands etc).

I can comfortably wear sleeveless dresses or shirts without worrying about my bingo wings (that are 1000 times better than I thought they were going to be).

I finally don't constantly pull at my clothes (so they aren't sticking to my belly etc).

I feel healthy. I feel strong. I feel energised!

I play with my kids now. When they ask if I can go with them when they are going to tennis or a bike ride or just to play outside with them, I instantly say yes (rather than saying NO and then giving them a rubbish story as to why I can't).

My family are proud of me and I can see it in their eyes.

I'm not constanly embarrased or ashamed of myself any longer.

All my aches and pains have disappeared (knee, both ankles, lower back pain). I use to make excuses that it was from 'this and that' but the truth was, it was because I was overweight.

BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE FOR MYSELF.................WITHOUT QUESTION!

I did feel guilty when I got it done because it cost a lot of money and I didn't feel I 'deserved' it but I am so glad I went through with it as it has benefited not just me but my family in so many ways. I now feel like I participate in my families life (and my own) rather than sitting back and watching life go by without me.

I am proud of myself.
I now look and feel like the person I have always wanted to be.

LIFE IS GOOD.

Weigh In

2011-01-17T08:11:00.003+13:00

Last week: 69.5kgs
This week: 68.2kgs
Loss: 1.3kgs

Had a great week, reduced my alcohol intake dramatically, drank more water (always a major for me and it shows) and tried to be more active (didn't do very well with this). My eating has also been very good, getting back into the habit of 3 meals a day without snacking has also helped AND I've found I haven't needed the snacks after all (another bad habit I was letting creep back in).

Overall - VERY HAPPY.

I sat down this week and re-did our budget as we kind of didn't have one and our spending was getting out of hand. When we sat down and looked at what we spend it was incredible the crap we spend stuff on, for example - hubby and I went to The Warehouse to get some tennis balls, what we walked out with was, 2 packets of tennis balls, 2 x 2 litres of oil for my car and a fishing rod?????? We didn't really need those other things but they were on special....grrrr. So no more of that, everything will be accounted for and no more impluse spending.

I am going to limit myself to 2 pieces of clothing a month if needed (this includes shoes, accessories, make up etc) and no more eating out during the week (1 x takeaway but no cafe lunches 2 or 3 times a week with hubby).

Hubby and the kids play a lot of sports and I don't mind spending money on these things but they can get very expensive, so I will have to see where I can trim some money back here AND the weekly shopping bill can come down considerably. I went in yesterday with half the money I usually have and managed to get EVERYTHING on my list, EVERYTHING! I was amazed at that and it was a real wake up call, I can tell you, no more mindlessly walking up and down the aisles just thowing stuff in my trolley.

The reason for all of this is that hubby and I promised ourselves that we would put in 5 years hard yakka when we started our business and at the end of that we were going to take a family holiday.
Well we realised that 3 of those 5 years had gone and we had $1.53 in our savings account. So as of today we are putting money into our savings account for our holiday. We have decided we really want to go on a CRUISE, kids and all (mad eh?) but they have also had to sacrifice things while we built the business up. There has been no holidays (7 day a week business) and because of the odd hours we work, they haven't had friends over to play or stay over very much and alot of the sports they want to play they cant because Mum and Dad are working odd hours. I just thank god we have my Dad who lives with us and looks after the kids quite a lot or they wouldn't have much of a life at all.

Roll on the end of 2012 and roll on cruising. I can't wait.

Photo's of the beach trip last week

2011-01-16T11:29:00.004+13:00

It was bloody hot here yesterday and we spent most of the day outside (kids in the pool) or inside, infront of the air conditioner. Today is much better and cooler but a wee bit windy....oh well, can't have everything eh?

Mum and Bing are picking the kids up at 5pm tonight for a 'sleep-over'....yay!

Hubby and I have decided to have a BBQ, just the 2 of us. Steak and salad - yummy.
I then get the honour of getting up at 5.30am with him tomorrow morning, packing bread and pies and then going to work with him for the morning....ummmm...don't know how I managed to say yes to this but its not often he get's a 'helper' and he does work hard, so its a wee treat for him (definately NOT me).

Here's a few photo's of our beach trip to Waimarama beach.

Weigh in .......... 60's GIRL!!!!!!!!

2011-01-10T11:23:00.003+13:00

Last week: 70.1kgs
This week: 69.5kgs (-600g)
Total loss: 40.6kgs

SO proud of myself you can't even begin to imagine.
I'm a 60's girl.
I never EVER thought I would EVER utter those words again. Even when I did really well and lost over 20kgs(got down to about 83kgs)on Weight Watchers a few years ago, I still never thought I'd get into the 60's again.

I am rewarding myself by going out shopping by myself today......hahaha
I need a few more things for work and hubby is taking the boys out so I am taking the opportunity to go and have a wander around the shops and see if anything jumps out at me.

I also realised that just because my kids are still on holiday's....I'm not.
Our visitors have now left, the christmas ham has all been eaten and life is pretty much back to normal so I need to get myself back to normal.
I'm cutting the alcohol back to once (or twice) a week rather than most nights, getting back to 3 meals a day rather than 3 or more snacks added on top of that AND drinking my water.

Roll on GOAL time!!!!! 4.5kgs to get to goal.

60.9kgs will put me at the TOP of my BMI range and here I was thinking it was about 63kgs (my personal goal is 65kgs). I haven't decided weather I will go for 60.9kgs as my next goal (once I hit 65kgs) but I think I would really like to be at least at the TOP of my BMI because when I hit my currentl goal of 65kgs I will still be classed as 'overweight'.

I'll have to have a think about this. Another 9kgs more or less sounds LOTS more than 4.5kgs.

photo's

2011-01-06T13:18:00.004+13:00

Here are a few photo's from Christmas day as well as this week and last week outside in the beautiful Hawkes Bay sun swimming and eating lunch while playing with the new tent for the boys. As you can see, my youngest (Adam - 6 years old) got a HEAP of presents but still only wanted to play in the box it came in....sigh.

Weigh in x 2

2011-01-03T10:22:00.003+13:00

Hello there..............I finally have 5 minutes to jump on here and update.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.

We have had people staying since Xmas and today is our first day of peace....lovely.
I have photo's to update, which I will do later today.

If you remember, last week I wanted to lose 200g so I could hit 40kgs lost but unfortunately THAT didn't happen BUT it did this week..........

Week before: 70.3kgs
Last week: 71kgs
Gain: +700grams

This week: 70.1kgs
Last week: 71kgs
Loss: -900grams (total weight loss to date 40kgs exactly)

It has been really hot in the Hawkes Bay and we finally gave in and went and got a Warehouse paddle pool for the kids........main reason being, it was too much of an effort to be going to the pools or the river in this heat. So now relief in right outside our backdoor (pictures to follow).

I have undated my ticker (above) but the 'weekly weigh in's' at the side are a real mission, so I'll do this after. Might even think about getting a new 'look' for the blog???

Weigh in and photo's

2010-12-20T09:15:00.001+13:00

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

2010-12-19T17:38:00.005+13:00

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

2010-12-07T12:15:00.003+13:00

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

2010-11-30T10:03:00.002+13:00

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

2010-11-22T09:01:00.007+13:00

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

2010-11-22T08:01:00.002+13:00

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

2010-11-15T09:59:00.002+13:00

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

2010-11-08T08:02:00.003+13:00

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

2010-11-05T09:00:00.002+13:00

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......

2010-11-04T13:19:00.002+13:00

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

2010-11-01T09:19:00.006+13:00

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

2010-10-25T11:39:00.002+13:00

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

2010-10-18T09:34:00.001+13:00

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

2010-10-18T09:20:00.002+13:00

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

2010-10-13T09:23:00.003+13:00

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

2010-10-11T08:16:00.002+13:00

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!!!!

2010-10-04T08:20:00.002+13:00

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

2010-09-30T11:58:00.003+13:00

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

2010-09-27T13:26:00.002+13:00

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

2010-09-20T10:17:00.002+12:00

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

2010-09-13T08:00:00.002+12:00

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

2010-09-12T15:40:00.001+12:00

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

2010-09-06T08:15:00.002+12:00

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

2010-09-05T12:14:00.002+12:00

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

2010-08-30T10:49:00.002+12:00

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

2010-08-25T09:02:00.003+12:00

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

2010-08-19T09:30:00.007+12:00

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

2010-08-16T12:28:00.002+12:00

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

2010-08-09T07:56:00.003+12:00

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

2010-08-02T09:21:00.002+12:00

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

2010-07-30T09:22:00.002+12:00

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

2010-07-26T13:08:00.002+12:00

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

2010-07-22T11:16:00.002+12:00

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-07-20T19:01:00.002+12:00

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

2010-07-14T13:00:00.003+12:00

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

2010-07-05T09:10:00.002+12:00

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

2010-06-28T08:24:00.002+12:00

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

2010-06-24T21:44:00.004+12:00

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!

2010-06-24T12:28:00.002+12:00

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

2010-06-23T11:55:00.002+12:00

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

2010-06-21T09:44:00.002+12:00

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

2010-06-14T10:53:00.002+12:00

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

2010-06-13T11:44:00.002+12:00

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!

2010-06-12T13:07:00.002+12:00

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

2010-06-07T08:25:00.003+12:00

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.

Back at work

2010-06-04T09:11:00.002+12:00

Well it was my first night back at work last night and it was like I'd never been away (don't ya hate that!).

They had got me a beautiful plant (lilly) and a gorgeous scented candle on a class plate which was lovely.

Had a call from the surgeons office yesterday checking on my progress.
All is still well and I have been told the uncomfortable feeling I'm getting when I drink my water is likely from it being so cold (straight from the fridge), so I am now drinking it at room temperature and it seems fine.
One thing I didn't mention (which I didn't think of at the time) is that when I eat, I have no trouble getting the food down but usually when I've had enough, I get these sharp pains in my left shoulder blade..............weird eh? They go after a few minutes but I must remember to ask about them next time.

Weight is still declining which is fabulous, I'll only put a weekly amount in though on a Monday.

Queens Birthday weekend coming up which means Monday off......yay!
We aren't going away anywhere but have several visitors over the course of the weekend which is always great.

Right best I get organised for the day..............chow

1 week post op

2010-06-01T18:13:00.002+12:00

100kgs exactly.................gobsmacked!!

Tomorrow I'll be back in double digits, AWESOME!

STILL feeling amazing, not tired, food going down beautifully, not feeling like I'm "missing out" at all.

Wounds are healing really well, clothes are getting smaller.

Short, Sweet, Positive...........I like it.

1st weigh in

2010-05-31T10:03:00.002+12:00

It's officially 1 week since my op tomorrow (Tuesday) but I just love Monday morning weigh in's, so Monday it will be.

Start weight was 110.1kgs - today 101.3kgs which is a loss of 8.8kgs (which included my pre-op diet).

I will put a weekly weigh, over to the right of my page so you can see how I'm going (if your interested....LOL).

Again, feeling amazing today with no pain. Slept like a baby and got up, got the kids organised for school, took them to school, came home and had some breakfast and a cup of coffee and just love being back to my normal routine.

My little Lucy (Fox Terrier) has sliced her wee paw open on something so I have bandaged it and I will be taking her off to the vet very soon.

Home

2010-05-30T14:40:00.002+12:00

Arrived home yesterday afternoon and I am feeling amazing. I'm not on any drugs, mind you they only give you panadol after the op which amazes me but I'm feeling so great, I don't even need these.

The op went 'nearly' perfect, while I was on the operating table Dr Shroeder found I had a large Hiatas Hernia which he fixed as well as doing the tubular ligation and gastric bypass that did go perfectly. Triple whammy!

My weight this morning was 101.7kg which is a total loss so far of 8.4kgs.

I have been having yoghurt with mashed banana for breakfast and 1/2 cruskit for lunch with either cottage cheese or vegemite and cream cheese....yummmmmm.
For dinner last night I had one of my 'ice cubes' I made up before I went away with consisted of lamb steaks, potatoes, kumera, celery, leek, mushrooms, silverbeat and anything else I could think of, all blended into baby food consistancy and frozen into ice cubes.

I am suppose to be drinking 1 - 2L water a day but am struggling with this a wee bit, only because it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable when I drink water. I'm sure this will get better over time.

I met the most amazing ladies in hospital, 3 in total but 2 that I really got to know well and we had a ball in hosptial. We all marched up and down the corridors together and we even got in trouble one night as they were both in my room watching the final of American Idol and we were laughing so much the nurse closed our door and reminded us we were in a hospital................hahahaha.

Well that's all I can think of at the moment. I've just made a mean beef casserole with baked greens for dinner (for the rest of the family) and I'm now going to sit down and read my book for a while............chow.

5.3kg gone

2010-05-23T11:33:00.002+12:00

Not bad for 12 days eh?

I had stalled for about 5 days and was getting quite down about it but Zola from Hamilton reassured me it would start moving again which it has. Still only 1 (#2's) toilet visit is 6 days though. Plus I still have 2 days to go which I'm sure will see a bit more coming off.

Leaving tomorrow for Hamilton, have to be up there to get blood tests done.
Op Tuesday - admission 7.30am, operation approx 10.30am......nice and early.

REALLY REALLY excited, just want it done and dusted now.

Got all my 'lists' done for the family, wherther they use them or not is another thing but at least I know my bit is done.

I'll be back once I'm on the 'other side'. I'm not taking my PC with me while I'm up there, so won't be able to update until I'm home again.........Saturday 29th.

BYE *waves*

The scales are going down

2010-05-17T09:28:00.002+12:00

CHEATED on Saturday night. The family had pizza and I had 3 pieces, which is much better than my usual 8 but still, I beat myself up a bit for caving.

Drank a heap of water afterwards hoping this would wash it all away.....hahaha.

The scales are down again this morning to 105.8kg, which is a loss of 4.3kg in a week (awesome). I was asked to lose 2 - 4kgs before the op so that's one target I have hit. Another week to go, so lets see how much more I can lose.

Went through something weird last night - felt all down and depressed which ISN'T like me at all but have perked up again this morning. Don't know what it was but hope it doesn't come back.

This time next week I will be taking my life into my own hands by letting my Mother drive me to Hamilton (she's 70years old and thinks she is the only person on the road...LOL).

Right off I go..........talk later.

Saturday morrning

2010-05-15T07:36:00.002+12:00

106kg - 4.1kg loss in 4 days (gotta love that!).

The optifast isn't bad at all, I couldn't do it long term though (2 weeks will be enough). I haven't been hungry once and haven't craved anything.

I remember when a friend of mine (Jo - Just4Jo) was having her op and her Mum (Jenny)did the pre-op with her. I also wanted to support her in some way and I had some of my protein shakes, so suggested I also do the pre-op with her (my version).
Gotta say now I'm actually doing the Optifast version - what I did was NOTHING like what I'm doing now.
From memory I think I lost 3 or 4kgs in the 2 weeks but my head space wasn't in the right place.............I realise that now. I had absolutely NO idea what Jo was going through.

When I did it, I knew that I could have a burger the day after I finished (which I proberly did) and it was only 2 weeks out of my life but now I realise that this IS the LAST diet I will ever do and I am NEVER going to be physically able to eat as I have all of my life (which isn't a bad thing). So it is easier in some ways but much harder in others. I am so excited I am finally able to sort this bloody weight issue out that has dominated most of my life but at the same time I have this feeling of great loss because this is the only way I have known (eating habits etc) and that is all going to change DRAMATICALLY.

Weird.................

Right - glad I got that off my mind, feel much better now.

It's 7.50am Saturday morning and I have my little 'All Black' playing rugby at 9am but we have to be there at 8.40am and it is cold and miserable today (very unusual for Napier let me tell you!). It has been raining and looks like it might just start up again as I get in the middle of the field to watch my little fella play.

Hubby is golfing after work (he's working in this weather poor thing) and if you have a golf mad person you know (Jo - you know my pain eh?) it can be hailing with thunder and lightning and he will still go and play - MAD! So at least I'll have a nice quite afternoon, we recorded 'GREASE' on Sky during the week and Hubby and the boys sat down and watched it (VERY LOUD WITH POPCORN) and they are hooked. I'm guessing this will be them this afternoon and I will undoubtedly re-read my information pack and hospital pack about my op (I'm an information junkie).

PRE-OP DIET - LAST DIET I'LL EVERY GO ON!

2010-05-11T09:57:00.002+12:00

107.8kg which is 200g heavier than last week but today's weight was done fully clothed..........LOL (which I figured will be done this way with my surgeon in 2 weeks). I'm positive that if I'd weighed myself first thing this morning - naked - I would have easily lost more weight compared to last week, but now we will never know. I am also going to measure myself as soon as I can find that blinkin measuring tape.

I'm feeling fabulous and positive and excited.

Hubby is really nervous and keeps telling mes so, which isn't helping me much but I know it makes him feel better to tell me.
I had a mishap when I broke my leg many years ago and asperated in the operating theatre and ended up in intensive care for a couple of days......this is why he is so nervous.........I of course didn't feel a thing so woke up quite happy and didn't know what all the fuss was about.
Mind you, I was about 10kg heavier at least, which didn't help.

I had my first Optifast chocolate shake this morning for breakfast and it was OK, I've had better....hahaha.

My Mum has decided to do the optifast diet with me (for support) bless her but I'm guessing it will be much harder for her as there is no 'prize' at the end of the fortnight like there is for me.
I hope she does really well.

Right I'm off to hang some curtains that I bought about 6 weeks ago. I finally got them out and ironed them last week and they have been sitting on my couch ever since.
I HATE hanging curtains, hate, hate, hate. Oh well, its gotta be done.

Love Fridays

2010-04-30T16:23:00.002+12:00

109.5kg flashed up at me this morning, which means a 2.2kg loss since Monday (5 days) which is brilliant.

I have made a huge salad with everything I can think of in it and then have just been having some protein (prawns, ham or eggs) with it and it is so simple. I am always brilliant when starting out a diet so am doing really well ..... its long term that kicks my butt. Won't have to worry about that soon eh?

I received my Hospital/Administration pack from my surgeon today with all the do's and don't before surgery as well as blood tests I need and bills I need to pay etc.
I am so stoked to think it is under a month now..........I seems to be taking FOREVER.

Back to my title...............I love Friday's because I get a whole 2 days off.
Admittedly I also work part time (4 hours per day) but I still look forward to it.
Mind you, in saying that the kids sports have now started up so I am usually on a rugby field somewhere in my area arounnd 8 - 8.30am on a Saturday morning.

Hi ho Hi ho, its off to work I go. Have a lovely weekend.

Going great guns

2010-04-28T11:41:00.002+12:00

All's well with me replacing 1 meal with my protein shakes (which I love).

I'm replacing dinner with my shake which is fantastic as I don't finish work unit 9pm and usually eat when I get home which is WAY too late to eat and I usually end up staying up half the night until it goes down or I get wicked reflux.

I have been having either toast or a muffin with eggs for breakfast and some sort of protein (ham Monday, prawns Tuesday and today) with a fresh crisp salad........yum!.

When I weighed myself on Monday morning I was 111.7kg and this morning I was sitting at 110.1kgs which is exactly what I weighed a month ago at the surgeon's office (-1.6kg). So anything I lose from now will count towards the 4kg's I am required to lose beforfe surgery.

Had my girlfriend over this morning for a coffee who had the bypass done 4 years ago and it still amazes me how little she can eat (we had eggs benedict for breakfast).
I had 2 and she only wanted 1 and then only ate half of that and was full.....I still find that hard to believe....LOL

Righto I'm off to The Warehouse to finally buy some bar stools I have been waiting for.

Might get around to putting my ticker back up at some stage as well.

Feeling a little guilty

2010-04-24T10:51:00.003+12:00

I had a call from the nutritionist in Hamilton yesterday just checking in on what I'm up to and if I'm putting any of the things explained to me into practic (ie. checking supermarket labels, monitoring my food intake etc) to which I told her I am.

She also asked me if I was going to start the optifast diet on Monday (this is the pre-op diet I have to do 2 weeks prior to my op to reduce the size of my liver which will make the operation easier for the surgeon - I'm all for that!) and I said to her that I'm not due to start the optifast until the 11th May, at least another 2 weeks away. She then said that I am able to start it at an earier date and the longer I'm on it the better and she could send me the extra supplies I would need (as I only purchased enough for my 2 weeks).

This threw me for a 6. WHY would I want to do that???? Well, I actually know why after she explained it to me but it came out of the blue, I wasn't expecting it and now I'm in a bit of a fluster about whether I should or not. The surgeon only suggested 2 weeks prior and I have siked myself up for starting it on the 11th May.
Grrrrrrr I'm a bit confused now.

I do have another protein shake (which is too high in sugar for after the op) which is called Naturally Slim (by Healtheries) which is the only protein shake I really loved when dieting, so I suggested I start suplementing a meal or 2 with this leading up to the 'offical' optifast diet. She said that would be fine but now I have this feeling that this is all happening now when I thought I still had a couple of weeks up my sleeve - does that make sense???

So anyway, I have my sister and brother-in-law, my parents and an ex brother-in-law and niece coming for a BBQ tonight. My plan is that I am going to drink the rest of my RTD's (premix alcohol) left in the fridge as well as treat myself to a huge steak (won't be eating that for a while) and some other wee treats, namely garlic bread and nibbles and then that's it!

Tomorrow will be a very quiet day and then Monday I'm going to cut out the alcohol, bread and sugar plus start supplementing my dinner with a protein shake and only having cereal for breaky (protein and salad/veges) for lunch.
THAT should get the ball rolling.
I will weigh myself Monday morning and take photo's and start weekly tracking.

That's the plan..............

All approved

2010-03-29T09:00:00.002+13:00

Heard back from Southern Cross that I get a $5,000 one off payment towards my op (yeah!) plus I'm also having a tubular ligation at the same time and all of this cost is covered (double yeah!)..............might as well do as much as he can while he's in there eh......LOL

I've also applied and got approved my leave for May. I am only taking 8 days (with a weekend inbetween) as I only work part time (sitting at a desk) and with David's (surgeon) input he though this would be fine.

I've managed to put on another kilo since going to Hamilton which is a real bummer because I have been trying not to do the 'last supper' thing where I'm eating everything in sight because after May 25th, I'm going to be very limited for quite a while but it is really hard. Bread is my downfall and I know I'm not going to be able to eat much (if not any) of this for at least 6 months and I'm having one of those "losing an old friend" type of thing going on and eat bread more regularly now than in the past.

I have been trying some of the 'therepist' tips which are working quite well.

I'm obviously a HUGE eater and ALWAYS have a second plate of dinner or whatever, so one of the things she said to me was - "after your first plate of food, go and brush your teeth as you won't feel like anything to eat after that" and it works.
Another one was "while making food (dinner or whatever) alway have either a mint or a piece of gum in your mouth and then you won't pick" another brilliant idea.
Amazing how something so simple makes sense but you don't think of it until someone mentions it.

I'm not sure if I mentioned it earlier but my Mum came to the appointments with me and asked David which is the best diet to do (rather than the op) and he said instantly THE SOUTH BEACH DIET. Apparently it combines the Atkins diet with another one (can't think of it right now) and it is the best. He said Weight Watchers is very good but mainly focusses on low fat rather than sugar intake. Sugar intake is as harmful if not more that a fatty diet and he reckons people just don't understand this and are not being told. He reckons if you eliminate sugar from your diet (natural sugars as well - ie sugary fruits) the weight would melt off you (wouldn't that be nice!).
So my Mum has checked the local libraries and bookstores and can't find it, so we are going to either order one or get one off trademe (seems to be a few on there) and she's going to give it a go.

Well the rest of my day consists of taking the lovely hair off from above my lip and dying my rapidly greying hair....hoo hum.

Oh yeah weight stuff

2010-03-11T14:50:00.002+13:00

Forgot to say that they reckon after 12 months I should be down to about 71kg.....nice! I of course have a figure in my head which is 65kgs as this is the top of my healthy BMI range...........time will tell.

I'm easy on this one and will wait and see how I go. I'll hopefully get everything right and not make myself too sick along the way.

Tuesday 25th May 2010.......

2010-03-11T14:40:00.002+13:00

The last day I ever go on a diet..................Major sigh, that sounds good to me!

Went and met the team in Hamilton and they are all lovely. The surgeon even offered to tie my tubes for free while he was in there.........sounds good to me, thank you very much!

I start the pre-op diet on the 11th May so I am now starting the countdown, only 61 days until pre-op diet and 75 day until MAJOR LIFE CHANGING operation.

Doctors scales = 108.2kg
My home scales = 110.1kg (much prefer his obviously)
1.9kg difference.

Expected to lose a minimum of 2 - 4kgs on the 2 week optifast diet before surgery......no sweat.

Nearly a year has gone by...........

2010-02-18T09:11:00.002+13:00

WOW I haven't updated since last April................can anyone say 'slack arse'.

Well I have made some major decisions since last April (by the way, I am 500g heavier at 107.7kgs now) and the biggest one is that I have decided to have a gastric bypass. With a BMI of 44, I am a perfect candidat (spelling?)and am hoping for big things.

I know of 5 other people who have had it now and all those people are 100% happy with their decision and look and feel 100% better............I want that too.

I have been thinking about it (seriously) for about 4 months but the final push for me was when my mother (who turned 70 years old 4 days ago) returned from Australia and on her second day back I had to take her to weight watchers to re-join (for the 100th plus time) so she could lose the weight she had put back on (for th 100th plus time). I sat there in the car while she went up to re-join and thought to myself "I don't want to be in this same situation when I'm 70!". I turn 40 this year and instead of a big party etc, I'm going to do something for myself and I have researched and put alot of effort into getting to this decision, so bugger it.......I deserve it and I'm going to do it.

Luckily for me I have a very supportive husband and family so there has been no negative's so far. I have my first appointment with the surgeon and his team on the 10th March and can't wait.
I am also working part time now (about 4 months now) and spoke to my boss and he is also very supportive and has no problem giving me time off which is awesome as I haven't accummulated enough yet.

So that's my big news....................never a dull moment in this household.

I'm still loving the Hawkes Bay and everyone (kids, hubby, father) are all settled and really happy. We have been here 2 years now (time fly's ha?) and have made some lovely friends.

Hoping to update more frequently in the future.

Feeling more positive

2009-04-28T23:56:00.002+12:00

Sat down and thought about what gives me inspiration and the short answer is - Bloggers.

I am trying to get back into reading (and commenting) more often as I love the support blogging gives me, so I try and give a bit of that back.

I weighed in at 107.2kgs yesterday (Monday morning) and was obviously horrified but optimistic.

I know how to lose the weight and I WILL - End of Story!
I have quite a few big events coming up (Husband's 40th, Husband's school reunion, my 40th, sister's 50th, Mum's 70th and my babies 5th birthday in 2 months) and I want to feel good about myself, have photo's taken without cringing and enjoy myself.

I've decided the best way to do this will take 3 initial steps, first of all STOP BOOZING. I have gotten into a really bad habit of having a couple of drinks most nights and then a couple more on the weekend. I love wine but it doesn't love me so I went back to my original love (bourbon & coke) and it is FULL of sugar plus I can drink TONNES of the stuff.

Second thing is reduce my carbs - mainly BREAD! This is my biggest challenge as I am married to the ultimate BREAD MAN and I seem to be surrounded by bread (fresh, grainy, yummy bread) all day, everyday. This is going to take strength.

And thirdly I need to start doing some form of exercise - anything at the moment will be better than nothing. I have my beloved treadmill sitting here which I really want to get on but am too damn lazy so I figure I will just have to play with the kids more in the backyard to start with until I lose a bit of weight and feel like I can do more than 4 minutes on the damn thing (sounds like an excuse but that's how I'm feeling at present).

I figure if I just set myself 3 things to do, it won't kill me........right?

I'ts now Wednesday morning (12.05am) and since I started this post Tuesday night, I'd better get my butt into bed.

FEELIN GREAT, FEELIN POSITIVE, LONG MAY IT CONTINUE.

Night night.........

Whoa is me update

2009-04-19T22:32:00.003+12:00

Shit March 12 was the last time I updated - SLACKER!

It amazes me that I have to hit rock bottom (or very close to it) before I get myself into action to lose this bloody weight. I jumped on the scales this morning 106.7kg....HELL. What was it, 3 years ago when I hit 110kgs that I couldn't take it anymore and lost the weight (got down to 86.3kg) and now I've managed to creep back up to 106.7kg *sigh* man this weightloss stuff sucks eh?

I know where I'm going wrong (food basically and the shit I'm eating plus the alcohol doesn't help either - oh and don't forget NO EXERCISE) and I know how to lose weight (I've done it dozen's of times) but I just don't. Its very frustrating because I know I can do it (again - I've done it a thousand times) but I just don't ----- why?

When I do get to a weight I'm proud of (with still more to go) and I'm feeling really good about myself I relax and relaxing for me equals trouble. I love it when I'm eating healthy and exercising (mainly because I can exercise and don't feel like a total blob) but I just don't seem to be able to hang onto that feeling.

STORY OF MY LIFE.

I really don't know what to do with myself. All the goals I set myself just disappear and I don't care. I don't know how to stop this yoyo dieting or 'lifestyle change' as alot of people like to call it but basically its dieting for me because I don't make a lifestyle change if I can go back to where I've come from.

Righto, I've finished feeling sorry for myself (for now), I'm going to look up my local weight watchers meeting and think about going back as the only time I lose any substantial amount of weight it is with weight watchers.

My Mum and two older sisters (all overweight) decided 5 weeks ago that we would all support each other and post our weights everyweek so we could see how we are going.
We all had a great first week but since then we have put on everyweek, my eldest sister has given up posting her weight all together.........wonder where I get this weight problem from...hahahaha.

On a brighter note, I have my mother in law (who I get on with famously) and 3 nephew's arriving tomorrow for a week (last week of the school holiday's) and I am looking forward to it as they are great kids (10, 12 & 16) and my mother in law is a fantastic cook and will hopefully give me a break over the week YAY.

Hubby and I get 3 days off a year with our business and 2 of them were Easter Friday and Easter Sunday, so we got our driver to work on Saturday and we headed off to Masterton to visit some old friends. We stayed at a fabulous revamped Solway Park Hotel which is very family friendly and apart from visiting our friend, we didn't leave the complex. There was a driving range (hubby was happy), a trampoline, indoor and outdoor pool (they only used the indoor - bit chilly), spa, games room (which was right next to the bar) and the room was 2 bedrooms with a kitchen and a TV in every room (kids loved it). I'll attach some photo's.

Apart from that it has been the same old thing up here. Loving the Hawkes Bay, loving our new lifestyle and very very happy (apart from the weight of course). Still getting lots of visitors but we love it.

The house is slowly getting donw (between visitors), we have now completed the tiles in the loo and all I need now is something to go up on the wall.
Dad's place has had the bathroom revamped (new floor, toilet and vanity) and just needs his bedroom recarpeted and that's him done.

Our kitchen is the next thing on the agenda but we have been putting it off as it is a major job and we know that once we start, we can't stop. The loungeroom is all done except for new curtains (I just haven't seen the perfect one's yet) and the hallway just needs some pictures or photo's up so it looks less boring.

Okey Dokey I'd better get myself off to bed, I'll just attach some photo's first.
Hope everyone is well, I try and get around to see how everyone is but I have been a bit slack.

Crikey its been forever

2009-03-12T21:29:00.002+13:00

WOW I didn't realise it had been January since I last updated - what a slacker.

Weights up (103.9kgs putting me back to 29/12/08) which means I didn't get my new top when Mum was here from Oz.
I did however manage to raid her suitcase and found 2 new tops she had that I loved, so she let me have them......LOL.

I have had visitor after visitor and even though I do really love having people stay - I'M OVER IT!!

The last lot of guests (3 couples up from Wellington) came for the Lionel Richie concert at the Mission Estate Winery that got cancelled after us sitting in the pouring rain for nearly 2 hours. Mind you, we had had quite a bit to drink by them and had resigned ourselves to the fact that it didn't matter what we did we were soaked to the bone, so we actually ended up having a great time (even without Lionel). We ended up coming back home, had a huge feed of everything you could think of and then decided nightclubbing at midnight was a great idea..........ah NOT!

Apart from that there hasn't been a great deal going on, just the usual (kids to school, clean the house, data entry for a couple of hours a day blah blah blah).

Sorry this is such a boring post after such a long time....hahaha

I bought some weight watchers cereal and yoghurt (again) and am going back to basics with my food. The only way I have ever lost weight is on weight watchers (even at home by myself) so I will go back to the tried and true method.

Trying not to stress too much about it but am just soooooooo sick of being in this situation again this year when I promised myself I would be at goal and enjoying life now.

Andrew's 40th in August so I am going to try and lose as much as possible (not putting a number on it) by then.

Over and out.

Weigh in day - Day 14

2009-01-26T15:06:00.003+13:00

101.4kgs which is a loss of 600grams this week.

How do I feel about that......*taps fore finger on chin* I dunno really???

Yes I lost 600 grams which is fabulous but I was mostly on par with my shakes etc this week and expected WAY MORE, anyway a loss is a loss is a loss....right.

So 1.8kgs down in the past fortnight.....excellent!!

My mate goes for her op tomorrow and I am thinking about her constantly *waves*.
She has done brilliantly on her pre-op diet for the past fortnight and just continues to blow me away.

Had more visitors leave today and then we should have another one on Tuesday (only for a day) and then nobody for a week and a half.

Adam went back to kindy today and was so excited as he has missed his mates.

Reece goes back next Monday and I am really excited as he is driving me nuts with his questions "what can I do now", "I'm bored", "when can I go back to school"....6 weeks is WAY too long a holiday for that one.

Anyway I can't hang around here all day, I have work to do.

Day 13 (of 14)

2009-01-24T11:50:00.002+13:00

Ok the scales were back down a wee bit this morning (after my pill worked) so I'm pleased about that.
The weather has been really hot so I drank about 3 litres of water yesterday - no kidding!

We are having a BBQ tonight which is great because I'm ready for a nice big salad (which I haven't had for a few days) and a juicy piece of steak.....yum.

I have a 21st to go to tonight but I've bailed out as we have my father-in-law here (who was also invited) and we haven't seen him in 5 years so we really want some quiet time with him as he is leaving for Aussie tomorrow.
PLUS I am WAY PAST going to 21st, I enjoyed it in my 20's but now I'm nearly 40 I think I'll pass. There is going to be 70+ people and most of them (at least 50) are the birthday boys age....eeeek!

Another beautiful day in Hawkes Bay (30+ degrees) and I am very comfortable now walking around in singlet tops. I'm really pissed at myself that I haven't worn singlet tops for YEARS (since my early teens) because I had such a hang up on how big my arms were (still are but I don't really care now).
It is soooooooo much cooler than I expected and I am loving the extra variety I now have when I go shopping.

Right, there's vacuuming to do so I'm off (exciting eh?).

Day 11 (of 14)

2009-01-22T13:50:00.003+13:00

Bloody scales were up 300 grams this morning - WTF?

This is getting harder and harder when I thought it would get easier.
When I did this the week before Xmas, I lost 2.7kgs in 1 week now I'm going to find it hard to hit 2 kgs in two weeks...grrrr.

Anyway I am feeling better in myself which is a bonus and I am definately more active.

Can't go to the loo again this week (happened about the same time last week) but I'm going to take something to 'help me along' this week as I feel horrile last week after 4 days.

Work is really busy at the moment as we are in a tourist town and everyone eats bread (our business) so we are busy busy busy which is all good.

I also had the neighbours kids (11, 8 & 5) today and they have just left and taken my kids with them (gotta love that) so I have a bit of peace and quiet which is bliss after having 5 kids in the house most of the day.

I got some chicken breasts for dinner which I'm going to have with some stir fry vege's (looking forward to that) and I've had my 2 shakes for the day.
My water intake has slacked off the last couple of days (its 2pm and I've only had half a litre today) so I need to get that back up.

Day 9 (of 14)

2009-01-20T21:35:00.003+13:00

I've given myself a bit of a 'talking to' because I was letting a few little things creep in which is silly because I didn't need them but I was just being lazy.

I feel much better now and can't believe how well I can do when I focus.
I need to be super organised and its easy (well not easy but EASIER).

I've FINALLY been to the loo and feel a whole lot lighter which the scales are also telling me and I was 700 grams down from yesterday morning's weigh in.

I'm doing this 'shake' thing in support of a very good friend (which I have mentioned before) and I must say she is doing BRILLIANTLY and I am blown away by her dedication. Her mother (also another friend) is also doing it in support of her girl and is also 'creaming it'!.

Hi girls *big waves*, so excited for you.

Our visitors which were going to arrive yesterday (after our 1st lost of visitors left at 4pm last night) are now coming on Thursday which is great as it will give me a bit of time to get my house back in order before they arrive.

I took Reece out for the day today (Adam's turn tomorrow) and we did the usual McDonalds (him not me) and then he wanted to go shopping as he got some money from his cousin and Nanny in Australia he wanted to spend. He definatley takes after his Mum as we were out for about 3 hours going from shop to shop and he loved every minute of it. I'm taking Adam out tomorrow but he will walk into the 1st shop he see's, grab something and want to come home (just like his father..haha).

Right I've had over 2 litre's of water today and need to go to the loo again (visit 760) so I'll love ya and leave ya for tonight.

Weigh In (Day 8 of 14)

2009-01-19T07:48:00.004+13:00

Weighed in at 102kg which is quite disappointing because I had gone under that weight during the week but I did loose the blot a bit over the weekend, mostly with drinking (wine not water). My eating wasn't too bad but I did skip a couple of shakes (with nothing to replace it) which didn't help plus I havent been to the loo for about 3 days. Plus NO EXERCISE FOR 3 DAYS.

BUT 1.2kg loss is still excellent and I will continue this week and hope for something similar.

Our Wellington visitors leave today (about lunchtime) and then we have our next lot arriving either this afternoon or tomorrow (hopefully I'll get enough time to whip around and clean up - again).

We had a lovely weekend and the weather was perfect so we basically BBQ'ed the whole weekend apart from going out to lunch yesterday (this was when the wine got drunk).

The next visitors are my in-laws which means I'm going to have to put all of my focus into entertaining them. I haven't seen these one's (due to a falling out) for nearly 5 years so I think things will be a bit strained.

Jo and Jenny - you ladies rock and are doing FANTASTICALLY!

Right since I am in the study and this is where our visitors stay, I'd better get the bed changed and remade *sigh*.

Day 4 (of 14)

2009-01-15T10:53:00.003+13:00

Going great guns here, shakes are still yum and the water is getting easier to drink but the toilet stops are still the same - heaps.

Had a few visitors yesterday so didn't manage to get on the treadmill and haven't again this morning but am definately getting on later today (again waiting on a visitor to arrive).

Last night I had another huge salad (I really don't get sick of them AT ALL) and added a couple of bits of feta cheese - yum. I didn't have any eggs to add (hence the cheese) and the boys ended up having sausages, chips and baked beans (yuk!).

I think the thing I'm finding the hardest at the moment is coffee, I am usually a 6 cup a day girl but have been trying to only have 3 maximum and without sugar. I don't mind it THAT much without the sugar but find the hardest thing is not putting it in as it is habit. I made one this morning to take to work and automatically put a teaspoon of sugar in and didn't realise until we were half way to work and I had a sip. I must admit it tasted very sweet to start with but I enjoyed it all the same.

I'm finding mid afternoon still the hardest time for me as I am getting peckish but the extra salad in the fridge has helped. As we live in the Hawkes Bay we have an abundance of beautiful, fresh, variety of fruit and my fruit bowl is full with nectarines, plums, apricots, apples, oranges and golden kiwifruit and I just want to eat it all but have decided not to indulge myself but stick to the plan (2 shakes plus I main meal of protein & salad/vege's) as it is only for 2 weeks and I am DYING to see what the results are.

Of course I jumped on the scales again this morning (I'm such a daily weigher) and they are down 800 grams bringing me to 1.8kgs in 3 days (long may it continue). I had an expectation of losing 2.5 - 3kgs if possible and this is still my goal but if things go better than that, well who am I to complain right?

My main focus is to make sure I do my treadmill and water as I think I have the eating side of it sorted.

Since its such a beautiful day here today I am going to get outside and potter around (after the visitors leave) and then go and get the weekly grocery shopping while the kids go to the neighbours for a 'tea party' (so cute).

Day 1 (of 14)

2009-01-14T09:36:00.003+13:00

Day 1 over and done with and I did fantastically.

I drank ALL my water (2 litres) plus some and BOY did my bladder feel it PLUS I think I did enough exercise just running to the toilet and back without needing anymore.

BUT I did unhook the ole' treadmill and managed a brisk 20 minute walk which nearly killed me (boy its been a long time) and I felt elated afterwards.

My eating was also brilliant and I had my morning shake about 9.15am and then my lunch shake around 1pm. By dinner time I was absolutely starving and managed to polish off the remaining huge salad and tiny bit oflasagna from last night which was (again) yummy.

Jumped on the scales this morning and was happy to see a kilo gone, so I'm hoping to double that (at least) by the end of the week.

Today's plan:
More treadmill (either longer or a faster speed)
All my water (look out bladder)
2 x shakes (not a problem)
Either chicken or Steak for dinner

I have also made up a huge salad that is sitting in the fridge for when I get hungry (as well as for my dinner) as I found that I was really hungry late afternoon as well as first thing in the morning. I just looked at my watch and it is 9.45am and I haven't had my 1st shake yet which is leaving it way too late, so I will have to work on having that earlier.

We have more guests staying Saturday and Sunday and then more arriving Monday for either 2 or 3 days. This makes 'things' difficult when having to cook for other people and try to explain to them why I'm either not eating (what they are) or why I'm having a shake etc and then listen to their opinion on it all (which I can do without but sit there smiling and listening).

Be back tomorrow.

Shake, shake, shake, shake a shake it

2009-01-13T08:57:00.003+13:00

Right that's the 1st day out of the way, didn't drink all of my water but enjoyed my shakes and had the most delious salad last night with roasted pine nuts (yummmmmmm).

Since going to weight watchers ALL those years ago, I have managed to pick up great recipe's for salad's and must admit that I can make a pretty 'mean' salad now which I completely enjoy and rarely need anything else to go with it. We had lasagne as well last night and I had maybe a quarter the amount I usually have and double the amount of salad.

I didn't get my treadmill unhooked - hangs head in shame - BUT I did enough housework to more than make up for the 30 minutes I had planned.

My darling hubby took the kids for a long bike ride and then to his cousins for a swim in their pool and they would have been away for at least 3 hours, so I got stuck into the housework (worked up quite a sweat) and then shot into town to get some office supplies.

I found that to be a perfect day as I spent time with the kids in the morning but then had my own time in the afternoon and got stuff done (supplies etc).
I am SO OVER these school holiday's and even though the kids have been good, they and myself are ready for them to go back to school and we have 3 weeks to go argh!

I'll leave you with a photo of my boys in their 'tent' they made in the lounge room and one of the 'other half' at Cape Kidnappers golf course, he said it was breathtaking.

Shakes

2009-01-12T11:10:00.002+13:00

These are the shakes I take (this is a picture of the fat burner tablets but the image is the same on the shakes), they come in Vanilla, Banana, Berry and Chocolate and are yummy.......yes you read it right, I actually like the taste of them and there's no other shake out there that I can say that about.

I mix it with 250mls trim milk (or half milk, half water) and they cost approx. $22 for a tub which usually lasts me 2 weeks.

Weigh in

2009-01-12T06:35:00.004+13:00

103.1kgs which is a loss of 600grams not the kilo I was looking for but (here comes the excuses) its THAT time of the month and I have been known to put on up to a kilo so I figure I have actually lost over a kilo.....hahahahaha gotta love that logic!

I'm just really happy its a loss but still have FULL INTENTIONS of losing that 5 kilo's before Mummy dearest gets here.

I am doing the shake thing more seriously for the next two weeks as I have a very good friend I am supporting (how is also doing it) and I don't want to let her down plus it is only going to benefit me as well so its gotta be a good thing.

HERE WE GO MATE!!!!!!!!!!

I had a quiet weekend and didn't do a hell of a lot which was bloody lovely I tell ya.
The only visitors I had was the neighbour who popped over for a coffee and her son on Saturday night for a sleepover (didn't even know he was here).

Andrew has been training up a relief driver as our current on hasn't been able to work due to his wife being VERY ill and Andrew hasn't had a day off in about 2 months and the cranky little bugger needs one.

The kids have been brilliant and after being kicked off the playstation 3 days in a row for fighting (after only about 10 minutes) they have now learnt to play with each other without fighting....LOL

Plan for today is to do my paperwork (approx 2 - 3 hours) then have a shake, do at least 20 minutes on my treadmill (after unhooking it and plugging it in - won't know what hit it *smile*), do something with the kids (hopefully outdoors) another shake for lunch and then a nice steak and salad for lunch - all while drinking 2 litres of water *phew*. I'll let you know how I did tomorrow, wish me luck.

Instant Motivation!!

2009-01-09T10:43:00.002+13:00

Well I have finally found how to get instant motivation when I'm feeling downhearted.......PUT ON LAST YEARS SWIMSUIT!!!!!!!

BOY THAT DID IT.

Thank god I was at a relatives house because it wasn't a pretty sight.
I've never really been a pretty sight in a swimsuit but this was grotesque. I instantly drank gallons of water and have started back on my shakes......hahaha.

It has been stinking hot here in the sunny Hawkes Bay and I am definately feeling it. The lethargic, excess sweating, chaffing its all back and it ain't pretty people!

So I've gotten my head back in the game and decided to set myself a mini goal.
My Mum gets here in the middle of February (34 days to be exact) which gives me 5 weeks to shed a few kilo's. I have decided to set the bar high and WILL lose 5 kilo's before she come's and if I have she is going to buy me a piece of clothing that I want (might have to be a new swimsuit...LOL).

The weight I want to hit (to achieve my goal) is 98.7kg (yay baby - back in double figures) and I am VERY POSITIVE that I can do it.

I am really loving being back online and reading everyone's blogs again, I've really missed reading what everyone is up to. I really find it helpful to read and hear about all the ups and downs other people are going through which makes me feel a little more 'normal' (wrong word but its the only one I can think of).

Right its stinking hot here and I'm off to hang another load of washing out as well as get the kids off the playstation and outside before they kill each other.

Hmmmmmm

2009-01-08T08:36:00.002+13:00

Trying to get back into 'it' once there has been a couple of weeks off ISN'T EASY.

I weighed in at 103.7kgs on Monday morning which was a lose off 200gms. I only managed 2 shakes last week and overindulged with too much wine, cheese and biscuits, takeaways etc.

We have had guests staying (which left yesterday) which makes cooking and eating a challenge plus the weather has been friggin amazing (going to be another 30+ today) and all we want to do is drink water (excellent!) then later in the evening drink wine (not excellent) and then eat late (not great when you go to bed at 8.30pm).

Our next lot of visitors don't arrive until 22nd Jan so that gives me 2 weeks to get back into a healthly routine of eating and drinking.
I must admit I really enjoyed the 'shakes' that 1st week and instantly felt better within a week (if only you could bottle that feeling eh?).

Plan for today is, take the kids to the local park and meet up with a friend and her kids. Then our cousin is coming over the pick up the goggles and shorts I managed to take from her house by mistake yesterday after we had finished having a swim in her pool (bliss!).
Then we have to meet up with the boss from Tip Top who is up from Wellington for our bi-annual catch-up (hopefully in a pub or cafe where it is cool) and then come home and crash. I just turned around from where I am sitting and looked at my treadmill which I will unhook and plugin today as well. Tonight I think is the best time once it cools down a bit.

My sister brought me a singlet top thing for Xmas and I baulked at it when I opened it because I NEVER EVER EVER wear a singlet top (my arms are massive) but she said it was so hot up here and all I had (that fits at the moment) are black t-shirt, polo shirts which are just plain stupid, so I put the thing on to please here and it was really cool so I took myself down to 'he Warehouse' and got a couple more.
The only thing I have to do now is get a tan on the upper arms as they are lilly white and look very weird.

Ok I'd better get these kids organised if I'm going to the park this morning,
hope everyone is still on holiday's having a fabulous time (not I).

2nd day into the New Year and I'm knackered!

2009-01-02T11:08:00.002+13:00

Well I was a 'Nanna' and was in bed by 9pm on New Year's Eve. Unfortunately we are a 7 day a week business and don't get New Years off, so had to start work at 3am (as per normal) which means an early night.
I had my niece, nephew and great nephew still here which was nice and they said it was the best New Years Day (no hang over) they can remember ....... hahahaha

I made one New Year's resolution 3 years ago which I have kept which was "Never make another New Year's resolution again"......if I made anything different I wouldn't have stuck to it and only gotten myself depressed so why bother??

We have our house back today for a whole 2 days before the next lot of visitors arrive (sister, brother-in-law and nephew) for 3 days so we don't get much of a break PLUS Andrew hasn't had a day off in 5 weeks and I haven't had one off in 3 weeks.....blimey!

The high's and low's of owning your own business I guess.

My food has been a bit off but I'm not too concerned as there has been lots of water being drunk and salad's being eaten...mmmmm. Weigh in on Monday will tell.

The kids have been quite good but FOREVER want the neiboughs kids over here. They are generally good kids but I hate the responsibility of looking after kids constantly and mine never want to go there *sigh*. God I'm moaning today....sorry, I'll stop now!

Mum is visiting in February from Oz and I can't wait to get my 'Allure' perfume that she always gets me through Duty Free as mine is all but gone.

I'm still amazed that this time last year the kids and I were looking forward to visiting Mum and Andrew was staying back to work as he was 'the last on' at Tip Top (Sales Rep then) and had to work. We had NO INTENTION of moving (house or city) or changing career's, giving up my job (over 20 years at) and look at us now!!!

New city, new house, new schools (for the kids), new friends, new business and we are over the moon and just love it.

Right I'm going to end on that note and pop over to see what you gals have been up to.

Wanna - pls email me as I can't get on your blog (let the invite run out - sorry).

Cherrio

Weight

2008-12-30T12:34:00.004+13:00

Well I managed to put on 2kgs of the 2.7kgs I lost last week......shit shit shit.

Actually I can't really say I'm that upset, more disappointed in myself.
I decided to NOT DRINK A SHAKE at all last week as it was Xmas week and I wasn't going to miss out on any of the yummy food BUT I just needed to NOT eat the amount of yummy food I did (everything in moderation Rachel!!!!!).

So I've pulled my head back in and am 'back on the wagon' so to speak and (of course) feel much better for it.

I have my niece, her hubby and my great nephew staying with us for a few days and as much as I love the little fella (10 months old) I DON'T miss all the running around there is with a baby. I really don't think I would have the energy anymore. I know it has only been 5 years since Adam crashed into our lives (my little darling) but I feel so old and sluggish now (could also be the weight - ya think?).

My other niece (the one that's here - her younger sister) has also just been admitted to hospital 4 days early to have her first child and I must admit the first thing I thought when I heard this was "thank god its not me".........hehehe.

Right that's it from me at the moment (I have a backyard full of kids) best I go and sort things out (I hear nothing which is ALWAYS a bad sign).

A photo of Reece and Adam with their cousin Jordan.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T16:49:00.004+13:00

What a full on day (no suprise there eh?) the boys have had a ball, loved the Playstation and have been on it most of the day between their new waterslide (off their Pop) and waterguns (in their santa sack).

I cooked my first Turkey today which I was really nervous about because my Mum always has that job but she now lives in Aussie and I am in Napier without my older sisters around to do it so it was up to me. Mum emailed me instructions as well as her cranberry stuffing recipe (yummo) and thankfully all went well and it was delish.

I got the ABBA Singstar which is fantastic because I LOVE ABBA but unfortunately I'm not the greatest singer in the world but have been practising on it.....hahaha. I can beat the old man so I'm happy about that.

Shooting up to Gisborne tomorrow to suprise Andrew's cousin for his 40th birthday party (he is also our boys godfather) which will be awesome as we didn't think we were going to make it but our relief driver came through for us in the end....yay!!
It will only be a very quick flying visit (up tomorrow after work and back Saturday afternoon) but it will be great to see everyone as there is going to be quite a crowd and heaps of family we haven't seen in years.

My eating has been quite good today, I haven't gone overboard but haven't really been too concerned about watching what I eat (it IS Christmas day) and I'm feeling great.
We had a cooked breakfast this morning and the big Xmas lunch about 2.30pm which means dinner will be leave overs.........yummmmmmmmmmm I love Xmas left overs.

Right I'd better get back to the family, here are some photo's. Bye.

Weigh in

2008-12-22T13:29:00.002+13:00

101.9kgs
2.7kgs loss this week - bloody amazing if you ask me and hasn't been that hard.

I know I can't live on 2 shakes and 1 meal a day but I'm hopefully going to do it for at least another week. I'd like to get under 100kgs again rather quickly if possible.

Busy busy busy so I'm signing off for today.....bye.