I'm Dwindling Away

Actually, not really, but I had someone tell me that the other day and I thought it might make a catchy title.

This post is a little late... like three weeks late.  But, with a birthday, a graduation, a wedding and life's regular stuff, I haven't had a chance to post much recently.  For any of you who are interested, this is the month three update on my weight loss journey.

So, May 6, 2012.... three months out from surgery and this is where I stand.  I have lost 56.2 pounds.  My BMI has decreased from a 41 to 32.5.  It's sad, but I guess I'm excited that I am no longer considered Morbidly Obese.... just Obese.  Isn't that nice?  I have lost 4" from my chest, 4.5" from my waist, 6" off my hips and 4.5" from my thighs.  I have dropped four solid dress sizes and depending on the clothes, it might be five.  I don't mind telling you people at this point that, wait for it, I weigh over 200 pounds.... but not much over.  One-derland, as us fatties like to call it, is in view.  I weigh less now that I did when I got married 15 years ago.  My kids have never seen me, as Erin puts it "so skinny."

Now, all of this is not so much a comment on where I am, but where I've been.  I still have about 65 pounds more to lose.... I am nearly halfway to my goal, which isn't terrible for three months time.  But it's getting harder.  I am really hoping to kick things in the butt and start losing again.  I have been stalled for the last couple of weeks (see birthday, graduation, wedding, etc.)  However, it is renewed determination that I have started to really focus on my exercise and stepping it up.

Here are a few highlights and observations from the last month.

Some NSV's (Non-Scale Victories)

Just imagine that I don't look like a zombie... too lazy to fix my eyes in this picture.  Yes, that's me in my wedding dress, and yes, I'm aware that I can still stand to lose a bit more, but, it fits.... I got it zipped up.  It's amazing however, what my four kids have done to my body.  I weigh the same, but everything is distributed differently.

Three months out, and I still have hair... actually a big relief.  I am finding a disturbing amount of it in drains and on countertops and bathroom floors, but I have enough that I can still color it (decided to go dark again) and can attempt to style it.  I say attempt because hair has never been my strong suit.  I didn't get a full body picture at the three month point, so this is going to have to work.

Finally, I reached a goal.  I was able to travel on an airplane without having to ask for a seatbelt extender or without cutting off circulation to the lower half of my body.  This truly is something you have to be big to appreciate, but for the last six years, I have dreaded flying.  Arm rests are not your friend when you have hips and if you're flying without your kids, your seat mates do not necessarily appreciate the overflow (if you know what I mean.)  I was able to fly to Ohio with my seatbelt fastened, arm rests down and, wait for it..... my legs crossed.  I was able to put my tray table down all the way; not that I used it for eating, but still, a success.

Things are going well.  I am making great strides.  All of my pants are baggy, not so much in the thighs and hips, but in the butt.... thank you Homer genes!  Life is good and I am committed to keep up this hard work.  I know that it has been worth it and has been life-changing for my family.  Stay tuned for next month.