The scale...why must we always rely on that thing to gauge our success when it comes to our weight loss?? We step on and off that thing - sometimes there's a celebraton to be had...but then there are the times when the scale isn't so nice to us and the numbers go up, or just stay the same - such is the case for my weight loss (or lack of) lately.
The scale hasn't budged much for me the past couple of months...and I've been so frustrated...so frustrated in fact, I have almost packed it in and given up. I will lose four pounds one week and then gain back two...etc etc etc...
I have however been able to celebrate a few non-scale victories...
1. I did my measurements last weekend and I am down a total of 13.5 inches everywhere since my surgery in February.
2. As of this evening - I am now into a size 20 jean! When I started my weight loss journey, I was wearing size 32 jeans!
3. My cardio endurance is the best is has ever been in my life.
4. I can walk 10km - I've never been able to do that...ever...
5. I have shown myself that I can work out on my own - don't get me wrong - having a personal trainer was by far one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life - but it's time to branch out on my own.
6. My range of motion in my joints is a lot better.
7. I don't have stomach issues anymore - I used to have GERD so bad that I would aspirate at night - not so fun...
8. My blood pressure is the best is has ever been in my life.
9. I enjoy exercise - I'm no longer afraid of it.
10. I am independent...and proud of it!
So the next time I am frustrated and want to give up - I am going to think back to these NSV and celebrate how far I have come...how incredibly hard I have worked...and how much harder I am going to work to reach my goals...
That - and I'm gonna throw out that stupid effing scale!
Have a great week everyone - and celebrate all those NSV!!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
4th Fill...small loss!
I had my fourth fill this past Thursday. I saw a different surgeon this time - Dr. Mitchell. He heads the lap-band program for the region and trains new surgeons that come through the program. I liked him. He was blunt and to the point and answered all of the questions that I had. When he was going through my chart and saw how much weight I had lost from last month - I was worried he was going to be disappointed with me. To my surprise, it was the total opposite. I had lost 3 lbs. I wasn't very happy about it, but Dr. Mitchell was. He told me that losing the weight slowly will ensure that I won't ever gain it back. He gave me 0.3 cc's in my band for a total of 4.1 cc's. I feel like I can finally feel some restriction, and I am not hungry for about 3-4 hours after I eat. I am feeling optimistic and know that I am following the right path towards meeting my goal.
My weigh in days are on Fridays - and I was pretty happy this past Friday when I stepped on the scale. I was down 3.6 lbs from a week earlier. I worked hard this week - both on my food and my exercise program. My exercise this week consisted of Kendra's Bootcamp on Tuesday and Thursday, Wednesday I went for another great walk in Fish Creek - came across a mama deer and her baby. I love walking down there - it's so peaceful and it helps me to walk off the stress...Friday I did Damir's bootcamp class - lots of spin bike and upper body stuff...I'm still feeling my upper back muscles this morning - so obviously it was a good workout! My knees are now making scraping noises whenever I walk now. I have an appt with my family doctor - I'm actually feeling a little scared about it....and I'm also feeling a bit frustrated too. I thought that taking some of this weight off would help my knees, but so far, I haven't seen any good results. The osteoarthritis is startng to take over my left knee now too...I guess I will just continue to stay active and keep moving - I hope the doctor can shed some light into this for me. I have something planned every evening this upcoming week - and I'm looking forward to it!
I've been bang on with my food this week too. I've been treating food as fuel - and I'm so proud of myself.
So this week...my goals are:
1. Sip water throughout the day...not just when I feel thirsty.
2. Be active every day
3. Stress...BUST IT...
Have a great one everyone!
My weigh in days are on Fridays - and I was pretty happy this past Friday when I stepped on the scale. I was down 3.6 lbs from a week earlier. I worked hard this week - both on my food and my exercise program. My exercise this week consisted of Kendra's Bootcamp on Tuesday and Thursday, Wednesday I went for another great walk in Fish Creek - came across a mama deer and her baby. I love walking down there - it's so peaceful and it helps me to walk off the stress...Friday I did Damir's bootcamp class - lots of spin bike and upper body stuff...I'm still feeling my upper back muscles this morning - so obviously it was a good workout! My knees are now making scraping noises whenever I walk now. I have an appt with my family doctor - I'm actually feeling a little scared about it....and I'm also feeling a bit frustrated too. I thought that taking some of this weight off would help my knees, but so far, I haven't seen any good results. The osteoarthritis is startng to take over my left knee now too...I guess I will just continue to stay active and keep moving - I hope the doctor can shed some light into this for me. I have something planned every evening this upcoming week - and I'm looking forward to it!
I've been bang on with my food this week too. I've been treating food as fuel - and I'm so proud of myself.
So this week...my goals are:
1. Sip water throughout the day...not just when I feel thirsty.
2. Be active every day
3. Stress...BUST IT...
Have a great one everyone!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Small Gain
I have had a pretty normal week - that is a good thing...
I know I have mentioned this until I am blue in the face, but I am totally loving my new job. I am so busy, that I do not know what to do with myself most days, I am learning a ton of stuff and I feel like I have actually contributed in a good way. I actually feel happy about getting up in the morning and going to work. I know this feeling will probably go away in a couple of weeks, but for now I am going to relish in it!
I have chosen Fridays as my official weigh in day. This week, I had a small gain though of 1.4 lbs. I am not going to get worked up about it, as I know what the reason behind it was...I only exercised three times this week and it was TOM. The first part I have control over, the second part I do not. There are some months where I actually gain between 5-7 lbs during my period...so I am lucky to get off with 1.4 lbs. Next week will be a better week!
My knees are giving me problems again. They now make the usual crunching sound, but now they are making a popping noise whenever I walk. Plus, there is pain behind my right knee now when I walk for long periods. My workouts this week frustrated me because my knees just would not do their job. I guess it is back to the doctor I go - I have been waiting to hear back about a referral to an orthopedic surgeon, so will ask when I go and see him. I want this taken care of and the sooner I do it the better. I am getting frustrated with my limitations - I watch everyone else jump, run and go the distance to get the most out of their workouts and I feel like I am behind - having to modify almost everything. I used to be able to do hamstring curls on the exercise ball - and I cannot do them anymore as my knees just crumble and crack and it hurts. I am looking at cortisone injections next - but if there is cartilage damage, which I think there might be - it will mean surgery. Osteoarthritis is an unforgiving condition - it is not reversible and I know eventually...down the road...I will need knee replacements. For now, I will have to do what I can to help keep them as pain free as possible.
As for my goals that I set for the week...I did not meet any of them. I find with my new job, I do not even have time to drink water throughout the day. This will stop - I have to make time. It does not take long to take a sip of water! And I do not know what I was thinking about cutting out carbs in the evening with TOM - that was kind of silly! lol...and I did not meet my exercise goal. So...I think for this week I will set some smaller goals. They are:
1. Drink as much water as I can throughout the day.
2. Stay as active as I can.
3. No stressing about small stupid stuff.
Alright...they look like pretty achieveable goals to me!
Hope everyone has a great week!
I know I have mentioned this until I am blue in the face, but I am totally loving my new job. I am so busy, that I do not know what to do with myself most days, I am learning a ton of stuff and I feel like I have actually contributed in a good way. I actually feel happy about getting up in the morning and going to work. I know this feeling will probably go away in a couple of weeks, but for now I am going to relish in it!
I have chosen Fridays as my official weigh in day. This week, I had a small gain though of 1.4 lbs. I am not going to get worked up about it, as I know what the reason behind it was...I only exercised three times this week and it was TOM. The first part I have control over, the second part I do not. There are some months where I actually gain between 5-7 lbs during my period...so I am lucky to get off with 1.4 lbs. Next week will be a better week!
My knees are giving me problems again. They now make the usual crunching sound, but now they are making a popping noise whenever I walk. Plus, there is pain behind my right knee now when I walk for long periods. My workouts this week frustrated me because my knees just would not do their job. I guess it is back to the doctor I go - I have been waiting to hear back about a referral to an orthopedic surgeon, so will ask when I go and see him. I want this taken care of and the sooner I do it the better. I am getting frustrated with my limitations - I watch everyone else jump, run and go the distance to get the most out of their workouts and I feel like I am behind - having to modify almost everything. I used to be able to do hamstring curls on the exercise ball - and I cannot do them anymore as my knees just crumble and crack and it hurts. I am looking at cortisone injections next - but if there is cartilage damage, which I think there might be - it will mean surgery. Osteoarthritis is an unforgiving condition - it is not reversible and I know eventually...down the road...I will need knee replacements. For now, I will have to do what I can to help keep them as pain free as possible.
As for my goals that I set for the week...I did not meet any of them. I find with my new job, I do not even have time to drink water throughout the day. This will stop - I have to make time. It does not take long to take a sip of water! And I do not know what I was thinking about cutting out carbs in the evening with TOM - that was kind of silly! lol...and I did not meet my exercise goal. So...I think for this week I will set some smaller goals. They are:
1. Drink as much water as I can throughout the day.
2. Stay as active as I can.
3. No stressing about small stupid stuff.
Alright...they look like pretty achieveable goals to me!
Hope everyone has a great week!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Motivation
I had a pretty good week this week. I mostly attribute that to the fact that I stayed active four out of the five days and maintained a positive atittude...oh ya - and my new job! :-) I seem to be fitting in quite nicely at the DSC - the job is extremely busy, but I feel like I have contributed and done a good job. The girls there are super great to work with...when I walked in on my first day on Tuesday, this was on my desk!
By the time Friday rolled around, I was exhausted...but I was happy...and that's the most important thing to me.
I really enjoyed my exercise routine this week. Monday I participated in Damir's (my husband's trainer) bootcamp. There was lots of spinning, and he set up stations for each person - I remember doing plank rows, jumping jacks (which of course I had to modify) Rock Star Pushups, burpees, and other exercises I don't remember offhand now...lol I went home after that and collapsed and felt great. Tuesday I did Kendra's class...I remember it being hard, but I finished every drill she asked. There was a lot of leg work and my knee was not in great shape - but still I pushed through and got it done. Wednesday was probably my turning point to the week. I came home right after work and for the first time since I started my journey, I DID NOT WANT TO WORK OUT....and this upset me a little. I sat on my couch for about 30 mins when I finally decided to change my atittude, and I reached out to a couple of people. So I got up off the couch and headed down to Fish Creek! I only intended to go for a short walk (like an hour long), but once I got down there and started walking, and I felt my heart going I pushed on. Here are a couple of pics of my walk - the second pic is of the hill that I did right at the end - after walking for 90 mins - I wasn't so sure I could get up it, but I pushed myself and got er done!
This is the bridge where the C-Train goes over.
This is my own personal "Hill of Hell"...after walking for 90 minutes, this was kinda brutal...but I did it!
Thursday, I did Kendra's class again - Thursdays are fun...there is always some kickboxing drills with weight training of some sort. Kendra does this drill called Tower of Power - kind of like drop sets - I love doing her Tower of Power and I had a great kickboxing partner too...Then I got a nice surprise, when Ben walked in at the end of the class - he was going to do a workout and asked me if I wanted to work out with him...I thought to myself...really? I just did Kendra's class and you want me to workout again?! So ya...I did...and it was so much fun! My shoulders are still sore and that was three days ago. Friday I took a rest day as I needed it.
I've learned a lot about myself this week...I've learned that I am willing to do what it takes to finish and get the job done...and I will keep proving that to myself until I am finished this journey. I need to continue to motivate myself and keep going.
So...did I meet my goals from last week? Well not really...I didn't do Wednesday's class - I wanted to give my knee a rest - but I did do the walk in Fish Creek...my sleep wasn't great, but not as bad as it has been...and the carbs in the evening? Yeah I still had them. I do know that I need to buckle down when it comes to that...and I will...
So this week my goals are:
1. Cut back on carbs in the evening.
2. Find some form of activity to do four out of the five days.
3. Increase my water intake
Hope everyone has a great week!
Monday, August 1, 2011
More About Me!
So I came across this survey after reading a couple of my fellow "bandits's" blogs. Thanks for the idea Andrea and Jess!
1. What is your occupation right now ?
I just finished my position as an Administrative Assistant in Pathology at the Rockyview Hospital. Starting tomorrow however, I will be starting my new position as a Laboratory Support Clerk in Anatomic Pathology/Cytopathology for Calgary Laboratory Services - same company I have been with for almost six years. I am excited!
2. What color are your socks right now?
I'm not wearing any as I just got out of bed...however, I try to stick with black ones.
3. What are you listening to right now?
The TV. The Glades is on. Brian likes that show - I'm not a big fan of it.
4. What was the last thing that you ate?
Oatmeal - with some chocolate protein powder. Great to eat before the workout I am about to do today.
5. Can you drive a stick shift?
Nope.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
That would be Brian - on my way home from yoga last night.
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Of course! But I did steal it from them.
8. How old are you today?
39...one more year - well actually six more months until the BIG 4-0!
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Hockey - especially Flames Hockey...but I also like to watch CFL Football...again - mostly when the Stamps are playing.
10. What is your favorite drink?
Coffee...pretty much any way I can get it.
11. Have you ever dyed your hair?
All the time...I usually do it every couple of months - if I didn't I would have a head full of greys!
12. Favourite food?
I love tacos - homemade ones. They make me happy.
13. What was the last movie you watched?
Hangover 2
14. Favourite day of the year?
I won't lie...my Birthday!
15. How do you vent anger?
Cry...then yell...then cry again...lots of crying...
16. What was your favourite toy as a child?
I enjoyed my Lite-Brite.
17. What is your favorite season?
Fall...not too cold and not too hot...PERFECT!
18. Cherries or Blueberries?
LOVE both but I guess Blueberries if I had to choose.
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
Nope they don't have to, but I always love to hear from my blogging buddies!
20. Where is you favorite place to escape?
The gym, or just go for a walk in Fish Creek Park
21. Favorite TV Show?
I love Amazing Race, Survivor and Hell's Kitchen...Reality TV is my kryptonite...
22. Living arrangements?
Own my townhouse with my husband, two kitties and leopard gecko.
23. When was the last time you cried?
Yesterday...I've been crying a lot lately...lots of stress that I'm trying to deal with.
24. What is on the floor of your closet?
Can't see the floor...I would say just clothes...lol
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest?
Gotta say Michelle...we've known each other since I was five...that would be 34 years! WOW...
26. What did you do last night?
Yoga, then came home and relaxed and watched TV...
27. What are you most afraid of?
I've always been afraid of deep, dark water...
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
Used to be cheese...but can't eat hamburgers anymore...thank goodness!
29. Favourite dog breed?
Not a fan of dogs...but my sister and brother in law own a chocolate lab and a black lab...and they are nice dogs...
30. Favourite day of the week?
FRIDAYS!!!
31. How many states have you lived in?
I've only lived in Alberta - I'm a native Calgarian and am proud of it!
32. Diamonds or pearls?
Pearls...that is all...
33. What is your favourite flower?
Sunflower...love em!
1. What is your occupation right now ?
I just finished my position as an Administrative Assistant in Pathology at the Rockyview Hospital. Starting tomorrow however, I will be starting my new position as a Laboratory Support Clerk in Anatomic Pathology/Cytopathology for Calgary Laboratory Services - same company I have been with for almost six years. I am excited!
2. What color are your socks right now?
I'm not wearing any as I just got out of bed...however, I try to stick with black ones.
3. What are you listening to right now?
The TV. The Glades is on. Brian likes that show - I'm not a big fan of it.
4. What was the last thing that you ate?
Oatmeal - with some chocolate protein powder. Great to eat before the workout I am about to do today.
5. Can you drive a stick shift?
Nope.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
That would be Brian - on my way home from yoga last night.
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Of course! But I did steal it from them.
8. How old are you today?
39...one more year - well actually six more months until the BIG 4-0!
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Hockey - especially Flames Hockey...but I also like to watch CFL Football...again - mostly when the Stamps are playing.
10. What is your favorite drink?
Coffee...pretty much any way I can get it.
11. Have you ever dyed your hair?
All the time...I usually do it every couple of months - if I didn't I would have a head full of greys!
12. Favourite food?
I love tacos - homemade ones. They make me happy.
13. What was the last movie you watched?
Hangover 2
14. Favourite day of the year?
I won't lie...my Birthday!
15. How do you vent anger?
Cry...then yell...then cry again...lots of crying...
16. What was your favourite toy as a child?
I enjoyed my Lite-Brite.
17. What is your favorite season?
Fall...not too cold and not too hot...PERFECT!
18. Cherries or Blueberries?
LOVE both but I guess Blueberries if I had to choose.
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
Nope they don't have to, but I always love to hear from my blogging buddies!
20. Where is you favorite place to escape?
The gym, or just go for a walk in Fish Creek Park
21. Favorite TV Show?
I love Amazing Race, Survivor and Hell's Kitchen...Reality TV is my kryptonite...
22. Living arrangements?
Own my townhouse with my husband, two kitties and leopard gecko.
23. When was the last time you cried?
Yesterday...I've been crying a lot lately...lots of stress that I'm trying to deal with.
24. What is on the floor of your closet?
Can't see the floor...I would say just clothes...lol
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest?
Gotta say Michelle...we've known each other since I was five...that would be 34 years! WOW...
26. What did you do last night?
Yoga, then came home and relaxed and watched TV...
27. What are you most afraid of?
I've always been afraid of deep, dark water...
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
Used to be cheese...but can't eat hamburgers anymore...thank goodness!
29. Favourite dog breed?
Not a fan of dogs...but my sister and brother in law own a chocolate lab and a black lab...and they are nice dogs...
30. Favourite day of the week?
FRIDAYS!!!
31. How many states have you lived in?
I've only lived in Alberta - I'm a native Calgarian and am proud of it!
32. Diamonds or pearls?
Pearls...that is all...
33. What is your favourite flower?
Sunflower...love em!
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