Weigh Ins & Special Occasions

So, a few things happened today that have me completely sure that my decision to do this surgery was completely the right one for me.  In just 6 weeks, I have lost 37.5 lbs, and have gone down 2-3 shirt sizes and 2 pants sizes.  We are doing family pictures tomorrow (with John's whole clan), and as I was getting clothes together for all my guys, I quickly realized that I had absolutely NOTHING that fit properly.  So, the search for something cheap but appropriate began.  I started at Lane Bryant, because of course, in addition to everything else, my bras no longer fit right either.  So, after I hit the clearance rack to try to find an undergarment, I hit the clothing clearance racks to see what I could find.  I found a great, heather grey tunic style, light weight sweater with a great neckline on clearance - in a size 18/20!  I can honestly say that I don't remember the last time I wore an 18/20.   They didn't have any jeans in clearance, so I was determined to head home, and just wear the least baggy pair of jeans I have (which, consequently, are pretty baggy....LOL).  As I was leaving the mall, I remembered that Julie told me that Deb had some plus sizes, so I peeked in the door as I walked past, and saw clearance racks.  I found a great pair of size 20 skinny jean leggings.  They looked a little small to me, but I decided to try them anyway - because I had just seen a show on TV where someone mentioned that it often takes a while for your brain to catch up to reality when it comes to sizes, and how easy it is to wear the baggy clothing.  I almost fell over when they went right on and fit great!  I can honestly say that I have not worn these sizes in more years than I can honestly remember!  I actually tried on clothing, looked in the mirror, and didn't hate what I saw, and was excited to purchase it!  I still have a long way to go, but the journey is going to be exciting.  Guess I'll be hitting the thrift stores and watching for clearance sales to get more clothes that fit....!

One Month Surgical Checkup

Today was my one month post-op checkup.  My doctor is very happy with my progress.  I have already lost 29 pounds from my "surgical weight".  He's happy with my weight loss, and with my overall progress - I'm not getting sick from anything I'm eating and I'm getting all the right "signals" from my body when I overeat.  He was also happy to hear that I'm working on the Wii Fit a few times a week, and planning on going back to Zumba soon.  The biggest piece of advice he gave me is to listen to my own body.  If I"m eating something, and am hungry 15 minutes later - I shouldn't eat that anymore, or eat less of it and pair it with something containing more protein.  Also, different foods are going to fill me up differently, and I need to learn how to pair foods together to make full meals, that are filling and nutritious. 
I was so happy about my checkup, I celebrated with a tall soy skinny vanilla latte.  (notice the omission of DECAF!!!)  It was so nice to have a normal cup of coffee. 
So, I'm going to give it another week, and next payday, I'm heading back to Zumba - I'm SOOO excited!  I'll have to hang in the back and take it very slow, but I'm ready to go back.  I want to be ready for spring and summer - start riding bikes with John, maybe getting out on skates, and definitely want to be wearing a swimsuit this summer!

A little snowy day reflection

As I sit here, watching my boys play, and thinking about the events of the past couple of weeks, I am reminded that life changes in a blink of an eye. 
Over the past 3 weeks,
(blink) John's Aunt Joyce went to a routine doctors appointment and ended up being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer
(blink) she attended her first chemo session
(blink) she went in for a post-chemo checkup
(blink) she was gone

As the name of my blog suggests, life will continue to move forward....it must move forward.  Our hearts will ache a little less every day, and will try to remember that now, Joyce, and all those who have passed on before us, are watching over us, continuing on with the next stage of their eternal lives.  For me, it's another reminder that my quest for a healthier life is not in vain - each and every day I have with my sons, watching their personalities develop, then eventually growing into men, is a blessing and a miracle.   There are some things that are out of our control - cancer is one of them.  Here's praying that a cure for this horrible disease is found in our life time.