End of the 40 Weeks Challenge!!

Hello all

Today is the end of my '40 Kilos in 40 Weeks' challenge.  40 weeks seems like such a long time ago and I remember feeling very nervous because 40 kilos seemed like such an unreachable goal for me.  A lot of self doubt and worry that I wouldn't be able to come close to succeeding.

40 weeks ago I weighed 132.3 kg.
I wore size 22-24 tops and size 24-26 bottoms.
My fitness levels were non existent - being out of breath just walking to the other side of the house.
I was unable to sit on the floor because I couldn't get up again.
My knees, ankles and back hurt all the time.
I often had chest pains, trouble breathing and my heart would beat at strange paces.
I had poor skin, hair and health.
My mood was fairly sad, angry and irritated.

I am incredibly proud to be able to say that I not only achieved but also slightly exceeded this goal.

Today, I weighed in at 88.4 kg.  That's a 43.9 kg loss.
I wear size 14-16 tops and size 16-18 bottoms.
I am quite fit now being able to run, swim, box, weight train and even play around kicking a ball.
I can sit on the floor for long periods of time, cross legged even!
My chest pains and breathing problems have disappeared.
My skin and hair have cleared up wonderfully and my general health is well.
I am still fairly frustrated at times but mostly am happy and grateful to be here and be making the most out of my life.

THE FINAL MEASUREMENT COMPARISON

My BMI started at 56 putting me in the Obese Class 3 category.
Today my BMI is 36.8 which is still only Obese Class 2 if you can believe.
According to the app that I have been using - Obese Class 1 is BMI under 35, Overweight is BMI under 30, Healthy is BMI under 25.  So still a fair way to go.

These photos below are from Day 1 of the 40 week challenge to today.

I have quite a lot of loose skin (especially on arms and legs) and a few areas that are just stubbornly holding onto the fat that has been living there for so long.  I know that it will take a lot of work, a lot of time and a lot of determination to get to the best me I can be, but I also know that it will happen!  One day, one challenge, one workout at a time, I will get there.

Thank you to everyone who has been so kindly supporting this journey through kind words, encouragement and donations to beyondblue.  I cannot describe how grateful I am for this support and how overwhelming it is to know there is such kindness and love surrounding me.

If you have pledged to donate, please finalise your payment no later than 20 December 2014.  You can visit Everyday Hero to make an online payment and receive an instant tax deductible receipt.  Or please contact me if you wish to make a cash donation.

Thank you again so so so much.  Here are some photos of me recently.  I feel great!

Remember while this challenge is now complete, my journey is not.  I will keep updating on how it is all going, the pros, cons and reality of massive weight loss and life post gastric sleeve.

Thanks for reading everyone!
=)

Week 34

Wow how time flies.  I have been very slack and not writing on this blog, not even the monthly posts! So very sorry to those who have been checking in!

Since my last post, my weight has gone up and stalled.  I have seen my dietician, psychologist and surgeon who has done various blood tests and looked into everything that I am doing.  Basically some things I had been eating or drinking that I thought were okay (such as lemon flavoured mineral water) were actually incredibly bad and were adding an extra 2-300 calories PER GLASS.  I know what was wrong and how to fix it - now am doing it.

I am also on varied medications for last couple of months which have not been helping me shift the weight either.  Oh well.

I went to a Aussie Gastric Sleevers event on my 7 month sleeversary... I bought a dress online that I had worn and since sold..  Some people I know did a side by side comparison of me in the dress.. The one on the left was an XL from October 2013 and the one on the right was a size S October 2014.  About a 35 kilo difference here.

So a bit about what I'm eating and doing...  For breakfast I've been having Just Right and a glass of juice with my vitamins.  At about 9.30ish I have a little tub of two fruits or a mini apple.  Lunch has recently been a cheese and tomato sandwich (that I can finish about 3/4 of)... however I have been trying to cut back on breads so I have a salad when not a sandwich.  Afternoons I have a few tablespoons of chobani yoghurt OR some carrots/cucumbers sticks OR some almonds OR popcorn.  Dinner has been varied meat and veg but I have really been struggling to finish anything.  After dinner if I am snackish I have sugar free lollies or a scoop of frozen yoghurt or something like that..

I have been struggling to drink enough water... just seems to be a constant battle.  I can take a couple gulps but then can't have anything for ages... and if I don't think about it often I forget about it - end up being hours between drinks.  Not the best especially with the hot weather.. but as I said, constantly trying.. constant battle.

Exercise has been a fairly consistent part of my schedule.  I actually feel stiff and a bit sick when I don't get my exercise in.  The usual is Step class Monday, Body Pump and walking Tuesday, Circuit/Pilates Wednesday, Swimming or machines Thursday, Body Pump and walking Friday and on the weekends I always want to exercise but never seem to actually do any... even with the cross trainer at home I just look at it :/  I have been really loving the Pump classes and am feeling strong as I slowly increase the weight I use.  I can see some muscular definition in my arms which I like.  

My mood has been increasingly better.  I am feeling happy and sexy and strong and capable which are all good things.  Giving myself the permission to spend time on myself was really hard at first with a toddler to look after, but I am finding it is definitely worth it.  Plus she loves watching me at the gym from creche and tells everyone how 'mummy was dancing with the pole, up and down' (referring to Body Pump) hahaha funny girl.  

A stable dress size has been nice... size 16 tops, size 18 bottoms... My waist is about the only thing going in... butt, thighs, bust and hips are all still stubbornly there... 

My weight has shifted back down a little this week.  It had gained back to 108 kg but this week I am sitting on 101 kg.  Still 8.7 kg away from where I want to be at the end of this challenge.  So I am pushing myself harder and trying a little bit more every day.

With less than 6 weeks until the end of this 40 week challenge, I ask anyone else who would like to pledge sponsorship for my weight loss efforts to please do so.  You can contact me or do it directly on Everyday Hero.  

I will try to post regularly til the end of the challenge.  I am working hard and looking forward to losing 40 kilos (or as close as I can to it) in 40 weeks! 

=)

Six Months - Measurements and Photos

It is September!  6 months since the beginning of my weight loss journey.  

5 and a half months since having gastric sleeve surgery.

My weight this morning was 96.9 kg - so total loss to date is 35.4 kg.

My measurements are as follows:

My photos for this month.  

Please excuse me!  

Was a bit rushed this morning so I haven't done my hair yet in them and the photos are not the best.  

Front view

Side view

Back view

All in all I have been struggling this month.  I have been really quite depressed and feeling completely over it all.  Couldn't be bothered much with anything and this lack of caring has really shown by my lack of results.  I look at my body and just feel fat and frumpy and gross most of the time which doesn't help motivate me... it helps me settle in for self pity.  

This last week I have been shopping and getting my hair done and doing all sorts of things just for me - something which I NEVER DO!!  So I have been lifting my own spirits a little since no one is going to do it for me.  I have been getting really frustrated with people's judgements and negativity and just total lack of support.  Then I realised that I need to think about me.  Do it for me.  I need to be selfish and positive and ignore those who are putting me down - no matter how much they say they love me.

I'm sick of waiting for happiness, waiting for a reason to smile.  Damn it I deserve to laugh and smile and be happy every single day and I am choosing to do this on my own.  No more waiting.  I haven't come this far and gone to these extremes just to fail and be miserable.  

Watch out everyone!  Here I come!

=)

PS - here is my hair when it is done!

Week 26 Weigh in

Starting weight - 132.3 kg
Today's weight - 97.1 kg
Total loss = 35.2 kg

I haven't lost much weight but that's ok.  I have been feeling really happy this week, taking some time for me.  I took a step class on Monday, something I used to do all the time, and wowser did my calves feel it all week. It was great!  My exercise for the week now is one step class, one body pump class, swimming once or twice, one or two days on machines (walking, jogging,cycling, x trainer), one or two days weight training (usually the days I use machines), yoga/pilates at home and if I feel like it I put in an aerobics dvd at home.

I have decided now that there's 3 months left of my challenge to post monthly on the first of each month, not weekly anymore.  The monthly posts will include my photos, measurements, current weight and a small sum up of the month.

I feel that now everything is slowing right down that weekly weigh ins don't really show much.  I will keep weighing of course but will just post monthly.

I hope you all keep reading!  1st of September is just 2 days away so check in then!

=)

Week 25 Weigh in

Starting weight - 132.3 kg
Today's weight - 99.7 kg
Total loss = 32.6 kg

I went shopping twice this week and bought myself a little happiness. New handbag and various clothes.  I had forgotten how nice it feels to be able to walk into stores and try on clothes that fit and look nice - instead of just looking from the window thinking 'nothing's going to fit me in there'.  There's still more that I'd like to buy as my closet is still pretty bare after getting rid of all my big clothes, but am hoping to come down at least one more size before I buy too much more.  16 tops and 18 pants is fantastic, but a bit smaller to look less bumpy and bulgy would be so wonderful.

Nothing much to add about it all. 15 weeks to go to reach or exceed goal.

=)

Week 24 Weigh in

Starting weight - 132.3 kg
Today's weight - 101 kg to 106 kg
Total loss = not sure??

Ok, I know I have been having some food control issues this week, temptation has been my enemy.  However, even temptation shouldn't put on this much weight.

I have weighed myself 6 times this morning each one in disbelief. None of the readings were repeated and each one was more then I was expecting.

Whether my scales are broken or my stance is off... I honestly am not sure what I weigh today.

I have my 6 month dietician appointment in a few weeks time where my blood work and meal plans will be analysed and modified to better fit me. I'm hoping that some of this weight gain can be pinpointed to certain behaviours that I can fix and get back on track.

Until then, it's just me.  I am still going to the gym, went 3 times this week.  Plan was to go more but I worked too hard in pump class at the beginning of the week and my legs have not yet forgiven me so I took it easy on machines the rest of the week.

Going back to basics with food... water water water, protein, lots of brothy soups... trying to change the scales on my own first.

I've kicked my sad slump and now need to kick my own butt.  Will see how it goes!

=)

Week 23 Weigh In

Starting weight - 132.3 kg
Today's weight - 96.4 kg
Total loss = 35.9 kg

So a generally lazy week... been unexplainably tired and upset.  I haven't been exercising or watching what I eat and the result is a gain. Something very true and disturbing about how much negative thoughts and genuine depression can bring you down and put such a weight of sadness on you.  Disappointing result but it was expected. This amazing tool I have only works if I exercise and eat properly.

Back to the gym this week.  Seems unless I'm paying for it, I'm not motivated enough to work out on my own regularly.  Hopefully I snap out of it and get back on track this week.