Finally

I was worried it wouldn't happen but I've finally lost weight, a whole pound! No, it's totally fine. I've been watching videos on YouTube. No not Depeche Mode! There's an American bariatric surgeon who has done all sorts of little info videos. One on WLS stalls. The first stall happens after 3 weeks then again after 3 months. The next few months will most likely have a few stalls. And whilst I don't actually want them knowing it is all part of the process is calming. At least 2 of my fellow surgery pals are stalling too. We all hit the 3 month mark at the same time, so it must be normal. Feeling so much happier with the whole thing again.

Above mentioned surgeon also did one about loose skin. The way he put it was interesting - the saggy skin damage issue had already happened it was just all the fat keeping it stretched and smooth! Lol. Now the important message about it springing back. Lots of elements affect this. Namely my age - over 40 isn't great. Smoking - no comment, genes - well my jeans help to keep the skin in. So after surgery you tend to lose weight for about a year, but your skin can continue to shrink back for up to 2 years! Whoop whoop. Therefore, cosmetic surgery shouldn't be considered until after that. Exercise per se will not help (though building muscles will stretch it smooth a little), and there are no magic creams - bugger! Hydration, healthy eating and nature is all it takes. 

I hope everyone is fine after the horrible weather. Remember the clocks go back an hour this weekend. Have a great time, whatever your plans and I'll see you next Friday. Happy Halloween 🎃👻

People think that the grass is greener somewhere else, but the grass is greener where you water it.

What a week

 

It all started Friday morning when Ellie woke with a nasty tooth infection which didn't improve before she was due to run her half marathon. We had our hotel still booked at Pitlochry so we went over. Via a garage in Edinburgh for Mark to test drive a car. Unfortunately, Bella didn't settle at the hotel. Her travel crate was suddenly tiny, or she'd grown in the last couple of weeks since trying her in it. Then she started barking every time she heard something outside or in the corridor. And just to finish us off she pee'd on the bed! We checked out at 10.15pm and drove home. Arrived at about 1am but at least we slept. We then had The Hideaways booked near Dundee. So off we drove back down the road - leaving Bella with Isaac lol. Mark bought the car in Edinburgh but they couldn't get it ready for us to pick up Tuesday after our break. Meaning I would have to travel back down south again, by train, to enable me to drive it home (Mark working). Until I had the bright idea to stay at The Hideaways for an extra night. And they had vacancy. Whoop whoop. Had a lovely time. The sun shone, we ate and drank, sat in the hot tub and sauna, and I rocked in the hammock. Just bliss. And we both popped back to Edinburgh for the car! Every cloud...

Weight still stable, but my calories were probably increased when we were away. I'm so happy as I am and I think I forget that I am still over weight and should probably still lose more. However, my skin is loose but liveable. If/when I lose any more my skin will be even saggier and will need cosmetic surgery, which is fine but where I am just now I don't. Does this make sense? I'm back into some of my favourite clothes, though I still have others that are too small. What a conundrum. But my body will do what it will do. It's seeking a new set point, who knows what that is. All I can do is be aware of what I eat. And yes, I have my treats (and won't ever stop those - life is far too short) but healthy foods are always my aim because it tastes good and does me good! Hooray for a salad! 

 What is meant for you will arrive in clarity, not confusion.

Stall

 

I have definitely hit a stall. I've been asking Dr Google, Mr Online Research, other WLS (weight loss surgery) Facebook users and my WLS chums and it seems this is perfectly normal and very common. It can happen any time but often between 3-6 months which is where I sit. My body is recalibrating, adjusting to my new size. Apparently I may still be losing inches which is good. It could last a week or a few weeks but the general consensus is don't panic. Follow the same principles and believe in the process. Weight loss will kick in again. So I'm trying to be patient, and have temporarily stopped weighing myself - it was getting frustrating. Hence, no data today. Although I can report that my fat is down to 39% which is 3% less than it was when I last measured. Yay - only 39% ha ha ha

Life has been good in-spite of this. I'm walking lots on my days off. And going on small, round the block lunchtime walks when I'm not off. I've used the elliptical trainer when I can/feel like it. Oh and I'm planking and squatting in preparation of skiing next year! 

Going away for a nice weekend tomorrow. A night in Pitlochry to watch Ellie run her half marathon - rather her than me. Couldn't think of anything worse. Then a couple of nights at the Hideaways near Dundee. Come Sunday I'll be sat in a hot tub with a glass of prosecco and soft music playing. I can't wait! Super excited! Don't worry, I'll post pics next week. 

Have a smashing weekend and thank you for reading. Oh and the photo was my breakfast yesterday. One big egg with a double yolk (whoop) on half a thin protein bagel. Yummy!

Your beliefs don't make you a better person, your behaviour does.

Discombobulated

 

Weight: 12st 5lb

Loss this week: 1lb

Total loss: 4st 1lb

Last week the weight just fell off me, not so this week. It's been colder so maybe that's it. I've eaten for comfort (chocolate) and bad habits (chocolate) and to treat myself (chocolate). Not good. 

Last weekend I was out for brunch with friends (see picture). I couldn't manage a big fry up so had the waffles (a treat). The raspberries were so amazing. After managing half a waffle my Tupperware came out so I could take the rest home. I think I noticed some raised eyebrows but I didn't let it bother me and I'll tell you why. Like most people I hate food waste, but it wasn't really this. Because I eat so little now I have to be careful not to over eat. If I wasn't taking my left overs home I know that I would just try to have a couple of mouthfuls more, and then end up feeling very sick. But when I know I'll be taking the rest home I can happily stop eating when I need to. I've spent a long time eating too much so being able to stop eating when there is still so much on my plate is very important, physically and mentally. I paid for it so hey. (And waffles are something I have rarely and wanted to enjoy them later - which I only managed a few bites of, then they were composted).

Photos were taken that morning and sent on what's app or posted onto Facebook. But looking at myself in them upset me. I looked like I did before my surgery. I couldn't see any weight loss and I looked as fat as always! I mean I know I've lost over 50lbs but it was not visible in these pictures. Hence feeling discombobulated. The week before I was euphoric with joy and felt so much slimmer and suddenly, like a slap in the face, I was (in my head) 16½ stones again! So confusing and left me feeling weird all this week. And probably contributed to the chocolate consumption. An excuse? Maybe. Never the less true.

Breakfast at Wetherspoons yesterday with Mark. I had eggs Benedict. Managed most of one egg and some ham (muffin ignored) and didn't even touch the second Benedict. However, poached egg is not something that you can take home for later! I was good and did manage to stop myself having that little too much. See, I'm learning... Just about. It's still awful leaving food though. Especially in this economic environment. I can't help it.

Someone said '20 years ago' and I thought oh yes, 1980s - but they meant 2003! Yikes.