Wow, it has been a really long time since I have written -- for several reasons. One, my PhD classes and life became INSANELY busy with statistics, Internship, work, and other obligations. I seriously ignored everything in my life except for a few events here and there, and my husband had to look at the side of my head almost every evening. The hard work paid off, though; I earned As for the final quarter of my course work, and will head into my Comprehensive Exams with a 4.0!!!! I could NEVER have accomplished such an awesome milestone without the support of my friends, family, fellow Doctoral Divas and Dudes, and my hubby. Thank you all for your words of encouragement, hugs (both real and virtual), and support. The Comps part of the process (phase two) starts April 8th. And, since I will pass the first time, dissertation begins in July!!!!
I am also FINALLY returning to the stage in May. I will be in Five Women Wearing the Same Dress at McKeesport Little Theater that opens May 3rd. PLEASE come and see this show!!! We have an incredible cast and production crew, and I am uber-excited to be working with so many awesome people. It will be worth the drive, time, and money for some great entertainment. I am not singing - it is a straight play - but the comedy is perfect! You will not regret it. :-)
As for the weight loss and surgery stuff, things are continuing to move along and go well. I am down to around 156ish. . . down 102 since I began the journey last February and almost 70 since surgery August 29th. My bloodwork was good last month; all seems in line and improving as far as blood levels and whatnot. My B12 was really high, so I have cut back on that. The hair loss is not as bad, either. I work hard to get my protein in with bars, food choices, the Nectar Syntrax drinks, and Provide shots, so that has helped tremendously. Take it one day at a time and follow Dr. Z.'s orders. It is working like a charm!
Currently, I wearing size 10 in pants, mediums in shirts, and a 36C for the girls. This is down from a 20/22 in pants, 2X or 3X in shirts, and a 42D for the girls. I feel great, and I am looking forward to establishing a workout exercise routine now that the schedule is a bit more open. Comps will be a challenge, but I will have one goal of writing the 50 page paper. . . not a bunch of weekly assignments and posts, so I am looking forward to that aspect of the craziness. I need to tone up a bit and build my endurance a bit. I hope to avoid a "girls lift" in the future, but that may be an unavoidable fact. I LOVE going into stores and being able to wear styles that I have not been able to wear for years, and I look forward to shopping now. Buying quality clothes has become something I enjoy because I know that they are better and will last a long time. And, they simply feel better. I have been buying undergarments at Victoria's Secret. Yes, they cost more. BUT the fit and quality are so much better. I have tried the styles and brands at Walmart, Kohl's, the outlets, etc., and they simply do not do the job the same way. I posted on Facebook about the Lucky Brand jeans that I just bought. HOLY MOLY! They are so ridiculously comfortable that I don't know that I will ever buy another brand. They are soft and feel like silk . . .it is silly sounding, but I did not want to take them off tonight when it was time to get ready for bed! I still have some weight to lose before I start to try and maintain, but I am very happy with the progress that I am making and the way that I have been able to uphold the changes that I have been making. Buying clothes that feel good are now something that I give myself, not as a reward but because my body deserves to look as good as it feels.
Eating has not been an issue, either. I introduce new foods to my diet periodically; if they are accepted, then I know that I can have them again. If not, I steer clear of them. I did have a few bites of Maggie Moo's ice cream tonight -- and that was enough. I stopped because I could tell that it was too much for me. Every once in awhile I have some peanut butter with some honey wheat pretzel sticks, but if I have a few bites and it does not settle well, then I stop. I do not understand why anyone would continue to eat something that they know will cause them to experience "dumping". Why torture your body when you have endured so much to try and make it healthy again? I love salmon and shrimp and scallops and tuna -- I eat those foods quite often. I still love broccoli and green beans, and do eat salad once in awhile. Carbs are around in small amounts - but I don't eat all of the potatoes or rice or cous cous first, like before. I have a little and focus on the protein. Desserts and snacks are around, too, but -- again -- in limited quantities. A bite or two gives plenty of satisfaction. While on vacation, I have found that I miss my nightly popsicles -- they were my sweet treat for the day many nights. I do not finish my dinners at all, and my leftovers can provide another meal for Glenn and I if we share them. It's hard to explain my mindset about food now. . . .it simply isn't my every waking thought. I used to be almost panicked about when and where I was going to eat, and always have snacks at hand. Now, I eat and enjoy what I eat, but I am not consumed (no pun intended) by the thought of food. I don't want to eat fast food because I know that it is not a good option. I can eat a grilled chicken wrap and a few fries once in awhile, but I would rather wait until I can have something better for my body. So different from where I was a little over a year ago. . . and so much happier of a place. I stop eating when I am full, and think of food more as something my body needs to live, rather than something that I need to live. It has been so freeing to notice that change. My mind can focus on other, more important things.
Not to mention comfort! I can cross my legs, sit Indian style, fit into movie theater seats and booths, curl up in spaces, wear heels, and just walk all day without the discomfort of before. I still have arthritis, but it is so much better than before. The pain level is phenomenally lower than before. I can wear shoes and boots, and enjoy it! Doors are sometimes so heavy that I do not have the body weight to open them without a bit of effort, and the wind on the beach the other day actually stopped me and moved me in my tracks! That was a new experience, for sure! I do not regret my decision at all, and I am so grateful for all of the happiness and change that has entered my life as a result. Next up -- outside of PhD and work stuff -- is to really think about trying to do more with singing. I love singing and need it to be a regular part of my life. More on that as I figure it out. :-)
And, with that, I will close. Thank you for being patient as I took a break from blogging. Until later. . . P&L.
