Three Month Photos & Goal Updates...

Here are my newest before and after pics. I am three months post-op today. Also, back in January I posted the following goals, and I thought I'd update you on how I am doing accomplishing them.

1. Start off with the obvious. I'd like to lose weight. I currently weigh 350 lbs. I'd love to get down to 200 lbs. I would be content at 225 lbs. That's what I weighed when I got married 16 years ago. I am 5' 11" so that isn't unrealistic.

Currently I am at 285. I have lost 66 lbs. I'm about half way there.

2. I like to be forever ridded of my cpap machine. Boy would I ever.

I am not rid of my cpap machine, but they did lower the pressure and eventually put me on a self adjusting machine so that as I lose weight it will automatically adjust with me.

3. I'd love to have no hint of type II diabetes.

Diabetes...GONE

4. I'd love to have normal blood pressure and get off my meds.

Blood pressure is more normal than it has ever been (125/75 yesterday). However, I have not gone off my meds yet.

5. I'd love to be able to wear my original wedding band. I think it is a size 11. I currently have a cheap replacement that is a size 17 I think.

I am currently wearing my original wedding band and can easily take it on and off. I am also wearing my college ring on the other hand.

6. I'd love to see if being lighter might help lessen the chronic mild depression I have had for the past 6-7 years.

I still take my daily 40mg of Prozac, but I must admit I feel better emotionally than I have in some time.

7. I'd like to continue coaching my daughter's soccer team, but do so without gasping for breath during the easiest drills.

The season is over, thank goodness. I needed a break.

8. I'd like to take up mountain biking.

Haven't yet, but do ride at least 10 miles on the bike whenever I go to the gym.

9. I'd like to take some form of martial arts.

Not yet - but I have lots of time left.

10. I'd like to weight lift again, I did a good bit in high school.

I am lifting 2-3 times per week currently. I really need a partner to lift with me...it is just better that way.

Three month check up

I went to the surgeon today for my three month check up. I am down to 285 lbs. (my last post said I was 283, wrong...I was dehydrated). That means I am down 66 lbs. That is pretty darn amazing if I do say so myself.

After I return from Mississippi in July, I will have another fill. I hope that will help me continue with the steady weight loss I am experiencing.

I believe with all my heart that 1. Eating protein first, 2. Not drinking with meals, 3. Drinking at least 64 oz of water a day, & 4. Exercising at least 3-4 times per week all add up to success. Of course there are varying degrees of success; increased energy, inches lost, new clothes, actual pounds lost, etc.

All in all, lap-band is the best decision I have made in years. Over the long haul, it saved my life.

Peace,
Marc

Down Some More

I had not weighed in a week or so until last night. The scales at the gym say that I am down to 283 lbs. WOW!

I'm not sure that is accurate though. I spent most of the weekend out in the sun - sweating a lot. I probably was a little dehydrated. I think I will go by my surgeon's office and get an official weight after I work out this afternoon.

Slowing Down

Well...the weightloss has slowed down. I knew it would. It is still a bummer though. I continue to lose 1-2 lbs. per week, which is great. It is certainly more than I was losing prior to surgery.

I am still exercising regularly. I really have to make it a priority or a busy day will slip up on me and get by without any exercise. I find I am more likely to follow through if I go in the morning, especially if we have any night activities at all.

The kids are gone this weekend. So I am finally following through with the Christmas gift I gave Darla. I am putting new closet organizer in our walk in closet. I tore everything out and am starting from scratch. Hopefully we will be much more organized when I am done. If nothing else, it is a great chance to weed out all those clothes that are out of style or that we cannot wear anymore.

Until next time - Peace out,
Marc