Back on Schedule

School has started and it's rolling.
That picture on the right needs to be fixed.

Everyone at school keeps telling me how great I look.
Today I wore Tammy's black pants.
Size 10.
Honestly, I never thought I would ever fit a 10.
Never in my wildest dreams.
But I have to say...they did make my butt look good!
Just ask my mom!
She saw it!

But whatever...

I'm not weighing myself every single day anymore.
It's just too much for me.
So, I'm weighing every Monday
And on the 20th of every month.
This morning I was 165.0.
I would like to lose 10 more pounds by Christmas.

I'm on my "school" eating schedule.
Which means eating like 5-6 times a day.
I have something little for breakfast...
Usually on my way to school
With coffee, of course.
I eat a snack during 2nd hour all the time.
Then I eat a small lunch.
I eat the rest of my lunch on my way home.
I eat dinner with the family
And then maybe a little snack before bed.
That just depends on what time we eat dinner.
Small portions all the time.
That's my eating schedule these days.

As for the exercising...
Yeah...I'll get to that one of these days.

The mental roller coaster of this journey is a blog for another day.
But it needs to be said.

Bike Ride

So, today I decided to take a bike ride.

Finally...getting off my butt and actually exercising.

I thought it would be fun.

It is a beautiful day out...not too hot.

I thought to myself...hey...I have to get some postage.

Let's ride to the post office in town.

It's really not that far.

Or is it?

I started off thinking I was in a car.

Like I had to speed.

I quickly realized that I wasn't racing anyone

And if I wanted to make it home

Then I needed to pace myself.

I mean...come on...I haven't rode a bike like this since I was 11.

I decided to follow the bike trail near my house.

I've never been on it in the 4 years I've lived here.

I always wanted to know where it went.

Today I found out.

The trail ended at a main road up town.

I was so confused as to where I was though.

It was weird.

In a car it's as if you drive the same path every single day

And the car eventually drives itself.

On a bike..I had to think!

I made it to the post office in 40 minutes.

In a car it would take me about 7.

I should have checked before I left to see how many miles it was.

No...dingle head me checks when she gets home.

It was about 5 miles one way.

Who goes 10 miles on their first bike ride?

Dingle head me.

It cracks me up that last week we drove 11 hours

And made it to Virginia.

Today I rode a bike for 1 hour and 20 minutes

And I made it to town and back.

So, wait...are there any experts out there?

5 miles in 40 minutes is bad right?

I should pick up the pace a bit next time eh?

I wonder if I lost any weight?

P.S. Why does this thing put everything in one paragraph?

I always have paragraphs and it keeps lumping everything together.

I apologize for the smooshiness.

It's About Time

Look who FINALLY reached the 120 lbs. down mark!

Oh yes...me.

I am now down 121.5 lbs. total.

I currently weigh 165.2 lbs.

I am 15 lbs. away from my goal weight.

Left: March 19, 2006-286.7 lbs. Right: December 8, 2006 - 185.4 lbs.

July 14, 2007 - 165.2 lbs.

Left: March 19, 2006 - 286.7 lbs. Right: December 8, 2006 - 185.4 lbs.

July 14, 2007 - 165.2 lbs.

Check out my flickr for more photos.
I can't believe it took me 7 months to hit that 120 lb. mark.
I feel like I have been stuck in the 17o's forever.
How did I do it?
I went on a road trip, didn't eat much and walked around Busch Gardens.
I would really, really, really like to tone up my arms.
Really.
Because I think my tattoo would look much hotter!

New Woman

I feel like a new woman.
I have done some things lately that I never would have dreamed.
For example...
Six Flags Great America.
I have always HATED roller coasters.
HATED them!
I was so scared of heights.
And so scared that I wouldn't fit in the seat.

Yesterday I went on a roller coaster
That shoots you straight up into a curl
At 65 miles per hour
In about 5 seconds.
Then you go backwards and straight up again.

I went on the Superman ride
Where you hang down like you're flying.
I had my hands out the whole time
And sang the Superman theme song
While soaring down the hill and up through a loop.
Ashlee kept yelling at me to shut up.
It was so much fun.

I wore a tank top to the park.
With my bathing suit top underneath.

Two years ago the kids and I wanted to go on the swings.
I wanted to relive my youth of the carnival days.
Ashlee had to squish me into the swing
And it hurt because I was squeezed into it.
When the ride was over
I tried to get out and my butt got stuck in the swing.
It was so embarrassing.

Yesterday we all went on them again
And I had plenty of room to spare.
It was so much more fun this time.

While waiting in line for Superman
There was a group of boys behind us.
A larger lady was getting strapped into the ride
And the workers had to do it twice to make sure it was secure.
The boys started making fun of her
And how she couldn't fit like a glove into the seat.
I felt so bad for her.

I remember how that felt.
The embarrassment of getting kicked off because I was too big.
I gave the boys the evil eye.
I should have said something
But I restrained myself.
They were boys, about 12 and don't know any better.
I just hope they all get beer bellies one day.

Free Time!

Yesterday was the last day of school.
Finally!

At the start of the school year I was down about 65 lbs.
Today I am down 110 lbs. total.
I was actually 176.6 this morning.
Eh...not bad.

My new goal this summer is to be down to 155 by the start of school.
I think I can do it if I just got my butt moving.
Now that summer is here...I SWEAR...
I am going to start exercising.

SWEAR!

Stuck

Wow, it's been a while since I've written.
Nothing is new here in the weight department.
I'm actually a little stuck.
I've been stuck for about 3 months now.
At least I'm not gaining!
I'm at 175 and holding.
I'm happy.

I have a tremendous amount of energy.
The other day I did all of this AFTER I came home from school:
Cut ALL of the grass.
Scrubbed the back deck, table, chairs and junk.
Roller bladed 2 miles.

Yesterday we went to Great America in Illinois.
I fit on everything I went on!
Even the wooden roller coaster.
I better fit on that coaster in Kentucky this year.
I even went on the Superman ride.
That's the biggest roller coaster I've ever been on.
Fear of heights or fear of not fitting on the ride?
What really was my excuse for not going on them in the past?

I Own A Two Piece Bathing Suit!

So, I haven't exercised in forever.
I feel like a big slug.
The only thing I've done is danced my pants off every now and then.

I haven't lost a new pound in forever.
I've been eating like crap.

Why?
Stress?
Boredom?
The Weather?

I don't know.
I need to get back on track though.

I just bought a new bathing suit last weekend.
I bought a one piece that I'm taking back...it's too tight.
I bought a TWO PIECE that I am keeping!!!!
It has a tank top and the bottom is like a skirt.
I like it because the skirt hides the gross parts.
BUT...I am probably going to wear the top tank part with my boy swim shorts.
It looks hotter.
And it's more comfortable.
But I am wearing a two piece this year!
Go me!

I have been bruising more lately.
I'm not sure why.
And it's not ALL because I'm a stumbling drunk on the weekends!
Last weekend I counted like 27 black and blue marks on my body.
It's so weird.
There must be some vitamin that I'm lacking.

Tomorrow I am taking my photo classes out to take action pictures.
Remember when I blogged about running a lap around the track?
How many pounds ago was that?
I'll have to look it up.
Ok...I looked it up...it was about 17 pounds ago.
And that was in November.
Well...I'm going to see if running the lap tomorrow is any easier.
Wish me luck.

Hike From Hell

BJ and Me on a trail in the Dunes. by Leslee Milby

Current Weight: 174.0 lbs.
Total Lost: 112.7 lbs.

On Saturday morning I woke up at 8 a.m.
I picked up BJ and Leslee at their dad's
And drove to the Indiana Dunes.

BJ had a hike trip with his boy scout pack.
It was cold and raining.
We walked on the beach
And up a dune.
I was ready to be done.

The hike lasted 3 1/2 hours!
About 6 miles!
It went on FOREVER!!!
But it was fun.

How often do you really get in touch with nature?
I was tired afterwards
But I think it was mainly from the cold and rain.

Doesn't my butt look cute in this picture?

Soccer Practice

Current Weight: 171.8 lbs.
Total Lost: 114.9 lbs.

On Sunday Tammy and I were informed that we were soccer coaches!
I was soooo excited.
I played soccer from first grade up until senior year of high school.
I was actually on the first high school girl's soccer team at our school.
I was a goalie and defender.
No wonder...I took up half the goal!

Our first practice was tonight.
Just an hour long.
We have 11 players...boys and girls mixed.
It was so much fun!!!!
I was running around with the kids.
I ran a lap to the tree and back and BEAT some of the kids.
Granted they are 6, 7, and 8...but come on...they should beat a 30 year old!

I taught them the proper way to pass the ball.
The proper way to do a throw in
And how to head the ball.
All in the first practice.

It felt so great to run around and be a coach and teacher.
I didn't have to worry about getting tired
Or what I looked like while running after the kids.
I wasn't even tired after the practice.

It was a great weight loss realization moment.

Happy Anniversary!

Current Weight: 175.0 lbs.
Total Lost: 111.4 lbs.

Happy Anniversary to me!!!
It's been one year since the surgery!
And what a crazy year it's been.
I've lost about 114 lbs. altogether
Give or take a a few pounds.

Things that are easier to do at 175 than 286.7...
1) Running...who knew I could do it?
2) Walking in between desks in my classroom...
I don't knock things off the desks now!
3) I actually FIT in the little high school desks now!
4) Cutting my toe nails...I can bend over and reach them.
5) Dancing...I love it.
6) Fitting in the bathtub with room to spare.
7) Laundry...my clothes are smaller so I can fit more in the washer!
8) Climbing stairs without losing my breath.
9) Saying no to food...it just doesn't fit.
10) Let's just say...the love life is kicking.

I am so happy that I made the decision to have the surgery.
What I look like now is what I THOUGHT I looked like back then.
It was like a reverse eating disorder.
Now, my mind matches my body.

I have changed my way of eating.
Not only do I eat less
I actually think about what's going in before I open my mouth.
I never used to do that.

What could be next?
Tummy tuck surgery?
Hernia surgery?
Having a baby?
Actually beginning to exercise on a regular basis?
How much more will I lose?

Stay tuned.

Doctor Appointment

Ok...so I've been having issues with Blogger.
I wrote this whole blog about my Doctor appointment
And it deleted it!

Let's give it another whirl...

I went to see Dr. Vitello on Friday morning.
I made it downtown around 9:30 a.m.
He was surprised to see me and said I looked great!
I am a part of the 100 pound club.
Meaning...I've lost over 100 pounds.

He checked my scar and said that I have a small hernia.
Who knew?
I can't really feel it at all.
He also said that I could get skin cut off at any time.
And...he said that I am cleared to try and get pregnant.
Exciting!

I have decided to try and get pregnant.
In my case this could take some time.
But I would like to try to lose some more weight
Get pregnant
And then have skin cut off later in life.

I went to talk with Andrea, the dietician and she also thought I looked great.
She told me to monitor my protein intake.
Also, to separate my calcium supplement from my multivitamin.
She also gave me a walk to run program.
I told her about my running adventures
This should help me build up to running a mile!

Overall...great appointment.
Next appointment...September.

Happy Belated Birthday To Me!

Oh my goodness!

Have I had a heck of a time logging on lately!

So sorry for the delay.

My 30th birthday was on March 4th.

Here is a picture from my birthday last year in 2006 and then the right one is from 2007. Big difference eh?

And yes...it was a Dairy Queen cake.

I ate one piece and it knocked me out.

We still have leftovers in the freezer.

I had a great birthday!

My mom got me a grill pan and money to buy new summer clothes!

I also got my first tattoo!

You'll have to check my other blog to see what it looks like.

Pounds Lost Per Month

This is a bar chart showing how many pounds I've lost per month. Talk about ups and downs!

Monthly Progress

This is my Excel chart of my monthly weight loss.

Evil Vending Machine

It's been 11 months since my surgery.
I'm down 112 lbs.
I have one month to go to the year mark.
Do you think I can make it down to 120 lbs down by March 20?
That would be like losing 10 lbs a month.
But not really because I only lost 3 lbs. last month.
But you get my drift.

I dug the ab roller out of my mom's basement the other day.
I did 100 crunches last night with no problems.
I also lifted weights for my flabby arms.
I need to start walking/running again!
Stupid snow!

I was very proud of myself at lunch today.
I had some slices of salami...
I know...Ash Wednesday...I totally forgot. :(
I also had some grapes for a snack at 9 a.m. and an orange.
I barely even touched my Diet Dr. Pepper.
It's on my desk getting warm and flat now.

I was eyeing the vending machine.
The Ding Dongs and Cherry Pie were calling my name.
I had a nice, crisp dollar bill from Sarah for teaching her class for her yesterday.
I kept looking over there like they were going away or something.

I was a good girl.
I put the dollar under the paper clip in my calendar.
I said, "Screw you vending machine!"
And I walked out of the teacher's lounge.

Carrie - 1 Vending Machine - 0

Thank Yor For Reading

I would just like to say
That I'm amazed at how many people read this blog.
I want to thank everyone for their support and comments.
They really mean a lot to me
And they encourage me to write more.

I started this blog as a way to document my changes.
To journal my adventure through gastric bypass surgery.
I didn't know that so many people would be reading to get the truth.

I've always wanted to be a writer.
Hell...I majored in journalism for Pete's sake.
But I'm not a journalistic writer.
I had to report last summer during my internship.
It was hell.

I like to write how I speak.
Whatever comes to my mind...let it out.
I like hitting enter a lot.
Big paragraphs are hard to read.

I will continue to tell the truth
About everything.
Eating, losing, clothes, mental issues...everything.

Please continue to read
And continue to comment.
I love all of my new bloggie friends!

Say No To Jalepeno Bites at 3 a.m.

If you've been tracking my stats to the right
You'll notice that I gained like 3 pounds.
Tip: Don't eat jalapeno bites from Arby's at 3:30 a.m.
Probably NOT the greatest dieting habit.

But come on...
You go out and have a good time.
You need something at 3 a.m. to refuel!
You would think jalapeno bites would ruin me..but they didn't.
I survived and they were good.
I just know that I have to shovel more snow today to work it off.

We went out to the bar last night again.
I wore a white tank top with a long sleeve white shirt over it.
I had a cute hat on too.
It is so much more fun going to the bar now.
I actually had a girl drag ME out on the dance floor with her.
The jell-o shot guy actually gave ME a free one.
I even felt so confident as to take off my long sleeve shirt for a bit.
I even sang kareoke for the first time in my life and loved it.

Towards the end of the night I saw two girls off to the side.
One girl had to have easily been about 400 lbs.
Her girlfriend was probably around my starting weight.
I felt bad for the bigger one because she was sort of dancing
But she was all hot and looked tired.
I wanted to go dance with them, but I didn't want to get my butt kicked.

I just related.
I remembered what that felt like.
To be in the back corner on a stool..not dancing and not having fun.
No one ever looked at me or ever asked me to dance.
I hated dancing because I thought people were laughing at me
And I felt like I was bumping into people.
Even Tammy didn't like dancing with me back then because I made her too hot.

Next time I see those girls I'm going to dance with them.
I'm such a shy person...I just can't jump in and dance with a random person.
I ran out of time last night to dance with them
Because we closed down the bar once again!

New Look

I thought I would give this page a new look.
What do you guys and girls think?
Is it too busy?
Is it hard to read?
Do you like the colors?
Any other suggestions for sidebar information?

Give me your comments!

Good-bye To Buffets

Current Weight: Same as Below...but probably more now because I ate a lot for dinner and had 2 glasses of wine and Funions because it's a good combination damn it!
Total Lost: 110.5 lbs.

So that last post was a short one.
I had to gripe about the account thing.
I was just annoyed.

Tonight we went to Ponderosa for dinner.
Cheap steak and shrimp buffet place.
There was a coupon sticker on the local paper today.
I stole all of them.
Like I'm going to eat that many buffet dinners!
Who am I kidding?

Tammy and I split a steak.
It was good for the cheap place.
My first trip to the buffet consisted of:
1) 1 skinny slice of cheese pizza (didn't eat it all)
2) 6 friend shrimp (gone!)
3) 6 cold shrimp with shells (ick! gave up after one)
4) About 2 Tbs of shrimp scampi noodle crap (gone!)

My second trip to the buffet consisted of:
1) About 1/4 plate of salad with all the good stuff (only ate about half)
2) One small scoop of vanilla pudding with vanilla wafer cookies. (gone!)

And I had one glass of Dr. Pepper.
Not good to have really.
By the end of the salad, which I always eat last cuz I'm weird...
I was so full I needed a nap.
I ran to the car and hopped in the passenger seat.

I am done with buffets.
Seriously...why go there?
I can't eat jack and I'll never eat my moneys worth ever again!

So, this is my tribute to all buffet meals.
The good old Warsaw Inn.
Shakeys Pizza Parlor Buffet
The Buffet (pronounced like Jimmy Buffet) at Ball State
Ponderosa
All Chinese Buffets
Done.

Forever.

I just can't handle them anymore.
Waste of my money and time.
AND!
It plays on my emotions too much.
I see all that food and get waaaaaaay too excited.
I eat like I'm normal and then I pay later.
Not good.
So...

Good-bye Buffets...Adios.

Where's the celery?

Why?

Current Weight: 176.2 lbs.
Total Lost: 110.5 lbs

This isn't about weight today.
It's about the fact that I have to have a Google account to log into this blog.
Why do I have to have 70 different accounts to publish stuff?
Flickr...Yahoo.
Blogspot...Google.
Come on!!!
I can't remember all of these usernames and passwords people!
I'm going to be 30 in a month!
I'm getting old!
I can't remember everything anymore!