I realized, after a friend asked about my weight loss that I haven't been on my blog or weight loss tracker for a loooong time.
So, tonight I logged back in and re-read my old posts. It's amazing to see how much things have changed since July 2013. I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to change my life and improve my health. I'm sad and disappointed that I've gained some back...and I'm hoping my trip down memory lane will help motivate me to do better.
I don't ever want to get back to where I was. I know it's totally possible, and that is scary.
I started my journey at an all time high of 294 lbs. I'm so thankful that I blogged about my weight loss, so that I can see how far I've come.
I decided to write the milestones down, so here they are (as a reminder to me...and a motivator to get my butt in gear!)
7/11/13: 294
7/28/13: 269
8/7/13: 266
9/16/13: 244
9/25/13: 239
11/4/13: 225
11/6/13: 220
1/3/14: 203
1/12/14: 200
2/18/14: 194 (ONEDERLAND and 100 lbs down!)
5/26/14: 176
7/10/14: 170
2/18/18: 187 (not too shabby, I've pretty much maintained for almost 4 years!)
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Anxiety is a Buzzkill
It's no secret that I grew up, the daughter of an alcoholic. While it's not something I talk about much anymore, it is still (and will always be) a huge part of my life. As a result of my childhood, I have a pretty bad problem with anxiety.
The stories I could tell from my childhood would shock some of you (not all...and to those folks, I'm sorry...as that probably means you have been exposed to worse).
I have noticed that my anxiety has gotten way worse since my Daddy passed in April. The other day while driving I was thinking about it and started to think about my Dad, and wondering what happened to drive him to drink so much...? Then I wondered if he, too, struggled with anxiety. I can totally see how it would be easy to drink to relieve these feelings. I, thankfully, have had some treatment and counseling to help me cope. My Daddy may have never seen those options when it started. Sadly, I'll never know. Whatever it was that triggered his drinking, it breaks my heart that he struggled with it for so long. Alcoholism is a disease, and it's a battle I witnessed him fight for my entire life.
My anxiety is something I struggle with every minute of every day and it's exhausting. It's hard to explain how it feels, and it's frustrating not to be understood. I am actively seeking natural ways to help ease it, so that I won't be so dependent on medication to mask the feelings I have.
Ultimately, I don't want this to cause my son to develop an anxiety problem. I want the cycle to be broken. I want him to be happy & healthy...both physically and mentally.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Asking for a little understanding, and forgiveness...
Just when I feel like I'm doing ok, something comes along and throws me for a loop. Just this week, I was hit with this feeling multiple times. A few times at the hands of a once-dear friend. Once at Kroger when I heard a super depressing song on the radio in the store. And, once when I was just sitting quietly and I had to explain that my sitting quietly does not mean I am mad, or upset or anything. I know this will happen many more times over the coming weeks and months. I do hope it gets better.
So, I guess I'm asking for two things:
First, I need a little understanding from those around me. I am not the "typical" female when it comes to these things. I don't just want to sit and talk about how I feel. I need time to process what I'm feeling, and then I need more time to put those feelings into words. I'm weird like that, I guess.
Second, I am asking for forgiveness. This is definitely the hardest thing I've ever been through. The loss of a parent, is literally the loss of one of your ties to the past. It's hard. I never in my wildest dreams imagined it would be this hard. So, I'm asking for forgiveness if I'm short with you, or if I just want to sit quietly and not talk. I sometimes just want to sit and decompress. On top of the difficulties of losing my Daddy, I have also experienced the loss of a life-long friend. Both losses were completely unexpected, and knocked the breath out of me.
I found this Native American prayer when trying to decide what to have printed inside of my Daddy's memorial card at the funeral. This was my favorite, because it fit him so well. You wouldn't know it to look at me, but my family is Indian (Native American). I guess those genes skipped me! My Daddy was proud of that heritage, and loved all things Indian.
So, I guess I'm asking for two things:
First, I need a little understanding from those around me. I am not the "typical" female when it comes to these things. I don't just want to sit and talk about how I feel. I need time to process what I'm feeling, and then I need more time to put those feelings into words. I'm weird like that, I guess.
Second, I am asking for forgiveness. This is definitely the hardest thing I've ever been through. The loss of a parent, is literally the loss of one of your ties to the past. It's hard. I never in my wildest dreams imagined it would be this hard. So, I'm asking for forgiveness if I'm short with you, or if I just want to sit quietly and not talk. I sometimes just want to sit and decompress. On top of the difficulties of losing my Daddy, I have also experienced the loss of a life-long friend. Both losses were completely unexpected, and knocked the breath out of me.
I found this Native American prayer when trying to decide what to have printed inside of my Daddy's memorial card at the funeral. This was my favorite, because it fit him so well. You wouldn't know it to look at me, but my family is Indian (Native American). I guess those genes skipped me! My Daddy was proud of that heritage, and loved all things Indian.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Frankly my dear, I don't give a straw....
It just doesn't have the same ring as the final line, does it? I never realized there was a whole list of alternative lines ready to go, just in case the producers of Gone With the Wind couldn't get approval to say "damn" on the big screen. It's amazing how times have changed. We go from needing approval to say "damn" and "hell" in a major motion picture, to being allowed to use all sorts of language on 30 minute TV shows.
Honestly, I can't imagine that line being any different. "I don't give a straw" or "I don't give a hoot" would have just ruined the character of Rhett for me. Also, my Daddy wouldn't have had his signature line, either. I remember being a kid and finally asking him what he meant, and who Frank was! He just laughed. I really don't remember him ever explaining it to me, and I don't remember how I finally found out. But, once I knew what he meant, I would just crack up at the confused looks of others when they would hear it....knowing they were wondering the same thing I had once wondered. (I took pity on most, and explained it to them...)
I can't believe it's been a week since we buried my Daddy. Today was my first day back to work, and it was tough, but not as bad as I thought it would be. I was overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and generosity shown to me today. My job is tough, but the people I work with make it better.
I'm glad to have learned to develop and cultivate new friendships, especially in light of recent events in my life. My newer friends have helped me so much during this sad time, when lifelong friendships failed me. And, without going into details about it, I am glad to say what Donny Joe would have said about it..."You know Frank."
Daddy, I love and miss you. I thank you for helping me to become the woman I am. I know you won't mind that I've adopted your signature line.
Until next time,
Amanda
Honestly, I can't imagine that line being any different. "I don't give a straw" or "I don't give a hoot" would have just ruined the character of Rhett for me. Also, my Daddy wouldn't have had his signature line, either. I remember being a kid and finally asking him what he meant, and who Frank was! He just laughed. I really don't remember him ever explaining it to me, and I don't remember how I finally found out. But, once I knew what he meant, I would just crack up at the confused looks of others when they would hear it....knowing they were wondering the same thing I had once wondered. (I took pity on most, and explained it to them...)
I can't believe it's been a week since we buried my Daddy. Today was my first day back to work, and it was tough, but not as bad as I thought it would be. I was overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and generosity shown to me today. My job is tough, but the people I work with make it better.
I'm glad to have learned to develop and cultivate new friendships, especially in light of recent events in my life. My newer friends have helped me so much during this sad time, when lifelong friendships failed me. And, without going into details about it, I am glad to say what Donny Joe would have said about it..."You know Frank."
Daddy, I love and miss you. I thank you for helping me to become the woman I am. I know you won't mind that I've adopted your signature line.
Until next time,
Amanda
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Do you know Frank? If not, let me introduce you...
As I think back on my previous week, I have a flood of emotions going through my mind. On Monday, April 6th, my Daddy passed away. Monday, April 6th, was also my 13th wedding anniversary. This date will now always be bittersweet for me. My Daddy walked himself (barely) into the hospital on Thursday, March 26th, He had been sick and everyone had been begging him to go to the hospital to get some help. But, my Daddy always did things according to his own schedule. He didn't like to be given a time or date to do things. We knew he was sick, very sick, but we didn't realize the extent of it until he was practically rushed to ICU and we were being asked if we would give consent to place him on a ventilator (read: life support). Even at this point, we had so much hope and confidence that he would get better in a few days and he would be able to come off of the ventilator.
A very stressful week later, he was still very sick but seemed to be improving slightly. He didn't look as swollen, his heart rate and blood pressure were OK, and the doctors had him on a good mix of sedatives to keep him sleeping peacefully. We were still very confident that he would be better, just not as quickly as we had hoped. The respiratory therapists/social workers/nurses were even talking to us about extended care facilities and putting in a trach so he could get up and move around and communicate with us.
My husband and I had a trip for our anniversary planned that weekend - leaving Saturday and coming home on Tuesday. We were going to Savannah, and after talking with the nurses we decided it would be alright for us to go. Sadly, Daddy took a turn for the worse Saturday afternoon and after being in Savannah for about 2 hours, we packed up and headed back home.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday all seemed to run together. Multiple opinions from doctors who didn't know Daddy were ordered, we were told that he would not improve and asked what we wanted to do. We could leave him on the machine and keep him with us, but we were advised by all 4 physicians that he would not survive if taken off of the ventilator.
What do we do? My poor mama couldn't and wouldn't make that call. My sister agreed with the doctors but I couldn't ask her to sign that paper. I felt that, even though I was the youngest, I had to be the strongest. I signed the paper. I signed to remove my Daddy from life support, knowing it would take a miracle for him to start breathing on his own. At the time I was so sure of the decision we made, but now, almost a week later, I'm tormented. Doubts flood my mind...what if I had fought to have him moved, what if I had asked for more tests, what if I had not consented to put him on life support in the first place?? The rational part of me knows I did the only thing I could have done. My Daddy would not have wanted to be on life support to begin with...but the optimist in me just knew he would get better, and how could I not try? I was willing to take the brunt of his anger when he woke up - because that meant he would be awake and with us. It was absolutely heartbreaking to hear 4 doctors tell me there was no hope of him recovering. How could a man WALK into the hospital and a week and a half later be alive only by a ventilator?
Here are the morals of my story people:
A very stressful week later, he was still very sick but seemed to be improving slightly. He didn't look as swollen, his heart rate and blood pressure were OK, and the doctors had him on a good mix of sedatives to keep him sleeping peacefully. We were still very confident that he would be better, just not as quickly as we had hoped. The respiratory therapists/social workers/nurses were even talking to us about extended care facilities and putting in a trach so he could get up and move around and communicate with us.
My husband and I had a trip for our anniversary planned that weekend - leaving Saturday and coming home on Tuesday. We were going to Savannah, and after talking with the nurses we decided it would be alright for us to go. Sadly, Daddy took a turn for the worse Saturday afternoon and after being in Savannah for about 2 hours, we packed up and headed back home.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday all seemed to run together. Multiple opinions from doctors who didn't know Daddy were ordered, we were told that he would not improve and asked what we wanted to do. We could leave him on the machine and keep him with us, but we were advised by all 4 physicians that he would not survive if taken off of the ventilator.
What do we do? My poor mama couldn't and wouldn't make that call. My sister agreed with the doctors but I couldn't ask her to sign that paper. I felt that, even though I was the youngest, I had to be the strongest. I signed the paper. I signed to remove my Daddy from life support, knowing it would take a miracle for him to start breathing on his own. At the time I was so sure of the decision we made, but now, almost a week later, I'm tormented. Doubts flood my mind...what if I had fought to have him moved, what if I had asked for more tests, what if I had not consented to put him on life support in the first place?? The rational part of me knows I did the only thing I could have done. My Daddy would not have wanted to be on life support to begin with...but the optimist in me just knew he would get better, and how could I not try? I was willing to take the brunt of his anger when he woke up - because that meant he would be awake and with us. It was absolutely heartbreaking to hear 4 doctors tell me there was no hope of him recovering. How could a man WALK into the hospital and a week and a half later be alive only by a ventilator?
Here are the morals of my story people:
- Get Healthy! Both physically and mentally! Take care of yourself, if not for you, for your family and friends. Don't take crap from people, but don't be ugly for no reason.
- Do you know frank? Well, I do...
and if I say that, it means I don't care! I'm not going to bother myself with silly, trivial things. I'm going to focus on my mental health, and be the best mommy, wife, daughter, sister & friend that I can be.
Create a will, a power of attorney and write down your wishes if you are ever so sick that you can't make the decisions yourself. Please don't make your loved ones sign those papers.
My Daddy was a free spirit, an artist, a fighter, the best man you'd ever know and sometimes the worst. He was an awesome guy to have as a Daddy. He taught me to cook, to drive, to play poker, to take care of my home, to create things with my hands, to wood work, to upholster (sort of), and so many other things. He could create anything with his hands, he was a master upholsterer and carpenter. He could fix a car, the plumbing or electricity in a house, and just about anything else.
And man could he cook! He never measured anything, so you had to really pay attention to learn how to cook from him...but I am proud to say I picked up a few good recipes from him. I can make a pan of biscuits, a pot (yes, pot!) of macaroni and cheese, and some awesome cornbread. I'm still working on my dressing...but I'll get it right this year, I just know it.
I needed to write this down while it was on my heart. These are all things I wish I had had the strength and courage to say during my Daddy's funeral service. I had time with him before he passed, I cried, I laughed, I apologized and forgave. I am hopeful that he heard me, and knew that I loved him so much.
Hugs,
Amanda
Thursday, July 10, 2014
What a difference a year makes! 1 Year Surgi-versary!!!
Wow! So, I looked at the calendar a few minutes ago and realized that today is my 1 year surgery anniversary!!
One year ago, today, I made a huge leap of faith and had weightloss surgery. I have had an amazing year, re-learning how to nourish my body, learning that food is fuel and not comfort, discovering how much I can actually enjoy exercise and learning what my body is capable of. I began this journey in a size 24W at 194 lbs. Today I wear a 12-14 (misses, not plus!) and weigh 170lbs.
I wasn't even this size in high school!
In addition to seeing the number on the scale and the tape measure go down, I've experienced some things that we in the WLS community consider Non-Scale Victories. I love to walk places now. Just this week, while visiting my parents, I decided to run to the store that is 2 streets over....and I walked. I would have never done that pre-surgery. I also out-walked my hubby when we visited Savannah in April. I logged over 6 miles one day - and guess what? I wasn't tired...I could have kept going if it hadn't started raining (and my sweet hubby hadn't been exhausted!)
I have started taking a Spin class at the gym, and LOVE it! I am looking forward to discovering more classes and working on toning up the "jiggly bits" that I still have to contend with.
All in all, this has been a wonderful experience. I am so thankful for all of the support I've been given from my family and friends. I wouldn't have done as well without their help. I can't wait to make another post once I reach my goal of 155 lbs...stay tuned....
One year ago, today, I made a huge leap of faith and had weightloss surgery. I have had an amazing year, re-learning how to nourish my body, learning that food is fuel and not comfort, discovering how much I can actually enjoy exercise and learning what my body is capable of. I began this journey in a size 24W at 194 lbs. Today I wear a 12-14 (misses, not plus!) and weigh 170lbs.
I wasn't even this size in high school!
In addition to seeing the number on the scale and the tape measure go down, I've experienced some things that we in the WLS community consider Non-Scale Victories. I love to walk places now. Just this week, while visiting my parents, I decided to run to the store that is 2 streets over....and I walked. I would have never done that pre-surgery. I also out-walked my hubby when we visited Savannah in April. I logged over 6 miles one day - and guess what? I wasn't tired...I could have kept going if it hadn't started raining (and my sweet hubby hadn't been exhausted!)
I have started taking a Spin class at the gym, and LOVE it! I am looking forward to discovering more classes and working on toning up the "jiggly bits" that I still have to contend with.
All in all, this has been a wonderful experience. I am so thankful for all of the support I've been given from my family and friends. I wouldn't have done as well without their help. I can't wait to make another post once I reach my goal of 155 lbs...stay tuned....
Check out the difference from last year to now:
 |
| pre-surgery, 294 lbs |
 |
| 1 year post-op, 170 lbs |
Monday, May 26, 2014
Long lost blogger, new update :)
Hi all!
It has been a while since I've updated my blog, so since I'm home and have a few minutes....here we go.
It has been 10 months since my surgery and I'm staying right around 176 lbs now. That's a total loss so far of 118 lbs! I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to have the surgery - it has truly helped me change my life. I enjoy walking (and even jogging), working in my yard, and just generally being outside now. I'd rather be outside than inside now - which is a complete change from last year this time.
I'm able to eat a little more now, which makes me nervous, but I still try to make healthy choices and eat protein first at every meal. Protein is hard to get in, but it is so important!
I've also started working on toning up...working with weights, doing squats and lunges and yoga. I'm actually happy with the weight I am now - so my goal is to tone everything up and increase my endurance when running. I'd like to be able to run my entire neighborhood without stopping by the end of the summer...that's a little under 1 mile. I would be so proud if I could do that!
I took measurements before my surgery, and then just a week ago.
June 2013
Waist: 49"
Left bicep: 21.5"
Neck: 15.5"
May 2014
Waist: 39"
Left bicep: 16.5
Neck: 13.5"
My surgeon's goal was for me to be in the 170's by my 1 year surgi-versary, and I'm already there...so I know he'll be pleased when I go to see him in July.
Happy Memorial Day - enjoy time with your family today and remember to give thanks for our Armed Forces for all of their sacrifices!
:) Amanda
It has been a while since I've updated my blog, so since I'm home and have a few minutes....here we go.
It has been 10 months since my surgery and I'm staying right around 176 lbs now. That's a total loss so far of 118 lbs! I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to have the surgery - it has truly helped me change my life. I enjoy walking (and even jogging), working in my yard, and just generally being outside now. I'd rather be outside than inside now - which is a complete change from last year this time.
I'm able to eat a little more now, which makes me nervous, but I still try to make healthy choices and eat protein first at every meal. Protein is hard to get in, but it is so important!
I've also started working on toning up...working with weights, doing squats and lunges and yoga. I'm actually happy with the weight I am now - so my goal is to tone everything up and increase my endurance when running. I'd like to be able to run my entire neighborhood without stopping by the end of the summer...that's a little under 1 mile. I would be so proud if I could do that!
I took measurements before my surgery, and then just a week ago.
June 2013
Waist: 49"
Left bicep: 21.5"
Neck: 15.5"
May 2014
Waist: 39"
Left bicep: 16.5
Neck: 13.5"
My surgeon's goal was for me to be in the 170's by my 1 year surgi-versary, and I'm already there...so I know he'll be pleased when I go to see him in July.
Happy Memorial Day - enjoy time with your family today and remember to give thanks for our Armed Forces for all of their sacrifices!
:) Amanda
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