The life and times of Libby Withnall

Well, it was with much excitement that I shopped in the “normal size” section today. I’m down to a 16-18 in plus sizes so thought I might be shortly fitting into normal sizes. Well, not shortly, but RIGHT NOW!!!! I still can’t believe it. It has been a long, long time since I fell into the “normal” body range. In fact one pair of jeans I tried on were too tight in the legs (not suprising) but a bit too loose around the waist. I bought 2 pairs of pants for when we go away in April (since I’ll still want summer clothes but the shops will be full of winter clothes) and they already fit, albeit snuggly. Had quite a few compliments on my weight loss yesterday as most of the Mum’s hadn’t seen me for 5 weeks. I also bought a really purple nice jacket for winter – 20% off (since I have NO Winter clothes to wear). I bought the size 18 (in normal sizes) but it is too big. Will need to take it back and get a 16, or maybe even a 14, since I won’t be needing it for quite a few months.

Well, while our meals have remained pretty healthy we’ve started to slip into “holiday” mode with biscuits, chocolate, ice-cream, etc. Only a little bit (since that’s all that fits in our small stomachs) but still not the best things to be having for snacks. I’ve gone through the pantry/fridge and we’ve used up the last few “treat” foods over the last few days and I DID NOT buy any more today. I’ve got my dinner planned out and tomorrow will do some work on lunches – now that the girls will be back at school I can just have a salad or veggie stir-fry for lunch.  I’m still losing weight and have restarted the Body for Life exercise program. I have LOADS more energy than I did before and still find I’ve got some left at the end of the day – which is a real novelty.

Well, I had to quickly report in my early weigh for this week. I managed to reached the 20kg mark for weight loss. That’s 44lbs – which doesn’t quite have the same ring to it . I am very excited. I have NEVER managed to lose 20kg. I think the most I have ever lost is 12kg. And best of all that 20kg will NEVER return.

I just realized that it’s 2 months since I had my surgery. How time flys!!! Sure, the first few weeks after surgery were a little tough but I’m so glad that I had my VSG. I’m so loving my life now and it’s only going to get better. Can’t wait to see what the next 2 months brings.

Well, I’m happy to report I’ve now lost 19.2kg (1.2kg this week and 0.6 the week of Christmas). I really can’t believe it – especially as I have been indulging in a couple of chocolate or cookies every day. I am going the gym a couple day a week and have started walking on the other days. I think the secret really is small healthy meals. Here’s what we had for dinner last night – and I couldn’t finish it.

 Just wanted to share some photos. The before were taken just 8 weeks ago when I started the 2 week pre-op diet. I actually bought this outfit about 7 years ago and have NEVER worn it. I couldn’t do the skirt up 8 weeks ago and yesterday it was. Can’t wait to see what I look like next Christmas. It’s sure going to be an exciting year ahead.

Oh, almost forgot, I lost another 1.1kg (2.4lbs) this week. Not bad for the week before Christmas.

Had a good week. Started back lifting weights – gosh I’ve missed it. The first time was pretty pathetic. I went again on Saturday and managed to lift heavier weights so I think I’ll get back my strength fairly quickly. Had a few parties over the weekend and sampled a small amount of baking/chocolate. I’m so happy though as the scales have really started to move and I’m down 2.2kg (4.8lbs) this week for a total of 16.3kg (35.8lbs).

Here’s a photo from this years work Christmas party and last years. Hmm..I never noticed until looking at the photos that I’m wearing the exact same colour combination – how funny is that?

Not much to report this week. I didn’t get to the gym as much as I would have liked but plan to start doing weights again this week so should be back to it 5 days a week. Have eaten out a LOT this week and the had lots of leftovers – I think I only cooked one meal. Luckily this coming week will be quieter. I was very happy with a loss of 1.5kg for a total of 14.1kg in the last 6 weeks. Had to go and buy some new clothes on Wednesday as I was running out of things to wear. Here’s the ever growing pile of clothes to donate.

Well, it’s really hard to believe that this time just 3 weeks ago I was getting ready to head up to the hospital. The time really has flown. In the last week I’ve started back at the gym – so far just doing the bike and treadmill. Unfortunately I’m not allowed to start lifting weights for another 3 weeks but I am going to start using the rower this week to try and build/maintain my upper body strength. It was certainly a good feeling being back working out. I also ate out 3 times over the weekend and it’s still a little frustrating at how little I can eat – Kevin and I seem to get through about 1/4 – 1/3 of a typical meal serving BETWEEN us – but I’m getting used to it now. Clothes are fitting better and many are now to loose (had a big clean out on Wednesday). Also had a bit of a WOW moment at the dance concert. It wasn’t until I was sitting through the second 3 hour concert (with a now numb backside) that I realized that the arm rests were not digging into my sides like they have every other year. YAY!!!! Kevin and I also fit better when we’re sitting together – guess that’s what happens when we’ve lost 30kg between us. So even though the scales are not moving very fast (lost 0.6kg this week and 0.4kg last week), the cms are going down and I’m feeling very positive about the changes that are happening.

Here is a typical meal – 1/2 veggie burger with 1/2 slice cheese melted on top, served on an small Christmas plate.

I’ve been really amazed at how positive everyone has been about me having weight loss surgery – both old, new and internet friends. I really thought a lot of people would think I was taking the easy way out (that was my first thought when Kevin mentioned it). But even more amazing has been how many people have said I’m brave and they wouldn’t have enough courage to do it. It’s not something I’d ever considered. I guess just having exhausted all other avenues of losing weight and having done lots of research I just accepted that WLS was the only way I’d ever successfully lose weight and keep it off. My only real concern post surgery was of leaving my girls without a Mum. But I figure having a Mum who is fit and healthy and around for a long time far outweighed the small chance of dying. So even though I don’t feel brave I guess in a way I was for being prepared to totally change my way of eating and lifestyle.

I can’t believe I had managed to lose 5.8kg (12.7lbs) in the last week. Well, it’s not suprising when you see what little I can eat. But after years of struggling to lose weight it’s mind blowing to be dropping kilos so quickly. I’m feeling much more like myself but find I don’t feel great in the mornings but get better as the day goes on. Had my first meal out yesterday when we took the girls to see “Fred Claus”. I got a baked potato with melted cheese. It was very yummy and I would have been lucky to eat a quarter of it (bought the rest of home for the chickens). I’ve add a little weight ticker to the home page so I can see my progress. Clothes are a lot looser and I’ve already worn a few things I hadn’t worn in years.

Last night Kevin and I watched a show on Speed Eating – talk about horrifying (on so many levels). Firstly, I just can’t understand why someone would eat copious quantities of food without enjoying it (to the point of being sick), secondly, it’s pure gluttony (can’t help but think about the many starving people in the world and the animals killed for food in the name of “sport”), thirdly I can’t believe when obesity is such a big problem that eating lots of food fast is being glorified. It was an interesting show though – most suprising the best speed eaters are normal sized – but have special physical abilities that enable them to eat fast and have stretched out their stomachs so more food can be stored. The one thing unsure is the long term affects on health – these people were consuming hundreds of grams of fat in 10mins. As I said fascinating and horrifying.