New Year. New Me!

Its so wonderful to end the year on such a great note. 

Yes every year brings it's challenges but through those challenges it's always great to reflect on what was amazing!

This year I travelled and got so many frequent flier points.

We started the year in Italy. Then we went through WA with friends. I went to Singapore for Mums 60th. Then we were in the USA. 

We ate and drank many amazing meals.

We did things around the house like redesign our front garden.

We had many social gatherings.

Quiet nights at home.

And romantic nights. 

Plus more than anything else I finally gained control over my weight. 

I've ended the year loosing 30kg. Being at 85kg and fitting into skinny jeans, enjoying exercise, and wearing sleeveless tops out in public. 

It's been a huge transformation but I couldn't ask for anything more. 

But most importantly I've had the support love and care from my husband and my family. It doesn't get any better than this.

Here's to an exciting and amazing 2014. I'm ready to take it all on!

December 2012 business class flight to Italy. 

America. October 2013 

30kg Gone Forever!

This morning I officially hit a total loss of 30kg. 

Surgery was 6 August. 

Best feeling in the world! 

I want to shout from the roof tops. 

Sunday night dinners

4 months ago if you would have asked me what I want for dinner on a Sunday night. My first answer would alway be toasted sandwiches. 

I would make 4 different types on multigrain bread (because that was healthy-don't worry about the kilo of cheese in each sandwich)

Well I could easily polish off 2 full toasted sandwiches on my own with room for potato chips and coke. 

Tonight we had toasted sandwiches. 

I put 1/2 a sandwich on my plate. I ate 1/2.  No potato chips no coke to wash it down.

It was delicious but that's all that's going down. Am I sad about it? Hell NO!!

Clothing Sale

Well today is Plus Size Market day and I thought it would be a good idea to sell my clothes to get a little spending money for the new clothes that I need. 

It's roasting hot here in Perth today and no one is out buying. The people that come by my clothes are either too big or too small. 

It has been a lot of effort for very little return. I would have thought more people would have come by the sale. But oh well

A few more hours in the sun. I am definitely going to need a gin after this today! 

Fn Stall

After a week and a half of no loss. It's just dawned on me that I'm going through that dreaded stall. 

I wanted to loose another 2kgs before Christmas to get to my 30kg but now I'm not so sure I'm going to get there 

I'm back to tracking on my fitness pal and I need to ramp up the exercise. 

Let's hope he doesn't hang around for much longer!

I never knew asking for a smaller size would happen

Today my mum and dad took me shopping. It was not planned or purposefully organized but we were out and about and we walked past a Witchery store. 

The dress in the window caught my eye a beautiful yellow maxi dress. 

Mum ran into the store pulling clothes off the rack and shoved me into the change room. 

The yellow dress was first. We all loved it. 

Then Dad suggested I try on the other dress mum and found. 

He loved that one. 

I'm not confident enough to go sleeveless so mum went and found me a linen blazer 

A beautiful white one and striped one. Both so beautiful. 

Mum grabbed me a 16 in the jackets but they were too big. So I asked for a smaller size and mum skipped out the change room and was whispering to dad 'She needs a smaller size that's so exciting'

Shopping is magnificent!

What does it feel like to carry around 26kg?

I love how supportive my husband is. Each day he reminds me of how proud of me he is and how well i am doing.

As of today I've lost 26kg. 

Jay insisted we find something that was 26kg and try to carry it. 

Well finding 26kg around the house is not easy. 

So, we grabbed the home brew which is 19kg and I tried to lift.

Well it wasn't so easy, and that was only 2/3s of what I've lost. 

AMAZING!

We did my measurements (in cms) (July 21st to November 13. 3.5 months)

Weight - 116.4 down to 90.4

BMI - 44 down to 33.6

Fat mass- 51 down to 39.7

Chest - 127.5 down to 112

Waist - 109 down to 98

Hips - 138.5 down to 119

Arms - 43.5 down to 37

Thigh - 75.5 down to 65.5

I hope by Christmas to have lost a total of 30kg. That is my goal!!!!

Loving life xxxx

Under 200lbs

Success!!!!

Another moment to celebrate. 

Under 200lbs and I'm in onederland!

Pure bliss. 

BMI is coming right down!

Having started at a BMI of 44 it's amazing to watch it come down from the severely obese category into the obese. Now at a BMI of 34 there is so much I can do. If I was to stay at this weight there would be no restrictions on staring IVF. To have surgery. Of to carry a baby safely. Best moment of my life. 

But I know I've got a lot more loosing to go so I'm hoping that there won't be any need for IVF any more. 

I love watching my weight graph come down. 

And I love tallying up how much I've lost. 

 Kg. 

25kg in 3 months. This never would have happened. My weight would have just gone up and up. And my life would be at a standstill. 

We went out for a romantic dinner last night and I'm going to continue ordering my two entrees. I had a grilled pear salad with blue cheese balls and then scallops. I ate 3 baby scallops and two bites of my salad with two blue cheese balls. It was delicious. Then I had a spoonful of honeycomb ice cream. All washed down with wine. 

We took our time to eat and the restaurant took its time to bring out each course. That was wonderful and it gave me a chance to digest. And the restaurant was great with me orders two entrees rather than an entree and a main.

I am just loving life. 

50 Lbs = 10 lbs in 1 month

Well it's exactly one month since I reached 40 pounds. And today I weighed in and I had officially lost 50 lbs. 

I've never lost that much weight in my life. I have put it on easily. But I  am so excited at this loss. 

I'm going to need to up my weight training. I'm starting to really worry about firming my skin. I'm figuring I may need some surgery but I want to avoid it as much as possible  

I'm very open to toning exercises if anyone has any suggestions. 

Success.. Is running out of a change room in skinny jeans

While here in the USA on my travels I had in my head that I at least I wanted to go home with a new pair of jeans.

So today while shopping in Macy's I went by the Levi jeans. Well I though what the hell ill give it a go (I haven't fit into Levi jeans since I was 16)

Well..... I came running out of the change rooms slapping my butt yelling 

"They fit they fit!"

I nearly cried. My mum had tears in her eyes.

So now I'm the proud owner of two pairs of Levi skinny jeans.

The best day of my skinny life!

Goal #4 = 20kg

Well I did it. 

20kg have gone never to return 

The thought that 20kg will never be seen again is the most amazing thought in the world. 

I couldn't be prouder. And my husband couldn't be prouder. He is just so cute. He gives me such motivation. 

I never thought I would ever get here in my life. Food doesn't rule me any more. I still love food. In fact I ate 1/2 a lobster last night and it was great. But I don't feel bad about eating any more. I don't consume huge amounts of food so if I do have a bit of ice cream or a bite of chocolate I have no guilt with it. 

The food choices I am making are so sensible and delicious. Soups, salads, fish etc. I feel like a skinny person eating. And I love it. My life has completely changed and I love it. 

I never will go there again. 

Life doesn't get any better than this. 

Xxxx

Love - Skinny Me

Shopping is a dream

Yesterday I went on my first major shopping trip. It was amazing being able to walk into any store and find something that fits. 

I always loved clothes shopping but this weight loss has taken it to a whole new level. 

I bought a magnificent dress from Max Azaria. Top from Burberry and tops from Kennith Cole. 

I've never been so excited. I made sure some things were a little smaller and something that will look great at any size.

 

Happiness was yesterday. Pleasure and joy and a reward at the end with a chocolate covered pretzel (slider food 100%) but I only ate half. 

40lb

40lbs gone!!! 

And never to be seen again. 

First dinner out!

Tonight we are in Sydney before we fly out to the USA for our 3 week holiday. 

The plane ride, even though comfortable in business class, was uncomfortable. The 1.5 prawns that I did eat didn't stay down. And then I suffered with terrible nausea the rest of the flight. 

When we get on the plane tomorrow, ill not only have my vitamins but I'm going to include another somac, de-gas and a travel calm. That will pretty much be my breakfast. 

Also I had another first tonight. It was my first restaurant meal out since surgery. 

We went to a very fancy restaurant in Sydney's Paddington area. 

My family ordered entrees and mains. I took one  bite of my husbands entree and I really enjoyed my fish main. It was delicious. 

I ate a few bites, but I'm getting really good at listening to my body and stomach. I haven't had problems with fish do I'm going to stick with that for dinners out  

I had two bites of the crust of very crusty bread and that was delicious too. 

But I was so happy to have a good dinner out with my family. 

I also got to see my darling cousin who lives in Sydney. I love her to bits. 

Life is great!!!

Goal #3 done and achieved. Yay for ME & double digits

I

I have never been so excited!

I have finally reached my third and most exciting goal which was

to get bellow 100kg.

Well today was that magnificent day.

I can't remember the last time I was this weight but I do know it was more than 10 years ago, even close to 12.

Nothing is as good as the feeling of thin!

I love my Wiithings scale.  It tracks everything.

And watching that little graph go down, is the best thing ever.

As a reward my friend got me a skinny macchiato mmmmmmm

Although it has taken me about 2 hours to drink and is now probably considered an iced coffee.

Loving life so much! 

Slow the F@-) down

Small bites

Chew

Chew

ChEW some MoRE

That's the answer to not throwing up!

If only I could remember that! 

Strengthen. Tone & sweat!

Working out is not a pretty event. 

I wear my old baggy track pants. Bright orange sneakers and my wild curly hair is all over my face. 

I put in my headphone and sing out loud and probably put of key and I make as many grunting noises as a professional tennis match. 

But after all of that I am working out!

I saw this online today saying if we do these exercises for 7 minutes a day we will be terrifically toned. 

I'm kind of guessing that 7 minutes ain't going to cut it to tone this body. But I do like the routines. I think in going to include some of these in my tabata work out every second day. 

I want to tone these arms, Legs and stomach. I'm trying to avoid as much loose skin as possible. 

Pounds vs Kilos

When it comes to weight loss I love seeing how much I've lost in pounds. 

Nearly 30lbs. Now that is magnificent. 

It's 13.4kg.

I never would have lost that on my own. Without this surgery I would have remained at 116.4kg. And without this surgery I would have probably put more on and I never would have had this bright healthy future ahead of me.

It's great having so much energy and the WANT to get out there and exercise.

I couldn't ask for more.

Goal #2

BMI under 40!

When I started this journey my BMI was 44.9

Today when I weighed in I'm officially BMI 39.9

I cried!!!!!!

I never thought I would ever see that. 

And another bonus today my favorite check pants that I haven't been able to wear in the last 3 years fit with room to

Move!

St.... St..... Stall...

Well I had hit my first official little stall. My weight has not shifted over a week and I was quite convinced that perhaps here ally didn't do the surgery.

But then I measured myself!

And that's where the changes had occurred.

My measurements so far from when I started my pre-op diet to one month out.

Chest - 127.5 down to 119.5

Waist - 109 down to 108

Hips - 138.5 cm down to 132.5

Arms - 43.5 down to 41

Thighs- 75.5 down to 72.5

I'm excited about that movement in a month.

I've started on soft foods and have been enjoying dhal for lunch and snapper in lemon for dinner. It's been beautiful. But the first few bites I always do too fast and it doesn't go down too well. But I just need to remember to eat slowly and small. 

I'm giving oats a go for breakfast this morning, but I'm not to sure about them. I added the necessary benefiber and a touch of protein powder and I think they will need some honey. But let's taste first. 

I'm so pleased even with my little stall because this is more than I've ever lost in my life. And what even better people are starting to notice! 

Xxx Luisa 

Review Appointment

Yesterday I had my review appointment with my surgeon. He was so pleased with my progress. I just wanted to hug and kiss him. 

I wanted to thank him for giving me my life back. 

I've not felt better in my life than I have these past few weeks.   

I had my first big family dinner at Mum and Dads last night. I brought along my lentil soup, I helped prepare pizza for everyone. It was fine. No craving. No moods. I would eat a bit then help in the kitchen. Eat a bit more help put some more. My Dad was quite surprised at how little I did eat. But I though I did pretty well by eating a few spoonfuls of ricotta cheese along with it. It felt good to tolerate it too. 

I also had my first bit of red wine too. I think I drank 1/8 of a glass. It tasted good. But yet again I didn't "NEED" that glass of wine. It's been almost a month since having any type of drink. 

But all is traveling well. Each day gets better and better. 

I love my sleeve

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Goal #1

10 kg lost today in 3 weeks

I've not been at this weight since, I think it was 2010 when I lost a bit of weight to start IVF - (and then put it all back on and more during IVF)

I can't believe 10 kg or 22lb. 

Let's hope the next 10 are as easy as that one. 

I never thought in my life I would ever get down again. I always thought I was destined to be a big girl. 

Sadly I was ok with that. 

But I'm glad common sense took over and with the help of friends who had the surgery and doctors I trusted, I knew that I didn't need to live like that any more. 

Goal #1: to loose 10kg. Achieved August 13th 2013

Goal #2: to loose 20kg

Snore no more!!!!

It's a great thing when the one you love tells you that you no longer snore or breath heavily at night any more.

That is the best thing I've heard all day.

What does 8.6kg look like

What's better than using food in the pantry. This is my loss so far!

8.6 kg or 18.93lbs (sounds so much better in pounds) 

I'm liking this a lot 

Post Op Foodie

Well being 4 days out, I think I'm doing pretty well.

I've not had any more nausea.

I've not needed any pain medication. 

And I'm trying to get as much protein and fibre into me as possible.

I'm having broth for lunch an dinner (beautiful homemade Italian broth made by my mum) 

And for breakfast I made a banana, honey, blueberry yoghurt smoothly. That was delicious. I made enough to last at least 5 days. 

For lunch I had a traditional Italian style broth. Which was made using beef and chicken with a variety of vegetables in the pressure cooker.

The vegetables were then passed through a sieve. 

Once the broth was boiling I added one egg that had been mixed with a little salt and parmigiano. I tuned off the heat and the egg slowly and softly cooks and comes together. The parmigiano cheese adds so much flavour while still retaining the "thin enough to go through a straw" consistency. 

I'm managing anywhere between 1/8 to 1/4 cup of food at a time. Slowly slowly eating 3 times a day.

I'm not feeling hungry. It gets to lunch time and I remember that I should probably eat something.

Darling husband is having some great dinners and I love with every mouthful he had he insists its "terrible" and "you wouldn't like it" (yeah because that fantastic hash and eggs on your plate looks disgusting. If I could throw you out the way and shovel that meal down my throat then I would- but I don't and can't)

So far so god.

And the best part of it all.......

The weight is coming off!!!!!!!!! 

Finally Home

Four days in hospital and I'm finally home. 

It's nice to be back in your own home. On your own couch with your own pillows and blankets. 

I know someone is very happy I'm home! He snuggled right up next to me the second I was on the couch. 

I think he missed me

(Me and Winston)

It's good to be home.

Little to no pain. I have worked out that I can't lay down for about 30 mins after eating or it will come right back up.  Other than that. I'm feeling great. 

Just now need to make sure I get enough liquid in me. 

Xxxx

Lu

Day 2 with my new sleeve

Today I'm finally feeling good. 

But I'm not going to mince my words. Coming out of surgery and that first night I was in excruciating pain. They were unable to give me pain medication through the PCA pump because my oxygen levels were very low. And according to my family I threw in a few F bombs to anyone and everyone in the room. 

But two days out that is a fading distant memory. My tubes and drains were taken outs d I got to eat jelly and soup. It's going down very slowly but I dont feel much like eating. 

I've taken a few walks around and that makes me feel good. 

The shoulder pain that they talk about is annoying but the nurses have me a heat pack and that relieved it. 

It's all going well. The surgeon was happy with my surgery. So i couldn't  ask for more. 

My first lunch. 

Surgery Eve!

My Darling husband cooking up my last meal! 

I'm sitting on the couch!

Not a bad way to spend my last night with a whole stomach!

Now if only I could have a Gin. Then it would be truly perfect!!

Pre-op Deliciousness!

Cooking is a huge part of my life. I love everything about it. During the pre-op phase of minimal eating and only being able to eat veg was difficult. I needed to find dishes that were not only delicious but satisfying. 

Last night meal took the cake!

Stuffed Zucchini with Chipotle Tomatillo Sauce! 

 3 large mushroom minced

1 small onion minced

1/2 of a very large (crazy large) zucchini 

Minced 

Mix together with salt and pepper. Add some roughly chopped flat leaf parsley. 

Drain and cook. High heat no oil until fairly dry 

Scoop out a zucchini and place cooked mushroom mix inside. 

For the chipotle sauce. Bake tomatillos until brown with garlic and an onion. 

Place in a blender with 4 chipotle chills and blend until beautiful combined to s rich red sauce. 

Now put it all together and bake at 180c for 30 minutes and you have the most perfectly satisfying delicious stuffed zucchini ever!

Perfection. 

You could even add protein powder to the sauce if you wanted some extra nutrients. 

Enjoy xx

To.. Too.. Two.. 2 Days to go!

I am really surprised how get I have been feeling in the last 7 days. 

It's really amazing what your body can adapt to. 

Yesterday I was feeling all out of sorts. I just couldn't keep still. 

I cleaned out the laundry and mud room.

I baked.

I shopped.

I googled.

I cleaned some more.

I researched.

I just don't know what to do with myself. I think I was feeling a little anxious and nervous.

It's the anxiety associated with the unknown. 

I brought myself to tears yesterday looking at people before and after photos. 

I just kept looking at page after page of people looking magnificent on their weight loss journey and I just can't believe that, that will be me too.

It's hard to image a life not being overweight. I've had to live with it for as long as I can remember. I never really saw myself - my future self thin. 

I knew my subconscious was a 6ft tall super model with legs to her neck, but....... I just had to find a way together her out. I just can't believe this will be my answer.

Everyone I have spoken to who have had the surgery all wish they had done it earlier and none had regrets. 

No regrets..... So here's to August 6th 2013... My beginning 

Seven Days To Go

Nerves are setting in!

Surgery paid!

Anesthesiologist appointment tomorrow. 

Wax appointment made 

Now just playing the waiting game. 

Tuesday next week at 3pm. The day my journey to weight loss will really start!