Weigh-in: 8.5 down, 161 to go

Holy frijoles, Batman!  I'm down another 8.5 this week for a total of just over 41 pounds.  A big chunk of that was on the pre-op liquid diet, but I've lost just shy of 14 pounds in the two weeks since surgery.  That's an average of almost a pound a day.  I know this rate of loss will not continue as my progress goes on, but I am sure gonna take it while it lasts.  I think the speed in which it is coming off is a testament to just how far out of balance my body was.  It's almost like my body is saying "Hell yes, I want this extra load off of me right now!"

I just finished my 2nd week of the post-op liquid diet.  Getting kind of tired of the protein shakes.  While they do taste good, I've been on them for 6 weeks now and they are getting old.  A couple of days this week I ventured out and added a SF/FF yogurt to my day.  I'm not totally sure that qualifies as a liquid, but my tummy did just fine with it.  It was incredible to feel full after one little 6 oz carton of yogurt and to have it stick with me for several hours.

I am supposed to stay on the liquid diet for one more week, then I can move to "mushies" for two weeks.  I am dreaming of my first mushy meal.  I already have it planned - lowfat cottage cheese and apple sauce.  I've always liked cottage cheese (I know, I'm weird), but I can't say I've ever gotten this excited about the prospect of getting to eat it.  I am just ready for something not sweet and that I have to chew a little.

Changes I noticed this week:

• I can cross my leg at the knee.  It doesn't look all lady-like and dainty yet but I can at least get it crossed.  It was absolutely impossible 41 pounds ago.
• I was able to stand to wait at the cell phone store the other day without my back and feet killing me and without scanning the store desperately for somewhere to sit while I broke out in a panic sweat.
• People are smiling at me more and generally being more friendly.  I don't think this is a weight thing as clearly I am still very overweight.  I think it's because my whole "aura" has changed.  I'm not walking around feeling and looking miserable any more.  Not looking like a miserable, crabby person seems to make people want to engage you more.  Go figure. 

I continue to be happy as a clam with my decision to have surgery.  And I continue to feel positive and optimistic about my future in general.