Before and During and The Man Who Got Me Started

I had vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery on May 20, 2011.  As of today I am closing in on 100 pounds lost.  A year ago I would not have thought that I would make the choice to have weightloss surgery.  But today and am so very glad I did.  I had a great surgeon, Dr. David Kim. 

Here I am with him a couple of weeks ago at the annual Christmas party he has for his patients.  I'm down about 95 pounds in this picture.

Compare this to a picture of me from April 2010 at my all time highest weight (367).  I stll have a ways to go, but am much improved from where I started. 

Weight loss surgery was the right choice for me.  My only regret is not doing it sooner.  Thank you, Dr. Kim!

Pictorial Evidence

As horribly unflattering as it is, I just wanted to share this picture from the Race for The Cure this past weekend. I am standing next to my pal who finished her treatments and surgery recently. Also, hot firemen.

Man, I am really big.

First Walk in 2010

On New Year's Day I started the year off right by sticking to my eating plan and getting out with my little dog and taking a walk. Ever since moving to my new place I have been meaning to check out the walking/biking trails that run throughout the city. Am I ever glad I did. In my old neighborhood there was nowhere convenient to walk except around boring old suburban neighborhoods. Ho hum. I was always envious of the pretty walks some of you post pictures of. Well it seems I have found a pretty walk of my own.

The trail is long and winding and I am looking forward as my fitness increases to be able to explore more and more of it.

New Year, New Look

In the interest of fresh starts and new possibilities, gave my blog a little makeover. And myself too. Goodbye blonde. Hello red.

The Dog Ate My Dinner Diet

Naughty dog? Or genius new diet strategy? Buster stole my chicken when I wasn't looking!

My New Digs (Before)

Here are some shots of my new place. They were taken with my camera phone so aren't so great. The place is empty so I am considering these my "before" shots. Once I get all moved in and have everything like I want it, it will be fun to post the "afters."

Front of my new townhouse. I love having nice landscaping that I don't have to take care of!

Tiny backyard. Sorry Buster! But there's a walking trail that starts right across the street so we can both go walking more.






Little back patio. Definitely in need of some jazzing up with some plants and a couple of nice chairs.

Staircase. Never lived in a two story before. I know I will be carrying my sissy dog up these stairs because he's scared to walk up himself. Little weenie. Good think I love him so much!

Trying to coax Buster into walking up the stairs.






Got him to the first landing - just three stairs - but no farther. So my workouts will be lugging 20 pounds of geriatric puppy dog up and down these stairs. ;-)

Living room is two stories high. I love the big light fixture and the huge art niche. My only dilemna is what to hang up there and how the heck I am going to get it hung up there! The windows up there are the upstairs study which overlooks the living room.

In the study looking out at livingn room light fixture and art niche.

Looking down on living room from the study.

I love the rope trim on my kitchen cabinets.

Love my granite counters and tile backsplash with metal detailing.

Master bath. I love the light fixture in the ceiling. Needs a new lightbulb.

Guest bath. Who wants to be my first guest? ;-)

Blurry picture, but this is a room that was an unfinish attic space that the former owner turned into a media room. I am thrilled to have it but am intimidated to figure out how to outfit it. Need help! Once I do get the room done it will be so fun to have movie nights at my place!

Former owners thought of everything. Microwave and mini-fridge in the media room. Perfect for keeping sodas (diet), water, and snacks (healthy).

Who's That Girl?

It's me (with a wax Hugh Grant). Five years and 150 pounds ago.

And I remember when this picture was taken I thought I was fat.

This picture makes me sad. What did I do to myself? Why couldn't I see then that I looked good? If I get back there again, will I still feel the same way?

A Walk in Suburbia

A summary in pictures of my walk through suburbia for my metropolitan friend. You know who you are. :-)

Buster's "Yes, I want to go for a walkie" face.

Blue Texas skies and green trees. Can't complain about that.

Lazy suburban street. Apparently not much goes on in my neighborhood during working hours.

Mail truck...one tiny bit of excitement.

Time for a pitstop. One of many.

Flags at the elementary school near me.

Unexplained zig in an otherwise very straight sidewalk.

Buster seeming to tell me to hurry up. Apparently it is OK for me to have to wait on him but not the other way around.

Tulips!!! Nothing says spring to me like tulips in bloom.

Finally home and pooped out.