Let's Talk About Skin

One of the questions I get asked a lot when people find out I've lost over 100 pounds is whether or not I have excess skin. Why, yes. Yes, I do! I'm 52 years old and weighed almost 300 pounds. You can't come back from that without stretching your skin out. So here are some gross pictures of my excess skin.

In looking at these, you need to realize that I am currently only 8 pounds over weight. That means these pictures are not of fat, they are of excess skin.You also need to realize that excess skin is not pretty. But then, neither is excess fat. And given the choice, I choose the skin. It is not comfortable for me to post these pictures, but I think it is valuable information to share with others who are seeking weight loss.

This is the excess skin on my arms .

Excess skin on my thigh.

And - worst of all - excess skin on my belly.

The good news is, that unlike fat, skin can be compressed into clothing. So no one needs to see it, but me. I'm proud of my body. It has been through a lot. It is healthy and it is strong. It is not perfect, but it is a gift and being healthy is even more so.

Week 51 - So Close and Yet So Far!

Highest weight: 296.5

Starting Optavia weight: 236.8

Today's weight: 159.2 

Total lost: 77.6 (137.3)

I lost half a pound this week, which based on my calculations last week is about my average. At that rate, it will take me two more months to hit my goal. I'm hoping to get there before then, but as long as I'm headed in the right direction, I'm good.

The best part about my Optavia life right now is my dad. I was really worried about him this summer because he was having trouble getting around and he has heart issues. I don't ever push Optavia on people so I was super excited when he asked me about it and I could share. I was thrilled when he decided to join.

I wasn't sure he would be satisfied with the food and giving up some of his habits, but he has ROCKED it. In two weeks, he has lost 18.6 lbs. and his belly is already disappearing. I am so happy to see him getting healthy.

I never planned on being an Optavia coach, but coaching has really been a blessing - especially because it holds me accountable on my own health journey. Being able to coach my dad is awesome.

Week 50 - Home Again!

 

Highest weight: 296.5

Starting Optavia weight: 236.8

Today's weight: 159.8 

Total lost: 77 (136.7)

In the past 50 weeks, I have lost 77 pounds. That averages out to a little more than half a pound a week. It has seemed so very slow week to week and yet it has been life altering. So many things in life are that way. The things that really matter take time to happen. They seldom happen as quickly as we would like them to, but if we keep pressing forward slowly and surely miracles can happen.

I am so grateful for this change in my life. I feel like a different person.

As I looked through the pictures of our trip. I noticed how many pictures I am in. I'm no longer afraid of the camera. I went back and looked at our road trip from two years ago. There are not many pictures of me. And in most of them, I'm hiding in the back. I love that I am more actively present in the lives of my children. I love the memories I am building with them.

This summer, three of my family members decided to join me on this journey. I love working with all my clients, but having family members join me is especially moving. I can't wait to see the changes in their lives. 

Week 48 - Fun in the Sun

Normally today would be a day when I would post my measurements, but I'm in the middle of a vacation and that's not going to happen. I have managed to maintain my weight throughout this trip, which is amazing since there have been temptations all around me. I have not been perfect, but I have kept things under control.

I have been comfortable in my body. I haven't been afraid of wearing a swimming suit or having my picture taken. I have been fully involved and active and it has been wonderful..

I  did have one day where I ate way too much garbage. I couldn't sleep because my stomach hurt so badly. My body has grown accustomed to being healthy and no longer enjoys junk food.

Tomorrow we head back to South Carolina with a few stops on the way. We have had such a fun summer, but it will be nice to get back home and back into a routine.

Week 47 - Holding Steady

I have been happy just to maintain my weight while we've been traveling. The change in routine and exposure to food that I'm choosing not to eat right now can present a challenge. So I'm happy to find myself right where I was when we left South Carolina. I haven't been perfectly on plan, but I have learned how to maintain while still allowing myself some freedom to choose different items. It shows me that this plan truly is sustainable for the long term and that's exciting.

Yesterday, I floated down the Provo River with my family and my brother's family. (You may have seen the photos on Facebook.) It was great to feel comfortable in my swimming suit and to not feel strangled by a life jacket. It was great to be able to sit comfortably in a tube for two hours and enjoy the amazing beauty all around me. But the most amazing part happened at the very beginning of the adventure. Everyone got in their tubes and somehow I was the last one in. The current was so strong that the group of tubes got swept down the river and I was just hanging on to the outside of mine. My knees and hip got beat up and I may have broken my big toe - the jury is still out on that one. But the good part is, I had the health and strength to pull myself up into that tube. I knew I could do it because I know my body is healthy and strong. This time last year, I was 75 pounds heavier and there is no way I could have done it. I'm not sure what would have happened. I probably would have had to fight to the shore and then spent the next two hours waiting for my family to finish their run - that is if I could have made it to shore. I'm so grateful for this change in my life.

I'm so grateful that with my healthy body it is so much easier to be active and enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Utah with my family.

This will be our last week of adventure in Utah and then we'll start the road trip home.

Week 46 - What Happens in Vegas

I gained two pounds during the two weeks I was in Vegas. It was temptation city (food wise), so I'm grateful it was only two pounds. So for this week's update, I'm just posting before and afters.

Me and my coach/friend Chari. We've known each other since we were 18 years old.

Me and my mom.

In my wedding dress.

At Bryce Canyon.

So grateful for the new me.

Week 45

Highest weight: 296.5

Starting Optavia weight: 236.8

Today's weight: 161.8

Total lost: 75 (134.7)

This has been a crazy, fun week! I love spending time with my sister. That being said, her house is treat heaven and that is not easy for someone trying to eat healthy. It has been a struggle! I haven't totally lost it, but I've had lots of bites here and there of things I should not have eaten. I was down half a pound, but if I end up maintaining overall, I'll be okay with that.

I am getting more exercise than normal. My sister is a runner so we went for a walk and I've walked on her treadmill. I'm not able to run because every time I try, I have hip pain. I've also done some swimming - not workout swimming, but it's still movement.

As I think about freedom today, I realize that one of my greatest freedoms this year is the freedom of health and all the other opportunities that has opened up for me.