I didn’t post yesterday because it was a full day with travel, doctors appointments and then fun with friends. I also absorbed lots of info and have been musing over different things which will almost certainly show up in future blog posts. 🙂
The first appointment yesterday was at the pulmonologist’s office. I promise not to veer off into a rant, but I hope the doctor’s office staff, i.e. the young woman behind the reception desk, learned this simple lesson in customer/patient service. When the office makes a mistake in scheduling a patient’s appointment, do not be snotty to the patient. Instead, do your best to be cooperative and helpful and again, not snotty.
Ok. Moving on. The doctor was somewhat amazed at my progress. We talked things over for a bit and came to the mutual decision not to repeat the sleep study quite yet. As much as I would love to get off of the CPAP machine, I agreed not to rush things. By waiting a few more months I can lose additional weight which increases the chances of my sleep hypopnia resolving. The doctor says there is a 70 to 80% chance that this will happen, but that leaves 20 to 30% chance of it not. Rather than do the test now, get less than optimum results, and then have to repeat it another time anyway, we’re going to wait until the end of November. That way I at least get the repeat in on this calendar year when my deductible is already satisfied.
From that appointment I proceeded to my surgeon’s office. The surgeon and P.A. are used to seeing quick results in patients who have weight loss surgery. While they were not amazed, they were still very pleased and enthusiastic, and they congratulated me on working so hard. I chatted for a while with the P.A. and see where I need to make some adjustments. I’ve been veering over into a few more carbs than I should eat. I know I can be more vigilant on that score. Honestly, they really were excited about the dedicated effort I’m giving toward exercising.
*******Alert of Possible TMI********
I spoke with both the P.A. and the surgeon about the way that my system stalls. We talked about solutions. I didn’t know that it’s possible for one’s body to develop a dependency or a resistance to laxatives. Did you? Anyway, they suggested using Benefiber or a similar product three times a day — mixed in my protein shake or in soup or even water. I can also use Miralax. I need to make sure that I consistently drink at least 60 ounces of water and/or low sugar juice a day too. The hydration is important for a number of reasons — keeping my system regular and flushing my kidneys since I’m still ingesting 6o to 80 grams of protein a day.
All in all it was a good check up, albeit with the cautious reminder to keep doing what I’m doing because, even though I’ve made great progress, I still have a long way to go.
A short time after the second doctor’s appointment, I met up with a group of friends for a delicious dinner at a favorite restaurant. Everything served is made from fresh ingredients and cooked to bring out the flavors while maintaining lower calories and fat. The meal was delicious and the company great fun. A good night all around.
Today I planned to shop. I have reached the point where I can’t avoid buying some new clothes. Seriously. I was down to about four tops that I could wear outside of work. Remember when I shopped my closets and found garments that had been too tight on me for years? Even most of those clothes are now too big. I’m not complaining. It’s a great problem!
I’ve also reached the stage where my bras don’t fit. For a while now I’ve been hooking them on the tightest row and they still gap.
I should point out that shopping is not my favorite activity. I know plenty of people who view it as recreation and who love to spend entire days in malls browsing, going in and out of stores. I’m not one of those people, but I geared up and got going.
Lane Bryant advertises that they’ll professionally measure you for bras, so I went there first. No surprise that I’m down two sizes in my bra band size, but not in the cup. The nice young woman gave me some suggestions on what styles might best suit and I took it from there. Let me tell you, it’s true what many say. The right size and style of bra can not only change your body silhouette, it can change your freaking life! I picked out four and each one fit and made me look terrific. What a difference! As a bonus, today LB had a buy one, get the second for half price. I got four bras for the price of three.
There were good sales going on all over the store. Plus, every year around this time, Florida designates a week where clothes, electronics, and some other things can be purchased without paying sales tax. It’s supposed to help families better afford everything students need to go back to school, but adults can also benefit. Let’s just say that I took advantage of the sales to stock up on smaller-sized panties, cute tops and a purple sundress. I can’t tell you how great it felt to realize that sizes I used to be too big to fit into are now larger than I need! Everything I purchased is smaller than I’ve been able to wear in years.
The staff really went out of their way to be helpful. One asked if I’d received any coupons in the mail. (I might have but didn’t remember.) “Do you have Internet access with your phone?” she asked. “Google Lane Bryant coupons. We have some now that give you $25 off of every $75 you spend. ” Bonus! While I did not go crazy with my shopping, let’s say that I qualified for truly spectacular savings.
After an hour or so in LB, I went on my way to a much bigger mall in search of some new makeup and cross-trainer sneakers for Zumba. A couple of young women who are friends met me there and we wandered for a few hours. Yes, hours. After stops in Bath & Body Works for delicious smelling concotions to add to my bath water, and then Sephora for make up, we made our way to JC Penney. Their mother, who is also a friend, has worked for years for JCP so the girls are very familiar with the store.
I believe I’ve mentioned here before that I have not shopped for clothes for myself in a regular department store in the last few decades. It’s been at least 20 years, possibly 25. No lie. My friends guided me to the Woman’s Department, which was huge. I will admit to feeling a bit intimidated by the different sections with rack after rack of clothing. Friends, maybe I was already tired from the shopping that I’d done before, but I got a little overwhelmed. Before it got to be too much for me to handle, I managed to find two cute tops and try them on. Standing at the cash register, I was truly proud that I’ve lost enough weight to shop in a department store. By this time next year, it will probably no longer be a novelty and I won’t be confined to the Woman’s Department. Woot!
The only non-successful part of the outing was my footwear search. Unfortunately, the stores stocked mostly running shoes. I wanted cross trainers that have a smooth circle on the sole that enables you to smoothly pivot and turn. So, I’m back to searching online. All things considered, this was not a big deal and everything else was just so terrific.
By this time, after around four to five hours, I was exhausted. I wish I’d worn a pedometer because we walked a lot. By the time I said goodbye to my friends and got to my car, I ached in the small of my back and my right, weaker knee. On my way back to the hotel, I made a quick trip into Whole Foods to select something yummy from their prepared food “bars” for dinner. When I returned to my room, I could easily have curled up on the bed for a quick nap. Instead, I pulled on my bathing suit and headed down to the swimming pool.
Yes, as if walking all around a big mall for a few hours wasn’t enough exercise, I wanted some more. I swam 20 lengths of the full size pool which worked out some of the aches. A ten minute soak in the hot tub eased the rest.
As I type this out, I’m freshly showered, pleasantly tired in mind and body, and really, really happy. Sizing everything up, I’m delighted with the way my size is going down, not only in my physique but in the clothes that cover me. I’m pleased with my attitude about exercise and my daily recommitment to eat healthy.
It’s been a great weekend for me and I plan to build on this experience for continued success in the future.
Weighty Matters 
You had an AWESOME day! Congratulations!
Yay Mary! Congrats on regular shopping!
You should check out the Wrentham Outlets when you’re here in August. You can get some seriously good deals there. I’d offer to go with you, but it would be way too much walking for me. :p
You are doing so awesomely well! I don’t much like shopping either and it totally tires me out, so I’m super impressed that you went swimming after that.
Ass-vice on the TMI section – Miralax did great for the boy child’s issues, but adequate liquid intake is essential. If you need more fiber in your diet, I can recommend FiberChoice. They are chewable tablets and I have 4 every day. They also have calcium, Vitamin D and prebiotics in them. I need the extra fiber since I have a family history of colon cancer and my gastroenterologist wants me to get 30 – 40 grams of fiber a day which is really, really hard with diet alone.
Thanks for the good suggestions, Karen!
I can rad your blog from work, but can’ respond.
Congrats!!
As Mary said, lots of landmarks! Hurrah!
You have given me the biggest smile reading this. You really hit a lot of landmarks. Pleased doctors, new bra that fits the new you, shopping in a department store, shrinking out of all your clothes, swimming after walking for hours… The list of NSVs goes on and on. I’m so happy for you. If you ever have a low day, come back and read this post and remember.
Egads
Wow, don’t you just rock it?! I cannot even imagine going swimming after all that walking and trying on of clothing! It sounds like you did some great stuff. And you got new clothes and undies! And stayed in a hotel with a pool and hot tub! It sounds awesome and you continue to be an inspiration to me. Great stuff. Glad you did so well with everything. The shopping even sounded kind of fun.