Follow Up with Dr. Stickthin

I had my three month follow up with Dr. Stickthin today.  I had been eager to see her and her response to my weight loss.  After what seemed like a very long (and cold - temperature wise) wait in the lobby, I was called in by the nurse.  She weighed me in first, and I was exactly 32 pounds lower than when I weighed in for my July visit.

The nurse then led me to a small, cold room and did my blood pressure.  It was 130/78.  Last visit it was 138/98.  So, I saw a huge drop in my diastolic number.  Basically, I went from Stage 1 High Blood Pressure to Prehypertension in 3 months (since you're suppose to go by the most severe category).  When the nurse exited, I was left with my own thoughts... 130/78 is still high, and I only lost 32 pounds.  She told me most people on the diet lose between 40-60 pounds.  She wont think I'm really committed. Uggh.  I should have lost more weight by now.  I'm not going to have lost 40 pounds by the end of the 13 weeks.  I'm not successful.... blah blah blah...  The mind is a terrible thing sometimes.  Fortunately, my doomsday monologue was terminated upon Dr. Stickthin's entrance.

"Wow.  You've lost a lot of weight!" she said.  "How did you do it?"

I explained I've been doing the program she recommended.  She seemed very pleased with my results and how my blood pressure had gone down.

"What's your goal weight?"  she asked as she placed her pen to my chart.

"I don't have an actual weight," I explained.

She held her position with the pen and looked up surprised.  I explained that a particular weight seemed arbitrary to me.  I don't know what weight is right for me or my body.  I just don't want to be fat and I want to be healthy.  Also, I am more interested (as I've mentioned before on the blog) in physical activity milestones.  Honestly, I think it really just ties back to how I'd like my kids to see me.... and what I can do with them.  That's why an actual weight/number seems unimportant.  So what if I'm the exact number on the scale that those charts say I should be?  If I am not physically active, then my girls will be less active -- and they'll end up having issues of their own.

Dr. Stickthin seemed comfortable with my focus on physical activity over a number on the scale.  She asked to have my blood work done through the diet program sent to her so she could review them regularly, too.   Then she sent me off with a kudos and keep up the good work, and direction that I only needed to come back again for my annual exam. 

My doomsday monologue didn't return after our visit.  I felt good and successful, again.

Out (of the box) with Angels

I lost 2.4 pounds this week. That's 32+ so far.  And, I've been pretty good about being "in the box."  I really had little intention to be out of the box last night at my Angel event. 

But, when two speakers didn't show along with a number of other small clusters, I had a drink.  Then, when they put the plate of food in front of me and I immediately felt starved, I had a bite of the green beans... then a potato.... then just one bite of the chicken.  Hmmm, real chicken... not box chicken.  Hmmm, wine.  The potatos are good, too!  And, the beans.  Yum!  Just one more small bite of chicken....

Considering I had not eaten much at all yesterday (I tried to get some shakes in but it just didn't go right), I am not surprised I fell out a bit.

Truth be told, I'm not regretful.  I'm certain I'm not ruined for life.  I feel great about my progress.  32 pounds lost in 12 weeks is amazing.  And, last night was a big night.  So - if I'm going out of the box, I guess I might as well do it with a bunch of Angels. Right?

Fat Class Recap 12



Fully gowned awaiting Fat Class

Tonight's Fat Class was pretty dramatic.  That is, in terms of my attire.  Tonight was my big annual event (for work) that includes dignitaries, board members, senior leaders, and Angels in the community.  It's a big deal and a big day overall.  Start with a brunch, then set up the room, etc.  A lot of logistics and things to plan for. So, it's pretty difficult to have to fit Fat Class into the schedule.  Originally, I wasn't planning to even attend Fat Class.  There are make up classes but they are ONLY on Tuesday.   And, I'm in Shreveport then.  Ah well.

So, I "problem solved" a week or so before with Ginah on this.  She got the nurse to agree to do all my medical before class and would let me sneak out a few minutes early.  We didn't get into an exact number, so I chose 30. 

But, here's the issue.  Because of the timing of class, I had go dressed for my event.  So, as you can see I was quite a site.  Definitely overdressed for a Fat Class.  And, I got a lot of attention.  Everyone asked me where I was going and why I was so dressed up.  I guess it made my excuse for having to leave early seem legitimate? 


Writing my "numbers" on the board pre-class



For whatever reason, attendance was light.  Several folks were out -- including Paulie.  And, it was a more intimate setting.  Jed also asked about my attire when I said I was going to a big event, he asked "Now, are you eating before hand?  Do you have shakes ready? Are you worried you'll be challenged?"

I laughed at him.

"Are you trying to coach me?" I asked.

"Well, I need to make sure someone's taking care of you if Ginah's not back here asking these questions!"

He didn't know that Ginah had already, indeed, grilled me about the evening -- asking about my "challenges" and plans to avoid exiting the box.

Soup Crackers

Jed and I then talked at great length again about the soup crackers.  I told him I tried baking them again and showed him a photo of how they looked out of the oven (see left).  He said, "Looks like you have a pretty fine cracker there!"  Then he went on to ask about cookie recipes.  "I really need you to find a good chocolate cookie recipe," he said very demanding.  It really wasn't a request, in fact.  He was adamant I do this for him.  So, while in class I googled recipes and emailed them to him.  During class he turned back and looked at me and said, "I'm getting an awful lot of recipes from you right now, are you even paying attention?  I don't want you to miss anything." 

(He later emailed me back and said "Hope your 'event' was enjoyable." Notice the word event in quotes...)

As I dashed out the door at 5:30 to leave, the drinker enters.  How does she get away with only attending 30 minutes?  Hmmmm.

Posing as the new Fat Class Model

How Low Can It Go?

I picked up a heart rate watch when I started the diet.  I like being able to regularly monitor my heart rate - so I can better understand my body.  I have mentioned before that my rate is low.  And, the doctor said it would probably get lower as I lose weight.  He is right.  I think it was a resting heart rate in the low 60s when I first started the diet.  Now it sits in the 50s.  I've gotten into playing this game I like to call, "How Low Can It Go?"  Sometimes when I'm just relaxed on the coach or even in a meeting I can get it to go as low as 45.  Now, I realize it is a bit ridiculous that I play this game since the whole point of this new life of mine is to increase activity -- along with my heart rate.  But, Lance Armstrong has a resting heart rate of 32-34 beats per minute.  Maybe that's a new goal of mine?  Get it as comparable as I can to a internationally renowned cyclist?  It would be cool to be compared to a world class athlete. 

Follow Me

Ok.  Many of you don't know how to "follow" me on this blog.  So, I'm asking those of you who have figured it out to post comments.  You can subscribe through the RSS Feeds (by clicking on the icon on your webpage that looks like the one above).  I get those and emails populate in my inbox through that folder.  I now just forward those emails to several of you who can't figure out how to "follow" me.  So, if you want that, let me know -- I'll add you to the list.  If there are other ways to do it, please post your suggestions.

And, just FYI - I checked the stats of the blog this weekend.  We've had readers come from Russia, Denmark, Spain, Burundi, Germany, and Canada.  Crazy, eh?  And, hello, bonjour, hola, guten tag, zdravstvuite, and goedendag to all of you who may be reading. 

Missing the Midweek Call

Crud.  I forgot to make my midweek call into Ginah.  At 11:35 my phone rang and it was her.  (And, even though the name "Ginah" is an alias for the blog, that's also how she is listed as my contact in my phone).  :)

Anyway, now I'll have a demerit on my permanent record!!  When I get to class Monday I will have to put I didnt make my midweek call and I'll be bringing down all the numbers.  :-(

We talked a lot about exercise.  My PA (physical activity) for this week is already over 2000.  I told her that I have been kicking up the activity.  I have small goals around physical activity as I'm losing weight.  When I lost just over 25 pounds I focused on incorporating the step class into my workouts again.  I told her that when I lose another 20 I'm pushing to incorporate the Tuesday morning spin class.  I just hate those damn seats!  I know, you get use to it.

People regularly ask me how much I'm trying to lose.  I have no idea.  Honestly, I'm not even interested in that.  For me, the goals are all around physical activity.  Of course, I'd like to be thinner and healthier.  Wear smaller clothes, look cute.  But, I really want to be more physical than I already am.  I'd like to train to do 5ks, or a triathlon, maybe even a marathon.... I dunno.  My best friend growing up has always been a runner.  I've always been so envious of her doing events in other cities.  How fun would that be?

So, I want to continually incorporate physically challenges into my plan.  Those goals are more exciting to me than a number on a scale.  A really hip thin cutie at my office, who I call Miss July, told me she'd run with me if I was interested.  Just the idea of someone cute, young and thin seriously considering me a running partner is awesome! 

30 Marks the Spot

Alright, I've had several folks ask me to post a photo (mostly out of towners who have not seen me since I started).  I'm 70 days into the box.  And, I'm 30 pounds lighter.  It's a great feeling.  And, I am proud that I've been able to stay focused.   I actually had to buy this jacket recently because I was presenting at a conference and all of my suits had become too big.  So, here's the picture.  Can you see a difference?