You're doing fantastic!! WOO HOO! You're my inspiration.
Today is my first week back to work. Next week I plan on joining the gym!

Hope you hips feel better soon!

PS: just received (finally) my lab results. My Vitamin D is still too low...and I take a lot! but I was just reading an article in a medical journal, they said that low D gives pain in the bones...I didn't know, thought it was only calcium..

You should be proud!! you're doing great!! and it seems to be really warm in Texas right now! wow! sleeveless! yesterday I had two sweaters on! it was only 10°C but it's always humid here...

Great news for the shoes too, I will try those in a few months.

But your pain could be coming from anything from new shoes to your body adjusting to your new gravity center or new posture. It might go away very soon.
I had pains here and there in my body during the first six months, nothing really persistent besides injuries, but that was an entire other issue. May be you could run on a treadmill to try to see if it feels better because there's more cushion and it's less impact on your body.

I was actually talking to my surgeon about my calcium level during one of my post-op and he said that a blood test is not enough we need to have a densitometry Xray/scan to make sure our bones are ok. I also take many supplements, calcium and have it in my food daily as well but since I do have several others deficiencies, I was told to be careful. Tricky part is that our blood test could be ok on calcium because the body is taking it from our bones. That's why we have to check with a scan to make sure. I think I will do it in a few months.

Congrats on the new buff you! Be kind to yourself. Running is tough on the body. Resting it is important plus you're still being active. That's a win.
You are doing great and should be proud of yourself.

Thanks TarotAces and blackjac24! This journey has been so wonderful!

My problem areas have always been my butt, hips, and thighs. Reading your progress gives me hope that I may too have thin thighs!

I am so happy for you, I remember when I hit that mark, I think I danced around like I won the lotto...Lol. Brooks shoes are the best... Great big hugs to you.

Holy crap!!!! That's soo great!!! I am excited for you girl!

WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Elle and Hotrodgirl! I feel pretty damn excited!

Hi, Christi! Just reading some old posts and came across this. First, let me say you look fabulous! I hope to be so successful! Secondly, what part of Italy are you traveling to? My father is from Italy (my mother was born here bit her parents are from there as well) and all my family are there. I've been many times as a child and adult and absolutely love that country! Does your father reside there? We're from the Abruzzi region (L'Aquila). Approx 2 hrs north of Rome. I'm jealous to not be going this year! Have a wonderful and safe trip!

You ROCK! Way to go!!

Congratulations!!! That is so exciting!!! As soon as I hit 196 I'll just be over weight and I can't WAIT!!! Love the shoes by the way!

My husband and I grew up spending most of our childhood overseas. We basically came back to France for High School, when we met. After Uni and a few years in the work force I got my first job overseas and my husband followed me in my field so we could work together. We started to buy online before we left France 15 years ago but at that time it was a pain in the neck to return anything and sometimes it was just quicker to just take the car and go pick up the item from a store.
We moved to the US 10 years ago, I discovered Prime soon after and it was so great and easy for two working parents! I also tried the pantry thing in March. Price was good but delivery too long.
Anyway, once you had great service, it feels like going back in the past to use something else.
In a few countries online is almost not existent. Here in Taiwan, it does work but Chinese is an issue (I'm not really fluent enough to find it easy), and since it's mainly all in cash in Asia, even for online shopping it's the same and it's not that convenient. If you don't have the only bank card they accept from their own bank (usually I don't ) you have to go pay cash to a convenience store but have only 24h to do that.
At the end, I'm frustrated but spend less because I just think " I would need that but will wait for my next trip to the US".
So I got my shoes in March when I was in the US because I was able to order several pairs and find one that my feet liked. I still wear W in Sport shoes, don't really need to any more but I like to have thick socks. In Asia no W or half sizes...
I still order books for the kids on Amazon, it takes around two/three weeks to arrive, shipping is not too high. I usually just get my books on my Kindle, but kids don't like Kindle. But if I buy something else, usually between taxes and shipping it's not worth it. Shipping is only good for books.
Anyway, I hope you will like your shoes! at least if you don't you can send it back easily.
I was hoping that losing weight would help on many aspects, but since I can now be more active, I also got double the injuries! for sure aging is also guilty but I just hope it will really get better at some point because the whole story of one injury per month is starting to get on my nerves...and it's raining EVERY DAY for at least ten days now so no bike either!! argh!!
Anyway, we should see the sun this week end, crossing my fingers!
Let me know about your shoes! I always like to know about good shoes.

Originally Posted by Sandra3

Congrats! great news!!
Getting to that BMI is actually my goal. Doc think I should not go lower because of my scan results...we'll see, plenty of time before I reach it! hopefully next Summer...
I know what you mean with Amazon, I miss it so much! because I still travel to the US I kept prime anyway, I can have access to music and TV , AND still useful when I send gifts too.
I love my last running shoes, I use it for walking but they give me the best support. It's the Asic Gel Noosa. Since 4 of my toes broke almost two years ago finding the right shoes has been worth than before but those shoes are just great.

I have lived overseas many years but was always at a base so I had all the American conveniences with the added perk of living in different countries. I spent most of my life in Italy because my mother was Italian and my father retired Air Force. But I also have lived in the Netherlands, Japan, Turkey, Spain, and Germany. Not a bad life! I never got Amazon prime until I moved back to the US. I did do a lot of online shopping, though. Just no prime membership.
I am going to try out these Brooks as I have heard great things, but if they don't feel awesome to run in I will definitely look into the Asic ones. I wear tennis shoes often so I don't mind if I end up using them as just regular shoes. I am hoping they are great though. I am definitely needing extra cushioning. Ah, the joys of aging. LOL.

Originally Posted by Notoriousbig

Go gurl! Great job....keep pushin and have fun with your new life and body....simply awesome! Alvin

Thanks Alvin! I am loving this new life! I cannot believe I waited so long to do it!

Fractured the C2 vertebrae after a fall down the stairs during the super bowl that I don't remember. No exercise (not even walking, except around the house) for a month. Not to mention no running, skiing, anything fun. YUCK!!! But I'm not paralyzed, so I am happy. Sounds like that was a very likely option with this vertebrae.

Congrats! great news!!
Getting to that BMI is actually my goal. Doc think I should not go lower because of my scan results...we'll see, plenty of time before I reach it! hopefully next Summer...
I know what you mean with Amazon, I miss it so much! because I still travel to the US I kept prime anyway, I can have access to music and TV , AND still useful when I send gifts too.
I love my last running shoes, I use it for walking but they give me the best support. It's the Asic Gel Noosa. Since 4 of my toes broke almost two years ago finding the right shoes has been worth than before but those shoes are just great.

Go gurl! Great job....keep pushin and have fun with your new life and body....simply awesome! Alvin

Originally Posted by sraebaer

You do not look anywhere near obese!

You'll have to run for me for a month while by broken neck heals! I will have to find fun fashion to go with a neck brace. It won't be a blouse that's for sure. Sweaters I think.

What?? What did you do to your neck??? I hope it heals quickly. That must be terrible. Yikes.
Thanks for saying I don't look obese. While I know I still need to lose a little bit I keep looking at myself wondering how I am classified as obese. I keep chugging along. I guess I will know when I get to the weight that looks "healthy" on me. I put 120 but my range for my height is 92-123. At 92 lbs I would look like a skeleton. So I will see as I get closer what feels "right" for me.

Originally Posted by Tamera2

Congratulations on your progress. what kind of work out is c25k? cant wait till i can do more than walk.

It is a program that eases you into running. It is awesome! I did it years ago and was very successful with it. Now that I am getting thinner I decided to do it again. I like to do races once I am in shape. So my goal is to do a half marathon by December of this year. They have one in my town.

You do not look anywhere near obese!

You'll have to run for me for a month while by broken neck heals! I will have to find fun fashion to go with a neck brace. It won't be a blouse that's for sure. Sweaters I think.

Congratulations on your progress. what kind of work out is c25k? cant wait till i can do more than walk.

Originally Posted by Christie13

That must be stressful having to deal with tumors regularly. So far I have been blessed and not had any issues. Do you know where you are going yet?

The tumor issue was stressful for the first ones, but when we knew the why and how, it got better. They grow slowly and was told to have it removed at least before reaching ten years. Right now with the weight loss I can see more popping out, not quit sure since when it was there since it was "hidden in the middle of the bacon", so I'm planning on having those removed pretty soon, especially if we go back home for work. It's not a big deal, I can have it done under a local anesthesia and recovery time is usually short. And when I will do the "tummy tuck" they will actually remove a few there too. So it will save me from a few extra procedures.
No news for our next destination, we'll probably know more around April/May.

Originally Posted by jenny53669

Ouch sorry to hear about the fall! But WOW, I've never been a runner and even in jr high when I wasn't really overweight yet, I don't think I could run more than 30 seconds straight! haha I was always one of those girls at the very end when the gym class made us do the mile. Since last week I've been doing 52 minutes (x6 days so far) on the elliptical which I seem to be able to do for a longer period of time than running on regular ground/treadmill. I think it's my knees being weird, or my feet slightly outturned.

Also that's SUCH a relief about the mammo, I would imagine being called back for any kind of closer look would be scary as *#@&!^! Good luck w/the test on Feb 17.

I am so enjoying the C25K. It makes me feel super strong and healthy. I am probably running the equivalent of a turtle but I don't care. I can see so much improvement. I think running is about learning to have a proper stride and also having the right shoes. I am going to be buying me a new pair soon. I have been reading reviews like crazy.

Originally Posted by Sandra3

I hope you had some arnica cream on hand to put on your knee? After my last fall I also took arnica in granules as well, my bruising was very bad on half my leg.
Regarding the genetic test, with your family history you did the right thing. The test results could take up to three weeks to come out (well it did for us each time)...the wait is the worth part. I hope you will get a negative!
My sister in law was in your case, except she had several tumors removed already, always negative. Genetic test was also negative. Her mum had breast cancer as well, in one year she developed two huge cancerous tumors in one breast. So far she is in Remission, it's been almost five years now. Her prognostic was very bad to start with, the doctors were really pessimistic because they rarely saw a cancer that aggressive growing in just one year or less, but I guess she got lucky.
Whatever comes next, you did the right thing with the sleeve. Losing weight does lower our risk of cancer and other diseases. So don't think too much about your results right now. Because so far you don't have tumors and you changed your environments positively.
I have myself a major issue with tumors (it's linked genetically to my obesity) and have to have it removed if it gets too big or on the wrong spot. So far all were negative except one which was "pre-cancerous". I need to have more removed soon, but I won't worry unless there a reason to worry..because lowering my BMI was the best way to fight it, so wait and see...
Crossing my fingers for you! take care.

So far the bruising wasn't too bad. I just iced it when I got home. Although sometimes I forget and put my knee on the bed to get in and it doesn't feel great.
Yeah, I am keeping relaxed as I know the stress will not help anything. Trying not to think about it too much. I am ready to just have the test and get it over with. Better to know and make an informed decision so we will take it as it comes.
And I agree....I am doing everything in my power to become the healthiest me possible. I am hoping to be off my BP meds soon. I am still taking them and I am in a good normal range but now that without them I would be a tad bit high. So maybe in about 10-15 lbs?? We will see. I see my primary care again on March 10th. I will see what he thinks. Also, I have a machine at home and take my blood pressure measurements nightly.
That must be stressful having to deal with tumors regularly. So far I have been blessed and not had any issues. Do you know where you are going yet?

Originally Posted by sraebaer

I used to aways wonder why runners ran in the road in the dark in our subdivision. That bothered me. Then I did the same thing you did, trip on a sidewalk crack while running downhill. Ouch!!

So now I run in the road facing the traffic with a cool flashing light clipped to my jacket. Not much traffic at 5 AM so it works.

(But I'm still a klutz. I've tripped on roots in the woods in broad daylight.)

Funny thing is I usually do run in the road facing traffic. But I was a the end and for whatever reason I went up onto the sidewalk. Brain fart I guess?! I was like just a tad away from smacking my face on the ground. But you know what? Lesson learned. I did not run on the sidewalk yesterday! LOL.

Ouch sorry to hear about the fall! But WOW, I've never been a runner and even in jr high when I wasn't really overweight yet, I don't think I could run more than 30 seconds straight! haha I was always one of those girls at the very end when the gym class made us do the mile. Since last week I've been doing 52 minutes (x6 days so far) on the elliptical which I seem to be able to do for a longer period of time than running on regular ground/treadmill. I think it's my knees being weird, or my feet slightly outturned.

Also that's SUCH a relief about the mammo, I would imagine being called back for any kind of closer look would be scary as *#@&!^! Good luck w/the test on Feb 17.

I hope you had some arnica cream on hand to put on your knee? After my last fall I also took arnica in granules as well, my bruising was very bad on half my leg.
Regarding the genetic test, with your family history you did the right thing. The test results could take up to three weeks to come out (well it did for us each time)...the wait is the worth part. I hope you will get a negative!
My sister in law was in your case, except she had several tumors removed already, always negative. Genetic test was also negative. Her mum had breast cancer as well, in one year she developed two huge cancerous tumors in one breast. So far she is in Remission, it's been almost five years now. Her prognostic was very bad to start with, the doctors were really pessimistic because they rarely saw a cancer that aggressive growing in just one year or less, but I guess she got lucky.
Whatever comes next, you did the right thing with the sleeve. Losing weight does lower our risk of cancer and other diseases. So don't think too much about your results right now. Because so far you don't have tumors and you changed your environments positively.
I have myself a major issue with tumors (it's linked genetically to my obesity) and have to have it removed if it gets too big or on the wrong spot. So far all were negative except one which was "pre-cancerous". I need to have more removed soon, but I won't worry unless there a reason to worry..because lowering my BMI was the best way to fight it, so wait and see...
Crossing my fingers for you! take care.

I used to aways wonder why runners ran in the road in the dark in our subdivision. That bothered me. Then I did the same thing you did, trip on a sidewalk crack while running downhill. Ouch!!

So now I run in the road facing the traffic with a cool flashing light clipped to my jacket. Not much traffic at 5 AM so it works.

(But I'm still a klutz. I've tripped on roots in the woods in broad daylight.)

Originally Posted by shaw

You go its exiting im a little over a year in the most difficult thing was others reaction to my drastic weight loss size24 to a 7-8 i feel good i dont care what others think be proud i am great job

Thank you! Wow! From a size 24 to a 7/8. That is fantastic! I do feel very proud of myself. I am living the dream. I take all my surgeon's post op lifestyle changes very seriously. Congrats on your success.