Having osteoarthritis is like being trapped in a tree

Having osteoarthritis in your hip is like being stuck in a hollow tree log and everytime you try to move your leg you can't because the wood is in the way. No matter how hard you try you just cannot move.

I just had an incident on the couch. It's past midnight and I fell asleep on the couch in a weird position. I woke up, turned the TV off and tried to get up. I used the coffee table as leverage. WTF? I couldn't move my left leg. I pushed my hands against the table harder, scooted My leg. OMG! searing hot pain. No range of motion. There's that wood in my way again. I finally edged my way to outside the couch. One step closer to bed. What now? I have the whole hallway now. Worst pain ever. Every step is coming like glass on my hip.i can't do it. Hold on to the banister. Ok I can hold on. I started to scream for my husband. Where is he? Michael? Michael? Fuck he can't hear me. I'm past the banister now. Ok here is the hallway. Nothing to hold onto. OMG pain. Wood again. I cannot move. Michael finally heard me. He's in the bath. Shit! He shoots up. I had no idea where he was. I'm half awake. In tears now. He runs out, wet. Are you okay, he asks? No!! I can't walk to bed. Help! I grab ahold of him. He grabs my waist, and walks with me. Omg I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to get you up like this. I can't walk! Finally I make it to the bed. phew! I manage to put aspercream mixed with Ben gay and cbd cream all over my upper leg. Got in my bed, put my huge pillow under my foot. Aahh worst is over.

ONE YEAR SURGIVERSARY!

It's been one year since my weight loss journey started!! I'm so excited to be almost at my goal!
Starting weight: 220
Surgery weight: 206
Current weight: 132
Weight loss: 88-74lbs
Size: 2-6

10 Months!

I can't believe its been almost a year since my RNY surgery. Today marks 10 months now. I'm getting really close to my goal weight. I actually don't feel like I really need to lose more weight, but the scale says I need to lose 20 more pounds. I'm hovering between 140-143lbs now and I can actually fit into a size 4 pants, and a small top. This is almost embarrassing, but I bought a size 4 jeans, and they're almost too big, I should have bought a size 2. I know, I never thought I'd say that! I actually bought capri's at Costco a few weeks ago in a size 6, and I tried them on at home and they practically fell off my butt. Size 6 was the smallest size they make in that style. I never thought I'd have this problem (not that I'm complaining).

I had my gallbladder out and my stomach pain is finally gone, so is my constipation. My menstrual cycle is still erratic and I never know when it's going to show up. We're wanting to have another baby at the end of this year, so I need to get a complete work-up.

I'm feeling a lot more confident with my looks which is awesome.

8 months

It's been 8 months. I'm not 150lbs even. I've started walking 3-4x a week again since the weather is starting to turn nicer. We re-homed our dog, Raven, since she kept attacking our other dog Roxy so we're able to walk Roxy without any issue. Big relief.

I'm getting my galbladder removed on March 11. I've been having a lot of pain for several months on and off. They found several small stones, so it needs to come out. It just happens to be the same day as Aly gets her full body cast removed. It's a big day for us, but lots of excitement.

Here's the month 8 side by side.

Month 6

I made it to the 6 month mark! Starting weight was 220, surgery weight was 205lbs. As of Jan 2, 2015 I weight 158.4lbs. WOOT! I've lost 62lbs total since my heighest weight. I'm pretty much at my 1/2 way mark to my weight loss goal of 110lbs. When the weather heats up I plan to get back to walking every day.

This is month 5. I now weigh 165lbs even. Seems like I'm losing about 5lbs a month.

Month 4

Just wanted to put my month 4 weight. My weight loss has slowed down even more. I need to get back to eating paleo and exercising. I've fallen off the exercising wagon altogether.

11/3 weight: 170lbs.

Month 3

I can't believe it's been 3 months already! It feels like it went by so fast and now summer is officially over, which means the air is cold and rainy and I don't feel like running, or exercising outside at all. In fact my exercise has really slowed down and I'm barely making it 3x a week. I really need to figure out how I'm going to make it through the winter months, because my fitness goals are important to me. I plan to work out inside at home using youtube videos on my TV, so I really need to step it up. If I get into the habit of doing it now, it will become easier to do for the rest of my life. That way I will have a much better chance for long term success, which is the point to all this right?

So now the numbers:
I weigh 175lbs as of this morning 10/3/14. It's a few pounds shy of what I was planning (only lost 7lbs this month). The weight loss has slowed down a bit, which is normal, from what the doc said. If I continue to exercise it will make more muscle, and burn more calories. I also need to get back on track w/my eating. I've been eating a lot more carbs than I should. I still have an ulcer, but my symptoms have improved slightly.

My fibromyalgia has really been affecting me, as well. I have been so achy and sore, and tired. I think partly because my meds aren't being absorbed the way they used to be because of my stomach. I plan to talk to my doc about this at my next appointment in a few weeks, to see what he says. There is a new med out that is extended-release, which I'm considering trying. My joints are also in a lot of pain. This is another part of why I haven't been running very often. My feet are killing me, especially when I wear shoes.

Month 2

I made it to the 2nd month! As of 9/2/14 I weigh 182 lbs. WOOT! That means a total loss of 24 lbs since surgery, 33 lbs since before my pre-surgery diet and 38 lbs since my highest weight of 220. It feels great! I can now fit into some size large tops and size 12 pants. My glasses are actually too big now and I need new ones. How exciting! I've also started to jog a little bit and it feels so motivating. My goal was to get back into running so now I'm starting to introduce my body to this. It's pretty wonderful and I must say that I don't regret this surgery for a single moment.

I bought a fitbit flex from a friend and am wearing that to keep track of my steps and calorie loss. My daily goal is to walk about 2 miles. Some days I don't do shit, and some days I walk way more. We went on a camping trip and hiked 7miles in one day. I think we over did that a bit bc I was sore for a whole week!

I do want to mention that my doc found a small ulcer in my stomach. My symptoms were a constant stomach ache and nausea, esp when eating. I have to take protonix and this liquid medicine 4x a day to heal it. I already feel a lot better and only have nausea now (not constantly). I can even drink 1/4 cup of coffee in the morning which helps me thru my day! I feel so motivated to get into shape and feel more athletic already. My dogs appreciate the jog :)

Anyway, here are my latest pics:

One Month

It's been one month. I feel like I haven't lost much weight. I'm eating small portions and trying to keep up with my protein and water intake. I've been trying to walk for about an hour a day, or nearly everyday. As of 8/2/14 I weigh 192.4, a total loss of about 14lbs since surgery, and 28lbs since my highest weight of 220. My doctor says that I'm doing really well with weight loss, but I'm waiting for the big drops to happen. Maybe they won't since I was never super obese? I don't know. I'm glad I had the surgery bc I know I could never do this on my own. I plan to continue working hard and try to lower my carb intake.