The truth about alcohol.

Heed my warning.

I was told that due to the nature of my newly redesigned intestines that alcohol consumption could afffect me much quicker.  I've had a few beers and not really noticed a difference, so I felt relatively secure in my ability to "handle my liquor".

Apparently, I was a little over-confident last night.

This picture was taken at about 8:30 pm.  The free beer for ladies didn't even start until 9.  The glassy leer in my eyes was the result of 1 beer (the PBR in front of me) and 1 shot of tequila (came with the PBR).  If only I had stopped there. (And if only I could have known how fat this pose would make me look! LOL)

One shot each of Rumpleminz and Goldschlager and bartender only knows how many free beers later, we head for the door, as partied out as I can ever remember being.  Thinking it had to be at least 1:30 in the morning, I was shocked to check my watch and discover that it was only 11:30.  In 3 short hours I had gone from sane to trashed, rode the happy train to my final destination, and jumped off the party platform into my car where I commenced to pass out next to my wonderfully much smarter (read sober) husband driving me and our friend home. 

Alcohol hits MUCH faster and harder than before surgery.  Much like food, it doesn't take much. Indulge if you will, enjoy the cheap drunk, but stay close to someone who loves you.  I did.

Major goal reached!

Ok, so I didn't exactly reach it in time.  I wanted to lose 100 lbs by my six month surgiversary.  It was six months and two days when I reached the 229 mark.  You know what?  I was dissappointed on Monday the 8th when it didn't happen, but when on Wednesday the 10th when I saw the scale confirm that I had actually lost 100 pounds...I couldn't give a rat's ass what day it was. 

Lesson learned...goals are great...but they are movable figments of our own limitations.  The end of the story was no less climactic just because there was a few extra pages in the way.  I started this journey a size 28 and as I write I am wearing a comfy size 16.  I can't ever remember wearing less than 18.  I shopped at Rue 21...for myself!

Next goal?  You know it!  Onderland!!!  I'm sitting at 224 today, so only 25 lbs to my next giddy, flailing of the arms, squeeling like a 3rd grader in arm's reach of Justin Beeber, dance like no one's watching (dear God, don't EVER let anyone see me) celebration.

On a lighter note.  Chicken and I still aren't friends, but we have had coffee together a couple times.  Beef jerky is the bomb-diggity...I know...driest meat substance on earth goes down better than the moistest poultry?  Go figure.  Rudy, my wonderful best friend, partner in this journey and love of my life whom I also married, has lost an amazing 125 lbs and has gone from a 54 pant to a 40 comfortably.  All I can say besides "Go Baby Go" is yes, it get's bigger, and yes there's much more to our love life than I ever imagined possible for a couple over 40.

I had my 6 month check-up and bloodwork done.  I'm curious about my protein and vitamin levels...but I'm not scared.  I've never felt better, so I must be doing something right.  My surgeon's PA said we consider 70% of excess weight lost in 18 months to be a success.  I've already lost 50% of mine.  Our original realistic goal weight was 160, but she thinks I may reach around 140 by the 12 month mark.  I'm not so sure on that one...things have slowed down a bit.  But I'm no longer looking at it as an impossible destination...and I'm willing to relax on the time limitation. 

I'll give myself 12 months and 2 days!