Friday, November 11, 2011

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Soooo…I went to yoga with Beth today…for the first time in a loooong time.  For some reason, I continue to believe I am experienced at yoga.   But I’m just not.

In fact, I usually just silently giggle my way through the whole class….just trying to keep up with the yoga teacher….(aka: Speedy Gonzales)…and to not fall on my butt.  By the end, my whole body was sore.  But I like it anyways.  It’s good to change it up every once in a while.   It keeps life interesting.

But today was more than just a yoga day.  It was my dad’s birthday.  And that is just totally awesome.  : )

In the beginning, my family was really concerned about my decision to have this surgery.  It was hard, but I completely understood why.  I went forward with it anyway because I KNEW it was the best move for me.  Regardless of how they felt, they helped me through the stressful times, and agree with my decision now…but most of them still don’t think it would be the right choice for them.   

And I respect that.

My family has always been in a constant state of weight loss.  (Some times more serious than others!)  Different things work for different people, but my dad had been asking me a lot about my surgery and how it worked.  I always encouraged trying diet and exercise first, because it is the less risky option.  But that’s not always what people want to hear. 

So, for Mother’s and Father’s day, I set up a 1:1 session for Beth to go to my parent’s house and set up a program for them.  I was worried about their health (like only a daughter who is a nurse can) and I really just wanted to give them the gift of feeling as good as I did.

Well, the session stirred something up…especially in my dad…and over the summer (after months of me harassing him to come) my dad accepted an invitation to try the TNT boot camp with me.   I was shocked because, to be honest, I never actually thought he ever say yes. 

Well, not only did he come with me…he did AWESOME.  He signed up for 2 months of programs and has been dropping LBs like it’s his JOB!  He’s following a healthy diet and eating the best I have ever seen.  And his diet and exercise regimen has inspired my mom to diet and start her own work out program.  He didn’t even want a birthday cake this year!

I’m SO proud.

It’s also really cool to work out with my dad on Saturday mornings.  We never really had a special “thing” that we did together…just the two of us.  Boot camp has become our special time.  He motivates everyone in the class and totally keeps me on my toes when Beth isn’t looking.  There s nothing like your dad telling you that you’re slacking off to get you going again.

I absolutely LOVE it.

Why am I sharing this?  Well, for one, I think it’s good to see that diet and exercise are great things to try before you consider something more serious, like surgery.   I know I’ve said it before, but I believe surgery isn’t the “be all, end all” solution for weight loss.  It will work for some people, but not for others.  You should really try other things before you settle on surgery.

Secondly, I wanted to tell you how awesome it is to see my family getting healthy.  THEY are inspiring ME to stay on track…and I just feel so happy about it.   

Really. 

Like, “warm fuzzy feeling” happy!  :: smile ::

I guess I just want there to be A LOT more “happy birthdays” in my family’s future…even if we have to skip the birthdays cake, sometimes!  


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!!!!!


7 comments:

  1. Just end the blog if youbwon't post in two months....I'm not going to keep checking any longer. A former fan.

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    1. Completely agree with your comment!

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  2. Would really enjoy an update! Found your blog by complete accident and read every post. I love your writing style and although I haven't had surgery, I thoroughly feel your up-and-down weight woes. I'll be honest, though, I -really- want to see your gorgeous wedding gown!

    Great job, you look absolutely fabulous. <3

    Christina

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  3. I miss reading your blog. I know how consuming wedding planning is but if you had the time....we all would love an update!

    ~Chrissi

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  4. hey guys....kristen here. i hear the plea for an update, and i promise...i will!!! as soon as my computer gets fixed that is. the track pad is broken and typing is impoossible. with the wedding sucking up all my spare funds, i haven't had the extra cash to fix it yet.

    my iphone is great for e-mail and facebook, but i just can't type a whole post on there! i will update as soon as possible!!!

    xoxo

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  5. hi Kristen,

    I thought I would give you a little update on my progress, Your blog was so helpful for me and I find myself re reading the entries that coincide with how far post op I am! I am 6.5 months post op. I've lost 108 pounds from my highest weight and since my surgery day I am down 86 pounds! I now wear a size 12 pants and large top, my hair falling out freaked me out but wasn't as bad as I thought and it I don't think anyone even noticed it was a little thin in places. My goal weight is 150 pounds (my surgeons goal for me is anywhere in the 160's). I am now 183 pounds and hoping to reach my goals by the 1 year appointment. Thank you so much for the time you put into your blog. I don't think I would have had the courage to go through with the surgery without it. It definitely was one of the best decisions I have ever made and without you I would probably be the unhappy, uncomfortable fat girl that every sais- "has such a pretty face".

    I hope all is well with your wedding plans and I would love to hear how your maintaining phase is going and if you have any tips for success.

    ~Chrissi

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