It’s a happy day!  My goal pants fit, and as you can see, my ticker has been updated to note a 36 pound loss.  I started out at 334, so that means I jumped over that 300 mark.  Let me tell you — that put a smile on my face!

Last week, I went to the doctor and weighed there, but decided I’d do a more consistent weighing this week (first thing in the morning, no breakfast or water, minimum of clothes, no leg brace), and discovered what I suspected: my loss was even greater than originally believed.  I may also have dropped a couple pounds this week, so that 9 pound difference is probably a little bit of weight with a whole lot of clothes and a ton of water that I drank before going to the doctor. (For those that don’t know, if you are a “difficult stick” — if they have trouble drawing your blood — being well hydrated helps, and drinking water doesn’t effect tests.)

I actually wore my goal jeans out and about earlier in the week. I wouldn’t go jogging in them, or wear them hiking, but they fit well enough to spend about half the day in.  I’m also thrilled that my previous goal pants are very nice and comfortable, now; even the *^#*%^ slimming panel. 😀  All in all, I’m thrilled because it appears that what I’m doing is working.  I’m also thrilled, because my current loss has exceeded my last effort, and in my mind, that was a hurdle to jump.

I have new goal pants today; and a new addition — a goal top.  The pants are also size 24 jeans, but they’re cut differently, are a different brand, and are pretty tight. I can zip them, but wear them out?  Not currently, but I’m confident that what I’m doing will continue to work.  I decided to go with a top as well, so maybe I’ll have a better idea of when I might be losing above the waist and not below.  Besides, it should be additional reinforcement, right?  I’m hoping to be close to having these two fit in around 6 weeks, which will be shortly before Thanksgiving.

Finally, I’m feeling pretty good right now.  I’ve lost over 10% of my body weight, and my knee doc once told me that losing 15% of my body weight will make a significant difference in how my knees feel.  I can tell that he’s right.  I’m sticking with exercise, with the weekly goal of getting in the pool 5 days a week for 50 minute sessions.  My mother says she can see my weight loss; she’s usually in the pool with me, so she sees me in a bathing suit.  I haven’t had anyone notice on their own, yet, but I feel like that day is close.

It’s a good day to be Lisa. I hope your day is just as good.