I'm a Real Person!

I'm a Real Person - I must be, because I'm in Real People magazine!

This is the article, it's on page 18 of the issue dated 26/4/12, with a story about a bacon butty on the front cover.

I've quite enjoyed doing this - Alex, the journalist, was lovely and the whole article has come out quite chatty - just like me (apparently).

There is a mention in there for Alizonne, and I hope people who read it will look it up - as you all know, I've found the whole journey of losing weight with Alizonne very supportive and positive.

If you do get a copy, enjoy the read,

Really glad I lost weight

Some days, things happen that make me very, very glad I lost weight. Today was one of them. I've been running errands all day, and at one point I got back to my car to find that some "idiot" (to use a much politer phrase than I did at the time) had parked so close to my driver's door that there was no chance I was getting into the car that way.

I just shrugged, opened the passenger door, and clambered over the handbrake. I got my feet over the handbrake and under the steering wheel to the pedals with ease - not a feat I would have even attempted last year!

So, that's another thing that doesn't scare me anymore.

This makes me very happy!

One Year Ago...

 
One year ago today I was nervous about my first day on Alizonne. It was the night before my first weigh in and treatment. I'd seen the doc, I knew what to expect (kind of) and I was very determined.

Tonight, I've just come home from my 4th monthly check in since reaching target at the end of November. I'm over 38kg (6 1/2 stones) lighter. I'm a size 12/14 not a size 22/24. And I feel fabulous. (and just 1 kg over my target - but it's "TOM" if you know what I mean).

According to many, I also look fabulous (and I'm very happy to take that compliment, thank you!)

This week, Real People will publish my story - comparing my weight loss journey with that of my big sister, who had a gastric bypass. (It's out on Thursday, and we're this month's centrefold - now I never thought I'd be the centrefold in a glossy magazine!).

I've changed my eating habits - having 4 or 5 smaller meals rather than 2 or 3 big ones. I've also changed what I eat, with much less bread and carbs (and drink) and more fruit and veg.

I'm no paragon of virtue; I did demolish some Easter Eggs, I have the occasional chippy tea - but they are not habits, just treats that are offset by generally eating much healthier.

I now know people who never knew me when I was fat. They think I've always been the slim me, and that feels wierd.

My head still hasn't caught up with my body. I'm still reaching for larger sizes in shops, and I still get surprised by my reflection or photos.

But I have so much more energy, I'm no longer scared by stairs, long walks uphil - or by high heels!

I'm not pretending it was easy (or cheap) but for me it wasn't as difficult as some. I don't have children, my husband is away a lot, and I have really (REALLY) supportive family and friends, and I'm in control of my own schedule most of the time.

And I made some great friends along the way (you all know who you are and I love you).

So if you're just starting out, good luck - enjoy your journey and make the most of it.

To all those who went before me, thanks for the inspiration, the tips and the support.

Good luck everyone,
take care,
Dawn

Real People

I recently did an interview with Real People magazine and I just found out the article will be in the next issue - which is out on Thursday 19th April. I'll be buying a copy - possibly more than one!

It will include lots of photos, from both me and my big sister - who also lost lots of weight, but through bariatric surgery.

It's been quite a long process - I think I initially talked to them back in January, and with several follow up calls from them, and requests for more photos, I can't wait to see the final results. I've had the text read out to me, so I know it will be fine, but I'm really interested to see how they've illustrated the story, given all the pics we sent.

So, that will be another 15 minutes of fame for me then!
Enjoy - and let me know what you think if you read it.

Proper dinner

Well the builders have finally left, and I now have a fab new kitchen to cook in. So this was one of my first "proper" dinners in ages - having lived on microwave food for months.

For starters, scallops (as you know, they are my favourites). This big juicy super-fresh ones were from Bury market. You just can't beat them. Simply pan fried, served with a little sweet chilli dipping sauce and some micro pea shoots. Lovely.

This was followed by cod and chips (wedges made in the oven) with tinned peas - I still don't have a new freezer yet, so frozen peas are off the menu for now).

And then some exotic fruit salad later on - but unfortunately my other photos didn't come out too well, so I'll have to recreate this dinner again soon!

Things that make me smile

You know sometimes you come across things that really just make you smile? I've had a few of those recently - and here's the latest.

Another gem from IKEA - someone in their merchandising team has a real sense of humour, love the thought of Bert and Ernie playing chess, and being so equally matched!

Enjoy,

Walking the Plank

Did I mention that we have builders in? It's been very chaotic, hence my radio silence for a while.

As I was leaving the house this morning, walking the plank from my new back door, it occured to me that at one time I wouldn't have faced this plank.

So, this should be "things that no longer scare me #2"

I would have had a fear of the plank breaking, or of me overbalancing (with my wildly off centre balance point). But for the past 6 weeks, I've been happily walking the plank without thinking about it.

In fact, the only thinking I've been doing is "which pirate phrase shall I use today?".

Avast me hearties, and have a lovely day!