My story with pics so far....

My Story….

I did not have any plans to take this journey to become healthier and lose weight. I was fine, or so I thought. On December 7, 2010 I went to work as normal. By 9:30 I had excruciating pain in my left side. It was a kidney stone that was too big to pass on its own. I was scheduled for surgery December 9 (my youngest son’s Birthday).

This surgery would change my outlook on life, as when I woke up from surgery, I developed a fever and infection was suspected. This infection became sepsis, total blood stream infection (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepsis) . My body began to shut down, my heart rate was all over the place, my blood pressure was as low as 45 / 31 at one point. I was told this was not a livable blood pressure. A rapid response team was called, including a chaplin. They stabilized me and I then proceeded to spend the next 2 days in ICU and two more days in a regular room. It took me almost a month to start feeling like myself again. All the doctors have told me I am lucky to be alive and not have any organ damage from this ordeal.

This was all due to a kidney stone, which I probably caused by not drinking water and a poor diet. It could have been prevented, Instead I almost lost my life.

During the recovery from this ordeal I estimate i lost about 7 lbs. Once I became healthy and strong again, I kept the momentum going and now am down anywhere from 22.5 – 17.5 lbs total (not sure my start weight). I realize I need to be healthy for me and my two boys (see my ticker for their cute faces).

This morning I completed Day 15 of the 30 Day Shred and I walk 2 miles 4 times a week at a very brisk pace (4.0 mph). I have logged all my food, even the bad days, drink 8-12 glasses of water a day to keep my urine diluted (I never drank water before). Gave up my 4 cans of regular coke a day (now I drink only water).

This first picture was taken December 5 at my youngest sons birthday party. The next two pictures are from this morning wearing the same jeans and shirt from that party, the jeans are no longer tight, infact they are loose and soon I will need new ones.

Thanks for letting me share my story!