Hey folks. Long time no blog.

A lot has happened since my last post.

I’ll start with the most exciting news:

I’m cured.

Well, not cured, exactly. Effectively treated is more likely. Chances are that the hives would come back if I discontinued treatment. But basically, I must have been assigned the drug (rather than the placebo) in the clinical trial. They gave me the injections on Wednesday, and by Saturday I was hive-free. Merry Christmas to me. :)

I’m going to have to figure out exactly how I’m going to get this drug after the clinical trial is over. It is extremely expensive. Between 1 and 3k per dose. Insurance won’t cover it, since it’s not FDA approved for hives. If anyone has any ideas, I’d appreciate it. Letter-writing is in my future.

But…this means I’m back to the gym! The last two days I’ve done an hour on the elliptical and been weight training. I pounded my first protein shake in a LONG time after today’s workout. I’m probably going to be a sad, sore girl tomorrow. But it feels so good to be back to my life.

I ended up packing on a disgusting 40 pounds since April. I managed to maintain over the holidays, which is good, but I’m pretty perturbed about today’s weigh in. 210.6 pounds. But if I can keep hitting the gym this hard, I’ll be back to myself in no time. The goal is 170. My lowest weight was either 171 or 172. I don’t recall which.

I’ve got to focus on protein and cut out the sugary beverages in order to sustain success. My portion sizes have remained pretty small, but I need to watch what I’m putting in my pouch, and how often I’m eating. Gymming has also meant less boredom and less appetite, so I’m beside myself with joy at my ability to work out without fear of hives.

Weight Watchers was a complete fail for me. I gained 10 pounds chowing down on all that fruit on top of what I would eat anyway. I’m back to calorie counting, and trying to significantly increase my pure water intake. I’m not doing super great with either of those things yet, but it’s a process. The gym is a massive step in the right direction.

The other exciting news: I got a new job. I start on Tuesday.

I had taken a leave of absence from work to try and take care of my hives. I couldn’t bring myself to return. If I wasn’t about to find the answer to my hives, I couldn’t condemn myself to a 50 hour a week job anymore. I believe that they are on their way to becoming the best possible company they can be, but it just wasn’t a good fit for me anymore. I need to focus on my health, and school. I need money and I need free time. My company wasn’t giving me enough of either of those. So: it was time to go. Maybe I’ll be back someday.

The final great news: I got a 4.0 in two out of three of my semesters in school. I only have a few classes left before I need to take the NLN (RN program entrance exam), and then I will hopefully get right into the nursing program. Fingers crossed.

A good friend of mine just celebrated her 1-month anniversary since her gastric bypass. Giving her advice and words of support has helped me to focus on my own pouch and I am very happy to be helping. She seems to be having a tougher time with her recovery than I did. Hopefully that just means her honeymoon period is that much sweeter. (Artificial sweetener, of course.)

2010 was the year of my rebirth. 2011 was a test. I hope that 2012 is the reward.

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