7 months in...

Here are our totals for 7 months of Take Shape for Life.

Brad has lost 106.6 pounds! Woah Nelly! I am so proud of him!!

I have lost 90 pounds! Unbelievable. I am still in shock at how well this program has worked, how healthy I feel, and how much energy I have.

Latest measurements

I forgot to post these last week. We took measurements after 6 months. Here they are! The numbers are in inches lost

Kristen
Arms: 3 inches
Chest: 9.4 inches
Waist: 14.5 inches
Hips: 12.5 inches
Thighs: 6 inches
Lost: 86.6 pounds
61.4 pounds to go!

Brad
Arms: 3 inches
Chest: 6 inches
Waist: 9.5 inches
Hips: 7 inches
Thighs: 2.5 inches
Lost: 103.2 pounds
108.4 pounds to go!

Fertility Update

I love getting good news!! We went back to the doctor on Thursday to go over all of the blood test results, all 10 vials worth! Based on the tests, I do not have PCOS! My insulin, testosterone, and glucose were all average! In fact, my glucose was pretty low but not low enough for concern. He did notice a Vitamin D deficiency and a genetic mutation called MHTFR. I think I got that right. I keep mixing up the letters. Anyway, this mutation consists of 2 enzymes. I am only missing one of the two. That's a good thing! It can be fixed. Basically, my body isn't breaking down folic acid, something necessary for having a baby. So, to fix both of these problems I am taking a vitamin d and folate supplement. I go in a few weeks to get the polyp in my uterus removed. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? After the procedure he will give us a treatment plan.

Infertility isn't something I would wish on anyone. It is harder to deal with than I ever thought, especially when so many of our friends are starting or adding to their families. Don't get me wrong, we are happy for them. But at the same time we are ready to start our family and meet Little Shumlet. This week was a rough week. I think I was anxious about the doctor appointment. So, it was a huge relief to get good news. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. We really appreciate it! We know that God has a plan. Sometimes, I wish He would give us a little glimpse at the big picture but we are having faith and believing Him and His timing.

Let's get real...

I'm going to get real for a minute. I hope that's okay. I have been debating on blogging about this topic for a while but I keep feeling led to do it. Maybe it will help someone. Maybe it will help me deal with things. Either way, it can't hurt.

Brad and I have been trying to start our family for over a year. In October of 2011 I went to the doctor and inquired about infertility. We did some tests and everything looked great. But... still no baby. We tried Clomid for 4 months. It worked for two out of the four months and my numbers were never "impressive", at least that's how my nurse put it. They referred me to a reproductive specialist, which terrified me. We went a few weeks ago and preliminary tests show that I may have PCOS: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome which is fairly common. The best thing to do: Lose weight. Well, I'm working on that! I went last week and had 10 vials of blood drawn. I also learned that I have a polyp on my uterus that has to be removed. Awesome. We go back on Thursday for the real deal... we find out what exactly is going on and our plan of action. I have faith that God has that perfect baby for us. I am hopeful that things will work out. However, this is harder to deal with than I ever imagined. Fortunately, I have a great support group! I am forever grateful for them!

Weekly Update!

It's time for your Medifast Monday update! Last week I hit Onderland. As a reward to myself I got some new ink. I am totally in love with it and Chris at Liberty Tattoo did a great job! 

This week was not a great weigh in but I am okay with that. I gained a pound. But, I have been killing it at the gym. I have increased all of my weights by 5 pounds, done 100 crunches each day, and started doing push ups... the girly kind. But, I did 20 of them today. That's two more than yesterday. :) Plus, I'm still under 200 and I lost inches this week!

Brad is killing this diet!! He hit the actual 100 pounds lost mark. I believe he is actually at 103 pounds lost. I am so proud of him. We finally got his picture. Here is his before and now picture. Enjoy!

Where is Onderland?

Well, I'll tell you! Onderland is where you are when you weigh under 200 pounds. It is a place a big girl can only dream of. Well, I am happy to visit Onderland once again. I plan to stay here a very, very long time. So here is this week's weight loss update.

Kristen: 
This week's loss: 3 pounds
Total loss: 87.6 pounds

Brad:
This week's loss: 3.2 pounds
Total loss: 99.8 pounds!

If this dude would have spit, he would have hit 100 pounds!! And here is an NSV: My team had chocolate cake for my partner teacher's birthday. It looked so delicious. I didn't even have a taste! I'm sure it is a lot better than my Medifast (MF) brownie, but that's my option for right now. Did I mention I've been working out? I had to tone up these flabby arms somehow. Well, each day I have increased my distance on the elliptical. Plus, I have been doing crunches and have done over 50 without stopping. This is huge! I used to quit after 10!!

Benefits of Medifast:
- more energy
- my foot doesn't hurt!
- I feel better
- my blood pressure is great!
- I get compliments all the time (this makes a girl feel good)
- I love getting healthier with my hubby
- I will never eat the same again.

Okay, I'll stop rambling! I'm just so excited! Can you tell?

6 months

Here is picture of me before Medifast and 6 months later. Brad wants to take his pictures when he gets a haircut. In 6 months:
- lost 85 pounds
- went from a size 20 to 14
- went down a shoe size
- went down 2 bra sizes
- the arthritis in my foot no longer bothers me
- I have motivation to go to the gym
- I can do 75 crunches without a break
- I feel better
- food is no longer tempting

Weight Loss Update

It's Monday, weigh in day! Poor Brad has been on steroids for an allergic reaction. Needless to say, he didn't lose much this week.... but he lost! Brad lost 0.6 lbs for a total of 96.6 pounds!! He is almost to 100! Once he gets to 100, we will update pictures.

 I lost 1.8 this week for a total of 84.6 pounds. I am almost to Onderland. I don't remember the last time I was this small. I have been hitting the gym pretty hard so my weight loss has slowed down some. I am okay with that because now I have the task of toning up. Today I did 75 crunches! I remember when 25 kicked my butt! I have also gone farther on the elliptical and added weights this week. 

Happy Easter

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. Brad and I had a quiet weekend at home. We grilled some delicious dinners. I made cookies for work on Tuesday and didn't even taste any! Happy Easter to all of you out in blogger land.

Relay for Life

Last year I raised $180 for Relay for Life. That is money that goes towards helping cancer patients. This is a cause very near and dear to me. My family has had a lot of cancer and I would love to see a world without cancer. 

This year, my goal is lofty. Well, it was lofty... not I know it is possible! My goal was to raise $1,000. And.... I met my goal. Surpassed it even! So far, I have raised $1,035!!! I say so far for a few reasons. 

1. If you want to donate, you still can! Since it is such a great cause I am not stopping. Your donation is tax deductible. You can donate HERE!

2. We haven't turned in our school fundraising yet, but our team raised $1,020. That will be split between all of the team members. 

3. I am having a Pampered Chef catalog party. All of the proceeds will go towards my Relay for Life fundraising. The party is open until April 15th. If you are interested in ordering anything, you can order Here! (Pampered Chef)

So, to all of you out in blog land. Thank you for supporting my cause. It is one that has touched all of us. 

Words I love to hear

Within the past month people have stated that my weight loss has shown a huge transformation. I've heard the following phrases and it makes my day each time I hear it!

- I'm looking for Mrs. Shumbera ... (speaking directly to me!)
- You're going to blow away!
- You've made a total transformation
- You look so different

There are many more but those are the highlights!

6 month update

Brad and I have been on Take Shape for Life (Medifast) for 6 months!! Some days it feels like we have been doing this forever. It has definitely become a way of life. Most of the time, I don't feel like I am missing anything. I'm not tempted by food as much. Plus, I feel better! Here is an update on our losses. We're LOSERS!!

Kristen:
Arms: -2.5 inches
Chest: -8.4 inches
Waist: -14.5 inches
Hips: -11.5 inches
Thighs: -4.5 inches

Pounds lost: 82.8 pounds with 65.2 pounds to go until goal!


Brad:
Arms: -3 inches
Chest: -6 inches
Waist: -9.5 inches
Hips: -7 inches
Thighs: -2.5 inches

Pounds lost: 96 with 115.6 pounds to go until goal!

We couldn't do this without the support of each other, our family, and friends. The constant encouragements and "You look great's" really help keep us motivated.

Can you spot the difference?

Taken August 2011

Taken March 2012

Sea World!

I love Sea World and have been dying to go to Sea World San Antonio. I finally went this weekend and had a blast!

Colleen and I... ready to see the sharks!

Renae and I by the shark tank!

Self Portrait time

It always amazes me how these animals can get their bodies out of the air! I love Killer Whales!

Who knew we had to go to Sea World to get a picture in the blue bonnets. I have seen them around town but haven't stopped to take a picture. 

I never pass up a chance for a picture with a Sesame Street Character!

Just a little thirsty... it was hot!!

Shamu Rocks! Check out all of the water that comes up with them.