Nine...

...pounds. That's how much I've lost in 4 weeks on South Beach. Nine pounds! I'm ecstatic, honestly. I couldn't stop smiling at the doctor's office. I've been struggling to lose weight for almost a year and a half, since my first round of boot camp. It's been a sacrifice and a huge conscious effort to keep up with this new way of living, and I'm feeling very proud. It was a surprise, as well. I knew my pants were fitting more loosely, but I had no idea I'd dropped as much as 9 pounds. I feel very thankful for the support of family, friends, and coworkers for helping me keep on track and encouraging me, and I just can't wait to lost another 9. When I do, I'll be almost back to wedding weight. Nine pounds. Yay!

On the other hand, I didn't get good news on the blood pressure. I'm going to have to be medicated. It's not what I wanted, but it's what's best for my heart. I also have a significant vitamin D deficiency, so I'll be taking both prescription and over-the-counter supplements. My sister recently sent me some good info on the deficiency, and one effect is weight gain. Another is high blood pressure, which means they're probably all inter-related. I'm hoping that getting my vitamin D levels back to normal will bring things all into balance and it'll be a snowball effect. Vitamin D will hopefully support the weight loss, and the weight loss and vitamin D will aid the meds in bringing and keeping the blood pressure down. Hopefully by March, I'll be able to drop the blood pressure medication and maintain a healthy weight. I'll probably always have to supplement vitamin D, but I'd prefer that over blood pressure meds any day.

Sooooo, awesome! Nine pounds! And hopefully that's just the beginning.