Last night, I went for Thai food with my dear friend since grade 7. I haven't seen her since the end of November, which would have been, my highest recorded weight, so I was kind of anxious to see if she'd notice a difference in me. So we get there and I take off my winter coat (that I couldn't even get done up in November) and...nothing. We sit down, and I'm thinking ok...she's not really a noticer...I'm sure after we get settled, she'll notice. So we're chatting away and I mention that I like her hair. And she says "oh I love what YOU'VE done with your hair!" I really haven't changed my hairstyle in years, so I'm a little confused. I tell her that my hair's the same and she's like "oh no...it looks SO good! I love the way it's hanging...it's really framing your face beautifully!" and then suddenly, the light goes on! I say "do you think maybe it's not my hair, but the fact that I've lost about 45lbs?" And THEN she finally figured out YES...it's not the hair! So, while it wasn't the earth shattering "oh my GOD...LOOK at you!!!" reaction I was secretly hoping for, I AM happy that there was definitely something noticeable.
Then, today was my MRI for my knee. They made me arrive an hour early, which just confuses me...why did I need to sit around for an extra hour?? Fortunately, there was a TV in the waiting room, so I got to watch coverage of the earthquake in Chile...where my next door neighbour is right now.. yikes! I hope they're ok. But anyway, the MRI: I don't know how many of you have had one of these...this was my first (and I hope my last!) Because it was for my knee, I didn't have to have my head in there...thank jeebus! I don't know how an MRI machine is designed or specifically how it works, but it's like they took every loud, jarring, terrifying noise available, and put it in one big, scary machine. Not cool! And also, have you ever noticed that on "House", like 100% of the time they have the patient in the MRI machine, they DIE! Everything's going fine, and then the next thing you know, their vital signs disappear and they all have to run in there and resuscitate the person. So obviously, that was on my mind. There was a little note that came with the appointment that said if you're claustrophobic, get your Dr. to prescribe some sedatives for you. I would suggest that even if you're NOT claustrophobic, you should get some. That was a jarring little experience. I hope though, that they saw what they needed to see and now I can finally get some help. I will say though, my mobility is MUCH improved thanks to the weight loss. So that's good!
The last thing for today: I am seriously considering joining a belly dancing class. I don't think I'm ready for a health club yet, but for some reason, belly dancing appeals to me, in spite of my ginormous belly which I would basically be swinging all over tarnation. Really someone could get hurt. I haven't actually signed up for it, but I'm 90% sure I will. Has anyone taken a class? Is it awesome??
You should totally do belly dancing....I've heard many women LOVE it. It's not offered in my area or I might try it myself.
ReplyDeleteIt is so funny that your friend commented on your hair. Post op everyone told me how great my hair looked, no one noticed I had lost any weight until I hit the 30 lb mark. I have had multiple MRI's and CT's and you are right a MRI is the loudest thing ever! I had to have an open one, can't take the tight spaces.
ReplyDeleteI had to get an MRI when I was pretty close to my heaviest... and had to go all the way in... NOT GOOD. Open MRI's are the way to go. And I'm rarely opposed to a prescribed sedative!
ReplyDeleteFrom what I know of you, I think you definitely have the personality to carry off belly dancing. And from what I know of belly dancing, it's for every body type. Go for it!
Belly dancing sounds like a lot of fun. Go for it!
ReplyDeleteI had an MRI years ago, and can still remember the awful sensation even now - made me realise that I would never be able to take up pot-holing or become a diamond miner! Fingers crosssed that you don't have to have another, even if you were in feet first.
ReplyDeleteA good friend of mine took up belly dancing years ago and loved it so much she's know a belly dance teacher. She's not a skinny chick, and anyway, it was designed for those of us who have a little more to swing!
And I'm with you on the hair thing. The only comment I've had was about my hair and the fact that I was looking 'all fresh'. Ho hum.
Gilly, I laughed so hard at your post!! I put kids to sleep for MRI's sometimes, and I have to sit in there. It's just as you described. I am going to tell my MRI tech your description. He will really get a kick out of it. It's the best description I've ever heard!! Thanks for the laugh!
ReplyDeleteSo true about "House". Belly dancing has never appealed to me. I do want to try Zumba though. My community center offers it so I won't need to sign up for a gym to try. (I will join a gym soon though. Can't beat having free on-site child care!)
ReplyDeleteBelly dancing sounds like fun. You should do it; who says exercise needs to be regimented visits to the gym? I plan on signing up for dance classes at one of the local studios soon.
ReplyDeleteThe hair comment thing is funny. At work I just get the you look great today or what a great glow I have. I don't know how I will react when someone finally asks if I've lost weight, I want them to comment, but at the same time I don't want them to. Doesn't make any sense.
Had an MRI for the Brain and then one for clearance for the LB-for the heart. I was in there for 45 min!!!! My shoulders and hips were touching and they said even heavier people have to lay with their arms above their heads...ahhh!!!
ReplyDeleteOh and ask 'LauraKey' on LBT about the belly dancing class, she blogs there and just reached goal...I know she took belly dancing. Sounds fun! -BG
Gilly, I totally understand your not liking the MRI experience!! But from experience, IF in the future you need another one, ask to have it done in an Open MRI Machine. They are definitely better!!
ReplyDeleteI know this because I have had more than a Dozen MRI's in the past for Brain, Neck, Middle Back, Lower Back, etc, etc, etc.
My SIL took up Belly Dancing years ago and loved it!! Personally, I want to try the Zumba classes!! Good luck, I am sure you will enjoy it!!
Hi Gilly-I did belly dancing for about a year, but because I am so uncoordinated I didn't continue as the glasses got more complicated in the moves. It was really fun and our instructor had a real belly so didn't feel out of place. Go for it. Who knows you might be on Belly Dancing superstars that tours the casinos up here!
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