Tuesday Troubles

So last night for dinner my husband made spicy chicken breasts, sauteed in a frying pan.  I cut it up really small. used my little fork and chewed like nobodies business.   Let's just say won't be having that again anytime soon.  I think it was just too dry for my band.  I've had it since being banded, but not since this last fill.  Ended up being stuck, then PBing then feeling stuck again then PBing again.  BELCH.

So I'm just doing liquids today.  Don't feel like eating anything else anyway.  That's a very good thing considering this is what my day looked like yesterday:

Breakfast:  3 Dark Chocolate Milano Cookies

               

Lunch:        Leftover chili

                  Reeses Peanut Butter Pumpkin

                 

Snack:        6 Hershey's minis

Dinner:        Chicken breast (only ate about 1/4 c and most of that came back up).

Drinks:         16 oz Diet Peach Tea Snapple

                    20 oz Orange G2

                    12 oz light lemonade

So horrible day protein and liquids.  So much for getting back on track, oh well today is another day.  So far today:

Breakfast:   1/2c oatmeal mixed with 1/c milk to make it more "liquidy:

Lunch:         6oz broth

Drinks:     16oz snapple

                16 oz snapple

                 8oz milk

On a better note, here's the pic from my walk with the puppies last night.

I'm a winner

My friend's daughter is in Girl Scout's and they had their first annual Chili Cook-off on Saturday.  My friend needed contestants and since I'm a sucker nice person I said I would do it.  Mind you I have only made chili a couple of times in my life.

As luck would have it when I was home at my mom's my bother made this great low fat vegetarian chili.I got the recipe from him and made it for the first time saturday.  Amazingly I won first place in the non-traditional category!  My mom's first question when I told her was "Were there other entries in that category?"  Yes, there were 5 other non-traditional chili's (meaning using a protein source other than beef).

Here's my booth

And my trophy 

Had fun, an won a nice cash prize as well.

On the band front I'm not really feeling like a winner these days.  I've lost focus and having trouble getting back on track.  I lost my pedometer and it's gone down hill from there.  Stopped loggin my food and exercise.  Stopped making the best food choices.  BLECH!

But, this is a new day, and time to get back on the bandwagon.  I'm also participating in the "Let The Weight Fall Off" Challenge that Sandra at http://thinkitdoitliveit.blogspot.com/ is running.  Just what I need to get me re-started.  

Weigh in Wednesday

257.2

Down a pound from last week.  I have been very bad about logging my food and exercise the last couple of weeks.  It started with the traveling I was doing and I just never got back into the habit.  I can definitely tell the difference in how I've been doing. I do so much better when I write things down.  In my line of work the rule is "If you didn't document it, it didn't happen".  Unfortunately even though I didn't write it down, the ice cream I had (a couple of times) really did happen.  The scale would have moved much more if I had eaten better.

I'm also fighting a cold, I hate colds.  I never get too sick, but they seem to last forever.  I'm going on a week now, and no sign it's going away soon.  I have been making sure I still get moving, even if I don't feel like it.

So plan for this week...log everything I eat and drink.  Make better food choices and make sure I drink enough fluids.  Some form of exercise every day.

Single Digit Size

Had to go out and by some new clothes this weekend.  No, not pant size, but undie size!  Hey, I'll take single digit size whatever way I can get it.

Oh, Friday a miracle happened... someone I worked with came up to me and said I looked like I had lost a lot of weight, that I was looking great.  Only took 70 pounds for someone to say something. I was so happy that someone noticed.

Had a nice weekend. Hubby was out of town for a concert, so it was just me and the puppies.

Farmer's Market and Vintage Market Saturday morning, then random errands the rest of the day.  That evening I walked in the Leukemia Lymphoma Society Light the Night, in memory of my friend's Mom who died of Multiple Myeloma four years ago.  Our little team raised almost $1000.  It was amazing to see so many people, including survivors, walking together.  I had a NSV as well.  When I checked in they only had XL tshirts.  I wasn't sure if it would fit, but it did!  Happy Dance time.

Woke up to a dreary Sunday morning, but took the puppies for a walk.  I'll post a picture later.  By the time we got back home the sun was out, but I was tired, so I took a little nap.  Got up and decorated the house for fall.  Also was in a mood so did some re-arranging of furniture and cleaned out my hall closet. Got rid of a bunch of jackets and shoes.  Went to Goodwill and donated that stuff and tried to shop, but no luck.

Weigh in Wednesday

Almost forgot to weigh in this morning.  This week is going by sooo quickly.  This weeks weight.....

258.2

Another 2.6 pounds lost forever!  Officially makes me 70.8 ponds down from surgery. I love hitting those milestones.  I'm hoping I can maintain this pace,  I think 2-3 pounds a week is doable for me.  Just need to keep up the movement.  

With my traveling and other stuff going on in the evenings it hasn't been as easy to get in my walks.  I haven't met my goal of doing some form of exercise each day.  I'm ok with that, life isn't always perfect.  Just have to keep on trying.

I see I have some new followers, thanks for joining me on my journey.  I'll take all the supporters I can get.  Please leave me a comment and introduce yourself, and link to your blog if you have one, so I can follow you as well.

Random Thoughts

Flew to my mom's again this weekend for her b-day party.  She was so surprised to see me.  Especially since I talked to her the day before and told her I wasn't coming since I had just been there two weeks ago.  She just stared at me and said "What are you doing here?" probably a dozen times.  I'm so glad I decided to go.

It was great to see all of my family.  Hadn't seen all the Aunts/Uncles together in years.  Had a great time at the party, did well with eating.  I tried everything I wanted to, eating a small amount and was satisfied.  Such a NSV for me. I just kept thinking how much I would have over eaten without the band.

I just wished I lived closer.  Currently about 12 hour drive or a 4-5 hour combination of flights.  But, both my hubby and myself have wonderful jobs that we wouldn't have if we lived closer.  Luckily we are in a position that we can fly home when/if we need to.

Stopped at the mall during the weekend.  Actually bought clothes in a "real" store, not the fat lady stores I've had to shop in.  Granted in was only Old Navy, and the sweater and shirt were both an XXL, but this is the first time I've shopped in a "real" store in YEARS.  Still a ways to go before I'm only in real stores, but a huge step for me.  I still felt like people were looking at me wondering what I was doing there.

Ten Things Thursday

1. I had a great day yesterday.  
2. Started volunteering at an elementary school through the Read Up program.  The goal of the program is to help kids who are having trouble reading, they are usually a grade or two behind in their reading scores.  I'm there for about an hour, split between two kids. They read aloud and we help them with words they don't understand and reading comprehension.   Yesterday was the first day, and of course I was nervous, but I didn't let that stop me.  I'm so glad I'm going to be doing this.
3. I actually made it to the Lap Band support group.  It was nice to check in with them, since I haven't been able to go since June.  Although I'm bummed because they might be cancelling it because so few people come it it.  I wasn't able to stay too long, but I did get to talk to someone who's going to be banded later this month.  I wish I had more time to talk to her.  I did give her my blog, so maybe she'll pop in here.
4. I went to Derby class.  It was awesome!!!! My legs were very shaky to start, but got a lot better as the night went on.  I didn't fall, except when I was supposed to, and I was able get get back up on my skates by myself.  MAJOR accomplishment for me.  First time there was no way I could do this.
5. Still haven't finalized my derby name yet, really need to do that.  I'm down to two and can't choose.  The first is something my mom called me growing up.  A loooong time ago there was a famous actress named Sarah Burnheart.  She was known for her melodramatic style.  I was quite the drama queen growing up, so my called me little Sarah Heartburn ;) My second choice it Polly Eurinsane.  A friend thought that up for me.  I like it, but I'm torn.  I'm leaning toward Sarah Heartburn, but most people wouldn't get it.
6. I'me so sore from class last night, but in such a good way!  
7. I'm headed to exercise class tonight, so I know I'll be even more sore tomorrow.
8. I drank a Diet Pepsi for the first time in 5 months.  I was so tired, and had all day meeting so I needed a quick caffeine fix.  Funny thing is that it didn't even taste good to me.  I drank it really slow and actually didn't even finish it.  Don't think I'll have another anytime soon.
9. I'm headed back to my mom's tomorrow.  Yes I was just there two weeks ago, but my Aunts/Uncles are throwing her a birthday party this weekend (even though her bday isn't until December).  No one wanted to travel to upstate NY in Dec, go figure.
10. I told my mom I wasn't going to come since I just flew home.  I can't wait to see her reaction.  It will be great to see my family.  Aunts and Uncles spread out over the country, so I haven't seen all of them together in years.

Weigh In Wednesday

I had a a reinforcement of something I keep telling myself, and everyone should take to heart.  Only use one scale for your official weight, since scales can very a great deal.  Use one scale every time and you will have consistent  measurements.

Yesterday at the Dr office I was 265, and I was a little bummed that my weight was up since last week. This morning on my scale that I've been using for official weigh ins I was...

260.8

Howza that's a big difference!!  I'm glad I didn't let the 265 bother me.  So my official loss to date is 68.2 pounds.   Yippee Skippee.

I'm headed to my Derby Lite class tonight.  Hopefully this goes better than the first class.  My butt is still sore from the fall I took.

Fill #3

Went back to see the dietitian and the PA at the surgery center today.  They were both impressed with my weightloss. Happy Dance.  Dietitian just said keep up with what I'm doing, although I have to get better about taking my vitamins.  I was bummed that the scale there said 265.  I'll do my official weigh in tomorrow, but I'm not expecting much of a loss if any based on the number i saw today.

PA put in 0.5cc today with no problem.  Last fill I originally had 4cc in but had an unfill of 0.5cc the next week.  So with the 0.5cc today I am back to 4cc.  Hopefully I won't get sick again this time, going to take it easier with progressing onto real food. 

4cc isn't a lot, and I know some people have that much in with their first fill.  My dr is conservative, and I'm all for that.  I hate getting sick (kind of like Drazil and the P word).  Just talking about it is too much for me.

ok onto better topics...my dogs are keeping me motivated.  If I don't take them for walks they go crazy, and the one digs holes under the fence and takes herself for a walk.  So even though it's been cold and rainy the last couple of days as soon as I get home we take off around the neighborhood.  I'm sure I'm getting a reputation as the crazy lady who walks her dogs in the rain.

Clothing Sizing Sucks

No wonder women have messed up body images...  Today I'm wearing a top that's a 3x, and pants that are 22.  Both fit appropriately, not too loose, not too tight.  Yesterday I was wearing a 1x top and 18 pants, again not too loose, not too tight.  WTF?  why are the sizes so different?  I've accepted that sizes don't really mean anything, but if I hadn't I would be devastated that I was in a 3x after I had lost so much weight.  Luckily for me the top is one I bought long time ago (8 years ago, at at a store closing sale for like $5...I never wore it because it was too small).  It still had the tags on, I figure I might as well get the use out of it now before it gets too big.

So what size am I?  No frackin clue.  Somewhere between a 1x and 3x?  How do you determine what size you wear?

On the other had I need some new exercise clothes for me Derby Lite class.  Went to Target and got a pair of workout capris, size xxl. From the "normal size" section, not the "plus".  Happy Dance, Happy Dance.  They are a little too tight for me to wear out in public (some people would, but not me), but for this class they're perfect. Just have to wear a longer top to cover the pooch.

Also got a couple new long sleeved tops and a pair of pants from Goodwill.  The pants are an 18 from Lane Bryant, but they look soooooo small.  Haven't tried them on yet, will save them for a few more pounds down.  The other 18's I bought are just starting to fit right.

Now that the weather has changed I've got to clean out the summer clothes from my closet.  Not sure If I'm going to donate those right now, or wait until next summer.  Most of the stuff is getting too big now, I'm just afraid if I give everything away I'll regain the weight and have nothing to wear next year.  I have to keep telling myself that won't have, I won't let that happen.  I may just move them into the spare room to get them out of my main closet, that way I can really see what I have for fall winter.

Ten Things Thursday

1. I realized as I was walking the dogs last night that I have lost a dog.  Not literally, but my one dogs weighs 66 pounds, just the amount I have lost currently.  She's HEAVY...put's into perspective as to how much I have lost.
2. Went to see Earth Wind and Fire last night.  Amazing show, if you have the chance to see them GO.  You may not think you know any of there songs, but I guarantee you do, and you'll be up and dancing.
3. Because of the concert I missed my Derby Lite class, very bummed.  I had fun at the one last week.  I realize I never blogged about it, but I will soon.
4. My butt still hurts from the fall I took in the first class.
5. Tried on the size 18 pants I bought a while ago.  I got them up, buttoned and zipped!  Still too tight to wear out of the house, but so close.
6. Had a nice time with my mom helping her at the craft show.  It was lots of work, but it's fun.
7. Saw lots of family and friends while I was home.  Everyone was shocked at how much I've lost already.  It was great to see their reactions.
8. I'm jealous that I'm not going to BOOBs this year, maybe next year.
9. Going to my exercise class for the first time in three weeks.  Looking forward to it, but since I'm still sore from Derby I'm a little scared at how I'll feel tomorrow.
10. I love Fall.  Going to pull out all the decorations I have this weekend.

Half Weigh There!

So today is Weigh in Wednesday, and as you can tell by the title, things are going very well.  Today's weight...

262.8

That makes 66.2 pounds lost since the beginning of this journey.  My goal (for the time being) is to weigh 200.  That would require a loss of 129 pounds from my highest.  So as of now I have lost (just a little) more than half that.  totally blows my mind!!!  It's been just over 4 months, I never thought I would have come this far this quickly.

I've still got a long way to go, and probably more.  My plan is to get to 200, then re-evaluate my goal.  I've learned a lot about myself during this time.  Most of all that I'm not perfect, but you know what...I don't have to be perfect, no one is, even those who seem to be.  

I just have to try my best, and when I stumble I just have to pick myself up, dust myself off and keep moving in the right direction.

Weigh-in Wednesday

Another week, another pound...   266.4.

Not great, but I'll take it.  I haven't done so well with my eating this past week.  Had a work dinner it was so yummy and so fattening, and had ice cream a couple of times.  I know, I know not following the rules, but not going to beat myself up.  I lost, I could have lost more, but this is me living my life... the good, the bad and the ugly.

I have been doing really well with exercise, taking the dogs for walks is so much nicer with the cooler weather.

I'm excited because my new exercise class is starting tonight, Derbylite.  I think it's going to be so much fun, as long as I don't kill myself.  I'll take a picture in all my gear tonight.

I'm leaving to go see my mom this weekend.  She's got a business making soap and other bath products.  This weekend is her biggest craft show of the year, so I go home and help her every year.  Check out her website, she makes awesome products:  Yellow Rose Soapworks  The weekend will be crazy busy, set uop friday and then show's open from 8-5 saturday and sunday.  Oh and it's 50% chance of rain...did I mention it's outside?  Rain is nothing new, usually rains every year, it just makes it yucky.  People still come and shop though,

I'll get to see some friends and family as well.  First time since surgery. Can't wait!

Pants on the ground

I have almost no clothes for fall/winter.  Given that it's been going down into the 50s at night and only up into the 70's in the day this is going to be a problem.  So Saturday I took off on a shopping adventure.  It was nice out so I grabbed a t-shirt and a pair of capri's out of my closet and headed out.

First stop Goodwill...by the way, did you know they have a rewards card? Neither did I until I signed up on saturday.  Anywhoo, was walking around Goodwill and I realized my pants were falling down, not just a little, but a WHOLE LOT...like it's a good thing my t-shirt was long, or I would have been indecent.  Had to keep my hand in my pocket or they would have been on the ground.  First purchase...belt for 99cents. :) Also got a pair of casual pants and a dress shirt for work.

That's what I get for not looking at the size, they were a 26, considering I'm into 20's now, I'm surprised I made it out the door without them falling off. Time to clean out some things from the closet so that doesn't happen again.  What a great feeling.

After Goodwill I went to the outlets.  Struck out there.  Didn't see anything I wanted to spend money on, knowing it might be too big soon. No good deals to be had.

Then stopped at Fashion Bug and Walmart.  Found a soft jacket type thing at FB, but in a size 0X.  A teensy bit snug, but wearable.  And will be fine as I lose weight.  Also got a tank to wear under it, as well as a casual long sleeve shirt.  Walmart I picked up a t-shirt and a shirt for work.

All told I spent about $80, but got  4 shirts to wear to work, two casual shirts and a pair of casual pants.  More money than I have spent on clothes for awhile, but really not that much.

It's hard to spend money on clothes not knowing how long they will be wearable.  How did you keep yourself clothed during the losing period?

Weigh-in Wednesday

267.4

Down another 1.6 pounds.  Yipee!  

Thanks for all the great comments on my pics.  It's so nice to have people tell me they see a difference.  Only   one person in real life says she sees a difference.  It's amazing to think I've lost 60+ pounds and no one else has said anything.  I'm going home to see my family next week so I should get some good reactions then. :)

Pictures

Ok I promised pictures and here they are.

Pre-Surgery

16 weeks post surgery

Pre-surgery

16 weeks post-surgery

The shirt is new, just got it yesterday.  The shirt I started with was just way too big, couldn't really see anything.  The new shirt is an xxl from Target, yes from the regular section.  Obviously it's too tight and I'd never where it out of the house, but definitely a NSV that I could even get into it.

I've noticed as I've lost weight I have gained rolls.  Need to invest in some type of garment to smooth everything out.  Any suggestions?

 

Weekend Wrap-Up

Had a good, fun productive weekend.  And the best part the weather has changed and it was cool, yes cool this weekend.  It wasn't 90 degrees and 100% humidity like it has been most of the summer.  It was so great!  Dropped into the high 50's at night and only up into the high 70's during the day.  If it would stay this way I would be in heaven.

Had two great walks with the puppies.  It includes a great upper body workout as well.  Holding Millie back since she pulls so much and pulling Missi since she likes to stop and smell everything.

Had good luck at Goodwill.  I desperately need fall clothes, everything I have is smaller sizes in short sleeves/summer type.  I got a four tops and 1 pair of casual pants for $18.00.  Pants:  new with tags Lee casuals, Land's End sweater, no tags, but looks brand new, a top from Cold Water Creek and one from Chicos.  Amazing steals!  Only the sweater fits right now, the rest should be OK by next moth. I'll go look at a few more stores and see what else I can find.  I may need to break down and buy some new stuff.  I hate spending the money, but I'll need some sweaters and long sleeved shirts.

Went and picked out all the gear I need for my Derby Lite class.  So excited, it starts next weekend.  I can't wait, it looks like so much fun.  Let's just hope with all the padding/protection I have I won't kill myself.

I'm do for some new pictures, but forgot to do them yesterday.  I've got to do them, especially since I didn't do last month either.  Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with new pics.

Have a great week everyone!!

Thanks, weigh-in and TTT

1.  First thing I want to thank those of you who responded to my last post.  It really means a lot to me that there are people out there reading along, and willing to take time to encourage me.

2.  Missed posting on weigh-in Wednesday, but I did actually weigh in.   After my pity party the other day I wasn't expecting much, but... 269.  Yowza, that's 60 pounds down from the start of this journey.  I just need to learn patience.

3.  I made a yummy meal yesterday, Shelly's Zucchini Roll-ups (aka Pasta-less Manicotti) from The World Accrding to Eggface.   It took a while to grill the zucchini since I was using my little bitty George Foreman grill and could only do two slices at a time.  Other wise it was easy peasy.  and did I mention yummy?  I added crumbled turkey sausage to add a little more protein.

4.  I am less than 5 pounds from half way to my goal of 200lbs.  I may revise my goal if I actually make it to 200, but for now that's what I'm shooting for.

5.  I had a personal trainer come out the the house and teach me how to use our weight machine.  She had lots of great suggestions.  I totally feel the burn.

6.  Now I have to make sure I actually use the weight machine.

7.  I missed my monthly support group meeting for banders yesterday.  I'm so bummed.  This is the 3rd month I've missed.  July was cancelled due to the holiday and August I was on vacay.  I really miss the group.  I have to make sure it's on my calendar for next month.

8.  I think part of the reason I've been feeling blah is because of #7.  There's nothing like meeting up with people who are going through the same things you are.

9.  Off to exercise class tonight.  I also missed last weeks class, may have contributed to blahness.

10.  I am so thankful for all of you followers.  Just knowing you are out there encourages me to keep going.

Blah

The title pretty much sums it up.  Just feeling blah about my journey.  Up to now I have been doing amazing, better than I ever thought possible.  I had no loss last week and I got on the scale this weekend (I know I shouldn't, but I did) and it was the same as last week.  Maybe it will be better tomorrow, but I'm not planning on it.

My eating isn't bad, staying around the 1200 calories my nutritionist recommended, taking the dogs for at least a 30  minute walk 5/6 days out of the week.  Just no movement on the scale.  I think I have entered my version of Bandster Hell, and I DON'T like it!!!  I find my thoughts going to why not eat whatever I want if even when I do eat ok I don't lose, might as well enjoy right?

TTT actually on Thursday!

1.  Sitting in a meeting, done with my part, but at the back of the room and too hard to get out, so I'm playing online.

2.  Trying not to get discouraged by the 1 pound gain this past week.  I'm noticing more bad eating habits trying to creep back in.  Got to nip those in the bud.

3.  My hair started falling out about a week ok.  big clumps in the shower and throughout the day.  Doesn't bother me since I've got so much hair.  I usually get it thinned in the summer, so I have more than plenty.  I can understand if you didn't have lots of hair to start with this could be upsetting.  I'm getting my protein in, I didn't start biotin, but maybe i should.  Thoughts?

4.  The arm band holder for my ipod actually fits around my upper arm.  When I started I had to wear it around my forearm :(.  So much nicer on my walks now.

5.  I've hired a personal trainer to come to my house and teach me how to use the equipment we have.  Mainly the weights, we have a big giant weight system that I'm not sure how to use.  She'll give me some exercises and routines to do.  Then in a couple of months I'll have her back to see how I'm doing.

6.  Friends were supposed to come in for the weekend, but thanks to the remnants of Isaac we are supposed to get they changed their plans.

7.  Have been furiously trying to get the house ready for them.  It's now cleaner than it has been in a loooong time.

8.  I'm jealous of everyone going to BOOBs.  At the time of registration I wasn't sure so I didn't sign up, but now I  really wish I had.  IT sounds like lots of fun, and it would be great to meet other bandsters.

9.  Price of gas jumped again, was 3.99 this morning, but I didn't have time to stop.  Wondering if it's going to be over 4.00 by the time I leave.  I'm almost on empty, so I'll have to get some tonight.

10.  Can't wait for Fall to get here.  I'm tired of it being sooo hot.  I love Fall :)

weigh in wednesday

Running late trying to get out, I was downstairs dressed and about to walk out the door when I remember I didn't weigh in. So back upstairs, take off the clothes (they're heavy you know).

273.4

Up one pound since last week, ugh should have just stayed in bed today.  Rationally I know that one pound is just normal fluctuation, and that the 6 pound loss I saw last week was an anomaly, but still.  It's hard to see the scale go up.

So I rush to get to work, get a space in the close garage (yeah me) and head into work. OK, maybe today will still be ok.

Except you have to badge in and my badge doesn't want to work.  Ok, push the button to talk to security, they tell me my access isn't valid... WHAT???  is this their way of firing me?  Said they would send someone down to badge me in and figure out what was going on.  So I wait, and wait and wait.  20 minutes later still no one.  Get back in my car, drive to the front of the complex go try to go in that way.  Have to wait in line at reception, they finally confirm that I still should have access (yay, for not being fired).  They send me down to security have to have a new badge made, with a new picture...so not picture ready today.

So should have made it into work before 8:30 actually wasn't in the building until after 9:30.  Head to the cafeteria to grab some eggs for breakfast only to find out they've already closed breakfast.  ARGH.  Head to the coffee shop in the building to pick something up cause I'm starving.  Not a good idea, ended up getting a chocolate croissant and I ate the whole damn thing. DOUBLE ARGH.  

So all in all my morning has sucked.  Just trying to make it through the rest of the day.  

TTT, second time around

I was in major brain fart mode last night so I couldn't think of anything, even though earlier in the day I had lots of things I wanted to write about. Let's continue where we left off yesterday...

5. When I walked into aerobics class the instructor looked at me and said "wow, I can tell you've lost weight since last week" :)

6. I thought I saw my elusive collarbones at class last night in the mirror, but alas when I came home I saw no evidence of them :( Must be that special mirror in the workout room.

7. On vacation I made it through two rounds of golf (9 holes each, and with a cart) and felt I could have gone another 9. Last year it took everything I had to finish 9 holes without feeling like I was dying.

8. I fit into those size 20s I bought a few weeks ago at Goodwill. I can't wait until I get into those 18s.

9. I'm going home to see my mom at the end of September and I can't wait to see how much more I lose before then. My goal is to be around 260 by them.

10. I'm sitting in a really boring meeting doing this. It started at 8:30 and is scheduled to go until 4. UGH I hate all say meetings on Friday (well, any day that is an all day meeting sucks.) Hopefully we'll get out early.

Have a great weekend everyone!

TTT

1. Didn't have to use a seatbelt extender on our trip to Florida.

2. The slight unfilled seems to have been enough. No PBing since and no horrible pressure. I'fe been on soft foods so far, tomorrow is first "real" food so we'll see how it goes.

3. I'm scared about moving back to real food.

4. I had lots of things in my head, but I cant think of them now. Ill finish TTT tomorrow.

Weigh In Wednesday

Holy sh#$%#$!

272.4

Six pounds since last week!!!  I know that some of this is because I had a fill that was a little too much so I've been on liquids/soft foods for a week. However, I think a big part of this is the amount of exercise I've been doing; 13 out of the last 14 days I've done at least 30 minutes. That's HUGE for me.  I've found things I love to do, so it's easier for me to keep with it.  Hopefully that will last.   I can't wait until my Derby Lite classes start next month!

I wanna be a Derby Girl

I've been looking around for new types of activities/exorcise to keep me motivated. Before my surgery I heard about an organization I wanted to try, but I new I wouldn't be able to make most of the classes do to recovery. Yesterday I just happened to check and see if they were starting a new session and low and behold they were having an information session that night, so I went and had a blast!

So what is this great organization you may be asking...Derby Lite



From their website:
Derby Lite is Roller Skating for Fun & Fitness. Our certified instructors lead high energy classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced skaters where ladies become healthier humans - physically and mentally - as they learn to skate a la roller derby without the impact or competition. Each 90-minute to two hour workout includes off-skates dynamic warm-ups, on-skates skills and drills, upper body strength exercises and cool-down stretching. It's a balanced, whole body workout that's never boring, shows progress week after week, and brings you into a welcoming community of women like no other. Are you ready?

I had so much fun, even though I fell on my ass a couple of times. I haven't been on skates in a long time. Last time on Rollerblades was more than 15 years, and quad skates I haven't been on since Junior High.

I didn't feel embarrassed, or out of place. The girls were great, and so encouraging. They made me feel welcome. I'm so sore this morning, especially my butt! I can't wait to go back.

Classes are once a week for 12 weeks, 90 minutes each. I think it's going to be an awesome workout. the classes themselves aren't expensive, but the gear I'm going to need is a little pricey. Skates, helmet, wrist, elbow and knee pads, and I don't want to skimp on the padding ;)

Now I just need to come up with a cool Derby name. Any suggestions?

2nd PB and 1st unfill

Oops I did it again (not that Britney was talked about PBing). Saturday I tried tuna salad with some cucumbers. Not sure what caused it, but I ended up running to the bathroom again. Mostly saliva that came up.

I stuck with liquids for the rest of the weekend. No problems at all. Left a message with my surgeon's office. They just called me back and scheduled me for an unfill tomorrow morning.

Hopefully just a slight unfill will take care of the problem.

First PB...ugh

I've really been hoping to avoid the dreaded PB (productive burp), unfortunately its just another one of the many new experiences I've had since getting my band.

Started normal enough, still eating soft food since my fill tues. Had mashed potatoes with melted cheese. Ate about 1/4 of a cup and the feeling hit. Pressure, saliva...ugh run to the bathroom just in time for it to come back up. Not a lot, but still no fun. Slimed for a whole.

Feel better now. Need to remember this and do everything in my power to not let it happen again. Not sure exactly why it happened eating too fast too much not chewing enough. So eat less eat slower and chew more. Learn my soft stop signal.

Guess I really do have a band in there after all.

Weigh-in Wednesday

I know I just got weighed at the doctor yesterday, but since I'm using my home scale as the official weigh in scale I want to be consistent, so hopped on the scale at the usual time on Wednesday morning and this is what greeted me...

278.4

That's right 278.4, all the exorcise this past week has paid off big time. So I have reached the big 5-0, fifty pounds lost since the beginning of my journey.

I still have a long way/weigh to go, but I am so happy at where I have gotten to in a short period of time. It has not been easy. I have learned many things, the biggest is that I have more will power than I ever thought possible.  The band is a great tool, but it has not really stopped me from eating so far, it's been shear determination.  Hopefully with this second fill I will get some more restriction.

So far things have gone well, but I know that can change, that I have to keep up this new attitude I have and not take the band for granted.  I also realize the key for me is exorcise, I have to move my body to lose the weight, it's not just about what food I eat.

Thanks to everyone that is following along, offering encouragement.  It REALLY does help me.

Fill #2

Went in for fill #2 this morning and things went well.  Met with the dietician and she is pleased with what i'm doing.  I confirmed that I should be trying for about 1200 calories a day.  She said to continue to make sure I get my protein and fluids in.  She said as I get more fills and more restriction it may be harder to do.

Official doctor's office weigh in...drum roll please....

279.8

Holey Moley, that's 49.2 pounds down!  I've been kicking butt with exorcise this week, and it shows.  We'll see what my home scale says tomorrow when I do my official home weigh in. Three months and almost 50 pounds! I am amazed. 

She put in 2cc but i gurgled too much so she took out 0.5cc and it was fine.  So I have a grand total of 4cc in a 10cc band.  I'm scheduled for another fill on October 2.  I could have made it sooner, but I'm going to be traveling, and I don't want to be worried about issues out of state.

Fluids today, then soft foods for two days then back to "normal" food.  So far drinking a protein shake without problems (knock on wood).

My first bento

I finally got around to getting a bento style box and some accessories and made my first bento box this morning.  If you don't know about bento boxes check out this blog http://wendolonia.com/blog/ to learn all about them.

I got the box at the Container Store (one of my favorite stores ever).  It's got two sections and a smaller lidded box that fits into the top section. I got the silicone containers at joanne's (they are cupcake liners). I had to cut them down a little to fit in the box.

In the bottom:  two hard boiled eggs, raspberries, and baked cheesits.

In the top:  cucumbers and ham and cheese roll ups.  The eggs and raspberries are for breakfast, the rest for lunch.

Here are close ups of the eggs, I found molds to make them into bear and bunny shapes, so cute!  The eggs didn't come out perfect, but still better than a plain egg.

It didn't really take that long to pack, but it does take planning.  Trying to figure out what to put where took the longest.

Weigh In Wednesday

Hopped on the scale and saw something I hadn't in a long time... a gain.

285.0

Only 0.6 lb increase, but it's still hard to see the numbers go up.  I know this is just leftover vacay fluctuation.  I didn't do any official exercise , but did spend lots of time in the pool/ocean and walked a bunch. I also didn't track my food/fluid intake like normal.  

Now that I'm back to the real world goal is at least 30 minutes of exercise 4 times a week and back to logging everything that goes in my mouth.  Now to stay off the scale until next Wednesday.

Back from vacay

Got back from a great vacation to Florida. Will post a summary and some pics soon. Best news is that I weighed in at 284.6 this morning. No loss, but no gain! I did pretty well with my eating, but I didn't log everything like I have been and there was some alcohol and ice cream ibgestion ( but not at the same time).

Hope everything is well with everyone. I'll be catching up with everyones blogs

Ten Things Thursday

1.       I weighed in on Wednesday at 287.4, down 1.2 pounds from last week.

2.       Goal for the month was to get to 285, but since I’m starting vacation Saturday I won’t be weighing in until we are back. Who knows where I’ll be after vacation.  I’m in desperate need of a fill (only my second, but I was too afraid to get one right before we left for vacation so it won’t be until after we get back).

3.       Leaving for vacation on Saturday and I haven’t even thought about what clothes I’m packing. 

4.       Oh, and I haven’t tried on any of my swimsuits,  I know the ones I bought last year will be too big, hope that some of my older ones fit ok.  If not it will be a desperate dash to the store on Friday to find a new one.

5.       Tried on the size 20 pants I bought at Goodwill and was able to get them buttoned and zipped.  Too tight for me to wear out in public, but not too horrible. 

6.       Did a little happy dance that I got into a size 20.  Waited until I was out of said 20’s cause I didn’t want to split them ;)

7.       Puppies are going to the doggy spa next week.  It cost as much as the rest of our vacation to have them stay there a week.  It will be worth it because it includes a week of training of our newest dog, Missi.

8.       Missi is an escape artist.  Last weekend my husband let her out to run around in our fenced back yard as usual.  Later when he was calling her to come in our neighbor who was in her backyard asked what kind of dog Missi was, and if she had long floppy ears.  As soon as I heard this I’m out the front door running to her yard.  Sure enough there’s Missi, just as happy as can be.  I guess she had been there for a while.  The neighbor was calling the number on her collar, but since it’s from the vet from rescue in another state, she wasn’t getting anyone.

9.       We went out and got new tags for both dogs that day, with our current information.

10.   Instead of going to see a movie that day like we planned, we spent the afternoon filling the not 1 but 2 holes we found dug under the fence!

Weigh In Wednesday

So I haven't been eating the best this past week, nothing too horrible just not the best.  Too many snacks; ice cream is an evil thing.   So without further ado...

288.6

So only 0.8 pound down since last week.  It is still a loss, better than a gain.  And the best news is that I can officially claim 4o pounds down.

My MFP ticker said 40 pounds last week, but really it was 39.6, so I didn't announce it.  So only a small loss this week, but enough to put me to another mini goal... insert Happy Dance.  At the beginning of the month my goal was to get to 285 by the 31st. I'll be on vacation that week, so my last weigh in for the month will be on 28th.  That's 3.6 pounds in 10 days, not sure if I will make it, but that's ok. 

Before surgery, when I was 329, I just wanted to be below 300 by the time I'm on vacation.  So I've already surpassed that goal.

I've noticed some new followers, thanks for joining me on my journey.  Leave a comment and let me know if you have a blog and I'll follow you as well.

Shopping and pics

Went shopping in my closet last night, a concept completely foreign to my husband.  I don't have near as many pants in different sizes as I thought I had.  Shirts, shirts are another story...I have more than I will ever wear.  I moved 1 pair of work pants, 2 pairs of casual pants, 2 casual shirts and 1 work shirt into the can be worn now section of the closet.  I still have lots (and lots) of shirts in the can't wear yet section.  I also made another pile of clothes to donate, either too big, or I don't like the style.  For some reason I went through a striped phase (probably because that's all I could find that would fit at the time).

Then today I went shopping at at resale and thrift stores.  I was terrible dissapointed at the resale shops, hardly any plus size clothes.  Goodwill, on the other hand was great.  Went to two stores, at the first I found 2 pairs of black pants, one size 20, one size 18.  The second store I found 2 pairs of brown pants one 18 and one 20 and a grey pair size 20. 

Now of course those pants don't fit yet, but that's the point.  I'm going to need something in a few weeks (hopefully).  The size 22s I tried on today fit well now and I almost bought them, but I'm hoping that they will be too big soon and I still have enough pants I can wear now.  Can't wait until I can weat my new pants.  Considering two months ago I was sqeeszing into 28s, fitting into 22s felt wonderful!

Speaking of 2 months ago, or to be more specific 8 weeks ago I took my first set of pictures.  You know what that means?   New picture time, never would have thought I'd enjoy having my picture taken.  Well, I still don't as you can tell be my expression, but I love to see the difference. (Pre-surgery and 8 weeks post op.)


 

 

Last time I couldn't really see changes, this time I totally can.  By the way, it's not the same clothes, same colors, but smaller sizes. Sorry for the poor quality, and lack of cropping.

Happy and Sore

I love my surgery center!  There is so much support available to patients.  I've talked about how much I like the support group, well last night I went to the workout group.  I love how all of these classes/support is included in the cost of surgery.

Class was awesome!  Wasn't sure how I would do since I haven't really worked out in a while, but I kicked ass last night. 45 minutes of aerobics and 15 minutes of weights/stretching, and I did it all, didn't have to stop once. I was sweating bullets and my face was bright red (see pic).  


It was a small class, only three of us plus the instructor.  The other woman there had rny almost 5 years ago and the guy had rny 2 years ago. Again, I was the only bandster, but what does it really matter?

I can't wait to go back.  The class meets every thursday, and they also have a treadmill, elliptical and recumbent bike to use if you don't want to do the aerobics.

So today I'm sore, but no where near as sore as I thought I'd be.  Although I've been told that tomorrow maybe the worst of it, we'll see.

Post workout pic, face isn't as red as it was in class, but I still have that glow.

Ten Thing Thursday

1.  I realized today that I am almost 1/3 of the way to my goal (for now) weight.  Just a couple more pounds and I'll hit that mini goal, amazing.

2.  Went to see me primary care dr for an ear infection, weighed in with a almost 40 pound loss and normal BP for the first time ever in her office.  She didn't mention either, really, no way to go, keep it up, how are things going?  I really don't like my dr, but she's convenient.

3.  Fellow band blogger Julie at the dandy bandy  was banded this morning.

4.  Going to my first exercise class since surgery.  The class is through the surgery center, and included in the cost of surgery.  Hopefully I'll like it.

5.  Ate some Trail Mix today way to quickly.  I think I had my first "mini" stuck episode.  Lasted about 15-20 minutes, felt like I wanted to vomit but couldn't.

6.  No more Trail Mix for me.

7.  My husband is one of the strangest people I know.  He loves to go to concerts and I have seen the following acts (along with many many others): Gordon Lightfoot, Greg Allman, Ronnie James Dio, Judy Collins, Alice Cooper and last night Fiona Apple.

8.  After the concert I described Fiona Apple as a cross between: Olive Oil x an angst ridden teenage girl x the strange ex mortician/model/designer on the Oddities reality tv show.

9.  Not my favorite concert, but certainly better than Alice Cooper.

10.  Looks like it might rain, and I am so exited.  We are in a drought situation and rain would be heavenly.

oh, just thought of another

11.  I don't like spam commenters

Wednesday Weigh in

Official Weight for this week:

289.4

 Down 2.1 pounds from last week.  Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.  Me eating hasn't been as great this past week.  Nothing horrible, keeping it around 1,100 calories a day, but it would be less if I didn't snack as much.  (Those little 90 calorie Snickers mini ice cream bars are yummy.)  And I've been out to eat at restaurants a couple of times in this past week.  Made good choices, but still struggling with portion control.

Just keep reminding myself I won't change all my bad eating habits immediately, slow and steady wins this race.

Monday Already?

This weekend went too fast.  Didn't do much, went to the movies, out to eat, tried not to shrivel up and die from the heat.  It's so nice today, high was only 90.  Considering it's been over 100 everyday for the last week, 90 feels cool.  This weekend highs were 104/105.  UGH, I am not cut out for hot weather.  Oh well, it is preparing me for our Florida trip at the end of this month.

Some NSV:

   I was able to take the extender off my everyday necklace.  Nice to not have that extra, non-matching     section for everyone to see.  (It didn't bother me before when my hair was long, but now it's so short the extender was completely visible).

   I was able to get a few more things out of the "not quite yest" section of my closet and move them to the "able to wear now" section.

   Started using my exercise bike again.  Now doing 40 minutes at a time.  Trying for 3 times a week, so far meeting that goal.

   Stayed off the scale since last Wednesday. The urge to just check and see has been strong, but trying to  resist.

I've been doing well with eating, but I definitely need some more fill.  I tried another donut, and I ate the whole thing (really small bites, chewed really well, but still the whole thing!)  More restriction please. I have to check and see when my next fill is.  I'm averaging about 1,100 calories a day.  Getting in my protein and fluids, so ok I think.  They never gave me a calorie range.

Had a yummy lunch of canned chicken mixed with tostito's spinach dip.  I know I found that suggestion on someone's blog, or on lapbandtalk.com so if it was yours THANKS.  Much better than mixed with just mayo, very flavorful.

Wednesday Weigh In

So since I broke down and bought a scale over the weekend I thought I should have an official weigh in day. And since I do love n alliteration, wednesday it is.

I went to a general bariatric surgery support group last night instead of my usual lap band group (that was cancelled because it would have been today). It was ok, but I was the only member of the band there, everyone else was RNY, so I couldn't really relate to most of the issues they were having. There was a special guest who did some movement and meditation excercises that were really good. She teaches yoga, something I've been interested in, but scared to go and look like a fool. Knowing she works with a lot of bariatric patients as well as "normal" people makes me interested in trying it out. Just have to see how much she charges.

I also weighed in at the office so I could compare with my scale at home.

Office weight: 294.1
Home weight: 295.2

Ugh, so supposedly I have gained almost 4 pounds since I weighed in on sunday on the new scale. Don't you love fluctuation? Since I had already made the decision that the official weigh in would be Wednesday, I'm not really going to count that.

So this morning I got up and did the official weigh in (after peeing of course).

291.5

Now I just have to stay off it for a week.  It's in the guest bathroom, so I won't have to see it everyday, but just knowing it's there may tempt me.  I need to be strong, and avoid the temptation of the scale.





Weekend Update

Very quiet weekend, husband had to study for a test he takes this Friday, so I spent lot's of time shopping.  Not that I really bought much, but did get lots of walking in. I did get a scale, figured it was about time.  I had been weighing in at the dr office, but once a month just won't be enough.

I have a support group tomorrow night so I'll weigh in there to get the official weight, then come home and weigh with the new scale.  That way I can compare the two.  I will be officially weighing in once a week.  Now I just have to figure out  how to keep myself off the scale every day.

Don't know if you are following The World According to Eggface if you aren't you should be.  She has a lot of great recipes.  She had gastric bypass, but the the recipes work just as well for bandsters.  I made a modified version of her "Bites, basically crustless quiches, using ham, swiss cheese, onion and green pepper.  So easy to make, and tasted yummy.  I took a pic, I'll have to add it later.


Staring using my stationary bike again. Rode for 20 minutes Friday and Saturday.  Took a break yesterday.  You'd think with all the padding I have my butt shouldn't hurt this much.  Have to get a pillow t sit on.  Tried to use the treadmill, but there's something wring with the belt. Not surprising since I bought it almost 13 years ago for $200.  May have break down and get a new one.


We finally got rain, after almost 3 weeks with none.  So glad, could have done without the thunderstorms, but I'll take what I can get.  Hopefully what we got will be enough prevent fires from the neighbors setting off fireworks this week. The lawns around here are like straw.

Fill Day 2

Haven't noticed much of a difference yet, but since I'm still on liquids I wouldn't expect to. I did notice this morning I had a little pressure in my chest.  Is there really a difference, or am I just thinking I felt a  difference? I know I am more aware of everything that I drink/eat now, looking for signs of a problem.  I'm really afraid of PBing/getting stuck.  


For the first time yesterday someone at work asked about my weight loss. I only told a few people, she wasn't one of them, but she noticed my weight loss and  my small portions and put 2 and 2 together.  She was very supportive.  Her daughter has been thinking about WLS, but isn't sure if it's right for her.  I told her I would be willing to talk to her daughter and share my experience.  It felt good to talk about, I would love to help others on their journey.

First Fill

Had my first post op visit with my surgeon.  I'm glad he's good at operating because his bedside manner is lacking. He's not horrible like some surgeon's I've had, just quick and to the point.  I think I saw him for all of five minutes.  He was getting up to walk out the door when I said I had questions, kind of had to reel him back in the room, but I did get answers.

So here's the set up for the fill.  The nurse wasn't sure he was going to want to do one since it wasn't 6 weeks since surgery... no it was only 5 weeks and 2 days. She set up for it just in case.  He agreed to do it though, so that made me happy.

It was actually the PA that did the fill, and she was great.  No problems finding the port, got the needle in the first try.  Didn't hurt, just pinched as it went in.  She put in 3cc sat me up and had me drink some water (with the needle sticking out (yes that big honking needle with the yellow cap in the picture).  Has some gurgling/burping with the 3, so she took out 0.5 and everything was fine.  Laid back down and she took the needle out.  Easy peasy lemon sqeazy.

So I am now the proud owner at a 10cc band with 2.5cc fill.  So far so good, have to be on liquids for 2 days, soft for 1 then progress as tolerated.  Had a protein shake without problems.  Do feel some tightness in my chest, similar to what I felt the first day or two after surgery. Hopefully it goes away like it did before.

The great news is I saw the dietitian and I have officially lost  33 pounds since surgery 5 weeks and 2 days ago (and 35.7 pounds since my initial weigh-in).  I know it will slow down, so I can't count on this pace, but so excited for how far I've come so quickly.

Quick update

So tomorrow is my first visit with my surgeon since surgery.  Can't wait to see what he thinks of my progress, and to get weighed.  Who would of thought I was excited to get weighed at the dr?  I think I'm going to break down and buy a scale for home.  Just weighing once a month was ok during the "healing" stage, but I'm not sure about now.

Not sure if I'm getting a fill or not tomorrow.  I really hope I get one, but kind of scared as well.  Not of the fill, but of the possible restriction.  I'm scared of being too tight, of PBing.  Rationally I know it will be fine, just first time jitters I guess.

I also meet with the nutritionist, and hopefully will get to advance my diet to more normal (bandster) size portions instead of the 2oz meals I have been eating.  Or 2-4 oz meals I've really been eating in the last couple of days, if I'm being really honest.

Hope everyone is doing well.

It's about moderation not deprivation

So after my pity party I had yesterday I did some thinking...scary I know.  Yes I ate the apple strudel, but was it the end of the world?  No.  Is it going to derail my journey?  Absolutely not!  I'm human, we all are.  No one is perfect, least of all me.  I can't beat myself up for being human. I went cold turkey on carbs and I'm surprised I lasted as long as I did (well except for that one instance with the donut, but I bet if I had that now I would eat the whole thing).

I have been trying to follow my doctors instructions to the letter.  I've done well, but it's getting hard.  I'm hungry and I have no restriction. (That strudel went down just fine).  I know I'm still in the healing phase, and according to my surgeon durin this phase it's 2oz meals 3 times a day plus 2-3 protein shakes.

The problem is I'm 5 weeks out and I need to eat more that 700 calories a day.  Even with the 440 clories from the strudel I only hit 958 calories.  So without that strudel I would have been at 518. YIKES!

Yes in the begining it was great, no hunger and  weight dropping off.  However it makes no sense to me that this week I can only eat 2oz and by next week I can have up to a cup of food per meal.  Can we get a little bit of transition?   

So here's my plan:  follow the prescribed plan as much as I can, but I'm not going to beat myself up.   Soon the prescibed plan won't be as rigid, and what  will happen then?  I need to re-train my brain into not focusing on food.  The way to do that isn't from depriving myself of things that I want.  That will only make me want it even more, so I will get into a situation where I have to have it.  The lesson I have to teach myself is moderation.  That's why I got this band in the first place.  I still want to be able to eat, just eat less. 

So onto my next stage of this journey.  Never thought it was going to be easy, but I will do this.

Oh and I had 2 oz of turkey meatball for dinner instead of the 1 I'm supposed to have.  I'm such a rebel ;)

Feel Like Puking

I've been doing so well, or so I thought. Don't you just love it when you start feeling self righteous about how this isn't really bad, and you don't know why other people are struggling...and then a big dose of reality smacks you up side the head? This week is hunger is just kicking my butt.  I just want to eat...everything and anything.  


I've been following my doctor's/nutritionist's plan and it has worked well for me, until this week.  I've been tracking my food on MyFitnessPal, and I've been amazed that I've only been eating 700-800 calories a day and NOT feeling hungry.  It's been great, and I thought I had it all figured out.  Little did I know.


Today I gave into temptation.  I was so hungry (real or head hunger I haven't figured out yet) I had to have something.  I started fixating on the coffee shop downstairs that sells these amazing apple strudel.  I did resist until after lunch and then told myself I would only have a tiny bite.  Well that 1 bite turned into 1/4 of it, which turned into 1/2, then that ugly voice in my head said " you might as well it the whole thing"  so that's what I did.


Now I want to puke.  Not literally, I didn't get stuck, PB or anything.  No restriction has it's benefits I guess. I just feel like I've failed.  My first real test and I got a big old F-.  

One month in band land

I can't believe 1 month ago today I was banded.  The time has flown by!  I don't have a 1 month weight loss since I don't have a scale in the house.  I go back to the surgeon next week and I'll get a weight then.  I'm wavering on when to get a scale.  I'm going to try and hold out 1 more month.  I'm the type that would be on the scale multiple times a day.  It would be nice though to be able to do weekly weigh ins.

I took pics last night.  I can't really tell a difference and I'm ok with that I know my clothes are fitting better.  I will be doing pics every month and can't wait to see the difference this time next year.

Pre Surgery










Month 1

Pre Surgery

Month 1

Pre Surgery

Month 1

Another One Bites the Dust

Another pair of pants that is.  My go to casual Friday khakis are all but falling off today.  So I think this will be the last time the make an appearance.  Happy Dance.  This morning I did find an older pair of  khakis in the closet, I haven't tried them on yet, hopefully they'll fit.

TTT

1. I don’t own a scale, so I can only weigh myself when I go to my surgeon’s office either for a checkup or a support group. I have a check up, and possible first fill, on 6/27. I can’t wait to weigh in.

2. Never would have thought I’d be excited to get on the scale at the doctor’s.

3. On 6/6 I was 21 pounds down since surgery. I’m hoping to be 30 pounds down by 6/27.

4. I love my surgeon’s eating plan. Seems like I’m always eating or drinking something.

5. I’m averaging about 700 calories a day, and the amazing thing is I’m not hungry! (Well I’ve had a couple of hunger episode, but they weren’t too bad and they didn’t last). I can’t believe eating so little is relatively easy for me to do.

6. Our new dog Missy had a nickname…”Miss-demeanor”. She gets on the furniture any chance she gets, even if we have just made her get down. Hopefully she’ll learn soon.

7. She’s got such sad hound dogs eyes I’m almost willing to let her stay on the couch.

8. I tried Muscle Milk Banana Cream for the first time this week, and spit it out after one sip. Most disgusting thing I’ve ever tasted.

9. I bought a new black cardigan sweater to wear in the office since they seem to think if it’s hot outside it should be sub-zero inside. Well I bought an 18/20. It fits as long as I don’t try to button it up. I can’t wait until I can wear it buttoned up and not look like a sausage.

10. Just a little over 6 weeks until vacation and I can’t wait!

New Clothes

Well not rely new, but new from the depths of my closet. I had to retire two pairs of pants that are too big (insert happy dance here). They were already loose,and with the recent loss they were falling off loose. So I went diving into my closet to come up with replacements. I found two pairs of pants I haven't worn in a while an tried the on. Both fit great! So happy because a couple of months ago there was no way I was squeezing myself into those pants

Jut don't get me started on the messed up nature of women's clothing sizes. One pair is a 24 and the other is a 28. How can the both fit perfectly? Should the 28s be falling off is the 24s are the right size? So what size do I wear right now? So frustrating! I'm glad I'm just shopping in my closet and not out at a store.

Holy Scale Victory Batman!

Went to support group tonight, still loving it. Tonight there was a woman who is 2 years out from surgery. Shes done great, just wanted to make sure she stays on track during maintenance. Just a reminder that you always can use support no matter where you are at in your journey.

And now for the exciting news........

21 pounds down since surgery!

Can I get a whoo doggey?!?!?! I know this isn't sustainable, but I'll take it while I can get it.

Some NSVs

So it's been two weeks since I hopped on the bandwagon. This are going really well so far.

1. Went out to eat on Saturday with my husband and it worked out well We were going to a concert and had already planned on going out to dinner. It's a cafeteria style place, so it was easy to order what I wanted and not worry about waiters asking if everything was ok, or if I wanted something to drink. I got meatloaf and cut off my 2oz portion (guestimated) and put the rest in a to go container. Planned ahead and had a cooler in the car to keep the leftovers cool during the concert. So I've had meatloaf for dinner sat, sun, will have it today and there will still be some leftover.  I think 3 days is enough though.

2.  Tried on a pair of capris that were definitely too small before surgery (could barely get them zipped).  They were still a little tight in the waist, but I would wear them out of the house and not feel uncomfortable.

3.  I had taken off my wedding and engagement rings before surgery and hadn't put them back on yet.  I had to use lotion to get them off they were that tight.  Well, put them on this morning and could tell a difference, they're not falling off by any means, but they're looser.


I will confess it's not been all rainbows and kittens, it's gotten hard because I'm starting to feel hunger.  Not head hunger, but real hunger.  I ran to the store Friday and while I was there I was tempted by the baked goods and I gave into temptation and got a Boston Cream donut (my absolute fave!). I started eating it in the parking lot, teeny tiny little bites...I had about 6 of those (would have been less than 1 regular size bite) and guess what?  It didn't taste good, in fact it tasted bad, so I stopped.  Not sure why it tasted bad, if something was wrong with it.  I have noticed some things do taste different to me since the surgery, may that's it, or maybe my brain finally kicked in and said STOP EATING YOU IDIOT!!!

Overall Things are good, now that hunger has returned the hard part is really starting.  Will Power needs to be my best friend now.  How's everyone else doing with hunger?