Sunday, December 30, 2012

Looking Forward to a New Year!

I am so excited about this New Year! I just know that 2013 will be the year that I achieve my healthy weight (150 lbs).  I have never weighed that 'little' as an adult, so I have no idea what I will ultimately look like.  I have been overweight since puberty.

Some Non-Scale Victories this week: 
  I fit into SIZE 14 jeans!!  OMG this is a biggie for me! I haven't been this size since the 1990s!
  I actually outgrew my size XL Spanx, and now fit into a Large. I love this camisole, it helps to contain the wobbly bits.

 I'm back on track since my Christmas Carb- High. And all my leftovers are protein (turkey & ham)!

I hope everyone has a great New Year celebration!

Friday, December 28, 2012

Friday Weigh-In

Just as I predicted, I rode the Christmas Train into the ground, and enjoyed cookies and carbs. I gained two pounds this past week, but I can honestly say it was worth it. I had a wonderful Christmas.
I'm back on track now, and expect to be back in One-derland within the next two weeks.
Happy New Year everyone!!



Friday, December 21, 2012

Friday Weigh-In

That *scream* you heard this morning was me stepping on the scale.
I have dipped my toes into ONE-DERLAND and it is beautiful!!
Alas, I fear it is a fleeting glimpse, as the bakingeatingcookingeatingroastingeatingbaking season is upon us. I'm going easy on myself, because I just KNOW that I will gain a few pounds in this next week.  But still, this was a wonderful early Christmas present!
Maybe the Mayans were just a little off; it's not the End of the World, it's merely the End of Weighing In The Two-Hundreds for me? LOL
Well, I'm off to work out, er shop. HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!


Sunday, December 16, 2012

More Nail Effects...

Having more fun with these nail polish strips again...

If you haven't tried these yet, I strongly urge you to! I always get compliments when I wear them.


Have a great week, everyone!




Friday, December 14, 2012

Friday Weigh-In

I have lost 50 pounds in the five months since my surgery. I am halfway towards my goal!!
 
 
 
 

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Fitting Room Victory!

Size 14 trousers brought to you by Lane Bryant. Smile brought to you by True Results (and a lot of hard work!)
Wow! I haven't fit into size 14 since the 1990's! I am so excited!

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Ladies Who Lunch

Today I had the awesome experience of meeting some local Banded Bloggers! I met with Ashlee from My Lapband Adventure and Z from From Fabulous to Fit.  I also invited my friend and co-worker Valerie, who had the LapBand in June.
I've been following their blogs, so it was nice to meet everyone in person. We talked about relationships, working, shopping, and oh yea, our Bands. It turned into a two-hour gabfest! We finally got the hint to leave when the waitress offered to put our drinks into 'to go' containers. LOL
I look forward to meeting up with them again. If anyone else here in Blogland lives in the San Antonio area, reply to this post and I'll extend an invite next time we meet.

L to R:   Z, Ashlee, Karen, and Valerie



Friday, December 7, 2012

Weekly Weigh-In


This is my 20th weekly weigh in.
 
Unfortunately, it reflects a 2 lb weight gain this past week. I'm not worried though, because this is, er, not the best Time of the Month to be weighing oneself. I'm confident that next week will reflect a loss.
 

I'm so excited, I've joined a Holiday Weight Loss Challenge with some other bloggers. Hosted by Z at Fabulous to Fit, we e-mail our weights every week through February. There will be first, second, and third-place winners. I love a little friendly competition!
 
I expect to be in Onederland sometime in the next two weeks. I'm so excited! I haven't seen those numbers since breastfeeding, over a dozen years ago!!

Monday, December 3, 2012

More Time Lapse Photos!

250 lbs/size 20 jeans.................................212 lbs/size 18 jeans.......................................201 lbs/size 16 jeans

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Old Me Interviews the New Me

My life has changed SO MUCH in the past five months since getting the LapBand.The Old Me, a 250 lb couch potato, can hardly believe it. She wanted to sit down and ask the New Me (a 201 lb marathoner)  some questions. This is how the interview went:

OLD ME: Wow. You completed your first 5K marathon yesterday. WTF? What on Earth possessed you?
NEW ME: Yeah. I can't believe it myself. It started as an idea at work. My boss suggested we get a team together to participate in the Dirty Girl Mud Run and help raise money for breast cancer. At first I was soft on the idea. There were so many reasons NOT to do it: mud. running. 5K (3miles). But I really wanted to support the cause and be a good team member at work.

OLD ME: How did you train for the event?
NEW ME: Actually I have a confession.  Since it is not a 'timed' event, not a 'competitive' event, I had convinced myself that I would only walk between the obstacles. And that I would choose the 'easiest' obstacle, or walk around most of them (they had obstacles for all levels: you could climb a high wall, a medium wall, a small wall, or just walk around...)  So my 'training' consisted of simply walking on a treadmill or eliptical at the gym, 3 days a week. I'd do 45minutes to an hour.  It's actually just my usual exercise program I've had since my surgery. My natural stride is about 3mph, so I figured it would take me about an hour to complete the 5K.

OLD ME: Ok. So let's be honest. You're saying you really didn't train for this event. Because you were going to walk it, and skip most obstacles. How did that work out for you?
NEW ME: Well what I didn't factor in was the encouragement I got from my co-workers, other participants, and the crowd. My boss (who easily could have run ahead of me...) stayed back with me, and cajoled me in to jogging as much as I could. "It's just as easy as walking, I promise you..."  "Breathe in through your nose, out your mouth..."  Another team member stayed back with me too, so we three completed the course together.

OLD ME: Ok, so you jogged more than you expected to. What about the obstacles? You went around most of them, right?
NEW ME: Again, I had misjudged the adrenaline rush/Rocky Balboa feeling that I got from the whole thing. So I found myself drawn to the bigger/taller obstacles. I would see all these women doing it, women of all sizes/ages/walks of life. I would see them scaling the tallest wall, and I'd think, "yeah, I can do that! Move outta my way!..."  And I did it. I scaled the tallest walls and crawled in the lowest, muddiest pits. And just when I thought I couldn't go anymore, just when I wanted to lay down and cry (my lungs were burning and my legs felt like rubber): I saw the finish line. There were lots of fun (read: muddy) obstacles at the end, and there was a large crowd gathered, so we sprinted those last few steps. It was a blast.

OLD ME: So it's one day after the event. How do you feel?
NEW ME: Well, my legs (thighs) are a little sore. The feeling you get when you work out a new muscle/try a new exercise. Otherwise, I feel great. Mentally, I feel such a great sense of accomplishment. I think I know why people get addicted to marathoning. I had such a sense of euphoria yesterday!! I guess that was the "runner's high" that people talk about. I know I'm hooked. Sign me up for next year!

OLD ME: Wow. It's like I don't even know you anymore. Anything you'll do differently next time?
NEW ME: Yes, next time I will definitely train. I will work on running/jogging more. And I will wear Spandex instead of loose yoga pants. That mud gets really heavy!  I was at high risk for a wardobe malfunction! I vow to wear Spandex despite the size of my thighs.

OLD ME: I just cannot believe what/who you've become. Let's be honest here. You miss me, don't you? Just a little?
NEW ME: No, not in the least. You stretched out my birthday suit, and you put me at risk for heart failure and diabetes. I'm not mad at you. I just feel sad for you. But I will let you come back and interview me anytime you'd like.

OLD ME: Well alrightythen. Pass me those biscuits, will ya? You're not gonna eat them....
 

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Dirty Girl Mud Run


I had a blast at the Dirty Girl Mud Run! It is a 5K marathon that has (muddy) obstacles throughout. Four of us girls from work joined as a team. I worked muscles I never knew I had. I got bruises upon bruises.  I found mud in places that just cannot be mentioned here. And I look forward to doing it all again next year!!

Pre-Race. Nice, clean clothes!
After the first mud crawl...

Me, white shirt in center. I still can't believe I scaled that wall.
  
 Proceeds went to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. About 7500 women participated here in San Antonio. Look for a Dirty Girl Run in your area; you won't regret it!

Me on left, with gals from work.
 
 
 
 
 


Friday, November 30, 2012

Friday Weigh-In!

Not only did I manage to work off all that turkey/stuffing/pie...but I am at my lowest yet! And Onederland (that wonderful state of weighing in the one-hundreds) is just around the corner!!
Yes, I know I am in sore need of a new pedicure.  :-)  I will get to it this weekend. I find that painting my toenails is  A HECK OF A LOT EASIER with less 'belly' to bend over! Have a great weekend everyone! Watch for Dirty Girl Mud Run pictures to be posted here!




Thursday, November 29, 2012

Dirty Girl Mud Run

How do I prepare for my first marathon? Do I stretch, train, run until I drop? Nooooooo! Not this chickadee!  I paint my nails!!



Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Dirty Girl Mud Run: 48 hours away...

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO MY FIRST 'MARATHON' THIS SATURDAY. EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOT A 'TIMED' EVENT, IT'S MY FIRST TIME PARTICIPATING IN A PUBLIC, TEAM CHALLENGE. THE DIRTY GIRL MUD RUN CONSISTS OF VARIOUS OBSTACLES, LOTS OF MUD, AND THE CHANCE TO IMBIBE. LOL. PROCEEDS BENEFITS NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION. LOOK FOR PICS TO BE POSTED THIS WEEKEND. BETTER YET, LOOK FOR DIRTY GIRL TO COME TO YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS. DIRTY GIRL 

Friday, November 23, 2012

How to Gain Four Pounds In One Week

Step One:
     EAT MORE

Step Two:
     EXERCISE LESS  

Repeat steps one & two ad nauseum...

  HAPPY 'BLACK FRIDAY' EVERYONE! I'm back on the wagon today!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Things I'm Thankful For...

Here are a few things that I'm thankful for...
  For the best son in the world! 'Nuff said.
  For never having PB'd. I read scary stuff on other blogs about PB'ing and sliming.
  For amazingly good health (for a fatty). Maybe a little arthritis, but otherwise A-OK.
  For a rewarding career. Being a nurse isn't just a job. I love what I do.
  For the best big brother in the world. Always my hero.
  For Daniel Craig. Me likey.
  For Preference by L'Oreal #7LA Lightest Auburn. To bring out the redhead in me.
  For social media which helps me connect with family and friends, old and new.
  For peanut butter and chocolate. Individually- yes. But combined--even better.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! THANKS FOR READING MY BLOG!

 
 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Turkey, stuffing, potatoes...Oh My!

   What was I thinking setting a goal to lose weight this week? With parties and work, home, and at friends, I'll be lucky to stay stable! Today we had a potluck at work. I focused on proteins (turkey, ham), but also tried small portions of pecan pie, pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. Not necessarily in that order. I'm trying to pride myself in knowing that I ate one tenth of what I would have eaten pre-band. For sure.
   So I'm officially retracting my goal this week. Or as we say on the prairie, "Whoa, Nelly."
   My new goal is to be in Onederland (weigh in the one hundred's) by December 7. That gives me two weeks to work off the carbs. I'm not hiding though; I will still post my weight as usual this Friday. I just don't expect fireworks.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Friday Weigh-In

   I'm down only a half a pound this week. I'm trying not to panic because I set a personal goal of being below 200lbs by Thanksgiving. That means I have to lose 3 lbs by Thursday!!  But I know my body, and I tend to lose 1/2 lb one week, then 2 or 3 the next. So I'm still shooting for the goal. I feel like The Little Engine That Could...

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Myths about LapBand

  I thought I would take today to address some common MYTHS about LapBand surgery.

MYTH #1: The LapBand works by creating a 'pouch' in your stomach, reducing stomach size, and restricting the amount of food you eat.
TRUTH:  The LapBand does not create a pouch. It slightly restricts the top portion of your stomach, thereby sending signals to your brain that you are 'full' (this is called satiety). Each bite of food you take is squeezed across the band, which sends more signals that you are full, and further reducing appetite. It does not reduce the size of your stomach, and does not limit the amount of food you can eat. I can still eat a pan of brownies if I wanted to.

MYTH #2: The LapBand restricts your stomach, so you can only eat soups, protein shakes and yogurts.
TRUTH: Actually we (LapBand patients) are taught to AVOID soups and 'liquid calories' because they 'slip' past the Band quickly and don't promote satiety like solid foods. So we are taught to avoid soups, alcohol, sodas, ice cream, etc. We are taught to eat solid foods, albeit in small bites (dice-sized) and wait one minute between bites. The solid food takes longer to squeeze throught the Band, sending stronger signals to our brains that we are full. However, after surgery and after we get fluid put into the Band, we are on temporary (24 - 48hr) liquid diets until swelling settles and we can tolerate full foods.

MYTH #3: LapBand patients cannot eat out at a restaurant.
TRUTH: Yes we can and yes I do! I simply order a high-protein appetizer (think grilled shrimp or lettuce wraps) and that is my meal! I probably spend 1/3 at a restaurant compared with what I used to spend. Sometimes I'll order an entree and take most of it home... I usually get at least 3 meals out of one entree.

MYTH #4: Getting the LapBand (or any weight loss surgery) is 'taking the easy way out'.
TRUTH: Let me make this perfectly clear: I have endured kidney stones, sexual abuse, been through labor, watched my parents die, and lost my best friend/my child's father to cancer. THE LAPBAND IS THE MOST DIFFICULT THING I HAVE DONE. Losing weight with the LapBand is in no way "easy". It is a constant struggle to eat right, exercise more, drink fluids, avoid carbs, and remember to take vitamins. I still think about food at least every hour. (Usually more!) The LapBand helps me because it helps to suppress my monster of an appetite. I have bad habits that formed from 30 years of overeating and being overweight. Three months post-surgery, I still struggle constantly with those demons. And let's be honest, there are many, many weight loss surgery patients who initially lose weight, only to gain it back. Weight loss surgery is not easy. It's hard on your wallet, your mind, your body, and your family. But I'm determined to use this as a tool to succeed in my war on fat!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

The Liebster Award

Colleen at Colleensjourneytoahealthierlife.blogspot.com  has nominated me for the Liebster Award. Thank you, Colleen!  Liebster is a German word and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.




The Rules

- Once you're nominated, write 11 facts about yourself.

- Then, take a look at the 11 questions the person who nominated you asked and answer them.

- Get your thinking cap on and come up with 11 questions of your own for your nominees to answer

- Then choose the 5 bloggers you want to nominate (they must have less than 200 followers) & let them know they've been nominated (there are no tag backs - you can't nominate the person who nominated you).

- Complete this post and then link it to the person who nominated you (in the comments of their blog).
 
So here are eleven facts about me:
    1) I'm a Leo. Sign of the Lion.
    2) I enjoy all types of music except Country and Rap.
    3) I have two older brothers.
    4) I am not a natural redhead. (shhhh!)
    5) I love to travel, have been to Europe and the Bahamas. Dream destinations include China, Hawaii, and Australia.
    6) I love being a nurse and I feel it was something I was born to do.
    7) I love to bake.
    8) Favorite TV shows are Boardwalk Empire and Elementary.
    9) Although I'm 42, I still consider myself a 'Twihard'. Team Jacob.
   10) My nickname is "Sis" or "Sissy". I've got some cousins who probably don't know my real name (Karen). 
   11) I believe in ghosts/spirits and also in reincarnation.
 
Eleven questions that Colleen wants me to answer:

  1. Weirdest thing you have ever eaten?  Probably ROCKY MOUNTAIN 'FRIED OYSTERS'. These are actually fried bull testicles and eaten on a dare from my brother. Also, I grew up in a rural community, so I've eaten squirrels, rabbits, venison, groundhogs, quail, and wild turkey.
  2. What crazy activities do you dream of trying someday? I would love to go on a zip-line. I am now officially below the weight limit, so let's go!!
  3. Have you ever won a trophy? If so, what was it for? Yes, various trophies for bowling in my pre-teen years.
  4. Dog or Cat? Cat(s). I have two.
  5. Why do you blog? To be held accountable to my weight loss journey, and hopefully to inspire others.
  6. What would you do if you didn’t have to work? I would volunteer more (at homeless shelters) and I would have more time to do crafts/scrapbooking etc.
  7. What is your favorite movie? All-time fave is GONE WITH THE WIND.
  8. How often do you get a haircut? Describe your worst haircut. Am letting it grow out, so I haven't been in a few months. Worst haircut was when the stylist 'forgot' to cut the right side of my head. I walked out of the salon, saw myself in the car mirror, and walked back in for her to finish the job!!!! Needless to say, never went back!!
  9. What books on your shelf are begging to be read? Can't wait to read the third in Larsson's series: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest. Love the first two books.
  10. What quality do you like most about yourself? My loving heart.
  11. What quality do you like least about yourself? My impatience.
 
And last but not least, the five whom I would like to 'pay it forward' and nominate for the Liebster Award:
    Ashlee @  My Lap Band Adventure
    Sarah  @  Fat on the Inside
    Terrie @ My Big Fat Life
 
 
   
 
 

Friday, November 9, 2012

Friday Weigh-In

   OMG I am so excited!! I have lost 47 pounds since July 20th! I am well on my way towards my  goal of being in Onederland (WUN-DER-LAND:  that wonderful state of weighing in the one-hundreds), by Thanksgiving!
    And today Skyfall hit theaters, starring my boyfriend, Daniel Craig. I think he is such  a hottie. And I would love to be his next 'Bond girl'!  I will be splurging tonight with some movie-theater popcorn!

Friday, November 2, 2012

Friday Weigh-In

Yay! Lost another pound this week! Despite the Halloween candy temptation!! Take THAT, Milk Duds!!
My personal short-term goal is to be in Onederland (below 200lbs) by Thanksgiving. I know I can do it!!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Had a Fill Today

During a check up with my surgery center today, we decided I was in the 'Yellow Zone' (getting hungry between meals/eating larger portions) so I got 0.2ccs added to my band. Which makes a total of 6.4cc in my 10cc-capacity band. I really hope this helps with hunger cravings. I know I've got to work on the psychological part also, and not give in to emotional eating or stressful eating.

Todays meals...brought to you by Unjury!!


So today I'll be doing liquids, tomorrow will progress to 'smoothies' (soft foods) and then progress to regular foods by Friday.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

What's In My Fridge?

So today Lap Band Gal (http://lapbandgalsjourney.blogspot.com/2012/10/whats-in-my-fridge.html) posted a challenge for us to open our refrigerators for the world to see! Here goes mine:


 

Some things include eggs, my protein drink, my son's chocolate milk, apples, mozzarella bites, my son's frappucinos, beets, lots of other cheeses in the drawer, a jar of tomato sauce (I don't put it on pasta anymore; I use it on my meatballs or chicken), my son's yogurt smoothies, various proteins (pork, chicken,beef, and uncured Angus beef hotdogs), and a veggie tray.
And here are some other items that I snack on: These FiberOne brownies keep me, er, "moving", protein bars, nuts, and I love me some Babybel mini cheeses.
What you will NOT see: bread, pasta, chips, ice cream, cookies. I simply cannot have them in the house because I know myself: I will start with one, and I will fall off the wagon.
I look forward to peering into other bloggers' refrigerators and pantries! What do you eat?

Friday, October 26, 2012

Friday Weigh-In

It has been 14 weeks since my surgery. I have lost 43.5 pounds! This is beyond my expectations. I am so excited!

Some Non-Scale Victories this week:
  •   My son brought home a school shirt for me, size L. I thought, "oh, poor sweet thing, I'll never fit into that!" But it fits great!! Cannot believe it!
  •   I used to wear size 3X scrubs. I bought new scrubs, size XL, and they fit nicely!!
  •   My productivity has increased, because I no longer have to nap frequently! I get so much done around the house now!
  •   I cannot believe how much easier it is to paint my toenails. I used to have to hold my breath to reach the toes. (How embarrassing would it be to pass out while giving yourself a pedicure!? ) But not anymore!! 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Did Someone Say, "Candy Corn"?!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE! If I can't eat candy corn, you can be darn sure I'll wear it! I'm loving my new nail polish strips from Sally Hansen. Tip: I painted my nails white first, to support the white base color of this strip. I also cover with a clear coat, to increase wearing time.

Prices range from $7 - 10. I've seen them at all major retailers.


Sunday, October 21, 2012

Sunday Musings...

  • I enjoy seeing my new silhouette in the mirror!
  • I really liked HERE COMES THE BOOM with Kevin James. I usually don't like his movies, but this one was refreshingly funny, touching, inspirational.
  • Another advantage of my new lifestyle is that my son is eating better and moving more too. He eats less junk food (simply because it is not in the house), less soda (ditto), and he goes to the gym with me. I would like him to learn this lifestyle now, rather than when he's 40!
  • I can't wait until November, because the new James Bond movie comes out (Skyfall). I heart Daniel Craig.
  • Just watched an episode of Extreme Couponers (TLC). I want to save 97% on my grocery bill also, but I don't want to convert my spare room into a dry goods store! Honestly,  I would love to save that kind of money, but I cannot fathom having to store 80 Old Spice deodorants and 50lbs of rice.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Friday Weigh-In

Yay! The weight loss continues! Only a pound this week, but still on the downward trend.
I am so excited, because I know that One-derland is right around the corner (when I weigh in the 100's). I figure I'll get to One-derland around Thanksgiving.
I love these Gordon Skillet Crisp Tallapia. Easy to make, 200kcal, 12g protein. And delicious! they have garlic & herb or lemon & herb. Each fillet is a perfect portion size for me.


Friday, October 12, 2012

Friday Weigh-In

Yay! Still losing! So proud to say "I'm a Loser!"  I had a check-up at True Results (my surgery center) this week, and they added 0.2cc to the band because I was feeling hungry every three hours. It's too soon to tell if it helps my satiety, because I'm just progressing to solid foods today. So I'm very excited to see how the next few weeks go. If my hunger is controlled better, then I won't need little snacks every three hours, and I can consume less calories.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Friday Weigh-In

And the weight loss continues! I am so excited!
I love my LapBand!

Friday, September 28, 2012

Friday Weigh-In

Lost a half pound this week! Not as much as I would have liked, but still headed in the right direction! Yay!


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

The 'Old Me' vs. The 'New Me'

...............THE OLD ME..............................................................THE NEW ME.............................
...would consume 2500 - 3000 kcal per day....................consumes about 600 - 800 kcal daily!
...avoided exercise like the plague...................................looks forward to the treadmill!
...wore a size 24 on top and 20 on bottom.......................wears a size 20 top and 16 bottoms!
...would eat my fries and then steal from my son's plate....hasn't touched a fry in 12 weeks!
...got tired/fatigued so easily...........................................has boundless energy!
...ate fast food approximately 5 times per week..............can't remember the last time?
...loaded up on bread/chips/pasta/carbs............................eats very little carbs.
...could eat half a pan of brownies...................................probably still 'could'-- but wouldn't!
...gave up on dieting/felt so helpless................................feels so empowered!
...medicated daily for arthritis pain..................................hasn't needed a pain pill in 6 weeks!
...never packed my lunch for work..................................always packs a healthy lunch!
...would often eat to the point of discomfort...................only eats until satisfied!
...always ate everything on my plate...............................often has 'leftovers'!
...was an 'emotional eater'................................................tries to only eat when hungry.
...always had dessert........................................................treats myself twice a month.
...got short of breath with very little activity................... has a lot more stamina!
...loved greasy, fried foods...............................................avoids greasy, fried foods.
...was resigned to being fat forever..................................looks forward to being healthy!

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Sunday Musings...


  • As a native of Central PA, I'm a big Steelers fan. Go Steelers! (@ Oakland today)
  • I'm excited for the Emmy's tonight. I've got two horses in the Comedy category: VEEP and Big Bang Theory. And same with the Drama Series: Game of Thrones vs. Boardwalk Empire. HBO really has some quality programming.
  • I'm going to clean out my closet today. I suspect I've got a range of sizes from 14 to 24 in there!
  • I'm reading The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson. A friend in my bookclub said that if I liked the first one (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo), that I would love this one. It's true so far! Halfway through.
  • I've got a visit with True Results (my surgery center) this Wednesday. I don't expect any adjustments, as I'm on track and losing about 2 lbs per week.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Friday, September 14, 2012

Friday Weigh-In

...or How to Lose 32 Pounds in Eight Weeks!
  1.     Get the LapBand inserted
  2.     Eat only when hungry (not just because it's 'lunchtime')
  3.     Eat 1/2 cup portions (that's your entire meal!)
  4.     Wait one minute between swallows.
  5.     Wait one minute after a bite before drinking, too.
  6.      Eat mainly proteins. Then vegetables if you're still hungry.
  7.     Stop eating when you're not hungry.
  8.     Try to consume as few carbs as possible. Avoid bread, pasta, cereals, sugar.
  9.     Eat solid foods that you have to chew. No soups. No ice cream.
  10.     Exercise at least three times a week. Start light and progress until you're out of breath.
  11.     Don't beat yourself up if you break one of the rules above. Dust yourself off.
  12.     Remember the goal. Weight loss for a healthy body.
  13.     Fight those demons. You're fighting for your life, literally.
  14.     Keep scheduled follow-ups with your surgeon/weight loss team.
  15.     Contact your surgeon/weight loss team if something doesn't 'feel right'.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Sunday Musings...

  •     I wore size 16 pants today, and they were actually a little loose! Yay!
  •     Saw Cold Light of Day, starring Henry Cavill and Bruce Willis. Don't waste your money. Thumbs down.
  •     Finished reading The Light Between Oceans (M.L.Stedman). A wonderful read.
  •     I really enjoy a high-protein diet, because I've always been a big carnivore. Steak, chicken, salmon, shrimp, lamb, turkey...mmmm. 
  •     How can two people accumulate so much dirty laundry? Five loads a week, really? I have newfound respect for my mother who cared for a family of five.

   

Friday, September 7, 2012

Friday Weigh-In!

    Confession:  I was a bad girl this week. I let my guard down at my son's birthday celebration, and I enjoyed Doritos, a donut, and too much pizza. And I did not exercise as much as I should have. But I was pleasantly surprised when I stepped on the scale this morning and found that I had still lost one pound this week.
    I"m back on track now. I have a visit to True Results scheduled next Wednesday. I'm anxious to see if they add more restriction. Happy Friday, everyone!

Friday, August 31, 2012

Friday Weigh-In

 
    Luvin' my new restriction!! I lost 4 pounds this past week! Go me!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Ten Things Thursday

1)  Check out Lap Band Gal's blog to enter a giveaway for a cool workout shirt! Just because we workout doesn't mean we have to look bad doing it.   Click on  http://lapbandgalsjourney.blogspot.com/ and check out her post from August 28. Hurry, contest ends September 4.
2) OMG I am luvin' my new restriction!! (Got my first fill last week.) I can go about 5 hours without feeling ANY HUNGER AT ALL. That just amazes me. My calorie count before the restriction was averaging 800 - 1000 kcals, now I am able to consume just 600 - 800 kcals, simply because I snack less between meals.
3) Good-bye inches. I have lost about 2 inches on my chest, 2 on my upper arms, 2 inches at my waist, and 2 at my hips. It's no wonder my clothes are feeling VERY LOOSE.
4) Is it my imagination, or do my feet feel smaller too? I swear, all of my shoes seem looser than usual.
5) Am having my son's 13th Birthday celebration at a local waterpark this year. Hope my bathing suit fits!! I already embarrass him simply by being in the same zip code; I'd hate to think what a wardrobe malfunction would do to his psyche!!
6)  I am so grateful for all the support from my family, friends, and the blogosphere. Very encouraging, indeed.
7) Do I miss carbs? HELL YEAH. But I know what carbs do to me. They turn on the "FluffyGauge" in my brain which make me eat more carbs and store these as fat for the upcoming apocalypse. So I stay away from carbs. Check out the cute 'INFOGRAPHIC' behind this science on Pasta, not bacon, makes you fat. But How? 
8) I am surprised by how much more energy I have and how much less arthritic (joint) pain I have, after just 25 lb weight loss. I thought I wouldn't see these effects until a much more significant weight loss.
9) I also notice many little 'baby hairs' around my forehead that I haven't had since pregnancy. These are usually attributed to a shift in hormones (that's why new moms get them), and they started growing around the time I had surgery. Hmmm interesting.
10) Looking forward to my weigh-in tomorrow! Stay tuned!

Sunday, August 26, 2012

No Mas Pantalones...

   My friend had the surgery one month before me. She came to me the other day, laughing, saying, "you know you've lost weight when your underwear falls down!"   She has experienced an amazing 70+ LB weight loss in two months, and apparently, Pantie Loss is a side effect. LMFAO!

*photo courtesy of CartoonStock.com

Friday, August 24, 2012

Weigh-In

                                  Yay!  Down 24.5 LBS in five weeks!! Very excited!!

    I was given a Lunch Kit by True Results during my first fill yesterday. Here are some useful items. The little timer is to help me count one minute between bites.



Thursday, August 23, 2012

My First Fill

    So Thursday was my first fill, and it went great! I met Allison, a physician's assistant, and she found my port easily and I only felt a tiny sting. I've been on liquids all day since, will progress to solids tomorrow as tolerated. I'm looking forward to my new restriction, and not feeling hungry every 3 hours.
    Always on the lookout for good-tasting protein bars, I found these cookies in my local grocery and I LOVE THEM. I am going to their website to order a whole box of these chewy delights. http://www.boundlessnutrition.com/products/ 
    Well, it's midnight-oh thirty, and I must get some sleep so the Weightloss Fairy can come and remove a few ounces before my weigh-in in a few hours!!