Friday Weigh-In

Even though I haven't been blogging, I still weigh myself every Friday. I've been plateaued around the 193 lb marker for a long while now.  I have certainly learned HOW TO MAINTAIN. LOL.

I haven't been to the gym in about 3 weeks. My new job continues to be a constant source of stress. I am eating entirely too many carbs. I have not been getting enough sleep. I don't drink enough throughout the day. I took a multivitamin today for the first time in a month.
Every day I tell myself it will be different. Every night I plan to wake up early and go to the gym.
I haven't lost faith in myself. I know that one of these days I will get my act together. I can do this.

Friday Weigh-In

HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION....

A very stressful week still, but I'm working on following the rules. This is just encouragement to do better....

Fell Off The Wagon....

 
    Wow, these past couple weeks have been so stressful at work. I REALLY REALLY wish I was one of those girls who JUST CAN'T EAT when they're stressed. But my reaction is the opposite: I eat everything in sight. Each night I tell myself I'll do better 'tomorrow', then tomorrow comes and I fall off the wagon again. I've been eating too much, too often, too many carbs, too much sweet tea (one waitress called it "the wine of the South" LOL). And I can't begin to tell you when my last trip to the gym was.
    But it all ended this AM. I woke up, put on my Big Girl Panties, and just took each hour at a time. I ate small portions, concentrated on proteins, small bites, chewed thoroughly, and 'whew'-- made it through the whole day without regret!!  Tomorrow I will wake, go to the gym, and continue to follow the plan.
   I've got all the tools. I know what I need to do to lose weight. I.GOT. THIS.
   Thank for reading, and thanks for your support.

Friday Weigh-In

When I am under a lot of stress, my body reacts by holding on to every ounce of weight. I am under an enormous amount of stress at work these next few weeks. Plus, I've been eating out a lot and haven't exercised as much as I should.
My plan is to just hunker down and try not to gain weight. I have no delusions of losing weight in the next few weeks.

Friday Weigh-In

This was Friday's weight....

LMFAO!!  I knew I had put on weight. My clothes are tighter, I feel flabbier.  I really ate my way through Central Pennsylvania!!  And I haven't exercised all week.

Oh well, back on track now. Watching what I eat, and heading back to the gym.

25th High School Reunion!!

I had a blast travelling to Central Pennsylvania for my 25th High School Reunion! My ConfidenceMeter was on overload, with all the compliments I received! It made me feel really really good, and just reignited my passion to get to my goal weight.

Here's the ubiquitous 'seat belt' photo that is required on all weight loss blogs!! Look how much extra belt!! I actually fit into a Southwest Airlines seat!!  If you've ever flown Southwest, you know that's saying something!!

These smiles were plastered on our faces the whole trip. Needless to say, I'm sure I gained at least five pounds. I just HAD to sample all my favorite comfort foods from Pennsylvania (read: carbs!)  I think this picture was taken after I had shown my son the joys of a 'Grilled Stickie a la Mode' from Eat-N-Park.

Yeah.

Hope everyone had a great week! This week is back-to-school for us!

Friday Weigh-In....NOT!

There will be no Friday Weigh-In this week, because I'll be travelling to Pennsylvania for my 25th high school reunion!  Of course, that meant shopping for new clothes! I will post pics when I get back.

My Ziplining Adventure!

    Despite my fear of heights, ziplining has been on my bucket list for a while. But the maximum weight limit was 200 lbs, so I really haven't been able to cross this item off until this year. My brother took me for a belated birthday trip to Wimberley, TX.

Me in purple in front, my brother and his gf on left, my son on right.

  
    As you can see, the view was amazing!! The first step off was a little scary, but after 3 seconds, it was pure exhilaration! This course has a total of ten ziplines, of varying lengths and heights. A bit of hiking was required also (a good workout!)
    We had a blast and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure!
    .

Size Ten!!

   I like my jeans to be a bit 'snug' in the waist, so I don't have the urge to 'suck it in' all the time! My current size 12s were feeling a bit loose lately. So I went shopping today and low and behold...

   Sorry the pic is a bit fuzzy, but that size tag says "10 average". And I am so excited!! Now I'm not fooling myself, I know all jean brands are not the same, I'm sure I couldn't squeeze into a Levi's size ten, but I'll take what I can get. And I did! I bought three pair! LOL
  I haven't been a size ten since....evah!!  I have spent my entire adult life a size twelve or more. I'm just so happy! The other day my son said, "You're shrinking, Mom".
   Today my brother is taking me ziplining for a late birthday celebration... will post pics!!

Friday Weigh-In and It Finally Happened!

It finally happened...




MOTHER

SON

    I officially weigh less than my 13y.o. son!!  This has been one of my goals! Because no mother wants to weigh more than her ninth grader!!

Friday Weigh-In

Muwahahahaha! This was my birthday week and I celebrated a bit much...and I don't regret any of it!! I'll get back on track this week.

Friday Weigh-In

LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT! LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT! LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT!

 

 

Yay! The weight loss continues!! I am so excited! My 25th high school reunion is in three weeks, and I am finally at my graduation weight. I really like the way my clothes fit, and I like my reflection in the mirror.

 

 

 

Friday Weigh-In

LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT! LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT! LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT!

 

Yay! I wasn't expecting a loss this week, because my eating has been a little off. I was hoping to temper that with increased exercise, and it looks like it worked!!

 

 

One Year Bandiversary! Reflections...

  Today is officially my one year Bandiversary!! This milestone makes me reflect about the past year. My struggles and triumphs. What I've given up. And what I've gained by losing.

THINGS I MISS:                                                             THINGS I DON'T MISS:
1. Bread. All kinds.                                                       1. Sizes 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24.
2. Cake. All flavors.                                                      2. Thighs rubbing together.
3. Chocolate chip cookies.                                            3. Not being able to wrap a towel around me.
4. Ice cream.                                                                 4. Getting out of breath easily.
5. Brownies.                                                                  5. Disgusting I-ate-too-much feeling. ALOT.
                                                                                      6. Feeling tired ALL THE TIME.
                                                                                      7. Constant guilt about my over eating.
                                                                                      8. Barely fitting into seatbelt on rides/plane.
                                                                                      9. Only being able to shop at plus-sized store.
                                                                                      10. Hating that fat woman in the mirror.
                                                                                      11. Painful arthritis in knees &feet.
                                                                                      12. Thinking about food 24/7.
                                                                                      13. Heartburn at least twice per week.
                                                                                      14. Worrying about my cholesterol levels.
                                                                                      15. Swollen feet & legs. Painful.
                                                                                      16. Feeling depressed/defeated by my weight.

    I'm no statistician, but it's clear to me that the things I've gained far outweigh what I've given up. I look forward to reaching my goal weight, probably sometime in the next nine months.
    Thank you to everyone who is sharing my journey by reading this blog. This has helped to keep my accountable for my actions. And reading other blogs has been a big inspiration.
    Have a great week, everyone!!

Friday Weigh-In

LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT! LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT! LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT!

 

YAY!  ON THE DOWNWARD TREND! IT'S ALWAYS A GOOD DAY WHEN THE SCALE GOES DOWN!

 

One-Year Check-Up

   Yesterday was my official one-year check-up with my surgery center. It was a longer visit than my usual monthly visits. They updated my history, performed a more thorough exam, reviewed my goals, and they did a barium swallow to see my little buddy.  I'm happy to report that all is well with the universe.
   I have surpassed their goal (they expect you to lose 50% of your excess weight at one year, I've lost 65%). They did see a slight dilation of the esophagus just above the diaphragm, but said it wasn't large enough to worry about. This simply drove home the Golden Rule of eating small bites and waiting one minute between. Here's my glamour shot:

I'm so excited! I am so pleased with my Band and the changes in my life.

Have a great week!!

Friday Weigh-In

*Squee*  Thanks to careful eating, exercising, and getting plenty of rest, I'm back down to my lowest!!  Here we go!

Friday Weigh-In

Or:  HOW TO GAIN FOUR POUNDS IN ONE WEEK: 

    Step One:  Only exercise two days times thirty minutes each.
    Step Two: Indulge in dessert or treats every day. Tell yourself, "you deserve it!"
    Step Three: Load up on carbs and processed meats. Find creative ways to combine these two, like Sonic has done with their PRETZEL DOGS.  Yum!! The deluge of carbohydrates and sodium will turn your body into a mean, fat-storing machine!! You go girl!!

     LMFAO!! When I fall off the wagon, I fall hard!! Lesson learned!  Back to being a good girl...

Comparison Photos!!

Time to update the time-lapse photos! Here goes....

 250 lbs/size 22.....................212 lbs/size 18...................201 lbs/size 16..................192 lbs/size 14.................185 lbs/size 12

   



Have a great week everybody!!

Friday Weigh-In

LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT!  LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT!  LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT!

Squee!! Looking good this week!! I'm so excited!!

 

Friday Weigh-In

LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT! LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT! LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT!

 

 

This is my 48th Weekly Weigh-In. I'm so excited to see a downward trend this week!

 

Friday Weigh-In

   I know it's technically Sunday, but this is the picture of my weight on Friday!  I'm up one pound, but I'm confident I can bring it back down.

Warning!

   I found this 'warning' inside my new size 12 jeans. You gotta expect a company that has a line of jeans called "Not Your Daughter's Jeans" to have a great sense of humor!!  LOVE IT!!

Friday Weigh-In

LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT!  LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT!!  LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT!!

 
    So excited to see the scale move down again this week!! 

    My biggest struggles are with getting enough exercise and sleep. In fact, I lay awake at night, thinking how stupid I was for not going to the gym!!  LOL

Friday Weigh In

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!  Finally broke through that barrier! Weight is down, things are looking up!!

Delicious New Recipe

  
My local banded blogger peep Z posted this on her FB page, and I just knew I had to give it a try.

   You see, I'm a sucker for anything with avocado in it! I switched mine up a bit, and used black beans instead of pinto (because that's how I roll...)

   I must say, it is delicious!  Mmmmm so fresh-tasting and cool. I think corn would make a nice addition too. It's a great summer dish!

 
Kalyn's Kitchen Pinto Bean Salad Recipe

 

Let's Compare Lab Results!!

  I am thrilled with the change in my cholesterol levels!

  Last year in May, my TOTAL CHOLESTEROL was 205. Now it is 179! That is a change from 'Borderline High' to 'Desirable'. Yeah, go ahead, call me Desirable. I can get used to it.

  Last year my LDL CHOLESTEROL  was Borderline High at 132. Now it is 'Near Optimal' at 125 (Optimal is below 100mg/dL).

  And my TRIGLYCERIDE levels have stayed low, from 105 a year ago to 44 this year (Ideal is below 150mg/dL).

   I still need to work on my HDL levels (i.e. 'good cholesterol') which for some reason have decreased from last year's 52 to this year's 45 (above 60mg/dL is Optimal).  I am going to start taking some Omega-3 vitamins for my heart health.

  I am sure that these improvements in lab values are not coincidence. My diet has completely changed from fast food, high trans-fat foods... to a current diet that is high in lean proteins and vegetables. I rarely rarely eat fast food. And when I do, it's usually a salad! And I went from Couch Potato to Gym Rat.

  These NSVs just make me smile!!

Friday Weigh In

Please do not adjust your screen. You are seeing this correctly. I have maintained my weight for yet another week. Oh well, at least it's not a gain!!

Some things I am going to make a priority:

    1)  SLEEP! I have been forgetting lately the importance of sleep for me. I have found that personally, I need about 7.5 - 8hrs of sleep in order to lose weight. I have been getting only 6 or 7 lately. I will make this a priority.  Fortunately, I lurv to sleep!!! So this is no form of punishment for me. I will be a good little girl, and go to bed earlier (or sleep in later....)   :-)

    2) EXERCISE!  I have been slacking a bit lately, making it to the gym only 3 days a week. I've got to bump it back up to 4 or 5. I always feel better afterwards, so it's just a matter of getting up off my duff and going!

I am confident there will be a loss next week. I hope everyone has a great week, and a safe Memorial Day weekend!

Friday Weigh-In

   Stable this week. Not sure why; I was good about food & exercise. Oh well. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

Friday Weigh-In

Woot woo!!  I'm back on track!

 

I've just found out that my 25th high school reunion is the last week in August. So that's more incentive to reach my goal weight!

 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Nurses Week...and Thank You Governor Christie

   It's Nurses Week, so I've been showered with donuts and sweet treats. It would be rude to say no, n'est-ce pas?!

   That being said, I've been fighting the Hunger Demon quite unsuccessfully lately, so I had a fill today. 0.3cc's added, to make a total of 7cc in my 10cc band.  The Nurse Practitioner said this is the top end of where they like to be with this band. So if I continue to have hunger issues, or any other issues, she will do a barium swallow in two weeks. Otherwise, I'll have one done at my Bandiversary in July.
    I'm so happy that Governor Christie has gone public with his Lap Band surgery. Most of the news reports have gotten the information correct, saying that the band provides hunger control. I only heard one news agency get it wrong when they said, "The band prevents you from eating too much." No it doesn't. I can still eat a pan of brownies if I wanted to. The difference is, I don't want to.
    I say the more good press about weight loss surgery, the better. Just the fact that it encourages people to talk about it is a good thing. Obesity is an epidemic. Anything to combat obesity will prolong life and improve the quality of life.
    Have a great week, everyone! 

AND THANK YOU, FELLOW NURSES, FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!!

Segway!

 

 

 

My son and I had a *BLAST* on our Segway tour through downtown San Antonio. Here we are at San Fernando Cathedral.

 

The tour was great. I took to the Segway like the proverbial duck to water. I was surprised how easy it was to balance and to maneuver.

 

I would never have dreamed of getting on a Segway sixty pounds ago. At my top weight of 250 lbs, I avoided any 'precarious' activity. I was always afraid of falling on my fat a$$, breaking a bone, and being out of work (unable to support my son).

 

I look forward to more fresh-air activities as I become more fit & active!!

Friday Weigh-In

   Back to the 190's this week, but I was expecting this because of hormones. I've got better hopes for next week.
   Very excited to report that I'll be taking a Segway tour tomorrow! I've never been on a Segway; should be interesting indeed!! We will be touring downtown San Antonio.  Will post pics!!

Out of the Mouths of Babes...

   My (13 y.o.) son, like most men I know, does not give compliments freely. I usually have to fish for them. So today I asked him, "Do you like the new clothes I'm wearing?"  I was hoping he'd say something about my weight loss.
   I was not prepared for, "Yeah, you look like a fancy housewife from the 1950s." In his defense, I was wearing a sweater set and pearls.

FRV*

*FRV = Fitting Room Victory; a type of Non-Scale Victory that takes place in a fitting room. 

   It's been a tough break with Lane Bryant (plus-sized woman's clothing). She served me well for over twenty years. She was trendy and always had my size. Yes, she could be a bit pricey, but I learned to scour the clearance racks like a pro.  But I just don't need her in my life anymore.  Farewell, LB. Farewell.

   And helllllloooooo Marshalls! Where have you been all my life?  Now that I fit into designer duds (but my wallet still doesn't), I've got you to turn to.  I get such a rush when I see the 'original' price tag, and your 'Marshall' price tag side-by-side. You make me feel like I'm practically stealing the goods!

Here is a size 12 pant, with a Large top and XL sweater. I haven't worn these sizes since late 1980s/early 1990s! 

 

Woot woo! Gotta love Fitting Room Victories!!!

 

 

 

 

Friday Weigh-In... Finally a Breakthrough!!

I FINALLY BROKE THROUGH THE 190's BARRIER!!

That sound you heard this morning was me, screaming for all to hear!

 

LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT!!

 

I am so excited! I worked really hard, watching my intake and exercising every chance I got.

 

Honestly, the first 50 pounds seemed to come off so easily. I really have to work hard for every ounce during this last half of my battle. It really makes one appreciate EVERYTHING.

 

 

I've really got to stay disciplined now. My eye is firmly on the prize (my goal weight of 150 lbs).

I've decided to stop my weekly ritual of  'cheat day' on Fridays. This may be part of what was sabotaging my efforts?  Certainly when 'cheat day' would spill into 'cheat weekend'!! 

 

But I'm no good if I totally deprive myself of the carbs I love. So I'll simply turn 'cheat day' into 'cheat meal'. There will be one meal a week that I won't count carbs. Maybe it'll be dessert. But it won't be a whole day (or weekend) of gluttony.

 

 

I hope everyone has a great week. Thanks for reading!!!

Friday Weigh-In

    I've gained a pound this week due to a lot of eating & cheating on the weekend. I usually treat every Friday as a Cheat Day, but it ran into Saturday and Sunday.  By Monday, I weighed 195lbs!! So I worked hard all week eating right and exercising.
   I'm confident that I will break the 190's barrier by next week. I've got more motivation: my 25th high school reunion is this year. I want to go back and knock 'em dead! My one year Bandiversary will be in July, so I want to be close to my goal weight of 150 lbs.
    I've got a clear goal, great motivation, and I know what I have to do to achieve. Yeah, I've got this!!

Friday Weigh-In

LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT! LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT! LOWEST WEIGHT ALERT!

   60 pounds down! So excited! I can feel my clothes getting a bit looser. And my stamina/endurance is increasing. I am so very very excited. I want to shout it from the rooftops!! I have lost 60% of my goal weight.
   Thanks to everyone for reading my blog and for your words of encouragement.

Ten Things Thursday

1) Is this supposed to replace Thirsty Thursday? Because I am not getting my buzz on....

2) I finally made it to my weight loss center's Support Group this week. I had always wanted to go (they're held every month). Found out I'm not missing much. I get much more support and ideas from Blogland. And I use less gasoline. :-)

3) Four weeks in, I'm definitely settled in to a good routine with my new job. I pack my meals every day and this helps me to avoid the calorie-laden catered meals at the office! And I get home from work in time to make nutritious suppers every night.

4) My son and I are looking forward to the movie '42' tomorrow, about Jackie Robinson.

5) I was bummed when Walking Dead season ended, but cheered up by the commencing of Game of Thrones!! Love those shows!

6) Getting tired, completing only 60% of Ten Things Thursday tonight.

A Reason To Like Mondays...

    Mmmmm I am enjoying the new season of Dallas on TNT! Tonight is a two-hour episode.

    Today I also enjoyed a delicious new quinoa recipe. I got the basic recipe at Runs for Cookies Recipes, and I added some mushrooms and zucchini. My son absolutely loved it too!

     I hope everyone has a great week!

Friday Weigh-In

    Just a little setback this week, but I'm not discouraged. I'm sure the scale will be on the downward trend next week. I simply didn't do much exercise this week, and that's an easy fix!!

Friday Weigh-In

   Yay! The tracking of calories and protein worked! I dutifully logged everything I put into my mouth...averaged about 900 - 1200 calories per day. I was definitely less inclined to 'cheat', knowing that I would be writing everything down in a book.
    My goal for next week will be to break through the 190's barrier! Can't wait to see those numbers! Thanks for your encouragement and tips. To my Christian friends, have a blessed Easter weekend. Just remember, each boiled egg is only 75 calories and packs over 6 grams of protein!!
  

Friday Weigh-In

Don't believe everything you read.

    Dagnabbit!  Gained again. Alas, my new scale is called "THINNER", but I am not. I even weighed myself on my old scale to see if there was a difference (hey, a girl can dream, right?), but no such luck.
    I have been losing and gaining the same damn four pounds since January 18th. You know what this means dont'cha? This means I must actually track my intake! I haven't done this since third week post-op. I have got to get a handle on this. I cannot stay at this weight, not after all I've been through. So as much as I hate it, I will dutifully track my calories and protein intake. I know many of you do this on a daily basis, but I'm not a 'numbers' girl and never will be. It's about as natural to me as walking backwards.   :-(   But I know this is needed to  a) hold me accountable and  b)track trends/identify problems. I hope you all have a great weekend. Thanks for reading my blog!!

Friday Weigh-In

Yay! On my way!

I was surprised to see a loss this week, because it is not the best 'time of the month' to weigh oneself (nudge-nudge).

I am really struggling with portion control, and therefore calorie total. Also really struggling with carb cravings, which always is toughest during TOM. I find myself  straying from The Plan just about every day. (Portions too large, eating too fast, taking larger bites, eating too many carbs.) I've got to get back on track so I can experience the weight loss I saw in the first six months post-op. Restriction is not the problem-- I can 'feel' each bite going down. The problem is that I don't slow down and 'listen' to when my body is full...I just eat until it's gone.

I am slowly settling into a routine at my new job, so I should be able to eat better and get more  fluids. Fortunately a few gals at the office are trying to watch what they eat also, so that's always helpful (we swap low-cal salad dressings instead of fudge recipes.)

I missed Support Group again this month (I've never been to one). I would really like to try to go. As much as I like the blog-osphere, I also like meeting in person and sharing struggles and successses.

I got my hair cut, and my stylist asked if she could flat iron my hair. I have never had straight hair (always envied those who do) so I said, 'sure'! It took a half hour to tame these locks, but OMFG I loved the results!! I couldn't stop running my hand through my hair, it was soooo smoooooth and soft and straight. I kept looking in the mirror and felt like I was having an out-of-body experience because I couldn't reconcile the reflection with myself! My son fell out of his chair when I came home.  Alas, the results were gone after a shampoo, but boy it was fun while it lasted. It would take me too long to do this on a regular basis, but I can't wait until a special occasion to do this again!

Fun with Straight Hair...