Now That Everyone Is Gone.....

Maybe a little off the weight loss subject but...

I made it through my first major food holiday with my gizmo. Nothing got stuck, I didn't overeat @ the meal, I did graze some over the entire 3 days and I did eat some foods that were not "diet foods" and I didn't keep my journal....tomorrow I will be back on routine! Overall I feel good about the whole experience.

This year was my first Thanksgiving without both my sons being home. It was hard emotionally. I do not feel needed anymore as they are both young men now. I'm OK with it and I didn't do any emotional eating! I will continue to fill my time with things for ME and work on ME cuz hey I need myself! haha (refer to previous post a long ways back...)

My cousin came and spent Thanksgiving with us and that helped with the emotional part of it ~ having a change of pace during such times is a good thing!

Back to work tomorrow....

It'sThursday and I am down! Hit the 40 lb mark!!

Official weigh in! 189.8 good bye 190's!! That's 2.6 pounds off this week! Total weight loss 42.4 lbs!!

The band still has a good amount of restriction in it, I am really learning to chew chew chew and eat very slowly but that 1/2 cup food serving is lasting hourSSSS...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! ;-)


onward and downward.........




This shot is of my cousin and I after Thanksgiving dinner. She had not seen me in a couple of years so my size was a bit of a shock to her. She said it felt funny for her to be able to put her arms around me ~ haha. The change has been gradual for me but peeps that haven't seen me in a long time are surprised. I still can not believe 190's are behind me!! ;-)

NSV ~ The Coat!

OK, so I took all my old winter coats to Goodwill a couple of months ago. They were too big, old and it was time for them to go! Well it started getting cold here in Mizery a few weeks ago and I found a coat on sale @ Kohl's and I had a coupon so I bought it in an XL because the Large was too small in the front. Friday we went to Kohl's and I tried on the coat in a Large again and guess what...it zips, it fits, it's just a little snug in the "bat wing" arm area. So Saturday I try the XL on again (haven't taken tags off it yet) and I can overlap it in the front now and the arms are just a little less snug then the Large so back to Kohl's I went and exchanged the XL for the L!! Onward and downward I go..... ;-)

Thursday weigh in, 5 month bandaversary, measurements, full day!

official weigh in this morning....... 192.4

was banded 5 months ago yesterday.

total weight loss since beginning 3 day liquid diet pre band ~ 39.8 (oh so close to 40 lbs!)

still feeling really "tight" after that fill on Monday ~ gotta even drink very slowly ~ seem to burp a lot, not anything coming out just burp after drinking something ~ gonna stick it out a couple more days and see how it goes before requesting a slight un fill. I have been on liquids and mushies since the fill so today is the first day of solids and if I can't eat ya know I will be calling for that slight un fill for sure!

measurements and photos to be added this evening?!

Not much change in measurements but here goes:

11/19/09 (difference since 10/17/09)
weight 192.4 (down 5.8 lbs)
waist = 37 1/4 (down 1 1/2")
hips = 45 (down 1/2")
chest = 44 1/2 (same)
wrist = 6 1/2 (same)
forearm = 10 3/4 (down 1/4")
thigh = 25 (down 1/2")
calf = 17 (same)
ankle = 8 1/2 (same)
upperarm = 14 1/4 (down 1/4")
neck = 15 (same)

So I'm 3 days late with a picture or two but here goes nothing....







Pants = hand me downs (thanks Kathy!) and sweater/scarf = went shopping @ Kohl's on Friday evening! ;-)

There's Restriction And Then There IS Restriction Baby!

So I survived my third fill but not without a hitch.

First the big weigh in ... 195 on doctor scale a loss of 8.8 lbs in 8 weeks.

Second...I asked about the port incision area, it's hardness and raised area. It was explained to me as scar tissue around the incision, the port and the tube to the port. Last visit I was told it may still go down so that's what I am hoping for even if that wasn't mentioned this visit!

Third....in goes 1.5 ccs and here comes the water drink test. One sip, no movement of the water, just kind of stuck there in the chest. Second sip, little air bubble, little movement but just sitting there. Doctor said too much restriction is not good and if I can't get water down then I won't be able to get solids down.

Fourth...here comes poke number two into the port site....out comes .5 cc's and the water test goes much better. So I am @ 9.5 cc's in a 10 cc band.

I broke a sweat and felt a little nauseated after this fill but all is well now.

Liquids today, mushies tomorrow and mushies the next day too if I'd like to do that it's OK with the doctor.....and he suggested it so maybe I will do just that, give the new restriction time to settle in and take hold.

Dr. Minkin was still very personable, you don't feel like just another fat arse on the latest diet hype or just a number. He seems to be concerned about your overall health and how you are working with the lap band. He wants you to succeed (I want to succeed). He asks you a lot of questions and remembers what you talked about during the last visit. Not saying he doesn't review your record beforehand but at least he takes the time to do so. (this is how I know my hubby will be in his practice ~ caring and concerned about each and every patient and he will ask questions to make sure you are following the doctors orders!) I try very hard to follow the doctors orders on this weight loss journey ~ yes I slip up ~ yes I stumble but I'm moving onward and downward.

Too Excited Not To Post....

So this afternoon I get to go see my lapband doctor right?! Well ya know I have to have a guideline to my weight because his scale is different than mine, I weigh there later in the day, and I have clothes on there (instead of the usual bra and panties). I know I know it's not Thursday but I have to post my un official weigh in this morning. After less than a week of really trying to focus, eat right and cut out big girl drinks....drum roll please....

scale reads: 195.2

Last Thursday it was 197.4 so I've lost 2.2 lbs in 4 days! Besides trying to keep the eating under control I have been trying to exercise in some way shape or form daily! I'm so excited to see the scale move!

I will post about my doctor visit later this evening. ;-)

*** Welcome new follower ~ Lap Band Gal!! ***

Sarah's Bandster Quiz and My Answers....

1. How long have you been banded? A few days short of 5 months.
2. What was your highest pre-band weight? / Current weight now? / Total lost to date?
257 lbs on 10/17/91 one day before giving birth to second son/197.4 lbs/about 35 lbs with the gizmo and 60 lbs overall.
3. What is your best "go-to" food to get in your protein?
Greek Yogurt or Cottage Cheese in a hurry but shrimp is my favorite!
4. What is your favorite protein brand/shake? Atkins mocha latte ice cold!
5. What food do you miss the most now being post-band? doughy gooey bread.
6. What is your favorite "mushy" food? grits
7. What was your worst PB experience? well if PB is same as sliming experience it would be that bite of fried fish that got me back in August and it just kept foaming up and out for about 20 or 30 mins.
8. What has been the hardest part of this journey so far for you? "getting it" in my head to only eat when hungry.
9. What is your best NSV to date? Cutting up that Lane Bryant credit card cuz I don't have to shop in plus size stores anymore!
10. What is your top non-weight goal for your band? (top NSV maybe?) Maybe to have confidence in my body and actually really think that I look good?!
11. What is your goal weight or size? @ this point I have 140 lbs stuck in my head and I don't know why ~ guess I'll decide when I get there?!
12. What band "rule" do you live by (i.e. don't cheat on)? No diet soda for me!
13. What band "rule" do you not follow as much or aren't so good at? Actually using the 3/4 C measuring cup because I usually eat off that small plate with the circle.
14. What is your goal "reward"? If need be, a neck and tummy plastic surgery procedure.
15. In the spirit of Thanksgiving being right around the corner (US), what are you most thankful for, post-band? Having the tool to get through the food holidays so I don't gain 20 lbs!

New Peeps To Follow Me!! ;-)

Welcome Shannon W and Bandita Senorita! Thanks for following my journey onward and downward! ;-)

Should I Be Worried About..

counting calories? For dinner I had 1/4 c of chicken leg w/o skin, 1/4 c deli coleslaw, 1/4 c field peas for my 3/4 C meal now do you think I can find the nutritional value info on these items? NO, because any 411 I do find is in oz, grams, and not cups! So I'm really trying not to get hung up on the calories @ this point and stay focused on 3/4 C serving and ONLY eating when hungry! So far it's been a great day eating wise and I got two 15 minute walks in along with a 56 minute hike that included 402 steps going down and 402 steps going up.

onward and downward and feeling good about my successful day....I better go to bed before I blow it!! lol ;-)

An Original Poem by me! ;-)

An Original Poem by me (written some time before 5/30/1988 ~ yeppers, it's an oldie!)

Dieting is something we hate.
But fighting the battle of the bulge is our fate.

Setting our goals is a must.
So we can have smaller hips and bust.

We have to switch from sugar to sweet and low.
To loose just a half a pound will make our faces glow.

No cakes, candies, or ice cream.
A slimmer body is our dream.

Just apples, salads, and green beans.
That’s what it takes to wear smaller jeans.

Lots of exercise like swimming and walking.
Using our mouths for only talking.

Lots of willpower we will need.
So we can limit our daily feed.

We’ll need our friends backing.
When our willpower is lacking.

Don’t give up loosing fat.
Because that is totally unsat.

So hang in there my dear friend.
I’ll be behind you to the end!

Funny For Ya...

bluejeans hanging over the line in the basement drying ~ I take them down to fold them and put them in the teens pile of clothes and I realize they are MINE! They looked too small to be MINE! ;-)

Meeting 411 ~ "Healthy Holiday Eating"

Some 411 notes from the meeting I attended last night:

First off we need to be realistic for the holidays....maybe not so much focused on losing weight but on maintaining our weight? Back in the day I could gain 20 lbs no problem during the holiday season and that is exactly why I joined WW back in Dec of 2005 and it has totally helped me not to put on a butt load of excess weight during the season ~ we shall see how the gizmo helps me out in this area this year! My first holiday season with my gizmo ~ how exciting!! ;-)

No beer, champagne, or sparkling wines..... I have done great w/o diet soda ~ not one sip since surgery! Champagne and sparkling wines ~ no problem but duh I've had a couple of beers ~ never thought of them being carbonated ~ hey they are just foamy! Oops...and reminder to self "no alcohol for 6 months after surgery"! Empty high liquid calories and it stimulates appetite.

Be prepared before going to a holiday get together. Think about what you are going to eat and plan to eat the foods you really like. Avoid the snack bowls. Bring a healthy dish if you are bringing something.

* Depriving yourself of special holiday foods, or feeling guilty when enjoying them, is not a healthful eating strategy.

* Deprivation and guilt certainly are not part of the holiday spirit.

On another note it was mentioned a "full feeling" for up to 4 hours after a 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup meal....hhhhmmm I must be missing something or I'm just doing a lot of grazing. I will focus on that today ~ listening to my body, eating when hungry and trying to put my stomach off 4 hours between meals!

P.S. Sorry I missed meeting my fellow bander last night in person! Maybe next meeting?! ;-)

Week In Review And A Little Recap Of Things..

197.4

Official weigh in this morning! Down 1.4 pounds from last week.

That's minus 34.8 pounds since day 1 of liquid Pre Op diet.

Surgery date was 6/18/09 so I am Post Op 147 days. It will be 5 months next week? So rounding off that makes it about 7 pounds per month. I should be doing better than that I think. I am sure when I go see Dr Minkin on Monday if my weight loss is not up to par he will let me know. :-(

Week of food in review:
The WW point system didn't work so well for me this week ~ why?! Because I keep going "over" daily! Calorie counting hasn't worked either ~ why?! Because I go over 1,200 daily. And let me just say my "journal" is not up to par. I seem to focus more on the amount of food @ any given meal rather than the calorie content. Am I doing this wrong? I think I will attend the "Weigh2Success" class tonight @ the My New Self Bariactrics place. The classes are open to weight loss surgery patients who are 3 months post-op or beyond. The classes focus on long term nutrition lifestyle management. Yeppers, I need to know how to manage this gizmo! On a good note ~ no big girl drinks since Sunday night!

Week of exercise in review: 5 days out of 7 isn't bad!
Fri = hike @ Castlewood (steps x2)
Sun = weighted ball workout DVD (squats/lunges are not my friend)
Mon = 2 mile walk in the neighborhood (hurry up before it gets dark!)
Tues = weighted ball workout DVD (squats/lunges are still not my friend)
Wed = hike @ Castlewood (Riverview trail ~ steps only once and then it was downward!)

If I make it to the class tonight I'll post any good 411 I obtain from it!!

Onward and downward I go.......... ;-)

My Inspiration For The Day....

In the words of a fellow blogger (www.sallyslapbandjourney.blogspot.com) because she so inspired me this morning! Go check out the rest of her blog ~ she has great tips!

"On the 20 hour drive back I pondered these questions:

Have the physical and emotional changes over the past 15 months been worth it? Abso-damn-lutely yes! I would do this all over again. I can't remember when I've felt this good.

What has been the most surprising part of this journey? The increase in my self-confidence. I received a promotion about a month ago - I attribute that promotion directly to my increase in self-confidence.

What has been the most disappointing part of this journey? The fact that I waited several years before looking in to weight loss surgery. I was ashamed that I couldn't seem to control my weight on my own. How silly that seems now.

What has been the most enjoyable part of the journey? Over the past few months, through the blog and through word-of-mouth contact, I've met so many new people that are experiencing the same things I've experienced. I love to talk with them about the journey, what I've discovered, hear about their successes, and hopefully help them through tough times.

This journey will continue for the rest of my life - but every day gets a little easier. I now have to focus on maintaining my weight and being the healthiest I can be - after all, wasn't that the whole point to weight loss surgery?

I can't wait to continue blogging about this journey."

comments comments comments

Ya know this whole comment thing gives me troubles every now and then...so this morning I was trying to comment on a blog and troubles x3 so I went to tools, options, and checked to accept third party cookies and whalla it worked!

followers....I know I have more but they don't show up for some reason...maybe I can play around with that next!

On a good note after my Thursday morning weigh in I got myself together a little and had a couple of pretty good days with a hike in yesterday (stairs x2) so things are feeling and looking better in my corner of the world.

Official Weigh In....Not So Much Good News...

198.8

so that is slightly up. Why? Well let's look @ my food journal ~ oh wait I see it's only about half way filled out each day ~ hhhhhmmm. OK, well then let's review that exercise log ~ one mall slow walk, one hike, other than that just cleaning, painting, etc ~ hhhhhhmmmmm.

Bottom line: I know WHAT to do, I know HOW to do it, I have all the TOOLS I need, so what exactly is my problem?!

Done beating myself up this morning ~ hope to have a much better week this coming week and a better weigh in next Thursday morning!

Thanks for sticking with me as I move onward and downward..... ;-)

Horrible Surprise or Sweet Surprise?!

Is it Thursday yet?! I have not been on the scale. Either it is gonna be a horrible "weigh in" or a wonderful surprise "weigh in"! Sure seems strange not weighing every morning.

Exercise hasn't been much with all the rain we've had but we did get a hike in yesterday and it was beautiful outside!

Fellow bloggers ~ I am having a hard time commenting on your blogs ~ not sure what the deal is. I'll keep trying!! And you keep up the great work!!