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Blog 90427

A blog by Bklynike

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keeps getting better

Happy Sunday Everyone. If any of you have read my blogs before, you know that I love reporting good news. It makes me feel good to tell people how much I love my lap-band because it was the best thing I ever did for myself. I want to make sure that anyone who was a yo-yo dieter like I was knows there is help out there. For anyone who would lose 25 or 30 lbs and hit that wall - no matter how much you tried to lose more and couldn't like I did - it is possible to get help. I would hit that plateau and that would be it. After weeks of trying, I would get frustrated and return to my old friends - french fries, pasta, potatoes, bread, etc. So not only did I gain back the original loss, I would add a few more lbs to the mix. Which I have to say made me feel so much better about myself - NOT! And lets remember all of the co-morbidities that came along with getter bigger, fatter and less healthy.:thumbup: I know the lap band is just a tool. I knew that going in. My surgeon was very clear about that. It is not a magic pill that you take and wake up in the morning 100 lbs lighter than when you went to sleep. I knew my fairy godmother/father wasn't going to swoop down and remove the fat from my body with a mystical wand. It is work, hard work. But if you really want to get thinner, healthier and feel better about yourself and you are thinking about having the lap-band stop thinking and do it. The band has helped with my food in take. The gym and 3 wonderful trainers have helped with my exercise program - cardio and weight lifting. When you put these together with my will to succeed and the encouragement from friends, family and especally my wonderful husband, you get success. On June 21st of this year, my re-birth, I weighed 253.6. I was up to 268 at my heaviest. I know there are people out there reading this who have lost more weight than I have and some who have lost less weight than I have. But I know I am doing it the right way for me. Slowly and steadily and I am loving the new me. I just returned from the gym and wanted to report that I am now down to 217.4 lbs.:thumbup: I am looking forward to losing the next 10 lbs and then reaching the Onederland! I have no doubt I will do it. I am on track. I know what I have to do and I am doing it will all of the vim and vigor I can muster. Enjoy the rest of your day everyone - I wish each and every one of you are as happy as I am with the choice we made to have this wonderful surgery.

September 19, 2010

8

Fabulous!!!!!!!

When I started my journey October of last year, I was planning on having my lap band surgery in December. I had met with my surgeon, Dr. Bass. and all was good to go, or so I thought. Unfortunately, a little thing like breast cancer and a mastectomy took center stage and I had to postpone the surgery until my birthday on June 21st of this year. At that time I was 5'3" tall and weighed 268lbs. I had diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, my thyroid was not working properly, sleep apnea and overall just felt like crap all of the time. I couldn't walk 10 feet without stopping to gain my breath back. I was not able to sleep and because of the diabetes, my vision would blur after each meal. Knowing I was having the mastectomy and then I would have the LB, I started to eat a little bit less of the really bad foods and lost a couple of lbs. Then the liquid diet and after the lap-band, well you all know. I was at my primary care doctor today. From last year at this time to today, I have lost a total of 62lbs. I found out that I am no longer a diabetic and was told to stop my diabetic medication. I was not insulin dependent, but I did have to take pills twice a day. I had Type 2 diabetes for the last 6 years and now I do not. I have been able to control it with diet and exercise. I also do not have sleep apnea any longer. My blood pressure is perfect. In fact by my next visit, my doctor said she may take away that medication as well. My cholesterol was also better, so in 3 months I am hoping to drop that pill too! I have heard the phrase "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". Well, I am here to tell you that the phrase is no longer valid where I am concerned. I have learned to #1 take care of myself first. #2 Use the band as a tool #3 Eating correctly and exercise will save my life or at least make my life better. I know I am looking better, but I am healthier and that is the most important thing I could be. I wish you all the greatest success with your lap-band becuase I am here to tell you that it may be a slow and steady jog to the finish line, but I know we will all get there. We took years putting on the pudge, we need to love ourselves enough to allow the time to take it off. Today I am 206 lbs, cancer free, diabetic free, sleep apnea free, my cholesterol and high blood presssure are under control. I feel amazing and am getting stronger everyday. I am still only 5'3", but I feel 10' tall. Have a great night.

November 12, 2010

7

Happy Thanksgiving

Hubby and I will be traveling tomorrow for CT to visit our family and friends for the holidays. I have many things to be thankful for this year, as I am sure most of you do, as well. I got my lap-band this year, which has helped me in so many ways. I am no longer a diabetic due to diet and exercise. I have dropped 64lbs, meaning I have 4 lbs left to be in the Onederland. I am still cancer free!!!! My new clothes are starting to get big on me, so I know I am doing things the right way. My husband, family and frieds are all doing well. I am happy and I am looking good. I have somewhere around 50lbs to go, and I know I will get there. To everyone of you reading this, have a very happy healthy holiday. May we all get through the holidays with the help of our lap-bands and not have a weight gain. I will be checking in whle on vacation.

November 19, 2010

4

Long Time

Well, it has been a long time since I posted anything on this webiste. Once upon a time I was posting daily, then the site changed and I couldn't locate most of my friends or even figure out how to post. So, I am hoping some of my old banster buddies and perhaps some new friends will read my blog and send a hello. I was banded on June 21st, 2010 - my birthday. It was the best gift I have ever given myself. As of today, I have lost 72 lbs. I feel amazing and love the gym. I am still going 3-4 times a week, when health and family issues don't get in the way. I have been suffering with bronchitis this week, so I missed both my Friday night and today's trip to the gym, but I am anticipating by Tues I will be going back. I have only had 2 fills since my surgery - the first was 1cc and the 2nd was a 1/4cc. I am scheduled to go back in March for another, which I think I will be ready for. It is not that I am eating the wrong foods, but I find I am able to eat larger portions and this weight loss is based on portion control and exercise. It amazes me how great I feel at the gym and how exhausted and old I feel when I get home. I guess at 56 years of age I can't do what I used to do in my 20s and although in my mind I am still very young, my body is screaming "Enough old lady". I used to have my husband take a picture of me at the beginning of each month and I would post it to the old site. Unfortunately, I have no clue how to post a photo at this new site, so the green shirt photos have been a thing of the past. But I can tell you I had started at a size 3-4X and am now wearing Larges. I actually needs some new pants because my 18s are getting ridiculously big on me and my co-workers are making fun of me. So perhaps that will be my next project. I'll pick up two or three pairs of jeans; I can still wear my tops. I have had to go back to wearing a belt. Now I am not complaining, in fact I am thrilled to death that I have lost so much weight. People who haven't seen me in a while are shocked at how much I have lost in a relatively short time. I wish all of my fellow bandsters and those who are contemplating getting the surgery the best of success and good health. This is truly a gift.

February 27, 2011

8

First fill

Well folks, tomorrow is the day I have my first fill. I am excited, nervous and anxious. I'm not worried about the needle, well maybe a little. I am worried about how I will eat afterwards. I've lost 21 lbs since my surgery on 6/21, I am not hungry between meals, I stick to the 3-4oz of protein each meal, and I've been eating brocolli and some salads as well. I don't have any problems swallowing anything, including a hand full of pills at a time and I feel really good. What if I have the fill and then I start having problems eating or drinking? I want to continue to lose this awful weight that has been holding me down for so many years, and I think perhaps the fill will help me do it more quickly, but I fear the unknown. I just hope I am as comfortable after the fill as I am now. Yesterday I was cleaning out a drawer in my dresser and found 2 pairs of capri pants and a pair of black jeans that I bought 6 years ago when I went on my 50th birthday trip to New England with my 2 best girlfriends. I haven't been able to wear them since, but held on to them hoping one day... I was not only able to get into them, but they are now too big on me. I've already taken in the waistband on one pair of capris and will work on the other 2 pairs over the weekend. Boy, that felt so good. Let's remember that 6 years ago I was at 268lbs. I am now at 232.4. I'll report back after a day or two to let you know how I am doing with the fill. Wish me luck - I hope it is everything everyone says it is.

July 29, 2010

10

Green Shirt Picture

Hi, Everyone: Today is November 1st and I just took my monthly green shirt photo. I can't believe the changes in how I look and feel. It has been just a little over 4 months and I am down 46 lbs, plus the 14lbs I lost prior to the actual surgery. That is 60lbs folks. I believe someone told me today that 60lbs is about the weight of a 2 year old child. This surgery has saved my life in more ways than one. Besides feeling amazing, I am so much happier. I can do things now that I haven't been able to do in years like tie my own shoes, cross my legs and walk up a flight of stairs. I am sleeping so much better and I can actually see my feet! For anyone who is thinking about having this surgery, don't walk - run to the nearest surgeon and get it done. I will have my pictures posted by the end of the week so look for them. All I can say is I hope each and everyone of you who read this blog are feeling as good as I am.

November 2, 2010

6

Average Weight Loss

It is Friday night and I am excited to say I am down to 213.2:thumbup:. I wasn't in the gym last weekend because of our trip to Orlando, but from a week ago Sunday I lost 2.2 lbs. I have my 2nd fill scheduled for October 25th. I am losing an average of a pound a week. I wish it were more, but I don't know if it should be more? I have always heard 1-1.5 lbs a week is a healthy way to lose and keep it off. But with my band I thought it might be more:confused:. I have to remind myself that it took many, many years to put on the pudge and it will take time to get it off. Back in January I was 268 lbs. I started watching what I was eating, cutting out most of the carbs and started losing some weight. In May I joined the gym. By my surgery in June I was down to 251.4 lbs. Monday starts week 17 and I'm down, since surgery, 38.2 lbs. I feel really good and I am doing what I know I should be doing. I don't eat any carbs, unless they are naturally in the food I am eating. No bread, no pasta (this one hurts, I love pasta), no potatoes, no rice. I have gotten used to eating hamburgers without the bread and french fries! What has your average weight loss been like? Check out my photo album and my new tattoo!

October 15, 2010

6

Nutritionist

I went today for a visit with my new nutritionist and I love her. She is very friendly and truly listened to me. She gave me some great recipe ideas and once we have tried one or two and like them, I will post them here so we can all share. I was concerned that I wasn't doing what I should be doing, but she said I am doing great! I am excited that I don't have to do the protein shakes anymore. I truly don't like them. I have been eating enough proteins and I am still losing. I told her I was concerned that if and when I get a fill, I won't be able to get in enough food in. She said I would probably end up cutting back on the veggies or fruit, but that as long as I continue eating my protein first, I won't need the shakes or protein bars. I know a lot of you here at this site still eat bread or carbs, but I don't, My doctor does not want me, or his other patients, to eat them because according to him, if you don't eat carbs, your body fuels on your fat. If you eat carbs, the body fuels on the carbs and leaves the fat. So even though I love the bread and pasta, I am doing without. In a year when he says I can have them in small portions, I'll see if I want them then. I weighed in at her office and then again tonight at the gym. I am down to 224.6. I feel so good. I wish everyone reading my blog feels as good as I do.:scared2: Have a great weekend everyone.

August 28, 2010

5

Happy New Year

I am entering the New Year in the Onederland - 68.5 lbs down and feeling great. The greatest thing I ever did for myself. I went to the doctor on Wed to get my 2nd fill, and was told I only needed 1/4cc, giving me a total of approximately 5cc in my 14cc band. I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year. May you loose all of the weight you want to lose, not be hungry between meals, stop craving carbs, come into a lot of money for your new wardrobe and be comfortable enough to wear a bathing suit this summer!

December 31, 2010

4

Almost 1 year

For any of you who have read my blogs, you know I had breast cancer last year. My 1-year anniversary of being cancer free is coming on January 5th. I saw my oncologist today and she was absolutely thrilled by my progress - my numbers are great and my weight loss has been a huge help. Down almost 68lbs so far. I am still in remission - cancer free is a great feeling. Getting thinner is also a great feeling. I love my lapband. I am having a problem figuring out this new site. I hope all of my fellow bandsters are still getting what they need here. I look forward to reading everyone else's blogs, how they are doing and suggestions to getting better success. Weight loss is not an easy thing - hence the lapband surgery, but it is attainable and I know I will succeed. I have something to look forward to - I will be getting my boobs and a tummy tuck some time around Nov/Dec of 2011. I need to lose all the weight I want to lose and keep my weight steady so I can have the surgery. I was going to have the reconstruction at the time of the mastectomy (left breast), but because I was going to be losing so much weight, the surgeon wanted me to wait. So I will have both done at the same time. I already look better, I am cancer free, I have a fabulous husband and family and the new year is upon us. I wsh everyone who reads this the most wonderful holiday season. May you live as long as you want, but never want as long as you live. Here's to an easy journey for us all.

December 16, 2010

6

Back from Vacation

We are back from our 2 weeks in CT. The cold weather was a wondeful change to our 80s in Florida. I was so excited to see my sister and friends and to get their reactions to my new look. Everyone cried when they saw me. Good tears, thank goodness. They were very proud of me, which made me feel wonderful. I was very worried that 2 weeks away would cause me a weight gain. I tried to sign up at LA Fitness for the 2 weeks, but they wanted so much money, I decided against it. My aunt had a treadmill in her basement - a very old one, but it worked. And my cousin lent me some weights. So I went down into the cold cellar every other day and worked out for an hour. I also did not cheat on my food in take. I stayed on track and when I stepped on the gym scale today was thrilled to find I had a 3.1lb loss. I have just over 1 lbs to lose to hit the Onderland. I have lost 67 lbs since my journey started and feel amazing. And I have to say I got whistled at in the supermarket! We had a great Thanksgiving. Now I have Christmas and New Year's to get through. And because I am hosting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at my home, I can control what gets served and eaten by me. All is good. I think 2011 will be a good year for us all.

December 13, 2010

6

2nd Fill

Are you losing what you think you should? I wasn't sure if I was losing enough. 41 lbs in 4 months seemed like a good amount to me, but I read blogs here and some people are losing much more than I am. Some have lost less, but I wasn't sure. I felt that by talking to my doctor's PA, I would learn what was right for me. I wanted to make sure I was still on the right track with the foods I eat and with the 4 trips a week to the gym were enough. So, I went to get my second fill today. My first fill was a piece of cake, so I didn't expect today's fill to be any different. So the PA comes in and we start talking. How are you feeling? I am feeling great. Absolutely amazing. Are you losing? About 10 lbs a month, consistently. Are you hungry between meals? No. I am usually satisfied with my 3 meals a day. Have your portion size changed? No, I am still eating about the same amount as usual. Protein first, then veggies and if I have room, salad. I stop eating when I feel satisfied. We spoke about the fact that people who have let's say 200 or more lbs to lose will lose in larger quantities - 5-10 or more lbs a week, as opposed to me. I have about 60 lbs left to go, so my loss of approximately 10lbs a month is a great accomplishment. We decided I didn't need a fill today. She said she didn't want to mess with something that was working so I will go back on November 12th, if anything changes. If not, I'll reschedule for some time in December. What did I learn at my doctor's visit today? I learned that I should not compare my loss or gain to anyone else's. Each of us has our own journey to take and each journey will be different. If I have any doubt, my doctor and his staff will be there to keep me on track. I also realized that I love myself more and more each day. I am so proud of myself and I am starting to really like the way I look. I now have clothes that fit and it makes me happy to see myself looking so much better. I love hearing friends and coworkers comment on the changes I have made so far. I took this journey so I would be healthier, get off my medications and to look and feel better and I did it for me. My husband and family will also benefit from my Lap Band because if I am healthier, I will live longer. Thank you Dr. Bass, thank you Lap-Band. :thumbup:

October 26, 2010

4

Last Time

At work on Friday the woman I have given all of my over sized clothes to handed me 2 coupons for the Avenue. They are having a huge sale this weekend - 31% off everything in the store, off your total purchase, including sale items. This will probably be the last time I have to shop in a big-girl's store. I went yesterday to the Avenue near my father-in-law's place and got 3 tops in an 18/20. I really liked the tops and especially the price, so today I went to a different Avenue near my house and got 3 additional tops in an 18/20 and 2 in 14/16. I figured, why not? I'll eventually fit into them, right?:thumbup: I had just finished at the gym, so I was all sweaty and couldn't try anything on, but I am a firm 18/20 right now. I remember just a short time ago being a 26-28. I weighed in today at 212.2:thumbup:. Just 2.3 to get out of the double digits. I can't wait. I count 10 lbs at a time, so 209, here I come! You can get your own coupon at www.avenue.com. Today is the last day of the 31% sale, so if you need some new things at a really great price, check it out. Have a great day everyone. :smile:

October 17, 2010

5

Great Visit

I couldn't have been happier to hear my doctor's excitement as she read my blood test results. My A1C came way down, which is so great. She cut my cholesterol medication in half and said when I go back in 3 months she will probably be able to take me completely off it, as well as my diabetic medication. She is going to test my blood again in 3 months, including my thyroid, to see if I can stop that med, as well. The blood pressure medication will probably be the last one to be removed, but she said it will not be necessary any longer if I keep losing and exercising. I have my first fill scheduled for next week, but I am not sure right now if I will need it yet. My surgeon said if I don't feel that it is necessary, wait one more week. Sometimes I think I do need it, but I think I will wait until Monday to make my decision. I am not over eating or eating anything that I have been told not to eat. I've been losing about 5lbs a week. Last night I had 1/2 a hamburger, no bun, with mozzarella cheese and some broccoli and was very content. When served, I immediately cut the burger and veggie in half and put it in a to-go box. Today's lunch was last night's leftover. Eating this way is certainly less expensive. I am truly happier than I have been in years. I know I have written this statement before, but it is true, and I want everyone to know it. I will lose the weight this time, I will get off my medications, I will hit the gym and build muscle instead of fat, I will ward off getting cancer again. I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME ROAR! (Thanks Helen)

July 13, 2010

9

Their here...

I finally got my new pictures uploaded - one in the green shirt and another one that I personally liked. I can't believe the difference in just a little over 4 months. People keep telling me how great I look, but It is easier for me to see the changes in my body when I look at these pictures. I have to say I feel so good about it. :scared2: I actually weighed in tonight at 206.8. The Onederland is getting closer - I can feel it and I can't wait to join many of you who have already reached it. I am so proud of you all and I am proud of the work I am doing. I am truly loving this journey. Tomorrow I will see my primary and then I wil find out if I can stop some of my medications: diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure and thyroid. I am excited about the possibility. I know if I don't stop them this time, I will the next time. I have already cut everything in half, so it is just a matter of time. And now that I have had the surgery, I will have much more time. OK, what are you waiting for? Go look at my pics and report back! Have a great night everyone.

November 11, 2010

6

Chicken Parmesian Recipe

I wrote a little while ago that because my doctor does not want me to eat real bread crumbs my new nutritionist gave me a great idea for coating fish and chicken . Well, we finally tried the coating on one of our favorite dishes, chicken parmesian, and it was great and very healthy. Here is what we did. Ingredients: 1 small can cashews 1 small can roasted almonds 2 packages of skinless/boneless chicken (about 5 pieces per package) 2/3 cup All Whites egg substitute Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Parsley to taste Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Tomato Sauce (fresh made, jar or can) Grated parmesian cheese optional Baking pan - sprayed with Pam or any non-stick coating We emptied both cans of nuts into our food processor and pulverized them into a fine "bread crumb" texture. Pour some onto a large plate and repeat as necessary. In a separate bowl, mix the egg substitute, garlic and onion powder and parsley in a bowl. Rinse your chicken and then dredge the chicken through the egg mixture and into the nuts to coat both sides then place in prepared baking pan. I found I had to press the coating onto the chicken to have it stick better. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cook the chicken for 30 minutes. I did not turn the chicken over during cooking. When the 30 minutes are up, put 1-2 tablespoon of sauce on each piece of chicken, depending on size of the piece, and top with some of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Put the chicken back into the oven and cook another 10 minutes allowing the cheese to melt. I served the chicken with steamed veggies and it was delicious. Please remember, all ovens cook at different temps, so make sure your chicken is cooked all the way through before you eat it. If you don't like cashews or roasted almonds, substitute any other type of nuts. I prefer the egg substitute to real eggs, but if you don't like the egg substitute, use 2 real eggs. I made 2 packages because I like to keep prepared food in the freezer so I can grab one on my way to work. I had one piece of chicken for dinner, my husband had 2 pieces. That left me enough for us to have a 2nd dinner and some lunches. We have not tried this topping on fish yet, but it was so good I am sure we will do so in the very near future. Enjoy! :wink:

September 10, 2010

4

New Photo

I cannot believe how quickly time is flying by. Next weekend I will be posting my new Sept. 2010 photos in my good old green shirt. Be on the look-out for that. This month is full of doctor's appointments for me. I am again cancelling the appointment for my first fill this Thurs. Still don't think I need it. I have an appointment for a colonoskopy consultation:eek:. Yes, I have put it off as long as I can, now my doctor's are yelling that it has to be done. So, in order to schedule the test for the week of October 11th I have to go meet the doctors and give them my medical history. How fun is that? Then I have to get my mammogram and ultrasound:mad:. It will take have the time it usually does since I had a mastectomy on January 5th of this year...I know, sick humor. I am a little nervous about it, but I will keep good thoughts. Then I get to see my oncologist. I love this woman more than I can say:tt1:. She is absolutely the best. I hope she tells me the mammogram and ultrasound tests went well and all is good for another year. Once you have been told you have breast cancer, every mammogram is a scary proposition. OK, so I have been doing really well with the lap-band so far. I am down to 223.4 and feeling really well, except I have some kind of lump on the bottom of my left foot and 2 corns on my right foot, so when I'm on the treadmill, my feet start to bother me. My sneakers are New Balance shoes and I have been wearing them for a couple of months, so I know they fit well. I guess I now have to make an appointmtnet with a podiatrist:cursing:. When it rains it pours, but I am losing weight, not hungry between meals so I am still a happy puppy. :tt2:

September 1, 2010

5

First Fill Here I Come!

First the really good news. My mammogram and ultrasound last week were perfect! I saw my oncologist on Friday and she said all was well. She was very excited about my weight loss - 25lbs since my last visit. On Saturday my husband and I both had a colonoscopy. All clear at "that end" as well. If you have ever had a colonoscopy you know the drill. Eat breakfast before 10:00 am the day before your test. The rest of the day is only clear liquids and you will either take the pills, which we did, or you drink some awful drink and spend the night in the bathroom. So I got home from work on Friday at 3:45 to start the intake of 32 pills, which started at 4:00. You take 4 pills and then every 15 minutes until 20 pills have been swallowed. Then at 7:00 you take 4 pills every 15 minutes until you complete taking the final 12 pills. And of course, no breakfast. On Sat morning, we got picked up by a car service and taken to the facility for the test and then we got driven home. All in all it was a good experience. So, I didn't eat anything for an entire day and when I stepped on the scale today at the gym I expected I lost a pound or more. Last week I lost 8/10s of a pound and lost the exact same amount - 8/10s of a lb. -today. Wow, I was kind of surprised, but as I always say a loss is a loss no matter how small. I think it convninced me that it is time for my first fill, which is scheduled for Thurs. I will speak with my doctor, or his assistant, to get their opinion. But I believe that after 2 weeks of such a small loss either means I need the fill or I am at a plateau. In either case, I need to depend on the lap band for help this time. I was losing 3-4 lbs at a time. 2 weeks ago I lost 5lbs and then 8/10 for the last 2 weeks. I am still in love with the gym. Even more so now that I have added 3 additional weight training machines. So, I am working out hard, although I didn't go on Friday because of the colonoscopy medication, but went right back today. I hope you are all doing well and enjoying your weekend. Back to the grind tomorrow!

September 12, 2010

4

Goals are made to be broken

I am out of the 230s, by only 2/10 of a lb, but out neverless. I almost fainted when the scale settled on 229.8 tonight. I will weigh in again on Fri night, but I don't write the "poundage" in my book until Sunday. I will be so excited to write 22...something, anything, but I don't want to write 23... something. Once I am firmly in the 220, my next goal will be 219. I believe a 10lb goal is manageable and will keep me sane. If I have to look at the "big-picture", I will get flustered and I don't want to do that to myself. I will be seeing a really good friend of mine in early September and I can't wait until she sees the new me. I wasn't supposed to see her until November, where there would be a much larger difference, but this will be good too. Then when I see her in November, she'll get the see more of a change. My journey has been going along very well, so far. Still no fill and no hunger between meals. My doctor has scheduled me for a fill next Thurs. I am curious as to whether or not I will need it, but only time will tell. This past Monday started my 7th week since my surgery and I have lost 24lbs so far. Have a great evening everyone.

August 11, 2010

7

Love this band!

I was back at the gym tonight and after the cardio and weight training session, I weighed in and I am now, drum roll please, 227.4. I have lost 26 lbs since my surgery. Now 25 lbs has always been my limit. Once I hit that number in the past, my plateau was of a permenant nature. After about 3 weeks of not losing an ounce, I would give up and go back to my old ways, which not only helped me gain back every pound, but gave me a bonus - I always added a few extra lbs. How special! :thumbup: Well, Monday started my 8th week. I lost 14lbs before the surgery and 26lbs since. I am so proud of myself. My first fill was supposed to be tomorrow, but I postponed it until Sept. 2nd. This is the 3rd time I had an appointment for a fill. I kept the first 2 and was told I did not need the fill yet. And since nothing has changed in my eating habits; I 'm still not hungry between meals and I am losing weight, I just called and rescheduled it. I really feel so much better and people are telling me all the time how much better and healthier I look. I hope everyone has a great evening and you are all loving the band as much as I am.:wink2:

August 19, 2010

8

To Scale or Not To Scale????

I always write down my Sunday weight. I weigh myself each time I go to the gym, 3-4 times a week, but only log in my Sunday weight in my book. I think once a week is a good representation. Last Sunday I had a week's loss of 4.6 lbs. Today the scale showed me a loss of 8/10's of a lb. My first fill was this past Thurs, so I am very curious to see what I will weigh next Sunday. I know I am doing everything within my power to reach my goal, and I will make it. I work out like a maniac - call me crazy but I really do enjoy it. A good workout with lots of sweat makes me feel energized and motivated to do more. I eat all the right things. I can't believe that I, the queen of carbs, gave up pasta, potatoes and bread. But my doctor said that by doing so, I would eventually make my goal, so I am doing it. Do I prefer the 4 lbs loss to the tenths of a lb. you bet your bippy. But my husband reminded me that we learned by watching The Biggest Loser, you cannot and will not have a big loss every week. So, I say next week will be better. My fill is just a few days old, so I have to give myself a chance to catch up to it. I was 216.6 today. I can't wait until I am out of the 200s, but I am only taking 10 lbs at a time, so I am looking forward to getting below 210. The scale can be your friend, but it can also make you doubt that you are doing everything and anything you can to get to your goal. I cannot allow myself to get discouraged when the numbers are not what I am hoping them to be, or if I don't feel they are going down fast enough - But I will not let anything stand in my way. Have a great Sunday everyone.:smile:

September 26, 2010

4

Breast Cancer Month

Hello fellow bandsters! My husband and I were away this weekend in Orlando, which is about 3 1/2 hours from our home. There was a horror convention going on for my husband and shopping with my girlfrieds for me. I cannot wear any of my old clothes, so I have given almost everything away to a co-worker for her and her daughter to share. So when the opportunity came up to hit some of the outlet stores with 2 friends who live up in Orlando, I jumped at the chance. I never knew the Gap carried larger sizes. Most stores will go up to a 14, the Gap goes up to a 20. I am now wearing an 18-20, so I was able to get 3 pairs of jeans and 3 sweaters for my vacation in November. We walked and walked and walked and tried on shoes, pants, tops, and had a blast. A year ago I wouldn't have been able to do the amount of walking I did this weekend. The weight loss has certainly made such a huge difference in my life. On Sunday I had a 1 hour massage at the spa while my husband was at the horror convention. I was resting/reading by the pool when he called that I should meet him for lunch. As we were walking around looking at all of the costumed people, I noticed a room with all tattoo artists doing tattoos. I have thought about getting a tattoo for a while, but never really had the opportunity - until seeing what was going on. I went into the huge room and walked around viewing some of the artist's work and found a young woman who I thought would be really good. So I actually got a tattoo. I am a breast cancer survivor. Anyone who has read my blog knows I had a mastectomy on January 5th of this year. October is breast cancer month and the month I was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago. So, I have uploaded a picture of the tattoo that is now on the side of my left calf. Cancer certainly changed how I look at a lot of things. Losing weight and getting healthier has also made things look brighter and clearer for me. I have a better chance of keeping cancer at bay by losing weight and exercising, which is exactly what I am doing. For those of us who have had breast cancer, for anyone who knows someone who has or had breast cancer and for those of us who struggle everyday with weight, I am here to say there is hope. I am a survivor. I will succeed and I will continue fighting until I have reached my goal. I hope you all have a great evening.

October 12, 2010

1

Is this me?

As promised, I have attached a new avatar photo my husband took today. I am so shocked at how different I look already. We had a late lunch with friends today and they were very complimentary about my weight loss. Everyone says I look like I am losing, but I couldn't really see it until we compared some photos today. Yahoo! I will have a new photo taken every month to track my journey. I am so excited and happy about the small changes I am already experiencing. The top I am wearing in this photo is a 2X - I have been wearing 3X and 4X tops for the longest time. I can't wait to report that I am in an AL and able to shop in a regular store. As much as I always liked The Avenue and Lane Bryant, I don't ever want to have to shop there again. I want to wear some cute clothes for a change. I am so tired of old lady over-size garments. Aren't you? Why can't someone make some cute things for larger women? Just because we are larger, doesn't mean we don't want to wear the same clothing normal-sized women wear. I am not talking about mini-skirts, short-shorts or crop tops. But everyday tops and jeans would be nice.:rolleyes2: Hope you like my new photo. Have a great weekend.

July 18, 2010

9

I chose Lap-Band - Yea for me!!!!!

I am so happy I chose the Lap-Band and not gastric bypass. I originally thought the gastric bypass was the answer. I went to the meetings but was very nervous when I heard not reversable, hair loss, dumping syndrome, 6 weeks no work, only 1 year to lose your weight and $25,000. My insurance company was going to approve it, right? Wrong. The day before I met with the surgeon, I got a call from his office to say my insurance company had an exception to my coverage and wouldn't pay anthing for weight loss surgery. So I went home and cried. I thought I would have to live my life miserably fat and on every medication you would imagine a fat old broad would have to be on. The sleepless nights caused by my sleep apnea, the diabetes, the high blood pressure, the high tri-glicerides and high cholesterol, knee and back pain, and on and on. I was heartbroken. But I decided to start saving and hoped that one day... I started hearing about Lap-Band and actually knew someone who had it. She was so happy and excited and started looking and feeling really good. So, I went to some meetings to see what I could learn about it. I met my surgeon and decided this was the surgery for me. I started saving every penny I could. Then, in May of last year my mom passed away leaving me a small inheritance. So I was scheduled for December 21st for lap-band. Well, as you all know I had been diagnosed with breast cancer in October and had my mastectomy in January. Which of course meant I had to postpone my lap-band. I rescheduled it for my birthday. The greatest gift I could possibly give myself on my re-birthday. Yes, I was sore the day of surgery, but got around pretty well on day 2. By Wed I was up and moving without very much discomfort and the rest is history. I never looked back. Well a young woman who worked for me scheduled her gastric bypass for the week following my surgery. She spent 4 days in the hospital, in pain all of the time. Then after getting home, she ended up back in the hospital because she was dehydrated. When I spoke with her today, she was still having trouble drinking water! Lap-Band - life saving tool. A couple of days of discomfort and a lifetime of good health, normal weight, and happiness. I am so glad I made this choice.

July 16, 2010

5

Postponed

I was at my first post-surgery support group last night. There were a lot of people there. I must say I was a little suprised by the turn out. My husband came with me, and was the only husband, the only supportive family member, the only man in the meeting. I was so happy he came with me, although he felt a little out of place. But the meeting was very informative and everyone seemed very nice, although some of them were a little nuts. Read on and you'll see what I mean. Some of us were "newbies" under 6 months, but there was also a woman 4 years out. Many of the women around a year, and 1 woman who is not scheduled until next month to have her surgery. I learned that I was probably not really ready for my first fill. I am still content between meals and not overeating. Still losing weight and feeling great. I postponed my first fill until next Thurs. There was actually a woman there who found out her band had twisted so she needs to have it replaced. She was so angry about it that she started eating anything and everything just to see what would make her sick. Throwing up and feeling horrible, she did this for over a week. Crazy? You bet. She is having the band replaced next month. Others were talking about how they have found ways to cheat. What? R U kidding me? How do you think you became the size of a house???? One woman said she had taken "time off for herself" and gained back over 30lbs. Maybe it is because I paid for the surgery myself, or maybe it is because I am just so excited and jubliant about how I am feeling, but the thought of cheating or eating something I know will make me sick is not going to happen. I go out to eat with my husband a couple times a week. I always try to make the best choice for me, and have been successful. I have waited 3 long years for this surgery; my health and happiness is more important to me than a bowl of spaghetti or a slice of cake.

July 21, 2010

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