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About this blog

:thumbup:My journey with the band - On my way to the 2nd part of my life!

Entries in this blog

 

12/2/09

So far, since last Thursday, I've been at the gym pretty much every day! Yay me! Am I really back? I think I am!   One of my readers posted a comment yesterday on my blog asking the question if I am eating enough. I really counted my calories yesterday, weighed out everything and ended up eating a total of 1194 calories. I think that is enough. So I'm happy with that.   I am going to start posting my menu the next day, because what I said I was going to eat yesterday, ended up being a little different.   Here is what my menu ended up looking like:   5:20 am - 45 min of hard core training on the elliptical machine   8:00 am - 2 boiled eggs, 2 slices of bacon and coffee with cream = 290 calories   10:30 am - banana and about 9 almonds = 154 calories   1:00 pm - Jillian Michaels protein shake - Yummy - mixed wtih 1 cup of skim milk and 1 TBSP of organic peanut butter = 280 calories   2:40 pm - bartlett pear and about 7 almonds = 160 calories   5:30 pm - 1 cup of my homemade hamburger stew and just 1 itsy teeny bite of my garlic bread = 250 calories   9:15 pm - had a suger free dessert, jello chocolate mousse while I was watching the Biggest Loser (Go DANNY!) = 60 cal   TOTAL calories = 1194   Wt - didn't weigh! Stayed off the scales and trying to stay off them until 12/14/09. Just focussing on getting to the gym and eating right!   My plans tonight are:   1 hour of cardio, 1 hour of weight training (upper body & abs)
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

12/1/09

Oh yeah, its on! I was up at 5 am and working out at the gym by 5:20 am this morning. Now, let me tell you, I was sooooo tired and didn't want to get up, after all I was at the gym until after 10:00 pm last night. But I knew that I would not be able to go tonight - so I forced myself up. I'm glad I did it!   First of all, I had a great workout last night, it lasted 2 hours, I did 60 min on elliptical and 60 min with weights, working my lower body.   This morning was pure cardio - did 45 min on the elliptical.   Tomorrow, I'm planning on another 2 hours at the gym, planning on doing 60 min of cardio and 60 min of weights (working the upper body)   Today's menu: 8:00 am - coffee w/cream 2 boiled eggs & 2 slices of thin bacon (290 cal)   11:00 - protein shake made with skim milk (200 cal)   2:00 - Tuna & broccoli (180 cal)   4:30 - yogurt, banana (160 cal)   6:00 - carrots & hummus (100 cal)   9:00 - Weight watchers snack - (140 cal)   As you can see, I'm eating quite often, just small meals. Trying to blast my matabolism by eating every 2 to 3 hours.   I also retook my measurements last night, and I did not weigh this morning. I put the scales up. I am avoiding the scales until 12/14/09. A two week progress check. I will re-measure and weigh at that time to see how I'm doing.   Okay, I'm off to work..............
tonya66

tonya66

3
 

11/30/09 - 7 week countdown

I'm 7 weeks from my 3 year band anniversary. My goal, is to be close to goal. I would love to break my plateau and get out of the 160's! So thats my goal, to be at least 159 by 1/18/10.   Today's menu   Bfast 2 boiled eggs coffee   snack clemintine fruit   lunch 3 oz of canned white meat chicken few carrots   snack 100 cal protein shake 1 cup of skim milk   dinner 3 oz of grilled chicken broccoli   Exercise - PM - but my goal is to switch to AM this week! 1 hour of cardio 45 min of strength training - lower body   Last week, hit the gym 3 times for a total of about 4.5 hours - not enough, but it got me started.   This week, my goal, is to do 5 days a week, but I'm shooting for 6 days a week at the gym.   I'm in bootcamp! Thats right its boot camp time unitl my 3 year anniversary. That means NO CHEATING, and exercise, exercise and exercise.
tonya66

tonya66

3
 

11/27/09

Had a pretty good day today, started off eating a little bad, but then I snapped out of it and ate my protein.   Went to the gym and had a GREAT workout. I ended up doing the elliptical machine yesterday for a solid hour and burned over 500 calories.   Today, I even did better, started off with 30 min on the elliptical machine, switched to weight training and worked my lower part of my body. Ended up lift weights for about 45 min, then jumped back on the elliptical machine and did another 30 min. I figured I burned about 700 or more calories, over 500 alone on the elliptcial machine. Yay me!   Came home, grilled my some Salmon on my George Foreman grill, steamed some brocoli, and had a great dinner.   Got hungry again, so I ate 3 oz of chicken, it did the trick!   I know I am not tight enough, but I can deal with this restriciton, at least I have some. I am going to see my surgeon in January, but I might schedule one more fill before then.   Okay, off to bed - - - planning on hitting the gym again tomorrow! I can tell I will be sore tomorrow, my rear end is already hurting (worked my hamstrings)   Wt - 171.5   Exercise - 2 hours at the gym   Menu   Bfast piece of cheesecake   Lunch turkey breast green beans   Dinner grilled salmon steamed broccoli   Snack 3 oz of chicken breast
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

11/26/09

Woke up this morning with a tad bit of acid reflux. I got to say, I love it! Yes, you heard me right, I love it! That means I've got some restriction! I ate a bit late last night, so I think that way I had a little reflux. My restriction feels pretty good, I am eating a lot less, which I LOVE! Hopefully I can get rid of the 10 lbs that I've gained lately with my "no restriction".   I'm about to go get dressed and head to my gym today, they are open until 2:00 pm, so I'm going to take advantage of it!   Menu today:   Bfast very small (about 1" x 1") piece of cake - I know, not good. coffee   Lunch - Roasted cornish hen (3 oz)   Dinner - grilled fish salad   Exercise - 45 min elliptical machine 30 min weight training   PS - tomorrow morning at the gym they are havinfg a "burn the turkey" workout. I'm going to go to that. Even though as you can see by menu, I don't participate in the Thanksgiving festivals, I plan on taking advantage of the "intense" workout they are having. Its a 2 hour class, so I should burn some calories tomorrow.   Wt 172.5 - yuk!:cool2:
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

11/25/09

Fill #19 seems to be pretty good, not too tight for sure, and might be a tad too lose. I'm going to ride it out and keep track of my tightness and see how low it last. I think I need to be just a little tighter - and if I could get it there, and keep it there, it would be a wonderful thing for me!   Today's menu:   Bfast just had some iced coffee I made with with skim milk   Lunch 3 oz of chicken   Dinner Roasted chicken green beans   Exercise - 45 min on elliptical   wt 172.7 - this absolutely SUCKS!@ so discouraged!!!!!!!!! I was at 158!:cool2:
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

Fill #19 - feeling very discouraged at this point.

Just had fill #19. I've decided that I am making an appointment for the first of next year - something is not right. I should not still be getting fills. I will see how the 19th fill does, I do have some restriction, but not enought. I am very frustrated at this point, but trying to stay positive.   Fill #1 - 3/6/07 - 2.2cc's   Fill #2 - 4/17/07 - 3.0cc's   Fill #3 - 7/6/07 - 3.5 cc's (I think it was only 2.5cc's because when I went back for fill #4, he could only w/draw 1.8 cc's)   Fill #4 - 7/20/07 - filled me back to 3.0 ccs - He should have filled me more!   Fill #5 - 8/17/07 - 3.4cc's   Fill #6 - 10/08/07 - filled me to 3.8cc's - the best restriction I've ever had,but still could eat big bites of food, so I figured I needed to be tighter.   Fill #7 - 11/21/07 filled to 4.0 cc's. By the evening could not hold anything down, not even my saliva. PBing all night - horrilble experieince   UNFILL #1 - 11/23/07 - unfilled to somewhere between 2.5 to 3.0 cc's - NO RESTRICTIONS AGAIN :cool2:   Fill #8 - 1/18/08 Went in and the doc filled me back up to just right under 4.0, according to Flouro, it was perfect. Well, by next morning, could not hold down saliva again, ended up back in hospital   UNFILL #2 - 1/19/08 - Doctor had to unfill me to 3.0 again because of the swelling from all the PBing for being too tight. Again, NO RESTRICTION - :eek:   Fill #9 - 2/12/08 - 3.5 cc's - was tight for about a week, now feel lose again. grrrr, still have "some" restriction, just not quite enough! Next fill scheduled for 4/7/08 - I hate that it takes sooooooo long to get in to see the fill doc.   FILL #10 - 4/7/08 The doc just added .4cc's, making me at 3.9cc's. I think this might be the one!   FILL #11 - Was scheduled on 6/25/08 - but the doc did not fill me up, I was leaving for a cruise on 6/27 so he didn't want to risk me being too tight, so did not get a fill.   FILL #11 - 8/5/08 Went for a fill, this time the doc took all my fill out and all he could get out was 2.4 cc's. Filled me up to 4.0 cc's, I left, had to go right back because I could not drink, he took out a little over .2 cc's, he said I'm somewhere between 3.5 to 3.7 cc's. - I had great restriction for 2 weeks, but It has now loosened some. I feel I might need a tad more. I'm worried I have a very slow leak.   UNFILL #3 - 8/5/08 - Took a little over .2 cc's out, had pretty good restriction, but still a tad too lose.   FILL #12 - 9/17/08 - Added just 1/10th of a cc - I think I'm somewhere between 3.8 to 3.9 cc in a 4cc band. I am hoping and praying this is the fill that I stop with! I do not have another appointment for another fill, will wait this one out and see.   Fill #13 - 10/06/08 - Doc added about 2/10's of a cc. He took everything out and put it all back in and said I was about 3.7 to 3.8cc's. - which is where he said I was last time.   FILL #14 - 11/10/08 - Doc took everything out and I had about 3.6cc's, which is pretty good. He then filled me up to just under 4.0cc's I believe I'm about 3.9cc's. I ate some canned peaches and set around the office for a bit, made sure none came back up. Seems to be doing good so far. I hope this is my last fill!   FILL #15 - 08/10/09 - Added about 1/10th of a cc. I think I'm right at 4.0 cc. Wt on the morning of my fill was at 165. But was very bloated from steroids I was on for the previous week.   FILL #16 - 8/31/09 - My last fill lasted 2 weeks then I felt wide open. Went in for another fill, this time he did not take any out and just added 2/10th's of a cc. I think I'm just a little more than 4.1 cc's in a 4.0 cc band. I feel great restriction so far. I'm hoping this last. I'm sick of fills. lol. - I could tell my fill was wide open, I was starving all the time, wt at the time of fill was 170! grrrrrrr   FILL #17 - 10/30/09 - completely drained me, checked for a leak - no leak YAY - added 4.6 cc's - I feel like he didn't add anything, feel wide open! Hungry all the time   FILL #18 - 11/09/09 Doc did barium swallow test - I think he thought I was full of it. He saw what I was talking about and agreed I was way too loose. He added 2.5cc's. I feel restriction again, but not a real tight restriction. I have no idea where I'm at these days and I really don't care anymore how much CC's I have, I just want RESTRICTION!!!!!!   Fill #19 - 11/23/09 - I had a some restriction, but not enough, the doc added 3/10ths of a cc. I feel pretty good, not too tight, which means it probably will get looser. I will ride this fill out and see what happens. Very discouraged at this point.
tonya66

tonya66

5
 

Fill #18 - my quest for that sweet spot!

Update on my life these past few weeks. I had an appointment with my doc on 10/29 and I explained to him how I felt I might have a slow leak because I keep loosing restriction. He decided he would completely drain me and add the contrast and test me. So......10/30/09 I show up and he did that just that. He could find no leak in the band, or the tubing. Good News right? Well, I was happy that I had no leak, however, I still don't understand why I lose restriction all the time.   Anyhow, he added 4.6 cc's. I knew right away that I didn't have restriction when he had me eat my peaches, and drink the water. But, I thought lets give it a week or two and see how it does. Sometimes it does take a few weeks for a fill to settle in. Well, I was starving all the time, hungry and I ate! I tried, I really did, but the hunger got the best of me. Anyhow, called and made an appointment for another fill.   Went in yesterday and I don't think the doc beleived that I was wide open like I said. So, he did a barium swallow test on me, and sure enough, I was right! He said, wow, you are wide open. It makes me wonder that if he missed my port the last fill? Maybe he didn't fill me up or some didn't get in? I don't know why I wouldn't have any restriction.   Well, he added 2.5 cc's to my band and I seem to have "some" restriction. I'm not as tight as I was still, but at least it is keeping my hunger at bay. I'm going to give it a few weeks and see how it does and focus on eating my protein first!!!   I had lasik enhancement surgery on Thursday ( I had it done 2 years ago) because my eyes were getting worse so I went ahead and had enhancement done on them. Because of my lasik surgery, I can't exercise, wear makeup or rub my eyes. They don't want me lifting over 10 lbs, and no sweat running in my eyes. I go for my 1 week checkup on Thursday and if all is good I can get back to the gym. I really need it!   I'm avoiding the scales, just don't want to see the numbers right now. Because of my last fill, and eating all the time, I know I've gained. My size 8 pants are wayyyyy to tight and I'm back in my 10's. grrrrrrr.   But thats going to change! I WILL be back into my 8's - soon!     Fill #1 - 3/6/07 - 2.2cc's   Fill #2 - 4/17/07 - 3.0cc's   Fill #3 - 7/6/07 - 3.5 cc's (I think it was only 2.5cc's because when I went back for fill #4, he could only w/draw 1.8 cc's)   Fill #4 - 7/20/07 - filled me back to 3.0 ccs - He should have filled me more!   Fill #5 - 8/17/07 - 3.4cc's   Fill #6 - 10/08/07 - filled me to 3.8cc's - the best restriction I've ever had,but still could eat big bites of food, so I figured I needed to be tighter.   Fill #7 - 11/21/07 filled to 4.0 cc's. By the evening could not hold anything down, not even my saliva. PBing all night - horrilble experieince   UNFILL #1 - 11/23/07 - unfilled to somewhere between 2.5 to 3.0 cc's - NO RESTRICTIONS AGAIN :confused:   Fill #8 - 1/18/08 Went in and the doc filled me back up to just right under 4.0, according to Flouro, it was perfect. Well, by next morning, could not hold down saliva again, ended up back in hospital   UNFILL #2 - 1/19/08 - Doctor had to unfill me to 3.0 again because of the swelling from all the PBing for being too tight. Again, NO RESTRICTION -   Fill #9 - 2/12/08 - 3.5 cc's - was tight for about a week, now feel lose again. grrrr, still have "some" restriction, just not quite enough! Next fill scheduled for 4/7/08 - I hate that it takes sooooooo long to get in to see the fill doc.   FILL #10 - 4/7/08 The doc just added .4cc's, making me at 3.9cc's. I think this might be the one!   FILL #11 - Was scheduled on 6/25/08 - but the doc did not fill me up, I was leaving for a cruise on 6/27 so he didn't want to risk me being too tight, so did not get a fill.   FILL #11 - 8/5/08 Went for a fill, this time the doc took all my fill out and all he could get out was 2.4 cc's. Filled me up to 4.0 cc's, I left, had to go right back because I could not drink, he took out a little over .2 cc's, he said I'm somewhere between 3.5 to 3.7 cc's. - I had great restriction for 2 weeks, but It has now loosened some. I feel I might need a tad more. I'm worried I have a very slow leak.   UNFILL #3 - 8/5/08 - Took a little over .2 cc's out, had pretty good restriction, but still a tad too lose.   FILL #12 - 9/17/08 - Added just 1/10th of a cc - I think I'm somewhere between 3.8 to 3.9 cc in a 4cc band. I am hoping and praying this is the fill that I stop with! I do not have another appointment for another fill, will wait this one out and see.   Fill #13 - 10/06/08 - Doc added about 2/10's of a cc. He took everything out and put it all back in and said I was about 3.7 to 3.8cc's. - which is where he said I was last time.   FILL #14 - 11/10/08 - Doc took everything out and I had about 3.6cc's, which is pretty good. He then filled me up to just under 4.0cc's I believe I'm about 3.9cc's. I ate some canned peaches and set around the office for a bit, made sure none came back up. Seems to be doing good so far. I hope this is my last fill!   FILL #15 - 08/10/09 - Added about 1/10th of a cc. I think I'm right at 4.0 cc. Wt on the morning of my fill was at 165. But was very bloated from steroids I was on for the previous week.   FILL #16 - 8/31/09 - My last fill lasted 2 weeks then I felt wide open. Went in for another fill, this time he did not take any out and just added 2/10th's of a cc. I think I'm just a little more than 4.1 cc's in a 4.0 cc band. I feel great restriction so far. I'm hoping this last. I'm sick of fills. lol. - I could tell my fill was wide open, I was starving all the time, wt at the time of fill was 170! grrrrrrr   FILL #17 - 10/30/09 - completely drained me, checked for a leak - no leak YAY - added 4.6 cc's - I feel like he didn't add anything, feel wide open! Hungry all the time   FILL #18 - 11/09/09 Doc did barium swallow test - I think he thought I was full of it. He saw what I was talking about and agreed I was way too loose. He added 2.5cc's. I feel restriction again, but not a real tight restriction. I have no idea where I'm at these days and I really don't care anymore how much CC's I have, I just want RESTRICTION!!!!!!
tonya66

tonya66

6
 

10/22/09 - I shouldn't be so nice!

Well, last night my sons gf came over, she wanted to cook for us. I let her too. :huh2:   So anyhow, she grilled steaks, baked potatoes and made a salad. I measured my steak out (3 oz) and filled the other half of my plate with salad - skipped the potatoe. Anyhow, I couldn't eat it all, got too full, but then she made dessert.   Okay, I thought, I'll just eat 1 cookie, after all, I wanted to be nice after all, she went thru all this trouble. Well, 1 cookie turned into 3. Later that evening I decided let me see how many calories and points a cookie is.   HOLY CRAP, 170 cal each and 4 weight watcher points each! I blew my entire day with 3 freaken cookies. And to tell you the truth, they were not that great! Oh they were good, but not good enough to blow my entire day on.   Lesson learned, I shouldn't be that nice! I should have let my son and the rest of my family dig into them and I should have grabbed my SF jello cup!   So, this morning, scale was not that kind - shows I'm up 1.3 lbs.   Wt 164.9 (yesterday was 163.6)   Today is a new day, and I will not be that nice again! I've got to remember the three little words "No thank you".   Exercise   3:00 pm - 20 min elliptical 8:00 pm - 1 hour circuit training/stretching
tonya66

tonya66

2
 

10/21/09

Short and sweet today:   Menu:   Bfast Banana - 2 pts 1 TBSP Crunchy Peanut Butter - 2 pts 100 Starbucks Frappa - 2 pts   Lunch WW Pizza - 4 pts (ate only half last night and eating the other half today for lunch)   Snack Activia Cottage cheese - 1 pt LC yogurt - 1 pt   Dinner 3 oz steak (lean, trimmed, filet) - 5 pts Salad - 0 pts 1 TBSP dressing mixed with some salsa - 2 pts   Exercise - 1 hour of circuit training   Wt - 163.6 (Yay down a few ounces from yesterday!)
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

10/20/09

Well, exercise was great two weeks ago, last week, didn't get it done. But.....I'm back at it this week.   Eating has been great, except had a slip on on Friday night and Saturday night...grrrrrrrrr. But back on track and going strong.   My body really likes the 160's, I seem to hover around 163. I'm ready to get out of the 160's for good and never see them again. SO, in order to do that, I MUST exercise and NO MORE SLIPS!   Todays menu:   WW smoothie shake 1 TBSP on peanut butter 1 cup of Soy Milk   Lunch 3 oz chicken 3 organic lettuce pieces salsa (made lettuce wraps)   Snack Banana Low fat string cheese   Dinner WW meal (pizza - 7 pts)   Exercise - 45 min circuit training   Wt - 163.9
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

10/15/09

Okay - didn't make it to the gym.....too much going on last night. I will say, last night was a beneficial meeting and I think we can progress form here.   I plan on going to the gym tonight, ABSOLUTELY NO exceptions!!!!   I stepped on the scale this morning and saw another drop so I was quite pleased by that.   Menu today:   Weight Wise Oatmeal   snack a few pretzles TBSP hummus   Lunch Slice of my Low Fat Meatloaf green beans   Snack Low Carb yogurt a handfull of granola thrown in   Dinner grilled talapia baby spinach   WT - 163.8
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

10/14/09 - Teenagers, can we shoot them?

Drama, drama, drama......story of my life these days with two teenagers in the house.   My 16 year old got grounded, so I took her phone away from her, well, she thinks she is smarter than me so she sneaks around and buys herself a "trackphone" or "pay as you go phone" so I wouldn't know about it.   I'm not stupid, everytime in the past I have taken her phone, she beggs me for it back, does extra chores etc. This time, she didn't say a word, I could tell it didn't even bother her so I figured she snuck around and got her a phone. Last night I found it hidden under her pillow. SCORE 1 for me! Well, being the concerned mother, I find a lot of text to this one boy that we have forbid her to see, and let me tell you, IT WAS NOT PRETTY AT OUR HOUSE LAST NIGHT! I don't think my daughter will be leaving the house until she is about 20 years old now. I've pretty much grounded her for the rest of her teenage years.   Needless to say, with all this drama, I didn't make it to the gym tonight which even made me more mad! Tonight we are having a meeting with our daughter and our Elders from church to finish up our little discussion, so I doubt I will make it tonight, but I might.....depends on how long it last and how emotionally drained I am afterwards.   Kids are wonderful, but teenagers........can we shoot them? lol.   Wt - 164.8   Menu: Bfast Weight Watchers Mexican Meatloaf - (I know, but I was hungry and this sounded good)   Lunch Weight Watchers Mexican Meatloaf - (I can't help it, I love it....and I made it last night so I have leftovers......yum yum)   Snack yogurt granola     Dinner Weight Watchers Mexican Meatloaf green beans   Below is the recipe for my Weight Watchers Mexican Meatloaf: Weight Watchers Mexican Meatloaf – 4 pts per serving   1/2 lb raw extra lean ground beef
1/2 lb raw lean ground turkey breast
2 large egg whites
2 ounces cornbread stuffing mix (about 1 cup) You could also substitute with oatmeal too – I usually do half stuffing and half oatmeal
1 medium onion
½ diced bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
4 ounces canned green chili peppers, diced
8 ounces red enchilada sauce
Directions   Preheat oven to 375 Spray broiler pan with fat free cooking spray. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except 4 oz of the enchilada sauce. Form into a loaf shape with your hands Place on broiler pan. Cook 1 hour Top with the rest of the enchilada sauce. Cook 5 minutes longer Slice and serve. Serving Size 1 (171g) Recipe makes 6 servings Calories 185 Calories from Fat 56 (30%) Amount Per Serving %DV Total Fat 6.3g 9% Saturated Fat 1.9g 9% Monounsaturated Fat 2.4g Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g Trans Fat 0.2g Cholesterol 53mg 17% Sodium 301mg 12% Potassium 458mg 13% Total Carbohydrate 13.7g 4% Dietary Fiber 2.4g 9% Sugars 2.5g           I will for sure get my protein in for today!
tonya66

tonya66

9
 

10/13/09 - Another lesson learned

I learned a lesson last night - don't let yourself get too hungry!   Here is the story:   I get home and just wasn't hungry, we were headed out the door by 6:30 to go to a meeting, our meeting was over at 9:00, we get home at 9:15 pm and I'm starvin'. So, I make myself a few shrimp, that didn't help, I grab some chips and make myself about 5 or 6 chips with some cheese on it and it kepts going from there, I don't even remember everything I ate. I just remember grabbing different things trying to satisfy my hunger. I just felt like anything I ate was not filling me up.   Moral of the story - eat something if you know it will be awhile before you can eat. I should have had something small before I left for the meeting. Some almonds perhaps, maybe a protein bar, something instead of letting myself get too hungry. I learned my lesson!   I didn't get to exercise last night because of the metting so I took last night off. But......Tonight - It's on! Right after my "Biggest Loser" show, I will be headed to the gym for an hour of circuit training/working the upper body and cardio at the same time.   Weight - didn't weigh this morning - just didn't want to face the scales after my late night eating.   I was surprised that I didn't have any reflux. Usually if I eat that late, I'm up all night with reflux. I think I've losened up quite a bit again. But my band flucuates so much, I think I will monitor it the next few weeks and see if it gets tighter again. I really thought this last fill would last me - but now, once again, I'm wondering?   I'm thinking also that I will never have that tight restriction everyone talks about. Don't get me wrong, I've got restriction, I can feel it, its just not as tight as I would like it. I would like the band to FORCE me to take small bites, to FORCE me not to eat bread, to FORCE me to chew, chew and chew. However, none of this happens for me. I eat regular bites of food, I can eat bread (but I chose to stay away from it), and I chew like I did before the band.   I will say every now and then the band gives me a reminder that it is there and I think, Oh, I better slow down. But for the most part, I forget its there.   I have found there is only one thing I can't eat - Hamburgers! No matter how small of bites, no matter, how slow, no matter what, it gets stuck. I have given up on ever eating a hamburger again, and I'm fine with that - they are loaded with fat and calories, so thank you my little silacone buddy for forcing me NOT to eat Hamburgers!   If this is it for me, if this is the most restriction I can get, then I'm okay with that too. I know that this restriction will keep me from gaining all my weight back. I do get full on a lot less food than I used to eat, so for that, I'm thankful. I just read about so many bandsters talking about how they can't eat this, or that, and how they have to slow down and chew chew chew or they PB.....I've only experienced this a limited amount of time, and that is usually right after a fill. It last a day, sometimes 2 weeks, and it has lasted a month before, but it always leaves. PBing is something I rarely, if ever do. I can't even remember the last time I PB'd.   I'm losing count on how many fills I've had. I keep it updated in my journal so I can remember, but I thinks it like 16 now, or maybe even 17. It makes me wonder if I really do have a leak? My doc has tested it and says I don't.   Speaking of doc, I go see my band doc tomorrow. He just wants to see how I'm doing after almost 3 years with the band. I think I will talk to him about this and see what he thinks.   Okay, I guess I've written enough in my book now, so I better get to work.........:confused:
tonya66

tonya66

2
 

10/12/09 -

I feel like I'm back on track and doing good. I actually feel like I have a brand new motivation again with my band. I ate good all week, and I FINALLY made it to the gym on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so basically 4 days last week.   I'm forcing myself to stay within 20 weight watchers points, and weight watchers program gives you an extra 35 points to use at anytime on top of the 20 points per day. Well, I'm trying to only do the 20 points per day and not tap into the 35 points. Last week I did it, I even went out to eat 3 times and managed to stay within my points. Even went for Mexican twice last week. So needless to say, I'm proud of myself. I'm proud that I was able to maintain my control.   I made it to the gym on Thursday evening and made sure I went thru the weekend. I only did cardio, but managed to do 50 minutes on Saturday and Sunday.   This week my goal is to keep up my exercise, and add some strength training into it.   I weighed last Monday and was up quite a bit from my low of 159, I weighed in on 9/5 at 169.7 - OUCH, today I weighed in and was down to 166.5, so I lost 3.2 lbs last week by sticking to my plan. I'm hoping to lose 2 lbs this week.   I need to get to my goal and quit playing around, I'm tired of yo-yoing up and down the same 5 or 10 pounds! The only reason I go up some is I start eating slider foods, or foods that are high in calories, even though I don't eat a bunch of them, they are still high in calories and will pack on the pounds eventually. Also, I quit exercising, and sure enough, 10 pounds came piling back on!   I've set a limit of 5 lbs for myself, if I go up 5 lbs then its strict, strict bandster eating until I lose the 5 lbs. I will not let myself gain 10 lbs again before I wake up and start eating right again!
tonya66

tonya66

3
 

9/29/09 - You've come a long way Baby!

Well, eating has been going good, my restriction level seems to be good. I do have to slow down a bit, and I just don't eat as much.   I've trying to make good choices on my eating, making sure I eat my protein first and that does make a big difference. I grilled some chicken last night on my george Foreman grill, and I had 1 1/2 tenders and I was done! That was about 2 oz of meat, I had a sliver of cantelope with it as well.   My acid reflux is gone, no more waking up in the middle of the night coughing, so things seem to be good with this fill. I don't get too excited because this has happened to me before, then all of a sudden the restriction leaves, but we'll see how this one goes.   Exercise - well I need to be more consistant. I have been sick all weekend, but feeling a little better today. I'm going to go to the gym today and get some cardio in! For me, its all or nothing, and lately if I can't do it all, I do nothing. I'm trying to change my mindset, one of the suggestions that Dr. Vuong's book made was to take some baby steps, just incorporate some type of exercise in each day, whether its taking the stairs, or parking further away at the store. I am going to have that attitude instead of "I blew it today, didn't make it to gym".   Weight - I go thru spurts, most of the time I'm a total scale whore, I have to weigh every day, every evening, and sometimes in between. I'm going thru a phase where I just don't want to see the number. I am just not interested in that damn scale controlling my mood today, so I've stayed off it. I am just focussing on eating right and hoping when I do weigh, I will be pleasantly surprised and happy.   I did wear a size 8 dress this weekend to my assembly and did I get a lot compliments, made me feel good. The dress was a little tight, but it wasn't too tight that I couldn't wear it.   So maybe the scales are bouncing up and down, or maybe I haven't made it to the gym on a consistant basis lately - but what I can say is my size 8 dress is long way from my size 18 dress I used to wear. I've made a lot of changes in my life since getting the band, and a lot has changed on the inside of me. I still feel like a fat cow, and have a hard time thinking "I'm skinny", but then sometimes when I slip into a dress that I can look at and think "there is no way I'm fitting into that", and I do, wow.....it makes me realize how far I've come.   I seem to focus on that ending number, that goal weight but today I'm going to pat myself on the back and say, Good Job Tonya, you've come a long way baby! No negative talk today....
tonya66

tonya66

4
 

10/6/09

Well, my restriction is staying pretty good. I have loose days, and I have tighter days. It even changes from meal to meal. Some mornings, I just stick with oatmeal, this morning, I woke up starving, so had to eggs over medium and 2 slices of bacon. Normally, I would only eat 1 egg.   Last night I noticed I was hungry and very lose around 7pm, but then around 9, got very tight again. Strange. But its something I've learned to accept and deal with.   Eating has been going great, sticking with my proteins first, exercise, not so good. I know what I need to do, so just need to quit making excuses and DO IT! As Nike says "Just Do It".   Menu today:   Bfast 2 eggs, 2 slices of bacon   Lunch: baked chicken - 3 oz few carrot sticks   Snack: yogurt   Dinner fish - baked green beans
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

9/30/09

Well, i'm back at work today and recovering from my sickness. Busy busy busy.....   Still, did not make it to they gym! Nor did I get up this morning, will try and make it tonight! I have to do some grocery shopping and a big purchase at Sams tonight for a wedding I'm catering on Saturday, so working out is on my list, but not sure I will get to it. I know, I know, I need to make it a priority.   On a good note, this fill sure is feeling good! Eating a lot less, and getting full a lot quicker. I am having to slow down while eating, which is a good thing for me. So far, I think this might be the sweet spot I've been trying for over 2 years to get to. I think I might have finally found it! I sure hope it doesn't leave me. I think this could get me to goal if it stays this tight.   Menu today:   Bfast protein shake made with soy milk   lunch WW meal - ate about 1/2 of it, and threw the rest out. Couldn't finish it all   snack string cheese   dinner: grilled chicken tender spinach salad
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

Fill #16 - yes, another fill!

Okay, I got fill #15 and had GREAT restriction, then all of a sudden I felt like I had NO restriction, I was eating anything and everything, hungry all the time. Stepped on the scales and was up to 170! What the heck? So I went in for yet another fill. I explained the situation to my fill doc and he usually takes a small bit of fill out before he adds some in. He believes an air bubble was in the tubing on the last fill so this time he did not take any out at all, he just added 2/10ths of a cc and I immediately felt a huge huge huge difference. I think this was the first time I actually hurt when he made me eat the peaches.   I noticed how much restriction I had when we went out for dinner, I stuck to some mashed potatoes and I was full all night long. I was a little nausiated this morning, but still felt that tight restriction.   I know I get my hopes up high and hoping that this restricition will last, and then I get disappointed when it doesnt. But for some reason, this fill really fills different. So we will see.   I am mordified to be back up to 170 again. What in the world? I feel so fat today, bloated and just miserable. My feet are very swollen too.   I will keep my blog updated on my progress. Below is my fill history so far.     Fill #1 - 3/6/07 - 2.2cc's   Fill #2 - 4/17/07 - 3.0cc's   Fill #3 - 7/6/07 - 3.5 cc's (I think it was only 2.5cc's because when I went back for fill #4, he could only w/draw 1.8 cc's)   Fill #4 - 7/20/07 - filled me back to 3.0 ccs - He should have filled me more!   Fill #5 - 8/17/07 - 3.4cc's   Fill #6 - 10/08/07 - filled me to 3.8cc's - the best restriction I've ever had,but still could eat big bites of food, so I figured I needed to be tighter.   Fill #7 - 11/21/07 filled to 4.0 cc's. By the evening could not hold anything down, not even my saliva. PBing all night - horrilble experieince   UNFILL #1 - 11/23/07 - unfilled to somewhere between 2.5 to 3.0 cc's - NO RESTRICTIONS AGAIN   Fill #8 - 1/18/08 Went in and the doc filled me back up to just right under 4.0, according to Flouro, it was perfect. Well, by next morning, could not hold down saliva again, ended up back in hospital   UNFILL #2 - 1/19/08 - Doctor had to unfill me to 3.0 again because of the swelling from all the PBing for being too tight. Again, NO RESTRICTION -   Fill #9 - 2/12/08 - 3.5 cc's - was tight for about a week, now feel lose again. grrrr, still have "some" restriction, just not quite enough! Next fill scheduled for 4/7/08 - I hate that it takes sooooooo long to get in to see the fill doc.   FILL #10 - 4/7/08 The doc just added .4cc's, making me at 3.9cc's. I think this might be the one!   FILL #11 - Was scheduled on 6/25/08 - but the doc did not fill me up, I was leaving for a cruise on 6/27 so he didn't want to risk me being too tight, so did not get a fill.   FILL #11 - 8/5/08 Went for a fill, this time the doc took all my fill out and all he could get out was 2.4 cc's. Filled me up to 4.0 cc's, I left, had to go right back because I could not drink, he took out a little over .2 cc's, he said I'm somewhere between 3.5 to 3.7 cc's. - I had great restriction for 2 weeks, but It has now loosened some. I feel I might need a tad more. I'm worried I have a very slow leak.   UNFILL #3 - 8/5/08 - Took a little over .2 cc's out, had pretty good restriction, but still a tad too lose.   FILL #12 - 9/17/08 - Added just 1/10th of a cc - I think I'm somewhere between 3.8 to 3.9 cc in a 4cc band. I am hoping and praying this is the fill that I stop with! I do not have another appointment for another fill, will wait this one out and see.   Fill #13 - 10/06/08 - Doc added about 2/10's of a cc. He took everything out and put it all back in and said I was about 3.7 to 3.8cc's. - which is where he said I was last time.   FILL #14 - 11/10/08 - Doc took everything out and I had about 3.6cc's, which is pretty good. He then filled me up to just under 4.0cc's I believe I'm about 3.9cc's. I ate some canned peaches and set around the office for a bit, made sure none came back up. Seems to be doing good so far. I hope this is my last fill!   FILL #15 - 08/10/09 - Added about 1/10th of a cc. I think I'm right at 4.0 cc. Wt on the morning of my fill was at 165. But was very bloated from steroids I was on for the previous week.   FILL #16 - 8/31/09 - My last fill lasted 2 weeks then I felt wide open. Went in for another fill, this time he did not take any out and just added 2/10th's of a cc. I think I'm just a little more than 4.1 cc's in a 4.0 cc band. I feel great restriction so far. I'm hoping this last. I'm sick of fills. lol. - I could tell my fill was wide open, I was starving all the time, wt at the time of fill was 170! grrrrrrr
tonya66

tonya66

5
 

9/24/09

My band has settled down quite a bit now. I stayed on liquids/mushy foods all day yesterday, didn't eat past 6pm and exercised last night, I had NO ACID REFLUX. I got to sleep a full 7 hours!!!! I woke up feeling great!   I still am a bit tight, but not too tight at all, this might be perfect.....we'll see if it continues to get looser.   Now, I just need to keep my exercising up - not to get side tracked - and continue watching my portion sizes.
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

9/23/09

Okay, this last fill I've had is really playing some tricks on me. First I was perfect, then I was too lose, and now I'm extremely tight.   grrrrr.............   I am staying on liquids for a few days and see if that can calm my irritation down. I couldn't eat anything last night and went to bed and was up all night with acid reflux. My throat is so sore from caughing.   I am going to give it a few days because I've had this happen before, it sometimes takes a few weeks for my band fill to really settle in. But if it doesn't loosen up a bit, I might have to go in for an unfill. I can't live on liquids alone. Sucks because the fill was great - perfect, then got a little too lose. I'm so frustrated with trying to get to the sweet spot.   Another thing I might have to do is finally start taking small bites. You know, I've never had to do that, I've always eaten regular. Maybe I need to actually learn how to eat "The Bandster" way. I'm going to pull out my little rules and make sure I'm following them before I get an unfill. I think I might be taking too big of bites.   I bought two new books that I can't wait to read, one is from Khaliah Ali - she talks about her wonderful experience with the band.   I also bought Dr. Duc C Vuong book, he's on this forum alot and I thing his book is more for people who have already had the band vs the people who are trying to get it. Which I like that, seems like most of the books on the market focus on explaining what the band is and how it works. I want to read a book that talks about the long term success with the band etc.   One thing I have really never thought about is the PROTEIN FIRST rule. Well, I always try and eat it first, but if we go to a restraunt and my salad comes, I eat it first, Dr. Vuong says you have to for go that, I need to work on that.   Anyhow, life is a struggle right now, my alergies are causing all kinds of drainage, which could be the reason my band is so tight, who knows. I will just play it out for a few days and see what happens.
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

9/16/09

I missed my goal last week, had a death in the family, had to travel out of town, blah blah blah, ate too much of the wrong stuff, haven't stepped on the scale, but I can tell I've gained. My feet are swollen, holding a lot of water. I usually do when I travel. Anyhow, I've used the death in the family as an excuse, time to get back on track.   Will weigh in the morning to get a true picture of where I am, I know its not going to be pretty, but time to face the music!   Need to up my water, and get back to the gym, consistantly! No more excuses!
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

9/7/09 - making goals

Okay, I was reading a magazine yesterday - since it was "me time" and I found an interesting article. It focussed on hitting 350 minutes a week of exercise, you can do it all in one day - ahhh, not me - or you can devide it up into 6 days a week, or 5 or even 3 - but the key is you have to do 350 minutes a week.   I opted for 6 days a week, which averages to be about 60 min a day. I know, 6 days a week is a lot, but I have found that I have to give it my all in the beginning or I just quit. Some people have to start off slow, but for me, if I start off slow, I never get going.   Anyhow, I decided to set some goals this week and push myself to do them. I hit the gym this morning, I did a circuit training, where I did 15 min on the elliptical - got my heart rate up - then jumped on the weights (worked my upper body -biceps, triceps, shoulders, back - and thru in the abs). After doing a set of weights, I jumped back on the elliptical for another 15 min, it was at this time my stomach started turning. I pushed anyhow, and did another set of weights. Jumped back on the elliptical machine (I was planning on doing another 10 to 15 min), but I realized my stomache was not settling down. I started dry heaving, which I HATE to do. I don't know about anyone else, but since I've been banding, I cannot throw up. I can PB, or spit up something thats in my pouch, but as far as something that has made it to my stomache, It is not coming back up, no matter what!   Anyhow, I had drank some water, and I think that was sitting in my pouch still, and I knew it was about to come up. So I had to cut the elliptical machine short, so I grabbed my towel and headed to the door. I almost made it, but hear it comes, I covered my mouth and out came the water, I knew several saw me. I left in a hurry, so embarrasing. Sorry if this is TMI. Anyhow, I did get in 60 min, despite it all.   I'm not sure what made me feel so sick, but I feel better now. I'm about to head to the kitchen and make me a colorful plate of food. Turkey breast, salad greens and some diced apple salad. yum.   I'm going to take my measurements later and see where I am too so I can also keep track of them.   Goals for the week: 1. Eat Clean 2. Exercise 350 min 3. Get some sleep   So far 350 min minus todays 60 min = 290 min to go!   Wt - 165.8 - grrrrrrr
tonya66

tonya66

4
 

9/8/09

uggggh, work today.....feeling a little sore from yesterdays workout. Actually feeling more than a little sore, hurting all over is more like it.   Planned my meal out today:   Bfast 1/2 cup ff plain yogurt handfull of frozen blueberries couple of tsp of granola   Meal 2 carrots dipped in spicey hummus (yum)   M3 Turkey and fruit salad   M4 Apple with almond butter (like peanut butter but made with almonds)   M5 3 oz chicken breast green beans   Exercise - 60 min at gym done in two 30 min increments (30 min done at work - 3:00 pm) - 30 min done in the evening at my gym. Elliptical machine only today.
tonya66

tonya66

1
 

Me time......9/6/09

My entire house is empty, hubby and son are on a "guys" trip, hunting and camping. My Daughter went to spend the night with her best friend, so I have the entire house to myself. Even our dog is gone, lol. He went hunting with the guys (he's a pointer)   I LOVE IT! I don't get it often, but when I do get it (on a very rare occasion), I sure do enjoy it. One of my big regrets in life is I never lived on my own. I went from my parents house, to college dorm, to getting married. Oh well, it makes me appreciate my alone time.   I made a wonderful salad for dinner 4 oz turkey breast fillet - baked 1 cup of organic salad greens 3 home grown cherry tomatoes 1/2 michigan apple, peels and sliced 2 baby carrots 1 TBSP of lite honey mustard   Mix all ingrediants and enjoy....it sure was good and satisfying.   Wt this morning - 166.4   Exercise - 30 min on elliptical house cleaning, laundry, etc etc etc. The back of my legs are hurting.
tonya66

tonya66

1

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