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Blew past my goal!

Two months ago my doctor said as far as they were concerned I was at goal, 175 lbs. I was happy with that and started onto the maintenance stage of my journey.   Last month I gained 2 lbs, first time I had a gain but hey holidays. Doctor’s office was still very pleased and said that my weight will vary like that on maintenance.   Then a dear friend here on LBT put out a challenge “100 miles in January”. Walk or run 100 miles during the month of January. I was in! I needed something to get me moving more. I reached the 100 miles on Monday; my total should be around 120 miles for the month. (go me!)   Today I went back to the doctor, weighed 171! (lost 6 pounds in 4 weeks) I haven’t seen that much loss since the beginning months of this journey. So, what did I do different? My eating was the same as it has always been 1200 calories a day, etc…. The only thing different is the increased walking for the challenge.   I am so happy with myself. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Okay, maybe a tummy tuck and….. Well guess I could ask for more.   I love & respect my band. Yellow rose you serve me well, thank you!
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

7
 

How I exercise without exercising

I live on a good size piece of land in central Texas. Most of the land is zoned agricultural and therefore we have to make sure that land is used accordingly.   I have always loved gardening and since Texas has two growing seasons we have fresh veggies growing almost year round. We have an orchard with fruit trees (pears, plums, peaches, nectarines & pomegranates) and two years ago we got a flock of chickens. This next year we plan to expand into livestock with rabbits and goats.   Having all these agricultural items require a lot of maintains (chores). I have chores to do everyday whether it’s tending to the chickens, picking or planting veggies and let’s not forget the never ending task of pulling weeds. This is my exercise. When I get home from work I spend the first hour tending to these chores and the weekends are always filled with projects.   Just this last weekend my husband and I removed an old barbwire fence that ran along the front of the property. It was a full eight hour job. First we had to clear all the dead weeds from the fence, pull the barbwire down and then roll it up and finally pull up all the posts. I walked over 6 miles that day and found muscles in my shoulder and arms that I didn’t know I had.   Me rolling up the barbwire.   Me using our tractor to pull up the posts.     This is my exercise plan and it works for me!
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

7
 

I Can't

I can’t exercise at work. I can park in a parking structure that is a block from my building I can give the elevators the day off and climb the stairs (my office building has 11 floors, my office is on the 8th floor) I can go to the bathroom on the 11th floor instead of my floor (& take the stairs, of course) I can take a break & go for a walk (it’s amazing how refreshing it is to get away from my desk for 10 minutes)   I can’t drink that much water in a day. I can add lemon/lime wedges or crystal light mixes to the water for variety. I can carry a bottle of water with me everywhere I go. I can take a drink of water every 5 minutes.   I can’t stop snacking. I can stock my pantry with healthy snacks I can pre-portion my health snacks. I can drink 8 ozs of water before having the snack I think I want. I can go for a walk instead of having the snack I think I want.   As long as “I can” I will maintain my weight and I know I CAN!
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

5
 

I love Hummus!

And it is very easy to make. Here is my favorite recipe   Roasted Red Pepper Hummus   1 Can chickpea/garbonza beans (15oz) 1/3 cup tahini (See note below) ¼ cup lemon juice 2 Tbs olive oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed ½ - ¾ cup roasted red peppers   In a food processor, combine beans, tahini, lemon juice and olive oil. Process until smooth. Add red peppers and garlic until desired consistency.   I calculated the nutritional information based on ¼ cup serving: Calories 154 Total Fat 11g Sodium 190mg Total Carbs 8.4g Dietary fiber 3.2g Sugars .9g Protein 5.1g   Tahini is sesame seed butter. I find it with the peanut butter or in the international isle of the grocery store.   Enjoy!
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

7
 

A Dogs Life

These are my babies!   Atticus, Black Mouth Cur. He is the biggest baby in town.   Hank, Blue Healer. Gill's dog, follows her around the whole time she is here.   Sophie, Dachshund. Daddy's baby (but he won't admit it) and the BOSS of all the dogs!   Bugsy, Rat Terrier and Dachsund mix. My baby, he is with his best friend Smokey the cat.
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

5
 

Too tight or is it just me?

Is my band too tight? How many times do we see this question? A lot so let’s talk about it.   How tight you have your band is a personal preference. No one (including your doctor) can tell you how tight it has to be. This is something you have to decide for yourself. Personally my band is loose. The last time I had an x-ray my doctor commented that I didn’t have very much restriction. Oh well, it is what works for me.   I have had 2 unfills because I felt my band was too tight, but I know now that it wasn’t. So how do I know if my band is too tight? I ask myself these questions:   1. Can I get water/liquids down okay? If YES not too tight   2. Are my bites the size of a nickel or smaller? If NO not too tight   3. Do I chew my food at least 30 times before swallowing? If NO not too tight   4. Do I wait 1 minute between bites? If No not too tight   It appears that my eating habits cause me to think my band is too tight. When I eat correctly I have no problems.   My advice to anyone wondering if their band is too tight is, evaluate your eating by asking yourself my four questions.
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

4
 

Food Stages

I see a lot of newbies asking what they can have during this or that stage of the pre/post op diet. Doctors give different diets to different patients; however the foods on the different stages are often very similar. Here are the 4 stages I had during my post op diet (straight from my post op paperwork):   Stage 1: Clear Liquids · Water · Broth or the clear liquid poured off of soup (strain out solids, no creamy soup) · Black coffee (may be sweetened with artificial sweetener; preferably decaf) · Clear juices (not OJ ~ it’s not clear); 100% juice (not from concentrate) · Crystal Light · Sugar-free Jello (with no solid fruit) · Sugar-free Popsicles · Gatorade/Powerade · Herbal teas (caffeine-free)   Stage 2: Liquids · All clear liquids · Protein shakes (low-fat, low-carb) · Fat-free milk · Orange Juice · Low-fat instant breakfast mixes · V8 juice   Stage 3: Full Liquids · All clear liquids · All liquids · Apple sauce · Oatmeal/cream of wheat (thinned) · Smoothies · Low-fat creamy soups (strained out solids) · Puréed soups/vegetables · Low-fat, low-sugar pudding · Low-fat, low-sugar yogurt · Puréed fruit · Low-fat ice cream/frozen yogurt   Stage 4: Soft food (aka Mushy) · All of the items on the liquid food list · Tuna/egg/chicken salad · Well-cooked mushy vegetables (no stalk or crunchy vegetable) · Thinned scrambled eggs (if tolerated) · Baby food · Soft, over-cooked pasta · Soft canned fruit (in natural juice) · Thinned mashed potatoes · Soft sweet potatoes/yams · Thinned oatmeal · Greek yogurt · Thinned low-fat refried beans · Low-fat cottage cheese · Soft/rip bananas   This is just what MY doctor had for ME. Your doctor will have different orders. I wanted to post this list to give an idea of some of the things on each list.   I hope this helps.
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

1
 

Either paranoid or something isn?t right

I have been having difficulties with my eating for about a week, I blogged about my lunch episode on Friday. When I say difficulties I mean, I’ve been getting acid reflex (first time since being banded) and I get a lump in my throat from time to time. I have been able to eat and drink, but it’s been more challenging.   Over the weekend I decided I needed to see my doctor and find out what was going on. Either I am being paranoid or something isn’t right.   So, I was on the phone to my doctor’s office first thing this morning and fortunately they could squeeze me in this morning.   Upon arriving I was escorted to the x-ray room. Martha (the x-ray tech and support group leader, who is also banded) said, “What are you doing here girl?” “I’m either paranoid or something isn’t right”, she laughed and said let’s find out.   We did a barium swallow and as my doctor said, “It looks perfect.”   “So, I am paranoid?”   “No, you are aware of your band and something changed.”   “So what am I doing wrong? Why the acid reflex now?”   “Could be you irritated your band in some way or it could be that you need a fresher on the basics. Size of your bit, how much you chew, time between bits. Maybe you need to get that egg timer back out that we gave you at your first post op visit.”   “Funny, just last night at dinner my husband had to tell me to slow down on my bits.”   We talked a little more and I was on my way feeling so much better. End result is something wasn’t right and that something was me. I was slipping back into old habits.   It’s time to dust off that egg timer, cut my bits smaller and chew, chew, chew. Everything I tell newbies to do.
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

10
 

Lunch anyone?

If my day is really busy I will eat lunch at my desk and continue to work. This was the case today.   My lunch was meat & cheese rolled up and baby carrots, had this many times. So I’m eating and working….about half way into lunch I get the soft stop feeling. Okay, I stop. I then get the heavy chest feeling, something is trying to go down. This feeling stayed with me most of the afternoon.   At 4pm I made myself a cup of hot tea, black tea with cream & splenda (It’s the English in me). I’m sipping my tea and I get the soft stop feeling….hummm, never got that with liquids before. I wait a few minutes and take another sip, get the soft stop feeling again. This time it’s followed up with saliva building in my mouth.   TO THE BATHROOM I GO!   Yep, I pb’d that tea right up along with carrots (sorry if TMI). Well, I guess I got stuck at lunch and finally got it out 4 hours later…..   My Yellow Rose (my band) started talking to me after that & this is what she said, “See what happens when you don’t chew your food enough. See what happens when you don’t pay attention to what you are eating. See what happens when you eat too fast.”   Wow, wasn’t expecting that. But, hay it happens. Sorry Yellow Rose, guess I won’t be eating that Mahi Mahi I planned for dinner. ..   “Nope, I want liquids. I’ll teach you not to chew your food!”   So, I am having a protein shake for dinner.
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

5
 

No more sand in my sandbox!

Cause I kicked it all out!   I went to my PCP today for a follow up on my high blood pressure. When I was banded I was on 3 different medicines to control it. About 3 months ago my PCP took me off the last one and said we will monitor your pressure and see how you do.   I was so proud of myself, for the last three months I have posted how I went from 3 meds to no meds…   Well, today my doctor put me back on one of the meds at half the dosage. I was so disappointed in myself. I felt like I had failed, that NSV pulled right out from under me. I wanted to cry. I pouted all the way home.   I know this is something that is not in my control. Everyone in my family has high blood pressure (the skinny ones too) and I know this could be genetic. But, dang it feels like I went backwards.   To make myself feel better I went shopping for new pajamas. Mine where too big and the pants would fall off me as I slept (hubby didn’t mine this). Anyway, I got me some cute new PJs. See!   Now time to put all my sand back in my sandbox. Thanks for listening.
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

8
 

Struggling

Do you admit when you are struggling?   Or eat wrong?   Or over eat?   Or do you just hide it??   I feel like I have been successful at my weight loss, I’ve lost 75 pounds in 10 months and I’m at goal. But, was I an A student the whole time? NO!   I slipped more than once during my journey. I had nights where I munched on peanuts and chocolate chips, didn’t measure them out so I have no idea how much I truly ate. I also had times when I ate more carbohydrates than protein and times when I ate so fast that I was PBing my food back up.   What I did do was be honest with myself. I tried to log everything in my food journal (I had to estimate some things). And I got back on the saddle as soon as possible.   Perfection is not required for success; my doctor told me if I could give 80% I would see results. And I did see results.   So to all of you struggling know that for every success story you read there are behind the scenes struggles, too.
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

3
 

Ten months ago

I was banded on February 7, 2012, ten months ago. So what has changed?   Ten Months Ago Today Weight 250lbs Weight 175lbs BMI 37 BMI 25 Pant size 22 Pant size 10 3 different meds for high blood pressure Don’t take any meds for high blood pressure Diagnosed pre-diabetic All blood work is NORMAL Hated myself, depressed Very happy with myself! Isolated myself, no friends Love all my new friends (especially the Banded Bs) Couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs without being out of breath Walk up 8 floors of stairs to my office every morning   When I started this journey I knew I would have to change a lot of things (food I ate, volume I ate, exercise, etc…), I knew it would be a long hard journey and I hoped I would have the strength to be successful.   Now here I am ten months later, at goal and starting the next chapter of my journey (maintaining).   I make it sound easy, but I have to say IT’S NOT! I struggled many times. I got frustrated and wished I didn’t have to follow the rules. I had weight gains and plateaus. BUT, I didn’t give up. I kept plugging along and it worked. Here I am happier than I have been in 30 years.   Now, I am focused on maintaining my weight and hopefully saving enough money for a tummy tuck next year. Lol To all the newly banded or about to be banded, success is a wonderful thing. It takes hard work, dedication and wantpower (CG I love your term).   I love my band!!!!
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

6
 

How To Preserve A Husband

Be careful in your selection do not choose too young and take only such as have been reared in a good moral atmosphere. Some wives insist on keeping husbands in a pickle, while others put them in hot water. This only makes them sour, hard, and sometimes bitter. Even poor varieties may be made sweet and good by garnishing them with patience, well-sweetened with smiles and flavored with kisses to taste. Keep warm in a steady fire of domestic devotion and serve with peaches and cream. When thus preserved, they will keep for years.   This is from Carla Emery’s book The Encyclopedia of Country Living.
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

2
 

Is It Worth It?

Yesterday my husband & I were at an extended family gathering and a few of the relatives commented on my weight loss (they had not seen me since my surgery).   I was sitting at a table with one of the cousins and she was asking me about it. I told her I had the Lap Band surgery and she said her daughter was thinking about doing that. Her daughter was also at the table and said either that or the sleeve. We started talking about WLS and I expressed that it didn’t matter which WLS a person does, they have to change their eating habits in order to be successful. They have to eat a lot of protein and veggies, no junk food, etc. She said oh I don’t know if weight loss is worth all that……. WHAT??????   Is losing almost 75 pounds in 9 months’ worth it? YES   Is going down 6 pant sizes worth it? YES   Is being off all prescription medicines for high blood pressure worth it? YES   Is not being pre-diabetic worth it? YES   Is being able to walk up the stairs to the 8th floor of my office building every morning worth it? YES   Is being able to push the lawn mower around my house worth it? YES   Is hearing friends & family say how wonderful I look worth it? YES   IS IT WORTH IT? HELL YES!!!!!
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

5
 

She Is Always Bragging About It?

At work today I overheard two coworkers talking. They were talking about ME and my weight loss. Now these two ladies are quite overweight themselves. Just saying so you get the picture…   “I can’t believe her” “She is always bragging about it to everyone who walks by”   I casually walk over to them.   “Ladies I couldn't help but hear you talking about my weight loss. I have lost a lot of weight over the last 9 months and people notice that. Often people will ask me what’s your secrete? or How did you do it? When they ask I tell them my story, and if telling my story is bragging then guilty as charged!”   I then turned and walked away with my head held high and a big huge smile on my face.   Now I happened to be wearing my new fuchsia pink skinny pants and my grey high heal boots that hubby said made me look sexy! (Fashion note)   I though should I be pissed? Nah, I’m happy!!!   If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap) If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap) If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands. (clap clap)
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

14
 

What Size Is That?

I try to measure my food all the time. Not a problem when I'm at home, I use my food scale.   But what to do when eating out like at family and friends?   I was given this chart by my nutritionist, I find it very handy and wanted to share it with anyone interested   servingcard7.pdf
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

3
 

Towanda, The Avenger!

I love the movie Fried Green Tomatoes (1991) with Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, it’s a must see so rent it if you've never seen it. This is one of my favorite scenes…… Just wanted to share it with everyone.   I never get mad, Mrs. Threadgoode. Never! The way I was raised it was bad manners. Well, I got mad and it felt terrific. I felt like I could beat the sh*t outta all those punks! Excuse my language. Just beat 'em to a pulp! Beat 'em till they begged for mercy. Towanda, the avenger! After I wipe out all the punks of this world, I'll take on the wife beaters, like Frank Bennett, and machine gun their genitals. Towanda will go on the rampage. I'll put tiny bombs in Penthouse and Playboy... so they'll explode when you open 'em. I'll ban all fashion models who weigh less than 130 pounds. I'll give half the military budget to people over 65... and declare wrinkles sexually desirable. Towanda, righter of wrongs, queen beyond compare! How many of them hormones you takin', honey
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

3
 

What Is Maintenance?

So my doctor wants me to change my mindset, think maintenance instead of weight loss…   What does that mean?   I am finally comfortable with my portion sizes and my band. I don’t get stuck or pb, I can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, I can eat any foods, I eat 1200 calories a day and I don’t feel hungry between meals.   For me, it means nothing changes. I lost my weight with my band more on the loose side than the tight side and therefore my body will settle and I’ll stop loosing (that’s what my doctor says). Probably around the weight of 170-175 lbs.   That’s the physical part, but what about the mental part? How does the head handle maintenance?? What if I can’t keep the weight off? What if I fail and gain weight back? I can’t fail; I've worked too hard to get here. But, what if??? Man, the head is my biggest obstacle.   I have to get a hold of my thoughts. I know I can do this. Per my doctor, nothing has changed. I still have the same fill; I still eat my cup of food, 3-4 ozs protein, ½ cup veggies. I still drink my water. I still exercise. I am at goal and it’s just another number on the scale.   I'm just at the next chapter in my banded lifestyle.
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

4
 

We Are Family!

The last few weeks I have seen several threaded where members have gotten heated with topics and each other…   It made me realize that we are a family, a big huge family. We fight just like brothers & sisters, we have those annoying aunts and uncles (you know the ones) but most important is we love each other and support each other to the hill.   We all have one goal and that is to be thin. We are very passionate about our goal; we fight and defend it to all ends. And I for one love that!!!!   I love reading the tough love, slap on the hand, you know better posts. I also love reading the cheering you on, you can do it; I believe in you, you got this posts. I also love being able to post these types of posts to my brothers and sisters.   I thank each and every one of you for your words…every word! I would not be where I am at today if it wasn’t for those words and the support I have received from everyone here.   P.S. If the Sister Sledge song is stuck in your head…..my job is done. lol
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

9
 

First To Sit Down?. Last To Finish

Thanksgiving is next week and with that is the all too famous family dinner…   I will have my band portion, 3-4oz of turkey, ½ green beans, sweet potatoes & carrots, ¼ cup stuffing. I will be first in line and first to sit down at the table (my family makes me go first cause it takes me longer to eat).   I will take my small bite and chew chew chew, then I’ll wait about a minute. In the mean time I’ll watch as my family members take bites the size of Mt Everest, chew 3 times and swallow while preparing the next bite…   “Did you taste that?” “Can you taste the juices in the turkey?” “What about the stuffing? Can you taste the pecans and bacon?” “Oh my, don’t forget to breathe…”   Wow, do people eat fast? My family sure does!   So, I eat and watch. Everyone is finished except me. I tell my mother to go ahead and serve dessert while I finish my meal. Again, they wolf it down. “Hey, savor the bites I spent hours in the kitchen making those pies. Enjoy them, please!”   I finally finish my dinner as my mother and niece finish clearing the table. The men make their way into the living room moaning and groaning about how full they are….. Me I am satisfied!   Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

2
 

Another Size Bites The Dust!

I went shopping today for sweaters. It appears that I am cold a lot these days & I don’t have many long sleeve tops that fit.   So I picked out a few tops and walked by the jeans…. Out of complete curiosity I picked out a couple of different style in size 10 (currently size 12).   Holy Sh*t they fit!!!!! I was dancing around in that dressing room and laughing. I’m sure the attendee thought I was nuts (ok I know I am but that’s a different story).   That explains why the size 16 pants that I wore today bugged me so much; they were 3 sizes too big.   Wow I don’t even know how old I was the last time I was size 10, 9 maybe 10 years old??   I am so floored, I’m numb.
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

11
 

I?M Allergic To Exercise?.

No really I am. I have to be otherwise I would enjoy it, right?   I truly hate exercising! I’ve never liked going to the gym, it’s boring. I don’t like getting all hot and sweaty, out of breath; heart beating like it will explode out of my chest. Hated PE in school, I was always the last kid picked for the team….   But one of the necessities for successful weight loss is exercise regularly. How do I accomplish this?   I started simple by: Parking at the back of the parking lots
Turning on some music and dancing around my house. (Dogs got a kick out of this; they thought it was play time.)
Took my dogs for walks around our property. (We live on acreage in the country.)
Then I bought an inexpensive exercise bike that folds up and sits in the corner of my living room (This way I see it every day). When I watch TV in the evenings I get on the bike and ride. I started doing 10 minutes and worked up to 30 minutes. Now I’m working on increasing the intensity (ride faster).   Next, I started moving more at work. I started using the bathroom on different floors (walking the stairs to the floors); and getting up from my desk a couple of times a day just to walk the stairs.   So here I am still don’t like exercising but I do move! I no longer use the elevator at work (and I’m on the 8th floor!) and I ride my bike 30 minutes 3-5 times a week.   It’s not a lot but as long as I’m doing something I’m seeing results.
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

6
 

Lap Band Success

Love yourself again A cup of food per meal Protein first   Beginning of a healthy life Abide by your doctor’s orders No vomiting Don’t deprive yourself   Satisfied Unfill when too tight! Clothes are too big! Confidence increases Exercise regularly Stay in contact with your doctor Support from family and friends
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

3
 

No Grocery Store!

Tonight’s dinner did not come from a grocery store. I made a venison roast from a deer that was shot on my uncles ranch and roasted veggies (butternut squash, turnips, yellow was beans & snap peas) that where grown on our land.   My husband pointed out that nothing on our plate came from the grocery store. This made me think, ok the seasonings I put on the roast and the corn starch to thicken the drippings for gravy are the only items from the grocery store.   That is pretty cool! (Just had to brag)   Oh and by the way, it was delicious!!!!
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

8
 

Market Days

Yesterday my husband & I rented a craft booth at out town’s Market Days. We make several things (wood bowls & trays, bags, napkins, placemats & coasters) and we wanted to try selling them.   The day started early, we were up at 6:00am. As my husband loaded the truck I packed food for the day. We would be at our booth all day (9am to 4pm) so I needed both breakfast and lunch for both of us. Now my band had been tight the day before, probably due to stress and excitement for the upcoming event. So I wanted to bring smart food for myself…. I knew there would be lots of tempting food vendors there with not so healthy choices.   I made a protein shake to take with me for breakfast; I knew this would be safer than trying to eat something. For lunch I took 3ozs of chicken salad and a Greek yogurt, for a snack an apple cut into slices. I also packed a pre-made protein shake just in case I had problems eating and needed fuel….   I also packed 4 water bottles for myself so that I would get my water in for the day (course this meant I had to locate the closest bathroom, lol)   As it turned out our booth was downwind from the kettle popcorn vendor…..yep smelled popcorn ALL DAY LONG…. & watched people walking by with big bags of the stuff. My created husband started asking people, “Need a bowl for that popcorn?”   It was a great day. Business wise we sold a few things did some networking with the local vendors and made some good business connections. Personally it was a great success; I managed a challenging situation by planning ahead and sticking to my plan.
♕ajtexas♕

♕ajtexas♕

7

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