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The scale finally moved again!!! It didn't happen all at once, but I went from 227 lbs to 216 lbs. I am very happy and pleased with that lost. My work schedule has been absolutely brutal as of late. I get home so late, that going to the gym as been off my radar. This the last week though, and I vowed to myself that I will start again. I actually do miss it. This brings me to my next piece of news. We have decided not to wait until November before getting pregnant !!! The doctor suggested between 12 to 18 months. My labs for my yearly check up were fantastic, so we are moving forward with the baby!!!! The hubby and I went away this weekend( the after picture was taken last night after dinner). While were talking he expressed how happy and proud he was of me( VERY UNUSUAL) and how he couldn't wait for the baby. I am happy with were I am. So I figured why wait?! So it is vital for me that I start exercising again, and keep my body tone and healthy. Enough talking, here is the picture........

I've struggled with telling people from the start of this journey. Mostly because I dread the negative reactions and rude comments. Another issue that I have is a direct result from a traumatic event that happened a few years ago. People focused on that constantly, for a couple of years....and it gets old---you try to heal, move on, live a normal life, and they can't help but ask about it, comment about it, and it can be a downer (even if their intentions are good). I don't want people to focus on this (I do enough of it on my own ) This morning I've figured at some point I may tell the truth when asked, but I won't put out a banner announcing it......and gmanbat's post below couldn't have come at a better time. THANK YOU GMANBAT! Source: VSG: status symbol?

IF YOU DO NOT POSSESS TOILET HUMOR OR YOU ARE RUNNING SMOOTHLY IN THIS DEPARTMENT, THAN FEEL FREE TO SKIP THIS POST! FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE NEW TO THIS LIKE ME, READ ON! Usually, I have imagery for every post but I felt that the imagery was best left alone on this one. When I began my blog, I promised I would be honest in all my experiences. Ordinarily, I wouldn't talk about it, but I feel its relevant information to have. The past three days, I have been feeling more and more bloated. I figured since I am a female and close to that " monthly nightmare" this was just par for the course. I mean why on Earth would I even dream that a LapBand would solve my post menstrual crazy time and subsequent physical discomfort. So I took some 'fix it" medication and moved on. However, the pressure kept getting worse. One trip to the restroom left me feeling like I just gave birth in the wrong direction. No breathing techniques really worked mine you. So I decided that it may be time to consult the nurse. So I called the office and stated my problem. I was immediately asked about my recent restroom habits. Since I had to think about it for a minute, I already knew the answer wasn't good. She said the dreaded "c" word: constipation. First of all, this is my FIRST surgery. I just feel the need to explain my naiveté. I had no idea that taking Pain Killers would cause a Back Up in the Wrong Place. She informed me to take a laxative and probably a stool softener wouldn't hurt. Although, I am new to surgery, I am not new to constipation. I am well aware that laxatives don't usually work quickly when it comes to me, often having to wait 48 to72 hours before I see results. So in my infinite wisdom I took two of each once a day (laxative and stool softener) for two days straight. Well, I did get results. Better than I expected actually. In the end, I felt bad for the bathroom. I also lost five pounds in three days. Apparently there is some truth to being Full of It. Anyways, I am drinking plenty of fluids and resting after vigorous exercise. I feel much, much better. Moral to this story: if you are taking pain killers and you feel bloated, chances are you may be clogged. I find the regular over the counter gentle stuff works ( I hate magnesium citrate ---- if you can do without liquid laxatives, I suggest you forego them. If they don't unclog you, the taste alone will kill you.)

********I POST THIS FOR WOMEN WHO CAN'T FIND ANSWERS TO EXPLAIN NEW SYMPTOMS OF PMS AFTER LAP BAND******* I got VERY LITTLE FEEDBACK on my symptoms and NO DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. With that being said, I feel it is my duty to share what I experienced so that someone else wont feel as LOST as I did. Sorry this post wont be a funny one. SO....10 days after surgery, PMS is knocking at the door. Up until this point, everything was wonderful. I was eating small portions, no nausea, no vomiting, pain only at the incision sites. Resting well. Then it all fell to crap. First headache (normal), cramps (normal), lower back pain (normal): all normal. But then, stomach spasms (not normal), inability to eat (not normal), night sweats (only normal if I am sick - fighting infection), nausea, and insomnia. I wrote the nurse, she was unsure of what to tell me, I called the office of the surgeon (well their best guest - all related to pms - but no one has ever complained of the same symptoms). Even called the gynecologist, one nurse asked me was I experiencing the change - (I'm 33 years old. I definitely hope not.) I even asked about my symptoms in the forums...very little response. So here is the data: Cycle lasted 7 days. Stomach Spasms lasted for three days and were made worse by eating. From day 2 to day 5, protein shakes - saltine crackers (nibbled on throughout the day) - and water was my diet. Day six, I was finally able to eat in peace. Night sweats lasted five days. Cramps were much worse. Back pain about the same. Insomnia: ALL SEVEN DAYS. I just had my first full night's rest last night. Headache, first two days and the last day. Nausea lasted for three days. What got me through the painful stuff and nausea, Two Alieve and One phenergen twice a day. SO I HOPE THIS HELPS SOMEONE ELSE. If I learn anymore about the why of it all, I will let you know. I still don't have any answers.

So I am off the pain meds. Hope this blog makes more sense than day 2. I am doing well I guess. I am only sore where the main incision is. The only reason I know of the others are they are starting to itch. Everything I have put in my tummy is going down pretty well. No issues. (thank you good Lord!) Hope as I progress this continues. I love variety in my diet and hope that I can still do that post-op. I am pretty much drinking the 64oz. and getting 50-60 grams of protein a day. It is an ALL day chore however. I am having some bathroom issues. But with what I'm putting in my body I think this is just trying to adjust, not to mention I just had surgery. I am ready to put some texture in my mouth. I am tired already of liquids but I am not hungry at all. I have to remind my self to sip something other than flavored water. I get tired very easy! I am a go go go person and I just can't do it. That has been the worst part. I want to do things but my body just won't let me yet. I worry about going back to work. I hope I don't still have zero energy then. But that still a week and few days off. I am getting better each day and by then I may feel somewhat normal. I can't wait to feel like myself again! One month from now I am sure I will be screaming from the rooftops! I have lost 18 lbs since starting my pre-op diet, 8 since surgery. That is crazy to me! I can already see a change in my body. Well I am off to walk and drink and drink and drink!

So I had my first follow up appointment with the Surgeon. Happy to report that all is well from the surgery point of view. Anyways, I have lost ten pounds in two weeks. Which they seem to be surprised by. Not sure why. I guess during this time, many people gain some weight back from their pre op diet due to lack of fluid in the band. I however am not able to eat as I was before. Only small portions of food at a time. The doctor informed me that I would feel twice the restriction due to the hernia repair. So I guess the great news is - its all downhill for a little while longer. Yes, I still have issues seating up in a chair without leaning to my right to relieve the pressure on my left side and I'm told that is normal. How long does it take for your insides to heal? I have five stitches in my diaphragm and stitches securing my port. Well I will keep you updated when more happens. Monday, its back to work for me.

Here's some tough love.....and sometimes we need to hear this.....still have 12 days of my pre-op, but want to make sure I can find this again 2 months down the road......soda = battery acid -- I like that! Thanks Doug for this post. Source: Three Years Later - What I've Learned

Just a couple of statements I wanted to make. One, I really enjoy blogging. It makes me feel less alone in my journey. I am honored and humbled whenever I receive a response stating that I have made someone laugh, or smile, or feel less embarrassed about something they have done or thought. Two, I would love to have more interaction with other members. There are so many options on this site to connect with others. I'm not sure which option to choose from one moment to the next. In so many words, HELP! I am still a newbie and I would really like some friends. I want to follow the blogs of others: I follow you, you follow me and so forth. I just learned how to make a ticker the other day and I'm still working on my signature. So feel free to friend me, leave comments, show me the ropes. MOST OF ALL: If there is one thing that I wish ALL OF YOU to know it is this: No matter how you started this journey. No matter where you are on your journey. You are SUCCESSFUL because you are STRIVING to LIVE a BETTER, HEALTHIER, and hopefully HAPPIER LIFE. You are MOVING FORWARD because you are reaching out to others and utilizing the tools necessary to keep you on track and motivated. You are an INSPIRATION, because every time you post whether to ask or answer a question, to motivate or encourage, or you are simply a kind hearted hot mess such as myself (smile)...you are REINFORCING another person's resolve to keep reaching for their goals and UPLIFTING another's spirit. So please, DON'T LET A BAD DAY, A FOOD SLIP UP, THE SCALE, OR CRITICAL PEOPLE RUIN YOUR MOMENT. Whenever you feel discouraged or down, REMEMBER that YOU made the choice to LIVE. I wish you all the best and MANY DAYS OF LAUGHTER!