♕ajtexas♕

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!!

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!!!!

I have touched on this before but I want to talk about it more.
 
I got a fitbit a few weeks ago and realized how lazy I was.
 
Since then I have tried to increase my steps and general movement daily to burn more calories and here is what I have done:
 
@ work
I walk to other offices when I need to talk to someone rather than calling.
I take the long way to the bathroom and break room to get my snacks or lunch.
Instead of rolling my chair I get up and walk to get things in my office.
I fidget- shake my legs, stand when on the phone
 
@ a store
I park further away (ok unless it's raining- I don't like being wet)
Walk as fast as I can between sections I need to go to or take the long way around the store.
 
@ home
Again take the long way to the potty or kitchen
We have our master on the first floor, but I go upstairs everyday to check it (I have pets)
I work out when I have time (busy time of year- have gifts to wrap)
When I sit down to watch a fav show (like NCIS) I pick up my hand weights and use them while I watch or during commercials.
Dance around the kitchen while cooking (the hubs just loves this- I find him watching from the door laughing)
Dance in the shower while washing my hair
Pace when on the phone
I park my car in the garage and walk back to the mail box rather than stopping at the mail box.
Play with my dog (tug of war kills my arms - she is STRONG)
 
 
All these things add up to more calories burned and they put me in a better mood. I mean who won't laugh at themselves when they are dancing in the kitchen to Christmas carols or dancing in the shower. I feel better and am happier on the days I do these things.
 
We all can increase our movement in some way even if we can't workout. As you do more movement the easier it gets to move and the more you can do and it turns into a wonderful cycle.
 
So do it - MOVE!

I have been posting in the forums for several years and never even noticed the blog feature... but recently I am seeing that everyone is blogging.. so thought I would try it out.
 
This week my patience has been tried on the forums so maybe I need to be more selective in replying to certain posts and use a blog to vent... something to think about....
 
Have to go to my office Christmas party in 30 minutes.... I will stand around with my pretty glass of water with lemon and watch everyone stuff their faces on rich fatty appetizers... And tomorrow I will still be in my new found size 8s and they will be thinking of how to shed the bloat from their over induldging. Life is good!

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!!!!

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!!!!!

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!!!

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!!!!!

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!!!!!

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!!!!!

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!!!!!

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.