Maddysgram

As you may have seen Someone posted that to me today.... Stop preaching.
 
 
I really thought about it and decided that if my preaching about.... be good to the band and it will be good to you....helps one person out... Its worth having someone tell me to stop preaching.
 
So I am not stopping. I will shout it from the rooftops... I love my band and my band loves me because I treat it with respect and dedication... If it chooses to fail me down the road it won't be from my doing...and I will just deal with it when the time comes. In the meantime the band and my effort gave me a thin healthy outlook on life and I plan on singing it's praises forever....

It is important for me to share my journey with others. I will be honest about what I am feeling so that new people or people thinking about getting banded can have an honest view point. I believe most people are this way but there are also some trolls out there with weird agendas that want to scare people. There will be ups and downs as with anything, I am sure. It is my goal to honestly portray what it is like to be banded.
 
I am 34 years old with a start weight of 305. I have a large blended family. Between my husband and I we have 6 children and a very busy life.
I am 8 days post op today. My surgery included a hernia repair, lapband and plication. My band was not "primed" at time of surgery. My first fill is scheduled for 6 weeks post op.
 
To be quite honest, I am one of those people who don't do well with any pain meds. They knock me out and generally make me groggy. That is what happened this week. Not only was I groggy but I experienced discomfort like never before in my life. This was me being unprepared as I have never had major surgery before. The gas pains alone threw me. They are not your standard gas pain. Until you have it you really won't know what people mean when they are talking about the gas. When you have your band do what everyone says and walk, walk, walk. The first three days after surgery, I was happiest when walking. Working out the gas pressure is a relief!
 
My relationship with food this week has been an emotional roller coaster. In the beginning of the week, I felt like I had lost a dear friend. I am still on the clear liquid part of my post op diet. It seems like every commercial on TV is about food. Food I don't even normally like looks delicious. Now, at the beginning of my second week Post OP, those commercials no longer bother me. I have accepted the stage of the diet I am on and I know that eventually I will be able to eat "real food" as long as I keep it healthy I WILL succeed!
 
My relationship with my husband has gotten stronger. I am 34 years old and needed help taking a shower, getting dressed and making broth for myself. He stepped up and did all of these things for me. He took the kids to school, cleaned house, and made their dinner all while holding down a job of his own. I could not have done as well this week without his loving support. When I was ready to start doing things on my own again he did not smother me. He is letting me take control back one step at a time, as I am ready. I am truly blessed to have him in my life. I hope everyone can find support in this journey as I have.
 
I have had a lot of time to think this week. I took a long hard look at myself and have decided I will not fail my band. Notice I did not say the band will not fail me. I will not fail the band because I have made a decision to follow doctor's orders, to be honest with myself and to let my support system help me. I made the decision to take this step in my life for my health. Let's be honest here.. I also have dreams of feeling sexy again. I am 34 not 90. It is up to me to see that this tool helps me reach my goal. I believe with all my heart personal responsibility needs to be a big part of the healing process.
 
So flash forward to post op day 8. I feel fantastic today! I have no more pain. I have not had to take my pain meds for two days. The gas is all gone. Food commercials no longer bother me. I am not weak or groggy anymore.
 
So I promised in my title two NSV's (non scale victories) and one SV (scale victory). So already I am encouraged by progress.
My first and a very important NSV is I was able to get my wedding rings back on. Not only are they on but they are comfortable and no longer cutting into my fingers! As I was heartbroken and sorely disappointed in myself when I had to take them off, I am overjoyed to wear them again. My husband is also very proud I am wearing his rings again.
The second and also very important NSV.. I was able to sleep in my own bed last night! This was the first time in 10 years I have had to sleep apart from my husband when in the same house. We have never let a fight make one of us sleep on the couch. I spent the entire last week in my recliner because it was the only comfortable spot to sleep. I am so HAPPY to be back in my own bed.
 
And drum roll please... My scale victory... As of this morning I am down to 289 from 305lbs. 16 lbs lost! I have not seen the scale move backwards in years and never has it moved 16lbs! I can do this. If you are a new person with doubts and questions.. YOU can do this if you want to. Do research. When you think you have done enough.. do some more. It is not easy. Oh boy is it not the easy way out.. It is a tool for you to use.
If you want success, reach out and grab it. It is there for you. Remember success comes with bumps in the road. These are just things we all have to get through. It is part of life.
 
I am sure I will have ups and downs. Lets be realistic. Of course there will be ups and downs. I will share as many of these as I can that I feel people considering this journey should hear. If something goes wrong (unlikely), I will be honest about it and what caused it. I will share the victories as well.
 
Thank you for reading my first blog. I wish you all success in your own journeys no matter what road they take. I am happy to answer any questions I can if you have any. =)

I just can't seem to get it together. i read all other blogs about menus and updates and all that stuff and I think to myself....I'm witty, I'm organized I CAN DO THAT.
 
Uh...NAH!
 
I am disappointed in myself, but that's just me. I am a planner, a doer, a go getter.
 
Anywho.
My menu plan for the next 2 days are won't be worth posting. I just had a fill today and I'm on liquids for the next 24-48 hours, then soft for the following 3-4 days. I didn't follow the directions properly the last time and found myself gaining 2 lbs since my last visit. I can read all about how important it is to follow directions, and how this is my choice and on and on and on. I know, I get it, I had to fall before I could pick myself up. When I saw that 2 lbs, I wasn't surprised, but I was very upset. I had to reboot myself and decide for myself that I have to let the lapband work for me, and in order for it to work I have to use it properly.
I have followed my menus, but I found myself eating a little more here and a little more there. Yes, calories do count. My 2 lb weightgain proved that to me.
I had my 6 months bandaversary on Jan 16th and I am happy to have lost about 30 lbs. It was not done easily or without effort, and I just don't think I could have done it without my band. It was my wakeup call....I qualified for a lapband. Not my proudest moment, but so very thankful for it.
 
So, I promise myself to blog...more often. May not be everyday.
To continue my 30 minutes a day walking.
To add some light hand weights.
To accept that I am worth this. I deserve to be healthy. I am already happy.
 
I'm always happy. Yeah, I am one of THOSE people. I smile through everything, I strive to see the good in every situation.
And when it starts to get hard, I have a rock I can lean on...my awesome husband. Very greatful and blessed.

I haven't been on here in a long while. I lost my dad to cancer this past November and then delt with the whole flu...I just haven't felt much like doing anything. I haven't lost anymore weight but I haven't gained either. In fact lately I have been so on board that I am trying to find good easy fast ways to lose weight...When in fact there really isn't much to it. Just healthy eating and exercise. I hate exercising because its not fun to me and it hurts...I have to remind myself that if it were easy everyone would do it. I am trying to get better with my food and have been doing well...I am still having a hard time getting enough calories in. I am drinking and eating every 3 hours but Still not enough...This weekend I plan on buying more veggies and fruit..Time to get real and time to quit feeling sorry for myself. I am ready for this and have been. I shouldn't stop because my dad wouldn't want me too. I wanna do this because this is for me no one else.

It's my 5 month bandiversary, and I have lost almost 52 pounds so far !!!
 
I'm feeling good about my weight loss thus far, and look forward to losing more. It's been quite the journey & learning experience. I'm making better choices, and defnitely eating less. More importantly, I'm actually making time to work out (exercise bike). I'm looking forward to the Summer where I might actually be able to go on hikes without losing my breath, and enjoying the outdoors! I feel that my weight gain kept me in hybernation for way too long. Well, it's time to get out & enjoy life again!
 
Congrats to all of you that have lost & continue to lose. Every day you become a healthier you!

I have not posted in a few weeks and have been reading many of the posts regarding the same questions and the tone of some of the answers.
I work in the medical field and researched the band for 2 years and went to all of my preop classes etc... I was fully aware before surgery that the band is only a tool. The best way of thinking about it for me is the band holds me accountable to myself and what I eat!!! It is a tool only ,I have done the work so far. My loss has been very slow but I feel 100% better. I feel the first mistake some make is thinking the band is a cure and an easy way out. I have been stuck for 3 weeks now but will not let that stop me. I was banded 11-8-12 have had 2 fills. At my last fill the NP told me "you get it, you really get it"!!! Its only a tool, they cure for obesity comes from within and the desire to for once in my life do something for me and to become more healthy and active. I don't need to lose as much as some but the battle is the same. For those of you that have met your goal, you are an inspiration to me and gives me hope that I can do this with the HELP of my band. I do no rely on the band but always know its there. I have lost 21 pounds with 30 to go and its any every day decision but the band always reminds me how much and what I can and cannot eat. Looking forward to the green zone and until then I just keep doing the best I can. Not sure why I felt the need to write this but hope this help someone the way others on this post has helped me the last few months. By the way I am a 51 yr old grandmother raising grandkids the works full time so believe me I know the stress of everyday life and how I turn to food for comfort. No more thanks to my lap band, accountablity tool

Good evening all,
​I had my support meeting tonight and we met our new dietitian. She handed out new recipes and I just tried a great one and needed to share it.
Homemade Baked Cheese Crisps (they are great)
preheat oven to 350 and put parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Must!! use parchment paper.
use shredded cheese and seasonings (I did not use seasoning) and put little lumps of the mixture on the parchment paper, spaced out because the will grow. and spread. (Their words not mine) about a teaspoon of cheese.
Now put it on a rack centered in the middle of the oven and bake 5-7 minutes. When they start to turn brown take them out and let them cool.
I made mine with a pizza cheese blend and the hub and I loved them
Enjoy!
You can use cheddar/jack and Ranch dressing to make it a Mexican blend. Add garlic, chili powder.

Tonight for dinner I had extra large shrimp with pea pods, water chestnuts, almonds and brown rice. It was wonderful. I used a chinese sauce to cook it all together.
Then around 10pm (I am a night owl and sleep all morning) I made sweet and sour meatballs. They are so good. I use sugar free/reduced sugar grape jelly and equal part chili sauce and heat together and then add your meatballs (raw). I use some seasonings and a drop of panko and then cook them on low for about 1 hour. I have a food saver so I can freeze into small amounts for me. My husband doesn't eat meat and doesn't eat turkey sweet and sour balls. He had American chop suey made with ground turkey. He loves that. I hate that.
Husband just left to meet my DIL at the mechanics. My son forgot they have an early appointment and their baby is 1 1/2 months old so tonight was better than early morning for them. My son is almost 38 and still needs us, I am happy about that.
Have a great sleep everyone.
Arlene

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!

​Just got my new People and it's the half their size issue!!!!!!!! I always felt jealous of their success and now I can be a success story like them. Who would have thought one year ago I would be down 66 lbs. at this time. Great start of the new year for all of us. We are facing our over eating and doing something about it. We all should stand up and cheer for ourselves and all on this site!!!

Betrayal comes from many aspects of our life. From friends, family, spouses and children. Everytime you are betrayed by people you love it hurts. So why with the band do you betray yourself by eating things you are not supposed to and in the long run feeling guilty and hurt by your decisions.
 
Life isn't always easy and we have enough stress without letting the band stress us more. It's supposed to help us feel better about ourselves not feel miserable.
 
As the new year approaches, stop betraying yourself with the band. Follow your instructions that you were given and even if your weight loss is slow, a pound loss is a loss no matter how you look at it.
 
I betrayed myself for years with tons of food, feeling miserable, feeling overly full and depending on food to get me through rough times. I stil have rough times, but I don't use food as another means to betray myself. I use it to make myself feel good by getting rid of the horrible self image I had when I was almost 300lbs.
 
Sometimes it's not easy dealing with problems without the comfort of food but I have learned to stop letting meaningless things get on my nerves.
 
Happy New Year with a new attitude about band life!

Anyone thats ever had a traumatic event in their life can relate to what I'm about to say. I spent a lot of time in the counselors office talking about forgiveness. Forgiving your abuser and those who supported the abuse, either by denial or by complacency is more about healing you than giving that other person anything.
 
I never once in this whole process ever thought about forgiving myself. I was watching a recent episode of Heavy and one of the counseling sessions was about forgiving yourself. There is so much guilt associated in childhood trauma, at least there was for me. I can honestly say that I have forgiven those involved, but I have never forgiven myself.
 
Part of this journey for me is to work through the reasons I turn to food for comfort. Part of my realization is that I have not forgiven myself; I did not allow myself to break free from my abuse because of the guilt. I feel responsible for what happened, because I didn't speak up, I didn't tell anyone, I didn't make it stop. Why didn't I? Logic sets in and tells me it was because I was only 2,3,4,5,6,7 years old but my memories are processed through my mind, an adult's mind. I am mature enough to know it is wrong..now! But then? I remember saying " this is wrong" and him saying " why?" and I couldn't answer him because I didn't know.
 
How could I not have known?
 
These are the things I am working through...it's not a sob story, so don't feel bad for me. It's just my reality, one that I've lived with my whole life. I'm working through it now. I have no choice because I can't consume large amounts of food anymore to avoid working through them ( thank god!)
 
I'm just telling myself every day that I have the right to what everyone else has and that....
 
It was not my fault! It was not my fault! It was not my fault!

Hello
I am a very weird eater. Recall the movie, When Harry Met Sally? Well I eat worse than Sally. My food never touches, I use a different plate for each item, in my house. I dislike more foods than I like. I hate fast food restaurants, my poor grandsons, they get sit down restaurants with me. I never use condiments, never tried salad dressing or soups, so why am I over weight? I love bread!! I could eat 2-3 bread baskets full of wonderful breads in a restaurant with either oil or butter. Then eat my meal. Since having the band, I am so good. I do try the breads but a very small piece and stop. I also would always have ice cream either in a restaurant or at home almost everyday. I have had maybe 2-3 small tastes of my husband's since the band. I am really trying and so far so good. I guess it took me 62 years to wake up and say, STOP, being the overweight Arlene. I can move much better. Because of back problems, I can't stand in one place for more than a few minutes, weight loss will not cure that. I am not as tired as I was and I still have a lot to lose. I hope to be a onederlander within the next week or two. That would be F'n awesome. Yes, I have a potty mouth, that comes with me where ever I go.
Have a wonderful Boxing Day, all.

Someone said that to me today. I was back at work ...granted I was at home but I could do my job in a closet and no one would notice...LOL. Any way I was on the phone with one of my employees and she asked how I was recovering from my surgery... She doesn't know it's nature..but anyway I told her I was really surprised at how well I was doing albet I would like to feel a little less tired....but she said...well happy people get good results.
 
It got me to thinking.... And of course there are exceptions to this rule of thumb...but do you believe it?

I never thought the day would come, that I could eat and not gain weight but it has. I have been very strict with my lapband but did have some goodies over Christmas because I love to bake.
 
Waking up and stepping on the scale to see it not go up was a great feat in its self as I remember always gaining 10 to 20lbs from Halloween to the new year.
 
I cooked a lot of food for Christmas but I put so little on my plate of everything. A spoon full is satisfactory to me now not 4 helpings.
 
It's funny how things have changed for me in the aspect of food. I don't love it anymore, its just a need to keep living. It's what keeps me healthy now and not what makes me miserable.
 
Every time I ride past a fast food joint, I cringe. It somehow sickens me to think I use to like that crap. How eating a six hundred calorie burger with 3 days worth of fat in it made me happy.
 
I enjoyed my turkey this year because if I never could cook anything in this world, I make the most to die for turkey that is perfectly moist and seasoned all the way through.
 
My desert yesterday was some sugarfree jello with whipped topping and I enjoyed it because I got real whip cream to put on top of it.
 
I ate some chocolate and it really didn't taste so good to me because I haven't had sugar in ages. I don't eat sugar anymore. I hardly eat meat either but it tasted good.
 
Today I return to my journey of eating normal again and knowing I won this year it didnt' beat me.

In society today people have become, well crazy. We ALL have crazy moment when we just seem to forget and make snap comments or judgement without thinking things through.
 
What took place in CT is truly a tragedy that I don't think I will ever be able to comprehend. I had the same feelings when reading about and see reports about Columbine, Okalahoma City, 9-11, Virginia Tech - why do people hurt innocents. These are all horrible horrible things, but what about the small things.
 
On a daily basis we (me and you) have the ability to hurt or help someone. In my job I can get easily frustrated with parents, kids, staff, and have to remind myself to be real. I should not take my frustration with one person out on someone else- they don't deserve it. This is also the situation with this site.
 
This site was created with the hope of giving support to other who have been banded. There are some on this site who have done an amazing job with their band and really have it down, then there are some who are struggling or haven't done as well, but the one thing we have in common is the band. When I respond, write blogs, ect I try to only present what has happened to me on my journey.
 
Each person on this site have influences that other do not- different doctor, emotional states, family situations, illnessess, ect there for the journey will not be the same for everyone. I tend to only get frustrated with those that try to tell people to go against doctors orders. If you choose a doctor and trust him/her then you should LISTEN to their medical advice!!!! If you doctor says you need vitamins, maybe there is something in your labs or history to cause the doctor to say that so take them no matter what anyone else says. If you doctor says eat xyz then do it. If you feel like you are getting unsound advice from the doctor seek out a second opinion from ANOTHER DOCTOR!!!! A bariactric specialist is the only one you should take MEDICAL advice from!!
 
On this site we need to be here to tell our story, how we are doing, how we are making it on journey and what we have experienced. No, we do not need to sugar coat and validate bad behavior (eating food 2 days post op- I doubt this is allowed by any Doctor). What we should be doing is being a helpful encourager to stick to the program. We all are told to eat healthier (stop eating junk food every day and greasy fried foods), to move more (I didn't say be a gym rat, just move more), and to eat smaller portions ( I think most doctors recommend a cup). If you do not like a response some one has to a comment you posted either ignore it or RESPECTFULY state why you do not agree.
 
The key is being respectful of each other, we can agree to disagree. I may not like what a person has to say, but that doesn't give me the right to bash them. If I expect respect, then I must give it.
 
What a better world we would live in if people could just respect!!

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.

I had an appointment this morning for an unfill prior to my Tuesday's tt and breast lift surgery... I had called my lapband surgeon's office and was told I needed to come in for an unfill. SO I left work... shlepped over to his office, waited for 15 minutes and did the normal weigh in...vitals etc... I had lost 15 lbs since October (my last fill appt). I knew this but always nice to see on his charts.
 
Anyway the Dr comes in and of course is happy with my progrees and we chat about my upcoming TT and he said...so why are you here? I tell him and he said...we do not need to do an unfill for surgery.... I am so sorry my nurse gave you the wrong info. I was like...um ok... but it was nice to see you... and he said to the nurse...no charge for today, gave me a hug and told me to stop in to show him the results but that unless I need him he doesnt need to see me for 4 months. I felt like we were breaking up....LOL

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.

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.

So I went to a Christmas party last night.. at the home of friends we see regularly so saw lots of people who have seen me recently but more that havent seen me since this party last year. While its fun to hear and oh so flattering... the accolaids were almost embarrassing.... I was like.... isnt there something else to talk about besides my weight loss?
 
But then this morning I did my customary morning ritual on the scale and I weighed in at 159!!! I do not EVER remember in my life being in the 150s... I am in shock and no one is awake yet in my house so I had to rush on to tell you.... Holy #%#%... who would woulda thunk it? Maybe 150 isnt a pipe dream....
 
Happy Sunday!

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!!!!!

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)

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