Ollie123

In June, just 3 short months ago I blogged about not being able to get a ring off my right hand for many years. My doctor said they could cut it off as it was restricting my blood flow especially when retaining water. I patiently waited. Every week trying to see if it would budge, a little soap..Nope. A little oil..Nope. Icing the finger...Nope. Wrapping dental floss tightly around the finger to then slide off...Nope. Well...Drum roll. I just washed my hands and decided to twist away and off it came! Not that I won't put it back on but sliding that ring off gave me such as sense of accomplishment. I'm now down 29 pounds and feeling like more like my old self. Here's to accomplishing small goals that make you smile. Ollie

In June, just 3 short months ago I blogged about not being able to get a ring off my right hand for many years. My doctor said they could cut it off as it was restricting my blood flow especially when retaining water. I patiently waited. Every week trying to see if it would budge, a little soap..Nope. A little oil..Nope. Icing the finger...Nope. Wrapping dental floss tightly around the finger to then slide off...Nope. Well...Drum roll. I just washed my hands and decided to twist away and off it came! Not that I won't put it back on but sliding that ring off gave me such as sense of accomplishment. I'm now down 29 pounds and feeling like more like my old self. Here's to accomplishing small goals that make you smile. Ollie

I'm 3/4 of the way through September and had lost 2 more pounds but gained back three! I keep wondering what I'm doing differently and have determined EVERYTHING! I stopped exercising, I stopped counting protein and calories, I started drinking high calorie libations, I started making excuses for eating cake and ice cream, blah, blah , blah... Since my last blog I've enjoyed three family birthdays. I've dealt with the death of family member. I've learned new software at work. I've sprained my ankle. I've had house guests for three weeks. I'm in the middle of a law suit. All triggers to get be back to believing that food is a comfort not energy. Today is a new day. I've said no the the banana bread and lemon cake at work. I've journaled what I've put in my mouth and plan to go for bike ride this evening. Everyday is a new day and I plan to make this one better than yesterday. Wish me luck as I haul this fat butt back on the wagon. Ollie

I'm 3/4 of the way through September and had lost 2 more pounds but gained back three! I keep wondering what I'm doing differently and have determined EVERYTHING! I stopped exercising, I stopped counting protein and calories, I started drinking high calorie libations, I started making excuses for eating cake and ice cream, blah, blah , blah... Since my last blog I've enjoyed three family birthdays. I've dealt with the death of family member. I've learned new software at work. I've sprained my ankle. I've had house guests for three weeks. I'm in the middle of a law suit. All triggers to get be back to believing that food is a comfort not energy. Today is a new day. I've said no the the banana bread and lemon cake at work. I've journaled what I've put in my mouth and plan to go for bike ride this evening. Everyday is a new day and I plan to make this one better than yesterday. Wish me luck as I haul this fat butt back on the wagon. Ollie

This has been the best summer in 5 years! My highlights included wearing shorts and a swimsuit on multiple occassions and actually swimming while I was at the pool. My hubby and I enjoyed several concerts including an outdoor concert that I wore a sundress. I visited Las Vegas and walked every morning that I was there at least 4 miles. I have ridden my bike over 325 miles and walked over 138 since June 1st. I've had an energy level and a renewed interest in life after losing 25 pounds and 10 inches. I love my Lapband. Ollie

This has been the best summer in 5 years! My highlights included wearing shorts and a swimsuit on multiple occassions and actually swimming while I was at the pool. My hubby and I enjoyed several concerts including an outdoor concert that I wore a sundress. I visited Las Vegas and walked every morning that I was there at least 4 miles. I have ridden my bike over 325 miles and walked over 138 since June 1st. I've had an energy level and a renewed interest in life after losing 25 pounds and 10 inches. I love my Lapband. Ollie

"Muscle weighs more than fat." Do you know how many times I've heard that in the month of July? Too many. But finally that wicked scale finally threw me a bone and dropped by two pounds. I'm now under 240. Now, I'm not whining although it sounds like it. I have biked over 170 miles since July 3rd. So I deserved to drop at least 5 pounds in my mind. Don't you agree? Yes, the inches are dropping off too but I'm yet to drop a full size so that will be the telling moment. Everyday I jump on my bike with a renewed sense of awareness of how strong I'm getting. The hills are not so itimidating, the traffic less invasive, but more than anything my mind is opening up to challenging this body to go another mile. Two days ago it hit close to 100 degrees when i was biking home 9 miles from work. Someone asked me if I felt sick when biking at that temperature but amazingly if you hydrate you're fine and it's almost cool when the breeze hits you. I have a goal to hit 500 miles on my bike by my birthday on August 28th. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. :redface: Ollie

"Muscle weighs more than fat." Do you know how many times I've heard that in the month of July? Too many. But finally that wicked scale finally threw me a bone and dropped by two pounds. I'm now under 240. Now, I'm not whining although it sounds like it. I have biked over 170 miles since July 3rd. So I deserved to drop at least 5 pounds in my mind. Don't you agree? Yes, the inches are dropping off too but I'm yet to drop a full size so that will be the telling moment. Everyday I jump on my bike with a renewed sense of awareness of how strong I'm getting. The hills are not so itimidating, the traffic less invasive, but more than anything my mind is opening up to challenging this body to go another mile. Two days ago it hit close to 100 degrees when i was biking home 9 miles from work. Someone asked me if I felt sick when biking at that temperature but amazingly if you hydrate you're fine and it's almost cool when the breeze hits you. I have a goal to hit 500 miles on my bike by my birthday on August 28th. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. Ollie

So with all my newly acquired energy I have undertaken a Garage Sale this weekend. As I strolled through my house plucking pictures from the wall, clothing from my closet, knick-knacks, furniture, dishes, jewelry, you name I have it and I'm tired of it. Where in the world did all this excess baggage come from? My daughter made the comment, "Yeah Mom..you're lightening up!" As she encouraged me to get rid of the stuff she calls clutter. I'm going to start a new rule at my house that whenever I bring something in I must take something out. Hopefully, eliminating the excess clutter. The same principal can be applied to my weight. Keeping my calorie intake at 1600. No.. if,ands or buts, just period. Anymore calories and I must exercise the extra calories off in that day. Keeping myself in balance. This weight loss thing sure can hit you on very many levels of your life. Wish me luck on my "Lightening Up Sale!" Ollie

So with all my newly acquired energy I have undertaken a Garage Sale this weekend. As I strolled through my house plucking pictures from the wall, clothing from my closet, knick-knacks, furniture, dishes, jewelry, you name I have it and I'm tired of it. Where in the world did all this excess baggage come from? My daughter made the comment, "Yeah Mom..you're lightening up!" As she encouraged me to get rid of the stuff she calls clutter. I'm going to start a new rule at my house that whenever I bring something in I must take something out. Hopefully, eliminating the excess clutter. The same principal can be applied to my weight. Keeping my calorie intake at 1600. No.. if,ands or buts, just period. Anymore calories and I must exercise the extra calories off in that day. Keeping myself in balance. This weight loss thing sure can hit you on very many levels of your life. Wish me luck on my "Lightening Up Sale!" Ollie

Today as I was bicycling to work I saw a small girl running and it got me thinking about how strong children's legs are and subsequently how weak mine felt at that very moment due to a large hill I had just crested. When I was a child these were my favorite things I used my legs for without knowing how much stronger they were making me. leg wrestling Hanging from jungle gym cartwheels splits back handsprings riding a bike 50 yard dash climbing trees balance beam roller skating dancing walking 18 blocks to/from school home kick soccer swimming jumping on a trampoline Jumping rope What happens to us? I can't believe how lazy we get as adults? Yes, we're busy in other ways but what happened to staying out until dark running until it was time for bed? Instead we beeline straight for the couch with the remote and fall asleep before dark. I'm not sure what happened to me but I'm determined to change my life. Not to add more activities or responsibilities but "fun." Ollie

Today as I was bicycling to work I saw a small girl running and it got me thinking about how strong children's legs are and subsequently how weak mine felt at that very moment due to a large hill I had just crested. When I was a child these were my favorite things I used my legs for without knowing how much stronger they were making me. leg wrestling Hanging from jungle gym cartwheels splits back handsprings riding a bike 50 yard dash climbing trees balance beam roller skating dancing walking 18 blocks to/from school home kick soccer swimming jumping on a trampoline Jumping rope What happens to us? I can't believe how lazy we get as adults? Yes, we're busy in other ways but what happened to staying out until dark running until it was time for bed? Instead we beeline straight for the couch with the remote and fall asleep before dark. I'm not sure what happened to me but I'm determined to change my life. Not to add more activities or responsibilities but "fun." Ollie

Although I wouldn't admit it, I think I felt that I would be "the one" that my weight would magically melt off after receiving my first fill. Guess what, it has not. I now have 6.2 cc's in my band and struggle to eat some foods. I have had several PB episodes primarily because of acquired "bad" eating habits which include trying to enhale my food without chewing it and taking too big of bites for my own good. I feel restriction finally and it has helped me a great deal not to overeat. As far as exercising, I now have it down and am getting very strong. I can ride my bike for 10 miles in one shot and I can walk 5 miles without feeling I could die. This is an amazing change for me as I would have never walked more than one block 3 months ago. As far as weight loss...It is a disappointing number in my eyes but that's only because I wanted the weight to melt off. I had set unrealistic goals in my mind and the scale is not participating with my fantasy. I have lost 16-18 pounds on a good day. My clothes fit a lot differently. I actually have lost several inches in my hips, waist and thighs. I have not lost one full size but expect to go down within the month. I have learned to have patience with eating, with the mirror, with exercising, and most of all the scale. Ollie

Although I wouldn't admit it, I think I felt that I would be "the one" that my weight would magically melt off after receiving my first fill. Guess what, it has not. I now have 6.2 cc's in my band and struggle to eat some foods. I have had several PB episodes primarily because of acquired "bad" eating habits which include trying to enhale my food without chewing it and taking too big of bites for my own good. I feel restriction finally and it has helped me a great deal not to overeat. As far as exercising, I now have it down and am getting very strong. I can ride my bike for 10 miles in one shot and I can walk 5 miles without feeling I could die. This is an amazing change for me as I would have never walked more than one block 3 months ago. As far as weight loss...It is a disappointing number in my eyes but that's only because I wanted the weight to melt off. I had set unrealistic goals in my mind and the scale is not participating with my fantasy. I have lost 16-18 pounds on a good day. My clothes fit a lot differently. I actually have lost several inches in my hips, waist and thighs. I have not lost one full size but expect to go down within the month. I have learned to have patience with eating, with the mirror, with exercising, and most of all the scale. Ollie

Went to my first Support group last night where we had a guest speaker; clinical phychologist who specializes in Weight Loss Counseling. Best information I took away was learning to live your life today, not waiting for that "day" when you finally reach your goal. I seem to daydream about that day as if it will change my life. I'll wake up that day and be someone else. I'm starting to "get" what she means. Tonight is "Girls Night Out" and I always look forward to some time with the girls. Ollie

Went to my first Support group last night where we had a guest speaker; clinical phychologist who specializes in Weight Loss Counseling. Best information I took away was learning to live your life today, not waiting for that "day" when you finally reach your goal. I seem to daydream about that day as if it will change my life. I'll wake up that day and be someone else. I'm starting to "get" what she means. Tonight is "Girls Night Out" and I always look forward to some time with the girls. Ollie

Try Miralax (over the counter) Add it to a cup of juice and you'll be back on track. Ollie

I'm totally with you about the comment of losing your youth to weight. Just remember to enjoy the journey now and not feel like you have to be at the end goal before you enjoy your life. It is a journey and you will get there! Best of luck, Ollie

Great article. I so fall into many of those descriptives. Good week, bad week really hit home. I have been exercising and enjoying the energy harvested from Walking and Riding my bike but the scale is moving up not down. It's so easy to think exercise is Bad when I know how good it is long term. Thanks for upper today!

I HATE SCALES! So I've been exercising for 5 weeks without fail. Sometimes walking 5 miles a day, other times riding my bike for 10 miles. Each day I strip down, tip-toe my way onto that scale waiting for my prize. URGH!!!! I gained? So the Dr. and everyother human being has reminded me that muscle weighs more than fat...How much more? Jeeze, I must be solid muscle by now and the fat should be dripping off me. Patience, patience... I'M NOT Patient! Ok, so tomorrow when I get on that scale it better throw me a bone or I'll throw it out the window. Ollie- P.S. Sorry to rant but somedays you just have to!

I just received a fill this week and now have 6.2cc in a 10cc band and just now starting to fill restriction on a daily basis. Enjoy the feeling of restriction! Ollie

I HATE SCALES! So I've been exercising for 5 weeks without fail. Sometimes walking 5 miles a day, other times riding my bike for 10 miles. Each day I strip down, tip-toe my way onto that scale waiting for my prize. URGH!!!! I gained? So the Dr. and everyother human being has reminded me that muscle weighs more than fat...How much more? Jeeze, I must be solid muscle by now and the fat should be dripping off me. Patience, patience... I'M NOT Patient! Ok, so tomorrow when I get on that scale it better throw me a bone or I'll throw it out the window. Ollie- P.S. Sorry to rant but somedays you just have to!

I just confirmed a week's vacation with my hubby, son and daughter to spend Thanksgiving on the beach this year. This will be unusual for me as I usually host the big family dinner with 30 plus people and enough food to feed 60 which results in a 4 day feeding frenzy. I'm glad we're doing something a little less traditional this year as I hope to break some of my Holiday habits...gaining 5-10 pounds. What do I plan to do in Daytona? Swim, walk the beach, ride bicyles, dancing at night clubs, Christmas shopping, anything that requires me to be active. My goal will be to burn off any daily calories that are not necessary (ice cream, alcohol) and continure to lose weight while I'm there. I have approximately 130 days to get my body ready for a skimpy swimsuit. Will I be a size 8? No.... But I'll look damn good in a size 12! :shades_smile: P.S. I have officially walked 100 miles since the first week in June and have ridden 48 miles on my bike. I feel so much stronger than I did 2 months ago.

Yeehaw! I live approximately 8 miles from work and have a fabulous bike trail I can take. The first day was challenging as I tried to Bike home too which was tough, I made it 3/4 of the way home and my hubby came to rescue me. However, I packed my backpack again this morning and hit the rode before I could talk myself out of it. I believe I burned somewhere between 460-600 calories this morning. Ollie

Good for you for finding your strength to see through the veil of self denial. I too covered myself up and will never do it again. I look forward to reading more of your journey. Ollie