Hello? May I come in?

I am here........

I an not going to bore you with details.  I am not going to ask for an 'excused absence'.

Here is a list as to why:
Hubby's  knee replacements -- both knees  in 3 months.
He had a stroke and kidney failure.
Endless doctor appointments
A full time job
VERY shorthanded at work (if u need a job and liven in the Austin, TX area--contact me PLEASE)
Massive overtime
Training new employees

Weight lost?  I have lost 68 pounds. Have 7.3cc in my band, who's name is Lucy. Learning to eat with a full band. Many stuck episodes and 'backwash'. I hate PBs

I am tired............but.........may I come back to this wonderful group of Bandsters? Please?

WHAT THE HECK?????

What the heck!  For weeks my weight has bounced between 195 and 198! I know I could probably make better food choices. But here's the deal--my clothes are getting looser; my shoes are floppier; people comment saying I've lost more!  I just bought this stuff less then a month ago and they fit when I bought them.  So .....  The scale is not showing a weight loss but my clothes are!    What is going on? I want the weight to come off!  

I talked to Dr G

I talked to my doctor or rather talked and cried. I told him I was tired all the time and overwhelmed with home, work, hubby....well shoot....with LIFE!

He asked if I was taken vitamins. I was taking Flintstones Complete but the nutritionist said not good. So I started Centrium Silver (yes I'm above 50) apparently thats not good either. I cannot swallow those "horse bill" vitamins -- so what a girl to do? Dr G gave me a specific vitamen and wrote out a vitamin plan. He told me to order online and ordered a complete blood work up. I am bruising very badly so he told mre to take vitamin C. I have to take calcium, iron, vit c, B-12,and the multi vitimen.

I really hope this works. I just so tried and I am very tired of it!!!!

Please excuse my absence...........

I have been absent. I have been reading about everyone though.

So here's a note from my doctor: "Please excuse Cheri's absence. Her life is overwwhelming."

First off, I am on a weight loss seesaw - down 2 up 2 down .5 up 1 down 1.5 .......... You get the picture. I am making many "carb comfort food" choice right now. Not the best for losing weight.

Also, I am wondering if I might be suffering from exhaustion. Is that a medical condition? Is there such a thing? If so, what are the symptoms and how is it treated? I sleep all night but I wake up tired. I yawn all the time. No, I do not have sleep apnea. I feel I just push myself all the time just doing what needs to be done. Work, housework, grocery shopping, laundry, Hubby's normal needs and additional needs due to his knee replacement, our dog, bills, money, family, car maintenance, doctor appointments, driving Hubby (he cannot drive due to his disability)

I go to see Dr G today for a check up and fill. I just might talk to him.

Weekly weigh in.........

So..........in a few moments I will be naked and stepping on the scale..............
Well, I have procrastinated long enough.........here goes..........

Starting weight: 257 lbs

Current weight: 197 lbs

Weekly Loss: 0 lbs -- Gained 0.5 oz

Total Loss: 60 pounds!!!

BMI: 33.6

Week In Review: decided to move closer to work when current lease is up; apartment shopping; continued hubby's recovery; short had handed at work; overtime; thinking of change Weigh In Day to Fridays.

Horrible horrible experience

Hello I am still here!

So Saturday I had a horrible experience. I was at work and suddenly I had to leave my teller window because I had had an accident and it was not the clean kind. when it was all said and done, I had to go to target to buy new clothes including underwear. it was horrible and I was deeply embarrassed but I looked adorably cute in my new outfit!

So I have experienced some "never befores":
Never before have I crapped myself at work
Never before have I bought clothes that fit me from target
Never before have I taken clothes off the rack and bought them without first trying them on and they fit!

Also that day I had three regular customers ask me if I was new to the branch. when I explained who I was and that I've always waited on them before and that it was me, Cheri and I had lost a little bit of weight--it suddenly dawned on them that I WAS Cheri and I HAD lost ALOT of weight! they said they did not recognize me!

Later that night we went to a restaurant and they believe me that I had a lap band and allowed me to eat off the buffet at the child's price! They didn't even want to see my Lap Band card!

So I guess you could say that my embarrassingly horrible experience had a silver lining called 'Non Scale Victories! WOW!

Before & today

For you viewing - proof positive that my I-Band is working.

Left: September 2011. Right: today April 25, 2012

Thank you Lord for this fabulous tool to use. Thank you for the answer to a life long plague. THANK YOU LORD!!!!!!

Weekly Weight In..........

Starting weight: 257 lbs

Current weight: 196.5 lbs

Weekly Loss: 2.0 lbs

Total Loss: 60.5 pounds!!!

BMI: 33.7

Week In Review: UGH!

I have collar bones!!!!!!

Really! For sure! I see them! They are right where I left them! Hehehe!

I have collar bones! So cool! So very COOL!

WEEKLY "So how did I do this week?"

Starting weight: 257 lbs

Current weight: 198.5 lbs

Weekly Loss: 1.5 lbs

Total Loss: 58.5 pounds!!!

BMI: 34.1

Week In Review: I SURVIVED! Hubby's knee replacement went well and rehab is going great. I came down with pneumonia but 4 days, 3 antibiotics, 2 shots, and 1 cough syrup--I am feeling better! Priceless! AND--I became a resident of One-Der-Land!!!!

This just made me smile!

I needed this today.

Spoiler Alert: Remember! Y'all Told Me I Could Rant and Rave!

Would u believe I AM SICK AGAIN!!!! Just left the Doctor and I have pneumonia! I am off work till Monday!

What is wrong with me? It seems since my surgery, every little thing that comes by, I catch it! Why? I take a Centrum Silver Chewable. Do I need something else? A different vitamin? More vitamins? A B-12 shot monthly? Blood work to see if my thyroid levels are off (I have no thyroid-benign 8cc tumor).

Why is this happening? I am miserable. I hate being sick. I hate missing work. I might get fired! Hubby's knee replacement is tomorrow and I just don't need this added stress!

Is there anyone that can shed light on this, please?

My Easter dress!

Easter 2012

WEIGHT-IN DAY

Starting weight: 257 lbs

Current weight: 200.0 lbs

Weekly Loss: 3.0 lbs

Total Loss: 57.0 pounds!!!

BMI: 34.3

Week In Review: preparation for hubby's surgery, confetti egg fight a work--it was A LOT of fun and a BIG mess (we are betting the cleaning crew was not happy).

HAPPY EASTER!

Okay okay okay

So I haven't blog since last Sunday. It seems like all I have had on my mind is hubby's surgery, how risky it is, how much it is going to cost, how that cost will effect our budget, etc, etc, etc........
That is not what I want this blog for. I want it to be an uplifting place. A place for encouragement. Not a place for my rants And gripes.
Besides y'all don't want to read about my woes. So I havent written. Not much positive in Cheri Land right now.
Then I read Mari's post from The Tale of a Band Called Beyonce, how she felt she was so boring so she doesn't blog much. The comments from y'all were amazing and very supportive.
So if y'all will humor me and allow me to gripe a bit now and then....I will try to be more present in Blog Land.

Tomorrow is weigh in day. I hope I've done well.

Love to all!

It's Weigh-In Day! WE ARE NOT ALONE!

Starting weight: 257 lbs

Current weight: 203.0 lbs

Weekly Loss: 1.5 lbs

Total Loss: 54.0 pounds!!!

BMI: 33.8

Week In Review: heel stress fracture - no exercise, Mini-Vacation-did not get to do what I wanted to do, frustration.


As I am weighing in this morning, I was stuck with the following: At this very moment, I am not the only one doing this! My LapBand Family is doing the same thing! It's Weigh In day for several of us. We are all getting up and the first thing we think is "Did I lose this week?". We go to the bathroom, strip naked, take our place on the 'throne', and push out every drop of pee possible. Then, clothed in our Birthday Suits, we approach the Scale. The Place of our Scarifed Tastebuds. The Altar of Our Success. The Instrument of Loathing and Joy. The Indicator of Our Hard Work. It is with one step, we all collectively hold our breath and step up. The result will either be a jump for joy for a loss or a sigh of relief for the not so perfect week. Some of us will dismount with disappointment or disgust. Some will run through the house naked, proclaimimg A New Low and announcing to a Startled Mate the Accumlative Loss, while doing the Chicken Dance! (Yes that is me dong that!).

We are not alone, Peeps! WE ARE NOT ALONE!!!!

"Keep calm and carry on......"

That's a bummer!

Zumba! I love it! It is sooooo fun! But........my Zumba days are over. I have a stress fracture in my heel. I am really bummed!

Life. I am still here.

I am still here. Albeit absent but still here.

It has been a week since I last posted, (sounds sorta like a confession!). I just think I need to vent. I am not mad at anything, I am just so overwhelmed right now and I just want to write about it. ****SPOILER ALERT****: This may be long - escape now if you are scared!

A year ago, I tore my achellis tendon. My weight was a contributing factor. I was in a cast for 4 months and a stirrup splint for 2 months. It has healed but my ankle/foot is not the same. That being said--I am having a hard time with Zumba. I REALLY like Zumba. I am no good at it but I am exersizing and liking it. It hurts my foot. Last night I wore an ACE and my stirrup splint. It still hurt. So much so that my foot throbbed all night long, waking me up many many times during the night and has really hurt all day. Not sure what to do now. It hurts to continue Zumba but I need to do Zumba in order to not hurt. ***sigh***

Work. Enough said

I am just finishing up a "mini vacation". I was going to spring clean and visit girlfriends and go to the movies. Well, it has happened again. What I plan or want to do, gets superseded by Hubby's disabilities and his illness. He is having total knee replacements April 12--two days before our 33rd wedding anniversary I might add. I have spent my "mini-vaca" taking him to the doctors for testing, pre-op, etc. He cannot drive due to his disability. Shoot, we recently bought a new car--the one He wanted, even though he cannot drive! I wanted a Challenger. We got a Camry. Don't get me wrong, I am very pleased with the Camry. It is just an other example of what I want gets pushed to the wayside. ***sigh***

Stomping Big Foot and Butterfingers live above me. Big Foot gets a walking and the glasses and dishes in my cabinets rattle and tink together. Butterfingers drops the bowling ball collection at least 4 times a day. Tried to talk to Big Foot but was ignored. I have spoken to the management office about it and they talk to them yet nothing changes.

Anyway all this and more has caused alot of stress. As a result, I have been comfort and stress eating. Not NEARLY as much as before WLS, but more than I think I should be. I have weighed the same or two weeks. No loss. No gain. No happy. I can really eat anything and have no real restriction. I have 5.5cc in my 10cc band. I think I need more.

Hubby's PCP is also my doctor. He knows I have an over filled plate and a high stress level. I take a "happy pill" - as I so loving call it - and Doc said that as long as i am hubby's caregiver and put with dealing with him, he will not take me off my "happy pill". I think he may be right.

Thanks for listening, errrr, reading! Love and blessings to all!

Workout Wednesday

Yes! You read that right! I - Me - The FORMER Couch Potatoe Queen - worked out on Wednesday!

Zumba! It is hard and I have no coordination but I REALLY like it! A stranger gave me a Double High Five! I sweated. I also learned to not eat before class. Makes for a hard workout.

I am sore but it feels good!

On the home front: Hubby is getting knee replacements. I am concerned as he has poor health and is a brittle diabetic. Risks are high but we have no option as there is nothing more that can be done for his knees and he is in EXTERME pain. I am going to try to control the stress and comfort eating I would do in the past. Prayers for both of us please.

Please permit me to brag..........

Today marks the tenth anniversary of my Son's service to The USA.
I am so proud of him! He is and remains my HERO
Thank you, Son, for your service, sacrifice, and pain.

Weekly Weight-in ------- ACK!

Starting weight: 257 lbs

Current weight: 204.5 lbs

Weekly Loss: GAIN 1.5 lbs.

Total Loss: 52.5 pounds!!!

BMI: 35.1

Week In Review: major stress; Chinese and Mexican food for days in a row. No wonder I gained!!

"Keep calm and carry on......"

I am serious--I need y'all's imput

This week marked my 3 month Bandiversary! Yay!

I got an email from my nutritionist saying I should be able to eat regular food, taking a multivitamin, and only requiring one protein supplement a day. Regular food is no problem but I do have some questions.

1. I did not realize I should have been continuing the protein supplements. In my mind that means protein drinks/shakes and I have not found one that I can handle the flavor or the aftertaste. I mean--it makes me ill and then I will have several days of tummy troubles and/or bathroom troubles. Is there a chewable protein pill? I have gotten protein bars and they are alright but they are high in calories and carbs. Any suggestion? What are y'all doing with protein supplements?

2. Multivitamins? I take a centrum chewable everyday but read an article about nutrition and hair loss. Here's the link. http://www.obesityaction.org/magazine/ywm22/wlsandhairloss.php
It says we need to have iron, zinc, vitamin A, B6 and various other supplements to stop hair loss. It is a very good article and it says that hair loss is normal for 6 to 12 months because of having major surgery and rapid weight loss but if it continues after a year there's a problem. I have been worried about the excessive amount of hair in my brush and this article set my mind at ease.
Anyway, back on subject--what vitamin supplements do you take?

I am serious here and need y'all's imput!

Thanks in advance.

I DID IT!

I DID IT! I did my first Zumba class! Ever! The WHOLE hour! I enjoyed it.

And the best part? I DID NOT DIE!

This is a picture of me 30 minutes AFTER the class!!!! I am very red in the face and my t-shirt is soaked! My panties are sticking to me! Even my shorts were sweaty! WOW!

So..... I had no shorts that fit. I wore the smallest ones I good find-they were too big.

While I was shaking my jiggly parts like there was no tomorrow--don't ya know it--my shorts fall down! Yup! Straight down to my ankles! Right there in front of God and everybody! Thank the Lord, I was at the back of the class and I wore my pretty pink panties today!

For the rest for the class when I had to "shake what yo mama gave ya" (that's what the leader would say-not me!)---I held on to my britches for dear life!

I need to get those stretchy workout short pants thingys!

WHAT A DAY!

Fiber.

Does anyone know if we bandsters can take Fiber Choice? I am having, bathroom difficulties and need some fiber.

Thoughts please?

Make a List Monday

This week’s category for Make A List Monday is your top ten current TV shows.  This list should include shows that are currently on television.

1. The Finder
2. The Big Bang Theory
3. NCIS
4. White Collar
5. Person of Interest
6. Dogs 101
7. Huckabee
8. Bones
9. Royal Pains
10. Dancing with the Stars--yes I know the new season has not started but it IS my FAVORITE Show and would have been my número UNO but it is currently not on but will be soon.

Ha ha ha ha!

A lady a church today said "Cheri! Pretty soon we will need two of you to make one shadow!"

I took that as a compliment!

Weight in Sunday!

Starting weight: 257 lbs

Current weight: 203 lbs

Weekly Loss: 2.5 lbs.

Total Loss: 54 pounds!!!

BMI: 34.8

Week In Review: STRESS STRESS STRESS STRESS STRESS STRESS at home and work

"Keep calm and carry on......"

Filling Station

I saw Dr G yesterday.  I lost 11 lbs in a month!  Cool!  He is very very pleased with my progress. 
Since I am one of his first patients to have the Lap Band with Sleeve Pilcation, he asked many questions: 
Do I have restriction from the Band? Nope!
Do I have hunger? YES!!!!  Alot!  And I mean I get HUNGRY!!  I can eat a whole Cinnabon!  It takes me 1 1/2 hours to do so but I can eat a whole one!!!!!!
Pain? Reflux? Bathroom Issues?  Nope. Nope. I have random bouts of liquid poo.
That is your system getting used to your smaller stomach and is not dumping syndrome.  If it starts happening daily, call me.  Okay
Am I going to get a fill? Yes you are.  You should not be able to eat a whole Cinnabon.

So I got 1.5cc for a total of 5.5cc in my 10cc band.

He asked that if I did not have restriction, how did I to lose 11 pounds. I told him I eat till my tummy was full which is not very much.

He was pleased. I was glad cause it seems to be working.

Weird-what is that?

I got REALLY upset with my DS & DIL very very late last night and did not sleep well at all.

Then this morning DIL called yelling. I hung up her.

Now my lapband and tummy area feels weird. Sorta like there's a burp sitting there. It's like the band slightly clinches. There is no pain and it comes and goes. I haven't been hungry but I have eaten. The food seems to go down in slow motion.

Weird, huh?

Where's your port?

What side is your port on? 

Mine is on my right side.

My research shows it always on the left.

What side is yours on?

Update and Thanks!

Much thanks to all who have kept Hubby and I in your thoughts and prayers.

We found out today that he was approved by the insulin manufacture for the patient assistance program. They will be providing all of his insulins for the rest of the year at no cost to us! We are soooo thankful and are praising God for His provision.

Also, he was approved for medical benefits from the Veterans Administration. Not sure what that entails but we are grateful for it! We are researching.

My stress level has lowered some and it feels good!

BLESSINGS!

Dumping syndrome

I know that 'dumping' is not to occur with the lap band but have any of y'all had a 'dumping' situation?

I know this is one of those gross tabu subjects but I am having bouts of (ugh) liquid poop. It has happened shortly after eating.

Is this common? Do anyone else have this problems?

Make a List Monday

This week’s edition of Make a List Monday, (Thanks Robyn!), will focus on things you are most grateful for.

I am most grateful for...
...my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. The thought of my life without Him leaves me frightened and my future would be an empty black void. All that I am, all that I have, all that I will ever be is the result of Jesus and His will in my life.

...my Hubby. He is my mighty oak, my sweetness, my smile.

...The "Grands"--my Granddaughter and my Grandnieces!

...my parents. They gave me a wonderful childhood! They showed me what a strong marriage was. They gave me my Christian heritage. They support me. They help me. They love me.

...my family and my Hubby's family

...the men and women, past and present, who fight for our freedom

...a comfortable bed--'nuff said!

...employment and the life and things it allows me to enjoy

...indoor plumbing--yes it's trival but I am so glad outhouses and chamber pots are not widely used or accepted

...my kindle - it's the best thing Hubby has given me next to our Son

AWOL

I haven't posted much lately because I am dealing with a extremely stressful and serious situation with Hubby. He is a brittle diabetic and is disabled as a result of it. He became eligible for Medicare this year and decided that I should remove him from my work coverage and he would go on Medicare. I was reluctant to agree but I did. Well there is this thing with Medicare called the "coverage gap" AKA "the doughnut hole". When the cost of your medications reach $2750, you fall into the doughnut hole and then you pay 50% to 86% for your meds. When you have paid $4750 out of your pocket (not including the medicine cost), you enter the "catastrophic stage" and copay drops to 1%.

Hubby takes two insulins and 6 shots a day. The cost for these drugs are unbelievably outrageous and our cost in the doughnut hole is more than my paycheck! So we cannot get his medicine. Two weeks ago we have applied with the manufactures for assistance. We hope to find out tomorrow.

Needless to say, my stress level is above and beyond high. Not to mention the normal stress of a full time job and all the things a wife and Mom does. It is heartbreaking to watch Hubby in so much pain. My eating choices have not been the best resulting in ony a half pound loss this week.

BUT-------I am still losing and I am looking good. This is a picture of me now....Please keep Hubby and I in your thoughts and prayers.

Fat Me

This is fat me-- Easter 2011. Ugh!

It's Sunday! That is Weigh-In Day!!!

Starting weight: 257 lbs

Current weight: 205.5 lbs

Weekly Loss: 0.5 lbs.

Total Loss: 51.5 pounds!!!

BMI: 35.3

Week In Review: testing the boundaries-no money to buy Hubby's insulin-worried-just carrying on.

"Keep calm and carry on......"

I cannot post comments....

I am not able to post comments! It just freezes up and I can do nothing. So I close out of everything thinking I will open it and will able to comment. But guess what-----I cannot!

I am not AWOL! I am here and I am reading everyone.

Please don't forget me! Maybe it will fix itself and I will be able to post again.

I hope it is soon.

Weigh in Sunday

Starting weight: 257 lbs

Current weight: 206 lbs

Weekly Loss: 3.5 lbs.

Total Loss: 51 pounds!!!

BMI: 35.4

Week In Review: applied for assistance for help with Hubby's meds; trying to find my style; searching for a new job.

"Keep calm and carry on......"

What Does That Mean?????????

Maybe it is because I am a "baby" bandster, or it's because I have only had one fill, or it's because there is nothing I CANNOT eat, but I do not understand when y'all say "Open my Band"--what does that mean???

:( S-A-D F-A-C-E :( :( :(

I love coffee!  The stronger the better!  I love it to be so stong that the spoon stands up in the coffee!  I would love to rent a permanent table in a Coffee Shop!  If I was a rich girl, I would buy stock in the coffee industry.  I am a better person after that first cup of "jo"!  It is the elxir of gods!! 

 

Mmmmm!

I have a problem:  After I drink a cup of that wonderful brew, my tummy hurts!  I have tried it weak, strong, cold, hot, whipped, iced, black, with cream, with sugar, with cream AND sugar........my tummy just hurts after. 

Has this happened to anyone else?  I cannot imagine what a day without my coffee would be like!  

:( S-A-D  F-A-C-E :(  :(   :(

Weigh in.......I deserve this........

Starting weight: 257 lbs

Current weight: 209.5 lbs

Weekly Loss: 0.0 lbs. I gained one pound!

Total Loss: 47.5 pounds!!!

BMI: 35.96

Week In Review: UGH! Company, EXTERME stress over Hubby's health, poor food choices, relapse into "fatty" habits, I deserve to have gained weight.

New motto: "Keep calm and carry on......" (Thanks Keelie!)

I feel I need to explain!

I took a progress picture of myself yesterday morning and uploaded to my blog.  I had intended to write something about it but the day exploded and customers were everywhere and........well I did not get to write about my progress picture....

Now it just appears that I am egotistical and boastful by just posting a picture of myself.  Sigh..........

What I wanted to say was that I was wearing an X-Large shirt after wearing 3X for many years!  It is my favorite color--purple--and lacy and pretty! 

I am actually starting to feel pretty again!  Who would have thought that!!!!!!!

Me

Weigh Day!

Starting weight: 257 lbs

Current weight: 208.5 lbs

Weekly Loss: 2.0 lbs

Total Loss: 48.5 pounds!!!

BMI: 35.8

Week Review: antibiotic, missed work, silence, Goodwill.

Most of the time she's right!

In light of my last post, I asked my Mom to help me with my "wardrobe issues". So after I tried on all my work pants, she ripped and pinned and pulled and tweaked. I was left with four pairs of pants that can be altered out of ten pairs. Then she scolded me for buying pants that were too big. That was my habit--I felt like a big fat pig so I dressed like one--frumpy!

Yikes!

After that, I decided to make a trip to Goodwill. My niece came with me. As we were leaving, Mom gave her stern instructions to not allow me to buy anything larger than an 18. An 18! I cannot wear an 18!

I found some pants to try on, disregarding the sizes making sure to include size 18. After all, I was a size 24/26, and yes, I have lost weight, but I was betting I would NOT fit into size 18!

Well, I know you have already figured out the end of this adventure! I walked out with 2 size 18 pants and an XL shirt! The pants are a smidgen too tight but in a couple weeks they will be fine!!!! I WEAR SIZE 18 PANTS! HOOO-LEEEE COW!!!!!!!

Moral of the story? Listen to your Mom! Most of the time,she's right!

Smiling from ear to ear

Oh my! A customer noticed!

My coworker, J, was helping her and she asked, in a hushed voice, "Is she losing weight?"

J answered, also hushed so I did not hear him. Well, the customer looks at me, yelling across the teller line, "How much have you lost? What are you doing?"

I explained how and how much and she says (and this is the best part) "Girl! Your clothes are too big! Get new clothes!"

That was just too great! I am smiling from ear to ear!

Silence!

Silence! Can't utter a word!

The fever broke yesterday so I went back to work today. During the course of the morning, laryngitis set in. Now remember, I am a bank teller. A voice is beneficial when you work with the public. Also, I am a "Chatty Cathy" (remember that doll?) -- so being silent drives me crazy! However, Hubby, my family, and co-workers call it 'The Silent Season' and look forward to it with great glee! The jokes and jabs surround me in great abundance! They are all so mean!

PS: this is the sign at my teller station--UGH!

No particular reason........

Somedays there really is nothing to blog about but yet I feel compelled to write something in my blog! Weird!

So here goes:

--I am sick. Bronchitis. PTO. Antibiotics. Coughing. Ugh!
--I really enjoyed Make a List Monday. I am an Air Force Brat and I have lived in 19 states. I have seen and done alot of things/places. I found my list challenging. It took me all day! I really thought about where I wanted to go and see. Not sure if I will ever get to these places but a girl can dream, can't she?
--I am not expecting to lose any weight this week. Because I am sick, I have been eating comfort foods; tea with real sugar, ice cream, cereal.....anyway I am recognizing that I am falling into a "fatty" habit of comfort foods when not feeling well. Need to stop that!
--I have not exercised in a week. I have felt too lousy.

Well that's all. I think that in my misery, I just wanted someone to know I am here.

My dog loves me and is my ever present companion!

It's Make a List Monday!

The category for Make A List Monday is: Places you would like to visit in the world again or for the first time.  It can be a Country, State, City, Park, place of interest, amusement park, or whatever you are interested in visiting. Thanks to Robyn at Robyn's Nest!

Here is my list:
1. The Grand Canyon and I would like to do the Mule Tour to the bottom.
2. Alaska and take a train tour of the countryside visiting off the beaten path places
3. A cruise to anywhere
4. Washington DC. My Dad was stationed in that area for many years when I was a child. We visited DC alot when relatives came to visit. I would like to go back now as an adult. It would mean more
5. Hogwarts. Yes I am a big Harry Potter fan.
6. The 911 Memorial
7. I would like to see Mount Rushmore and explore the Black Hills.
8. The Redwood Forests
9. Yellowstone Park
10. The Hills of Tuscany

A girl can hope.

Weigh-In

Starting weight: 257 lbs

Current weight: 210.5 lbs

Weekly Loss: 4.0 lbs

Total Loss: 46.5 pounds!!!

BMI: 36.1

Week review: allergy attack, grumpy hubby

my reasons why...

Three months prior to my surgery, I posted the following list to remind me of why I wanted a Lap band and if it is worth it. I must thank Stephanie at Electric Lady Band for making this list that I used to describe my thoughts exactly! It's amazing how much we have in common! Thanks Stephanie! :
I am looking at is again to see where I am at:

...To be healthy--off all blood pressure meds
...I am tired of being fat--still fat but getting better and better...So I don’t feel disgusted looking at myself in the full-length mirror--getting better
...To fit comfortably in an airplane seat.
...To be able to run up a flight of stairs.--CHECK!!!!
...To not sweat so much.--CHECK!!!!
...To be able to seat in a chair with arms and feel comfortable.--CHECK!
...To never have to worry again whether I will fit in a booth at a restaurant--CHECK
...So my feet don’t hurt so much.
...So my knees don’t hurt so much.
...So my back doesn’t hurt so much.
...So I’m not always huffing and puffing when I walk so far--getting better
...So I don't have to put a washcloth under my pot belly to prevent chaffing CHECK!!!
...So I can buy clothes anywhere.
...So I don’t feel out of place in a “normal” size clothing store.
...So I can paint my toenails
...So I don’t feel so out of control about my eating.CHECK!!!
...So I am not constantly hungry.CHECK!!!
...To be satisfied on small amounts of really good food.CHECK!!
...To enjoy my food CHECK
...So that I have more energy.CHECK
...So that I don’t ever have to deal with discrimination just due to my size.
...To sit on the floor and not have to do ridiculous maneuvers to get up.CHECK
...To be able to cross my legs properly.CHECK
...So my ankles don’t get swollen when it’s hot out or after work.CHECK
...So I dont have to use so much powder so my fat rolls won't stick together CHECK
...So I can get closer to the table when I’m eating to avoid getting food on the "boobshelf"--SEMI CHECK
...To get off blood pressure meds.CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK!!!
...To have a regular towel wrap ALL the way around me.
...So that I never have to see the term “morbidly obese” (unless combined with “formerly”) on my medical chart.I am in the obese catagory---no more morbib!
...To be the size my mind's eye sees
...To not tolerate Texas summers
...To be successful at losing weight for the first time ever.
...So my husband has a hot wife.he did tell me i was hot last night
...So that when my husband tells me that he thinks I’m beautiful no matter what I weigh, I don’t think he’s just humoring me.see above
...So that if I’m ever stuck in a tall building during an emergency, I’ll know I can get down all the stairs.
...To go hiking again
...To prove to myself that I can meet any goal I set
...To be able to wear high heels comfortably
...To wear pretty bras and not just huge, functional ones.
...So I can wipe butt clean with no struggles CHECK
...So I don’t have to keep starting new diets in hopes that this will be “the one”.--SEMI CHECK==still not sure I believe this losing weight stuff!!!

WOW--this is the greatest Non-Scale Victory yet!!!!  This just might work this time.  I am losing weight and making changes.

THIS IS INDEED WORTH IT!!!!

Not sure if this is an NSV or a Peep Show!

First I need to tell you--I am a bank teller.

I needed to get rolls of coin from my coin vault today. My coin vault is at floor level requiring me to bend down to get into it. Our banker, John, was standing next to me when the coin request was made. I must mention I was wearing a spaghetti string tank top with a cardigan over it. My clothes are all getting too big so as I bent over, my top drooped. I glanced down and noticed that not only had my top drooped, my bra did too and the girls fell out!!!!!!!!

I looked up at John and said "Well! Isn't that special!" John was very polite and looked away very quickly, but I am sure he had a very interesting story about a Peep Show at work today!

The NSV? My bras are too big!

HA HA HA!

It's Weigh-In Day!!!!

Starting weight: 257 lbs

Current weight: 214.5 lbs

Weekly Loss: 2.0 lbs

Total Loss: 42.5 pounds!!!

Week review: Grandma time; first fill; first & ONLY stuck episode; CRAZY work schedule--no exercise.

OWWWWW! What was that?

I was eating an egg & cheese soft taco at lunch today. I think I was eating too fast because suddenly my chest and back hurt and there was A LOT of spit! I went to the restroom and paced and paced. The pain got pretty intense. It hurt! I felt it pass into my stomach. And I did not throw up.

Now its dinner time and my chest still hurts a little bit.

Did I do something wrong? Have I caused any damage? I got 4cc in my 10cc band Wednesday. Did I break my band?

WHAT WAS THAT?

First Fill------and other things

So I had my first fill. Can I say--PIECE OF CAKE??????  Easy peasy--nothing to it--pinch, pop, done--uneventful!It's two days of liquids for me!!!

I had some Grandma Time the last three days.  (I tell ya this Grandparent Gig is AWESOME! Did not know my heart could hold so much love for such a little bitty person!)  Anyway...my diet was not good...I strayed into the World of Before...chocolate brownie with ice cream, a Wendy's Frostie, a Lil Debbie's Oatmeal creme pie, and eyeballed everything, no measuring. 

I was scolding myself and kicking my butt for such poor food choices when this came to mind:
1--it was a 1" brownie and a tablespoon of ice cream
2--it was a child's Frostie - in a 2" tall cup
3--it was one oatmeal pie
4--it was one serving spoon size of food

After looking at all this, I realized I DID make good choices.  I was satisfied with these smaller portions! I would have laughed my head off at these portion sizes in the World of Before and totally pudged out!!!!  Amazing!  And the best part--- I was full! 

Oh and I weighed today---I've lost another pound!  Maybe I am starting that love affair that y'all talk about with my band now.

Weekly weigh in

Starting weight: 257 lbs

Current weight: 216.5 lbs

Weekly Loss: 0.5 lbs

Total Loss: 40.5 pounds!!!

Started exercising and ate out more than eating at home.

By the way, all exercising is doing for me is making me sore. But I know benefits will be coming soon. A girl can hope!

Cancer Face.

I went to the dermatologist today. I have five cancerous spots they froze and removed---three of them are on my face. The one on my upper lip was a melanoma...my Grandpa died from melanoma so the doctor is very aggressive about this.

This was a day of ups and downs, highs and lows, goods and bads......but all is sifted through God's fingers. He is not surprised.

40 lbs gone

Here's a current pic of me 40 lbs lighter!

Peace out my Lovlies!

A fatty photo

This WAS me in Spring of 2011. Oh and that's my grandniece. We were playing in the park. Actually she was playing and i was being a bench potato.

Life has changed! Current photo to follow soon.

When does the love affair begin?

I have read many of y'all proclaim your unending love for your lap band.
When does that happen? I am wondering if there really is a lap band in there!

I have no restriction like y'all talk about--I can eat and swallow anything! Because my stomach was folded twice making a "banana" stomach (I have an I-lap band), I get full faster on less food. But I do not experience anything like y'all describe with your lap bands.

I get hungry! I mean H U N G R Y!!!!

I am wondering--When does the love affair happen?

Another NSV!!!

Queen size panty hose are too big!!!

Hehehehehehe!!!!

:D

Weekly Weigh-In

Starting weight: 257 lbs

Current weight: 217 lbs

Weekly Loss: 4 lbs

Total Loss: 40 pounds!!!

Question:

Is it better to weigh once weekly or every morning?

What do you do?

So excited!

Two NSVs today!

1. I was talking to my Mom on my phone and went to another room and sat down. Then.....I CROSSED MY LEGS! Yup, the lady way! Did it without thinking! WOW!

2. Hubby and I went to Ikea--had a GREAT time! He had a chair massage, we exercised by walking THE WHOLE STORE, and had lunch. BTW:The kids Swedish Meatballs is perfect for a Bandster. Then when we got in the car, he said, "You can really tell you are losing weight. Looking good!"

AND.......I exercised for the first time in ..... Well I can't even remember the last time! Fitness Pal said I burned over 300 calories! I am sore.

It was a totally good day!

BLESSINGS!

BYOC (Bring Your Own Crazy)

BYOC
No theme today – just massively random!  Brought to us from the DivineDraz.
1. Do you have a favorite traditional “birthday meal”? If yes – what is it and what is the meaning behind it?

Yes I do! Rotisserie Chicken, corn on the cob, salad w/ Mom's lite dressing, and Texas sheet cake. The meaning: I have an August birthday and corn of the cob is "in season". This has been my birthday dinner for as long as I can remember. We don't have it any other time of the year.

2. If you’ve lost weight, has your style changed since you lost weight? Or what's your dream purchase when you do lose weight/hit goal?

I am dressing better because I can fit into my nice work clothes. Style? Whatever looks terrific! Dream purchase? Haven't figured that out yet!

3. Pick one question of the following two to answer: Who is your favorite Muppet and why? Or who is your favorite Smurf and why?

Rizzo Rat--I love his off the wall humor!


4. When you buy a lotion or after bath spray or body spray or candle (not perfume) – what’s the “flavor” you always find yourself loving the most?

Vanilla body stuff--Cinnamony type candles My favorite perfume is "Alien" just can't afford it. It will be my reward for losing half my weight.


5. Repeat question. Summarize your week in real life and in blogland.

Real life: Determined and steady
Blog life: I'm baaaack!

BLESSINGS!!!!!

What to do--What to buy--Advise please

I wrote that I got a new bathroom scale this past weekend and immediately gained weight.  I have been exteremly vigulant and tracked everything, (gotta love Fitness Pal!), stayed within the ranges my Doctor wants and well below the 1200 calories a day.  Doc wants me to weigh everyday till my first fill on January 25th.  For the last several days my new scale told me i have lost nothing.  Hence my frustration. 

Well, today at the daily weigh-in, I again lost nothing, so stormed out of my bathroom, (naked I might add), into the garage to retrieve my old scale.  I also grabbed a 5 lb bag of flour.  I put the scales side by side, made Hubby weigh and weighed the flour.  The new scale consistantly weighed every thing 3.1 lbs too heavy.  My 5 lbs bag of flour read 8.1 lbs over and over and over.  Hubby's weight was over 3.1 too, (he had a Doc appt yesterday).  Oh and my old scales said I had lost 3 lbs!!!!!  OH YES!!!!

So........I am taking the scale back to Bed, Bath, & Beyond to exchange.  I am leaning toward the Weight Watcher scale or the Biggest Loser scale.  Does anyone have advise for me on which scale to purchase, please?

Question: Am I doing something wrong?

I am 4 weeks out from my surgery.  I have not lost any significant amount of weight since Dec. 27th.  In fact, my new scale says I am 0.6 lbs up.  (I am not liking my new scale right now.)

I do not have "restriction" -- I can actually eat anything, any size of bite.  However, I do get full with smaller amounts of food.  In fact, if it weren't for the scars and feeling my port "lump", I would thingk I've had nothing done at all and there is no lap band in there!  Note:  I see my doctor the 24th and I am expecting my first fill.  Perhaps this may change. 

I am eating "normal" food and have found nothing I am not able to eat. 

I am frustrated.  Have I spent all this money and survived all the pain and discomfort for a loss of only 34 pounds?  That is NOT acceptable.

NEW SCALE!!!! Weekly Weight In

We got a new scale this weekend!

It's very snazzy!  Very modern!  Very informative!!!!!

I stepped on it and immediately GAINED 2 pounds!!!!  That sucks! 

Weekly Weight In------>
Today's weight:  223.1
Total lost:  33.9 pounds


(PS: I wonder which one was correct: my old one or this new one?)

AWOL.........I'm baaaaack!

Did you miss me?

It has been CRAZY,!!!!!!

I went back to work. Didn't make it and had to come home at noon. I was weak, sweaty, cold, dizzy and lightheaded. Almost passed out twice. When, I got home Nurse Hubby took my blood pressure -- 90/50.

To make a long story short-----I AM OFF ALL OF MY BLOOD PRESSURE MEDS!!!!

That was my Number One Reason for having WLS. My first goal met and exceeded! My blood pressure averages about 105/60.

Very excited, I must say!

The rest of the work week went well. I tire easily and fall asleep while watching TV every night. Hubby was complaining about it---"you never talk to me-you just fall asleep-may as well be alone". How soon does this tiring easily pass? Anyone know? I take vitamins--double dose of Flintstone Complete--every day.

Overall I am doing good!