Before & After as of 3-4-09

Ok, here we go . . . I am officially down 32 lbs. as of last night's weigh in. Woohoo!! In honor of that accomplishment, I have posted the original "before" picture taken before my surgery and a picture I took today with my camera phone. I went to put on my favorite shirt this morning and it just hung on me - so I went into the closest and pulled out a shirt just like it in a different color that I had picked up on clearance last fall. Even when I bought it, I was still reluctant thinking I could actually get into it one day. It's been a long time. I have gone from a 3X to a 1X!!! I just can't get over it.

I also started exercising yesterday. I even made it up the YMCA stairs without getting winded. It's just awesome. Now my goal this week is to make it back there again. I figure it's a good start and will be easier now that I'm down some weight. I did go rollerskating last weekend with the kiddos. So that counts too:)

February weigh-in

Ok ladies, I am officially down 30 lbs.! I don't know that I've ever lost 30 lbs at one time in my life. God is sooooo good!! The doctor went ahead and put another 1/2 cc. of saline in my band. He also advised me to watch eating the chicken because it is a stringy meat that can get balled up in the esophagus. Here I thought I was being good eating the white meat and it's what was giving me problems, not the wrap (like I had thought). He said I'm right on schedule in losing about a pound per week, which how he likes to see it come off. So just think, if I lose at least 30 lbs. each year for the next 3 years - there's my 90 lbs. I can deal with that!

So how are you guys doing? Got anything to update?

My "Aha!" Moment

I had an "Aha!" moment today. I've been putting off buying any new clothes since my lap-band surgery back in September. I broke down today and went to Wal-Mart to get a cheap pair of dress pants. I picked two pair out and actually went to the dressing room to try them on. (I hate trying clothes on at the store, but knew I would have to in order to avoid a return.) To my amazement I have gone from a (tight) size 24 to an amazing size 18!!!! Wooohoooo!!! God is so good!:)

Sorry, I don't have any current pictures to post with it, but I'll try to get some soon. I don't go for another weigh-in until February 23rd. My surgeon was gone all last month doing ministry work over in Africa -- let me tell you, he is a great guy. And no, they don't do the lap-band over there for them . . . I asked;) Dr. Myers knew he would be treating many people and so far he was aware of one child he needed to remove a growth off of the side of his neck. I'm anxious to see what all he did over there.

Anyways, I think I'm down about a total of 28 lbs. Starting next Tuesday (if I'm not still working two jobs), I'm planning on incorporating the treadmill again. After the encouragement of a friend, I have also joined a group of great gals and men in a "Weight Loss Challenge." My dear hubby is even doing it with me! We meet in the basement of our church and we all paid $29 to sign up and we weigh-in once a week and then attend a 30 minute class. You can be doing any weight loss method (I made sure because I was afraid they'd consider me a cheater). Then at the end of the 12 weeks they give 50% of the kitty (our sign up fee) to the person who's lost the most and then 30% to the 2nd place and 20% to the 3rd place winner. They are also taking a kitty for each pound you gain each week ($1 per pound) and if you miss a weigh in you have a fee to pay (encourages you to come). The person who has lost the most inches wins that at the end of our competition.

Sound like fun? Maybe you could start one up at your church, work or Mom's group. A little friendly competition has been just what I needed to get my motivation back! If you do, post it and let us know how it goes!

Pleeeeassseee don't give up on meeeeeeee

Hello from out in la-la land...

I do have an update. I have been neglecting all things blogging for a few months, so it's time to play catch-up. I haven't lost a great deal of weight, but I am a little farther away from pregnancy weight than during my last meltdown, so that makes me happy.

I will (whenever I get around to it, you know how that goes) cancel my gym membership. In this economy, I cannot justify the monthly expenditure when my motivatation waxes and wanes as it does. Instead I have purchased a wii fit, which really seems to help in the motivation department. Funny, we got the "physical" training and also "brain" training on Nathaniel's DS. Eric and I have signed onto both systems and are starting to compete which is a great drive for me.

I believe that one of the things that has positively impacted my weight is a reduction (which I wouldn't call significant at this point) of my starbucks intake. Part financial, part health, part logistical, I'm sure that it's helping to do its part. I can actually go by one of the many near me without stopping EVERY time, which is a definite improvement. While I feel Terese's pain in regards to the "poor man's cafe mocha", I haven't ramped back up to 3 times a week mode and hope to stay away from it.

My caloric intake is still atrocious, but lets work on one or two things at a time.

1) I have been doing somewhat better taking the meds, also found out that one medication (lamictal for seizures) I can take in one dose instead of 2, and that helps.
2) I have "purchased" additional motivation in the fitness department and because this is such a quick and convenient way to get ANY exercise in, I think it will have a more lasting effect.

I will probably post more on my blog the other things going on in my life.

I just want to thank you Terri, from the bottom of my heart for giving a little of that tough love we need sometimes. :)

2 weeks post op

Ok, as of last Tuesday, I was down 9 lbs. since surgery, 12 total since I started my program. Woohoo!! My scale must be broken at home because it keeps telling me I still weigh 250 lbs. (I was 244 at my last visit). But I sure can tell by my clothing. My boobs have deflated and I'm actually wearing bras I haven't worn in a couple of years. All of my pants are loose in the legs and yesterday when I was picking up dirty clothes in the kids' rooms, my ring fell off my finger!! I've N-E-V-E-R had that happen. Oh, and did I tell you, I have knees?:) I could actually feel the top of my knee where my thigh comes down to it. The week before, I found out I had ankles too - very cute ones I might add. . .

It's really kinda weird to me. I'm not even hungry any more. I have to keep up with my liquids and my schedule they put me on, but it's more like an "oh, I'm getting tired, I better eat" kinda thing, not a hunger thing. I'm not having cravings like I was. If you know me, I had Mt. Dew running through my veins. I haven't had one craving for that or any pop.

What was really weird to my hubby last night was the fact that we had left overs! I put a roast w/potatoes and carrots on and made noodles. When they got done eating, they had a ton left. So just imagine what $$$$ we're going to save by (1) eating less and (2) time and energy spent cooking. I figure I save at least $20 a week by not visiting McDonald's for breakfast, plus when I'd eat lunch with the girls.

So with that, I challenge you. I know we're all trying to lose weight, but what about gaining weight in your pocket book? Where can you save money and calories at? Is it that iced coffee or that breakfast burrito? Can you pledge for a week or two to give it up and see your savings? You can do it! Let me know what your pledge is and keep us updated. Together we can do this!

Recovery

Ok, so I'm about a week post-op. If my scales are right, I'm about 12 lbs. down -- woohoo!!! So far the liquid diet was the worst part. Unfortunately it took it's toll on me (emotionally) the 3rd day in, but thanks to my loving husband and kids, I (and them) survived it. Right now I'm surviving on liquids, instant breakfast, broths, cream soups, protidiet drinks and applesauce. The cottage cheese with milk and fruit blended up was not as appealing to the taste buds as I thought it would be. It's really hard to get everything in that they want you to consume/drink. I'm just not hungry. Yes, you heard me right - NOT HUNGRY!!

But tell me this, why is it when you're in the hospital or at home sick and you really can't eat, that the only thing on TV is cooking shows??? I just don't understand that one:)

I have a follow-up with my surgeon this afternoon, so I'll keep you updated on what he says. Hope all is well your way!

'nuff said

Click the blog title to be taken to 'berlygirl blog :)

GOD IS SO GOOD!!

Surgery problem has been solved! After hours of trying to get financing for surgery, I was able to speak with a gal at the surgeon's office. As long as I am able to pay everything before my surgery date of 9-3-08, I can make payments instead of having to come up with it by next Wednesday. That is feasible! I might have to rob Peter to pay Paul, but it's within reach. Oh, I'm so excited!! Finally, I'm going to reach my goal:)

Good Husband

OK - so I haven't written in a LONG time again - that's just adhering to the old "No News is Good News" - right? Well, it's not all good of course, but there's nothing overly WRONG right now and nothing for which I need accounting. I'm doing the right things (more water, less soda, 1 coffee per day, working out - especially the karate) and very few of the bad (very little sweets or high carb foods) and the results are (s...l...o...w...l...y...) appearing.

Case in point...

This morning before I got completely dressed, my hubby looked me over and said "Are you losing weight?"

I thought 'Really? Cool!'

I told him "No, not losing per se, but I'm definitely toning up more and looking slimmer in my waist."

And he said - "Definitely. IT SHOWS."

Whoo hoo!

Good husband!

Surgery date!!

My surgeon's office just called and everything came back normal on my echocardiogram and nuclear stress test from Monday. So I now have a surgery date! Wednesday, September 3rd. I go for my pre-op appointment on 8-14-08 at 8:30 a.m. and then they will give me a time I have to be there on 9-3-08.

Goodbye June!!

Where did this month go? It feels like it was just the beginning of June. I can't say I'm not happy that it's almost over though. This month I found out that my surgery hasn't even been submitted yet to my insurance. We were waiting on my psych eval to be sent to the drs. office.

I finally got an email Tuesday that it was being submitted that day, only to find out later in the day that I was supposed to have had a cardiac evaluation along with my EKG. My (new) PCP dropped the ball. He is not in favor of me having surgery and would not refer me to a cardiologist because he didn't feel it was necessary and thought my insurance wouldn't pay for it. So I went ahead and had the EKG done on my own at the cardiac unit at the hospital. Then I find out yesterday, that back in December, Dr. Zee from Riverside faxed a letter to my PCP explaining why I needed it. To date, I've never heard from my PCP that he even got that. So I am now trying to get in to my old PCP that moved to Dayton and a referral from Riveside to have the cardiac consult done before I can have a pre-op appointment with Dr. Myers, which I understand all of that. I just wish it wasn't taking this long.

In the wake of all that frustration, I think I've gained 5 pounds! But some of that is from good happenings this month too:) My highlights were Ginger turning 10 yesterday, doing Relay for Life and Terese and her boys coming to Ohio to visit. (BTW - thanks for a great time Kim & Terese!) Other than that, it's just been so busy, I've been relying on convience food to save time. But that is stopping today. T-ball is over and I'm going to learn to say no to things I don't absolutely have to do.

My plan/goal is to eat a carnation instant breakfast every morning w/ 1/2 a banana a light lunch and dinner with the family. My exercise has included walking to the library and playing with the rugrats. I'm awaiting a call from the gal at our YMCA about starting a 12 week exercise program. Now if I can just get her to call me back. . . .:)

So what are your plans/goals for July? Yes gals, I'm talking to YOU!

Final weigh in!

Ok, I went to my final weigh-in . . .I lost just under a pound! Honestly, I expected to go in and hear that I had GAINED 5 lbs. So any loss is better than any gain. Now I just have to wait for the paperwork to be submitted to the insurance and then see if they approve or deny. Say an extra prayer that they approve it this time. If they do, I may be looking at a surgery date of late June or sometime in July depending on the surgeon’s schedule and vacation.

As you know, the past couple of months have been really hard. I think I fell into the rut where I knew I was going to “never eat these things again” and really craved the sweets and, I admit it, I ate them. At my appointment last night I think something finally clicked. When the dietician told me how important it is after surgery to make sure that I am getting all of my nutrients in each meal, it hit me that I’m going to be eating a lot less and my body needs the right stuff. And I’M WORTH IT!!! If I waste it on something sweet and sinful, I’m not going to nourish my body. I am now going to be forcing myself to eat to live . . . not living to eat! It is so wrong that it’s taken me 33 ½ years to figure this out?!

Held Accountable

So - I haven't personally written a post since my little poem on April 2. Yep, OVER A MONTH. And, finally, Miss Teri made me feel bad and held me accountable with her little "where did everybody go..." post. *sigh* Guess I asked for it by starting this thing and I should play along now that we're in our 5th month! ;-)

Unfortunately, not a lot to post about out here in Kansas. It's finally getting to be nice weather outside, but I rarely have the time to truly enjoy it. But, I have found the time to start tanning ("fake bake" as a girl at work called it) and I realized how much I need that heavy-duty light! I miss windows - the cubicle world is getting a bit stuffy and old. But, the 12 total minutes I've spent in there so far have made me feel emotionally better, and a little more relaxed, so I think the 1-month membership was worth it (even if hubby does think it's a "waste of money").

Anyway, I'm hoping this month I can drop at least 10 lbs (or 2 inches) before Jazzoo. Yeah - big gala events for work are always my milestones. Or would they be my millstones? Anyway, I'm fairly certain it's not doable, BUT, I will be TAN, which makes me FEEL better and look healthier (Jazzoo was the reason I started fake baking again - not going as a ghost to an event until maybe Hilloween!)

The plan - walking. Lots of it. On days when I don't go to keep up the tan this month during lunch, I shall try to walk at least 30 minutes (although, it is the 8th and I have yet to do it this month!). If not at lunch, I'll try to get it in at home. Which is harded, cuz the house is a freaking mess and I have to get it clean before the 22nd when the sitter starts showing up for the end of May. Does housecleaning burn calories??

Plan continued - food. Gotta figure this part out. We keep some candy and snackies in the house for the boys (just cuz the grown-ups shouldn't eat it, doesn't mean the kids can't have some specials) but I keep eating them. Especially late at night. When I'm up alone. And really.really.really.really.bored. But, can't sleep - hit an insomnia kick again.

So - here I am, being accountable. Hope you enjoyed this step into my world. Later!

Weigh-In Update

Ok, I went and weighed in yesterday. I lost .6 lbs - yep, that's about 1/2 a pound - but I'll take it!! A small loss is better than a small gain:) I have one more weigh-in next month and then they will resubmit my information to my insurance company and, hopefully, then I'll be scheduled for my surgery.

I have been doing a lot better on the exercise part. I walked with the kids Wednesday night and then last night after supper Chely wanted to know if "we walk?" So I walked while her, Ginger and Jackson rode their bikes. I'd say we got a good 30 minutes in.

So how are all of you doing on your goals? Updates, girls, updates! :)

P.S. Thanks for any all all encouragement and prayers.

A second start . . .

Ok, this has been a difficult couple of months for me. I'm so afraid I'm going to go for my weigh in this Thursday and she's going to tell me again that I've gained weight again. So I got my butt up out of my chair and went walking today at lunch. I was able to do it a few times last week to, but I just feel like I'm back where I started. I guess that's why I think I need this surgery, because this is how it always ends up. I lose 15 - 20 pounds and then gain it back and more. I don't know what they'll say if I go in there and I've gained again. I thought about cancelling and skipping this month, but then I realized that my insurance said I have to be in the program for 6 CONSECUTIVE months.

Then, like I don't feel bad enough already, I took my son to his first ever petland birthday party and he started taking pictures with my camera. He just had to take one of Mommy holding the beared dragon lizard. OMG! what an awful picture - and no, I'm not posting it - I already deleted it;)

So my goals for this week - not month - but week, is to walk every day at lunch and drink an instant breakfast shake with 1/2 a banana. Plus I'm tossing around the idea of calling the YMCA (which I have had a membership at for 2+ years and don't use) and seeing what I have to do to get an exercise routine. I noticed on their webpage they do it for free. Maybe that will get me motivated and my butt in gear!

Scaled Back - A Weight-Loss Poem

I walked to the bathroom and what did I see?
The number on the scale winking at me!
The bright green numbers made me smile;
And if I could, I'd have walked a mile!
Since I haven't really been up to the task
Really, what more could this girl ask?
The numbers had shown a respectful dive
and stood out gleaming...

165!

Like my month wasn't stressful enough already. . .

So I went this morning for my monthly weigh-in and wouldn't you know it. I gained a pound! After the week/month I've had dealing with my husband on his pain issues (that's a whole nother blog) and our summer plans for childcare that he doesn't think we need, I knew it wasn't going to be a good month. I'm actually glad it wasn't a larger gain. And do I get any credit for being bloated because of you know what?

Yes, it would have been nice to loose another 5 pounds, but at least I know I have it within my power to loose it. One pound at a time:)

On the bright side, I have walked 4 days in the past week. My goals are to increase my mobility with walking like I did earlier this week with the kids and a co-worker and purchase a pedometer. I really need to get my pilates DVD out and do it at least once a week. Say a prayer for me that I get the motivation I need to make these goals a reality. I need all the help I can get, especially with all this rain outside.

February Wrap-Up | March Start-Up

Well, not much changed over the last two weeks. Even I got bored with myself and what I was doing, so I won't bore you with too many details. All-in-all there wasn't much change overall, except what I was drinking was definitely healthier!

The scale only dropped 4 lbs - and that was really wishful thinking more than anything. It fluctuated up and down a lot and it was back to 170 today (technically not Feb anymore, but you get the point.)

It was kinda of a bummer not to loose more than that, but i do notice that clothes fit better right now. I'm not talkin dropped dress sizes or anything, but all my 14 pants are definitely looser and I was actually able to wear my skinny 14s - with a belt required - when I went to church on Sunday. So - inches are dropped, just not the scale.

With that in mind, I hereby state my March goals.

1 thr 3) Repeat February goals with beverages: no soda, 1 coffee, 64 oz water. These are going pretty good and I think I can do better.

4) EXERCISE - moving up in priority! Rather than say I'm going to get in 30 minutes per day, I'm going to go 1hr for 3 days per week solid. I got too easily frustrated when I would miss this on Monday and Tuesday and figure "why bother" for the rest of the week. If I miss a day or two here or there, I can still meet my goal and I know that I, personally, will work better with a goal like this.

5) Shake, shake, shake. Yep, back on the Herbalife Shakes. Last time I tried these I lost 20, thought I had plataued, got cocky and stopped using it and put back on 10. Joe said I should try it again since it worked last time and no my own limits this time. So, for March at least, I'm back on for 2 shakes per day. No slacking, no soy milk substitutions, just mix and water. Yuck! But, it DOES work for me as a "jump start".

6) Measure. Yeah, I learned the first time on the shakes that the scale doesn't tell the whole story. Sometimes, that little tape measure gives you a better picture of success. So, the grid will now have 4 measurements - bust, waist, hips and thigh. I won't post these everyday, but there will be at least weekly listings. Grid is here: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p-mJfOClu-kA7ktPEOswNPQ. Will still have columns for sleep and weight as well.

7) Record on The Daily Plate. I started recording my food on this site and what an eye-opener that was! By inputting what I weigh and my height as well as my loss goal, I was given an calorie in-take goal. Then, recording my actual intake I was able to see what I was really eating! Starbucks coffee is OUT but Chipotle actually isn't too bad if I can take it easy on the sour cream and cheese. Amazing! And most days I actually eat about 200 calories LESS than my allotment, which I think is good... You can see that journal here: http://www.thedailyplate.com/diary/who/tntmomma.

Since the shakes are taking over most of my food intake now, I'm not going to make too many goals based on sweets, etc. I know I have to take it easy or the shakes don't work and they cost too much to not work 'em right! I might have to resort to caramel rice cakes or my 100 calorie GRasshopper cookies for in-betweens now and then, but I think they'll be ok.

Thanks for continuing on this journey with me.

February weigh-in

I went for my monthly weigh-in yesterday at Riverside. I am down another 5 lbs!! I really thought I had gained weight, so you can imagine how happy I was to see that I had lost that much:) That's a total of 15 lbs. since I went to the seminar in November 07 - and 10 lbs in the past 2 months. The dietician feels I'm ready to have the surgery now and was going to fax my paperwork in to the insurance company yesterday. They will either approve it or tell me I have to do 3 more months with the dietician. So keep your fingers crossed!

So now it's back on schedule for keeping my food log and getting my butt up to exercise. Which the exercise seems to be my hardest thing to get motivated on. If you have any pointers - please - let me know!

Reading the Scale

So, I may have cheated a little this morning. I first stepped on the scale BEFORE my shower and it read 169.4. The, I stepped on AFTER my shower and it read 168.8. Really? Tried again. 168.4. Ok. One more time - 168.4. So - best 2 out of 3 for me today.

The questions I have here are these: Did I really have a pound of crud on me? Or did I wash out a lot of hairspray and makeup? Or did I shrivel a little due to the extensive length and heat of the shower?

Any way around it, the official weight for today is 168.4 - down almost 3 lbs since I started this 13 days ago.

I can live with that!