Friday, January 29, 2010

micro Plateau...

I've been the same weight, no let me correct myself, I actually gained a lb and then lost it, in the past 9 days. Usually I understand it because I seem to only lose a significant amount of weight 2 weeks out of the month. I mean, how can you lose 4 1/2 lbs in 5 days and then not lose any for 9? Not to mention my DH and I went to the Y every night this week and I did my 30-35 minutes on the elliptical and 20-25 minutes on the strength machines. The only things that are thanking me right now are my thighs and my glutes. And they really don't look any different. Plateaus, or even mini-ones, tend to get me side tracked by not seeing any progress. Logically, I know the scale will start moving again, but I've always been someone who like immediate gratification (that hasn't gone away). So, I'm gritting my teeth through the weekend and will have to be even more conscientious about watching my food choices. I really want to get into that long dress by Valentine's Day!

I tend to be like Catherine55 and weigh myself right away every morning. I figure it's my most consistent number of the day. And I do the little happy dance when I get a new number of the scale to light up. Haven't had many happy dances lately...

On the Botox front, after 6 days, there is a definite improvement! My parentheses between my eyes are almost completely gone and the main wrinkle on my forehead is just barely noticeable. We'll see how another week goes. I have to say after the first couple of days I was pretty skeptical about what it would do for me, but I'm pleasantly surprised so far. The only part I'm not sure about is around the eyes, if I get it done again, I may just let that part go. I can't tell alot of difference. So far, only my sister knows I had it done....and you all of course.

Not much up for the weekend. I have to work tomorrow morning, and then DH and I are going to church with his parents and out to eat. And I imagine we'll probably catch up with a few friends after since we'll be in town. It supposed to be so cold this weekend we'll probably just curl up on the couch and make some soup on Sunday. Hope the weekend is good for all of you...be safe my friends.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Lazy Sunday...

Well, I'm watching my beloved Brett Favre get the sh*t beat out of him and thinking it doesn't look good for the Vikings. I was really rooting for the "old" guy! I mean, how can you not like Favre? Good looking, rugged, tough beyond comprehension, extremely competitive and good family guy that just loves to play football. I've just got to root for a guy like that. And then as I write this, he just tied it up 28 all with a touchdown. I still have my fingers crossed.

Well yesterday I had my slight unfill. The doc said I had a mild dilation due to being too tight after my barium swallow. So instead of the .2 unfill I thought he would do, he just did a .1 cc unfill. And so far (I know it's only been 1 night), but no reflux! I still took my Pepcid last night and tonight just in case, but so far, so good. Yes!

I also decided to give myself a little treat yesterday. I told my DH that my appointment would take an hour...I just didn't tell him why. Well let's just say that I've noticed for the last 2 years especially, that my complexion has been changing rapidly. The lines are getting deeper, my frown lines always seem to make me look like I'm irritated and my skin seems to be not responsive to any kind of new moisturizer, serum, etc. So, out of curiousity and pure vanity, I got my first Botox treatment. I had no idea what to expect!

Well, the actual treatment only takes about 10 minutes or so. I think the doc put 5 injections in my forehead, 2 between my eyebrows and 2 around each eye. I can't tell much difference yet, because the doc said it can take up to 2 weeks to get the full effect. So, I guess we'll see. I didn't hurt as much as I thought it would...although there were about 2 injections that I know I moved slightly, a little more than a bee sting. So, I survived and am anxiously awaiting the results. I don't know if I'll do it again. But let's just say if it looks natural and gets rid of my scowl, at least I might continue to get the "between the eyebrow" thing done. Just that would make me feel alot better. So, yes...pure vanity I know. I guess I would just like to look as good as I've been feeling these days! I'll try to post a pic in 2 weeks on the progress and you all let me know what you think.

After my appointment, we did our usual shopping extravaganza. My DH is a strip mall shopper as well as a foodie. He's a TJ Maxx fan, me not so much, but I did find a couple of fine guage sweaters that I can wear into the Spring. On our way back through Dayton, we stopped at Steinmart where I found several tanks to go under my new sweaters and alone. Quite a few mediums which is always great! And then lastly, we headed down to Dorothy Lane Market. Which is just about the best upscale 3-location mini-chain that I've ever known. They have the absolute best produce, meat case, desserts to die for, and well heck I haven't found anything that I didn't like there honestly! I got a piece of strawberry shortcake for DH and I to share and we picked up some of their homemade soup and cheese spreads to take home.

I've never minded the 75 miles trip down to the doc's office because it means DH and I get to spend the day together doing whatever we want. We usually make a whole day of it and it's always nice to reconnect after a long week of work.

This week is our annual year-end audit, so it will be great to get that out of the way, and then I need to finish up the Manufacturer's Survey from our wonderful Dept. of Commerce that almost seems to ask exactly how many times have you farted and did they stink. Can't wait til this week is over so I can turn my focus on other things.

It is now overtime in the Vikings/Saints game, so I'm hoping the Vikings pull it out. Go old man!

Friday, January 22, 2010

5 lbs from mini-goal~!

I'm officially in the 160's! YES! The weight is coming off steady these days and I'm loving it! But as a side note, we had our support group meeting on Tuesday night and I mentioned to the Doc (who was so kind by the way to come up to our meeting - about 90 miles away for him) that I was getting a bit of acid reflux at night since the last fill. He didn't like that one bit. I let him know I bought some Pepcid AC the day before and had a tablet before bed and didn't have any reflux. He was willing to do an unfill right then if I wanted but I told him I would like to give it 2 weeks and see if the Pepcid was working and then go off of it and see if I still have the problem. Well, wouldn't you know I woke up twice Tuesday night coughing. Even not eating 3-4 hours before bed or drinking anything an hour before helped. So, unwillingly, I called and made an appointment for Saturday for a slight unfill and a barium swallow - just to make sure everything is okay down there. Crap.

But in all honesty, yesterday was the tightest day I've ever had. I was only able to eat about 3 bites of fish and that was it for lunch. Even that gave me incredible pressure and a slight stuck feeling. And last night I tried to eat a little mashed potatoes and fresh sausage and I had to dry heave a little before the feeling passed. Whoa! Hate the uncomfortableness of eating when you're too tight. But the weight loss has been great - I'll miss that instant satisfaction I've been getting stepping on the scale every morning.

DH and I are going out for dinner with my parents tonight who will no doubt make a big fuss over my weight loss. Like I don't see them every week or two. I really hate to say this but I do better with my progress when I don't see them. Suffice it to say it's complicated. Alot of my food issues stem from well into my childhood and I have yet to figure it all out. My mindset has been really good of late and I don't want to get sidetracked. We all know how easy it is to get derailed!

I have a feeling that at some point I'm going to have to dig into the "why" of my food issues and so far at least consciously I'm unwilling to do that. My band doc suggested a book called "Shrink Yourself" by Gould that delves into the emotional and psychological side of eating. With my focus so strong right now - I hate to begin to try and change anything or examine those issues. I'm sure I will lose my focus at some point and give it a try, but right now I don't want anything to stand in my way.

So to all of you - have a great weekend and do something fun. And - enjoy the ride!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Almost 20 to go...

I've lost around 7 lbs in 16 days (date of last fill), and I'm feeling a good restriction. I definitely can't eat as much as before and feel very uncomfortable if I eat too much or too fast. Good news is that I am only 6 1/2 lbs from the weight I was when I met my husband a little over 6 years ago. When that day comes, I'm putting on the long dress I wore on the day we met and am going to parade around in it while I treat him to a really nice dinner. That would probably do me some good too! AND I'll make sure to take a picture!

I'm down to a 14 pant size which is nice...they aren't looking quite as big these days, and a petite medium or large in a top (if long sleeves). Lands End - you've got to love 'em since I always take a size smaller on top than at a department store. Heck I think I buy there just to make myself feel good! I bought a few of those camisole tops with the built in wire and padded bra. LOVE THEM! I feel I'm about 5-10 lbs away from wearing them so that should be good for the spring/summer time. Boy do I like shopping a whole lot more than I used to. We went to Polaris Mall over the weekend since we went to see our buddy Derek's basketball team play, but for some reason I didn't feel much like shopping. So unlike me. No hangers left in the closet I guess.

I'm passing my clothes "up" to my sister in law who was banded about 2 1/2 months ago so she will be able to have some "only slightly used" business attire for work. It's been fun to finally get rid of all of the "fat" clothes once and for all. I keep telling myself I'm never going back there so why keep it? It's been very cathartic.

My lap band doc is coming to our "Northern" support group tomorrow night and I'm picking him up from the airport since he's flying his plane over to a local strip. It's the first time he's been up here since we started meeting in the fall. There are about 5-6 of us that meeting monthly at a local family practitioner's office after hours to talk about how things are going and encourage those who need it. It's a wonderful experience that I'm glad I chose to join. We may also from time to time have someone who is getting banded join to ask questions from those in attendance and get the real scoop - something I wish I would have done to put my mind more at ease before the surgery.

I'm a little over 20 lbs from my goal of 150 lbs. And when I get there I will have officially lost 150 lbs total from my highest weight. I can't even put into words how monumental that number is when you are at 300 lbs and want to lose weight. The idea of losing a lb or two a week seems like such a slow process, but I know in my heart of hearts that if I didn't have this band, I wouldn't be where I'm at today and I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to get the lap band and have a relatively easy journey.

And when my sister gets to where she wants to be with her goal weight, the two of us are going to meet up for a shopping destination and buy some smokin' hot clothes. If any of you have any suggestions on some really nice shopping complexes - let me know! Anywhere in the USA is fine with us!

Friday, January 8, 2010

Good start to the new year!

Almost a week after my last fill and down about 2 1/2 lbs. Not bad. Now that the holidays are over and many of the temptations are gone, a sense of normalcy is kind of nice. The Wii Fit I bought myself last weekend has been fun. I have yet to try my Zumba DVD's I bought this week, mostly due to trying to go with hubby to the "Y' on the nights he wants to go.

Last night we went to the local hangout for supper and man o' man, for the first time in the last week I had an "episode". Not an out and out PB, but the pressure was unbelievable. Just eating too fast and trying to not keep my hubby - who is a notoriously fast eater - from sitting there too long while I ate. I'm still paying for that. Instantly tight and have stayed that way yet today. It's a soft food day today for sure.

I have most of the evening to myself tonight so I plan on finally taking down the Christmas tree and putting all of the ornaments away that I have collected from places I've been - the only things I "collect". And cracking open the Zumba tapes and try some of the smooth moves out without hubby laughing at my lack of skill. Only the cat will be amused - and he doesn't say much. You know why? BECAUSE HE IS A CAT! (Sorry - I think my hubby morphed into me as I was daydreaming).

I really enjoy reading all the blog posts I follow. In a weird way it makes me feel like I am apart of something bigger and yet connected to a small universe. No other place except the 'ole Internet would give us the ability to come together and help each other.

My 5 minutes are up - so for today may you all have the very best of days, be safe, be warm, and enjoy!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

The New Year - and to get "back to normal"

I hope for everyone that 2010 is even better for you than 2009. I've been a "lurker" lately instead of a "poster" due to the miniscule snippets of time I find to see how my ladies and gents are doing. The holidays were wonderful...with lots of family, friends and....work and food. I've been staying the same weight-wise for about 3 weeks, gaining and losing 3 lbs and finally getting a tweak in my fill level yesterday to take me to an even 8.0 on the 10.0 cc richter scale. It's been 5 months since my last fill and it held rather well. Officially, Kristina - my lovely fellow-banded fill nurse - said my down 71. something lbs since April. So I feel really good about that and really about the band. I mean, let's face it, when you love to bake and your hubby is a foodie and the holidays seem to center around food and get togethers, it is way too easy to put on the annual 10 holiday lbs from Thanksgiving to New Years. However, this year I'm down from Thanksgiving about 5 lbs even with all the "samples" and out and out snack attacks.

The best thing I love about the band? I don't beat myself up anymore if I gain 3 lbs because I know I will get it off when I go back into my weekly routine. I can eat 1-2 cookies instead of 12, and the urge I used to have try everything and quickly before everything is picked over is gone. I love that.

For the past 3 weeks my port area has been sore...not all the time, just when I twist a certain way, exercise my stomach muscles, or move positions in bed. I mentioned this to Kristina and also let her know about my bouts with constipation. She seemed to agree that the tenderness is due to, well, that. I always feel so good when I walk out of there. She is an inspiration and is a real knockout as a mere size 2. I can tell you the band did one heck of a job on her!

Hubby and I went to the "Y" today to work out since it is really cold and windy here today. Yesterday after my fill appointment I bought a Wii Fit (and the Wii) since I heard so many people really enjoy it. I'm about halfway getting it set up today. Too many distractions.

Sis is doing really well with her band and my SIL has lost 32 lbs in 2 months since her surgery. 2010 should be the year we hopefully all get to, our really close, to our goal. About 28 lbs to go for me. I'm shrinking right back into 6 year old jeans right now and am thrilled. And of course buying a few new things here and there.

As far as resolutions? I didn't make any absolute ones because they usually don't last. However, generally I would say to be more active, eat more healthy and be happy with what I have accomplished.

Thanks to everyone for being an inspiration and a fellow journeyman. I love this band!