Happy New Year!!!

We made it home after a twelve hour car ride with the boys and the dog!! Just relaxing today and trying to ward off a cold that I picked up along the way. Good news, I weighed in today after two weeks and I am 190.7, which is a tiny loss, but a loss none the less! I am pleased since I ate what I wanted but just in smaller amounts. I did not feel deprived at all... Tomorrow I am working a 12 hour shift as my manager Holiday but thats okay since I was able to get the whole week of Christmas off. Wishing you all a very Happy, Safe, New Years!!! I will catch up with you all in 2012.

Hello from Park City Utah

Having a fabulous time visiting with my husbands family for the Holiday. It is so beautiful but COLD here! I have already been ice skating and today we are going Tubing at Soldier Hollow. This is where part of the Olympics were held and now its a tubing park. The "fatter" me a year ago would never considered doing such winter activities, but I am all over it this year. I apologize but I haven't been reading any blogs this past week, but I promise to get caught up when our vacation is over. Hope all of you had a wonderful Holiday as well.

Choice and Accountability

Well I can say I have made some not so great food choices this week and I feel it. My friends and neighbors have all been delivering scrumtious baked goods and I have sampled and resampled them all. We have had lots of goodies around the office.  Somehow I feel like I have to try them just because....you know that feeling....Today, I was up a pound on the scale even though its not official weigh in day. This is the first time since being banded and I am trying not to beat myself up. I came to work to read this quote by my co-worker and it has made me feel better:

“Do the best you can in all aspects of your life, and then let go of it.  Regardless of how hard you try, you’re still going to make your share of mistakes.  Once you accept this fact of life and put more attention on your strengths than on your weaknesses, you’ll start having more fun than you ever dreamed possible.” – Anonymous

As I get ready to spend the Holidays with my Husbands family, I want to re-focus my efforts, remember my strengths that have helped me thus far on my journey, and most of all have lots of fun!!  Fun does not have to equate to too much food...I want to make good choices. I know I can...  

Weekly Weigh in

Today's weight 191.2
down 3.5 pounds this week
Total 51.8 pounds

Tomorrow~ 3 month Bandiversary

"There is no one giant step that does it. It's a lot of little steps."
~Peter A. Cohen

Although I feel like I took a big giant step to be banded what I have learned is..... its all the little baby steps that have really made the difference. Ask me 3 months ago if I thought I would be able to lose 50 pounds, I would have replied heck no! Ask me if I would be exercising on a regular basis...HELL to the NO! Or any of the life changing things I have experienced in the last 3 months? Truth is I didn't have one ounce of confidence in my self to make these changes on my own. I had failed so many times before with  just dieting, I thought it was a lost cause. Being Banded is not an easy thing, you have to make choices everyday on how you want to live with your band. Some days are easier than others. One thing I can say is I do not regret my choice to have the surgery. Sure I am excited about how my physical appearance is changing but more than that I feel like I am getting "THE REAL KELLI" back. The one with personality, humor and a caring attitude. I guess I didn't realize how much my weight was weighing me down so to speak.  I am glad I found this blogging community and all the love and support that is given here. I still have a long way to go but if I just keep taking little steps I know I will get there!

I got all my Christmas shopping done on Saturday, Yea! That is such a good feeling. I also bought an early Christmas present for myself...a new skirt, sweater and BOOTS! I haven't worn boots in years, I am uber excited. We took our family picture today for our Christmas cards and I wore my outfit. Here is a picture of us......is it terrible to admit I feel like I may be getting my sexy back???

Weekly Weigh In

Today's weight 194.7
down 1.8 pounds this week
Total weight loss 48.3

My party went fabulous last night. I am happy all went well. Truth is I was so busy running around I was able to stay focused on my eating and not over-indulge. I did have one homemade cannoli that was heavenly but at least I didn't eat the whole plate! Hope everyone is doing well, Happy Friday!

Just checking in...

Life is really busy now with holiday preparations and work. I am in charge of a Progressive Dinner for 85 women tomorrow night, Yikes. I feel like I have had little time to read and respond to blogs this week. Hopefully next week I can get caught up. In the meantime I hope all of you are doing well and I look forward to catching up on some blog readings soon. I will leave you with this pretty winter scene that makes me think happy, calm thoughts in an otherwise chaotic week...enjoy

Holiday Party Pic.

My Hubby and I!

Weekly Weigh In

Today's weight 196.5
down 2.4 pounds this week
total weight loss 46.5 pounds!

I went shopping last night to buy an outfit for my husbands Christmas party tonight. The sweater is an XL and the jeans size 16.  It was so strange to head to the misses section and not the plus size racks. I kept looking around to see if people would stare at me and  think "What is she doing over here?" It then dawned on me that this is what fits me now. I have never enjoyed shopping before but last night was pretty cool! It was actually fun shopping! Did I just say that???

Super NSV!!!

Today, I went back into the recesses of my closet and dug out my size 16 pants from long ago....I looked at them and said "those look too small still". I said what the heck and decided to try them on and guess what THEY ALL FIT!!! not even tight. I can't freakin believe it, I am so excited!! I really thought these pants would never fit me again.

Flatulence

 

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Flatulence is the expulsion through the rectum of a mixture of gases that are byproducts of the digestion process of mammals and other animals. The medical term for the mixture of gases is flatus, informally known as a fart, or simply (in American English) gas. The gases are expelled from the rectum in a process colloquially referred to as "passing gas", "breaking wind" or "farting". Flatus is brought to the rectum by the same peristaltic process which causes feces to descend from the large intestine. The noises commonly associated with flatulence are caused by the vibration of the anal sphincter, and occasionally by the closed buttocks.

Is it just me?? I have noticed since being banded that I have WAY more gas now! I don't really burp anymore but I sure have the Toots alot. At work I have to take periodic walks or trips to the bathroom to prevent embarrassing moments. Is this common with anyone else? Is this TMI? Sorry, inquiring minds want to know!!!

Doctor's Checkup

 I went to my regular doctor last week for a check up and bloodwork. I hadn't seen her since being banded and she was quite surprised to see the changes in me. First off my B/P has been running low so she said I could start taking half my BP med and then go off it entirely if it stays in range. Today, I got the results of my labwork and it was great news.... Cholesterol 112(normal <160); Triglycerides 64(normal<150); HDL 39 (normal >45 a little off); LDL 60(normal <70) and my Hemaglobin A1C was 6.0 (measures my diabetes over the last 3 months). It has gone done from 6.5 woo hoo!! Non Diabetics range below 6.0. I am on my way baby to putting my Diabetes in remission and improving my overall health status!!

Great News...and it starts with a # 1 !!!

Today's weight 198.9!!!!!! I did it!!  I hit Onederland!!
weight loss this week 2.9
Total weight loss 44.1
I did it even on Thanksgiving week which was a huge surprise. I originally set my goal by Dec. 1st so I made it a little bit early, Yeah!!

On Gratitude

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. --Melody Beattie

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving! This year I have so many things to be grateful for especially my health and the opportunity I have to improve it each day since being banded. I am also grateful to all my new Band friends and the love and support I feel from you all!!

Helpful Holiday Hints

Today our Biggest Loser Coach at work sent out this email so I thought I would share it with you all...



Yikes…the big holiday hoohah begins…Be not afraid! You get to choose! And that is a beautiful thing! Starting today the office smorgasbords might be in full swing and the food overload will continue until buttons snap Sunday…remember you are not required to partake just because food is in front of you or because someone else wants an overeating buddy. Choose wisely and honor yourself! Some tips

eat a good breakfast with 15-20 grams of protein and 3-5 grams of fiber. If you start out satisfied you will be less likely to cave in to temptation.
keep healthy snacks on hand…celery or apple and peanut butter, 2% string cheese and fruit.
Steer clear of serving bowls….put a single serving on a plate and leave the area
take one spoonful servings of high calorie favorites….enjoy slowly
really look at your plate and think about the size of your stomach….if you load up a dinner size plate it will hold far more than your stomach comfortably will.as my dad used to say…don’t let your eyes overfill your stomach. Like in # 4 take one spoonful servings and savor the flavor…
MOVE! Start a new family tradition of a walk a day. Play movement video games. Stretch frequently through the day..cooking a huge meal is exhausting!
wear something snug and fabulous to remind you how hard you’ve been working! (just bring tennies for your walk)
Decide TODAY that you aren’t’ deprived because you are eating healthfully. Honestly, the deprivation comes from the bondage of overeating…I have never spoken to an overweight person who feels happy about the physical mess they are in.
Be grateful for the fact that you have made the decision to CHOOSE health! Armed with pride in yourself, good food choices and exercise you will sail through this week and feel better than ever! Truly enjoy each morsel and minute of the weekend!

Grazing like a Cow

I went to my friends house for a party last night. It was appetizers and gamenight and let me tell you I not only ate the roses...I ate the chips, spanokapita, little smokies, chili, and some divine cake pop thingies. I basically grazed like a freakin cow last night (head bowed in shame). What I realized besides the pound I was up this morning was I am not immuned to the mindless eating game as before band. It is still there folks and I now have discovered the "eating past your band" syndrome. Since it was over the coarse of several hours I didn't get that restriction feeling I normally get and I kept going. I can wallow in my shame today or I can learn from this situation. I choose to forgive myself and chalk it up to a learning experience. I can still go to parties, eat and have fun but I need to keep my head in the game to avoid overeating.

Weekly Weigh In

Today's Weight 201.8 down 1.7 pounds this week. I am hoping to hit onederland by Dec 1st. Happy Friday to you all.

Thursday morning funny...

It's the little things you do....

We have a Biggest Loser program here at work and our wellness coach posted this today and I thought it was worth sharing......

Really it’s the little things you do…all day long…that make a big difference. You don’t have to starve yourself or workout to the point of exhaustion. Honestly these usually only backfire because you’re irritable, tired all the time, you get injured or get sick of the torture and give up. So what CAN you do?

First…be realistic about eating. The holidays are coming and whatever that means there is food involved. Get a plan and stick to it! Start or recommit NOW so you are armed and ready with healthy alternatives and go to recipes. One of my clients has a meal plan written out through Jan 1 to keep her on track and so that she can shop just once a week…staying out of the stores will help your wallet and your waist : )

Second….do you get tired and moody during the holidays? Moderate exercise releases endorphins which help mood and also energy level. Even on the dog tired days try to get a walk in…and schlepping bags through a mall burns calories but the stress of ‘the hunt” counteracts the endorphins….SO plan to power walk first at the mall or when you get home.

Third….make sure you have downtime! Get in the habit of having a cup of tea (decaf) when you get home and take a moment to recenter and reboot yourself.  Stretch right before bed at night…you’ll sleep better and wake refreshed. Take a one minute vacation…. Have several snapshots in your head that you can visualize at anytime to ‘take you away’. These moments all help to strengthen your resolve and willpower….

It’s the small steps taken frequently throughout the day that build the road to a healthful life.

Red Robin....Yummmmm

So today I went out to lunch with a coworker and we went to Red Robin. The old me would have got some 5,000 cal burger of some sort but today I was able to pass it up and split a grilled chicken salad with my friend. This just freakin amazes me...its like I didn't want to waste my calories on it, and I actually was craving veggies...THAT IS SO NOT ME. Of coarse I did save some tiny room for a few of their infamous steak fries and they were gooood! I walked away not feeling too guilty. I think they brain washed me a bit when I was under anethesia!!

I PB'd this morning and it was NOT Jiffy!!!

I mostly have a protein shake in the morning these days but today I cooked scrabbled eggs with Chicken Apple sausage as a treat. As I started to eat I could tell my band felt tight, but I just kept slowly eating. All of a sudden I knew something was very, very wrong...toto we are no longer in Kansas! I thought taking a swig of my hubby's OJ would help it go down. Wrong with a capital W. I could feel the saliva frothing and I excused myself to the bathroom. I coughed and coughed and then next thing I know a bunch of saliva froth/orange juice cocktail came up! Yuk..is all I can say. Oh and really painful too. I suggest you don't try this at home kids!!!

Sore but not Sorry

Last Saturday I went to a Body Works plus Abs class that just about killed me off. After it was over, I was sore but very proud that I actually did it. It's hard to motivate yourself to go out and move and stretch and work out muscles that you haven't seen for years. Yesterday at work my coworker said "See you at the Gym tomorrow?" and I wanted to say "Hell no are you crazy, but instead said Of coarse see you at 830!". I am not sure it will ever get easier but people tell me it does. I need to EARN my body and if jumping around like a crazy women is going to help me get there then I need to say Yes, Yes, Yes to exercise. I went this morning and actually enjoyed it better this time. Not sure if it was any easier but in my mind my attitude had changed. I will probably be sore again tomorrow but not Sorry....

Weekly Weigh In with Photo

Today's weight 203.5
down 1.6 pounds this week
Total loss 39.5 (can I round it to 40??)
I am just a couple days shy of 2 months post banding and all I can say is this journey has been amazing so far. Today, I fit into a pair of jeans from 5 years ago which I thought would never fit me again. Life is good. Happy Friday to all, I hope you have a fabulous weekend. I am so thankful for my blog friends and all the guidance and encouragement you give to me!!

Not as much junk in my trunk.....

So my hubby commented today that my ass looked nice in my new pants I was wearing. I have always had a lot of junk in my trunk and been proud to be curvy but as I gained so much weight it stopped being one of my assests, no pun intended! So, I made him take a picture so I could see what he was talking about. Sure enough my Butt has shrunk and I am getting my waist/curve/buns ratio back- woo hoo!! Now if I can just work on the cellulite thats another story in itself!!

Meet Me on Monday

Meet Me On Monday...

Blogging is a funny thing...we tell our most intimate thoughts for all to read and yet most of the time I find myself sitting and wondering, "who is this person!?" I know them...but yet I don't know them! I want to know who the person is behind all those words so I thought of a great way for all of us to "meet" each other!

Every Sunday Never Growing Old will post five get to know you questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!

Questions:

1. Are you excited for the holidays or are you dreading them?

2. Do you hit the snooze button or get right up?

3. Do you still have your tonsils?

4. What was the last piece of candy that you ate?

5. Do you shop at thrift stores?

 

 

1. Are you excited for the holidays or are you dreading them? I absolutely love this time of year. It starts out with my boys birthdays, my hubby's birthday, halloween and then we just keep celebrating. This year we are headed to Utah for Christmas to spend with my husband's family. Last year on the day we arrived I slipped in the snow and broke my leg, it was no fun... It was actually one of the final deciding factors for me to have Lap band. It was miserable falling with all my weight on my leg and hearing it go snap. This year I hope to play in the snow, go sledding and have a great time.

2. Do you hit the snooze button or get right up? Yea, the alarm is set for 6 am but I always hit it once or twice.

3. Do you still have your tonsils? I sure do

4. What was the last piece of candy that you ate? A Reese's Peanut Butter Cup that was creamy and dreamy! and probably a gazillion fat grams....

5. Do you shop at thrift stores? Yes I do actually but only for certain things. Mostly gently used pants or shirts. I will not go near the shoes though as I just think used stinky feet shoes is just weird!

 

 

 

 

Saturday Morning Funny....

Weekly Weigh In

Today's weight 205.1
down 3.5 pounds this week!
total weight loss 37.9

Onederland is so close, woo hoo!
I go for a fill appt. this morning, I wonder if they will give me one.

Happy Friday Everyone, have a great weekend!

Birthdays, Halloween and Such...

                                                  My Baby!!

                                                  My Oldest!

                                                 My Sis!!

                                              at the pumkin patch...

                                     
                                                Skating at the Birthday Party

                                              The Birthday Boys with Crazy Hair!!

                                              The Nice Witch

                                                  Ninja Brothers....

                                             The final product. A good weekend had by all!!!

Happy Halloween Phoenix Style....

 

Hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween!!!

The Versatile Blogger Award

Versatile: ver-sa-tile [vur-suh-tl] or, especially British, [vur-suh-tahyl]: capable of, or adapted for, turning easily from one to another various tasks, fields of endeavor, etc.: a versatile writer.

Word information source: www.dictionary.com

Here is how the award works:

1. You thank the person who presented you with the award.

2. You tell 7 things about yourself.

3. You award 15 other newly discovered bloggers.

 

I want to thank Cat from One Slim Cat for nominating me for this award. I have followed her pretty much from the time I started blogging. She is not only One Slim Cat but One Cool Cat also!! I Love reading her blog..

 

7 things about me:

 

1. I was born weighing only 5 pounds 3 ounces, and had to be put in the incubator to be cooked more. I sure made up for it in later years!!

2. I am the youngest of 6 children, I was definately and oops baby, my Mom was 43 when she had me. You know what they say....the best is saved for last!!

3. Even though I am a serious pale face I am actually part Native American. My grandpa was full blood, my Mom half and me a 1/4. I actually am registered and receive full benefits from my tribe the "Kickapoo's".

4. I have a famous wrestling brother "The Million Dollar Man" and now my nephew wrestles as well in the WWE. Check out the movie Marine 2 he plays the lead part and is such a hottie. (Is that a weird thing for an Aunt to say??)

5. I grew up in Napa Valley and I don't drink wine.

6. I am a Registered Nurse and work in Hospice.

7. I was in Judo for 15 years, so watch out I can kick some bootie!!

 

Now the fun part, other bloggers to nominate. 

Amy from Finding Me She is my Bestie Blogger Friend.

Lolli from Bandipes

Rachel from Fat Fish in a Skinny Sea

Elizabeth from Outside V. Inside

LaniBani from Watch This Space..

I didn't do fifteen but that's okay.

If you have not checked out these gals blogs please do! It has been so much fun getting to know all the bloggers new and seasoned..

Saturday Morning Funny..

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend. Last night I won 2nd place with my famous White Bean Chicken Chili at the Chili Cookoff. In about an hour I will be with about 13 boys at the Skating Rink for my two sons Birthday party, Woo Hoo! At least I can count it as my exercise today, that's if I don't break a leg!!! I will try to get some pictures to post.

Weekly Weigh In

Today's Weight 208.6
down 3.3 pounds this week!

Ten Things Thursday

1. I did survive Zumba but it kicked my arse....
2. I have been having so much fun with my sister visiting that I haven't had much time to check blogs. I will get caught up though.
3. My coworker brought in a bunch of her clothes that don't fit her anymore and they are super cute. My self perception is off  because I looked at them and thought...those wont fit, but sure enough they all did!
4. More and more people are commenting at work to my weight loss and positive attitude. They will say things like "look at you miss skinny minnie" I swear I have never been called that in my life!
5. This weekend is super busy for me with a Chili Cookoff, the boys Birthday parties, school parties and Halloween. I am so glad I have much for energy these days it will definately help out!
6. I told myself I will try Zumba again next week....
7. I am loving the cooler weather Phoenix has been experiencing this week, it almost feels like fall.
8. I ate a couple bites of a burrito this week and the tortilla went down, I was super scared of getting stuck.
9. When I am in the shower and I look down I can actually see the my unmentionables now as my dang belly aint so big!    
10. My sis took a picture of me tonight after I got my face painted and I was literally shocked at how much my face, chin and profile looks different! What do your think???

                                                                          Before

Tonight

You are what you eat....

Hope everyone is having a fantastic Monday! Thought this was a funny cartoon. If you haven't picked up on it yet, I am a jokester at heart! Looking forward to Zumba class this evening at 5:45pm. If you don't hear from me because I died of exhaustion, its been nice knowing you!!!

New Blogger Alert

Hey All, we have a new Blogger that is scheduled for Lap Band. Check out her blog and give her your support!

Ashley's Blog

I joined the Gym!

Last night I stopped by LA Fitness and rejoined. Sadly, I had a membership before that I payed each month and never went but a few times. Well, the new me is going to do everything I can to change that. I know exercise HAS to be part of this equation. I hope to be like you all soon and looking forward to my Zumba classes....cause right now sitting my but down on the couch is way easier!!

Friday Weigh In

Today's Weight 211.9
2.0 pound loss this week
Total loss 31.1 pounds

Ten Things Thursday

1. My Sister in Law had her first baby Tuesday, a little precious, beautiful girl. That makes me an Auntie in law!
2. My Hubby came home from Houston tonight from a business trip and he was so sweet to give the boys their bath to give me a break.
3. We have had some sad, tragic things happen at work this week. 2 days ago a nurse I work with had to have emergency open heart surgery.  She is young. The doctor said she was lucky to be alive because her arteries were more than 90percent blocked. I am praying for her a speedy recovery. Then this morning I am checking my Blackberry only to find out another nurse I work with lost her fiance' who was killed on his motorcycle coming home from work last night. He is only 40. She is in my thoughts and prayers as well.
4. The old me would have probably ate through my sorrow today but I didn't and I am proud.
5. I had to visit the "Lady Bits" doctor this week for my annual checkup and for once I didn't feel like the fattest person ever in stir-ups!!
6. My new/used size 18 pants are starting to get baggy already.
7. My Sister is coming next week for a visit and I am super happy. She will be here for Halloween and my boys Birthdays- Yea! Did I mention she is a chef? I will have to practice self control and she always makes yummy dishes.
8. My Blood sugars have been running great, wondering how long before they take me off my diabetic med. That will be the ultimate!
9. Just looked into rejoining my Gym so that I now that I am cleared can take my exercise up a notch.
10. Happy to be alive, well, and working on improving my health. So thankful I have found this blog community and the help and friendship it provides. Finally, have a great TGIF tomorrow!!

Tuesday Funny and things that go Fizz

Well I can definately feel the difference with the .5cc fill they added yesterday. Today I had the Pintos and Cheese from Taco Bell and I could only eat 1/2 of the cup. Also, that pressure in the chest, burps thingie is back. I had forgotten what that felt like.
Also I have found a really cool drink called ZipFizz to add to my water. It is a natural energy drink that has tons of Vitamin B-12, which I know bandsters can be lacking in sometimes. Have any of you tried it?  You can get it by the case at Costco. It comes in Pink Lemonade, Grape, Citrus and Orange. Just be careful to drink several gulps from your water bottle before you add it or it foams over. I learned that the hard way!!! By the way, its not carbonated even though it has Fizz in the name. Pretty good stuff and it gives you an afternoon boost! Its also something different than Crystal Light. Hope you all had a great Tuesday and an even better Hump Day tomorrow!

First Fill

Today I went to see the NP to get my first fill. The NP was super cool and nice. She said I was doing wonderful and pleased with my progress. They took measurements and I am down 1/2 inch in my neck and 5 1/2 inches in my waist! She decided to give me a small 1/2 cc fill today. So I am back on liquids but that is okay. She numbed me up first and it didn't even hurt. I am just amazed by this whole process.

Friday Weigh In

Today I weigh 213.9 !!!
I am down 2.6 pounds this week!
Total weight loss 29.1!!!!
Tomorrow is my One month Bandiversary and I will be celebrating up in the cool mountains this weekend. Have a great weekend my friends!

KelliBelliBand Meets Finding Me

I went to my support group tonight and I finally got to meet Amy(from Finding Me), Yaa! It was so funny though because we were both outside the building with the leader since had locked herself out and I looked over and thought I wonder if that is Amy? When she wasn't looking I whispered to the leader "is that Amy" and out loud she says "No, its Frank!" She thought I was asking what her little doggies name was. too funny. Anyhoo, Amy finally says "you're not Kelli are you?" and I said yes. I guess we both look slightly different then in our pictures since we have both lost some weight. I am happy to have bandster close to me that had the same surgeon. I have learned so much from her already. Well after about 40 minutes someone finally came and unlocked the building for us and we had our official meeting. We talked about Mindless eating and got some great pointers. It was a good evening.

Every Taste, Every Bite, Every Lick

So how many of you remember this saying from weight watchers? I do but when I was in WW I never really would record everything I ate. I would start out in the morning but would fall short by the end of the day. Well I have now been keeping a strict record of what I have been eating this week and I realized its NOT much! But thats okay because I haven't really felt hungry. I hope this feeling lasts a bit longer because I feel like my band and I are working in sync together. I am using the fitness pal tracker on my phone and it is a great way to keep it all together. On another note I went thrift shopping this past weekend and bought 4 pair of work pants in a size 18! I was in 20/22 sizes before so I will take that as another NSV, woo hoo!

Friday Weigh In

Just a quick update, today was my weigh in and I was 216.5, a total loss of 3.8 pounds this week! So I will have to update my ticker but I think thats about a 26 pound total weight loss. I am starting week 4 post op and feeling good. I got to begin on solid food today and I was a little nervous how it would go. I did good. I had about a tablespoon each of chicken salad and tuna salad. About a 1/4 piece of swiss cheese and one bite of a tomato. I chewed and chewed and chewed and everything went down okay. Yeah! I was at work around a bunch of people so I was scared it would get stuck or something. I want to take it slow. Happy Friday my lovely blogger friends. Have a wonderful weekend!

Turkey Waddles and Wedding Rings

I thought it was strange a bit when they took my neck measurement at the doctors office pre-op but now I know why! I am noticing as others are too that my "Turkey Waddle" is getting smaller!! Now when I bend my neck down I only have one neck roll and not two! I would say thats a great NSV for sure. In other news.....
I haven't been able to wear my gorgeous wedding ring set for about 3 years now. When I had lost 50 pounds in 2007 I had it sized down and then I gained it all back. I didn't have the heart to have it resized back up again. So I went out and bought a Cubic Zirconia and have been wearing it since. I know it maked my hubby kinda sad as he knows how much that ring meant to me. Well...last night I dug it out of my drawer and low and behold it went on my finger!! I was estatic so I called my hubby up to see and he was very excited too! Granted I had to get it off with a little soap but in another 5 pounds I think it will be safe to wear again. It brought tears to my eyes. So between my Waddle and my Wedding Ring I would say I have my first 2 NSV's, yahoo!

Band Campster

We love to go camping as a family and decided to take off to the mountains this weekend.It is absolutely beautiful and relaxing. A few weeks ago when we went I was on my liquid diet. This time I am able to eat soft foods which has been great. I made homemade lentil soup and chili that are yummy! Riding on the Ranger today was just a bit to bumpy for me yet. Right now we are just relaxing by the campfire and enjoying the night. Life is good!

Friday Weekly Weigh-in

Today I weigh 220.3, which is a loss of 3.7 pounds this week! Yahoo!!

Incisions Picture (G rated)

Here are my four incisions. I was surprised how tiny the three are and my port really isn't that big either. My belly is still bloated with gas but getting better each day. Sorry if any of you get blinded by my pathetic white skin! My belly hasn't seen the sun for years, maybe next year I can change that with a bikini LOL!! P. S. I hope all of you going to Chicago have safe travels and a fantastic trip! 

Post Op Visit #1

I had my first doctors visit after surgery and it went well. They did the Barrium Swallow test and my band is in perfect position and everything checks out ok. So happy for that! Fully clothed I weighed exactly 20 pounds lighter today. Woo Hoo! I seriously need to go Thrift shopping to get me by. Since my steri-strips haven't fell off yet he said I can now take them off in the shower. I am anxious to see how they really look. I have been reading all your posts about Chicago and that sure sounds like you will all have fun. Hopefully I can attend next year. Have a great evening everyone!

Beautiful U R

To all my beautiful bandster friends. Happy Saturday! No matter where you are in lifes journey just remember how Beautiful U R.

First official weigh in 1 week post surgery

Drum Roll please......

223.9!!!
Starting Wt- 243 lbs
2 week Pre-op liquid diet 234 lbs
Total Loss 19.1 lbs
down 10.1 lbs since banded
I'm doing a little happy dance!!!

Back to the grind

I went back to work today. My coworkers were so happy to see me and commented on how well I looked only 1 week after surgery. I felt so supported by everyone around me. All of the nurses of coarse wanted to see my belly incisions so I did alot of shirt lifting today. When I had finally made the decision to be lap banded I also made the decision I was going to share this journey with people I closely associate with. It was kinda scary at first because I didn't know what their reactions would be but it has turned out very well. I completely respect those who choose to keep it private as well. It really is a personal decision. I mostly spent the day catching up on emails and stuff. I really missed having my 3pm nap today though. By the end of the day I was feeling dog tired. Today, I also got to start on Creamy Soups and Cream of Wheat type foods. I guess this is what they call the beginning of the Smushie stage. Anyway, I had some delicious Cream of Tomato soup for lunch. I forgot how good food can taste!! It tasted dreamy and creamy! I definately felt my Band "Shrinky Dink" tell me when she had had enough. I got this instant sharp pain between my shoulder blades that almost feels like heartburn. Does anyone else experience this too? I have noticed if I drink too cold of water or too fast I will have to sneeze, is that weird or what? All of the new sensations I am experiencing. Well I think I will catch up on a few new posts and then call it an early night....

Wednesday Morning Cartoon

Sad, but true......

Checking In

Yesterday I had a hard time with the gas pains and trying to get it to move out. I have been walking and taking my gas x strips but I just felt blah. I could hardly get my protein shakes in and I know I didn't drink enough water. Each time I drank anything I would get those sharp gas pains in my chest like I was having a heart attack.  I am wondering  if I will ever have a BM. I have not had one since the day before surgery? I have been taking the Benefiber daily and I even tried a suppository but nothing happened...(I know its okay to talk about poop and things with you all as you understand). I really haven't had anything solid to eat so I am not sure if I should be concerned at this point. Today already seems better. Some of the swelling in my tummy has gone down and I feel more like myself. I sure am getting my fill of watching HGTV! Thanks again for all the wonderful support.

Award

Thanks to Jessica and Amy for nominating me for the Liebster Award! I am not even sure how to link to peoples names and blogs yet, any pointers?

 

 

Liebster means ‘beloved’ or 'favorite' in German and it’s an honor to receive this award. The Liebster Blog Award is designed to bring additional recognition to those bloggers with less than 200 followers. If you receive the award, you should link back to the blogger that nominated you and nominate five more blogs. Also, don’t forget to let them know that you nominated them.

Day 3

Doing pretty good, able to keep fluids down and happy I started my Protein shakes up again today. Broth and sugar free popsicles gets old fast. I was able to take a shower which felt wonderful. I took the bandages off and my incisions look great. I can't tell which one is my port yet though. I am finally starting to toot which is giving my belly some relief woo hoo! The little things in life that make us happy...I haven't started my official weigh in days but today I stepped on the scale and was 229. I was 243 just prior to my pre-op liquid diet 2 weeks ago at True Results. Yaa!! Now I think I will take a small walk and then rest some more.

Surgery Day

Hi there! Well I made it through surgery without any complications so far. We had to be at the Surgery Center by 545am which was kinda a bear but at least I was the first one up for surgery. I was prepped (I can't believe they made me wear a diaper), now I have much more empathy for my patients that have to wear them! They rolled me in to the operating room at 617am and thats pretty much the last I remember of it. By 830am I was awake and had been in recovery for about an hour. My hubby brought me home and I have been resting on and off most of the day. I have managed to get down about 8 oz water sipping slowly and about a 1/4 cup chicken broth. My biggest complaints so far are: my throat is raw and raspy and I have cotton mouth. I couldn't PEE until finally about 230pm which was relief. What happened to the days where they wouldn't let you leave the hospital until you did? Oh well. The pain is mostly in my low back right now and I think it is coming from gas. I have taken my Gas X strips and I think they are helping already. I have taken a few short walks around the house so I think I am doing good. I feel like I need to burp but all that happens is my throat kinda gurgles, is that normal? Anyhoo's,  the liquid pain med tastes like Crap but it works so I will endure getting it down. I checked out my Belly and I have only 4 bandages instead of 5 so I don't know about that one. I am going to go lay down some more but will keep in touch as the days go on. Thanks again to all my Blogster friends. I can now officially say I am Banded and a B.O.O.B.!!

Twas the night before Band surgery.....

Its here...I had my last protein shake at 6pm this evening, picked up all my post op meds from the pharmacy, took the dog on a walk, showered and shaved and I think I am set.  We have to be at the surgery center at 5:45am but thats okay because that means I will be first up on the schedule and home sooner. Nurses don't make the best of patients!!  As soon as I am up to it I will post how things went. Thanks again to everyone for all the positive thoughts and comments. I love my blog family already!!

Earn Your Body

I borrowed this from Julie Michaelson's (Personal Trainer) Blog. In her blog entry she talks about everyone has to earn their body. Yes, some are born with better Genes and DNA than others (me not included) but we all have to make decisions whether to have a healthy lifestyle or not.
Quote-
 I hate to tell you this, there really is no “luck” involved in having a great body. You earn it. You work for it…every single day. We make choices each day, each meal that bring us closer to the body we want or move us farther from it. -end Quote
I believe this is true. Thats why I get mad when I hear people talk Crap about Lab Band. Even though I am yet to be banded I know this is a huge commitment and not the easy way out. Every step I have taken so far and then continue to take after Thursday is because I really care about my health. I want to lose weight, I want to put my Diabetes in remission, I want to make good food choices, I need to exercise( sorry I just couldn't put the I want part there just yet) and YES I want to look hot in a pair of jeans!!  Last but not least I want to surround myself with positive supportive people! I have to tell you that in the past week of my new blogging adventures that is exactly what I have found. I really appreciate all the people I have met who don't even know me from Eve that have been so wonderful. Only two more sleeps until I am banded. I am ready to Earn My Body back!!!

Life after 'Frank'....

So I really couldn't stand when I opened my blog to see that yucky picture of  'Frank' my scar so I decided to post a happy picture of me tonight. Ahhh...much better. Thanks for all the posts and words encouragement from everyone it really lifted my spirits. I went and had a full body massage tonight as one of my Birthday gifts and I am feeling relaxed and good. Now if Thursday would just get here already.......

Holy Frankenstein....

So I have this skin cancer on my forehead that needed to be surgically removed and I thought "hey I might as well get this taken care of before my Other Big surgery next week.." Well I was not expecting this. I had it done on my Birthday Thursday the 8th and it was no fun people. Note to self...never schedule a surgery on your Birthday just because you have the day off. Needless to say, it is done, they got all the cancer but I am left with this huge Frankenstein of a scar on my forehead. I am so sad right now, when I took the bandage off I just cried and cried. I know eventually it will fade and there is good makeup out there that can cover it up but right now it really sucks big green weenies!!! At least it has taken my mind off of being on day 11 of my liquid diet. I must be a glutten for punishment. The bandage I have to wear just brings huge attention and everyones asking 'What happened?' I have thought of some doosies to say like "I was table dancing and...." or " i was in this really bad accident and my face went through glass" but instead I have to explain well I used to use baby oil for tanning as a teenager....Anyhoo's I have included a photo hopefully you are NOT disgusted by gross wounds.

A Band named "Shrinky Dink"

SHRINKY DINKS SHRINK to approximately 1/3rd their original size.  Watch as your creation gets smaller and smaller.
It's "MAGICAL"!!

I just loved Shrinky Dinks when I was growing up, do you remember them? I have decided I will name my future band 'Shrinky Dink' as I hope that it will help me shrink down my size!! 

Camping on a Liquid Diet

So I am now day 5 of my liquid diet and its going okay. My biggest fear is we went camping this weekend with a bunch of friends and whats the thing people like to do most...sit around and eat. There were homemade cookies, scotchies, chips, smores, bacon and eggs and the list goes on. I was so worried that I would not be able to resist temptation but I did it!!! Everyone was so supportive and kind even my friend Lita made me some sugar free hot cocoa to sip while everyone was enjoying the dutch oven Peach Cobbler. I just kept myself busy going on trail rides and hikes to keep my mind off of food. I will not say that it was easy but I am proud of my self. Yesterday we took this kinda scary hike down to a lake and I kept thinking this will be so much easier when I am thinner and in better shape. Oh, one part of the trip that sucked....I got stung by a bee, I forgot how painful those little suckers can be. Hope all of you are having an enjoyable Holiday weekend and rest from your Labor's.

Pre-op Liquid Diet, day 1

So I started my 2 week pre op liquid diet today and here is how it went.... Breakfast: The ever so yummy Vanilla EAS protein drink at 8am. By 11am I am thinking should I drink my next shake? Is it too soon, will I then be sorry the rest of the day with nothing?  So about 1130am I caved and sucked down my slightly yummy Chocolate EAS protein drink. Notice I said sucked down...well it went so quick I was left with the thought...okay whats next? Oh ya....nothing! My second shake left me feeling pretty good until about 2pm and then low blood sugar set in. I panicked and ate a protein bar but that did the trick and I felt my brain returning. By about 4 pm I could have ate my right arm off but I stuck it out and was so happy to have a small piece of grilled chicken and broccoli for my one meal of the day. It tasted like heaven! So I am sitting here writting this with a raging headache but ever so grateful for this opportunity to change my health for the good. Tomorrow is a new day and another opportunity for success and I just might live a little on the wild side and have Strawberry to drink! p.s. I drank lots of water today whoo hoo!

Final appt. today

So I went to my final appt today. Handed over the big cashiers check, made my after surgery appts, met with my surgeon and we are good to go baby!! Thursday I start my two week liquid diet which I am slightly nervous about only because of my diabetes and I hope I don't get low blood suger attacks. Suggestions from anyone? I am getting excited for this new journey in my life to begin....

Ultimate Insult!

My Husband and I went on a date tonight and after dinner we walked the mall. We entered into American Eagle store and I went to the skinny jeans layed out. I picked up a pair of probably size zeros and commented to my husband "just think someday soon I will be able to shop here for some clothes, how exciting!" Just then a young skinny sales girl walks up to me and says " Oh, are you shopping for jeans for someone else tonight?" I just about died.... its really sad that I don't even think she realized what she had said. She just took one look at me and assumed. Well, someday I am going to be able to fit in those jeans and guess what------ I am going to shop next door at Abercrombie and Fitch then!!!! Just saying......

weight loss joke for the night....

Having lost weight over the past few years, a lady was discarding things from her wardrobe that no longer fit.

Her seven-year-old niece was watching as she held up a huge pair of slacks.

"Wow," the lady said, "I must have worn these when I was 183."

Her niece looked puzzled, then asked, "How old are you now?"

Food Funeral...is there such a thing?

This past week I feel like I am in mourning for the foods I know I won't be able to eat after I am banded. Is that crazy or what? Does that mean I am truly a food addict or just prepairing myself for the changes I need to make? So today I thought about the Bread sticks at Olive Garden as I polished down two that will probably be my last. Yesterday, I thought about Cinnabuns (and I haven't even had one in years) but the mere idea they will be off the list made me crave one. I think the biggest one has been my Diet Coke, I have been sucking them down at a faster rate these past few days. I feel like the prisoner getting ready for the lethal injection and the Warden asking what I want for my final meal!!! I think this is probably pretty typical of what others may feel as well. I will start my modified liquid diet on Sept 1st so I have a few more weeks to process all of this and prepare for my life changing event. I will try not to think of it as the ending of me enjoying food but to the beginning of a new, healthier me.

Results of my EGD

this week I had an EGD (endoscopy). They told me that they had to take a biopsy of a spot that may be cancerous, so this had me worried just a bit. Well the Dr. called back yesterday and said "all is well, no cancer, just an inflammation of my esophagus". Thanks goodness, I began to worry that I had made it this far only to find out they were going to find a reason to cancel my lapband. On a side note I had heard that Myoplex was a good protein shake and that CVS pharmacy had them on clearance 75% off. I made a mad dash out last night and hit all the CVS's that I could. I scored at least 10 packs.   They are normally 12 bucks and I got each one for 3 bucks. Yahoo!!!  I am pretty sure I will be sick of it by the time I get through my pre/post op diet but what the hey I can not turn down a bargain like this!! I am also excited that I got an email from a girl named Amy who has just had her lapband done in July by the same group. I can't wait to connect with her and others to get the "skinny"(no pun intended) on how all this bandster stuff works....

And so it begins....

Hi, my name is Kelli and I have decided to be banded. In 2001 during my first pregnancy they diagnosed me with Type 2 Diabetes (not the gestastional kind). I have also been diagnosed with Hashimotos Disease ( an autoimmune disease that is attacking my thyroid). I have been on a continual steady climb with my weight over the past 10 years despite diets, diet pills, exercise programs, medication adjustments  etc etc. I really feel like my metabolism is stuck in reverse. In 2007, I did manage to lose 50 pounds with weight watchers but in a matter of time I gained it all back and then some. I know some of you reading this know exactly what I am talking about. Today, I am at my highest weight ever and I know that I need to change this. I thought long and hard about this decision and have researched lab band for about a year and a half now. I really want to put my Diabetes in remission and lose this weight for good. Even though I qualify for the procedure with my BMI and medical history I found out that my work put an exclusion on our insurance policy for any bariatric services. Therefore, I will be paying for this surgery on my own. This is a huge life and financial decision. Last Thursday I went for my second appt. and I was cleared for surgery. My Surgery is scheduled for Sept. 15th. I am excited, nervous, scared and just about any other emotion you can think of! I plan to Blog my feelings before and after surgery as a tool to help me learn and be successful with this change. And so it begins....