One Year Bandiversary~Video Montage

What a difference a year makes....

Last year on my Birthday I had surgery to remove a skin cancer from my forehead and I was on a liquid diet preparing for my Band surgery the following week. It was one of my first posts to my Blog. Let's just say lasts years Birthday kinda sucked!! Today, is a whole new story, what a difference a year can make. Today, I feel better than I have in years. Not only have I lost 60+ pounds, but I am healthier, happier and more active. I can honestly say I feel "44" years young!! I am such a visual person so I went hunting for pictures from last year this time and I came across this one...All I can see is a puffy, overtired lady. The next picture was taken this week when my friend took me out for lunch...I look alive!

My sweet boys greated me with Happy Birthday kisses bright and early this morning and they both picked out flowers for me. Tonight my hubby and I will be going out to my favorite restaurant in Scottsdale. Can I just say...I am so blessed!

Epilepsy

I have been a bit absent from blogging this past week or so and I wanted to share what's been going on. A week from last Monday we woke up to sounds coming from our boys bedroom. We thought one of them was having a nightmare or something. My husband yelled for me to come in there and I found my 10 year old having a massive seizure. Even though I am a nurse it was the hardest thing to watch in your own child. He has no history of seizures and had no obvious event that could have provoked one. We went to the hospital and they ran tests including a CT scan, blood work etc. The good news is those tests came back ok, so he doesn't have a brain tumor or anything like that. So, today I am taking him for an EEG so they can monitor his brain waves for anything out of the ordinary. Its been a tough week, wondering if its going to happen again etc etc. I sure hope he is not developing Epilepsy as that can be a hard one going through life...please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we look to find the answers. Thanks

Happy Labor Day

Wishing you all a safe and fun Labor Day! We decided to stay home this weekend instead of trying to get out of town. We had a pretty stressful week and it seemed like more work to plan something then to just relax at home. Today, I will take the boys to a pizza and a movie. Later we will BBQ and swim. Simple but relaxing.....

Vitamix

This weekend we bought a Vitamix. It was super expensive(500.00) ahh choke... but I hear from so many that it works fabulous. So far we have made two different smoothies from the recipe book and I am impressed. Both we added spinach, tomatoes and zucchini to them and you would have never known they had veggies it it. Super Cool! do any of you have one? If so, any favorite protein shake recipes to share?

Tonight I am going to make the Tortilla soup for dinner. Later today I am meeting up with about 6 other Arizona Bandsters for lunch. Super excited to meet them all and get to know them in person better. I will try and take pictures to post later on.

Big Booty and Barium Swallows

So I was browsing through our pictures on the computer and I came across this picture and seriously had to do a double take...I was like OMG, my Ass really used to look like that??? I showed it to my hubby and he said "who is that?". He didn't believe it when I told him it was me. So even on my worst days I can look at this and say "you've come a long way baby"!!

I went to True Results today and had a really good visit with the NP, she gave me a psychological Adjustment instead of a Band Adjustment. We talked through some of my recent stressors and stumbling blocks and got a game plan set up. Since it is close to my One year she also did my annual Barium Swallow to check out how my Band is doing and everything looked great. Positioned well, no pouching and barium went through well. It was a relief just to make sure everything was still okay.
Hope you all are having a good week. I get to meet up with some of the other AZ Bandsters this weekend for lunch, so I am super excited. Also very excited that BOOB's is getting closer...

On a lighter note...

Yesterday we celebrated our 12th Wedding Anniversary. We went to Outback for a yummy dinner, went to the mall for chair massages and then Scott surprised me by getting me the Past, Present, and Future Ring I have had my eyes on. I love this guy I tell ya!!!! I am so blessed to have married my true soulmate, and best friend.

You can't tell by the picture but the ring is surrounded with Rose Gold, I love it because it has a real Vintage look to it. The picture does not do it justice...

High's and Low's and I am not talking weight here.....

The past two weeks have been a rollercoaster of sorts. It started with my hubby and numerous trips to urgent care and finally the ER. I have only seen him this sick one other time in our marriage with his gallbladder, this time it turned out to be a raging UTI from him having Prostatitis. Darn those Prostate's when they start acting up. Anyhoo, he is on the mend but having a man with wee wee issues has been no picnic I tell ya. A few days later we had his brother,wife and 3 small children stay with us for about a week, school started for my boys, I had a luau for about 50 people at my house last night and today I found out my sister's sweet 4 year old lab died. Man I loved that dog. Every time I would visit my sis I would sleep on the blow-up mattress and Maggie would climb up and lay next to me like she was a lap dog or something. I think it was the straw that broke the camels back because driving to the store tonight I started bawling my eyes out. I think I just needed a good girl cry....
Once I put it all back into perspective well except for Maggie dying (that just sucks) then I started to feel better. In fact I think I will take a bubble bath tonight...you know Calgon take me away!!!
I will leave you with a couple cute pic's from the party last night. My friend works at Costco in the Bakery Dept and she made this super cute cake for our party. Also, a pic of Maggie Moo

Rest in Peace Maggie

Night Splash Waterslides with the boys

A fun NSV last night. I took the boys to Sunsplash Water Park that on Saturdays they have Nightsplash from 7pm-11pm. It is so hot here in AZ that this is a fabulous options so that you don't get baked in the Sun. Anyhoo, I rode all the major slides and it was fun, scary,and exhilerating. My boys were so happy that Mommie would go on all the slides with them this year! The best part is I didn't feel like I had to be launched down the shoot like a beached whale!!!! Oh and I dared not to wear a shirt or cover up over my swim suit who would have thought....here are some examples of the slides we did

The Golden Girls

so my coworkers and I found these wigs at work today and decided to have a little Friday Fun....we had the whole office cracking up!!!

Maybe we are the '3' shades of grey.....lol

August Pic

Here is my monthly picture for August. I bought this cute sundress to wear and the amazing part about it is....... It's a size large!! I used to wear dresses like this and felt like they looked like a tent on me. This one not so much. Yaa!

High Altitude Bloating

We went camping this weekend and were up at about 6000 ft. I have never had an issue with my band being tight in planes or altitude as of yet. See that bloated bag of chips, well thats exactly how my tummy and band felt on this trip. I think its just because I had a fill this week and its tighter. But boy could I feel the difference. I kept getting gas pains the same kind that you have right after surgery...I would have killed for a gas-x strip but we were in the middle of nowhere. Anywho, we had a great time, the weather was beautiful, the forest magnificent, and the thunderstorms spectacular!! I Love when we can get away to the mountains for the weekend. Home now, getting caught up on laundry, bathing the kids etc etc....Hope you all have a great start to the week tomorrow.

Target practice

So I went to True Results Tues and saw the new Nurse Practitioner. All I can say is Amy warned me....The NP was super friendly but when it came time to give me a fill OH My..does she need more practice. She numbed me up, stuck the needle in and preceeded to poke around trying to find the port. She hit the sides about 6 times and it made this terrible noise. It was all I could do not to grab the needle and access it myself. She nervously said "IV ports are a little easier to find than lap band ones" I was like "really, I didn't notice...ya right!!" Today I have a very sore tummy from all that digging around. I hope they give her more Lap Band Ports 101 classes before I have to see her again. So excited today to move from liquids to mushies..woo hoo!

Buyers Remorse

Sometimes wouldn't it be nice to be able to take back that food choice for a full refund, just like the sweater you thought you liked but realized later you could not afford?? I feel like I had a case of Buyers(Eaters) Remorse this past weekend. While I was in Reno, I made some food choices that I wish I could take back for that FULL REFUND. Exhibit A:

Oh yes it looked heavenly to the eyes, I thought I bet that would be fabulous...I bought it, took it to my room and dug in. It took me the whole weekend to eat the damn thing and after it was all said and done, I thought "Was it really worth it?" not really, I mean it did taste delish but was it worth spending my hard earned pounds off for??? Not really...but since we can not take back our food choices then I must press forward and try not to impulse buy next time!!!

I think my Gallbladder is on the fritz...

I have heard many people have trouble with their gallbladders after having different types of gastric surgery. Well, I think mine is on the fritz...
2 nights ago while home, husband out of town and boys already asleep I had the worst episode I could imagine. I felt like I was having a heart attack. It was so bad I tried pacing around, ripped my clothes off, laid on the floor, my stomach, the toilet. I literally thought I was dying or that my band has slipped or flipped or something. I kept thinking I better put some clothes back on in case they find me dead!! I seriously considered calling 911 but then the nurse in me said "what if they get here and you are suffering from gas only"! Anyways, I dug out some of my old medicine from when I had the band put in, took some expired Gas-X and did some serious praying. About an hour later the severe pain finally subsided. I had all the classic textbook Gallbladder symptoms. You know us Nurses have to always Self Diagnose...Anyways, if I get any similiar symptoms again I am headed straight to the Dr. If it was my Gallbladder me no likey....

Living Life to the fullest....

I have been having lots of great adventures in my life the past few months. At the beginning of June my husband and I took our first real vacation away from our boys for more than two days. We went to Maui and had a blast. We were their for 8 glorious days. I did so many things I wouldn't have thought of doing a year ago...let me enlighten you all...
So I actually wore a two piece tankini, every day in fact, sometimes even walking around the resort, can you all say OMG Kelli!! For once in my adult life I didn't feel like I had to cover my entire body head to toe, amazing...now it doesn't mean I felt like I was Sports Illustrated cover model or anything but hey its a start! We went Ziplining and it was fabulous!! I actually was the dare devil of our group and went first and did some freestyle tricks coming down. I wouldn't dreamed of doing this before for the mere fact I would be afraid I was over the weight limit. I went snorkeling, and went on water slides and went on my first Helicopter ride (which I was scared to death to do, but it turned out to be an awesome experience)I went to buffets and didn't feel like I had to try everything there. Oh yes I did gain four pounds on my trip but it wasn't for overeating just eating too many chocolate covered macadamia nuts and Maui Onion Chips!! A girl still has to have a few vices ya know :)
We felt guilty for taking a vacation without the boys so we just got back from LA where we took the boys to Santa Monica Beach and also Universal Studios. Another first is a long time....The ride bars came down just fine and I didn't have to squeeze in yahoo!! Can I get an Amen sisters!!!

So I have been a busy gal with vacations, boys out for summer, and of coarse work too. I have had my ups and downs with my weight loss but am still down over 60 pounds. I still want to lose about 20 more but I feel like I can manage this. My last appt they told me I had hit my 15 month goal already at 7 months. This came as a bit of a surprise too me because I had been thinking I would lose it all by my one year Bandiversary which will be in Sept. I guess I had psyched myself in to thinking I had to lose it all in one year (or my band would expire or something??) go figure. Anyways, I still want to lose as much as I can before Sept 15th but I have learned that this is not a race but a life long journey. I miss reading all your blogs and look forward to catching up on how you are doing. Sorry for my blog lameness but this really is all about living life to its fullest right??
I will leave you with a few recent pics of me from Hawaii

I stopped blogging...there I said it...head down in shame..

Why you ask? I ask myself that all the time. I got into a bit of a funk or as in bandland we say "plateau" and I guess I thought no one would want to here about it. Well then life got really busy with my sons, work etc. and before you know it time passed and then I was embarrassed to post after so long. It wasn't until tonight when Miss Amy poked me with a text to look at her blog post and....here I am. I really am doing well and I would like to start blogging again. If anything I realize it helps me to stay connected with my own journey and I also miss hearing about all you wonderful people. Hope all of you are doing well, I have missed you....My husband, me and the kids are headed to Universal Studios, and Magic Mountain for a few days but when I get back I look forward to catching up..

This is a recent picture of me in Maui, I can't wait to share the rest with you.

Feeling much better since my slight unfill

I saw the Dr. and she took out half of my last fill and wow do I feel better! I hated to admit that I was too tight but I was. Now, I can get down much healthier choices and don't want to cheat with slider foods. I also appreciated the pep talk she gave me. I told her I had been a bit down on myself since I had not seen the scale move in about a month. She said I was doing wonderfully! My neck and waist measurements had gone down since my last visit and I had actually lost 4 lbs since my last visit. So I guess I need to just chillax some. On a different note, I dyed my hair tonight back to my more brown color vs red. I was getting sick of the red fading out to a funky brass color. I think it turned out good. Maybe before summer I will go and get some highlights put in. Also, have any of you had laser hair removal??? I checked into that today as well. Now that I can actually see my lady bits, I am keenly aware of the serious bush I have going on. I have always hated shaving there and waxing, or using Nair results in a painful rash. I have really fair, sensitive skin. Soooo...I am wondering if its worth the pricetag to do it?? Any feedback would be appreciated. Its heating up in Arizona so I have only a few weeks before I will have to officially get out the weed-wacker!!! Hope you are all doing well.. I will leave you with a funny.....

Old habits die hard.....

My Band has been pretty tight since my last fill. I wonder if I am actually in the Red zone. I haven't lost any more weight for over a month now. I haven't gained either so that part is good. I have realized with my band so tight I eat vary sparingly during the day but by night time it goes down much better. Consequently I am slipping into one of my old habits of eating Crap at night. This is not how its supposed to be and I know that. I see the Doc on Wed. so I need to talk this out and get back on track....

6 month Bandiversary/ then and now pics!

So I sat down to catch up on Blogs and realized that when I was gone to California that I forgot about my 6 month Band mark. Silly me!! So I thought I would share with you all a recap on my progress. I am down 62.5 pounds in 6 months! I have about 19 pounds until I hit my goal weight. I am off high blood pressure meds, diabetic meds and daily Prilosec. I have done my first 8K marathon. I am wearing size 14 pants and some 12's are beginning to fit me. I wear large or medium tops now. I can see my toes and actually touch my toes now as well. I have my smile back....I am no longer hiding behind my fat..looking for reasons to avoid the camera, shopping, etc. So much has changed in the last 6 months, I cannot begin to count my blessings. I am proud of myself for making the decision to be banded, proud of the hard work put into it, and also grateful for all of my new Band Friends to share in this journey with.
Finally, here is the photo I took at the surgery center before I headed back and the next picture (although not full length) is me with my long time friend from high school in CA. a few weeks ago. I think you will get the picture.....

Stopping in to say HI, i really am still alive.....

I have been super busy lately, and each night I think about reading blogs and writing but I have been too damn tired. Really, that is my honest excuse! I have probably missed out on some great news, NSV's, pics, and such of all you wonderful people. I am so sorry that I am behind. I will eventually get caught up though. Until then, I hope that you are all doing well and you are having a great weekend. Take Care....

Happy St. Patricks Day

I am back from my trip to Calif. and it is good to be home. It was great to see my family and my long time friends. I received so many compliments from everyone who hasn't seen me since my band/wt loss. It was very flattering. I felt proud of myself and what I have accomplished. My biggest NSV when I was gone was when my son came up to me and said "Mom, this is the most active you have been with us, I love that you are playing on the playground with us." how priceless is that? It made me think about my original goals I set before being banded which was to be an active Mom to my boys. I am doing it folks...and it feels great!
Hope you all have a wonderful St. Patricks Day, wear green so you don't get pinched!!!

Hello from the beautiful Napa Valley

just a quick note to say Hi...I am here for the week visiting with family and friends. I always forget how beautiful it is here in the Valley where I grew up.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss/weigh in/ lessons learned

I enjoyed being reminded today of the wonderful Dr. Seuss. I loved reading his books growing up and now reading them to my boys. Dr. S was a smart cookie.
I weighed in today at 180.5, I am down 2.1 pounds this week!! I can feel those 170's just right around the corner. Once I hit the 170's I will have officially lost more weight then any of my past attempts at weight loss the last 10 years. I will only be 20 something pounds away from my goal weight. Am I dreaming?? Is someone going to wake me up and I will still be obese?? Hell no, I have worked hard over the past 5 months. I remember one of my earlier posts that talked about "Earning your Body", I am realizing exactly what that means and what it takes. This band is a tool...plain and simple. I know when I am following the 10 golden rules and the times that I am not. It makes a difference. I have also learned to be kind to yourself but not too kind that you slip back into bad habits.

Tonight, I tested one of the rules and i made a mistake. We went to Chipotle for dinner tonight. I haven't drank soda pop since the night before my surgery and tonight I took a big swig of my husbands diet coke. Wrong idea.....instantly my eyes started to bulge and water, I got that terrible pain in my chest and knew I need to go to the bathroom and PB. Yep, I frothed at the mouth like a rabbid dog!! No fun. I felt so terrible I couldn't even eat any dinner. Good thing is I don't feel like doing that ever again..so I guess I am fully cured of my Diet Coke addiction.

Well I hope you all are doing well and have a great weekend!

BOOB's 2012-looking for a Roomie??

So I just saw the post announcing plans for the 2012 BOOB's. Wondering if any of my Arizona Band Sisters want to travel together? Also looking for a Roomie? Hey, I don't even snore anymore according to my Hubby!!

Pic of me in my new Tankini-Yikes I can't believe I am posting this....

Well here it is...me in all my almost naked glory! This is out of my comfort zone but I figure if I share it with all of you I will be one step closer to actually wearing it in public. Ignore my chicken white skin, kinda scary!! Last year I was wearing a size twenty two tent suit, and today I am proud to say this is a size 14. not too bad eehh?

Hair Club for Women

So it started to happen....my hair is falling out. Yikes. I mean handfuls at a time in the shower, brushing my hair etc etc. I have always been a shedder about this time of year but seriously folks this is bad. I went to my Band doc and she said this is actually quite normal and the good news is she doesn't have one bald patient. Thats encouraging... anyhoos she told me to look it up, so here is the official scoop:

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a phenomenon that occurs after pregnancy, major surgery, drastic weight loss, or extreme stress, in which you shed large amounts of hair every day, usually when shampooing, styling, or brushing. It can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as antidepressants, beta-blockers, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. During telogen effluvium, hair shifts faster than normal from its growing phase into the "resting" phase before moving quickly into the shedding, or telogen, phase.

The symptoms: Women with telogen effluvium typically notice hair loss 6 weeks to 3 months after a stressful event. At its peak, you may lose handfuls of hair.

She told me that many people go out and get the Costco Vitamins specifically for Hair, Nails and Skin and that is exactly what I did pronto. I will keep you posted on the progress. On a good note I weighed in at 182.6 today which was a loss from a plateau I was experiencing. I also bought a tankini today (maybe I will get the guts to take a photo, maybe not). I got a pretty agressive fill this week of 0.4cc and boy do I feel by band workin it! Hope all you lovelies have a splendid weekend. take care. sincerely, the balding bandster!

Huge NSV-8k marathon!

I did it!! I finished my first 8k marathon yesterday!! I wasn't even the last one to cross the finish line! What a great feeling it was to actually participate in something like this. I am not sure I have the Marathoner's bug yet but I would consider doing another one in the future. Here is a picture of me proudly holding my medal with my two coworkers who did it with me. Too me this is the ultimate NSV so far. A year ago, I wouldn't even have considered doing such a thing....

Does this thong make my butt look big????

Made you look, didn't I???? Hee Hee!!



Happy Valentine's Day my friends! Looking forward to catching up on how everyone is doing lately....

First time I have gained since surgery

Today, I was up 0.4 pounds. I know thats not very much but it still made me sad.....its my first gain since being banded in Sept.

I had really good days and then a few bad ones with poor food choices this week. As I ate the not so good for me choices I kept telling myself "you know this will probably make you gain" but I resorted back to some of my old habits of talking myself into the food. Its like I told myself "weigh in is not til Friday so you have a few more days to cheat". Wow, I haven't had those feelings/thoughts for awhile. It was a reality check that I still have to be mindfull of my "issues" that contributed to my obesity in the past. I know this is not a race or a destination but a journey but it still made me feel sad. I made better choices today and feel confident I will just get back into the saddle. I just need to forgive myself and press forward. Wishing you all a lovely weekend doing things you enjoy!

What the Fudge????

So I weighed in on Friday and I was down 0.1 lbs. I thought exercise was supposed to help you with weight loss??? I have faithfully done my C25K program every day this week, and 0.1 seriously? I know I should not be complaining since I could have gained or stayed the same but all I can think of is "What the Fudge"? You would think I ate it or something!! Today being the scale hog I am I weighed only to find out I am up 2 pounds. I cannot use the TOM excuse, since he doesn't visit me anymore. Has this happened to any of you??? I know muscle weighs more than fat, but I haven't even had enough time to build more up. Signed, CONFUSED....

The Biggest Loser Challenge at work.....

So my workplace is really big on promoting healthy lifestyles and they actually do their own "Biggest Loser Program" Guess What???

I Won the last session!! I came in first place of 10 agency wide. Can I get a whoot whoot!!! The grand prize is 300.00 so I will have a nice little chunk of change to do some clothes shopping!! Originally, I hesitated about entering the contest because of you know...um the band but after talking to some people they said "Oh coarse you should enter, no one thought being banded was even an issue" which was great. I am glad people recognize that is really is a tool and only one little part of the weight loss journey. I am happy that my job supports all of us in our efforts to become and stay healthy. Here are the stats of the amount everyone has lost since starting the program several years ago.
Hospice of the Valley Biggest Loser Challenge:

Sunday Morning Funny/ C25K starting now....

I just started my Couch to 5k program today, and I didn't keel over!! I am super excited, can you see it in my face???

Weekly Weigh in

Today's weight 184.7
down 3 pounds this week!!
total wt loss 58.3

Skinny Jeans and other things....

Last Thursday I went to our Support Group and we had a clothing exchange. It was super fun. Amy and I finally got to meet Elizabeth in person which was great. We spent time talking with a lady who is about to be banded and then tryed on clothes. Here is the weird part. There was a pair of true skinny jeans and I took one look and said no way. Elizabeth convinced me to try them on and low and behold they fit! She said she thinks they are even a little big. Me, I felt like I had been poured into them. I just can't believe I have a pair of skinny jeans now! Now I just need to be brave enough to wear them out in public. Total NSV I would say. The other really cool thing is I just registered for this:

I am going to do my first 8K!!!!!! Grant you I will probably walk most of it because my joints aren't ready for running but I am so happy to be taking my fitness efforts to a new level!! Anyone want to join me??? Its Feb 19th...
Hope you are all having a lovely weekend!

Weekly Weigh in

Today's Weight: 187.7
Down 1.5 pounds this week
Total wt loss 55.3

I have a few NSV to mention and a few updates that I will post about this weekend, I am off to work and don't want to be late. Happy Friday!

I ended up with the Viral Infection too...Blah

So Sunday I woke up at 1am, violently ill just like my son had been. Here's the weird part warning TMI section...I kept retching really hard but I couldn't throw up. It was coming out the other end at the same time, but its like my band stopped me from actually throwing up. It hurt just as bad though. Has that happened to anyone else? I kept thinking oh no, I am going to make my band slip or do some terrible damage...but nada, zilch. It was so strange. Yesterday, I literally didn't move out of bed, today I feel a little better but very weak, and dizzy when I get up. I am trying to slowly get my fluids in so I don't get dehydrated like my son did. Whatever this Crap is its EVIL!

I've Been Tagged, Have you?

Tag, Your it!!

I was tagged by jennxaz , I felt so special getting tagged!!

The Rules:1. Post these rules.
2. You must post 11 random things yourself.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post.
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
5. Go to their blog and tell them that you've tagged them.
6. No stuff in the tagging section about ‘you are tagged if you are reading this.’ Blah blah blah, you legiti­mately have to tag 11 peeps!

Random things:
1. I was in Judo for 13 years and competed in tournaments growing up.
2. I am an Aunt to my Nephew who is two years older than me. Growing up he refused to call me Auntie Kelli!
3. I can give the bird (flip people off) with my middle toe!! Now that takes skills baby!
4. I was a Cheerleader in High School~ Don't Hate....
5. I have a famous brother and nephew that are professional wrestlers (The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase retired WWF and his son Ted Jr. who now wrestles in the WWE.
6. I Love to ride quads.
7. I grew up in the Bay Area with all its fresh seafood and I DESPISE Fish!!
8. I grew up in the Napa Valley, and I don't even drink Wine.
9. I miss having 4 seasons now that I live in AZ
10. I have been a Nurse since 1991.
11. I love Dragonflies.


MY Questions:
1. Paperback, nook, kindle or other?
Actually I am still old school with Paperback. I haven't made the switch yet.
2. Favorite place to vacation?
I really haven't gone vacationing anywhere far away or exotic, I hope I get the chance someday. I would have to go with Hawaii, I have been there 3 times.
3. Mommy or daddy's girl?
Actually I am a granny's girl. Growing up I spent a lot of my time hanging out with my Grandma. She was the Best!
4. Tomboy or girlie girl?
Both, so I guess I am a Tom Girl! I loved playing Army Men, shooting BB guns, riding quads as much as I loved my Barbies, makeup, and Hopscotch.
5. Did you play sports in school?
Judo, Volleyball
6. PC or MAC?
PC~although my brother-in-law try's hard to get us to switch
7. Favorite band or singer of all time?
Elton John
8. Favorite movie of all time?
WiZard of OZ
9. When you go to Vegas...slots or tables?
Buffet, oops sorry that wasn't one of the choices. I guess I would have to say slots then
10. Beer or wine or none?
None
11. Favorite reason to blog?
I love all the people I have met, and the support they give.

My Questions for others to answer:
1. Rollercoasters: Do you love em or hate em?
2. What is the most crazy, dangerous thing you have ever done?
3. Before Banding (I know we had to give it up) Pepsi or Coke products?
4. What is your favorite TV game show?
5. If your food came out wrong or didn't taste good at a restaurant~Would you tell the waiter or just not say anything?
6. Dogs or Cats?
7. Have you ever been to another country? If so which ones?
8. What is one of your pet peeves?
9. If you could pick any kind of car to own, what would it be?
10. Droid or IPhone?
11. Favorite Movie Star or Artist you had a crush on growing up?

People I am tagging~
Watch this Space
Robyn's Nest
Dwindling Dame
Renovation and Repair
Brook gets Banded
A Wine girls way to thin
Bandipes
Life of a Banded Army Wife

A night in the Hospital with my son/ I have hit the motherload/ Comparison Pics

Spent the whole night at the hospital with my 10 yr old son. He became violently ill last evening. After 5 sticks for the IV, cat scans etc etc. they were able to rule out his appendix. He has an extreme Viral infection, poor fella. I think he should earn a new PS 3 game for this one!! Momma just needs rest, she is too old to pull the all nighters anymore!


On a positive note my friend just posted on facebook that she cleaned out her closet for clothes to give me...OMG I think I have hit the motherload!! She has 12 bags of clothes....

Finally, here is a picture of me that a coworker took on Friday, I cannot believe how much I've change

Sept 15, 2011~ Day of Surgery

Weekly Weigh In

Today's Wt: 189.2
Down 1.5 this week
Total wt loss 53.8
Well I am finally out of the 190's yahoo!

Can you believe it?? Me...Tubing in the Snow!!!

Although I feel like the Pillsbury Dough boy in this picture I just had to share with you all to prove, I really did it! I really went Tubing in the snow!! A year ago, I was laid up on my Mother in laws couch with a broken leg feeling fat and sorry for myself. What a difference a year and a band can make.......p.s. it was a total blast!!

Word for 2012

Like most of you, I have given up on the New's Years Resolution concept simply because it never works. I have decided this year to go with a simple Word to help me stay focused on my journey that actually began Sept 15th. Here is is.......

My 2012 word is Healthy!! I chose this word because the whole reason I decided to get banded was to gain my Health back. I want my Diabetes to go away, I want normal blood work, less meds, better eating choices and habits and a strong and fit body, and yes weigh less. Isn't that really what Healthy means? I can't change the fact that I have crappy Genes, but I can change the way I chose to live my life. I am already beginning to see some of these results based on the changes I have made so far.  So here is to continued success in 2012 for me and all of you lovely Bandster friends as well! Cheers to Life and Good Health!