Blogging From Istanbul

I know it has been since may that anyone has heard from me.....sorry. When I got back from Rome work was all in my face. I am now in Istanbul and return June 12. I had a lay over in Paris but didn't much done other than seeing the Effel tower which was amazing. The food ok but the creeps were awesome! I had nutella of course! The gym is not possible here, but all the walking makes up for no gym time. I have been having stuck issues since I left home. I seriously think it is due to subconscious anxiety about being out of the country. I stay hydrated and have protein every chance I get. I did bring my quest and cliff builder protein bars, just wish I had brought more. The shopping here is great. It seems I am a size 42 in Turkish sizes. I am not letting this bother me as I know different countries have different sizes. I finally got some Starbucks today with steamed breve......my fav. The Turkish coffee is not only strong but wasn't told not to drink the slug at the bottom. Yuck! The Turkish tea is strong but good. Headed to Athens today for the weekend. Can't wait!

Running in Rome....

Only happened once...lol but it did.  I don't usually run outside.  As an adult that is I have only ran on a treadmill.  I thought just going for a job around the Roman Forum would be no problem as our hotel was just a block away. RIGHT!  Cobblestones, pebbles, dodging nuns and priests and unfamiliar territory were all big obstacles.  I walked mostly but some running did happen, just not as much as I would have liked.  We did tours and walked everywhere so exercise was not an issue.  My friend was wearing a pedometer.   In all we walked 20 miles while we were gone.  Not bad at all.  The food was amazing as I knew it would be.  With all of the great food and gelato every night while in Rome I knew I had gained.  I jumped on the scale this morning and weighed 181.4 which is a loss of almost 2 pounds from my weight of 183 when I left.  I was shocked and over joyed!  I want to thank everyone for their kind and encouraging words on my last posts.  As always you guys are awesome!

A few more pictures for you.....

Just so you know...my friend wanted to tag along to get a few pictures of the Roman Forum and decided me running and walking on vacation was fairly picture worthy.....

Currently in Prague...

I fly home tomorrow.  Spent 5 days in Rome and 4 in Prague.  I haven't been on a scale in over a week and am very scarred.  Everything still fits even my 14s so we shall see!  Here are some pictures for you....

in Pompeii

I love this one!

 Yes these are lemons!

 The Trevi Fountain

 In Tuscany

I AM OFF....

I head to Rome today.  It will be my first trip to Europe and I couldn't be more excited! Wait that isn't the truth, I am scared to death.  So many things that I am worried about.  I won't be working for two weeks so no pay check for two weeks.  I won't have my scale with me and the last time I forgot my scale at home I lasted a day and had to run out and buy one.  I will be in the country with the best italian food in the world..... whats a fat girl to do but eat?

Bright side..... I have bills paid til I get paid next and have spending money.  My brain will have to shut off to the no scale thing, I am stronger than a scale.  I have my gym clothes and a running route for Rome and committed to running or at least walking for 30 or more mins everyday. And my friends who have been my biggest supporters will be with me and help to keep the fat girl in check.  And I only have one wine tasting tour scheduled so that should help with food exposure.  I am leaving the country with a higher weight than I would like 183.6, but I am not discouraged.  This too shall not get me down cause......I AM GOING TO ROME!

I will post pictures as soon as I can!

Hear are a few of the blue bonnets here in TX.....

Dressing room at Calvin Klein in new jeans

At a friends birthday party on Sat night....

Me with my nephew in FL...

Weekly weigh in....

Yes a few days late but here it goes.  Starting weight 280, last weeks weight 182 which was a nice drop finally from the 192-187 that I had been jumping back and forth with, and on Friday my weight was 180. This number means a few things to me......my goal met!!!!!  Yes that right I said I met my 100lb goal.  I can't believe it either.  I have to say there wasn't anything magical about the 100th pound when I hit it.  I just know that I made a goal and I have gotten to it!

Now you ask am I done?  Ummm nope.  I would like to be able to walk into any store and be able to fit into a pair of jeans, weather I wanted to buy them or even wear them.  Silly thing I know, but just like any other goal I will strive for it.

On A Jet Plane....

Headed to FL for some family, friends and beach time.  I couldn't fit my tennis shoes and gym clothes in my small suitcase so they are in a walmart plastic bag and are being carried on.  Hows that for dedication and determination.

There is a volleyball tourney and fun day fundraiser benefiting the children's home that I grew up in and I can't wait to see everyone.

I have a big weigh in post brewing but will have to wait and post that later.  I have been slack on the post for a week now due to returning to school and working a lot this week.

ONE YEAR LATER.......

March 31, 2011 was the day that changed my life forever.  I had Lap Band surgery a year ago yesterday.  This past year has been amazing!  I have found a girl I haven't seen in 20 years!  Oh how I have missed her.  

Many birthdays have come and gone but none so great as this year's.

My goal for one year was 100lbs down, but as the last three months I have yoyo'd up and down and didn't have it checked out I didn't make my 100lbs.  What I did make though thanks to a fill on Tuesday......

Thats right 98lbs!  I finally passed the 187 mark!  

So as far as the fill, it went fine for the first few hours anyway.  That afternoon I started PBing everything except my saliva.  I thought it was due to the swelling so I waited to see.  The next day, sips of water worked, however nothing else did. When I woke up on Thursday I went in and my surgeon took out half a cc and admitted to being somewhat aggressive with my fill.  At that point I had lost 8lbs since my fill on Tuesday morning.  Let me just say water never tasted so good.  I am doing fine now and still losing.

Numbers..... Starting weight 280, Heaviest weight 283, Todays weight 182.  I didn't do any measurements so none to report.  I started out in a 26/28 and today I had an American Eagle size 14 and size large shirt on.

And this would be my gift to celebrate my 100lb goal being met, but I am not there yet so it will have to be just a because gift to myself....I love it!

I do think that is all I have to report for now....Have a great week girls.

Oh wait I almost forgot....I am going to BOOBS this year and am on the list, but I would like to have a few roommates.  If anyone is interested just leave a comment and your email address so we can chat about it.  Cant wait....