In Cali....and updates

So my new assignment started on the 7th and I have been on the move ever since.

BOOBS was awesome.  I met some of the best women ever.  I would like to thank the planning committee for all of their hard work and a great trip.

On the 7th I flew into California to start my new contract.  Orientation isn't bad just long.  Three days of computer class and three days of hospital orientation and now 5 days of on the floor orientation, I have never had so much orientation.

On Monday I bent over my suitcase wrong and pulled a muscle and has been bothering me since.  It has gotten very painful at time but am hoping it is better by Thursday.  Thursday night after work I fly back to Dallas for the OAC conference where I hope to meet Eggface and get some great information!

I have missed reading everyones post but getting to that today.....

Bye for now

Not feeling so hot

In my last post I left out a biggggg point......my sinuses are being attacked by ragweed that is blooming at home in Texas right now. I haven't had sinus issues for almost three years, which is awesome considering I lived with monthly attacks for years. The last time was the worst when I lost my voice. I don't think this time will get that bad, but I am feeling pretty bad. This being said I am in San Fran anyway trying to have a great time.
As a travel nurse, most of us strive to do a few things. One make good money and two be in some of  the most awesome cities in America. Now I do the first one very well.  The second I have done an ok job at doing.  My friend Steph that is here working right now has managed to do both.  She lives right near the bay and in my opinion, the heart of SF. She doesn't have a car due to parking and expense and everything is so close. She has a great apartment. I am grateful for her generosity kindness for letting me stay with her.
Today I will walk six blocks to get my rental car that cost me $20 to park last night and drive down to Santa Clara and visit the hospital that I will be working. This afternoon I will visit the girls I worked with when I was here working last year. Tomorrow I have a short class/meeting in Livermoore and then off til I leave for home on Sunday.

Getting protein has been hard this week due to all the swelling and drainage and my lack of wanting to have a protein shake, but today I will have to go in search of a GNC as I like their premade shakes.

When I get home I work Monday Tuesday and Wednesday and then I am off again to Chicago and my very first BOOBS where I will get to meet a few of my heros. Grab your capes girls I am coming. Lol

Have a great weekend all!!!!!

Sea life is wonderful.

Now back to the real world, or at least for a few days. The cruise was great and I really loved seeing my sister and niece having such a good time. It was their first.
Yes I drank to much and didn't have enough protein and no excuerise finally caught up with me!  I gained six pounds. Yikes!!!  I know how to fix this and will.

I am off today to San Fran for the weekend, some for work and some for play. Can't wait to see my friends in SF area!

Next weekend is the big weekend!!!!  I can't wait to meet you all and hug your necks.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Cruise Time

I leave out tomorrow for Mexico.  A cruise......yes now that is the life.  Having been on farther trips this year with Gertty(my band), I am not to nervous however, this will be somewhat of a new experience with her.  I do hope I wont get sea sick.  Vomitting or at least retching like a 7 foot truck driver, is to say the least painful.  I know I will be fine, just a few pretrip jitters.
My sister and niece who have never been on a cruise before, are going with me.  This excites me to no end!

I am still working on plans for my trip to Chicago for my first BOOBS, and wow am I excited to meet everyone. I want to do everything it seems....lol.  I have never been to Chicago and have always wanted to visit.

Oct 7 I will fly out to Silicon Valley for my next contract.  I will get to see my friends that I worked with last year when I was in Vallejo.  I will fly home the end of Oct for the first annual OAC convention.  A friend and I will be staying at the Anatole Hotel, which is suppose to be very nice.

Many exciting things happening still the year and I am ready.....

Til next time and Bon Voyage.....

I know I know......

It has been way to long since I last posted.  Work, School, and well life kinda just takes you away sometimes.....we have all been there.

I am maintaining my weight within a 7 pound balance.  What does this mean Bella?  Well kids it means my highest weight has never been higher than 187 and my lowest hasn't been below 180.  I eat great for the most part, but as you all know I am a foodie and still like to indulge, but I am happy to say it doesn't take over my life and I return to healthier eating sooner than I use to.  I guess I can be called on maintenance now since March as I have not lost or gained more than the 7 pounds.  I am not at the gym like I want to be but that will always be a struggle for many of us.  I will however start with yoga on Sat with a 90 min intro class.  I do hope that I like it.  I will give it plenty of opportunity as I have a second 90 min intro class on Sunday planned as well.

My divorce will be final Aug 24th.  A chapter in my life that needs closing.  I am sad but know its the right thing for me!

BOOBS is coming.....and I can't wait!  I have my room and my roomie....Miss Andrea, who might I ass is to sweet for words.  I am excited to be able to meet everyone and explore all Chicago has to offer.  This will be my first year!

I have been trying to pay off a credit card this summer so that I can have plastic surgery this winter, but it has not been going very well.  I am sad about this, but the trips I have taken this year have been worth waiting a bit longer for surgery.

Bucket List......Shouldnt we all have one?  I do, although it is not in writing I still have one in my head. I have been able to mark a few of those things off this year.  Like visiting Europe.  Although I am not done in Europe I have a great start!

Another cruise planned for Sept and this time I will be taking my sister and niece with me, neither of which have ever been.  I am so excited.  The cruise is short and one I have been on several times.  Just to Cozumel and Progresso, but one that I like a lot.  It will be a great first experience for my family.

No new pictures at the moment but hopefully soon....

Love to all my bloggers...

Life Happened

Yeah Yeah Yeah I know excuses excuses, but really there are no good excuses.....so I guess I will just write.

My trips out of the country went great and no major weight gain, which in itself is...AWESOME!

I am still not back at the gym like I should be.

I am still weighing in around 182 ish.

I am in the Dallas area working til at least Aug for now.

I did get to meet with a great group of girls for dinner Sunday night.

I am going to BOOBS this year and rooming with the awesome Andrea.

I am having these strange leg cramps but not in the back of my leg as I have always had, but on the outside of my leg from my calf to my ankle.  Kinda strange.  I will keep with my water and add a few bananas to my diet to see if that helps.

I am considering doing Jamie Easton's Living Fit free system online.  Lots of protein, no cardio the first six weeks, and 45 mins of weight training every day.  The idea is that when used and fed properly, muscles will burn calories day and night, in turn burning fat and sculpting the body.

I still have not decided that I am in maintenance yet!

Thats all sisters...

No Scale.....

But I have decided I can do this without my scale. It has been since May 28 that I was last on my scale and at that point I was up a few pounds. I also made a decision about my weight loss goals. I want to get down to 170 so that I will always have 10 pounds to play with and still be at my first goal weight. This way I am not living on a diet I am just living healthy and happy. When I get back from my trip I will start interviewing plastic surgeons for my skin removal in various areas and possibly a "boob job". I am not planning surgery til the winter, but I know finding the right doctor is important. Any suggestions will be welcomed. I am still in Istanbul. I will back on sat with a 10 hour layover in Amsterdam then to LAX then Dallas. I will be at BOOBS this year and will be rooming with Andrea from andreasweightlossjourney.com. I will be getting my tickets soon. I can't wait to meet everyone! It seems I can't add pictures from my iPad so they will have to wait til I get home. Til then....

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....

Gerty is looking great

So I had my appointment today at the surgery center and saw my Gerty under fluro and she is doing just fine.  No slipping, however she was loooooose.  Not anymore though.  I paid more attention to the picture on the fluro this time and I learned a few things.  For one my underwires on my bra are large...lol.  I saw just exactly where Gerty is sitting and how liquid passes through and for the last few months passing through Gerty like a bat out of you know where..... My surgeon isn't one to tell how much is in your band....however, I have tried.  Today I paid very strict attention to how much was in the syringe before he accessed my port.  It looked to be 1 maybe 2 ccs in a 10cc syringe.  Accessing my port today proved to be a little harder than in the past.  After he numbed the area he put the needle in but couldn't find the rubber part of the port that allows him in to put fluid in and take it out and he had to use the fluro to find it.  That hurt and is still sore but I will live.  So before he pulled all of the fluid out he sat me up and had me drink the liquid and saw just how fast Gerty was letting it through...very fast.  He just looked at me and laughed and I said told ya so.  He put the fill in and it looked like I may have just around 3ccs in there.  I also learned today that your port can flip.  Yes I said flip.  That is what he was worried about when he couldn't access it so easily.

So for the next three days I will have clear liquids, can't wait.  The weight loss should pick up as well.

Thanks to everyone who left comments of concern and to that special blogger who suggested I get a fill.

Weigh in Friday

Even thou I am not losing I should still do a weigh in day.......

Todays Weight 187.9, last Friday's weight 187.6, Feb 23 weight 192.4, Starting weight 280.  I know I don't have anything to complain about, but would still love to lose some more weight....

Til next time.

No Fill...

I went to see my surgeon today knowing that he would hear my situation and say well of course you need a fill.....mmmm nope he didn't.  He wanted to get some labs to be sure we weren't missing some underlying problem like thyroid issues, and have set up an appointment to look at Gerty under fluro.  My surgeon did at first make the comment that maybe my body was happy at my current weight.  I didn't dismiss that at all, but I did tell him that I don't want something to be wrong and me not see it just because I was under the impression that my body was happy at this current weight.  He agreed.
The labs have been drawn and will go on Tuesday for the fluro.  lol My doctor and his nurse did comment that I needed to buy smaller pants!!!!

In all I think the appointment went well......

A Fill

I finally have an appointment to go for a fill tomorrow at 1145.  I really think this is what I need to jumpstart weight loss again.  My yoyo has from four pounds to just 3 and is now between 187 and 190.  This little bit is a nice change and does give me hope.

I want to thank everyone for their comments and support.

An update after the fill will come tomorrow.

Hmmm

So while at work today the dietitian happen to be up on the floor seeing patients and I bent her ear a bit.  I explained about my situation and asked what she thought.  Without asking how many calories I was taking in, she said that I needed to decrease my calorie intake.  When I told her that my calories were around 1000 and 1200 a day she said "oh I wouldn't want you to go below 1000 a day.  So she just kinda left me with a I will check on it and see what I can find out remark.  Oh well.

I am in Houston for work til Monday and found a Central Market tonight......YAY.  One word for this place....HEAVEN.  Got some almond crusted tilapia, couscous, and grilled salmon.  Cant wait!

A few things....

So I asked at my gym about a personal trainer, but they don't have any as of yet as they have just open a few months ago.  The fellow that was there working asking me what I needed and I told him about my surgery, weight loss, diet and then the stall.  He offered to work with me and give me a few tips.  So yesterday I went in for my tip lesson and he asked if I were ready to work....I said YES.  After some running on the treadmill he took me to various machines and showed my some free weight moves and how to breath.  Well the breathing part was easy although I kept getting dizzy and afterwards my arms felt like jello.  Today my biceps hurt but not bad.  I am back down to my lowest weight of 188.6.  I just hope I can keep dropping.

Thanks for all of the comments.  I did call my surgeons office but he couldn't see me today and I have to drive back to Houston today for work.  I will make an appointment for the end of the month as it will be my one year bandaversary on the 31st.  I really wanted to hit 100 gone by then, but not sure I can.  At this  point only 8 pounds to go but that will be hard to do.

I was catching up on my blog reading today and saw where someone had asked you to list five things you like about yourself.....I think I can do that.....

I like my new body....I know I fret about not losing the last few months, but I have to admit I love my new body.  It isn't perfect or exactly where I want it to be, but I know it looks and feels better to do just about everything in life today versus this time last year.

I like my smile and face.  I am not sure what is making what look better, my hair being straight or my face being thinner.  Either way its a good combo.

I like my teeth and smile.  My teeth are straight and white and both of those came natural.

I like my toes and feet.  I have always thought they were cute.

I like my friendly nature.  As a travel nurse I meet loads people, but I think its my good nature that helps me make friends so easy.

Well thats it for today......

HELP!

Ok heres the deal.  Since late Dec I have been yo-yoing back and forth from 194 to 189.  I have gotten back to basics with my food and thought ok this is working, but then the next week I am back up.  I am going to the gym at least three times a week and actually running now.  This week like as of yesterday I was 188.0 and thought ok I am good and losing again.  My food choices have been good and I went to the gym only once this week, but went three times last week.  Today I get on the scale for a "weigh in Friday" and uggggg 190.0.  Whats the deal!  I don't think I need a fill as I am not hungry, stay satisfied, and when I am not careful I still get stuck.  I am not freaking out.  I have been thinking maybe this is where my body should be.  Would that be so bad?  Would not reaching my goal of 100 lbs be so bad?  I feel great, look great, and have some great NSVs.  Is my goal of being able to walk into any store and be able to fit into a pair of jeans to lofty of a goal?  Its not so much the number on the scale, its the last goal of fitting into any stores jeans that I am off about.  I think I could maintain just fine at this point, but I am not sure I want to yet.

Ideas, thoughts, comments?

Friday weigh in.....

and wow do I have a great report....I am at 188.8 this morning.  This is not only a loss but a new low.  How happy am I.  Three days of the gym, 2 protein shakes and a good low cal meal for dinner and loads of water I went back to basics and have lost every pound that I had gained while out of town.  I don't usually claim a new low until I have seen it for more than one day, but I had to post the good news.

YAY! I have been invited to join some of my banded Texas friends in Waco tomorrow and I can't wait.  My only problem is that I may have to work but if I don't I will be on the road early to meet you guys.  I am 2 hours 15 mins away.  If someone reads this and knows the details, please let me know.

OMG What a day! Oh and an NSV

Well I have been all over town today getting things done to become a TX resident.  I have to say tho my hair looked amazing...lol.  I started my day at the SS office and the fellow there asked for my passport and one look and he put this great smile on his face and said wow you have lost some.  Way to go.  That was great.  The last thing that I could get to was the DL office for my license and "the" picture.  Well it turned out great.  And that was my NSV.

I stepped on my scale this morning and yuck I gained four pounds...I am up to 193.4.  This sucks, a divorce and weight gain.  I thought you were suppose to lose weight with a divorce.  Oh well just have to get back to basics as I haven't finished losing yet.

I start my new contract in Houston on my birthday which is Monday.  I will still travel back and forth to Dallas while working in Houston.

Have a good one my friends.

Thank you

I have said it before and will say it again my blog family is AWESOME!!!!  Thank you so much for all of you kind words of encouragement.

Well I have done it.  I currently driving through Louisiana on my way to TX.  My little Uhaul trailer is all filled and FL is two states behind me.  Don't get me wrong, I will always be a Floridian, but for now, I need to be out of FL to heal.

I didn't take my scale with me, which is very unusual for me as it goes everywhere.  What does this mean?  Well I haven't been on a scale in four days.  I have been to the gym twice and am getting used to join in the morning time, which I hate.  I have made good food choices except for last night when my sister took me out for my birthday.

I have found that my hair now looks better straight now that I have done the keratin treatment.  I have tried to use my curly hair products but it comes out looking pitiful, so I just straighten my hair now.  With my slimmer face the straight hair looks good.

That is the story for now.  More later.

So Not Myself....

I am no stranger to things happening in my life: death, loss, illness, you know the bad stuff...but this divorce may kill me in the end.  I am in FL to get things done and nothing is going my way.  My very good friend came with me to help me drive back as I will have a uhaul, but he has been so much more for me.  Yesterday I lost it and I am ashamed of myself.  My friend saw me in a way no one has seen me and looking back that scares me.  I have always dealt with stress, disappointment and life altering issues very well, but this got to me yesterday.  Let me just say I didn't like it.  I truly see it today and can't apologize enough to my friend, but of course he just smiles hugs me and says: "its about time you proved to be human in a really bad time".  He has never faltered and for that I am the luckiest person on this earth....do you have someone like that?  Someone that can see you at your most worst, in a place in your life you thought you would never be and then handle so bad?  I hope someone like my friend Malcom on everybody.


Oh and btw I didn't bring my scale and there isn't one here to use, so I am scaleless out here and it is scary.  I am eating good and not drinking a lot and I was up yesterday at 5 in the gym running.....yes I said running.  It felt good.  I think I will go do that now.  Not run out of frustration, anger or pity, but out of happiness and joy that I will get through this and yes SURVIVE........


Have a good day my peeps.

Well....

Well friday was in day and lets just say I wasn't up for it.  My personal life sucks right now.  Anyway friday weigh in was 190.4.  Now I have been bouncing up and down between 189 and 192...not sure why, but I am sure that not being in the gym often enough has everything to do with it.  I have gotten back to basics today by having just protein shakes and a chicken soup for dinner.  I have hit the gym the last three days.  I fly to FL tomorrow to file for divorse and pack up my life and move it to TX.  I have been tight the last few days and eating reg food has been hit or miss.  I do hope that the stress level being related to my band tightness idea is right and as soon as this is over Gerty will relax.  How nice that would be.

I have been looking at pictures of before and after patients that had massive weight loss and plastic surgery, and well just so you know I was encouraged. One of the girls went in the office at 190 and came out looking great....flat stomach.  Next year!!!!

Scrubs

I hate buying scrubs.....my last assignment my scrubs have been provided by the hospital, but as you all know I am back in TX and these hospitals don't provide you scrubs.  I figured I would go to walmart as they would be the least expensive.  I had to buy navy blue as that is what the hospital requires.  (Not only are they not providing scrubs, but they make me wear certain colors...sucks)  Anyway I went and tried on a large and I noticed how big they were on me and tried on a med pants and they fit!!!!  Yay!  They are a little tight, and in the past I would have never of bought them smaller, but I know that I will shrink right into them and be fine.  My top was still a large as it is most comfortable.

I will post my weight on Friday, but it already looks like I will have a loss to report....so exciting.

My body continues to amaze and surprise me.  I do hope this doesn't change for a long time.

Have a great day all.

I am Here....

I have not fallen off the face of the earth, but not far from it....lol.  I am back in TX from Nor Cal.  I have been yo-yoing back and forth from 191 and 192 for the last few weeks.  I know why I haven't losing.  I have been making good food choices, but unable to hit the gym at all.  Til now that is....I have hit the gym for the last two days and man can I feel it.  To work out the soreness I will go everyday this week and try and get back into a routine.

Being back home here in TX means I can cook again and I love to cook.  Tonight I made Balsamic roasted green beans and mushrooms, fish and chicken tacos.  All tasted awesome and were good food choices.  The chicken was skinless boneless chicken breasts placed in a crockpot with dry taco seasonings, homemade salsa, and cooked on high for 4-5 hours.  The chicken just fell apart.  A low carb soft taco shell filled with chicken and sautéed onions and peppers.  On Thursday I made stir fry with pork loin, broccoli, zucchini, all on top of sautéed napa cabbage instead of rice.  Very good.

I am pledging to blog more for the new year!  Lets see how I do.

Rome wasn't built in a day....

Thanks to Breanne from Lady Lap Band, I think I will write my own little piece on what I see in the mirror vs what I see in pictures.

The last few days I have had a great many coworkers ask me about my surgery and how much had I lost. Now I know that 91 pounds is a lot of weight and great hard work, but as we all know pictures tell a much better story than I ever could.  So what have I been doing these last few days, I have been showing before pictures.  Lets face it even if the picture was taken yesterday, it is still a before picture.  We are ever changing beings.  Even though we don't make big changes everyday, we still make changes.  Rome wasn't built in a day, however it did change everyday.  My coworkers, each and everyone even the doctors, gave me the same look.....wow look at what you have accomplished.  It seemed that the 91 pounds were 1000 by the looks on their faces and the words of congratulations.

Looking in the mirror to me is that hard work in progress.  Sometimes it can be depressing in which I just have to remember that I am in a better place and will continue to change.

So for your viewing pleasure a few before pictures.......


me christmas 2006

 me summer 2005

 me Feb 2009

me 2005

 me last Aug

 me christmas 2011

Me New Years and NEVER looking back....

Weigh in and funny NSV

Yep thats right 90 pounds down and gone!!!!!  As of friday my new weight was 190 down from a starting weight of 280 and heaviest weight of 283.  I knew my life would change when I decided to get the band, but honestly I never knew just how it would open up my life and show me how much I had been missing.  Well let me just say I won't be missing anything anymore!  This year is gonna be awesome just you wait and see.

Funny NSV here.  Ok so I am a tummy sleeper.  Anyone else here sleep on their belly?  Well I have since well forever.  So a few weeks ago I laid down to sleep and realized I was laying on something so I lifted up slightly and adjusted.  This didn't help.  Something had been left in the bed and I needed to figure out what it was and fast, I needed to sleep.  I lifted all the way up to find nothing under me, then I rubbed my upper belly where I had felt the foreign object and found nothing except my ribs of course.  Could that feeling of been my ribs against the bed?  YES it was.  I was sleeping on my ribs and apparently directly on my ribs through my skin.  How awesome....lol.

Sorry about not posting in a while or for weigh in on Friday, just working a lot and school.

Update

Just a quick note to update ya.  I am still in northern Cali working and will fly home on Feb 1.  I did win the Skinny Santa Challenge in Dec and am still reeling over that.  I have gotten some of my gift cards and can't wait to use them.  Thanks so much guys.  I am coming up on my 10 month bandaversery and am wondering what my total will be at my one year bandaversery.  I will post on Friday as to my current weight.  I haven't been to the gym as much as I would like, but work and school have me tied up.  I do miss going to the gym as often and do hope that I can fix it soon.  My food choices are good which is the only reason I am loosing anything at all these days.

I do hope to catch up on everyones blogs before all the good news slips away.

Have a good week and I will check in on friday.....

Just a quickie

Weekly weigh in for this week......195lb which is a loss of two pounds and my weight loss stall has moved on and I am happy.

Thanks to Lucy from LuckyLucyslapband for the Kohls gift card from the Skinny Santa Challenge.  I can't wait to use it.

The gym again

I made to the gym again today.  Yay!

I was over at Eating for Real and Jac mentioned that she doesn't like NYR= New Year's Resolution.  Well I am here to say I don't either, as a matter of fact I hate NYR.  They are usually to lofty and are abandoned by mid February.


Headed back to Northern Cali tomorrow for work til mid February.  I have a few fellow travelers that will be in the area as well.  Should be fun see two of them again as I haven't ten them since before surgery.  I also have a hot yoga session planned and I will report on how it goes.

Just a few thoughts from me.....

OMG OMG

Ok so one more blog today....

Skinny Santa Challenge was my first weight loss challenge and it seems I won.  Thanks so much to Stace for running the challenge.  Losing weight during the holidays is the best christmas present.  Thanks so much and congratulations to all the participants.  I can't wait for the next one....such great motivation.

End of Year Weigh In and Sum Up

Well I had my surgery on March 31 of this year, 9 months ago.  I weighed my heaviest at 280 on March 21 the day I started my clear liquid diet.  Today I weigh 197.  I participated in my first weight loss challenge and feel like I did very well for myself.  I have had many NSVs since my surgery and can't wait to see what the new year will hold for me.  My greatest NSV is the fact that I know I control what happens to me in my life and health.

In 2012 My passport will be used for more than just a cruise.  I will be traveling to Rome, Prague, and Istanbul.

New Year Eve Party.....

I have to say I sported a very beautiful dress last night.  Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Grace?

Here is the first of a few blogs that I need to get out of my head.  I had a great NSV while at the gym yesterday, I was on the treadmill and usually while running I have to hold onto the bars or risk tripping.  Yesterday I was able to run without holding onto the bar or watching my feet.  I am not sure if this is more grace or my weight loss or a good mix of both.  I will take it either way.....