Success!

Yes, today was a success. I stepped on the scale this morning after my morning pee, and I was down another 2.4lbs. Finally! I say this because I have been battling with the same 2 lbs 238-240 for over a week. Today I finally saw a drop.

I have been reading alot and trying to stay focused. Today, while golfing, my sister and mom and I discussed exercise and caloric intake. It seems I may be overdoing the exercise thing. I have been working out as though I was still eating the calories I used to. Of course, with the band, I can only seem to get in about 1000...maybe.

So, it appears I need to drop the cardio for burning fat and do cardio for heart strengthening. I need to work more on the weight lifting and muscle building. Does anyone else have thoughts on this? Am I working out too hard by trying to get my heart rate up to 141-151 as my trainer told me months ago? Should I work more on endurance rather than the heart rate?

Oh, and one more thing... I have had really bad knees for a long time. the other day, I went to the dr and asked about some X-rays I had back in Dec '07. He said good news, it is not arthritis like I thought, but there is some damage. Patellofemoral syndrome. He gave me a few exercises to work with in order to try and get some healing. Oh, to be thinner and have my knees pain free... I can just picture it in my dreams.

Time for Beach Volleyball... I am having so much fun with this. Hopefully someone will take some pics and I can add it to this posting.

Eating Habits, How did I get fat?

Habits...We all have them. What makes us eat certain things? What makes us eat too much? What gives us cravings?

I would often eat even though I was not hungry. I think that all the dieting I have done over the years made my stomach immune to what hunger really was. I also think my "I'm full" signal has been damaged as well, as I never really have that feeling. The only thing I remember from growing up and even as an adult was being "stuffed" after a large meal. I can't say that I ever knew that I was "full". Even going to a chinese food restaurant would get me to the stuffed feeling but I just knew that it wouldn't be long til I was feeling very empty again after that type of food.

I was also the garbage can when we were growing up. We were always taught to empty our plates. "think of all the starving children in the world"...Ok, if someone didn't finish their plate I would always offer to finish it for them. I wasn't huge as a child, just not a tiny petite thing either.

I just really want to know how to get past the head games I play with myself. I can stick to a plan for a month or two, but for a long time, well that seems to be out of reach. So far, with the band, I am able to limit myself...

I have a bad habit of crackers in the evening. I have been working hard to break it, but so far,I have failed miserably. Even with my band, I can eat 2 stoned wheat thins with a slice of cheese. I don't snack during the day so I am allowing myself to have this snack and counting the calories on "sparkpeople" tracker. I think this is a healthy way to eat, not denying myself something, but eating with a limit. What do you think? I would really love to hear what others have to think, banded or not.


This morning on the local news here, there was a discussion about overweight people and a study done with those who track all their food and those who do not. Did you know that the highest rate of success is those who do track it? I think that this stands to reason since those people are the ones who know exactly how much and what quality they are putting in their mouths. This makes me all the more determined to keep track of my "input" somehow, someway. I may not track everything everyday, but I will sure try hard. So, it is the end of my day, after a stamp class and now it is time to cool off in the pool and then hit the sack. Time for some beauty sleep.

quick update

Oh my goodness... I can't believe it has been that long since I posted! In the meantime, I made a little trip down to Arlington Wa and had another 2cc added to my band. It has been good, at least for the first week... I am really working hard at finding the right foods to eat.

I read constantly about people "cheating" but as I posted earlier, a diet is a way of life. If one chooses to put the wrong thing in their mouth, that is their choice. Diets can be adjusted base on the day/week/exercise, etc. I will not judge as I too have done what I consider a "cheat", eating something that is not healthy or high in calories, in a moment of weakness, put something in my mouth only to regret it moments later. I can only make my choices and live with them. Working on making Healthy choices now. I am not testing my band to see how much I can eat, but really working on testing to see how little I can get away with. This was one of Dr. Ortiz's points in his message here. My MD was really impressed with that and said to keep it in mind all the time.

I have 6 kids and a very active husband. My oldest 2 have moved out and the other 4 are still at home, wanting food on a very regular basis. They are all boys and are into football, rugby, skiing/snowboarding so they are also very active. Their high calorie diets are necessary for them to survive. We are working on high caloric, healthy eating so that they won't have the same issue as I do.

I mentioned my fill. I have lost 5 lbs since the fill and even though I haven't lost more this past week, I am still losing inches. I have taken up beach volleyball on Friday nights on my kid's team, and loving it! and have started golfing with my daughter, sister or mom depending on who has a day off at the same time. In order to burn extra calories, I carry my bag (humungous with wayyyyy too many clubs in it) I am also either walking 5 km or going to the gym for 2 hours, 3 days a week. So, while the scale is not dropping majorly right now, I am finding my clothes falling off.

I never thought I would say that! It is such a good feeling. My journey started at a size 22 and now I am comfortably wearing a size 18, almost ready to take a step down to 16... will wait until they fit good, not tight.

Photos

I had the boys take some more photos the other day... I don't really see too much difference, but they say there is. I will have to believe them.
here they are:

See original photos here:
http://lapbandval.blogspot.com/2008_02_24_archive.html

the Band is my friend

Truly! Last night was pizza night. I have not been hungry so I see this as a Band thing. I had 2 eggs for breakfast, a porkchop sliced over a small caesar salad for lunch and at dinner, I had only one slice of pizza. I felt good... however, later I got into a bad habit that I have... went to the leftover pizza and tried to eat another. Guess what? it got stuck. my band did not like it and made me give it up... oh yah! not pretty, but what a reminder that it WORKS!
So, this morning, I step on the scale and I have dropped more weight! what a bonus. I have been hovering between 248 and 250 for a couple of weeks. this morning the scale told me 246.4 (this was after I drank a cuppa coffee...)
EXCITEMENT here!!! til next time!

A renewed Strength

Today I am feeling a little more excited again. I went for an hour walk last night with my little grandson and while it was a little hard on my legs, I really enjoyed it. I hope to incorporate a little more walking on the days when i dont go to the gym. Today will be a gym day though as I am not working today.

I think also a big factor in my mindset is that I am using this site to assist me in making better food choices. I keep track of my foods and water consumption and throughout the day, I can see where my choices are doing me good or harm.

You get to earn spark points for the different things you do there, which also helps with the "reward" part of "dieting"... which is another thing I want to comment on. There is a great discussion forum there and if you have the time to read, there is a wealth of info including things that you might be thinking about but never "thought" about. Does that make sense? hahaha

anyways... The word "Dieting" we use it in a bad connotation. But in reality, it is the essense of life. Every living being on this earth is on a diet. Your "diet" is what keeps you alive. What a revelation! Now, time to analize what each individual diet consists of. My diet has obviously been wrong or I wouldn't look the way I do. That is why I am on this journey.

More tomorrow... and please leave a comment if you have anything to say about dieting!

ps... i added a photo of my son and I dancing at his wedding last week. I don't see a difference yet, but others have commented.

It's been awhile!

I haven't posted her for a while. bad bad bad... I really need some motivation again. The lapband is working somewhat, it keeps me from "overeating" in one sitting. It however does not help me with what i put into my mouth. This will have to be me and a choice I have to make.
On April 24, my sister and I went back to Tijuana for a fill. I had 3 cc's put into my band and immediately felt the restriction. However, now 2 weeks later, I almost feel no restriction. This is not good. I am not able to get back to TJ and am scared to death of having a "blind fill" which is offered in Calgary. I will also look into some places I have heard about in Washington State. That is within a drivable distance.
I have gone back to Spark People website and am keeping myself busy with tracking my foods and exercises. I am hoping to create the motivation once again that I need to get this weight off once and for all. It certainly isn't "just falling off" like I have heard happen to so many people.

Here is my tracker once again...

Just uploading some photos of family etc. This first one was taken around Christmas time.

and here is one taken about Mar 3 or so of this year.

diet Mini Quiche Recipe to share...

doesn't this sound yummy?
Maybe it is because I am craving some chewable food right now, I dunno... Can't wait to try this. My first day for regular foods is to be March 31. This is the day after our anniversary so I really want to go out and celebrate. I will also be able to test my band. I intend to take home a doggy bag. ;)

egg quiche:
3/4 cup egg white
2 eggs
3/4 reduced or non fat shredded cheese- i use NF mozzerella
3/4 cup red pepper (you can use any color)- chopped small
3/4 onion chopped small
1 10oz package of frozen spinach
salt and pepper

1 has about 40-50 calories
Place spinach in microwave for about 3 minutes- then SQUEEZE ALL the water out! Mix all ingredients together and pour into a 12 m
muffin pan. Bake on 350 for about 30 minutes. I also serve with 1 or 2 pieces of turkey bacon and 1/2 a banana.

Day 12...

Nothing much is new, except I can say that I really am feeling better every day. My port site still hurts, especially if I am sitting for long periods of time. I have finally peeled off all the glue and all the incisions look really good. Maybe someday I will be able to wear a bikini????

Weightloss as of this morning was down 13.2 since surgery. wow! that is just over 1 lb a day....
total weightloss since starting the pre-op diet is 24.8.

I keep asking the family if they notice it. Can't wait til someone makes a comment without me having to ask if they see it. hmmm you can be sure I will post it here.

Ok, I have also broached the subject of eating more healthy with the family. I figure if I can learn to cook the way I am supposed to eat and have them all enjoy the same, we will all become healtier right? That doesn't mean that they have to have the miniscule amount that I will have but they will have the same options.

Feeling Better now

Yes, I did call Dr. Miranda. Seems I have jumped too fast into having creamy soups and needed to go back to clears and add my shakes first... duh. I knew that. Not sure what I was thinking. Anyways, I am feeling so much better now!
Weightloss has also been steady. I am down 10.2 this morning.

NOTE: I always weigh myself first thing in the morning with no clothes on. (not a pretty picture yet ;) I figure if I do the same thing every time, it will always be consistant.

On the other hand, I am having issues with my head. The desire to eat something is sooooo strong. I will admit that last night, I had a chicken nugget, chewed it to mush and enjoyed the taste, then spit it out... Just to have the chewing motion. Boy am I scared to go back to eating. However, I am also consumed with cooking properly. How do I get my family to eat the proper foods? I have been watching some cooking shows and have a desire to cook more healthy. How do I implement that and make them eat it? hmmm.


My caloric intake is now up between 850 and 950 per day. I know I should be up a bit higher, and hopefully can add a few things to bump it, but I have to say, I am not hungry so why ruin it?

One week Post Op

Today is my 1 week anniversary... yes, I am counting... Since surgery, I have dropped 8.4 lbs. wow! Maybe this has a little to do with having Diarhea? That is the most horrible thing right now. I nearly can't stand it... if it keeps up tomorrow yet, I am going to call Dr. Miranda for help. It started bad on Friday already and I can't figure out what is causing it. Some of the other gals have complained about being so constipated that they needed help so what is this???

Overdid it!

Oh my... my stomach feels like a mac truck ran over it. The port site is the most painful. I have started taking some pain killers. So far, I had gotten away without but during the night I got so much pain I got up at about 3:30am.

I think I shouldn't have done the vacuuming and house cleaning...I did have the boys helping a bit, but it is always a struggle to get them to do something for me. And then to have it done right. I will have to just get over that and learn to accept or teach them what I want. right?

I started my journal today and was shocked to find I am only consuming 580 calories. Not near enough. Will have to watch that.

Home again

We arrived home on Wed night, a little sore but nothing major to complain about. Today was my first day back at work and it really wiped me out even though I didn't have much to do. Not sure I am getting enough calories... will have to start a daily journal of how many, just to be sure I am getting enough.

Banded March 10

So, officially banded as of March 10th. I am sore, but surprised at how quick recovery is. Dr. Ortiz and all the Staff at Obesity Control Center have gone above and beyond. I just loved my experience there.

After coming back to the hotel with Mrs. Ortiz, (she said: I know you want to just lay down and sleep, but the best thing for you will be to walk, rest, walk, walk, walk) both my sister and I went to bed and slept for a couple of hours. WHOOPS... When we woke up, we were rejuvenated and ready to hit "Revolution Ave" for some shopping.
We met Kate and her hubby and got ourselves a cab... shopping in TJ!

In Mexico

Ok, it has been a few days but my what a whirlwind. Diane and I have arrived her in Tijuana Mexico and are getting ourselves aquainted with the hotel and what is going to be expected. My weightloss has been ok to this point, but not quite the 15lbs I "needed" to lose. We will see if I get postponed tomorrow. It took us a little while to find out that we will be picked up at 7:30 am so our alarm is set for 7am. We have both showered and taken our makeup off and packed what we will need for tomorrow.
Diane is feeling a little anxious, but suprisingly, I am not really feeling anything right now. We did however throroughly enjoy our "Last Dinner" and unfortunately ate too much. We don't even have room to eat the fruit in the basket that they brought us at dinner time. Oh well.
We have met 2 other bandsters who will be joining us tomorrow so we have company and others to chat with. It has been fun talking to them. So, now we are just heading into bed in order to get a good night's sleep (if we can) and since we have had such a mix up with the timechange in Canada and US, but apparantly Mexico decided not to join us so we then had to change the time back.. took us several hours and Kate to help us with this ;) Ok, now for some tv (spanish maybe) and shuteye...

One Week today

I will be banded and likely be recovering at the OCC hospital. I am nervous and yet really looking forward to it. The pre-op diet is still going ok... I did have several glasses of white wine yesterday but to contrast that, I skipped breakfast (not on purpose but due to time constraints) only ate a green salad and cup a soup for lunch. For dinner I had a weight watchers meal. So all in all, the caloric intake was still pretty low.
Wine is going to be one thing I will miss. At least until the stomach has healed. My husband thinks I should be able to have "a" glass once in awhile. We will see...

Before Lapband Photos

So far so good... I am doing well, just have to plan tomorrow's special luncheon and get the groceries for it. I wanted to post 2 photos today too, these are my official "before" photos.

Whew, another loss

I stepped on the scale today, and yes, I was now down 1 more lb. I have been stressing about this so much that I think my body is holding on to the weight.
Yesterday's activity and good choices and lack of snacking will have attributed to the loss, but I have high hopes of losing a larger amount yet tomorrow if I haven't snacked or anything today. This is my goal for today.
It also is a crazy busy day... I have to clean my house, do all my kid's laundry, get groceries and plan for a special luncheon tomorrow. My plan for tomorrow's food intake has to be carefully thunk out. I really don't want to screw things up... veggie soup, salad...will be choices for everyone.
I do have to add that while I am not hungry during the daytime, the evenings just about kill me. Last night I had 4 cups of herbal tea to try and pacify the feeling. Is this normal?

Feeling Better

Ok, I have just returned home from a great workout at the gym. I talked to the coordinator about the machines as I went to a new smaller location than what I normally do, but most of the machines are similar if not newer. Her suggestion to me for after the lapband is to talk to my regular trainer and get advise on what machines to work with that will not cause any issues. I am thinking that I will also take my training routine with me when we go for the surgery so that I can discuss it maybe... and get their advise.

It is 2:30 and I am just having my second shake today. I will probably also have a salad just to help tide me over til dinner. Boy do I feel better now. I expect I will finally see a drop on the scal tomorrow if I can get through the evening.

Pre-Op diet

I am having a hard time with this now. I found myself a tracker (see end of posts) and hope to be inspired by it. My problem is that I am always hungry. I drink alot of water and have been adding herbal tea just for a change. I am using Herbalife protein powder for breakfast and lunch, with a "cup a soup" (50cal) for a mid aft. snack.
Dinner consists of a "Weight Watchers" dinner but by late evening, I am snacking away... can't stay away from the crackers and peanut butter.
After stepping on the scale this morning and not seeing a drop yet again (3 days in a row now) I am determined not to snack tonight. I need to lose this 15 lbs by next Sunday! This is the day we will be arriving in Mexico, and my lapband surgery is scheduled for early Monday morning.

On another note, I have been reading alot on the forums and am getting excited to start really losing weight. I have a first goal date, but not really an idea of what I can lose by then since everyone seems to be different. I also will need to go buy a new blender in order to eat my "mushy stage" food...

some other thoughts about losing weight...How am I going to feel as a skinny person. Will I still see myself as "big"? I have had the problem of not really seeing myself as I am now, I tend to think of myself as a young mom, not overly big and when I look in the mirror, the person looking back doesn't look that bad. However, I look at photos and they tell me a different story! We were in Mexico a few weeks back and I hate the photos... I am huge... my arms are as big as a small person's waist. Could this possibly be me? I dunno... I think I am going to have a few demons popping up with this journey. Wish me luck.

How I came to this decision...continued

Back again...

After my restless night, I told my husband immediately about this procedure. His reaction was that I was trying to find a quick fix. I felt he was not being supportive, but in hindsight, his reaction was valid. I have been trying to lose weight ever since we were married.

I gained 45lbs with my first baby, and never did get rid of it. With each consecutive baby (have had 6!) I gained more. After each diet I tried (herbalife, slimfast,weightwatchers, diet center, herbalmagic, jenny craig, atkins, south beach) I lost some, but gained back more.

I have an eating issue.

I know this.

My husband's reaction was "if you just..." This is a skinny person's phrase. It is not a matter of "just" when you are obese. If this was, do you honestly think I would be fat? NOT! I am not fat by choice! ok... we have dealt with this issue, back to the lapband. I am now 100% positive that this is the TOOL to assist me in eating less and making better choices in my food consumption.

My weight at decision time was 280lbs. I started the pre-op diet on Sunday, Feb 24th and so far as of this morning am 271lbs. I hope that by the operation date, I will be 265lbs or less. My ultimate goal is to be 160lbs in a year. I will likely make myself smaller goals as time progresses and I see how loss goes. My son is getting married in May so this is one of the reasons WE made the decision to do this so quickly. I would like to be down substantially by then, but have some reservations about making his wedding a goal date. It will be 1.5 months from operation date so potentially up to 40lbs can be lost if I am reading other's experiences correctly. This would be awesome, but I am not counting on this much yet.

I am starting to now feel some aprehension, of course this will happen whenever one goes into a surgery. I have had surgeries before. My sister has not so I am sure she will feel it worse than I. She and I are doing this together so I may sometimes mention her in these posts...

First Posting about my Lapband Surgery

Hi. Glad you are reading this. I hope to use this blog as my journal for my lapband experience and to assist others in deciding whether this is for them or not.

I haven't had a lot of time to think about this, basically I just learned about it. My sister called me late last week and bombarded me with the information. I got online and started some web searches and then went to bed with a huge head full.

I have had a weight issue for as long as I can remember. I have dieted so many times, I am just discouraged and quite frankly I was feeling hopeless.

I have to go to work now, I will write more later today, giving a run down of how I... I mean WE came to this decision.