Out of Control

I need help getting back on track. I've been eating like crazy the past 3-4 weeks. Not counting calories, not exercising, not getting my protein in, not getting my vitamins in, not even feeling good about myself, and I don't know how to get back on track. I feel like a pathetic loser. People keep asking me how much I've lost and I've been saying 30 lbs. for what feels like forever! I don't want to fail! 
I need help and I don't know where or who to turn to. I don't even know if I need a fill or not. Like I mentioned in my last blog, I get stuck with my first few bites, and then I can eat pretty normal! I don't feel restricted at all after those first few bites. Every night I say I'm going to call and make an appointment for a fill and in the morning I'm super restricted so I back out of it. 
Please tell me I'm normal to be going through a regression............that I'm not the only one that has felt like a failure..........I need all the words and advice I can get at this point!

Need to Get Back on Track

I know, I know......long time, no blog; BUT I'm done with the semester now until Jan. 19th.....then my final semester before I become a registered nurse!! How exciting!!

OK, so the past 2-3 weeks I have had some serious eating issues. I feel like I have a goofy situation, but here goes.......

1) I'm really restricted in the morning......which the dietician said is perfectly normal, so I'm not worried about that part.

2) Whenever I eat, the first 5 bites or so always seem to get stuck. So I sit there for about 5 minutes or so waiting for them to either go down or come back up. The weird part, is after it comes up (cuz that's usually what happens) I feel much better and then I can eat normally. And when I say normally, I mean, I can eat quite a bit. Not what I used to eat pre-band, but definitely more than I have been able to eat 6 weeks ago. For sure more than a cup and a half. So, do I need a fill? I would say I do, but the part that makes me doubt it, is the fact that the few first bites get stuck EVERY time! Any suggestions?

That's the whole "weird" situation. The other part is all my fault. I've been snacking, I haven't been getting in my protein, and I haven't been taking my daily vitamin. I feel like I'm slowly going back to my old habits and I'm scared to death. How do I get back on track???

Week 11 & 12 Weigh-ins

Taking a break from studying for a bit, so I thought I'd jump on and update my progress and take a look at my friends blogs.

Week 11 = Gain (Boo) of 1.4 lbs. I was not a happy     camper.....BUT

Week 12 = Loss (Yay!) of 5 lbs! 

I am down 28 lbs. total and I am happy! Right now I'm averaging 2.3 lbs/week which is more than I've ever averaged in my life. I'm still not putting 100% into it, so to be losing at this point is great. School is HARD and most of my time is spent studying, reading, listening to lectures, and working. I feel like I don't have an extra minute to spare doing anything, much less exercising. I know I need to at least take a cruise around the block or something though. I need to make it a goal.........even if it's a few days a week. I need to start somewhere. 

My mom did some measurements on me and I have lost 6 inches in my waist!! Unbelievable!! I fit into a pair of jeans that I haven't worn in a LOOOOONG time, and now they're the only ones that don't look ridiculously baggy on me. I guess I'm still in shock that this little tool they call a Lap-Band is working for me! I can't believe I almost chickened out on the day of surgery! That would have just been plain silly!! I definitely have something to be thankful for this holiday season.....regaining my health. It's priceless. 

Weigh in - Week 10 (Wednesday)

Down 3.4 lbs for a total of 24.4 since surgery day! It's almost unbelievable because, like I said last week, I don't feel I'm giving it 100%. I've cut down on the crackers this past week, but I'm still having those damn Frapuccinos. They are the DEVIL!! 

I've been getting stuck more than usual too. I need to sit and really evaluate why I'm getting stuck.......am I eating too fast, not chewing enough, taking too big of bites, is the food too dry? I haven't really sat down while eating and THINK about what I'm doing lately. I need to take a deep breathe and slow down. I'm just all frazzled with school and everything to take time to focus on ME. 


7 more months til graduation.......

Weigh in - Week 9

Posting a few days late, but better late than never! I am down 2 lbs. this week and I'm happy with that! I still don't feel like I'm putting in 100%. School has been HARD this semester and I spend all my "free" time studying. I'm still following all the basic band rules........get in my protein every day, don't drink during meals, taking my vitamin, etc., but I still don't feel like I'm giving it my ALL. I'm noticing that I am "hungry" in the evenings after dinner. I put quotations around hungry because I really don't think it's hunger. I think it's my old self emerging again and wanting to snack. With that being said, I have been eating saltine crackers every night while I'm studying. And I don't eat just a serving size. I can put down a whole sleeve of crackers (giving one here & there to the dog!).

 How can I get out of this habit that I'm in? I've lost 21 pounds in 9 weeks --> More than I've ever lost in that amount of time........I've come too far to let myself fail. Any suggestions on what I can do to get past this? 

So, I don't know if this is weird or not, but the other day I noticed that my boobs are getting smaller. I was putting on my bra and I was like," wow, my boobs are smaller." How does one just NOTICE that one day??? LOL! And why in the world does it have to come off my BOOBS first?!? Let's take it off where it matters! Uuugh! Oh well, at least it's coming off SOMEWHERE right?!? 

TGIF.....BYOC!

1. If you were given $1,000,000 that you had to spend ONLY ON YOURSELF....how would you spend the money?A house and a brand new car. There's not a lot I need or want when I really sit down and think about it! The house is definitely the most desired at this point!

2. Who would you say is the one person that's had the most influence on your life? By that, I mean the person that has molded you in to the person you are today?
Do my parents count as one? It's hard to say either of them influenced me more than the other. I had a great life growing up and I continue have a great life! They've always been there for me, continue to be here for me, and support me in every which way. They are the GREATEST!! My entire family is the GREATEST!!

3. What is your normal morning routine? Are you a bear in the morning, or is the morning your favorite part of the day?
HATE mornings!! Work and school are the only things that get me up in the morning! What is even more irritating is the fact that my husband LOVES mornings! UUGH!! How can you be so happy in the morning?!?!?

4. If you're a Facebook and Twitter user, which do you prefer and why? If you're just a Facebook user, what do you think of the new changes? 
I don't Twitter. I don't feel like everyone needs to know what I'm doing every minute of the day. I LOVE Facebook and I must admit I'm a little addicted to it. It interferes with my study time and that's my own darn fault. It's so easy to lose track of time between blogger and FB!! But I love all my friends on both! If it weren't for FB, I wouldn't have kept in contact with many people from my past. I think it's awesome that I still know what's going on with people I went to KINDERGARTEN with! 
Feel free to look me up!!

5.  Repeat question....how was your week in real life and in blog land this week?
  Real life =  stressful. It is consumed with school, work, and studying. And of course trying to be conscious of what I'm putting in my mouth every minute of every day. I've been doing good, but slipped up this past week. I will NOT let this weight loss battle win! As we say in nursing school..........FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!!


Blog land = not very social. Between all of the above mentioned things, it's hard for me to get on here and keep up to date with everyone! It makes me sad that I can't read and comment on everyone's blogs because you have all been such a huge support to me over the past months! I am trying the best I can though! I still love you all!!!!

Weigh in Week 8 = Gain

Not happy with my weight yesterday. I gained a pound. I know it's my own fault. Too many stops at Starbucks and not getting the light frapuccinno. I slipped into some old bad habits last week and it showed on the scale, despite my .75cc fill. Very disappointed in myself, but I was back on track today and NO Starbucks!! 

I'll try to limit my drinks to study groups........that's where we study. I can't believe how very easy it is to slip into old habits. I guess it's the harsh reality that the band is not doing all the work. If it doesn't like what I'm doing, it's not going to help me either. I think I need to name my band. Any suggestions? 

Weigh in - Week 7

Down 2.2 lbs. this week!! Woohoo!! I am now down a total of 20.2. I'm so happy I finally reached that 20 lb. mark. It feels good and this is the first week I noticed my work scrubs are getting a lot looser on me! Now on to the next 20! I'm hoping to reach that by Christmas. 


Wish I could write more, but long day of school ahead of me tomorrow..........hope everyone is having a wonderful week!!

Weigh in - Week 6

I can't believe it's been 6 weeks already!! I am down 1.8 lbs. this week which brings the running total to 18! I'm so excited that this is working and the weight is coming off. It's  coming off at such a good, comfortable pace too. I was concerned about my little plateau for a few weeks, but I have not gained an ounce since surgery. It has been a constant downward motion which is more than I can say for any other weight loss program I've tried in the past. 


I also had my mom take some pictures of me in my swim-suit so that I can keep weekly pics and look at them someday to see the progress. I wish I would have done it sooner, but better late than never. She also took my measurements and compared to 3 days post-op, I am down 8 inches total!! I can't see or feel the difference yet, but hopefully soon enough I will. I can't wait to buy a new pair of jeans or fit into the jeans again that my husband likes so much. 

As soon as I have time, I need to add some tabs to my blog to keep a running of my losses and NSV's. Time......what's that?!?!? 4 nursing exams in 1 week. Last one tomorrow, then some RELAXATION (at least for ONE day)!!

An Award AND great news from the Dietitian!

First of all, a huge thank you to Rachel for nominating me for the award. It means a lot to me that I have inspired someone and can help motivate you on this journey, while receiving the same support from you!! So, now it's my turn......

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

Megan - Megan helped me begin this journey. After seeing pics of her progress, I HAD to know what she was doing!! She answered ALL the questions I had, supported me during the pre-op phase, and the rest is history! Here we are: banded for life! Thanks Megan!

Jackie- Jackie was banded a week before I was, so I made it a point to keep up on her progress! I had to know what to expect! She's always there to offer a word of advice and is great support. I also have to thank her for suggesting the awesome protein drinks! Don't know what I'd do without them!!!!

Andrea - Has been a great support! Always has a way of making me feel better if I'm not happy with my progress!!

Samantha - Was offering support not only pre-op, but while I was sitting in the pre-op room waiting to be put to sleep!! If it weren't for that support, I may have signed myself out!

Robyn - I just love Robyn. Always, always comments on my blogs! Another girl that knows how to cheer me up when I'm feeling down!!

I could seriously nominate ALL of my followers, because without ALL of you, I don't know what I'd do! It's so nice to have a place to come to where everyone knows exactly what trials and tribulations you are going through. Thanks to ALL OF YOU!! Lots of love!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

NEXT.....my good news of the day. I saw the dietitian and I have officially lost 10% of my excess body weight! Un-be-freaking-leivable!! It doesn't seem like a lot, but 18.2 lbs. since a week pre-op (16.2 since morning of surgery) just under 6 weeks  is pretty good according to her. So, I'll believe her!! She asked if I can tell a difference yet and the answer is no, but she tells me I will notice very soon. 

I did notice something last week, which I really didn't think much of at the time, but upon running around my college campus looking for an instructor and running late, I noticed that I didn't feel as winded as usual. I don't know why I even thought of that at the moment, but I guess we can count that as a NSV right?

So, anyhoo, weigh in day isn't for 2 more days, but I just had to share the news with everyone!! Hope everyone is having a great week so far!!

Weigh in - Week 5

I can't believe it! The scale moved!! I am down 3 pounds from last week and I am thrilled! I am down 16.2 pounds total and I can't wait to make it to TWENTY!!!! 

I finally had a few minutes to read everyone's blogs and comment on some, but schoolwork is calling me!! I must say, my final year of nursing school has proven to begin VERY challenging!! I'm only 3 weeks into the semester and already in super stress mode. Can't wait til this is all over. So many good things happening to me at the same time, but all very difficult feats. 

I will get there.

Weigh in - Week 4 and STUCK

First of all the weigh in results.........I stayed the same!! 290. It could be worse, I could have gained, so I'll take what the scale gave me. I'm doing everything right & I am even exercising now, so it's BOUND to come off!! Right??? 
I did NOT stay off the scale this past week, so I'll try to make that a goal again. NO SCALE UNTIL NEXT WEDNESDAY!!!!!!! I'd also like to get to the gym 3 times this next week. 


OK, now that STUCK part.........today it happened!! I went to school, went to the gym, came home & had a few bites of a marvelous tuna salad my husband made, took too big of a bit and didn't chew enough....the rest is history. It felt like it was never going to budge. It felt like I had a watermelon in my chest. I took a sip of water, then a GULP of water and it moved down a bit, but came right back up to it's favorite spot to sit. At that point I felt like it may be a good idea to get to the bathroom. Good idea because I got all sweaty and it came up.

 It was such a relief!! I've never been so happy to vomit!! It wasn't like projectile or anything..........just what went down came back up. For awhile I didn't think there was a band in there, but that was a not so slight reminder that she's in there!! 


Let it be known that I will NEVER eat too fast again!!!!!! 

My First NSV

I got off my butt and went to the gym! I did it, I did it, I did it! I HATE, LOATHE, DESPISE, CURSE exercise, but I went. It had to be done. I walked 1/2 a mile on the treadmill and I biked almost 2 miles. It amazingly felt good after I did it. The hard part was GOING! My goal is to get there at least 3 times this week. Even if I can't do a lot, I can do something! 

Happy Labor Day to everyone!

1st Fill

Well, I did it. I had my first post-op fill today!! It certainly wasn't as bad as I anticipated. I didn't even feel the poke when she numbed me before the BIG needle! I had 2.5cc in there from surgery & she added 2.5. She had me drink some water to see how it went down, and it BARELY went down. It felt stuck in my throat and I kept feeling like I had to belch. It was VERY uncomfortable. I imagine that's what it feels like when food gets stuck. Anyhoo, with that being said, she took out 0.5cc, I drank some more water, and WALLA!! All better. It was still a little slow going down, but MUCH MUCH better!! So I am currently filled to 4.5cc. I definitely need to sip more now than before my fill. I was just fine taking large sips like pre-band, but now that I'm more restricted I know that I need to slow it down. I hope the first fill will allow me a decent weight loss over the next month. I want to SEE results on my body!!


I hope everyone has a nice relaxing Labor Day weekend!!!!

Weigh in - Week 3

I'm down 0.2 lbs. Not a big loss, but a loss nonetheless! I'll take it for now. I moved my first fill up from next Friday to this Friday, so I'm pretty excited. I want to get this ball rolling!! I'm now down a total of 13.2 lbs. 


You probably won't be seeing a lot of posts from me because I'm back in school now and boy is it going to be a rough semester!! The good thing is it takes my mind off eating & how much weight I'm losing, BUT it's hard work to become a RN and this is supposed to be hardest semester yet. Oh yay! So I apologize in advance if I become distant or you don't see me replying to your blogs. I try to glance at them every day, but if I really get going, I can spend hours just reading blogs and replying to comments & before I know it, no time for schoolwork!! 


Well, off to hit the books again. Have a great weight loss week everyone!!!!

Question about Hunger / Fullness

OK, so I'm on "soft" foods progressing to a normal diet. I'm 2 & 1/2 weeks post op. I never really feel HUNGRY, like with my tummy growling or anything, but I eat my meals like I'm supposed to. I eat the 1/2 - 3/4 of a cup as directed, but I never really feel FULL either. Does that make sense? It's like I'm not hungry, but I'm not full either..........is that what it's supposed to feel like? I'm not scheduled for my first fill until 9/9, so maybe it's a sign I'll be ready by then? I don't know how to read this!! This is really a tough learning curve!!


Unfortunately I have already veered from one of my goals for the week......I weighed myself. I haven't lost an ounce. But I'm OK with it. A lot can happen between now and Wednesday.

And just a little funny for the day.............

New Blogger Alert!!

Check out my new friend Kebs!! I found her a few days ago & she lives right here in Milwaukee, WI!! She is in the beginning stages of her  journey and needs all the support she can get, just like all you supported me from the beginning!

Post Dietician Visit

OK, so I saw the dietician for the first time post-op (besides in the hospital) and she was VERY happy with my progress. When she didn't see the same smile on my face as she had on hers when I stepped on the scale I had to tell her how disappointed I was with 1.4 lbs. this week. She immediately told me that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be and 13 lbs. down since surgery is fabulous.........more than what they expect. So that made me feel better..........much better. Even though I have awesome support both in real life and in blog world, it feels good for a professional to tell me I'm on the right track. I also realize how important it is to get in all my protein in  (I've been slackin' in that area for a few days). I think it will be much easier now that I can eat some normal food!! I was burning out on 3 protein shakes a day!! 


So with all that being said, I've made a couple goals for myself this week:
1. Stay OFF the scale until next Wednesday! (This is a major one!!)
2. Get in 60g (minimum) of protein in per day. 
3. Drink more water

School starts up again next week, but I've already gotten "pre" assignments from instructors. Only nursing school!! So I have A LOT of reading to get done before school even STARTS!! Don't get me wrong, I'm a weirdo that LOVES school, so I'm not complaining, but nursing school is it's own little entity! I go back to work the day after Labor Day, so life will be back to "normal" again. Summer went way too fast!!! 

Weigh in - Week 2

This week I am down 1.4 lbs. I should be happy with a loss right, but I wish it were more. I guess I'm thinking since I eat SIGNIFICANTLY less than I did pre-band, I should have a huge loss.I'm just not a patient gal and I want it all to come off like it did the 1st week! I'm thinking about adding some kind of weight loss record to my blog so I can keep track of my losses and see them all added up, but I'm not sure how to add "tabs" to my blog yet. Guess I'll have to work on that later. 
I see the dietician for the first time post-op, so I should be able to move on to soft foods after seeing her this afternoon. Oh how I long for some tender chicken, tuna, or some scrambled eggs. I just want to chew something! 
Well, I guess that's all for now. I'll check back in later after I see the dietician. 

Eating Crackers & Feeling Guilty

So, as I mentioned a few days ago.....I'm HUNGRY! 
This is what I ate today:
Breakfast: Protein drink and a little bit later some applesauce (3 oz.)
Lunch: Pudding (3 oz.)
Dinner: Grits (3-4 oz.)
Snack: Saltines (I didn't count how many)


I obviously did not do good on my protein drinks or fluids today. About 3-4 hours after I ate the grits for dinner, I found myself wanting something solid. The PA at my surgeon's office said if I need something solid, eat some saltines. So I did........so why do I feel guilty? I'm literally eating 9-12 OUNCES of food a day and I felt like I overate today! 9-12 oz. used to be a fraction of ONE meal prior to getting banded, so why do I feel this way? Am I getting obsessed with food and the scale? Is this normal? I feel like my mind is out of control.......constantly thinking about eating, drinking fluids, getting in my protein drinks, and the worst of it ALL.......the SCALE! I can't stay off the b&#ch!!! It goes up and down so much during the day which in turn makes my confidence go up and down along with it. The PA even told me that I may see a gain before my 1st fill.......so why don't I listen to her and not go off into my own little warfare with myself and emotions? UUGH! I frustrate myself!!

Post Op Day 10 -- Getting Hungry

I can't believe I'm at post op day 10 and feeling absolutely normal (if there is such a thing)! It feels like I never even had surgery! I've been looking at other before/after pics and I just can't imagine myself having "after" pics.......is that crazy? It's just inconceivable in my mind at this point. I changed my blog background because I feel like the band will be my wings to this weight loss. I totally understand now why they say the band is just a "tool"......it's still hard work and takes alot of critical thinking to make wise decisions. So hopefully it will carry me along in this journey. 

Anyhoo, I'm starting to get hungry. At my 1st post-op visit, they said that's great, a sign of healing.......blah,blah,blah.........but I want a SOLID piece of food in my belly! This pureed crap is just not cutting it anymore! I talked my husband into giving me a teeny weeny piece of chicken yesterday (he was pretty hesitant, but the pouting worked) and it was SO good! I meet with the Dietician on Wednesday and then finally I can move on to "soft foods." I'm thrilled! That appointment can't come soon enough! Until then.......grits, refried beans, yogurt, applesauce, jello, pudding, and creamy soups! 

Hope everyone has a beautiful weekend!!

BYOC Friday!!

It’s Friday so that means.......it’s time for BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy!


We answer just a few questions to get to know each other better and to give our blog brains a break!

Copy to your own blog if you wish and ENJOY!

1. How much makeup do you wear daily, how long does it take you and are you loyal to certain brands?

Since I've been off work, I haven't put any on besides to go to the doctor. Generally I wear makeup everyday but take a break on the weekends, unless I'm going somewhere. I don't wear alot.......Just some foundation, blush, eyeshadow (natural looking), and lip color. Usually people don't even think I have makeup on. It only takes me like 5 minutes to do it in the morning. I am a religious Mary Kay foundation wearer, but the other stuff.......whatever's on sale!!

2. Repeat question: I’m going to pick a person not knowing your relationship with them (or even if there is one) and you try to describe this person in 5 words/short sentences.

Your oldest paternal aunt
Unfortunately I don't know much about my paternal family. My dad spent alot of time in a foster home when he was a child. So can't really answer this one!

3. Tell me about your first real kiss and how old you were.
I was 14 on a date bowling. I totally knew it was coming that night too. I had discussed it with my friends who had spoken to my boyfriend (teenagers!!). So it was the end of the date and my sister and her boyfriend were picking me up. I was saying goodbye and he kissed me. It was so awkward!! And the most embarrasing part was my sister's boyfriend started honking the horn and yelling " YEAH, GO MISSY!! WOHOO!!" How embarrassing is that?!?


4. If I gave you $1000.00 and told you that you had to give it to a charity – which charity would you choose and why?

Definitely the MS Society because it is close to my heart. I have MS as well as my sister. I also have 3 friends from High School that have it, one passed away a few years ago from other complications. 


5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in blog land and in real life.


Blog land: Still trying to get into the swing of things. Learning a little about it here and there. I love when I have new followers and I love finding new people to follow!


Real life: Just like Blog land, learning and trying to get into the swing of things being only a week & 2 days out from surgery. I'm definitely feeling back to my old self & am back to my old activities besides work. I suppose I could go back to work if I wanted to.......but Dr. gave me until after Labor Day and I'm takin' it!! I'm also trying to get into study mode and prepare for my 3rd semester of RN school. 2 more semesters! 

My 1-week Bandiversary

OMG! I weighed myself this morning and I am down 11.6 pounds!! Is that even possible?!?!? I  know my losses won't continue to be that substantial, but DAMN! I'll take it right now!! That's like a Biggest Loser loss! Please tell me I'm normal to feel this ecstatic?!?!?

Post Op Day 5

Just thought I'd check in and say I'm doing good. It gets better each day. The biggest problem is all the gas/bloating. Uuugh! It's so uncomfortable, but the GasX is helping and it's not as bad today. 

I haven't been hungry at all. Even when I'm eating, I'm not hungry. I'm just eating to survive, but I'm kind of getting sick of pureed foods! One more week of this and then I can move on. I'm learning that my hunger is all in my head. As much as I'm not hungry, I'm dying to have a hamburger. Why? Why do I want to eat when I'm not hungry?!?

One problem --> I can't stay off the damn scale. It's horrible. I want to see a huge drop and it's just not there yet, but what can I expect with all this bloating and on top of it I got my period (lovely timing!). 

It's also hard to get all my water in each day. I'm so focused on not drinking 30 minutes before or after eating.......then I forget to drink. I hope some day this all becomes routine!!

Anyhoo, Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all have a great week!

My First BYOC!!

1. I have to do some MAJOR cleaning tonight…which is prompting me to ask…what is the absolute worst thing you hate to clean or cleaning chore you hate the most? (vacuuming, dusting, laundry, toilets, floors, etc.)

Not a fan of dusting, but I can handle it. The thing I hate the most is putting laundry away after it's washed and dried. Love doing laundry, HATE putting it away!!  

2. Brown or Black? Fly or Drive? Hot dog or Burger? Gold or Silver?
Brown I guess. Never really thought about it, but I'm a brown person. 
Fly or Drive: I guess it depends where I'm going. If it's more than a day's worth of driving, I guess I'd say flying makes sense. I have no patience, so if I can't get somewhere I want to be fast, forget it!

Burger definitely, but a good dog on the grill is great! Anything would be good now if it's not in pureed form!
I like gold and silver. My wedding set is gold, so I usually go with 2-toned jewelry.

3. Repeat question: I’m going to pick a person not knowing your relationship with them or even if a relationships exists – and you then try to describe that person in 5 short sentences/words.
Maternal Grandmother
Miss her dearly

Feisty & the best Grandma ever
Mother of 6 & Grandmother of many
Go to her for advice all the time, even after her passing
Loving and Loved by all

4. Even if you don’t have kids, how do you feel about kids in multiple sports during their school years?  Were you in MULTIPLE sports all during school?  Forced or by choice?
I don't have kids yet, but I wasn't in multiple sports and I turned out OK. I think it all depends on the child and the parents. If you love sports and can keep up your grades, go for it, but don't burn out at a young age.

5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blog land.

It was a good week I guess. I worked Monday and Tuesday.......Wednesday was the big day of banding and now I'm on to healing and learning this new lifestyle. As for blog land, I don't know what I would do without it. It truly inspires me & helps me through these tough days after banding.

Post Op Day 2

First of all, is it horrible that I got on the scale this morning?? The disappointing part is that I'm exactly the same weight as I was the morning of surgery. I know I should have waited at least a week to jump on that thing. I guess I just figured that after 2 days of eating barely anything I would have lost SOMETHING! Oh well, I won't take it to heart.

Doing a lot better than yesterday I must say! I can actually bend over and put my own pants on without my husband helping me, bless his heart!! I seriously don't know what I'd do without that man! I'm still sore of course, but just as everyone is telling me, it IS getting more tolerable. Thank goodness, because for awhile I was thinking to myself "Is this really worth it?!?"
Still quite a bit of gas. I think maybe I'll have my hubby pick up some GasX strips for me after he gets off work. My arm is still achy.

Officially with Band - Post Op Day 1

Hi all! First of all, thanks for all the thoughts and prayers yesterday. I was reading them while in the pre-op room and they all really made me feel like I was doing the right thing. Surgery went well. It took about 2.5 hours because the surgeon fixed a hiatal hernia I had before placing the band. I had horrible shoulder pain in recovery, but nothing some Dilaudid couldn't take care of. I'm home now and have alot of discomfort in my left upper quadrant, but I'm assuming most of that is from the hernia repair. Every time I move I feel like one of my incisions is going to bust open. I really just want to let out a huge belch! I'm trying to walk as much as possible and get in my fluids, and of course do my incentive spirometer,but  t hurts like a bi&%h to cough and laugh! I'm also pretty tired still. It's impossible to rest in a hospital. 
Well, that's all I'm up to posting for now........I'll let you all know how tomorrow goes. Again, thanks for all the thoughts and well wishes!!

And I'm Off.............

Leaving in 10 minutes with my mom to pick up my niece and head over to the hospital. Surgery at 12:30pm. I'm actually quite mellow right now.......not really scared.....which is scary!! LOL! I had a dream last night that surgery was over, I was in the hospital walking the halls and I remember looking in a mirror and seeing all those little incisions. Maybe that's why I'm feeling pretty confident this morning. My weight this morning on my scale was 303.2 lbs. Utterly sickening. I am retaining alot of water in my left ankle / foot, but still. Still sickening. 
I guess it can only get better from here! I've got lots of prayers and thoughts coming my way today, so I'm feeling great!
Thanks for all your well wishes and I will update you all asap. 


I will return with band!

Getting Scared....HELP

So 3 days until surgery and I'm getting pretty nervous. Can someone please help me through this........? Words of wisdom, tips, etc.? Anything will be helpful at this point. I guess I'm just a nervous Nelly. 

Post op Advice Anyone?

I'm looking to all of you to help me stock my refrigerator for my 2 week pureed stage. I'm having my procedure next Wednesday and am trying to get prepared......if there is such a thing. HELP!

Shampoo Alert!!!

Shampoo alert!

As I was shampooing my hair in the shower this morning, I took time to read my shampoo bottle. I am in shock! The shampoo I use in the shower, that runs down my entire body says "for extra volume and body"! Seriously, why have I not noticed this before? Now I understand why I am so "full-figured"!

Tomorrow I am going to start using "Dawn" dish soap.

It says right on the label "dissolves fat that is otherwise difficult to remove." Problem solved!!

It pays to read the labels, my friends!

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LOL...Got this from a friend today and it made me giggle.

Have a great day everyone!

8/10/11 - My Official Date of Banding

I finally got everything set in stone for my surgery. I can't believe I'm doing this, but I have thought long and hard about it over the past months and believe it's definitely in my best interest. I guess I kind of feel like a failure that I just can't lose the weight on my own. I feel "weak" because I have to have surgery to be thin. I feel like my life will never be the same again after 8/10/11.
I have all the support a girl could ask for from my husband, family, friends, co-workers......but it's still so hard. Please....... someone tell me these are normal feelings to have!!
I'm super excited for surgery and taking off these pounds......but I'm so scared at the same time.

Secret Bandits

A fellow "Bander" I follow has a great idea.........Take a look!! I think it would be super fun to participate in!

Secret Bandit's

Surgery Consult --> check!

Met with the surgeon yesterday......on to pre-auth with insurance. And then I can finally schedule surgery!! I'm getting super excited, but it's also super scary. I get really worried. but then I look at everyone's progress and I get motivated. I need to do that every day!
So, he showed me both the Lap-Band and the Realize band. Let me feel them, showed me what it looks like when it's filled vs. empty, etc. He said to do some research, talk to people, and decide which band I want. Do any of you have the Realize band? All I ever hear about is the Lap-Band, which is what I'm leaning toward, but I'm just curious if anyone has had really good success with the Realize. The silicone seems so much softer than in the Lap, but he said they both do the same thing and some people choose Realize because of the softness.
 Let me know what you all think!!

Lap Band

       

Realize Band

HELP! High protein / Lower calorie drinks

As you all know, I'm getting prepared for banding sometime this summer. Last time I met with the dietitian one of my goals she made for me is to find some high protein drinks that are lower in calorie than Boost or Ensure. I plan to venture out this weekend and do some searching, but I thought my best resource is right here with all of you. Any suggestions for decent tasting drinks?

Consult scheduled!! Happy Birthday to me!!

Today is my Birthday!! Happy Birthday to me........especially because I got "the call" from the surgeon's office yesterday  to set up a consult with him! Yahoo! The date: 7/9/11!! 1 week away!! The killer: I have to be off my Protonix to test for H.pylori.......yuck! An entire week of heartburn...fantastic. Oh well. It'll be worth it. Tums will be my best friend! 
I'm so excited to get this going. I keep reading all of my followers posts and how absolutely great their doing and looking at how fabulous they look and I'm SO jealous!! 
The one thing that got me a little "worried" maybe, was when the dietician ran the numbers for me and my 50-60% excess weight loss is just under 98 lbs. I know! That's an awful lot of weight, and will be THRILLED with it, but I really wanted to lose 150.......I guess I better just not count my chickens before they're hatched and take what the Good Lord gives me. 
He has already blessed me in so many ways these past few weeks!! One of the biggest gifts.......I passed my LPN boards! I am officially a Licensed Practical Nurse!! Next year at this time I will be a Registered Nurse! Unbelievable! All that hard work actually paid off! 
If I could only lose a pound for every hour I study.....................

Just a little picker upper.......

Thought everyone could use a little chuckle. It definitely made me giggle!!

 Hope everyone is having a great week!!

My First Blogger Award

 My first award! Thank you so much Amanda  for nominating me! 

Here are the rules:

 

*Thank the women who gave you this award, and link back to them in your post.
*Tell us 10 things about yourself.
*Nominate your bloggers.
*Contact these bloggers, and let them know they received this award.

 

Ten whole things about the one and only, Melissa. Here we go...

 

1. I am going to be 33 years old on July 2nd. I feel super old!!

 

2. I am married to the greatest man in the world. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and if I hadn't had a rough past relationship, I never would have met my soul mate. 

 

3.  I am so anxious to have a baby. We'd like 2, but at my age, I won't push it! The clock is a tickin'!!

 

4.  I have one dog (Ben) and one cat (Chloe) who are our "four-legged" children. We spoil them and treat them like humans most of the time! But they love us no matter what!

 

5.  I can't wait to shop in normal clothing stores and go clothes shopping with girl friends. Have always been embarrassed to do it, but when I reach my goal it will be one of the 1st things I will do!

 

6.  I'm so not a morning person. No matter what I try, I can't do it! I always sleep in until the last possible minute I can before getting ready for work and/or school. What's worse is that the hubby is the jolliest morning person I know......How annoying!!  :)

 

7.  I'm a nursing student.........I finish next May!! Can't wait to graduate! I've wanted this for a long time and now that I'm in clinicals, it's going by so fast!! 

 

8.  I have one sister, a niece, a nephew, and a GRAND-nephew! I can't believe my niece had a baby before me, but love the little guy, Logan, SO much!! My niece and nephew have always been like my own children. I spoil them to death!

 

9. Can't wait to own our own home. Staying with my parents while I'm a full-time student, but hopefully by next summer we will own a home!

 

10.  I love my parents to death! They have been so supportive with everything I've set my  mind out to do and I don't know what I'd do without them. I'm blessed to have such a great family!

 

I am so thrilled that I got my first award!! Thanks so much Amanda. 

 

And the award goes to.........Debi!!!!!! 

Happy Memorial Day!!

Happy Memorial Day to all! Here's hoping that we all make wise food choices today and that I can stay away from soda! I don't know why this is so difficult for me, but I've been doing good!
I've been reading more blogs and it's so comforting to know that there are so many people out there like me. I've been going back to their very first blogs before banding and everyone seems to have the same fears and doubts that I have......Will it work for me? Is it worth it? What is post op like? Will I still enjoy eating? What can I eat? What CAN'T I eat? There are so many questions and I'm sure there are many different answers. In the end, only I will be able to answer those questions I guess.

My biggest fear at this point is that I will go through this procedure and it won't work for me. After all, my other attempts at weight loss haven't worked. Maybe I just need to have a more positive outlook. Like my husband tells me.....You're not happy unless you're worried about something!! LOL, he has a point....I worry about everything!!