Trying to Get Back in the Game

So, it's been a LONG time since I've been on this blog and I need to be on here more. I've fallen off track with all the band rules and I need help getting back on the wagon. The good news is, I haven't gained any weight back! I've maintained, which I'm THRILLED about! I just haven't been drinking / eating my protein, I started drinking when eating, etc. I also feel like sometimes I can eat more than I should be able to. I haven't had a fill in over a year, but I'm not sure if I need one, or if I just need to start following the rules again. HELP! Any words of encouragement are appreciated! Has anyone else been through this???

Updated Pic.......I'm shocked.

Thought I'd post an updated pic of me. I haven't worn a dress in a LONG time, but I figured what better time to throw one on than graduation. For the first time I don't hate looking at the pictures of me! THAT is a great NSV! The pic on the left is at a wedding from 7/30/11- a little over a week before my surgery. The one on the right is from my graduation - 5/15/12. This is the first time I am looking at side by side pics of me before & now. I have a smile on my face right now......I can see the difference only 44 lbs. makes. Wow!

Ready to Get Back on Track.......AGAIN!

It's official.............I GRADUATED Nursing School!!! I have a job secured in a local hospital that I start next week as a Graduate Nurse. Hopefully I'll be able to take my boards by mid July and be a RN!! Woohoo!! 


I have been maintaining my weight, which is not my goal at this point, but it's better than gaining!! I'm down a little over 44 lbs, and I'll take it. Now that school's over I can focus on this weight loss more. I went for a small fill yesterday; 0.25cc, for a total of 6.25cc. I have a feeling this one may be too restrictive, but I'm going to give it a few days to see how I do. I joined a local gym that is expanding & I'm looking forward to starting. They will have  a pool, so that is very exciting! I found out a few weeks ago that I have a lumbar disc protrusion that is causing some pretty bad sciatica.......NOT good timing!! It's getting frustrating though because I can't do as much as I'd like to. Even day to day activities are difficult. 


Leaving for Vegas at the end of the month for 8 nights!! Can't wait to get away and relax with the hubby! It's been a LONG adventure in nursing school, so both of us definitely need and deserve this vacation. 


So that's my update. I hope to be on here more now that I don't have to concentrate on homework! I realize now how much of a support all of you are. When I'm not on here reading your posts or getting comments from you, I seem to lose track of my weight loss goals. So, thank you to everyone who follows me for your support! 


My goal for the day is to clean my bedroom closet and get rid of my bigger clothes. I still tend to wear some of them, but I got a comment from a co-worker the other day. She said (jokingly & lovingly)....."You need to get some scrubs that FIT!! Your pants look like MC Hammer pants!" Best thing I've heard in a long time!!

Feeling Better

Hi everyone! Just thought I'd check in and do a quick post. Since my last post I'm feeling alot better about my progress. I've managed to change some of my recurring bad habits........Just a recap:



1) Haven't been getting protein in. --Have been getting in at least one 30g protein drink in addition to higher protein foods.
2) Haven't been getting in any activity.--Still not quite there yet........
3) Been having Starbuck's too often. -- Have SIGNIFICANTLY reduced! Replace with a protein drink now.
4) Not tracking my food intake. -- Still working on that one.
5) Not drinking enough water. -- Improving, definitely!
6) Snacking at night. -- Hardly ever
7) Haven't been blogging or reading all the success stories -- Still not as much with the last few weeks of nursing school.


So that's where I stand. I am now at my lowest since banding. I'm down a total of 47.4 lbs. Do I wish it were much more, YES! BUT.........if it weren't for the band, I would probably be UP 47.4 lbs. I have a friend who had a duodenal switch shortly before I was banded and she is super skinny. It makes me happy for her but sad for me. I went into this knowing that it was a slower weight loss and it does feel totally natural, but at the same time, I can't get over the fact that she is at goal, and I still have almost 80 to go. Needless to say, I plan on bumping up all my weight loss work as soon as I graduate! I know I should be priority right now, but I have a little over TWO WEEKS until I'm a Graduate Nurse and that is my life until I take my last nursing school exam!   This is for me too. 


I wish everyone well, and I will be back full force as of May 16th! 

It's Been Awhile

OMG, I can't believe I've been away from here for so long......hence one of the reasons I've really been "off track." Again, I feel like I've really let myself slip the past month or so, into some old habits......So here I am, and I'm going to lay it all out of the table and see it in writing.

1) Haven't been getting protein in.
2) Haven't been getting in any activity.
3) Been having Starbuck's too often.
4) Not tracking my food intake.
5) Not drinking enough water.
6) Snacking at night.
7) Haven't been blogging or reading all the success stories

Wow, and I wonder how I'm not losing weight...........Please tell me I'm not the only one who has gone through a hiatus like this. I can't let all my hard work go down the drain now! I'm going to make small goals to get back on track. First 2 goals for this week: Get protein in and stop snacking at night.

Can you believe I graduate next month?!? I've been totally dedicated to my studies and have left "me" get into a slump. I'm very frustrated.

Any good ideas for stopping the night-time munchies? I thought maybe I could drink a protein drink or something later in the evening. What works for you guys?

The words I will tell myself:

Help the MS Society!!

I know I haven't been updating lately, but school has been CRAZY!! I wanted to hop on here and ask a favor..........if you are on Facebook, please see this:

http://www.facebook.com/officialpureprotein?sk=wall

Just one click will help bring us one step closer to a cure for MS!! This is something I struggle with every day.....in my weight loss, in my nursing school, at work.........in everything I do. Please help!

Thank you!!   :)

Back on Track

Finally! Lost 2 lbs. last week!! Still a bit above my lowest......about 1.5 lbs, but I feel like I'm in control again. That is a good feeling!


Friday I had my 4th fill for a total of 6 cc. I didn't realize the last time I had a fill was a few weeks before Thanksgiving, so that may help explain my increased food intake. When I ate yesterday I definitely felt the restriction more than I have in awhile, so that makes me feel more secure. I asked about the "first-bite syndrome" and the PA says quite a bit of people have it but they have no explanation for it. I'm going to try eating a few crackers or something before my meal....we'll see how that works. 


The hubby and I have booked our vacation to Vegas for July! I'm so excited and it's going to be a GREAT reward after graduation from nursing school! 8 nights, 9 days of pure relaxation and freedom from reality! That reminds me, have any of you flown since you were banded? Do I need to get something from my doctor or from Allergan saying I have this device in my body? Also, I'm wondering if there's something I can get for discounted buffet prices in Vegas, seeing as I don't eat that much. Any ideas about either subjects would be helpful!!


Now that I'm back on track I can't wait to weigh in on Wednesday! 


I hope all of you are getting back on track since the very challenging holidays!! My next challenge = start moving!! I hate exercise, but I have to start. 


Have a great week everyone!!