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!!

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!