Post Op Week 19 - Getting Closer

Hello All...Today is a good day I guess. My numbers are moving down and that makes me smile. Today's weigh in on the Wii was 202.8 and I think that is down about 3 lbs from last week. So, considering my food choices over the weekend while away on a mini vacation, I would say that is not too bad. I went to Hilton Head Island and had some food that was "delish". I didn't go crazy but I probably could have made better choices. I didn't really go to have "diet" food so I think I did okay really. I had BBQ ribs one day and fried shrimp another but nothing really over the top to make a difference. I had fun and that's what counts. Anyway, I am getting close to 199 and that will be the moment that I realize this thing is really working for me. I am a firm believer in what most people say about this band. It is only what you make it to be. It only works if you work with it. It is surely not easy and you still have to be mindful of your food choices. Exercise is also key in making the weight loss successful, if only for 30 minutes a day 4 to 5 times a week. So, here we are another week down and looking towards the future. I hope to see lower numbers next week. I will definitely keep you "posted". Have a great week!

Post Op Week 18 - I Can Get Used To This!

Ohhh Happy Days...The scale is moving for me this week. I don't know what I've done to deserve such great results but I will take it. Todays weigh in on the Wii showed me at 206.1 and I am so glad to be at 2 zero anything. I feel as though I have been hovering around 213 and 214 forever. But really I am probably just a bit anxious with the weight loss. I did do something different this week and that is get in all of my water. I haven't been able to drink much water since surgery but this week I have kind of forced myself to pick up the pace on the water. I do think that has a lot to do with my loss this week. I didn't make it to Stone Mountain for the walk because of the weather and I haven't done a whole lot in the gym but I still had good results and I am glad. I hope to pick up the pace on exercise next week and hopefully get closer to 1!derland. It seems unreal that I may one day be 199 pounds. I haven't seen anything close to that in my entire adult life. Amazing! Anyway, that is my story for this week. I am headed to HHI, S.C. this weekend and hope to have a great time. Have a great weekend...

Post Op Week 17 - A Better Day

Good Morning to All! It has been a pretty good week. I haven't exercised great this week but I haven't really slacked off all week. I went to the gym on Monday and Tuesday was an off day. Yesterday I went to Stone Mountain and walked and I know I said I wasn't going to go a day before weigh in but I tried to drink plenty of water to ward off the swelling that seems to get me when I walk the mountain. I guess it was okay. I didn't weigh in on the Wii this morning, I used the regular scale which in my opinion is a bit shady at times! Today it showed me at 211.5 which could be about right. That puts me down 3 pounds from last Thursday. Again, not much to talk about this week - just taking it day to day. Have a great week!

Post Op Week 16 - Slow and Steady Wins The Race??

Okay, so I think I am figuring this thing out. Let's start with the numbers and today I was clocked at 214.5 or something by the Wii master and that is down 3.5 pounds since last Thursday. If I had lost 1 pound on last week I might be okay. I told you last week I did 5 miles around the mountain 2 days in a row. I also went to the gym a day or 2 but nothing extraordinary. But I did expect to lose 1 pound maybe?? But I didn't lose anything by my weigh in day last Thursday. Anyway, on Sunday I got on the Wii just to do it and it showed 212! That is 6 pounds down from the Thursday weigh in. I guess my body had to catch up, cool down, mellow out...I don't know but I was at 212 on Sunday. Now, I haven't exercised a lot this week because I have been sick but I did go to the gym on Monday and I went and did the 5 miles on yesterday. Today, I am back up to 214. So, my take is that I need to do the walk a couple of days before the weigh in because some how it is causing me to hold on to weight for a day or so after I walk. I will get on the scale again this Sunday and see what results I get so that I can pin point the problem. Now don't get me wrong, I am excited to be down 3.5 pounds this week - I just expected more...don't we all? Anyway, I will not become a daily weigher because that just messes with my head and causes me to get off track of my eating. I am happy with my results but again I so want to be in the 1 hundred range soon that I can't hardly stand it. I will get there soon enough I am sure of that...Have a great week of moving and shaking!

Post Op Week 15 - Woe is me..okay not really

Hello to All! And with a deep sigh I proceed...what is really going on with me and the pounds. Okay, so I didn't gain a pound but I didn't lose either. I don't feel bad that I stayed the same but I thought my workout had been pretty good for the past 7 days. I even went to the mountain and walked twice this week and still no movement. I don't know, maybe I am not taking in enough food or something. It is difficult to focus when you think you are making progress and you aren't really. So, I need to look at what I am eating and I guess workout harder to see more results. I know we are all different and I don't try to compete and compare with others but it is hard to get pass what others are saying and doing when your results seem so low. That's my short rant for this week. I've got to get on the ball and have a bit more motivation when it comes to exercise. I am still just doing what I call the minimum and I thought I could get by with that but I am not super duper happy about my outcome this week. Today's Wii weigh-in is 218. We will see next week...

Post Op Week 14 - A Better Week

Hello to All! This week has been an okay week in terms of exercise. I started this jogging training session weekly thingy. My manager brought in a book with information on it and I thought I would try it because whenever I try to jog, whether it be on the treadmill or outside, I never last for more than 1 minute. So the process changes every week with how long you jog versus walk. I started last week and the instructions were to jog for 2 minutes and walk 4 minutes and you do this for 5 cycles (30 min total) on Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat. Last week was good and I made all the days with an extra day on Sunday. This week it changed to 3 min jogging and 3 minutes walking for 5 cycles on the same days as last week. I made it on Monday to the gym and worked those 30 minutes of jogging and walking but boy was I winded. Yesterday was suppose to be a jog/walk day but I went to Stone Mountain and walked the 5 miles and tried jogging but I probably came no where near the 3 minutes that I was suppose to do. I am satified with my outcome though because I lasted longer jogging than usual. Maybe it is working already! Anyway, the numbers from the Wii this week showed a loss of about 2 pounds. I am currently at 218.5 - Yay! Since I have bored you senseless with my jogging regimen, I will go. Talk to you next week...

Post Op Week 13 - Slow and Steady

Happy New Year! 2009 has come and gone and it has been a very eventful year to say the least. Onward to 2010 and I am only accepting positive energy and good health for this year. This weeks weigh in is not so bad but considering my options it is not the best either. The Wii showed me at 221 this week which is down 4 pounds from last week. I will take that but I so thought I would have been at least 219. Oh well, I must try a little harder and reach a little farther in order to get to that place. I am glad that the holidays are over and I look forward to getting on track with exercising more and becoming more than just average. Maybe above average and work my way up...SLOWLY! We will see the results next week. Until then...have a great week!

Post Op Week 12 - Xmas Dinner = +1.8

Okay, I guess I over did it over the Christmas holiday. I had breakfast at my brothers on Christmas morning and I didn't do soooo bad. I got up the day after and went for the 5 mile walk around Stone Mountain and made it in 1 hr and 20 mins. I think I did great! I weighed in on Sunday morning and was down to 223.5 and boy was I happy about that. Then came my birthday dinner on Sunday afternoon and I guess I had too much good food. I didn't go above and beyond at the gym this week and so I gained almost 2 pounds. Of course, I am not very excited about that but I won't let myself get bummed out because I enjoyed every bite. Today's weigh in with the Wii showed me back at 225.1 - I will do better next week.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all that follow and comment and offer support. I wish you all a Happy, Safe, Prosperous and Healthy New Year!

Post Op Week 11 - Still...

Happy Holidays To All! I had a pretty good week with my weight. Today's Wii action was 225. Yes, down a few more pounds. So, let's do a little recap of my progress. I started my journey back on October 5, 2009 weighing in at 270 right before my 2 day pre op liquid diet. My surgery was Octobert 8, 2009 and all has been wonderful so far. I am down 45 pounds (wow) and I think my approach towards my goal of 165 is progressing at a good rate. Last week I picked the coldest day to go to Stone Mountain to walk the 5 mile trek around the mountain but I did it! Usually, there are many people out walking or running or biking but on Sunday it was cold and dreary and very quiet at the park. I hope to get that 5 mile walk in again this Saturday because I haven't done my best at the gym this week. I went on Monday and did pretty good. Tuesday was a stressful day for me and I didn't even make 30 minutes on the elliptical. Wednesday was an off day but it should not have been because the gym is closed on today and tomorrow. So, I gotta go hard on Saturday. I had my 2nd fill on Monday and now I should have a total of 10 cc's in my band per the doctor. I find it hard to believe but that is what he says I have. I think my restriction is pretty good because I don't feel hungry for a long time after I eat. So, tomorrow is the big day and I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable holiday with those you care about most. Talk to you next week.

Post Op Week 10 - Back on Track

Hello to All...This week was better than last and I am back on track! The trusty Wii showed my weight today at 229 with a 39.11 BMI (still obese...lol). I still don't know what happened last week but we will leave it alone. This week I felt good about my workouts. I think I made it to the gym about 6 times but I am not trying to make that a habit. Still not loving the gym...but I am loving the results and so I will continue. My clothes are getting too big and I don't want to waste money on buying new clothes that only fit for a couple of months. What to do? A predictament that feels great to be in but is a waste of money that I don't have to waste. So, Christmas is upon us and for me, it is the best time of the year. Not only is it Christmas but it is also my birthday. This year I may be a bit lonely with the "sweetie" visiting family in HTown but I have my family here in the ATL and I guess that is what's important. I hope you all have a great week and I will chat with you next week...

Post Op Week 9 - What! +1.8

It happened! I gained a pound within the last 4 days. Today's weigh in showed a gain of 1.8 pounds which brings me to 233.5 and I don't know how that happened. Honestly, I am okay with the 1 pound gain (almost 2) but I still don't get it. I have exercised and thought I was eating the correct foods. Maybe it's the dreaded STRESS! Anyway, it's okay, I will have to work harder to get that back off and more. I have an appt today with my surgeon and I wanted to be at 230 but I fell short. I do have a fill coming up in about a week so I am now looking forward to that. It has been a whirlwind of a week and one that I don't care to even think of anymore. I am looking and reaching forward for a better tomorrow. I hope you all have a great week of moving and losing...

Post Op Week 8 - Another Good Week

So, another Thanksgiving has come and gone and for me this year was quite different. This was probably the first year in over 30 years that I didn't have cornbread dressing ( my all time favorite) nor did I have German Chocolate Cake ( my all time favorite forever). I didn't really miss the food so much as I did the enjoyment of gathering around the table with family and just eating. I know that sound weird but that is what I missed most. I did have food but of course only a dab of a few things. Anyway, I survived it without gaining, all is well! Today's weigh in on the Wii was 235 lbs. and that is a total weight loss of 35 lbs since Oct. 05, 2009. I've yet to set any goals because I have been too busy concentrating on trying to eat right and get in my exercise. So far, I have maintained my exercise regimen of 5 or more days a week at 30 minutes or more each time. I am happy about that because as stated in a previous post "I hate exercising" so any time that I make it to the gym or do the "walk" I am proud of myself for getting it done. I hope everyone is doing well and keeping it moving...

Post Op Week 7 - Giving Thanks

I am posting 1 day early due to the holiday and I may be too busy to get to it before the week is out. My partners family is coming to town for the holiday and I haven't done a thing so I will be busy today when I get home. So, I did the weigh in early as well and today I am sitting pretty at 235.5...that is 34.5 pounds down since pre op back on October 5. Still getting my exercise in at least 5 times a week and watching the calorie intake. All in all, I am happy with my progress. It is going to be different this year at Thanksgiving because my Mother has always made a feast as most mothers do and wow what a difference a band will make. I am thankful that I have been given the opportunity to use the band to my advantage and though it will be different and difficult to not consume all of the wonderful foods that will be available I am most thankful for the new outlook on life! I hope your Thanksgiving holiday is one filled with love, joy and happiness. Until next week...

Post Op Week 6 - 30 Pounds Down

So, it is week 6 of my lapband surgery and I am down 30 pounds! I am feeling great and looking forward to continuing this wonderful journey. This week has been challenging with getting a workout in 5 days because my partner had the surgery today and I have been trying to get everything all prepared so I have only exercised twice this week so far but hopefully I can get to the gym tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday. Just another weekly update...30 pounds down and more to go...

Post Op Week 5 - Still Going Good

I have made it to post op week 5 and everything is everything. I am still on the soft food stage and I think this is my last week and I can proceed to solid maybe. I don't know if I am looking forward to that now that I have become accustomed to the soft easy foods. I think I will take it slow and add in different food textures at a very slow pace. I do not want anything to get stuck! I am still going to the gym or walking my block at least 5 times a week and I think I am doing pretty good with that. The scale is still moving on the downward end and that is also a welcomed sight. Yesterday was my weigh in and the WII clocked me at 242. I think that is about 1 or 2 pounds down from last Thursday. Anyway, that is my story for this week...

My FIrst Fill

Hello to All - I just wanted to pop in and give a quick update on my first fill. It was quite uneventful and that is just the way I like it. I was amazed when he scheduled me so soon for a fill but glad at the same time I guess. Anyways, I have an 11 cc band and yesterday he put in 6 cc's. I am currently on liquids but I do believe I can tell the difference. I won't be sure until I start back on soft foods tomorrow or Thursday. Anyway, that's my fill story and I will give my weekly update on Thursday.

Post Op Week 4

Happy Friday to all! It is post op week 4 and all is the same and everything is going pretty good. I think I miscalculated my weight loss on my last post. It should have been 24 pounds total lost instead of 26. Yesterday when I got on the WII it should 1.5 pounds lost but that put me at 27 pounds total so miscalculation last week. It all good though, I will take any weight loss. I am still trying to make the gym or I will do the 2 mile trek around my neighborhood. My adventure will be tomorrow when I go back to "The Mountain". I used to walk the 5 miles around Stone Mountain back when I was doing the weight watchers thing but I kinda got out of my rhythm in many ways and I haven't been in awhile. This will be my test on how well I can get back at it. I feel like I am not giving my all when I exercise but I also feel like I am super tired when I am done. I am satisfied with my workout but I have got to get better. I hope all is well with everyone and I will be back soon...

Post-Op Week 3 - All is well

Today is October 29, 2009 and I have made it through to post op week 3. All is well...it has been 3 weeks of liquid and I am so excited about moving on to the soft/mushy stage of the food list. I have continued my exercises and its getting better. I am still not a fan of the gym but I am going. I am trying to make sure that I exercise at least 5 times a week for 30 minutes or more and I have done that so far. Today I weighed in at home on the WII and I am now at 244.5 and that is a total weight loss of 26 lbs since my pre op appt Oct. 05, 2009 and I am happy about that. I guess that is it for now. I hope to post pictures soon. Until then...

20 Pounds Down - 2nd Week Post Op

This is my 2 week post op update and I am a little late. After my follow up appt with the surgeon he told me to get to exercising. Well, I have been going to the gym and once I get started, it's not so bad. Oh, did I say I hate exercising. I don't hate it so much that I won't do it but I don't push myself to go beyond whatever minutes I input on the treadmill. If I put 30 minutes that's what it is and I don't go any further. I hope to get better. I am still on liquids! My doctor requires 3 weeks of liquids after surgery and then 3 weeks of mushies/soft foods before moving on to solids. This liquid stage has been a task at times because you just get tired of the same old drinks. I am so over protein shakes but I endure and try to press on. Today I tried butternut squash soup for the first time in my life and it was quite enjoyable. It is a soup that I had not seen before in a box. I think it is by Campbell's not sure though. But it was pretty tasty. I saw online where people that eat butternut squash soup sprinkle a little cinnamon on top and I tried that as well. Tasty. So, I think that is it for now. I go back to work on Monday and I must say that I am very ready. I am not a person that enjoys sitting home all day. Have a great week.

1 Week Post Op

Today I had my follow up with the surgeon and all went well. I have lost a total of 13 pounds since October 6th which is when I started the pre op liquid diet. I am happy about that and the doctor told me I could start to do some exercise. I am still sore at the port site and I am now having some gas pains but not too bad. The walking should really help with the gas that I am having. All in all, I am feeling pretty good. I am still on full liquids for another week or so and then on to food phase 2. Also, can you believe that he has scheduled me for my first fill. I have appt on 11/09 to have a fill and wow, I did not expect that to happen today. Can you say aggressive!