PameW
Starting month 10!
Jan 06, 2010
I so can't believe this is month ten of being banded! WOW! Where has the time gone? So many changes in my life these last ten months it isn't even funny! Change is good though. As long as it is positive, bring it on! I am offically down 110 lbs! Shout it out! I can hardly freaking believe it. I see old photos of myself and I ask who the hell that woman is. Clearly she wasn't happy because she doesn't have the same kind of smile on her face as she does now 
So what have I discovered in this journey? Let's she:
1) I don't need Diet Coke to survive!
2) I can workout for two hours and be okay.
3) Being healthy far outshines being sick & tired
4) I found my smile again!
5) I actually feel sooooo good after a workout! (I may complain the entire time, but feel terrific afterwards)
6) I'm an inspiration to others! (My entire family is on the bandwagon now! Yipee!)
7) I define me! No one, nothing, or situation can tell me who I am, only me!
8) I'm cancer free for the first time in 6 years! Shout to the Lord!
9) I actually don't miss fast food.
10) I remembered who I was before CANCER! And I like that person! Did I mention I found my smile again?
The photo below shows the journey. Beginning, middle and Happy New Year!
3 comments
So what have I discovered in this journey? Let's she:
1) I don't need Diet Coke to survive!
2) I can workout for two hours and be okay.
3) Being healthy far outshines being sick & tired
4) I found my smile again!
5) I actually feel sooooo good after a workout! (I may complain the entire time, but feel terrific afterwards)
6) I'm an inspiration to others! (My entire family is on the bandwagon now! Yipee!)
7) I define me! No one, nothing, or situation can tell me who I am, only me!
8) I'm cancer free for the first time in 6 years! Shout to the Lord!
9) I actually don't miss fast food.
10) I remembered who I was before CANCER! And I like that person! Did I mention I found my smile again?
The photo below shows the journey. Beginning, middle and Happy New Year!
FINALLY! Reason to celebrate!
Dec 22, 2009
It's been like a game of chinese jump rope lately! Jump in jump on, jump side to side, jump in, jump on, jump off! Well finally, I've stayed below the -100 mark so I think it is safe to declare it!
As of today, I am sitting at minus 104 lbs! I can hardly believe it! I've been under some stress lately and not able to eat more than 1/2 cup of food every few hours, but I stuck to my workouts because they were the one thing to get me thru the stress.The happiest of moments was my boyfriend coming home on leave and picking him up from the airport! The look on his face when he saw me was simply priceless and something I shall never forget. After he kissed me, he kindly asked, "what happened to the rest of you?" It has been an adjustment period for the two of us at the moment. He isn't used to the new me who is now even more opinionated and self sufficiant! I think of this weightloss as a journey of self discovery and I've discovered many parts of me that I lost in my cancer journey. Things that I let fall to the waist side because frankly all I was doing was trying to survive. Well since that, they've come back because now it is much more that survival, it is all about LIVING! Joe is also astounished at my cooking. I try a lot of different things and told him that if he desired fast food, he'd have to go out and get it for himself because I wouldn't put myself in that situation! Thankfully he was okay with that! And he is enjoying all the different things I've cooked for him!
The holidays are always difficult for me but this year I keep reminding myself of all the things I've gained this year that I didn't/couldn't do last Christmas.
1) I workout for 1-2 hrs a day!
2) I wear a size 14/16
3) I don't take blood pressure medications anymore!
4) I don't need oxygen when I sleep!
5) I've always got a smile on my face in photos
6) I'm not the cranky crabby beotch I always was!
7) My narcolepsy is controlled (big plus there)
8) I've gained friends that I don't know today what I'd do without
9) I've learned to fix problems without food as a comfort
10) For the first time in 6 yrs, I can say that I love myself!
Happy Holidays to all!
Oh so cold going into month 8!
Dec 06, 2009
I totally forgot that today was my 8 month bandiversary! Why did I forget, because I'm so trying to keep warm! Who would have thought losing all this weight would mean that I am always freezing my butt off!
The time has certainly flow for certain. I feel like it was not that long ago that I was having surgery. It has definitely been an interesting 8 months! 8 months that have me at -98 pounds. Those last two pounds evade me for sure. I'm not a holiday person and I know part of the pounds not coming off is stress. I'm not sleeping well and work has been hectic so I know that this is part of my problem too! But I'm not giving up! I'm determined to get those 2 lbs off of my body soon. And my trainer says, I'm gaining muscle so that is part of it too.
I had my last fill in October. I've got nice restriction and don't believe I need another fill at this time. I'm eating fine and don't want to be too tight for xmas.
As I look back over the last 8 months I tell myself how happy I am that I made this decision and wish I could have done it sooner! I'm feeling like my old self again. The person I was pre cancer changing everything. It is nice to recognize that person in the mirror again! To honor that, I went and had my hair cut yesterday too! I really feel like my sassy self again now! Tomorrow I will be getting pictures taken at my doctor's office to be a featured article in their bariatric newsletter for January. I'm both nervous and excited at the same time.
So many changes coming my way! I'm excited and continue to enjoy this journey every day! Peace & blessings to all this holiday season!
1 comment
The time has certainly flow for certain. I feel like it was not that long ago that I was having surgery. It has definitely been an interesting 8 months! 8 months that have me at -98 pounds. Those last two pounds evade me for sure. I'm not a holiday person and I know part of the pounds not coming off is stress. I'm not sleeping well and work has been hectic so I know that this is part of my problem too! But I'm not giving up! I'm determined to get those 2 lbs off of my body soon. And my trainer says, I'm gaining muscle so that is part of it too.
I had my last fill in October. I've got nice restriction and don't believe I need another fill at this time. I'm eating fine and don't want to be too tight for xmas.
As I look back over the last 8 months I tell myself how happy I am that I made this decision and wish I could have done it sooner! I'm feeling like my old self again. The person I was pre cancer changing everything. It is nice to recognize that person in the mirror again! To honor that, I went and had my hair cut yesterday too! I really feel like my sassy self again now! Tomorrow I will be getting pictures taken at my doctor's office to be a featured article in their bariatric newsletter for January. I'm both nervous and excited at the same time.
So many changes coming my way! I'm excited and continue to enjoy this journey every day! Peace & blessings to all this holiday season!
Hello Month 7!!!!!!!!!
Nov 05, 2009
So it's been 7 months since my band surgery! Oh how time has flown for sure. As of this morning I am sitting pretty at 233.6. Oh happy day! When I began my journey is was wearing size 24/26 pants; I'm not in size 16. Tops were 30/32 and now I'm in an 18 and some 16's. I've dropped a cup and two back sizes in my bra!
I have now begun working out with a trainer at Club Fitness to start and tighten things up! Thanks to my loving boyfriend being so happy that the Yankees won the World Series, I think I could have asked for the Sun, Moon & Stars and he would have handed it over. So far I've gotten him to pay for the personal trainer, let's see what else I can get out of this win :))))
I met with trainer last evening and we worked out and he did all my measurements and body fat and so on and so forth. I saw a woman doing pull ups and remarked how I wanted to do that someday! He said by my one year bandiversary I would be doing that. I think just having someone to push me and remind me how strong I truly am will be a godsend!
Since my fill on October 5th, I've got restriction and doctor says that this may be my last fill. We shall see! I see him before xmas in December and we shall see where I'm at then! Healthy & happy I'm sure! My new tip for all; instead of rushing for that chocolate bar, have a hot chocolate! It will satisfy that craving and leave you content!
I'm so happy to be over my plataue in isn't even funny! I'm looking forward to hitting -90 by next week and hello -100! I will be there soon with the biggest smile on my face! I was hating my scale for awhile, but now I'm thinking that it ain't so bad!!!!!!!!!!!!
New pics to come soon! Blessings to all!
6 month bandiversary
Oct 06, 2009
Today marks month 6 with my band! And what a joyous 6 months it has been! I spent about a few days in the 230's and with the birthday last week, I'm up a few lbs. But with dedication and the fill I got yesterday, I will be back there and beyond really soon! I went shopping with some of my birthday money yesterday and got a size 3 jeans at Fashion Bug! Wohoo! So excited! I saw my surgeon yesterday and he remarked that even with the tiny weight gain that I was beating myself up about, he was very proud of me and said that I have lost more than many of his RNY patients in the 6 months! How about them apples? I love my band and never regret for one moment the decision I have made! I'm working my band and lovin' life. What more could a girl ask for?
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Happy 40th bday to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sep 30, 2009
Well, today marks my 40th birthday! The day that 3 doctors claimed I'd never see! Well I proved them wrong huh? Ovarian Cancer & Obesity are crazy things, but I'm hoping that I'm conquering them both! As of this morning, I am offically down 85lbs and wearing a dress that is a size 16! I can't even believe it! Next week marks my 6 month anniversary with my band and though I've had minor issues, I love my band and wouldn't change a thing! I'm so looking forward to the many years ahead that the band and losing these excess pounds has afforded me!
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5 month bandiversary
Sep 06, 2009
So today marks 5 months since I got my band! It's been a total wild ride! My weight loss has seemed to slow down big time but the inches are still coming off. I had a trip to Fashion Bug on Saturday because none of my jeans fit anymore. I brought what size I thought I was into the dressing room wtih me and when I put it on, I stood there laughing hysterically because it was too damn big. So back out to see what size I really now was. I am happy to report that I am down to a size 16/18 in things. I bought myself a few new tops and 2 new dresses. I found myself the ultimate dress I want for my birthday in a size 16. It is a little tight in the bust area, but in 3 weeks, it will be just fine. I was on cloud 9 all day yesterday. It was the greatest feeling since I haven't seen a size 16/18 in about 13-15 years. If I can get down to a size 12, I will be extremely happy!
Poundage wise, I've lost 79.5 lbs. It is that half pound that eludes me. I've moved the scale everywhere in the house that I possibly could and nothing changes. I'd live to say that I've changed up my food, but alas, I have not. I'm desperately in need of a fill that I won't get for two more weeks. I'm getting back to basics and exercising like crazy this week. Trying to get back into the routine of things for sure. I've learned that each day is different with my band and some days are better than others, but I have never ever regreted my decision to make these lifestyle changes. I'm happy and healthy (according to my doctors) and you can't put a price on that!
I know that my weightloss has slowed down, but I'm not going to get discourged in the least. It is time to go back to the basics and realize that my body needs time to adapt to my quick weightloss. Since my body hasn't failed me yet, I'm gonig to give it a break now. Fall is my very favorite season on the year that will be filled with long walks in the fall air, soccer games a bunch with the kids and just enjoying the fresh air. I do my best in the fall so I'm looking forward to a very long fall here in St. Louis and busting my behind to make my 100lb loss! Wishing everyone a lovely Labor Day weekend!
2 comments
Poundage wise, I've lost 79.5 lbs. It is that half pound that eludes me. I've moved the scale everywhere in the house that I possibly could and nothing changes. I'd live to say that I've changed up my food, but alas, I have not. I'm desperately in need of a fill that I won't get for two more weeks. I'm getting back to basics and exercising like crazy this week. Trying to get back into the routine of things for sure. I've learned that each day is different with my band and some days are better than others, but I have never ever regreted my decision to make these lifestyle changes. I'm happy and healthy (according to my doctors) and you can't put a price on that!
I know that my weightloss has slowed down, but I'm not going to get discourged in the least. It is time to go back to the basics and realize that my body needs time to adapt to my quick weightloss. Since my body hasn't failed me yet, I'm gonig to give it a break now. Fall is my very favorite season on the year that will be filled with long walks in the fall air, soccer games a bunch with the kids and just enjoying the fresh air. I do my best in the fall so I'm looking forward to a very long fall here in St. Louis and busting my behind to make my 100lb loss! Wishing everyone a lovely Labor Day weekend!
NSV-Highest Compliment
Aug 27, 2009
Been going thru the blues lately but today was a pick me up. My surgeon's office emailed me today and said that they had a few patients that were on the fence regarding lap band surgery and asked if I could talk to them and give them a patient's perspective. Since my life is mostly an open book I told them to pass on my contact information. This evening I talked to both patients and answered all of their questions truthfully and always reminding them that each person's journey is different. At the end of each of my conversations, the women commented that after talking to me, they had decided to have lap band as opposed to RNY. And they both commented that I should be a speaker at the doctor's seminars because it would be helpful to others to hear a true persceptive on the journey. Seeing that I was on the way to support group with my NUT, I commented that I would let the doctor know. So I mentioned it to my NUT and I've been invited to speak at the next few seminars. She told me that I was the first name out of everyone in the office's mouth when they were thinking on who these patients could talk to. I feel like the highest compliment has been bestowed upon me!.
Even though my scale may not be moving at the same rate it once was, there are so many other things I have gained along this journey! For the first time in a long long time, I feel that God has placed me exactly where I need to be!
1 comment
Even though my scale may not be moving at the same rate it once was, there are so many other things I have gained along this journey! For the first time in a long long time, I feel that God has placed me exactly where I need to be!
It's been 4 months today!
Aug 05, 2009
It is hard to believe that today marks 4 months since I received my band. I am down a whopping 72 lbs. I'll go up against anyone who says that band doesn't work. I'm walking, talking proof that indeed does work.
In the last month I had had a fill and an unfill. I learned at my unfill that what we thought was 4.5 cc's in my band was actually 5 cc's in my band. So a little coming out wasn't a bad thing. I went around being too tight for about 5 weeks and I could kick myself. As soon as a little fluid came out of that band, I felt instant relief! Never again will I wait if I'm feeling tight. If it has been two weeks since a fill and you can't keep down solids, get an unfill!
After I weighed myself this morning and saw the 250 on the scale and let out a nice scream. I finally weigh what it says on my driver's license. Isn't that too funny!And truth be told, I haven't weighed this amount in probably 9 years. It is exciting!
At this point, I'm relearning how to eat since I was too tight for too long, I fell back into the habit of mushies that are higher in fat and carbs. I'm heading back to getting my high protein diet back and look forward to hitting it out of the ballpark by my 6 month anniversary!
4 comments
In the last month I had had a fill and an unfill. I learned at my unfill that what we thought was 4.5 cc's in my band was actually 5 cc's in my band. So a little coming out wasn't a bad thing. I went around being too tight for about 5 weeks and I could kick myself. As soon as a little fluid came out of that band, I felt instant relief! Never again will I wait if I'm feeling tight. If it has been two weeks since a fill and you can't keep down solids, get an unfill!
After I weighed myself this morning and saw the 250 on the scale and let out a nice scream. I finally weigh what it says on my driver's license. Isn't that too funny!And truth be told, I haven't weighed this amount in probably 9 years. It is exciting!
At this point, I'm relearning how to eat since I was too tight for too long, I fell back into the habit of mushies that are higher in fat and carbs. I'm heading back to getting my high protein diet back and look forward to hitting it out of the ballpark by my 6 month anniversary!
