Sandy77
Persistence, Not Perfection
Apr 18, 2012
Happy Healthy 3 Year LapBand Surgiversary to me!
Don't Just count your years Make your Years count !
"I get addicted to the feelings associated with the end of a long run. I love feeling empty, clean, worn out, starving, and sweat-purged. I love the good ache of muscles that have done me proud." -Kristin Armstrong
I've changed my life and I couldn't have done it without Family, Friends, Obesityhelp.com and my Awesome Lap band Doctor ( Dr Cywes and his staff) Simply the best. I'm 3 yrs Post op Lap band and 3 months post op (TT) Tummy Tuck. I'm now a runner. I amaze myself every day with the new things I accomplish and the challenges I meet head-on. Obesity help has taught me about nutrition, fitness and motivation. I learn new things every day . My starting weight was 235 lbs. My Current weight is 140 lbs. Thanks for all the support and encouragement! I'm looking forward to getting even healthier with all of you in 2012. Discover what matters most to you,and make your daily life into a true reflection of those ideas, beliefs,and attitudes. The most Important thing I've learned on this Journey is Changing my Relationship with Food, that is truly the key to my Success!!
It's been 2 years! Happy WLS Anniversary ! To Me
Mar 03, 2011
It was on Feb 26, 2009, 2 years ago my new life as a post op Lapband Begin. I know it's has been a while since I've posted. But I have truly been Living life to the fullest. I'm training for my first 10k run on April 2nd I'm so excited! I was recently featured as a Weight loss Success Story of the Month on my Dr's Website. Check out my story below : ( picture of me and my biggest supporter my Husband.
Cassandra: LAP-BAND Success
Half the Size, Twice the Life!
When I think back to February 26, 2009, I was at my highest weight of 235 lbs with a BMI of 50. Half of me was fat! I was digging my own grave with a knife and fork. Now it’s my 2 year Anniversary. I’m at a Healthy Normal BMI. I weigh 149 lbs. And I have maintained this weight for the last 2 years. since reaching my goal weight in 8 months. I lost a total of 86 lbs. I’m so proud of myself. Consistency, Commitment, and Compliance from Dr. Cywes and his staff has truly made all the difference.
Dr. Cywes is Awesome! He is so passionate about the band and is so dedicated. As a patient, he is always there for you. His Staff are truly wonderful people who are as dedicated to fighting obesity and who will also take the time to talk to you, support you, and encourage you. I look forward to each and every visit.
With Hard Work and Determination, and refusing to Give up or Give in, I’ve consistently lost weight. The journey is not easy, but it is worthwhile. My biggest challenge was certainly overcoming bad habits. What most people don’t realize is that losing weight is not just a physical battle; it is not just about eating healthy and plenty of exercise, but more importantly the mental and physical habits that you have to break along the way. I had to change the way I thought about food, exercise, and I had to stop caring about what people thought of me and start focusing on myself and what I needed. I owe it all to re-learning how to eat and re-learning about food. I’ve had only two fills my first 4 cc, so I’m at 6 cc in my 8 cc band. I’ve transitioned from plus size clothing to size 6-8 misses. On April 3, 2010 I did my first 5k run I'm now trainging for a 10k run on April 2, 2011. I’m no longer Pre-Diabetic. Pre-Hypertension, or have high cholesterol I love my band….It saved my life, it saved me from me! If I can do it, anybody can do it!
This year I celebrate my 2 year Anniversary. I’m 47 years old. I will be celebrating my 48 birthday on Mar 28. Happy, Healthy, and Fit! I’m truly living and Loving Lap-band®.
Sincerely.
MizSandy
Gave my Testimony at WLS Seminar to others seeking Lapband
Jun 29, 2010
My friends and family tell me that I'm like a new person. I have finally gained the self-confidence that has been missing all these years and I feel a new respect for the simple things in life. I wake up every day wanting to live and enjoy my life to its fullest potential. My love and thanks go out to my children and their spouses for believing in me and loving me no matter what. I also want to thank Dr. Cywes, his staff and the Bar iatric Institute for their guidance, help, and encouragement throughout this journey. But above all else, I want to thank God for keeping his arms around me, steering me in the right direction, and showing me that with faith all things are possible.
And afterwards they had some Question so rewarding helping others change there lives. I had to share this moment has anyone else been asked my there Dr Office and has had the opportunity to speak to others I would like to know. Take care everyone.
My First 5k run! It was Great!
Apr 07, 2010
Fourth Annual Captain Chuck Cornett Navy Run
Hundreds turn out for 5th annual run
April 3, 2010
Last nite I thought You're crazy if you do that race tomorrow! You should stay in bed!” Considering that I did not get to bed until 2:00 am since our son's flight was delayed. I got up at 6.00am and felt like a walking zombie. It was so sunny and beautiful outside. However, that was deceiving since it was 49 degrees!!! I grab my husband sweat Jacket put on my shorts and T-shirt, and headed to the race. This was the race I had planned. And was looking forward to it. The festivities began early as we stretched, and warmed up, before the race.
After I arrived home, Had to get my shower head out to my Hair Appt at 1:00 PM this was Easter weekend ( Resurrection Sunday) as always looking forward to Sunday school andSunday morning worship. I Thank God for giving me renewed strength Daily.I felt great throughout the race. I never walked and I sprinted through the finish line. In fact, I know I could have ran faster with proper rest. But all in all oh Yes, I think my training paid off. (oh what a feeling! and a sense of self Accomplishment!After observing morning colors, NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. welcomed the runners, including members of the Cornett family. With the firing of the cannons by the NAS Jax Security Department, the race begin and we were off. My pace was good while enjoying the sounds of my ipod. The course was marked and there were volunteers at every turn. Before I knew it I was at the home stretch.
The snacks after was fresh fruit, water and very surprising to me they had beer where people were lining up to get a cup. And at the awards ceremony, I did not place in my age group. But I won an Awesome Prize in the drawing One pair of Asics Performing Running shoes Valued at $150.00 dollars. I was so Elated! Whoohoo! My Photos Below me on the top left, alone with race take off, navy band and other snapshots.I finished with a time of 40:00 min. I'm still happy because it was my first race this year.
My Favorite Quotes
“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” – John Bingham
“Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.” – Lance Armstrong
“There is no better feeling in the world than to take your mind and body to a place you thought it couldn’t go; a place you thought it didn’t belong. You should all try it sometime.” – Shauna Reid
“Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up.” – Dean Karnazes
"I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement." - Steve Prefontaine
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! To Me!
Mar 30, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HAPPYBIRTHDAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAYTO ME!
Two days ago on March 28, 2010. I celebrated my 47 Birthday. It was one year of not using food for anything outside of healthy nutrition. (Not that there weren't periodic temptations to dive back into the sugar barrel.)
It was a year of firsts. Living in a world without processed foods. I survived birthdays, anniversaries, illnesses, holiday's and day to day life events while maintaining my goal weight. Now one might think this was all frills and joy...that I spent the nights twirling around in my new single digit dress size... not so my friends. Having food-sobriety meant feeling every single feeling that passed my way.
Gone were the nights of late night grazing. I had to use every coping tool (Thank you lapband ) I have to allow myself to feel instead of eat. This is just as much work, if not more, than the actual lifestyle change. The good news is that, in the face of peril, distress or just boredom was just about gone. Most days I have felt great and full of energy. On the bad days instead of living in a denial fest, I engaged in reality and dealt with it.
The biggest adjustment being that since I hit my goal weight 5 months ago I could not just return to my old habits of eating. Nor did I want to. It took me far to long to lose this weight and celebrating the loss with food just seemed like an oxymoron. I thank God for my Family and Friends throughout each walk of my life that I have taken, those who I have met as a volunteer, as a professional or through means like sports or social networking, I thank you for all the things that you have passed on to me. I thank you for being human enough to care and to share. So for today, I have hit a first time mile stone Happy Birthday to me!
PS: Check out my story below on slideshow : click on the link or copy and paste
PS: Check out my story below on slideshow : click on the link or copy and paste
1 year out! Half the Size, Twice the Life!
Mar 01, 2010
It's My 1 year bandiversy and I can't believe it! When I think back to February 26. 2009 , I was at my highest weight of 235. Now its my bandiversy, a year later, I'm at a Healthy Normal BMI. I weigh 145 lbs. And have been maintaining this weight for the last 3 months since reaching my goal weight in 8 months. I lost a total of 90 lbs, I'm so proud of myself. Consistency, Commitment, Hard Work and Determination, and refusing to Give up or Give in. I've consistently lost weight. The journey is not easy, but it is worthwhile. My biggest challenge was certainly overcoming bad habits. What most people don't realize is that losing weight is not just a physical battle; it is not just about eating healthy and plenty of exercise, but more importantly the mental and physical habits that you have to break along the way. I had to change the way I thought about food, exercise, and I had to stop caring about what people thought of me and start focusing on myself and what I needed. I owe it all to re-learning how to eat and re-learning about food. I've had only two fills my first 4 cc, so I'm at 6 cc in my 8 cc band. I've transitioned from plus size clothing to size 6-8 misses. I plan on getting certified to be a personal trainer early next year., and on April 3rd, I will be doing my second 5k run. I'm no longer Pre-Diabetic. Pre-Hypertension, or have high cholesterol I love my band....It saved my life, it saved me from me! If I can do it, anybody can do it! Today I celebrate my one year Anniversary. I'm 46 years old. I will be celebrating my 47 birthday on Mar 28. Happy, Healthy, and Fit!
Half the Size, Twice the Life!
The Blessings of a New Year!
Jan 05, 2010
Almost one year ago today I woke up at 235 pounds. Why do I say I woke up? Because I was living in a world with a fake mindset of what I had become. Food was my outlet. I went to it for comfort, to celebrate, and to just find a bit of happiness. Honestly though…it was doing none of those things for me. It was only making me unhappier, unhealthier, and fatter!
I also started to read everything I possibly could from the articles, to the message boards, and eventually got involved. The support that you receive from OH is unbelievable! I have made very true friends here and for that I am forever grateful!
Exercise has become my go to for everything! I never thought I would say that. It empowers me! Wow the blessings of a New Year! love it.
I am not done transforming my body yet. I still have trouble areas (like the belly), but I plan on having a tummy tuck this year. At 148 lbs I'm livin and Lovin Lapband. The year of 2010 my goal is to continue to give my family and myself the Gift of a Healthier me.
Dont Quit!
Nov 23, 2009
Don’t Quit! When you’ve eaten too much and you can’t write it down, And you feel like the biggest failure in town.
When you want to give up just because you gave in, And forget all about being healthy and thin. SO WHAT! You went over your points a bit, It’s your next move that counts….So DON'T YOU QUIT!
It’s a moment of truth, it’s an attitude change. It’s learning the skills to get back in your range. It’s telling yourself, “You’ve done great up till now.
You can take on this challenge and beat it somehow.” It’s part of your journey toward reaching your goal. You’re still gonna make it, just stay in control.
To stumble and fall is not a disgrace, If you summon the will to get back in the race. But, often the struggler’s, when loosing their grip, Just throw in the towel and continue to slip.
And learn too late when the damage is done, That the race wasn’t over….they still could have won.
Lifestyle change can be awkward and slow, But facing each challenge will help you grow. Success is failure turned inside out, The silver tint in a cloud of doubt.
When you’re pushing to the brink, just refuse to submit, If you bite it, write it….BUT DON'T YOU QUIT! ~
Author Unknown
I just had to share this with you as I was browsing and saw this blogged and it speaks volume!
Feeling Terrific
Nov 16, 2009
Have a blessed week!
Tears of Joy!
Nov 04, 2009
Knowledge is the key to Success in this Journey...". the protein kept my body fed so that I was less likely to create insulin spikes, which lead to cravings and sometimes uncontrollable eating. I Thank God for giving me strength to have the Courage and Determination to never give up! I'm truly Living and Loving Lap band
I have within me everything I need for success and beyond, as you can tell in my after photo I'm BEAMING! I've learned that nobody likes to think in terms of losing. Think, instead in terms of winning those things that makes life more worthwhile---things like good health, more energy, and a better appearance, for starters. People like us who are healthy and fit live longer and have a greater capacity for enjoying their lives. Losing weight means gaining strength and vitality, along with a more effective immune system. There's a great deal to be gained by losing unwanted pounds. In the end, you will gain an increased ability to be all that you can be. I Focus on what is positive and healthful,while eliminating what is tempting and non-productive.
Biggest cheerleaders! My family and friends, especially my husband and my mom have been my biggest cheerleaders. I think before they were concern. I was not very healthy had High blood pressure, Cholesterol, and Pre-diabetic so for them to see me now, and all those health problems have been resolved. They are sooooooveryyyyy "proud" of me. I let them know I appreciate all the support and it makes me Accountable to them and myself.
I also recently accomplished something that would not have been possible in my previous health condition; , I ran my first 5K in 48 minutes last month. It was amazing, and all that I could think of was how good it felt to have a body that could handle such a tedious but rewarding task. This surgery has changed my life in so many ways and I am so extremely happy that I decided to do it. I feel the best I've ever felt in my adult life and can do things now that I would never have bothered doing 85 pounds ago. I feel free and am so grateful that food no longer controls me anymore. I am in control and I have my life back! Thank God for LapBand!
HAPPY 8 Month BANDIVERSARY TO ME! I could not be happier. Many of you have been with me every step of the way and I can't tell you how much this site and it's members have motivated me. I am so appreciative of all the folks here who have shared their journey and taught me invaluable things along the way.
My measurements would blow your mind! I'll get 'em done here in the next week or two I have not had problems with hair loss. I just can't believe what a great ride this has been!
Seeing how far I have come has always been a huge motivator for me. Looking back at old photos, I can't even believe that was me trapped inside that body. Being healthy and happy with myself is always enough to keep me on track. I'm proud of myself, I'd never want to sabotage that. Lasting weight loss is a lifetime commitment. And don't be discouraged by plateaus. Stay focused and I promise there is a light at the end of every tunnel.
In case people don't remember my before: Here is my progress photo for this month taken this morning with my camera phone (hubby took it!) From Flab to Fab! 235 lbs 150 lbs