Merry Christmas

WOW

I just rode 10 miles on my exercise bike.  Yipeeeee!!!!!

Loving my band

I was banded on November 21st.  I am down 8.8 pounds since surgery.  I have lost 3% body fat and my BMI is going down.  I am no longer in pain and I am riding my exercise bike 5 miles a day.  I have found keeping a journal is very helpful to record what I eat, my activities, weight and measurements.  My total loss including my pre-op loss is 24 pounds.  My goal is to lose 80.  I CAN DO THIS!

It's OFFICIAL!!!

On Thursday I was banded at the Obesity Control Center (OCC) in Mexico.  Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez were GREAT!  Everything went smoothly.  I only had the severe shoulder pain I heard about from others, for about half an hour.  I walked a lot as suggested.  My husband was wonderful and we enjoyed staying at the Marriott.  Now the hard work begins.  On to the new and healthier ME.

4 Days to Go!!!!!

Other than having too much to do between work and home, I am totally ready for surgery!!!  I can't wait for a new beginning and a healthier life.

Happy Veteran's Day

Thank you to all who have served our country.  Thanks to you, I have the freedom to improve my health.  10 days and counting.

20 Days to go

I can't believe that my new journey will officially begin in 20 days!  I CAN'T WAIT :)

Exercise

Today I start incorporating exercise into my weekly routine.  I am excited!

Pre-Op Diet: Weight Loss Results

Monday, October 21st:  226 pounds
Tuesday, October 22nd: 225 pounds
Wednesday, October 23rd: 223 pounds
Thursday, October 24th: 222 pounds
Friday, October 25th: 221.8
Saturday, October 26th: 219.2 pounds

Weekly Loss:  6.8 pounds

Sunday, October 27th:  221.4 pounds
Monday, October 28th: 219.4
Tuesday, October 29th: 221.4
Wednesday, October 30th: 219
Thursday: Happy Halloween
Friday, November 1st: 219.8
Saturday, November 2nd; 218.8

Total Lost::  7.2 pounds

Friday, November 8th: 218.8
Saturday, November 9th: 215.6
Sunday, November 19th: 214.6

Total Lost:  11.4 pounds (I MET MY PRE-OP WEIGHT LOSS GOAL)  :)

Monday, November 11th: 214  (Happy Veteran's Day)
Saturday, November 16th: 213
Sunday, November 17th: 211.8

Total Loss:   14.2 pounds

My journey begins TOMORROW

Monday, October 21st is 30 days prior to my lap band surgery.  It is also the day I start my pre-op diet.  I have never been so happy to go on a diet before.  I know this process won't always be easy, but it will be worth it!  I AM WORTH IT!!!

Outback

My hubby took me to the Outback steak house.  It was wonderful!  I start my pre-op diet on Monday.  My husband was saying that he felt bad for me that I wouldn't be able to eat steak after my surgery.  Technically, I won't know if I can or not for several months.  Even if I can't, I don't care.  I just want to be healthy and feel good about myself.  That is way more enjoyable than steak.

Hobbies

I started taking a drawing class tonight.  I think it will be a great distraction when I am resting after surgery.  35 days and counting!!!!  :)

HAPPY

I am happy!!!!  That is all :)

Taste Test

I had ordered a sample pack of protein drink mixes from Unjury.  I wanted to try them BEFORE I had to drink them.  I liked the chocolate splendor.  Better than Slim Fast, almost as good as chocolate milk.  This makes me HAPPY!!!!

Homecoming

Last night, my beautiful daughter went to homecoming.  Two of my best friends helped me get her ready. Although I did ask them to take a few pictures with me and my daughter together, none of them were posted on to facebook for the WORLD to see.  I just realized that next year, when I am getting her ready for homecoming, that I will be at a much healthier and happier weight.  I plan on posting pictures of me and my daughter.  :)  It may not seem like much to some, but I can't wait!!!!!!

Scavenger Hunt

I have been having fun going to grocery stores lately....  I am looking for other options, post band.  I really like the V8 Fusion strawberry/banana.  It is amazing how much we tend to get in a rut when it comes to shopping,  I think my family is going to enjoy some of my discoveries as well.

Lunch

I am sitting at my desk eating my lunch.  Everyday I have been evaluating how it will be different after I get my band.  I don't think I am being overly positive, when I say, "I will be fine!"  Yes, my food choices will change, but in my mind I have thought about various options.  I purchased a bariatric cookbook and the recipes look great.  When I was just dieting, I would say, "I think I can, I think I can."  With the added tool of the gastric band, I am now saying, "I know I can, I know I can!"

The support from family and closest friends has been awesome!  It will be interesting to have this surgery right before Thanksgiving and the holiday season.  I am not the least bit disappointed that I won't be able to have my "usual" holiday foods.  For me, the holidays are about family, and in that area, I am blessed.

44 days and counting!

NO Soda

I haven't had soda in seven days.  It has been easier than I thought it would be.  The little changes I am making now will get me to reach one major goal (Being Healthy).

October brings me closer to change!

October marks the month that I no longer drink soda unless I am at a restaurant.  (No more Big Gulps)  October is the month that I am trying out recipes to use after my surgery.  October is also the month that I promise to exercise a minimum of 3 times a week.  The new habits I can create before my surgery, the easier it will be after surgery.  (50 days and counting!!!!! :)

Eager

One month and 28 days until my life changes for the better.  I know that I will have challenges and that getting a gastric band is just a tool.  It is up to me to eat right and exercise and follow the RULES! There will be many rules, and luckily I am a "rule follower."  I can't wait for this new stage of my life to begin.

Family is everything!

I AM SO BLESSED!!!!!

I CARE

It is amazing how much my mood and attitude has improved since I made the decision to have Lap Band surgery.  I have started putting more effort into my appearance and I am smiling more.  I haven't even had the surgery yet and I am already benefiting from it.

Cleaning House

This weekend I am doing a garage sale with my best friend.  I am finally going to streamline my life.  Less junk, less clutter and less weight.  I will be able to get rid of clothes that I have held on to JUST IN CASE. No more just in case.  Out with the old and in with the new!!!!  I am getting rid of my fat clothes.  I don't want them and I will no longer need them.  I am getting rid of skinny clothes that are 20 years old, and have lost all appeal to me.  A new body deserves new clothes.  Yes, I like to get a bargain and shop at Target or even Goodwill, but I will choose what I want, because it looks good on me.  No more choosing clothes just because they fit.

Keeping Secrets

Well, my family, a few friends and my boss know about my upcoming surgery.  I have decided that I will tell my co-workers AFTER my surgery.  I just don't want everyone's opinion, especially since I have done so much research.  However, I don't want to say nothing, because I think it would be too weird for me.

Welcome Back to School

Well, my first week of the school year has come to an end.  I am teaching a first/second split this year with 30 kids.  Last year was beyond stressful.  This year, I have a good group of kiddos.  I think it will be a much smoother year.  It will be interesting to see if they notice me losing weight after my November 21st surgery...  I can't wait!

Hmmmmmmm???

I have gone out to eat A LOT in the last couple of weeks.  I think I am trying to eat all of my favorites before surgery.  Since I don't have surgery until November 21st, I need to stop pigging out.  My official pre-op diet starts November 1st.  However, I want to really start eating better and exercising more A.S.A.P.    I started wearing my fit bit again and I have walked over 10,000 steps the last 3 days.  That is a good start.

Back to School/Work

Teacher in-service starts tomorrow.  I am looking forward to catching up with my co-workers and plan for a new year.  Early to bed tonight.

HOPE is an amazing thing

I teach second grade and I am gearing up for a new school year.  It is amazing how differently I am approaching this year, with the HOPE of finally being healthy and fit.

Family

I am so grateful to have family that supports and loves me!

Sky Diving Vs. Mexico

I know that some of my friends and family are a little nervous about me going to Mexico for surgery.  I would be more nervous if I was sky diving.  I am grateful that I have friends and family who care so much about me.  It will all turn out fine.  <3

Roller Coaster of Emotions

This last couple of days have gone from excitement, to heart break to total confidence and relief.  I found out the cash price for surgery was $18,000.  Well, that was not in the cards.  I felt hopeless.  I joined several chat rooms, facebook pages and blogs and posed the question, "Has anyone had surgery in Mexico?"

Well after TONS of research, I have scheduled surgery with Dr. Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center in Mexico.  My husband and parents are very happy for me, though my husband won't be truly happy until I come out of surgery.  (I almost died during my first c-section in 1996)  My best friend is scared, but she loves me, so as long as everything goes OK, I know that everyone important to me will be supportive of this life changing journey.  November 21st can't come soon enough.

The Adventure Begins

I met my amazing husband in 1986.  Since then, I have become a wife, teacher, mother and friend to many. I have also gained 85 pounds.  Weight Watcher has always been a great resource for me, but life and stress would always keep me from losing more than 30 pounds.  I have decided to have Lap Band (Gastric Banding) surgery.  I have my first consult on Friday.  Wish me luck!