tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68790512894909573032024-03-20T05:17:35.973-05:00cr8tve1Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-13616830518969609052010-05-05T09:14:00.002-05:002010-05-05T10:06:17.606-05:00I need help!!It has been a couple months since my last confessions...er uh I mean post. I have had a lot going on so just to give you an update I will do a quick run thru. So, a couple weeks after my last post (on Feb 26th, I really cant believe it has been that long!!) I got a stomach virus and couldn't throw up - a sure sign that I was way too tight - and I had to go to the Dr and get fill removed. He removed almost all of what I had in my band and said I would need to wait 2 weeks before I get fill added back in. I was relieved at the time because it was really scary and painful to have my body trying to throw up and absolutely nothing would come thru the band! So, once all the fill was removed and I was over the stomach virus I discovered that I could eat anything (and everything!). This was like a new found freedom, and like a old friend returning to me. Also, again showed me I was too tight before because I realized I was very limited foods and still having pain with those. Anyway, I managed to eat my way through the next couple weeks and make it back to the dr for a fill on April 6th. I had lost a couple pounds while I was sick, but I gained those plus some of their friends during that two weeks. Went back to the dr and got fill put in (2 cc I think), and he told me to come back in 4-6 weeks. I have noticed some change in what i am able to eat - but still not enough. I managed to lose the pounds that had gained but I have been traveling for work the last two weeks (California & Vegas!) and I managed to put them back on plus another 3lbs. So that is a total of a 7lb gain since I was sick! <div><br /></div><div>I am feeling very discouraged and overwhelmed about the gain. I just can help feeling like I am on that familiar path of my life before lap band...ultimately like I am failing at this like I have failed at every "diet" before. Although I know this is not a diet and that I have more help from my band than I did on my own (even though I am not feeling it right now) - it still feels like failure. Also, my weight loss had really stalled before then...the 7lbs that I gained had taken me 5 months to lose! I know I need a fill but I don't have an appointment till May 19th. I know I could move that appointment up but part of me doesn't even want to go back to the doctor with this gain. I really don't want to be as tight as I was before but I definitely need more help than what I have right now. So I started thinking that a strict diet between now and then will at least get me back to where I was and exercise would help too. I cant seem to get motivated on the exercise front, I am so out of shape it is unreal to me the simple things that make me sore. And the crazy part of that is, I weigh less now than when I was working out all the time (2 years ago).</div><div><br /></div><div>So....I need your help! I need to hear from those of you who have gained and didn't give up; from those who are still struggling now; those who have made it to their goal and are able to maintain; anyone and everyone! Tell me how you did it and are still doing it! I <u>know</u> this gain is a short term thing but I really need your help not to stay in this overwhelmed/discouraged place!!</div>Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-70205179634423716902010-02-26T15:23:00.002-06:002010-02-26T15:30:31.057-06:00Wheeeeeee!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI63QHJ9CeBdUFtXFCtdAbHe-hlAnXNHJ__JZoTZnxeHSn6SO7al87sCOFys244KPEAIphp5Pa0caEHdMH0WF0_O_vH2w238nW4A52KQrOPKvsj1RBdPZW40bRK42pQI9QL50XXdnKYqYm/s1600-h/Roller+Coaster.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442666221212867618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 93px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI63QHJ9CeBdUFtXFCtdAbHe-hlAnXNHJ__JZoTZnxeHSn6SO7al87sCOFys244KPEAIphp5Pa0caEHdMH0WF0_O_vH2w238nW4A52KQrOPKvsj1RBdPZW40bRK42pQI9QL50XXdnKYqYm/s320/Roller+Coaster.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>I am on the downhill of my current rollercoaster. The scale was at a new low this morning. 169.4! The downhill is always so exciting on a roller coaster. Yes, I know that means an uphill is coming but for the moment I will enjoy the exciting feel of the downhill.</p><p>This is an exciting new low number for me. It has been 3 year since I have seen this number - and even when I saw it 3 years ago - it was like for 5 minutes and then I proceeded to pack on the pounds. And before that it had probably been 15 years since I had seen that number. Also, that means pretty much from here on out every new low number will be the lowest I have been in 18+ years!!!</p>Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-35591232327003778762010-02-18T07:20:00.002-06:002010-02-18T07:28:40.277-06:00Here we go again!After seeing a new low number on the scale - guess what? I am up 2 lbs. Seems like my rollercoaster ride of up and down is not over. I was thinking this morning after I was reading several other blogs, seems like quite a few people are experiencing this up and down...maybe its the moon? or the pull of gravity? or something like that? For me, I think it may have to do with the fill I got recently. Even though it was a very small fill .2cc - I have felt quite a bit of restriction from it and have found that I am still having alot of liquids or sliders. Mostly because it is easier and other foods are just not comfortable. Not that I have gotten stuck on anything - but more like just an uncomforatble feeling of pressure when I eat. So, I have been having alot more "easy" foods (including ice cream!). It is a little like when I first got the band - during that first six weeks of "healing" time where I ate easy food and didnt really lose much weight. It has been a week since my fill and I am just now feeling like I can eat regular food again. So, I guess like in the first few weeks of banding, I just needed to consider this time as a healing time (from the fill) and hopefully now I am ready to get back to eating the right foods -not the easy stuff, and hopefully that will mean things will start moving again.Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-6499060223821549762010-02-14T07:37:00.002-06:002010-02-14T07:41:43.857-06:00Going to the Home ShowMy hubby and I are going to the Home Show today. We are planning on a building a house in the next two years or so (after we get the nest emptied). I have been dreaming about building a house for 10+years. I can spend hours on end looking at house plans on the web. I am excited to see what the home show has to offer. I love planning and decorating and organizing so I am excited about the show and the fact that my hubby want to go with me! This is a big step for him cause normally he is not interested in that stuff at all but it was actually his idea to go - which is a great Valentine's gift for me. :) Oh, and the scale actually moved a little more this morning. Down another .6 lbs - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">YAY</span>!Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-63762893066981328282010-02-11T13:46:00.002-06:002010-02-11T13:49:01.207-06:00Got a tiny fill todayI wasnt sure if I needed/wanted a fill - but I already had an appointment scheduled and I havent had a fill since early September. Dr said I still had good restriction - but did give me a tiny fill .2 cc to help me stay full longer. So we will see what happens with this. I definitely dont think it has made me too tight - but then again I am only on liquids today. Hopefully it will be enough to get things moving.Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-7483835655509720402010-02-09T13:09:00.003-06:002010-02-09T13:18:19.873-06:00Doesnt take much these days to make me happy!The scale actually moved a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">smidgen</span> this morning - down .6 lbs. I know that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">doesn't</span> sound like a lot but when it has been teetering up and back down 2 lbs, it is exciting when it actually goes to a new low number!!! Now I am only 1.2 lbs away from the halfway mark! Woo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">hoo</span>!!!<br /><br />The weird thing is while going up and back down 1-2 lbs here lately I have noticed what a BIG difference it has made on my mood and self-esteem. It is crazy the way an additional .5 lbs can make me feel as big a house, and have crazy thoughts like this just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">isn't</span> working. And on the other hand a .6 lb loss can make me feel on top of the world. Obviously the scale in my head is on a much different system than the scale under my feet!Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-61434365534120797992010-02-03T07:49:00.003-06:002010-02-03T07:54:36.917-06:00Nothing to say but Thanks!!So, I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">haven't</span> posted in a few days because I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">haven't</span> really had anything to say and in general just feeling kinda blah - but after reading<span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;"> </span><a href="http://cheeseandsunkist.blogspot.com/2010/02/its-time-pick-me-up-post.html"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">http://cheeseandsunkist.blogspot.com/2010/02/its-time-pick-me-up-post.html</span></a> (Amy W.'s blog - not sure if I posted that link right) this morning - I do have something to say.....THANKS AMY!!! Just what I needed to change my perspective and see the glass as half full. You helped me remember that today's a new day - stop fretting about yesterday and tomorrow - and just enjoy today!Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-31024707910558079292010-01-28T07:54:00.004-06:002010-01-28T08:06:16.717-06:00Slowly, inch by inch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpo93cU5EFValFIpwTOGdK3ScQTdVi5BqU1KnaPHHbbBEWExloXlZe2IJQ_sNZah9331v1CG_KlfZ7k0jzicTQOGhdJrXlR7JBkQGrOTfi1mqTi8_QCNeH8ufjXgHRjpGLMr6JgrZ82-C/s1600-h/45.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431791314359418706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 135px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 135px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpo93cU5EFValFIpwTOGdK3ScQTdVi5BqU1KnaPHHbbBEWExloXlZe2IJQ_sNZah9331v1CG_KlfZ7k0jzicTQOGhdJrXlR7JBkQGrOTfi1mqTi8_QCNeH8ufjXgHRjpGLMr6JgrZ82-C/s320/45.jpg" border="0" /></a> You would think with that title I would be talking about my measurements, but alas I am not. Actually I have not taken measurements since the day before my surgery, so I should probably do that soon. Anyhoo, I am referring to how slowly the scale is moving. While I would be thrilled if this 45 represented the number of pounds I have lost (it doesn't!), it does however represent the percentage of the excess weight I have lost. My doctor is always referring to the % of excess weight lost more than pounds lost so I have chosen to take that outlook too. 45% is nothing to sneeze at for sure, I am excited to be at this place and even more excited about what is right around the corner. With the next 5lb block that I lose I will be below the lowest weight I have been in 3 years, and when I was that weight 3 years ago (for a brief second in time) it was the lowest I had been in 20 years!!! So you can see that while the weight is not flying off of me but rather creeping off slowly, inch by inch - it is such an exciting time that I have to celebrate where I am at and what is about to be!!!Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-29908555663887265422010-01-14T09:15:00.002-06:002010-01-14T09:25:38.961-06:00Who Knew?!So as I mentioned earlier in the week, I am traveling this week visiting friends. Which means I don't have access to the gym - or my treadmill. So I have had to be creative in my workouts. This morning (for the second time since I have been here in Seattle) I got up at 6am my time - which is 4am here in Seattle, and did some exercises in my room while the rest of the house was sleeping. Today I actually wore my heart rate monitor just to see how many calories I had burned during my little impromptu workout. 450!!! Can you believe that? That is what I usually burn while running on the treadmill. I did a little cardio to get started. Walking in place, high knee cross overs - and a little flashback to my drill team days...a few high kicks. :) Then on to lunges, squats, push ups, plank, tricep dips, overhead press, etc - followed by a few yoga poses and stretching. It was actually a great workout and I am still surprised by the calorie burn. I really wanted to be able to run outside (or at least walk) while I am here, but it has been raining the whole time. Bummer! I leave today to fly to Denver - to visit another friend - so I am hoping the weather will cooperate there so we can be outside more. And that friend has a membership at the Y, so I am sure we will get a couple workouts in there as well. I am feeling great about getting back into the swing/habit of exercise so I want to keep finding ways to fit it into my day.Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-21308069778448619682010-01-12T09:40:00.002-06:002010-01-12T09:49:28.985-06:00Wk 1 completed - and TravelingI completed Week 1 of Couch to 5k yesterday. Actually I am a day behind - but that is ok with me, at least I am still doing it so that is a big improvement! It will be a little challenging for me to get my runs in the next two weeks because I will be traveling. But I will do what I can and be happy about what I accomplish.<br /><br />I am in Seattle today, visiting a friend. I flew in late last night so it was dark and rainy and I didn't get to see much. I did see the Space Needle - you know the one you always see in movies? So that was pretty cool, and I am hoping to get to see more of Seattle over the next few days. I will be here till Thursday and then I fly to Denver to visit 2 more friends. (I needed to get out of my house for a while - long story that I may dive into another day). I will be in Denver till Sunday, then I fly home again. But I am only home for a couple days then I fly out again on Wednesday for a business trip -going to Vegas! Yay! I am excited about that too. So, as you can see with my travel schedule it will be difficult to get my runs in. I also brought along the Biggest Loser game that I got for my Nintendo DS recently, so I will be doing that as well. I really want to keep up with the exercise trend that I have started cause it is so hard to keep restarting.<br /><br />I am feeling really good these days, more positive, more energetic and just overall GOOD. I believe it is the great combo of Water, exercise and Contentment. :) Anyhoo, I like it and plan to continue. Hope you all are having a great day!Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-71923114447411656312010-01-05T20:06:00.004-06:002010-01-05T21:05:19.970-06:00Word(s) of the YearSo, I have been thinking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">alot</span> about the word for 2010 that fellow bloggers have posted about. I have been contemplating it for several days. I am surprised by how much time it has actually been on my mind and it reminded me how many of the blogs I follow inspire me and lead me to action. And just earlier today <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">someone</span> included this quote in an email to me, which I found so fitting! I am so thankful for each of you that shares your story and how much it rekindles me!<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">"In <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">everyone's</span> life, at one time or another, our inner fire almost goes out. It is then miraculously burst back into flame by a powerful encounter with another human being. We should be thankful for those people who rekindle our inner spirit" -- Albert Schweitzer</span><br /><br />So, my word - really has come down to two. The first being <em><strong>Content</strong></em>. I desire to be content. Content with where I am at each day. Not constantly dwelling on what could be or what should be but really being present and OK with where I am at right now. Knowing that the number on the scale does not define me...and actually <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">doesn't</span> even matter in my overall happiness. Does that mean that I would not continue to weigh myself several times each day? That is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">alot</span> to hope for and though I am not sure that I will get there this year - it is ultimately where I would love to be. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">don't</span> think you can be truly happy without being content, so that is what I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">choosing</span>. I also think that contentment is not something that just happens. That it's actually something you have to actively practice at. So, the practice starts now! The second being <em><strong>Hydrate</strong></em>. I struggle with drinking enough water. Plain water, without anything added. I know that being hydrated is so important to so many daily functions and I have really started to see the effects of being dehydrated. My hair, my skin, nails, energy level, metabolism, hunger, headaches, joint stiffness - you name it basically - and it is effected by hydration. So I am determined to give it more attention in my life.<br /><br />So, that's what I have come up with. Not one word but two, and I am excited to see what the outcome will be.Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-28839876637416414082009-12-30T14:46:00.005-06:002009-12-30T15:03:57.213-06:00Christmas pictures<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQ7UeIJNG8JVJWyCl0dFLsVVFO9vnK5see3QLQ2Q9e62vGJwwL04UjQ8FKoeVc-bjMWp68jwTPyABNQxLmTmkvKiAt4wd_wCnHYkqok8RHF0B9nB2G6wLMykWeZFCw7xy9kDfN6C9wc_I/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+155.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421134154698705170" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQ7UeIJNG8JVJWyCl0dFLsVVFO9vnK5see3QLQ2Q9e62vGJwwL04UjQ8FKoeVc-bjMWp68jwTPyABNQxLmTmkvKiAt4wd_wCnHYkqok8RHF0B9nB2G6wLMykWeZFCw7xy9kDfN6C9wc_I/s320/Christmas+2009+155.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Just uploading some pictures to be printed so I thought I would share one. </div><div> </div><div>This is my daughter, my grandaughter and me. We had so much fun this Christmas! </div><br />(My daughter and I didnt plan on matching it just turned out that way. )Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-56838330042580592682009-12-28T19:44:00.002-06:002009-12-28T19:51:06.060-06:00No appointment tomorrow.I had a fill appointment scheduled for tomorrow, but the dr.'s office called today to reschedule. So now, I don't go in till January 26th. I am not sure I really need a fill and I will be traveling quite a bit in January so it may be good that I wont be getting a fill till then.<br /><br />I had a great Christmas. Had a great time with the family and did some shopping the day after Christmas. I got a great deal on decorations...75% off!<br /><br />On the eating front, I have done pretty well and I have managed to see the scale go down a smidgen. The hard part for me in the holidays has typically been after Christmas till the end of January. I usually gain during that time. So I am hoping this year will be different. It would really be nice to be down a couple more pounds by the time I go back to the doctor.Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-78149155283090121252009-12-21T09:06:00.004-06:002009-12-21T09:13:03.100-06:00Hot Stone MassageI had a Hot Stone Massage this weekend and I just have to WOW! This was the best thing ever. So relaxing and warm - definitely pampering too. I cant wait to have this again. If you have not suggested it, I would highly recommend it. It was a great treat!<br /><br />Finished up my shopping this weekend, and did a little baking with my daughter. I only ate two of the candies we made so that is a miracle within itself. I am sure I will eat more over then next week or so. But that's ok, it is the holidays and I am not too terribly worried about it. Mainly because I dont have the interest in "food fest" eating like I did before the band. One or two treats is plently and I feel satisfied, and guilt free - which for me is a big deal because in the past that guilt would eventually lead to more eating and a vicious cycle. I am thankful that will not be part of my holidays this year!!<br /><br />Have a great day!<br />NataliaNataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-27985288618412190842009-12-19T06:58:00.007-06:002009-12-19T07:12:15.507-06:00NSV - shoppingI stopped by Victoria's secret the other day to pick up a new bra and decide to try some of their panties. I havent worn ones from their in YEARS! I started looking at different options and came across these. I love the way they look but wasnt sure about the size. I ended up buying a Medium. A MEDIUM!!! I dont even remember the last time I wore a medium in anything, much less panties. They fit absolutely perfect and they are definitely my new favorites. (Not sure if I did the link correctly - but they are called Angel's by Victoria's Secret - Super Soft Hiphugger).Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-52224496100947935052009-12-11T09:11:00.003-06:002009-12-11T09:14:39.615-06:00Cant Sleep!!!The last three nights I have not slept much. I have gone to bed around 11pm then I wake up around 4am and cant go back to sleep. I lay there and toss around and just get frustrated so I end up getting up. You would think I would be super exhausted and really sleep well the next night but so far that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hasn't</span> happened. I am not super stressed about anything and have had any major life changes lately. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">don't</span> really think this could be band related - could it???? But I am not sure what is going on. I just want to sleep through the night!! Anyone else have problems with interrupted sleep?Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-18502502751687974982009-12-09T16:47:00.004-06:002009-12-09T16:58:17.216-06:00Random ThoughtsSo, I haven't had a fill since Sept 8th. And that was only .3cc. I definitely don’t feel like I need a fill. I actually still have quite a bit of restriction and do not get hungry very often. However, I am still not losing weight - or least not any significant amount of weight. In the last month I have not really lost anything (-.4)!! I did manage to take off the 3 lbs I gained on the cruise, but no other loss on top of that. I am still taking the phentermine. I just went up to a full pill today, so hopefully that will get things started. I have had 2 chicken strips from sonic kids meal and 2 cups of coffee with protein so far today (its 4:30 pm now) and I am not hungry. I know I need to drink more water and be more active. I am sure that would help things too. I am going to look into getting personal training at the Y with my Christmas bonus. Maybe that will at least get me back into the exercise routine. Even if that doesn't make the weight loss start I know it will be good for me.<br /><br />I cleaned out my closet the other day. Turns out everything I have to pass along is summer clothes. So I think I will wait till it gets a little warmer to post those items on here.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZP_52NovwD0uLl4MCJ7Ralzi7mskkqAs1SVsMTEeT1W84mAsqSTx8od1MNtS_arpYOIo6BzUf1IVmQdI2UK4-JIaiWPNOn6Br-klZfoe9yJ54JEC4FAmNisQ6kVnSPWSC3Cbns6diqFJG/s1600-h/Cruise+2009+050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413373487197925218" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZP_52NovwD0uLl4MCJ7Ralzi7mskkqAs1SVsMTEeT1W84mAsqSTx8od1MNtS_arpYOIo6BzUf1IVmQdI2UK4-JIaiWPNOn6Br-klZfoe9yJ54JEC4FAmNisQ6kVnSPWSC3Cbns6diqFJG/s320/Cruise+2009+050.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I haven't posted any pictures of myself really. Not sure why. But this one with my hubby is from the cruise and I actually like it!<br /><p>We put our Christmas tree up over the weekend. I really scaled back on the decorations this year, and I kinda like it! Seems more simple but yet still very festive. Now I just need to get my Christmas shopping done. I really haven't even started - except for a few items for my grand daughter.</p><p>Ok, enough random-ness from me today. Ciao!</p>Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-91348276849369886962009-12-02T06:44:00.006-06:002009-12-02T07:48:49.099-06:00Bandster Quiz<span style="color:#000000;">Ok, so I am a little behind...but I thought I would take the Quiz that has been passed around lately. : )</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;">1. How long have you been banded?</span> 6 months (today).<br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;">2. What was your highest pre-band weight? / Current weight now? / Total lost to date?</span><br />233 (highest ever) 200 (right before surgery)/176/24<span style="color:#3333ff;"> </span><br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;">3. What is your best "go-to" food to get in your protein?</span> Unjury Vanilla Protein powder - I add it to my coffee every morning - 2 cups coffee = 20g protein!<br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="color:#ffcc00;">4. What is your favorite protein brand/shake?</span> </span>I don't really drink shakes. I do like the Unjury Vanilla and Chicken Soup flavors.<br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;">5. What food do you miss the most now being post-band?</span> Buns. I do manage to eat a 1/2 a bagel every now and then.<br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;">6. What is your favorite "mushy" food?</span> Not really a mushy - but I love Creamy Chicken Soup at Hand. I have it whenever things are going down so well and I want something warm and creamy.<br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;">7. What was your worst PB experience?</span> I haven't had one yet. I have come really close a couple times, but thankfully nothing has ever come back up.<br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;">8. What has been the hardest part of this journey so far for you?</span> Being patient with my EXTREMELY slow weight loss, and finding other ways to measure my success.<br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="color:#ffcc00;">9. What is your best NSV to date</span></span><span style="color:#ffcc00;">?</span> Being able to wear some of the smaller clothes from the back of my closet that haven't been out in a long time.<br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;">10. What is your top non-weight goal for your band? (top NSV maybe?)</span> Being willing to go to an event and NOT cancelling because I have "nothing to wear" or just feel horrible about the way I look - which has happened way too many times in the past.<br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;">11. What is your goal weight or size?</span> Goal weight = 140, but maintain between 140-145.<br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;">12. What band "rule" do you live by (i.e. don't cheat on)?</span> Not drinking with meals.<br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;">13. What band "rule" do you not follow as much or aren't so good at?</span> Regular exercise. Haven't been able to get a good routine and stick to it.<br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;">14. What is your goal "reward"?</span> Tummy tuck for sure! I have wanted one for a long time. I even got the low profile port in hopes that a tummy tuck would follow once I have reached maintenance stage.<br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;">15. In the spirit of Thanksgiving being right around the corner (US), what are you most thankful for, post-band?</span> I am thankful that I don't have the desire to have a "food-fest" like I used to. No more eating constantly and mindlessly.<br /><br />I am not sure who started this quiz - but thanks for making me take a look back at some of the things that have changed and also look forward to what is to come!Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-40206531272801443752009-12-01T08:51:00.002-06:002009-12-01T09:22:15.854-06:00Hello AgainYou were probably thinking I dropped off the face of the earth. But no, alas I am still here. I have been lurking, reading, keeping up with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">everyone's</span> progress - but just not posting or commenting. Part of the reason was that I forgot my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">login</span> password. I know, pretty weak excuse since I can just click on password help and get back in (like I just did now), but I just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">didn't</span>. I hope to be more regular with posting even if it brief, just to keep up with things.<br /><br />I just got back from a 5 day cruise with my family. We went to Cozumel last week and were actually on the ship for Thanksgiving. It was a nice trip. My three kids and their significant others went, along with my parents and my hubby. 10 of us in all. It was great spending time with them, but by the end of the 5 days I was ready to be home and have a little less "family time". We did have some difficult moments trying to make 10 people happy all at the same time, but for the most part it was lots of fun. :) It was really great being on the cruise and being able to eat what I wanted and not have to worry too much - cause I knew I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wouldn't</span> be able to eat much of it. I did go to the gym 2 days on the ship but, I did manage to gain 3 lbs, but I think that will come off soon. I did wear a swimsuit and tank tops (sleeveless is a big deal for me cause I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">don't</span> like the looks of my arms!) and actually felt pretty comfortable. I will try to post some pictures later today.<br /><br />As for a banding update, I had another fill on October 30<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> (fill #3), which I believe was about .5cc. So, I think that puts me at 4 cc total - but I am not real sure. Of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">course</span>, the weight loss is still really slow, so I am focusing on the % of excess weight lost more than the pounds each week. I just hit 40% on the day I left for my cruise - so technically I need to get these 3 lbs back off to be at 40%, but I am happy about where I am at so far. I still have a fair amount of restriction and have days where is seems like everything is difficult to get down. So, I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">don't</span> think I need another fill just yet. My next appointment with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Dr</span> is Dec 30<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span>, so the restriction that I do have will have to last me through Christmas. Which is good because I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">don't</span> want to be miserable through the holidays.<br /><br />I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">wouldn't</span> say that I have noticed a huge difference in the way that I look, but thankfully my clothes are fitting differently. I have started shopping in the back of my closet (clothes that have been too small for a while but I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">wouldn't</span> get rid of). Some of my favorite jeans are now fitting nicely (size 10). The smallest size I have in my closet is a pair of size 8 pants - which I never actually wore. They fit when I bought them and then I started gaining weight and I never got to wear them. I would love to fit into them again. I cant say that I am in love with them any more, but I would love to know that I could wear them if I wanted to! Maybe by the first of the year. I really need to clean out my closet again. So, there may be things that I could pass along if anyone is interested. They will probably be size 14's and some 12's? I will check it out in the next few days and post some pictures. I did buy a new pair of jeans recently at a store I have never shopped in - not for myself anyway. My daughter (21) shops at Buckle, and she always has the cutest jeans. I thought I would splurge, jeans are not cheap there! I went in and was a little nervous cause I thought they <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">wouldn't</span> have jeans in my size or I would feel like I was trying to dress too young....but the girl that helped us was actually very nice, and pulled lots of things for me to try on. It was really a great experience. There were people of all ages in there and I was not at the high end of the size range for the store. I was so excited with my pair of jeans that I bought!! I bought a size 31 - which I have no idea what that means in regular sizes (like 8,10, 12, etc) but I do know they are only one size bigger than my daughter's and I consider her to be skinny! So overall - very happy with that.<br /><br />I should go now, since I have been rambling for a while :)Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-85613902850414038312009-09-08T21:55:00.003-05:002009-09-08T22:08:53.472-05:002nd FillI got another fill today - technically my second. It was only .3cc (the same amount I had taken out last time). Hopefully this is just enough fill to make me start losing and not so much that it makes me miserable again. I have been very frustrated with the weight loss - or actually lack of it. My doctor tells me to be patient and look at the big picture, that this is a 1 - 2 year process. Even if I only lose 3 lbs a month I will still get to where I need to be. I understand this math but it doesnt really make it any easier to accept. I do like my doctor and I feel better after going to see him. Honestly I was starting to think that this band really wasnt going to work for me. I am 3 months out and have lost 17lbs. Which in the big picture I think is still .8 lbs/week which is really not that bad - especially since I didnt have that much to lose overall. I feel better that my doctor is willing to keep trying things to make the weight loss happen. He also said that if I come back in 6 weeks and my loss is only 3 lbs again (which is what it was this time and it has been 8 weeks) - then he will look into putting me on Phentermine for a little while to speed up my metabolism. He said I may just have a slow metabolism and it is going to take a while for me to get the weight off - but not to give up. I am doing all the right things. Eating right, tracking my calories and protein and am staying with my limits. Exercising - now up to 30 minutes 4 times a week. Daily water intake - at least 64oz. Chewing, small bits, eating slowing - doing all those things and still not losing. But I will keep truding along and even though it is slow it will happen...someone may need to remind me of that in two weeks when I am doubting all this again.Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-14998392434135112542009-09-02T21:58:00.002-05:002009-09-02T22:04:24.206-05:002 days in a row!<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>, so it's only been two days but I think I may be on a roll! I have been to the gym 2 days in a row now - actually I went twice on the first day, and I think I may be starting to get back in the swing of things. We just joined the gym across the street and I am hoping that the convenience of having it so close will be a good motivator. That and I am going on a cruise with the whole family in 11 weeks. So now is a good time to kick things into high gear. Of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">course</span>, now that I am doing better with exercise I am eating better too and am starting to rethink the fill I have scheduled for Tuesday. I think I will see how the rest of the week goes and then make a decision on Friday. If I start losing weight I think I may hold off on the fill for a couple weeks. I just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">don't</span> want to be too tight again - but who know, it could all change again by Friday.Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-88980944648615715482009-08-31T11:09:00.004-05:002009-08-31T11:28:03.043-05:00Hey, where did my band go?So, I totally threw in the towel this weekend. I have been frustrated that I have been doing things right and the scale is not moving so I totally gave up yesterday! I ate everything I could find. I had ice cream 3 different times - just yesterday!! Not to mention all the other stuff that I managed to put away. And the whole time I kept thinking - "ooh, this is not going to go down", or "this is going to make me really full and I am going to be miserable". But NO! None of that happened. It was like I didnt even have a band - like a typical food fest that I used to have before being banded. I am still shocked at how much I was able to eat all day long. I was looking back at the calendar - and since my first fill on July 13th I have not lost a single pound!!!! Ok so I have gone up and down 3 pounds but from my weight that day to my weight today - it is exactly the same. I am so frustrated. I guess I just need a fill? I am not sure how anyone can refer to lapband as the "easy" way out. I have not found this to be easy at all. And frankly I am a little disappointed at how hard it really is. I myself must have been naive about the ease at which this would happen - because it is WAY harder than what I imagined it would be. There has to balance out there somewhere - and as Cara mentioned many others seemed to have found it - I just wish it wasn't so elusive for me!!<br /><br /><div><div>On a different note, I spent most of the weekend working on my grand daughter's first birthday invitations and pictures. I have to share a couple of the pictures with you because she is the cutest thing ever!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfn0X3B0z6b45JLWyZ5RE8irYZ0rdU8mBXC7qB9Uij_frnfLZ_HhfISHgPf6XLcS4N8oKmqluX3z31LIvknBKyydfoZZLfxDRK6bPEJainnISw2-3R_go9kFBu79C3APXMjZcv8I9DfY8N/s1600-h/Bailey+1010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376164308935452738" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfn0X3B0z6b45JLWyZ5RE8irYZ0rdU8mBXC7qB9Uij_frnfLZ_HhfISHgPf6XLcS4N8oKmqluX3z31LIvknBKyydfoZZLfxDRK6bPEJainnISw2-3R_go9kFBu79C3APXMjZcv8I9DfY8N/s320/Bailey+1010.jpg" border="0" /></a> These pictures dont really show how cute her tutu is that I made but it is adorable - if I do say so myself. : )</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtG8cTTYSXRd7pjJgwjPi52qCrR6lNMla8e2nbXQByQEKqTqVzufOQ-xUNpevfZ8fwIkGH3lnUJrDAuaic8db2S1PYkCEGHOtGot8fiDZ1YKoFnmA0VvKv9zT9OPjwb31gOAniYFd1HYJl/s1600-h/Bailey+1062.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376164315912017618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtG8cTTYSXRd7pjJgwjPi52qCrR6lNMla8e2nbXQByQEKqTqVzufOQ-xUNpevfZ8fwIkGH3lnUJrDAuaic8db2S1PYkCEGHOtGot8fiDZ1YKoFnmA0VvKv9zT9OPjwb31gOAniYFd1HYJl/s320/Bailey+1062.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div></div>Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-45242696954768130002009-08-27T20:04:00.002-05:002009-08-27T20:11:32.551-05:00Feeling yuckyI think everyone around here is sick! I have been fighting off this cold all week long, but I think I have lost the fight. My head is stuffy and my nose is runny and I just feel really tired and run down. Somehow I still managed to eat a serving and a half of homemade Lasagna for dinner. Man was it good! I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">don't</span> think I have seconds of anything since I had surgery but this was really good and it went down easy - so I did <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">indulge</span>. I still seem to be stuck at the same weight. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">don't</span> think I am ready for another fill but it seems like nothing is happening. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wouldn't</span> say I am hungry all the time or anything so maybe I just need to make better choices and of course start exercising again - which <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">doesn't</span> even sound reasonable when I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">don't</span> feel good. I am not going to stress about it just yet - just gonna keep <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">doin</span>' what I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">doin</span>'.Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-10488778520491043692009-08-19T19:58:00.002-05:002009-08-19T20:16:36.051-05:00Hiding outSo I have kinda been hiding out lately - sorta lurking. Reading other blogs but not posting anything. I have been having a really difficult time. Too much restriction, then had an unfill - but still struggling. I am just really having a hard time figuring out how to eat again. I wasn't prepared for this. I thought I had weeks until I had so much restriction that things would be difficult. Well, not the case for me. So I haven't lost weight, and had actually gained a few pounds and in general had nothing to say - except this sucks and why is this so hard - which is not something I really wanted to blog about. But, I think things are getting better. I don't want to be someone who posts only when things are going well (even though that is SO much easier), so I think I need to remind myself that I am posting for myself. And even if I am rambling or whining and complaining - I may need these posts to look back on and remember how things were when it was really hard - because I am sure it will be again. Its easy to get caught up in thinking "what will people think when they read this" and not really blog about what I am thinking or feeling - which is the whole reason I started blogging to begin with...as well as to be in a community with others that are going through the same process. I do like reading others comments and they do help me a lot - I just don't want it to be the reason that I blog. And I learn a lot from other people's blogs too - so I want to take the best parts of the blog community and not get caught up in what others think (like I do in so many areas of my life). So, with all that said, I am moving on to blogging again. And I have to say, that even though I know this whole banding thing is a long process - it is not easy! And it is hard for me to deal with gaining weight, especially when I have spent this much money (cash pay!) to be able to lose the weight and keep it off. But I have to remind myself to keep an eye on the big picture - I have lost weight overall and it has been a long time since I have lost this much in 2 1/2 months - so I will try to be thankful and remind myself to not get so caught up in the numbers and just learn how to eat again. :)Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6879051289490957303.post-60080729670530289452009-08-01T20:54:00.002-05:002009-08-01T21:00:44.667-05:00UnFillI went yesterday morning to have some fill taken out. My doctor only took out .3cc, but it has made a difference. I can actually eat more than three bites with out discomfort now. It is so much better! He told me to come back in 4-6 weeks, but I am not sure I will need to by then...but we shall see. Still seems like I have restriction, and I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">don't</span> get that hungry, so I should be able to eat better now that I can have more solid food again. I have had chicken today and fish and it all went down fine....even had a 1/4 of a toasted bagel and although it was slow going - it went down with out too much problem. Yay!Nataliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07778700568340332324noreply@blogger.com3