Christmas pictures

Just uploading some pictures to be printed so I thought I would share one.

This is my daughter, my grandaughter and me. We had so much fun this Christmas!

(My daughter and I didnt plan on matching it just turned out that way. )

No 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.

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!

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.

Hot Stone Massage

I 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!

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!!

Have a great day!
Natalia

NSV - shopping

I 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).

Cant 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 hasn't happened. I am not super stressed about anything and have had any major life changes lately. I don't 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?

Random Thoughts

So, 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.

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.


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!

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.

Ok, enough random-ness from me today. Ciao!

Bandster Quiz

Ok, so I am a little behind...but I thought I would take the Quiz that has been passed around lately. : )

1. How long have you been banded? 6 months (today).
2. What was your highest pre-band weight? / Current weight now? / Total lost to date?
233 (highest ever) 200 (right before surgery)/176/24
3. What is your best "go-to" food to get in your protein? Unjury Vanilla Protein powder - I add it to my coffee every morning - 2 cups coffee = 20g protein!
4. What is your favorite protein brand/shake? I don't really drink shakes. I do like the Unjury Vanilla and Chicken Soup flavors.
5. What food do you miss the most now being post-band? Buns. I do manage to eat a 1/2 a bagel every now and then.
6. What is your favorite "mushy" food? 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.
7. What was your worst PB experience? I haven't had one yet. I have come really close a couple times, but thankfully nothing has ever come back up.
8. What has been the hardest part of this journey so far for you? Being patient with my EXTREMELY slow weight loss, and finding other ways to measure my success.
9. What is your best NSV to date? Being able to wear some of the smaller clothes from the back of my closet that haven't been out in a long time.
10. What is your top non-weight goal for your band? (top NSV maybe?) 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.
11. What is your goal weight or size? Goal weight = 140, but maintain between 140-145.
12. What band "rule" do you live by (i.e. don't cheat on)? Not drinking with meals.
13. What band "rule" do you not follow as much or aren't so good at? Regular exercise. Haven't been able to get a good routine and stick to it.
14. What is your goal "reward"? 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.
15. In the spirit of Thanksgiving being right around the corner (US), what are you most thankful for, post-band? 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.

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!