My Band New Journey

It's been a while....Big Update

2010-06-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

So it has been a very long while since I have posted any sort of news. Since my last post in April I have lost 19 more pounds. I am down a total of 56lbs, since my last fill, my weight loss took off. I have been losing about 10lbs per month. It is CRAZY. I have been going to Curves 3-4 times a week, exercising at home the days I don't go. My portions are at a small, satisfying amount. I feel fantastic. I am only 24lbs away from my GOAL of 140lbs. I almost feel like I would like to lose more, maybe actually get somewhere between 125lbs and 135lbs, I can't even believe I am saying that. 125 or 135 seemed unattainable, totally out of reach, a long shot, nearly impossible. But, not so much anymore. I am in a medium shirt and size 10/12 pants. AH! I can't believe that I may actually some day be in a single digit size. The Lap Band has been one of the greatest things I have ever done in my life. My 30th birthday is August 4th, I don't think I will be at goal by then, but that is okay. I know I am well on my way.

Hope you are all doing well. Here are some recent pictures from over the past two months or so.

My Hubby and I on his 30th B Day (5/8/10)

Me, my husband Eli, and my girls, Andrea and Alexia on Father's Day( 6/20/10)

My brother Ryan and I at the Lake (6/22/10)

Restriction. Hi, I'm Tamara.....nice to finally meet you.

2010-04-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

YAY!!!! Good news, I had my fifth fill in Friday, I now have 8.5cc in my 10.0cc band and yes, FINALLY, I have restriction! It is wonderful. I am now weighing 183 as of this morning. I am down 37lbs., 43 til goal. almost at the half way point.

I am actually eating because I have to, not because I want to. It is wonderful. I know understand what everyone was talking about when they say they can eat 1 cup of food and b full. I though y'all were nuts! But, now I see the light.

I haven't been on to blog in a while because I really had nothing to report. I had been stuck for about the last two months, not seeing the scale move much at all. But, now this fill has seemed to have done the trick. I have been going to Curves 3-4 times a week, eating my 1000 calories a day (24 WW Points) and feeling a little discouraged at my lack of progress. I was stuck on a plateau. But I seemed to have jumped off and running again, YAY! I am so excited to see the scale move, especially in the right direction.

Oh yeah, I am finally getting the wow, have you been losing weight, you look great. Wow, I can really tell in your clothes and your face. How'd you do it? I blab to everyone! I HAD LAPBAND. I make sure to tell everyone how hard it is even with the band. I am 7 months out and am just now feeling restriction, so I make sure to tell them all it entails, it's no walk in the park. :)

Hope you all are doing well and seeing well deserved results. I love love love reading all of your blogs. It is what keeps me motivated and positive! Hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Creative Blogger Award

2010-03-31T11:13:00.000-07:00

I'm the ecstatic recipient of my first blogger award. "Creative Writer Blogger Award"

The rules of the "Creative Writer Blogger Award" are:
1.) Thank the person who gave this to you. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you (Diz)mybattlewithbulge.blogspot.com/
2.) Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3.) Link to the person who nominated you. http://mybattlewithbulge.blogspot.com/
4.) Tell up to six outrageous lies, and at least one outrageous truth.
5.) Nominate seven "Creative Writers" who might have fun coming up with outrageous lies.
6.) Post links to the seven blogs you nominate.
7.) Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them.

Six Outrageous Lies and One Outrageous Truth about Me:
1.) I married my high school sweet heart.
2.) I have actually won the lottery.
3.) I have 6 siblings.
4.) I am completely debt free at 29. The house, the cars and the credit cards are all paid off.
5.) I have lived in four different countries.
6.) I am related to a very famous celebrity.
7.) My cell phone bill is well over $250.00 a month.

Seven nominated bloggers for the "Creative Writing" Blogger Award
1.) (Jen) whatyoulookinatskinny.blogspot.com/
2.) (Kristen) kris10-mylapbandjourney.blogspot.com
3.) (Colleen) colls-thistimeimeanit.blogspot.com/
4.) (Carla) lovinglucylapband.blogspot.com/
5.) (Nicole) betterbanded.blogspot.com/
6.) (Amy W.) cheeseandsunkist.blogspot.com/
7.) (Susie) free2bme-susieq4givn.blogspot.com/

Cabo San Lucas Cruise w/ pics

2010-03-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

So we came home from our Cruise last Thursday. We had a great time. It was very relaxing and enjoyable. My husband and I went on a cruise to Cabo San Lucas with some of our really good friends. We ate like crazy. I weighed 188.5 Sunday morning when we left, when we came home on Thursday I weighed 192. This morning I was back down to 189.4. All is well in my band land. I had my fourth fill on Thursday, the doctor said he could only get 0.8cc in my band. So, I am now at 7.8cc. I feel some pretty good restriction, we'll see how this all works out. This is my first fill where I actually feel like I have to chew good, take my time eating, and ask my head, are you full? I have an appointment with my doctor in three weeks again to see if this fill is at a good level. My doctor also told me that he wants me eating anywhere from 800-1000 calories a day. So on Saturday I actually started tracking them. Before I was kinda winging it......BOY, calories add up quick. During the week I do fine, because I eat the same kinds of things. Protein shake in the morning, maybe a yogurt, a lean cuisine for lunch, and then a little bit of dinner, chicken fish, something of that sort. Now I am using Calorie Counter on my Driod (phone) I love it, it keeps me in check for sure. It is pretty handy little tool. As for drinking, I only ever drink water, I add Cran Grape and Crystal Light on the go's. I love them, especially the pink lemonade, cran grape, cran raspberry, yum yum.Hope you all are having a fantastic Monday!

Here are some pics from my Cruise.

Bought a bunch of new clothes

2010-03-15T12:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday fellow bloggers. Yesterday, my Mom and I had a Mother/Daughter shopping trip. I desperately needed new outfits for my cruise (we leave Saturday). My clothes have been enormous on me. Everything I own is so baggy. I have been wearing my 18's. I bought SIZE 12 and 14's! AHHHHHH! I couldn't believe it. I literally was crying in the dressing room, yes the ugly cry. Boo Hooing! I am so proud of my progress thus far. I actually have a HUGE announcement........................I BOUGHT WHITE JEANS! Can you believe that! Also, I bought a HOT PINK dress for the fancy dinner on our cruise, that's right. No more black for me. I feel so accomplished and I am only half way there(well not even really, 32lbs down, 48 to go!) I am gonna try to take lots of pics on our cruise, so I can share them with you all.

I am going for a nice long walk with my hubby and the kids in the park this afternoon after I get my work out in at Curves. I am going to take advantage of the fabulous weather! I hope you all have a fantastic and successful week, keep up your good work and make great choices for yourself!

Camping in Yucaipa, CA

2010-03-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went camping, it was Dad's 53rd birthday. We had so much fun. It was cold and rainy but, we had a blast. Here are a few pics from our trip.

Our Trailer

My Dad and I

Our Family

My Hubby and I

I see an "8" on the scale

2010-03-03T10:35:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it. I saw 189 on the scale yesterday, I thought it was a fluke. But, I got on the scale again this morning and it still said 189! Yoo Hoo!

I've stepped up my game lately and instead of working out 3 to 4 days a week, I am now working out 5 to 6 and I definitely think it is paying off.

I also ordered Body Effects from http://www.poerperformanceproducts.com/

I have a few friends that use it and swear by it. They say it works wonders on belly fat and also gives an energy boost before their work outs. They have quite a few flavors. I ordered fruit punch. You just mix one scoop with 8oz of water. So I will let you know what I think of it once I get it and start using it. Has anyone else used this product? What do you think of it?

It's Friday!

2010-02-26T15:48:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a good week! Glad it's Friday. I am still stuck at 190, kinda went from 190 to 192 and then back down this week. Still trying to get to the 180's, ehh, there's always next week.

Going to the gym again after work, this makes four days this week so far, not too bad. I have really been trying to go 3-4 times and do 1-2 days at home on the treadmill. I treat myself to a tan after the gym, that is my incentive to go :)

It is planning on raining all weekend (third weekend in a row) here in Southern California.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

P.S. Thanks to all my new followers. I'm up to 70 now, WOW! I can't believe 70 people are actually interested in what I have to say, you guys rock!

Lap Band 101, courtesy of Sally.

2010-02-23T09:01:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I wanted to share this blog with you all. I think it is perfect for new banders as well as old banders. This is the pick me up that some of us need (well I needed). We all go through this at some point. Please take a moment to read this excellent post. Thanks for the fabulous post Sally! Sally's Lap Band Journey, Lap Band 101

Passport in hand.....Mexico here I come

2010-02-22T10:23:00.000-08:00

We leave for our first cruise on March 20th, we are going to Cabo San Lucas. We are so excited, we cannot wait. This is our first vacation away from the kids EVER. We have gone on tons of family vacations, like Grand Canyon, Hawaii, Sacramento, Morro Bay, etc. This is my husband and I's first vacation without the kids, this is our first vacation just the two of us since our Honeymoon (we went up the coast of California, Morro Bay, Monterey, San Fransisco) We were married 7 years in January. Our girls are 6 and 3. i think we are due for some adult time. We are going on the cruise with some very dear friends of ours, Ignacio and Marina. They just got married last June in Hawaii(we went to their wedding, it was amazing!) My husband and Ignacio have been friends since High School 15 years or so. I am sure we are going to have a blast. Everyone I have talked to who has gone on a cruise, just loved it.

So on Friday, my passport arrived!

I've never had one.

Oh, so exciting!

Can't wait to use it!

180's........Here I Come!

2010-02-17T11:12:00.001-08:00

So last night I got on the scale, I was 191.3. This morning I got on the scale and it read 190.7. Can you believe it? I sure can't. I am so close to the 180's, I can taste it.

Oh and on Saturday, I finally broke down an bought some new pants, beings my size 18's were just getting too ridiculous to try to wear. I bought size 14's....AH! I love it.

So it is official today I have lost 30lbs. This new fill seems to be doing the trick, I do think I might need just a tad bit more. My next appt isn't until March 25th. I am very happy I followed my gut and git a fill before my cruise (March 20-25th) because I am still going to be able to enjoy tasting whatever the ship has to offer but, not go overboard(get it overboard, HAHA)!

Thanks to all of my followers(friends) your support through my whole journey thus far is much appreciated and I feel the love of the bond that we all share. Thanks to each and everyone of you.

HAPPY ASH WEDNESDAY TO ALL!!!

LENT STARTS TODAY!

I am enjoying my Tuna Sandwich today.

(no meat today or Friday's for the next 40 days.)

I'm Catholic if nobody has figured it out yet =)

Shout Out to your Surgeon!

2010-02-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

Give your Surgeon a Shout Out.........HOLLA!
Western Bariatrics, Dr. Douglas Krahn

I love my surgeon and his PA, Brian Benson. They have a great sense of humor. Great bedside manner and are very professional.

The whole staff is excellent, very friendly, supportive, and helpful. I highly recommend them.

They are in San Bernardino, CA. Please check out their website.

Western Bariatrics

Fill #3........(6+1=7)

2010-02-11T11:37:00.000-08:00

So I went for my fill this morning. The PA, Brian (who normally does all of my fills) was very pleased with my progress and happy that I made the choice to come get a fill and didn't take advice from some of my friends and wait til after my cruise. We leave for our cruise to Cabo San Lucas on March 20th and everyone keeps telling me, there is so much food on the boat, you can eat whenever and whatever you would like anytime. They said you should take advantage that you don't have restriction. I have been losing pretty regularly since surgery, even with no restriction....I have been working very hard and using my darn will power. You know for a split second I did think well maybe I shouldn't get a fill til I come back and then I thought, what was the point of having surgery. I did this to change my life, my eating habits, the way I feel, the way I like in my clothes, etc.

~I'm either ALL in or I'm cheating myself~

So needless to say I am happy with my decision and can't wait to start eating solids again and see what 7.0cc in my 10.0cc band feels like.

Here is a pic of my new $15.00 Wedding Ring Set from Kohl's, that I will where until I hit goal. Here is an earlier post regarding My Lost Wedding Ring! Boy oh Boy that was scary!

Fill # 3....Cometh Early!

2010-02-10T16:30:00.000-08:00

YAY! My doctor's office just called me and let me know they had a cancelation for tomorrow morning at 9:30am. So I said, heck yes I want it. I need it. Can't wait. Fill #3, here I come!

Bare Minerals

2010-02-10T09:12:00.000-08:00

Does anyone use Bare Minerals? Everyone I have asked who uses it swears by it. They all love it and have never used another makeup since. I happen to be watching QVC a couple of weeks ago and caught the Bare Minerals segment. It looked like a wonderful make up. So I ordered some, well actually a lot more than some. I actually ordered whatever I could get my hands on (without even ever trying it, crazy I know, huh!) They had such good deals on little multi packs and stuff. So all week my stuff has been arriving. This morning I tried it.

I LOVE IT!

I will say it takes me a tad longer to do my make up than the normal 5-10 minutes it used to take me. But, I love the coverage. It doesn't even feel like you have make up on. And, it's all a powder. The eye shadow colors are amazing. I am definitely sold and will stick with Bare Minerals. So if you don't use it I highly recommend it. If you do, I am certain your skin thanks you.

So these are some pics of me today with my Bare Minerals, hope you guys can see the full and even coverage it offers. It is a great make up.

Happy Hump Day!

OMG....My Ring! (NSV)

2010-02-09T14:53:00.000-08:00

Okay so first off I must tell you that I stepped on the scale this morning and dah dah dah dah.....I am now at 192, two freakin pounds away from the 180's. I can't believe it! WOOO HOOO! Finally the scale moved in the right direction.

My Stats:

*28lbs. lost since I started my journey in April (Lab Band Seminar)

*18lbs. lost since surgery on September 29, 2009

Ok, for the ring story. My husband has been telling me "Don't wear your wedding ring, it is too big for you." But, I hate, hate, hate, not wearing my wedding ring. I love my wedding ring and all it stands for. So fast forward to today. So, I go to lunch with my brother today. We ordered our food and went to sit down, I happened to look down at my hand and...................GONE. My wedding ring was GONE! I freaked out. Went C to the R to the A to the Z to the Y! C-R-A-Z-Y. I started crying hysterical. I had the whole restaurant looking for my ring. I went and looked in my truck like 4 times, searched my purse. Was about to throw up and then I thought where could it have gone to. My mind was racing. My brother said calm down and breathe. I started taking everything out of my purse, I mean everything. I was ready to cut the liner out of my purse. And then, behold......AHHHH, there it was, in the bottom of my purse. It must have slipped off when I reached in to get something out of my purse. It had found a nice warm comfy spot to play hide and seek, reek havoc on my nerves, make my heart beat way too fast to count, make my stomach to back flips, cartwheels, and any other strange sort of gymnastic/acrobatic adventure. Needless to say, my ring is going in the safe tonight when I get home. I refuse to size my ring until I am at goal. So, I guess, I will have to purchase a cheapy fake ring until that time comes. Maybe I can find something in the realm of a 12 carat , like Khloe Kardashian. Hey, a girl can dream right???

Sorry for the weird pic, but I wanted you all to see how big my ring is on my finger.

Lazy Sunday

2010-02-07T12:32:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday (Superbowl Sunday). We are having a lazy Sunday, as I type...it is 12:33pm and I still have yet to take a shower. I have been catching up on blogs for about the last 3 hours. The past few days I haven't been up to typing or being on the computer much because of my wrist. I have been going through withdrawals, as I am on the computer everyday, all day. I am glad to say that I am feeling much better today. I was getting really depressed thinking I was never going to be able to use my right arm for anything ever again.

Thanks to everyone for your well wishes on my surgery. I am glad it is behind me now. Today is the first day I am actually feeling really good. I haven't taken pain meds for about two days now, my arm is still really weak but, I get to take a shower today without a plastic bag (YAY!) I think I might actually shave my legs today, the first time since surgery on Tuesday. I'm sure my husband will be glad for that. I can get away with not shaving my leg, but my pits are a different story. I look like a contortionist every morning trying to shave my arm pits with a plastic bag over my right arm....it's a hideous sight.

Anyways, as for my weight..........I was getting really worried because the morning after surgery, I was up 4lbs! But, now today, I am back to what I was before surgery. I think it's because of all of the fluids they gave me during surgery and I was eating out of convenience instead of what was right and healthy combined with not being able to exercise. I am at 193, I have been fluctuating between 193-195 since January 19th...I just cannot get into the 180's. I am trying to up my intake of H2O, hopefully that will help. I definitely need a fill, my next fill isn't until March 25th, uuhhhggg! But, I am just trying to make the best of it. I for sure have to chew my food really good, but I don't get full. I have to actually step away from my food because I will eat WHATEVER is on my plate or I am served =( Oh! And, in my last post I mentioned that I did workout #1 of Couch25K, well I don't know what I was thinking. I definitely have to start over because I haven't been able to exercise anymore since that day. Doing that work out on the treadmill kicked my ass. Not just my ass but the jarring of running really effed up my wrist, I think that is why I had such a hard time recovering. I sabotaged myself. The jogging movement in my wrist made my recovery harder on myself. Therefore, I will START the Couch25K when my doctor say it is okay. I see him on Wednesday!

Hope you all have a great week! BTW, Love the bikini Amy! you look fabulous.

Wrist Surgery (w/ pics) and Work Out # 1 of C25K DONE!

2010-02-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

As I sit here trying to type. My wrist is killing me. I was feeling so good yesterday after surgery and even this morning, but my numbing injection is wearing off. My pain medication makes me sleepy doesn't really take the pain away.

So yesterday I went in at 6:15am to have my ganglion cyst taken off my right wrist. The nurse tried three different spots on my arm to place my IV Catheter. So my right arm is killing me from surgery. My left arm is bruised and killing me from her poking me all over. I was put completely under anesthesia. My surgery lasted about 45 minutes. I woke up in the recovery room at about 8:15am and was home by 9am. I am so glad for out-patient surgery.

Here is a pic of my right arm all bandaged

Here is a pic of my left arm all bruised where she tried to put my IV in, who tries to put an IV on the inside of your wrist anyways???? UHHHGGG!

So this evening, I am in A LOT of pain. I am on Tylenol with Codeine....all it does is make me super sleepy, doesn't really take the pain away.

Although, this morning I was feeling pretty good still. I actually completed day one of Couch25K. I felt like I was gonna die, but I did it. My arm was feeling pretty good, so I just jumped on the treadmill and went to town.

BUT, I had a brain fart and completely forgot that I was put under general anesthesia yesterday and my lungs aren't what they normally are.

As for my weight, I am stuck! My weight hasn't moved in a few weeks. I have been exercising more than I have in the past 4 months but, I don't see the poundage moving. Although, I know I am losing inches because my clothes are falling off me. I am now officially in a 14 but, I am sure a 12 is right around the corner (hopefully.) I waned to be in the 180's by the time I went on our cruise in March, which seems totally doable. The scale just seems to fluctuate between 193-196?!?!? I just want to wake up and the scale say 189 =) Another problem that I have, is I still do not have much restriction at all. My next fill isn't until March 25th, the day I come back from my cruise. Can't wait for the band to be tight! I want to be at my "SWEET SPOT" already. I have 6.0cc in my 10.0cc band.

Thanks to everyone for all of your well wishes, thoughts, and prayers regarding my wrist. Hope you are all having a great week and getting ready for Valentine's Day. We are taking our girls to Disneyland on Valentine's Day, we are super excited and looking forward to that.

Don't forget, water, exercise, protein, and vitamins.......

Randomness

2010-01-29T11:54:00.000-08:00

Thanks Athena!

*What is your salad dressing of choice? Red Wine Vinnagrette
*What is your favorite sit down resteraunt? The Market Broiler
* What is your favorite fast food restarunt? El Pollo Loco
* What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Tuna
* What are your pizza toppings of choice? Mushrooms
* How many televisions are in your hosue? 3
* What color cell phone do you have? Black with a pink cover
* Are you right-handed or left-handed? Right
* Have you ever had anything removed from your body? Tonsils, my two daughters(emergency c-sections), and I am having a cyst taken off of my wrist on Tues.
* What is the last heavy item you lifted? Probably my daughter, all 33lbs of her.
* Have you ever been knocked unconsious? No
* Have you ever fainted? No
* If possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No
* If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I like boy names for girls, so probably some cool boy name....I on't know though.
* How many pairs of flip flops do you own? Too many to count, probably 15-20???
* Last person you talked to? My Husband
* Favorite Season? Fall
* Favorite Holiday? Thanksgiving.
* Favorite Day of the Week? Saturday.
* Favorite Month? December, cuz I get a few extra days off from work
* Favorite Color? Purple
* Favorite Drink? Diet Green Tea
* Missing Someone? Yes
* What are you listening to? "Learning how to do the watermelon crawl" A country song on the radio at work.
* What are you watching? My computer screen and QVC (Bare Essentials)
* What are you worring about? My up coming surgery on my wrist on Tues. :(
* What was the last movie you saw? I saw The Grand Tarino, my friend let me borrow it, pretty good movie
* Do you smile often? Yes, I like being happy, it takes more effort to be in a bad mood.
* If you could change your eye color, what would it be? Well I have blue eyes, which I like, but probably like an ice grren color...you know the one's you can almost see through
* What's ion your wish list for your birthday? GOAL (140)
* Can you do push ups? A few
* Can you do a chin up? Are you kidding me :) HAHAHA, thats funny!
* Does your future make you nervous or excited? Excited.
* Have you been in a car wreck? I was backed into about 12 years ago.
* Have you casued a car wreck? No
* Do you have an accent? No, I'm from Cali :)
* Last time you cried? Yesterday.
* Plans tonight? Taking the girls to the movies.
* Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? No.
* Name three things you bought yesterday? Nothing, didn't have to open my wallet.
* Met someone who changed your life? Absoultely.
* For the better or worse? Better and worse thats what I signed up for
* How did you ring in the New Year? Sleeping....zzzzzzzzz
* Would you go back in time if you had the chance? No
* Have you ever dated someone longer than a year? Yes, I have been married 7 and with my bandsome hubby for 10
* What songs do you listen to inthe shower? Nothing normally
* Have you held hands with sombody today? Yes, my daughters
* Who is the last person you took a picture of? My girls
* Are most of the friends in your life new or old? old
* Do you like pulpy orange juice? No, not at all.
* What is something your firneds make fun of you for? My laugh, I laugh loud and its contagious
* Last time you ate peanut butter and jelly? A few months ago
* What were you doing at 12AM last night? zzzzzzzzzz
* What was the first thing you thought of when you wok up this morning? Yay! No work.

4 Month Surgiversary

2010-01-29T10:18:00.000-08:00

Today is my 4 month Surgiversary! I have come to know so many people through my blog. I love this community and feel like the support for each one of us is unbelievable. I thank each and everyone of you for all of your comments, encouraging words, recommendations, and suggestions. This morning on the scale (naked) I weighed 194. So, that means I have lost 26lbs. since I started this whole journey.

For the first few months of surgery, I was in bandster hell, I still think I am to some degree. I am learning that the band is and cannot do all of the work. I have been making great food choices, eating tons of protein, but eating tons, my portions are still not too much smaller than before I had surgery, but I am eating the right things. My band has 6.0cc in it right now. My next fill (fill #3) isn't until March 25th, hopefully I will get more restriction with my next fill and be at my "sweet spot."

I was kinda exercising in past months, but recently about 2 weeks ago have really stepped up my exercise. Like I had said in my past post, I joined Curves (I did it about 5 years ago and lost 40lbs w/ the help of the Optifast Diet) and I love it! I feel so accomplished and energized after I get a good work out in.

Next Tuesday, I have my surgery on my wrist. Once I am feeling better, hopefully no longer than a week. I want to start the Couch 2 5K running program. Has anybody else done this program? A few people on youtube that I talk to have done it and had great success. Lacey told me that she did it and now she HAS to run. She has been so successful with her weight loss and can run miles upon miles. That is how I want to be, I want to be a RUNNER.

So 4 months later, I can say that I am very happy that I chose to do LapBand Surgery. I wish my progress was a little faster. I knew it would be a slow process, but I am not a very patient person. Slow and steady wins the race.

Thanks again to everyone for all of your kind words of support and wisdom. I hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys some family time.

A List About Me

2010-01-24T21:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks Heather, Tina, and Cara for the great idea. This was fun.

1.) What time did you get up this morning?
7:04AM

2.) How do you like your steak?
Medium Well

3.) What was the last movie you saw in the Theater?
The Princess and the Frog I took my two little girls, we had a girls night.)

4.) What is your favorite TV Show?
I would have to say Grey's Anatomy, but I love all TV, especially Reality TV.

5.) If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Wherever my family is.

6.) What did you have for breakfast?
A protein shake and a vanilla yogurt.

7.) What is your favorite cuisine?
Seafood

8.) What kinds of food do you dislike?
None, that I can think of really.

9.) Favorite Place to eat?
Market Broiler

10.) Favorite dressing?
Red Wine Vinaigrette

11.) What kind of vehicle do you drive?
2007 Nissan Armada

12.) What are your favorite clothes?
I am definitely a jeans and t shirt girl.

13.) Where would you visit if you had the chance?
Bora Bora, the Tahitian Islands (I am going there when I hit goal)

14.) Cup 1/2 empty or cup 1/2 full?
Depends on what is in my cup.

15.) Where would you want to retire?
No where specific, I want to travel.

16.) Favorite time of day?
I like the evening, after dinner, when you can actually sit down and relax.

17.) Where were you born?
Riverside, CA

18.) What is your favorite sport to watch?
Don't really like sports, don't watch. I watch the Olympics when they are on.

19.) Bird Watcher?
No

20.) Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night

21.) Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?
Not really, going to apply for my passport his week, I've never had one.

22.) What did you want to be when you were little?
A police officer.

23.) What is your best childhood memory?
Summer vacations, we always had great one's.

24.) Are you a cat or a dog person?
Dog.

25.) Are you married?
Yes, happily. Eli and I just celebrated our 7th on January 4th.

26.) Always wear your seat belt?
YES, ALWAYS.

27.) Been in a car accident?
Yes, backed into once.

28.) Any pet peeves?
Disorganization. If people only knew how much easier life could be if it was organized.....

29.) Favorite Pizza Topping?
Mushrooms

30.) Favorite Flower?
Yellow Rose

31.) Favorite Ice Cream?
Pistachio Nut Rocky Road, or Vanilla Bean

32.) Favorite Fast Food Restaurant?
Post Band: Subway or El Pollo Loco, Pre Band: Del Taco.

33.) How many times did you fail your drivers test?
0

34.) From whom did you get your last email?
My Dad

35.) What store would you choose to max out your credit card?
Target

36.) Do anything spontaneous lately?
Paid off my house.

37.) Broccoli?
Yum

38.) What was your favorite vacation?
Hawaii, June 2009

39.) Last person you went out to dinner with?
My husband and my girls.

40.) What are you listening to right now?
My fingers click the keyboard keys.

41.) What is your favorite color?
Purple

42.) How many tattoos do you have?
0

43.) Coffee drinker?
Occasionally

Gym, Tanning, Cruise, and oh yeah and I lost 3lbs overnight!

2010-01-18T21:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I signed up for Curves. I have only been exercising on the treadmill and I am kinda stuck. I can't get past 195 even with my new fill. But, I have also been having snacks here and there. So I am staying at my current weight but, not losing any. So yesterday I did my first work out at Curves, and today I am on to my second. I did Curves back in 2004 when I lost 45lbs, so I know it works. It works for me at least. It is right around the corner from my work, so I just go right after work.

I have also started tanning again, I feel better about myself when I'm tan......(I know, I know, tanning is not god for you) I hear that from so many.

My husband and I booked a cruise with some really good friends of ours. We booked a cruise for March 20th-March 25th to Cabo San Lucas, MX. We can't wait!! My goal is to lose at least 10lbs. before the cruise. I definitely want to be under 185lb when I go on the cruise. I know I can do it. I am kicking it into high gear now. Gym, Protein(which I have always been pretty good at), no snacks, lots of water, and yes....tanning.

Oh yeah.....I have to have surgery on my right wrist on Feb 2nd. I have a ganglion cyst that has to be removed. Not really looking forward to that because I have to be fully sedated, but it needs to come out. It hurts all the time and is pretty gross to look at. I have no idea how I got it. My Ortho doctor told me it is due to some kind of trauma or over use. Since I am n the computer all day, or lifting animals, or writing in charts, he thinks that is probably how it happened. It is
out-patient and only takes about 45 minutes. I just really hope I don't get left with an ugly scar across my wrist. Do y'all know anyone who has had this type of surgery?

Hope everyone is doing well and working hard.

Oh yeah, also I weighed 196lbs yesterday and this morning I weighed 193lbs!!!!!!!!

XOXO ~ Tamara

Pics of Me @ 195lbs.

2010-01-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

This next pic I tried (tried, being the key word) to have my six year old take of me. She did an okay job, wanted to document what being 195lb was. Hoping that I am soon to be into the downhill slide of the 190's into the 180's.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday.

(sorry its so blurry and for the toilet plunger in the background.....we were in the garage LOL.)

Comments are repaired........

2010-01-08T22:14:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much Suzie and Cara for the heads up.

MY 2010 WORD

2010-01-08T08:49:00.000-08:00

DESTINATION
des·ti·na·tion
noun
1 : the purpose for which something is destined
2 : an act of appointing, setting aside for a purpose, or predetermining
3 : a place to which one is journeying or to which something is sent
4 : a place worthy of travel or an extended visit

So DESTINATION is my word.....

I have chose destination, I choose my own destination whether it's having to do with, traveling, family, friends, my weight, or just plain ole me. My destination is what I make of it. I have the choice to get to my destination however I see fit. You don't have to put a time limit on how long it takes you to get to your destination, you just have to get there. Work hard, stay focused, and your destination will be one that you have earned.

Remember it's not always about the actual destination its about the journey that got you there.

1.5 puts me at 6

2010-01-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

So I got my second fill yesterday. The PA added 1.5cc to my band bringing me to 6.0cc, hopefully I will get some good restriction now. The doctors office was still impressed with my weight loss (not me). They said 14 lbs in three months is great. Ehhh, I think it could have been better, but with no restriction at all, I guess that's pretty good. So I am on liquids today and mushies Saturday and Sunday, then back to solids on Monday, so we'll see how 6.0cc feels.

So I hope the new year is off to a good start for everyone. I have been super busy with work and holidays that I haven't had time to blog. Finally, things are starting to calm back down. My girls went back to school this week and this was my first full week back to work after only having 3 1/2 day work weeks for the last two weeks.

Nothing too exciting going on in my life so far this 2010....oh yeah ~ I paid my house off on 12/31/2009, we thought that would be a good way to start of 2010, so I guess that is my BIG news for this year so far. Hope everyone is doing well and 2010is your best year yet.

Scratch Jan 28th....tomorrow is Fill #2

2010-01-06T19:50:00.000-08:00

Yay! As I was leaving work today my doctors office called me and told me they had a cancellation tomorrow. So.....of course I said, YES, I'll take it. My appointment for my second fill was scheduled for January 28th....uhhggg my first fill was on November 12th. I am desperate for another fill. I feel like I didn't even have surgery. I have 4.5cc in my 10.cc band but, I definitely NEED more restriction. I can't wait. Alleluia!!!

10 Favorite Things (with photos)

2009-12-22T15:56:00.000-08:00

I was inspired to do this blog by a few other bloggers. Great idea guys.

These are a few of my favorite things...........

1.) My Wedding Ring.

On January 4, 2003, I married my best friend.

2.) Premier Protein Shakes from Costco.

They have 30gm of Protein, 160 calories, and taste really good. They are my breakfast every morning (Mon-Fri on my way to work). 3.) My Droid.

I just got a new phone last week, it was my Christmas present to myself. It is Verizon Wireless' version of the iphone. I love it. I can do so much with it. It is perfect.

4.) Caress Tahitian Renewal Body Wash.

It is the best. It smells great and feels great. It is gritty and gives your body that fresh clean feeling.

5.) Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lotion.

It is fabulous. I use it every day and night after I get out of the shower. I think it has cut down on the redness and faded my scars from my LapBand Sx also.

6.) Juicy Couture Eau De Parfume.

My Parents bought me this perfume in August for my birthday. I am addicted now. I just bought another bottle last week. I love it, yum yum. It is described as passion fruit, watermelon, and tuberose blossoms with vanilla creme brule. It is fabulous!

7.) Purple Dell Studio 17 Laptop.

I love my laptop. I don't know what I would do without it. I love to keep in touch through all of these blogs, I know that is why I have been successful so far on my journey and continue to be.

I GOOGLE everything as well. I am a google junkie.

8.) Turtles.

I collect turtles. Love Love Love Turtles. Any, all, it doesn't matter. I have turtle stuff all over my house, I have turtle jewelry, I have a turtle sticker on my truck, a turtle hanging from my rear view mirror, charms on my wallet. This is my newest turtle. The Veterinarian I work with bought me this one for Christmas.

9.) My Home.

My husband I had our house built in 2001, a few years before we were married and I actually moved in. We work very hard to have our beautiful home. We wanted something to be able to call our own and raise our children in. My husband and I are paying off our home next month. It is a great way to start off the year 2010. Our goal was to have it paid off by the time we were 30, and we made it!

10.) Our Trailer.
We love to camp as a family. My daughters are 6 and 3 and really enjoy it. We have saved and searched for a long, long time for the perfect trailer. We finally bought ours in September 2009.

It's been a long time since blog time.

2009-12-14T13:02:00.000-08:00

So sorry it has been so long since I have posted a blog. I have been doing really well. I started exercising last week and I am at 199. I wish I was at least back down to 197 where I was before Thanksgiving. But, I'll get there. I wish I had more restriction (actually RESTRICTION at all!) I have to wait for my appointment on January 28th, hopefully they fill me up TIGHT!

So I have been trying to stay active, doing other things besides the treadmill. Last week I danced with my girls around the living room, to a bunch of different songs. This past weekend we went roller skating.....yes, I said roller skating, to the actual roller rink. We went for about two hours. I was so sore yesterday. I worked out muscles that I didn't even know I had. It was a blast to see my kids enjoy doing what I used to enjoy doing when I was their age. I even got my husband to roller skate (actually, we roller bladed) for the first time. It was great family time.

Hope you guys all have a great week. Stay strong, focused, and full of protein!

Thanksgiving Vacation......Back to Work!

2009-12-02T11:21:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, we did. I am back up to 200 lbs =( I ended up gaining 3lbs. I ate sosososososo much. It was like I didn't even have a band. I enjoyed myself. But, now back to eating smaller portions again. We exercised a lot though. We walked, went to the beach, went on bike rides. It was a great vacation. I have not had a chance to post a blog. I have been so busy. I was off last week from work, so now I am playing catch up. We have our Annual Christmas Party for work this Saturday, I coordinate and put that whole thing together, so I say my plate is full this week. Also, my husbands Christmas Party is the same night as mine, so we are hitting up mine and then going to his. Busy.....Busy.....Busy...weekend ahead. Oh yeah, I called my doctor's office to see if I could make an appointment for another fill (my next appointment is Jan 28th) because I don't really feel any different than before I even had surgery. I need to be tighter, more restriction! My doctor's office said they were booked all the way through February!!!! So I have to wait until January. Will power sucks. I was hoping to be in the 180's by 2010, guess that won't be happening. I am just sick of my stomach growling all of the time. I am always HUNGRY! Oh well, I will get there eventually, I just keep chugging a long. Although, it would be nice to see the scale move down again. I'll keep you all posted.

My family camping on Thanksgiving at Morro Bay State Park.

My Incisions and My Wedding Ring!

2009-11-18T09:57:00.001-08:00

First off I have to tell you all I feel great. I am walking 30 to 45 minuted every night(ok, almost every night) on the treadmill. I am eating very good portion sizes and eating all the right stuff. I am at 198.2 this morning on my scale (naked). I am so excited about my progress thus far, I can't wait to see what I am going to look like and feel like six months from now.

We are going camping next week for Thanksgiving up in Morro Bay. We are so excited! This week can't get over with quick enough. I am going to try to take lots of pictures, so I can post some new pictures of my family and I.

So here is a pic of my Lapband Incisions 7 weeks Post Op. Also, my wedding ring is falling off my ring finger, but I don't want to get it sized until I am at least at or around my goal weight of 140 (59+ lbs to go). I am going to probably get a ring guard until then. I can wear it on my middle finger now. I thought people were crazy when they said they went down in shoe sizes (I haven't done that) I have worn a size 9 shoe since middle school (weight in middle school-high school 135-140) so I probably won't go down in shoe sizes but, I have lost weight in my fingers and hands =) CRAZY............. My stomach is definitely shrinking, I am wearing shirts that I used to wear with something over them. I also have more energy. I remember Amy posting some pics a few weeks ago about her back fat being gone...well, mine is slowing shrinking away to nothing. I love seeing my body go through these changes. It is awesome to know that I will never see 200 on the scale again. I feel Amazing, I love my Band. I love this journey, and I love all of you ladies for your support.

My Lapband Incisions 7 Weeks Post Op

My Wedding Ring fits on my middle finger

Bandster Quiz

2009-11-15T21:07:00.000-08:00

1. How long have you been banded? Almost 7 weeks
2. What was your highest pre-band weight? / Current weight now? / Total lost to date?220/199.5/21.5
3. What is your best "go-to" food to get in your protein? tuna, protein shake
4. What is your favorite protein brand/shake? Kirkland Chocolate Protein shake from Costco
5. What food do you miss the most now being post-band? Ice Cream, every once in a while I miss Coca Cola
6. What is your favorite "mushy" food? tuna, split pea soup
7. What was your worst PB experience? None really yet
8. What has been the hardest part of this journey so far for you? Learning how to make food less important in my life, making exercise a priority
9. What is your best NSV to date? Today I pulled my jeans off buttoned...couldn't wear them, they were falling off me. One size down, four more to go.
10. What is your top non-weight goal for your band? (top NSV maybe?) To get into my homecoming dress that is a size 10 (I would love to be a size 8, though) from my junior year of high school, I still have it 13 years later =)
11. What is your goal weight or size? At leaat 140 lbs, Size 8, If I end up weighing less or in a smaller size I wouldn't be disapointed though
12. What band "rule" do you live by (i.e. don't cheat on)? No soda and blog
13. What band "rule" do you not follow as much or aren't so good at? Exercising, I need to add one or two more days
14. What is your goal "reward"? My reward is going to Bora Bora in Tahiti when I hit 140 lbs
15. In the spirit of Thanksgiving being right around the corner (US), what are you most thankful for, post-band? I'm thankful to have had the band and hopefully at my goal by the time I am 30 (8/4/2010)

Guess What!

2009-11-14T12:45:00.001-08:00

I did it. Can you believe it. Yeah, I made it to onderland. I stepped on the scale this morning and it said 199.5! Woo Hoo.... Just wanted to share my great news.

1 lb away from Onederland....

2009-11-13T10:03:00.000-08:00

I got on the scale (naked) this morning and this is what it said...... one freakin pound away from onderland. I will keep you all posted on my battle over that pound.. Today is day two of liquids, I feel pretty good. I'll let y'all know how my fill is working after I start eating solids. Hope you all have a great weekend.

6 weeks Post Op

My First Fill

2009-11-12T16:12:00.000-08:00

I just got back from my first fill. It went great, pretty painless. The lidocaine that my doctor used to numb the spot was the worst part. It was a little burning poke. He put the needle in my port, he had no problem finding it. He had me stand up and drink water and see how much I could drink, while the needle was sticking out of my stomach. He put in 2.5cc, he told me I already had 2.0cc in from surgery (that explains why I feel like I do sometimes when I eat too fast or don't chew good enough) so I have a total of 4.5cc in my 10cc Band. I am on liquids today and tomorrow and then mushies the next two days, then back to solids. I can't wait to see the scale move. I have been stuck at 201 lbs (naked on my home scale). I weighed 202.5 at the doctors office today (with clothes on ~of course~) So all is well, I am super excited and can't wait to feel the difference.

Tomorrow is my first fill

2009-11-11T09:14:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I get my first fill. I am so excited. The scale is still at 201. It hasn't moved in a while. I am hoping that with the fill and having to be on liquids for 2 days, then mushies for 2 days that I will see a decline.

Happy Veterans Day!

19 lbs Down!

2009-11-07T21:15:00.000-08:00

Guess what! I stepped on the scale this morning and yep....it moved. I am 19 lbs. down. I feel great and I am starting to feel my pants and shirts getting a little loose. 19 lbs and I really don't have any restrictions yet either. My first fill is in 5 days.

Thanks to all my new followers. You are all keeping me in check.

TGIF

2009-11-06T14:18:00.001-08:00

That is all I have to say!

Oh, yeah and less than one week until my first fill!

5 Weeks Post Op

2009-11-04T13:48:00.000-08:00

5 Weeks Post Op

Me, at work

Getting to Know You...

2009-11-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

Since my followers are growing I thought I would also do a getting to know me section......thanks Alexis, Angie, and Jen.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

A
- Age: 29
- Annoyance: Bad Driver's, Ignorance, Judgment upon others
- Animal: Little Puppies
- Actor: My beloved, Patrick Swayze.....RIP

B
- Beer: Yuck
- Birthday/Birthplace: August 4, 1980 Moreno Valley, CA
- Body Part on opposite sex: Eyes & Smile
- Been in Love: Yes
- Been bitched at: Yes
- Believe in yourself?: Hell Yeah
- Believe in God: Absolutely
- Before weight: 220 lbs highest (4/2009) 217 lbs start of pre-op diet (9/2009)

C
- Car: 2007 Granite Nissan Armada
- Candy: Skittles or Hot Tamales
- Color: Purple
- Cried in school: Yes
- Chocolate/Vanilla: Vanilla Bean
- Chinese/Mexican: Mexican
- Cake or pie: White cake, cream cheese frosting
- Country to visit: Tahiti.......my ultimate goal is to go to Bora Bora when I hit goal....and stay in those huts in the water....oh I can't wait.

D
- Day or Night: Night
- Do the splits?: Actually yes

E
- Eggs: Over Medium or scrambled
- Eyes: Blue

F
- First crush: Tommy Shuss.....he became my first real bf in junior high!
- First thoughts waking up: I hate my alarm
- Food: before the band-Fast Food all the way, Del Taco, Mickey D's, Pasta with lots of Alfredo Sauce.

G
- Greatest Fear: Losing my family
- Goals: to remain myself on the inside throughout this journey. To feel comfortable in my own skin.
- Get along with your parents?: Absolutely. My mom is my BEST friend. The best person I will ever know, we got banded together! My Step Dad is one of a kind, and is what makes my Mom the happiest she has ever been, I will always love him for that. My Dad is my Rock and my Strength. My Step Mom is an Angel and has such a kind and giving heart.
- Good luck charm: don't have one. I guess my FAITH!

H
- Hair Colour: Blonde with redish brown highlights
- Height: 5'2
- Happy: Yes!
- Holiday: Thanksgiving
- Health freak?: Not really. I am much more health conscience then I used to be though.
- Hate: Not working hard long before this to be healthy.

I
- Ice Cream: Rocky Road
- Instrument: No....I don't play anything.

J
- Jewelry: White Gold
- Job: Animal Hospital Administrator

K
- Kids: Yes, two girls. Andrea is almost 6 and Alexia is 3 1/2.
- Kickboxing or karate: Umm...neither
- Keep a journal? I write a blog...

L
- Longest Car Ride: 14 hours to our family cabin in Utah.
- Love: Nothing better
- Laughed so hard you cried: Ys...too many to count.
- Love at first sight: No

M
- Milk flavor: None
- Movie: Dirty Dancing
- Mooned anyone?: No...well my husband I guess =)
- Marriage: Love Love Love my Marriage....7 years on 1/4/10)
- Motion sickness? Sometimes.
- McD’s or BK: McD's

N
- Number of Siblings: 1 brother who is 25 and a California Highway Patrol Officer and 1 sister who is 16 and a junior in high school.
- Number of Piercings: four in each ear but I only ever wear 1 in each ear.
- Number: 4

O
- One wish: To meet the man of my dreams and have him fall in love with me!

P
- Place you’d like to live: Somewhere beautiful and Tropical.
- Perfect Pizza: Not really a coinsure of pizza
- Pepsi/Coke: Coke but I haven't had any since September 26

Q
- Questionaires: Love them, but don't always have time to do them (I've been doing this one off and on for 3 hours)

R
- Reason to cry: I'm a girl, please this question is ridiculous.
- Reality T.V.: A D D I C T E D.........T O A L L O F I T!
Roll your tongue in a circle? Yes

S
- Song: Love Music....don't really have a favorite one.
- Shoe size: 9
- Salad Dressing: Red Wine Vinegarette
- Skipped school: No
- Smoking: Never
- Sing well?: I would say not too bad
- Strawberries/Blueberries: Strawberries

T
- Time for bed: In bed by 10:00, asleep by 11 or 11:30ish
- Thunderstorms: Love them.
- TV: I love television....I watch too much of it

U
- Unpredictable: me no, life yes

V
- Vegetable you hate: none really
- Vegetable you love: Asparagus
- Vacation spot: Hawaii or anywhere Camping

W
- Weakness: Sour Cream and Dressings
- When you grow up: I never want to grow up......
- Which one of your friends acts the most like you: I have a few that I work with.
- Wanted to be a model?: Uh, no

X
-X-Rays: Had them done a few times with my whole Lap Band Procedure and about four years ago when I had a kidney stone.

Y
-Year it is now: 2009
-Yellow: My Dad's favorit color

Z
- Zoo: Cool Animals
- Zodiac sign: LEO

Monday - Monday

2009-11-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday to all. Can you believe that we are less than a month away from Thanksgiving. We are going camping up in Morro Bay for Thanksgiving, in our new trailer. We are so excited and can't wait.

Our Tango.

Tomorrow is 5 weeks since my surgery. I am doing really well. I cannot wait for a fill though. I am making good food choices, just eating too much (for a bander) I need restriction! I didn't exercise much at all last week, so back on that band wagon today. Treadmill here I come. With it getting dark so early now, I have to go back to the dreaded Treadmill, instead of my family walks around the park, uhhgg!

My Lunch today, yummy, but the belly was still growling.

I am stuck at 18lbs. lost....did I mention I need a fill.

Yeah, we were slow enough at work, I was able to leave early. I took my girls and walked around the park along with my in-laws. I am so glad I was able to walk around the park, I didn't have to use the treadmill, yeah yeah yeah!

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T16:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween Everyone.....
I hope you all are having a great Halloween and are not eating to many goodies.
We are getting ready to take the kids to a trunk or treat at church. My kids have already had a few pieces of candy( a few too many, especially when I do not allow my kids to have any candy). Sugar + Candy = Chaos...... May God be with all of you parents and the sugar filled evening ahead of you.

Alexia as Dorthy and Andrea as a Cheerleader

My Halloween Costume

4 Weeks Post Op
I've been putting Mederma on my incisions since 1 week post op, I really do think it makes a difference. My scars are fading.

My First Post Op Support Group Meeting

2009-10-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to my first post op Support Group Meeting. It was pretty neat to hear every one's stories, struggles, and accomplishments. The Support Group was for Lap Banders as well as Gastric Bypass patients. I really enjoyed it. We talked about cross addiction......trading food addiction for another addiction and how to not let that happen. We also learned about a website from Johnson & Johnson that was made for patients with the Realize band. Although, even if you do not have the Realize band or even if you are a Gastric Bypass patient you can still use the website. I have the Allergan Lap Band. The website http://www.realizemysuccess.com/ is an amazing tool to help you track all of your food, there are over 4,000 food items or you can input your own. You can also track your goals, keep a diary, your measurements, and of course your weight. It is amazing. you can print it, back log information, etc, etc.....

I have been feeling very good. I go in for my first fill in two weeks, yeah! BUT, I do think my band is working even though it is not filled yet. Every time I eat to fast and I am not paying attention and making sure I swallow what is in my mouth before I put more in it. I feel it stuck in my esophageal tube. It doesn't know if it wants to go down or come back up. It feels like I have to MAJORLY burp. I have to stand up and walk around and then whoop, there it will go right down the hatch. Then, I always say, WOW......he really did put the band in?!?!?! I wanted to post a picture of my surgeon. He is awesome and so is his whole staff. His website is http://www.westernbariatric.com/

My surgeon, Dr. Douglas Krahn

Hope you all have an amazing hump day (Wednesday) Get your Halloween costumes ready and your clocks ready to turn back on Sat night =)

~T

Out with the Old

2009-10-25T20:48:00.001-07:00

So today I went through my closet and all of my drawers. I was in desperate need to get rid of old clothes. Some were too big, but my overall goal was to make some room for when I am in need of buying smaller sizes (hopefully soon)! I forgot just how many clothes I have. Most of which, I don't even wear. I can't wait to buy a whole new wardrobe once I am at my GOAL.

In the morning my hubby, the girls, and I walked around the park for about 45 minutes. It was a beautiful day. We have to take advantage of the time we can exercise together, especially because we change our clocks back on Halloween night. So every night now, it will be dark by 5pm. Therefore, I think I will check Curves out tomorrow. I have a treadmill at home but, that gets really old. I did Curves four years ago when I did the Optifast diet and lost 40lbs. and I loved it!

Spontanious Rambling

2009-10-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

Grey's Anatomy is on tonight, yeah! I love Grey's! I live for Thursday's.

I made stew for dinner tonight. Yum Yum, can't wait to get home and have dinner.

My Home

I am still walking everynight for 30 minutes. I feel great and energized. I am counting down the days til my fill (21 days). My Mom and I are also going to attend our first Support Group Meeting on Oct 27th. I am excited to see post op LapBand patients that are further along in the process than I am and see their progress thus far.

The kids are getting excited for Halloween. They ask me everyday, "is it time for us to wear our costumes yet?" Andrea is going to be a cheerleader and Alexia is going to be Dorthy from Wizard of the Oz.

Halloween 2009
Andrea was a Witch and Alexia was an Angel

Day 22 Post Op

2009-10-21T14:19:00.000-07:00

So here are some progress stats:
In April when I started this journey I weighed 220. On September 17th when I started my pre op diet I weighed 217. On Surgery Day (September 29th) I weighed 210. I got on the scale this morning and I weigh 202. I am 2 lbs. away from onederland. I have been getting my 30 minute walks or bike rides in everyday! I feel great and am loving that the scale is going down, especially with no saline in my band at all yet. I can't wait until I get my first fill on November 12th, hopefully the scale will move even quicker.

Followers:
I want, need, crave followers. Thanks to Gen for being my first follower.

My Lapband Incisions

2009-10-21T08:26:00.003-07:00

My Lapband Incisions 7 Weeks Post Op

My Lapband Incisions 6 Weeks Post Op

My Lapband Incisions 5 weeks Post Op

My Lapband Incisions 4 weeks Post Op
I've been putting Mederma on my incisions since 1 week post op, I really think it makes a difference. My scars are fading.

My LapBand My Lapband Incisions 3 weeks Post Op

My LapBand Incisions 1 week Post Op

My Lapband Incisions Day 1 Post Op

My First Blog

2009-10-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

My birthday with my daughters, Andrea and Alexia
August 2009

My husband, Eli and I in Maui, HI, June 2009

My very first blog on my own page, WOW! I have been maintaining a blog on obesityhelp.com. I decided to start my own page so I could personalize it the way I wanted to. I am going to import all of my old blogs from my obesityhelp page so you can follow my progress thus far.

A little bit about myself, I am 29 years old. I have been married for almost 7 years. I have two daughters, ages 5 1/2 and 3. I have been a Hospital Administrator at an Animal Hospital for over 10 years. I absolutely love my job and all of my co workers. I am 3 weeks post op today. I am feeling great. I am down 12-15lbs. (it changed day to day) I have been walking or riding my bike everyday for at least 30 minutes. I am eating oatmeal, yogurt, soups, tuna, protein shakes, protein bars, and cheese. I am also drinking lots of water, crystal light, diet Snapple, G2, Propel. I feel really good. I do notice I have a little more energy. My size 18 pants are starting to get a little loose. I have my first fill on November 12th. I can't wait.

What brought me to choose Lap Band?
I was always very active in high school. I played softball and stayed fit. When I graduated from high school and stopped exercising everyday is when I put on weight. I pretty much started gaining about 10 lbs. a year. I weighed about 140-150lbs. in high school. When I got married in 2000 I weighed 190lbs. My highest non pregnant weight was 220lbs.

My Mom and I both decided to look into LapBand Surgery at the beginning of 2009. We went to a LapBand Seminar on April 14,2009. My weight at that time was 217lbs. My Mom and I chose to do LapBand after meeting our surgeon and listening to success stories and how you use your LapBand as a tool to change your life completely. We mailed our paperwork in the very next day.

*I AM GOING TO INSERT ALL OF MY BLOGS FROM OBESITYHELP.COM, SO IT WILL GET YOU UP TO SPEED*

SEMINAR
written on April 114, 2009
Went to the LapBand Seminar last night, very informative. Love, love, love, Dr. Khran. Can't wait to get the whole process started. I love how confident Dr. Khran is and how passionate he believes in WLS. I am filling out my paperwork today and going to submit it to his office tomorrow, he said his office gets back to you pretty quickly. Next step CONSULTATION. Can't wait to start this journey!

PAPERWORK
written on April 16, 2009
I filled out all of my necessary paperwork last night and mailed it today. Just waiting for Dr. Krahn's office to receive it and call my for my first consultation.

CONSULTATION
written on April 27, 2009
Okay so Dr. Krahn's office called today and I have my consultation with him on May 21st. My Insurance will cover 70% of the surgery. I have to do a Nutritional Evaluation and a Psych Evaluation and then I believe I am cleared for surgery. I don't have to do a pre-op diet. I will know more after my consultation. As for now I have to wait a month, ugh oh well, at least things are lining up. Yeah, I am so excited.

UPDATE.....AFTER MY CONSULTATION
written on May 23, 2009
On May 21st I had my consultation with Dr. Krahn. It went extremely well. My Mom and I have decided to do this journey together. Dr. Krahn was so great, he answered all of our questions and made us feel so comfortable. Do we found out that my Mom's BMI is 36 but, she has type 2 diabetes, so she should be approved through her insurance no problems. My BMI is 39, I don't have any major problems but, Dr. Krahn also seems to think that I will be approved no problem as well. So the criteria that we have to go through to get approved is; a medical clearance from my Primary Care Physician, Upper GI, Psych Evaluation, and a Nutritional Evaluation. My Mom and I have all of our appointments set up already. May 27th is my Psych Eval, May 28th is an exam from my Primary Care Doctor. June 2nd is my Nutritional Eval, and June 9th is my Upper GI. Then everything should be submitted to my Insurance for approval. I am in Hawaii, June 13th - June 20th, so hopefully why I am in Hawaii, I'll be approved! So that is that the BIG UPDATE. I will let you know how things go as I go through all these procedures the next few weeks. Wish me luck.

PSYCH EVALUATION
written on May 27, 2009
I had my Psych Evaluation this morning. The Psychologist was very nice. He said I am a very very good candidate and he thinks I will do excellent. He said I have realistic expectations and a reachable goal. I am at 200lbs. right now. I told him that I would like to be around 135lbs or 140lbs. I told him that I am giving myself a1 year to get it off. I want to be at my goal weight by the time I am 30! I have my doctor's appointment tomorrow to get my medical clearance from my primary care physician. Next up is my Nutritional Evaluation on June 2nd, then my Upper GI on June 9th. Then it's the waiting game, wait for my insurance to approve everything, then wait for my surgery date. Wish me luck!

PHYSICAL EXAM
written on May 28, 2009
So today I went in for my physical exam with my primary care physician, my doctor wanted me to get a chest X Ray and blood work done, so why I was in the neighborhood I went ahead and knocked those out too. A few more things to mark off my check list. I'm getting closer, just a few more hoops to jump through...... I weighed 219 at the doctors office today. Can't wait to get my Lap Band done, I can't wait to start loosing.

NUTRITION EVALUATION
written on June 3, 2009
Yesterday I went to my dietary nutritional evaluation. It was wonderful, very informative. The dietitian was excellent and answered so many questions. We went over what my eating habits are right now along with my activity level. I am at 200lbs right now my goal is to be at 140lbs by the time I am 30....that is August 4, 2010. So according to my dietitian, he said after my lap band surgery he wants me to be having at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week as well as getting 75 grams of protein a day. He said EVERYTHING YOU PUT IN YOUR MOUTH SHOULD CONTAIN PROTEIN! I do not take any vitamins at all right now, he said he wants me to start taking a chewable multi vitamin and chewable 1500mg of calcium daily. He also informed me all about protein shakes, gave me lots of great information and websites to help me out. I haven't had a chance to look any of them up yet, but one that I remember is bariatricadvantage.com.
It was a great meeting and makes me more inspired to do this, have a plan, and a goal in mind. I can't wait to get everything finished up and have surgery. On 6/9 is my Upper GI, along with seeing my PCP regarding my blood work and chest X Ray results from last week. Then, it's just a matter of making sure that my surgeon has all of my necessary medical records and submitting it to insurance. Everyone that I have met with so far thinks it is very likely that I should be having my surgery in July. Wish me luck, I'll keep you posted on all the details.

UPPER GI & MEDICAL CLEARANCE'S
written on June 23, 2009
Hi all, sorry its taken me so long to write. I have been on vacation in HAWAII....yeah! Still not ready to be back home and back to work, but oh well back to reality.....So for the update, Monday, June 8th I got my approval from my Primary Care Physician. On Tuesday, June 9th I had my Upper GI, I faxed all my paperwork to my surgeon that afternoon. I have been on vacation up until yesterday. Yesterday I called my surgeon's office to make sure they had all my medical clearance's, records, and so forth. The nurse said they had received everything and my chart was on the doctors desk for review. Once my doctor reviews my chart which should be done by this week, she will submit all my paperwork to my insurance and then I wait for approval which should only take about 7-10 days. Then I get a surgery date. Hopefully it's in July like my Mom and I wanted (my Mom and I are doing our surgeries back to back :) When I know more information, I will post another update.

UGGGHHH! FINALLY.......A SURGERY DATE
written on September 3, 2009
At the end of June my surgeon's office submitted all of my info to my insurance (Blue Shield of California PPO) for approval for my Lap Band Surgery. On July 7th I was denied due to not having any co-morbidity problems. My BMI is 39.6??? So onward and forward we went with the appeal. Dr. Krahn's (my surgeon) office have been angels. They are wonderful and helped me every step of the way. Finally...........I got approved on August 26th. I start my two week pre op diet on September 15, my pre-op appointment is September 17th and my surgery date is scheduled for September 29th. I will keep you posted on how things are going. Thanks for every one's comments and support.

PRE-OP
written on on September 14, 2009
My Pre-Op Diet starts today, wish me luck. My Pre-Op Diet consists of protein shakes, water, and a healthy dinner for the next two weeks. I hope they fly by, I am so so so ready for my Lap Band Surgery.

SURGERY
written on October 16, 2009
Ok so it's been over month since I've updated. I followed my pre op diet very well. Two protein shakes and a sensible dinner. I started liquid diet on September 27th and had my Lap Band Surgery on September 29th. My Mom and I had surgery together. our surgeon (Dr. Krahn) did our surgeries back to back. We were up walking about three hours after surgery. Not too much pain just some discomfort. The worst part of the surgery was the gas pain that worked its way up to my left shoulder. It lasted about a good week and a half. We had to do an Upper GI the following morning and were released the next afternoon. We had our surgery on a Tues and I was back to work on Fri (I have a sit down job). So now I am about two and a half weeks out feeling really well. my incisions (5 of them) are healing really well. I have been putting coco butter and Mederma on my scars to try to fade them.

I can't wait to get my first fill (November 12) I am hoping I will get lots of restriction and start losing like crazy. I really have no restriction now, I can eat anything I want. BUT, I have trained myself to have some very very good will power. I have not had soda in over a month. I have been watching my portions and calories. I have been walking for 30 minutes 4-5 times a week. So far I am down 12 lbs.

Sorry this blog is ridiculously long, but I wanted to share my journey thus far. Please follow along and leave comments, I would love to hear from you all.

My Mom and I the morning of our Surgery, Spetmeber 29, 2009