EdmontonGal

Hi Chose! Dont beat yourself up! We all make less healthy choices sometimes. Last week I was at the bar twice DRINKING and shared a plate of nachos for dinner during one of them! I also missed 3 workouts last week! Not weighing in until Tuesday because that is my weigh in day. I am mentally prepared to have NOT lost anything this week and to have most likely gained. You reap what you sow! It is important to follow the Dr. directions previous to and immediatley following surgery BUT my psychologist tells me all the time... 1) DONT BE HARD ON YOURSELF! The negative self-talk just starts an ugly cycle! For me it ws typical to say to myself "why are you even trying? This is the same old shit that got you here". When we are not gentle with ourselves is when we beat ourselves down! STOP IT! You can do this and you will! 2) Make excellent choices 90% of the time and give yourself permission to make less healthy choices %10 of the time! It sounds silly but when you give yourself permission, you wont beat yourself up! No one is perfect. We all will indulge. Know it is coming and be okay with it! None of this is easy, but stay strong and it will all be so worth it in the end! GOOD LUCK! Jenny

GOOD LUCK! KEEP US POSTED! I would love to pop in on your blog if you want to share! You can find mine @ JennyJiggly-Bits@blogspot Always here for support! Jenny

Thanks Judy! Such a great Non Scale Victory... The smaller sizes! You will make 199lbs and be in complete disbelief despite how hard you have worked for it! Keep on trucking!

Thanks guys! I know that I feel a million times better, but like so many of us out there, I have a hard time with image still. I see myself as the 262lb Jenny most of the time. I know this will change eventually and maybe it is not a totally bad thing, but still appreciate being able to share with people who get it! Take Care, Jenny_JigglyBits@blogspot

Unlike shifflet, I had no fluid in my Realize band when I had the surgery. I did however, have a hard time due to the swelling. Surgery is allot of trauma. I would clarify with your Dr as to the specifics of your band. When in doubt, check it out! That's what my surgeon told me! GOOD LUCK!

Hi DeeDee, I so get your "I coudl do this without the band" thought! I am 12 weeks post op and only had my first fill of 2ccs at the end of March. I am scheduled for my second fill on May 2nd. I have not had any restriction at all. It acts more like a shock collar really. I know that I went through all of this with a goal in mind so I still try to control portions as if I was sitting at my sweet spot. This helps but yes, without the band working the restriction, it can be really tough! Hang in there. Keep doing what you are doing!!! I never set a weight goal at all and have to be satisfied with losing, slowly but surely losing these lbs for good!

Hi there. Just from my experience, I too felt like I just couldnt get enough of anything in to myself the first week. Drink slow! Take small sips. If the pain is unbearable, it isnt normal. My port site is still a little tender and I am 12 weeks out. They sew it right in to your muscles and the healing will take a long time. Always here to answer any questions (not a professional) and support! Good luck!

I am down 2 more lbs this week. I weighed in at 195.4lbs this morning. Surger weight 224lbs. That's 28.6lbs since surgery and 66.6lbs from my start. I am still at 2cc's in my band, 2nd fill set for May 2nd. I had a weird dream the other night and ended up rubbing my port site in my sleep. I am so aware of it all the time. I hope it's a fleeting sense of awareness. The less fat I have around the site, the more I am aware. I hope I just get used to it. Anyone else out there experience this? I posted some pictures last week of progress. I was left seeing difference but somehow they didn't encompass what I thought that 65lbs lost SHOULD look like. Expectations Jenny! Sheesh! So I have gone back into the old photo library and put together a Start to Today photo comparison. I feel much better about these ones! [/url] TOP: 262lbs - January 2010 BOTTOM: 197.4lbs - April 2011 The short of it? I'm still losing... slowly. I'm just fine with it! Content as can be! Working hard at beating my head and old habits and enjoying spring and the dog parks! And now for the delicious SUPER EASY bbq pork tenderloin recipe that's not really a recipe: 1 pork tenderloin 2Tbsp evoo 1Tsbp Pepper 1Tbsp Salt 2Tbsp minced garlic 3 large pieces of tinfoil Trim excess fat off of loin. Message 1Tbsp of evoo and half the spices on to each side. Press in half of the garlic on each side. The most difficult part: wrap loin with one sheet of foil. Roll like a sushi roll and twist closed both ends. Put the seam side of wrapped loin down on the centre of the tin foil and repeat. 2 wraps could do the job but I like to play it safe and repeat 3 times. BBQ on low for 40 minutes, turning every 10 minutes. Remove from grill. Let rest for 10 minutes. Open, cut, serve. Easy!!! This meat was so juicy and tender! No mess, no fuss! I served with boiled cabbage. 1 small head of shredded cabbage. Boil for 5-7 minutes in veggie stock. Strain, save stock in freezer for soups, throw in to hot wok and saute with onions. I also served with green salad and chickpeas with an oil and vinegar dressing. Have I mentioned how much I love produce in the spring and summer! Also, the BBQing so takes care of too many dishes to wash up. I could live off of meat, fruit and veggies over the summer months! The strawberries and pineapple are even starting to be good! The sunshine makes me feel younger. It renews my sense of dedication to my new lifestyle too! Ahh spring fever! No matter how old I get, I will still get wrapped up and carried away in your glorious rays. I will roll down my window at +4 degrees, sunglasses on, busting out a good sing along to Beastie Boys, Kings of Leon or even Salt & Peppa! YEAH SUNSHINE! Happy Spring!

Hi Rosey; you will get there one day!!!! Chicken skewers, feta stuffed peppers and Naan bread! It was fantastic.

Thank you!

Good Morning. 197.4lbs smiled at me from between my toes on the scale this morning. I have had a good week. I walked or did the elliptical everyday, except for Saturday. I made good meal choices mostly too.I did catch myself in a few situations that could have been sabotage BUT, I talked myself down. Here is a prime example from lastnight. I got home from a meeting at 9:00pm. There was Mister, curled up on the couch... sharing a box of Girl Guide Cookies and a large bowl of Munchies with the mutt. Now in my old life, I would have sat down to join in and more than likely had a few cookies and a handful of munchies. What is a handful right? Well, lastnight I did NOT park my butt in front of the tv with the naughty snacks piled directly in the line of sight to the tv. I patted him on the head and went straight upstairs to get ready for bed. I did have dinner early because of the meeting and was hungry enough to pack the tummy before I packed it in for the night. But I did refrain. I told myself that if I was still hungry in 20 minutes, that there was greek yogurt in the fridge. It worked.... I fell asleep without the snack. That is a bigger success for me today then the 2 lbs! Old habits die hard and I am hoping that this is the demise of my caving to late night snacks! Celebrate the success! Sparms Bestie and I decided to dig out the backyard and the firepit Friday afternoon. There is about 5 feet of snow. The weather has been fantastic at about 7 degrees celsius with sunshine all around! The hard work was worth it and we spent a few hours Friday night enjoying the fruits of our labours with a fabulous BBQ! I CANT WAIT TO GO CAMPING! Have a good week all! Jenny-JigglyBits@Blogspot

[/url] HOLY SHIT! I can't even believe it! From 262lbs a year ago to 199.6. I am elated! I celebrated 50lbs, then 60lbs lost and now... 63lbs loss. With my slowed down loss lately, I was prepared to wait until summer for this day. I didn't want to but I know that all good things are worth the wait. Then, TAH DAH! A pleasant surprise over the 2lbs gained last week. So, this week a total loss of 2.4lbs. EASY! I had surgery at 224lbs. So in 10 weeks, I've lost 25lbs. Not THAT impressive compared to others I guess but FANFREAKINGTASTIC for me! 6 weeks, 9lbs and I feel a whole lot different. Not that the photos are that drastic but I see changes. Forgive my surly face this morning. The elliptical called early! 10 WEEKS 4 WEEKS Sunday night I had a great evening with MamaG. We played with the boys, had an awesome dinner c/o What the Crock!? (www.manicmama.com) and settled in for one of those "Bestie" chats. A great talk. A talk about our stresses. Most importantly, a talk about how super duper uber lucky we are. Lucky and fortunate to live the lives we live. I am fortunate and thankful to have the family and the "framily" that I have! I love my Mister and the home we have made together. I do actually loathe love my job and generally my entire life! I face struggles daily when it comes to my Bandster Lifestyle. These are nothing but mental struggles. I can control this. Some people can not control the health struggles that face them and thier children. People can not control mother nature or the economy. There are so many examples of ugly situations where people are helpless. I can control this and I have to try to keep that mantra throughout these struggles. Another good week all wrapped up. It feels good to be home and back in the swing of things. I am not feeling any restriction these days with that elusive 2ccs during my first fill a week ago. I am still in the habit of eating out of small bowls and plates with smaller utensils to slow down and limit my food intake. I am eating what a regular person should be though and have concentrated on making sure I get enough water during the day. I got myself a fancy new water bottle and the novelty of it is keeping me interested for now. All 199lbs of me, signing off!

Hi all! Thanks for this Rosey. I have had no incidents at all except a minor upset stomach (knots) after eating a small amount of popcorn. I read so much about these incidents that I am worried that it may happen to me. Thanks for sharing ALL OF YOU! This knowledge is the biggest benefit for me on the site! THANKS AGAIN Jenny-JigglyBits@Blogspot

Keep up the hard work. I am 9 weeks out of surgery and only had my first fill Monday. Still no restriction that I can tell of so far! I have lost 24 lbs since surgery and 62lbs all together. I found the first few weeks without any restriction to be the most beneficial for me personally. I have had to force myself to take control of my portions and eating habits without restriction. I have never had any issues with any food, nor drink since surgery either. This makes me vulnerable. I could eat an entire pizza to be honest! But I dont because I have worked VERY VERY HARD! I look at the band as a back up plan for my weak moments. Stay strong, wrap your head and your habits around your new lifestyle and you will do just fine! I also have to agree with qtney1 - Good for you for leaving the weigh ins for appointments! I bought a scale and although I weigh in religiously on Tuesdays, I sneak peaks in between. The inconsistancy is enough to make anyone nutty! TAKE CARE

I am finally home. 2 lbs heavier at 202lbs. Back face first into the swing of things. Work, home, BandLand. I got home Sunday afternoon and since stepping foot off of the plane, I am re-commited! I had my first fill Monday. It was STRANGE. I am not a needle person AT ALL (see Surgery Day entry) and was terribly nervous! I had the sweats and everything! The Dr. offered to slowly explain as he went along to help set me at ease. REALLY?! Hell no, I don't want to see a big needle penetrating my belly! I closed my eyes, made small talk and TAH DAH!!! He was already checking to see if it actually went in to the port by taking it all back in to the syringe. The weirdest part about it was feeling my port slide around along my muscles until he found the point. I've somewhat "babied" the port site from day 1. I was scared to sleep on it, scared to have anything rub on it or bump it. He was REALLY going at it. It didnt hurt at all. It just felt very strange. So, here I am with 2cc of saline sitting around my stomach, feeling no different. A little anti-climactic almost. Dontcha Think? Back to cardio and even a little ab work this week. I hurt!! It feels pretty good though. I am back to cooking my own food in my own house, prepping lunches and NOT DRINKING!! Planning ahead and being successful and NOT beating myself up over enjoying the last few weeks either. I loved being in newfoundland and I miss it (and the family most of all) already. That kind of atmosphere is no good for the scale but good for the heart! Here is a new recipe for trial! Kale Pesto Penne 1 bunch kale de-vien kale and chop roughly. Place in steamer w. a sprinkle of sea salt Steam until wilted and dark green. juice of 1/2 Large lemon 2 Tsp EVOO 1/4 c walnuts pinch of salt pinch of pepper pinch of dried red chili When Kale is steamed, add all ingredients to a blender. Blend until fine. Add more lemon juice or evoo to taste. I serve this over whole wheat penne w. sauted chicken, peppers, onion, garlic and broccoli. Just toss it all together. I also like to use red chard, spinach and any other green for this pesto. So good and so fresh! Take Care for now and dont beat yourself up over living!

Great read as always! THANKS!

Week 7 was pretty good! I had a cold that ripped me off of my schedule for cardio but I got two days in before I left for a week in Toronto. I walked allot to see the sights and make it to the different restaraunts that were reserved for us. I still didnt make the greatest choices though! We ate out every night and had pastries and chinese buffets offered in the conference. I knew it wouldnt be good so Sparms Bestie and I picked up a few groceries for the hotel room to be prepared. We had oatmeal and blueberries with soymilk every morning and packed snacks of protien bars and cheese sticks for snacks. There was plenty of herbal tea available too. I did make some terrible dinner choices (not unlike these deepfried pickles) and did cave to a few of the snackies offered. I also discovered something that doesnt sit well with me anymore. POPCORN. I have never been sick at all since surgery. I have not had any reactions to any food or drink... nothing yet. I guess there is always a first. My stomach felt as though it was in knots. Something I dont intend to relive! Goodbye popcorn! The Pickles = AMAZING! Snooki knows her deepfry!I I did make SOME terrible dinner choices but ate at least half of what I normally would at almost all meals. We also did a ton of walking around the city to see the sights and took advantage of the pool a few nights too! Then, the worst of it - the booze. The days were so stressful and the nights so amped by the excitement of being with all of the staff from accross Canada... that I did ingest copious amounts of liquor. That being said - I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! I missed weigh in last week and was pleasantly surprised to discover a milestone in 200lbs on the scale this morning. I can live with that! I am now in Newfoundland for a week. I am sitting in the warmest, welcoming home that I have ever been in and having my mind unreel from an exhausting and exciting work week in Toronto. I have no motivation. I think I left it in Toronto. I am exhausted but at the same time, feel that my time here is limited and I dont want to miss anything. Walking here is natural, not forced so I am optimistic that I will kick it up a notch or 4 tomorrow. Maybe a hike up signal hill! I have to remind myself that it doesnt always have to be all or nothing! I struggle with this allot and find it easiest to explain in food terms. Sheesh, whoda thunk it!? lol/ If I am eating a bag of chips and get halfway through, I always say to myself, "you ate half of it already Jen, might as well finish the whole thing." In terms of getting off of my schedule, I tell myself, "you already missed 2 days this week Jen, just start again Monday." This is the type of thinking that slid me so easily in to my 262lb body. Despite my faltering from the schedule, I am still doing just fine and it is only within myself that I will find the motivation to keep it all going. Hoping that you all find your motivation,

UGH - February SUCKED! From Wednesday to Sunday I drove 1500 km for work. I am glad it is over. Just in time for me to fly out to Toronto this Sunday for a week-long Conference. Then... ah, yes then.... I will have one glorious week in Newfoundland. Work has been crazy and to boot I was hit with a terrible cold this Sunday. Monday and Tuesday have been spent "working" from home. All of the time spent on the road did not make it easy to keep up with my routine at all! Exercise was fit in by a few short trots around unknown bushland at -30 celcius looking for geocaches (I think thats where I found this damn cold) in 3ft deep snow. I stayed overnight at a volunteers house where she cooked dinner of porkchops, egg noodles and mushroom gravy. This meal is not something that I would usually eat at all so I politely informed her that I didnt eat pork when I showed up with a roasted turkey breast and a salad. I did push some noodles and gravy around on my plate so as not to offend her. She was fine with it. The turkey breast actually made 3 meals for me with plenty leftover for my travel buddy while on the road. We had a picnic lunch overlooking the Grande Cache Moutain View with the turkey tit and some cheese and crackers. To my surprise, the lack of exercise and the lack of GREAT food options totally didnt hinder anything. I think it had to do with the amount of stress that I have been facing in the office these days being deminished significantly by the view, but I HIT 60lbs down yesterday morning weighing in at 201.6. This morning the scale said 202.4lbs and I should really count todays weight as it is my Tuesday weigh in day BUT I do believe that the extra .8 of a lb is all mucous that has filled my lungs and sinuses overnight so I am celebrating the success today. I have metally prepared myself and Sparms Bestie to be at the gym at our hotel every morning next week for some cardio. We all know what kind of food options are going to be facing me at the conference and I will not cave. I will dabble but not cave! On a more positve note, I tried another new recipe. FAUX-TATO SALAD - from the Atkins Diet I am guessing. It was passed on to me by a friend and I made my own adjustments to it. It was FAB and even better leftover! It is a heavy recipe with the mayo and the bacon but a nice indulgence for a side salad on occassion. I did not count the calories! 1/2 head cauliflower cut in to bite sized pieces 1/4 c diced red onion 2 stalks celery chopped 1/2 c ff greek yogurt 1/2 c lf mayo 1tsp salt 1tsp pepper 1tsp german mustard 1TBSP dill - use whatever spices you would like! 1/2 lb turkey bacon (I am sure you could use ff ham too) 4 hard boiled eggs chopped fine about 14g of protien per half cup. boil califlower for about 5 mins with lid on. DO NOT OVERCOOK! It shoudl still be sort of firm. Plunge in cold water to stop cooking - drain and set aside. saute bacon, add onions and celery until golden. Place egg, mayo, yogurt and spices in large bowl and combine. Add bacon, onion, celery and cauliflower. Mix well. Let chill for at least one hour before serving. It had me fooled! Take Care All!

I only had one Irish Car Bomb and it was alright... I was more worried about nachos to be honest! All in all, my tummy felt fine, my brain hurt from guilt, but - YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!

So today marks 5 weeks. It is crazy time for me at work these next few weeks. I have to, "HAVE TO" work hard at planning ahead during these times. For instance, I had a 0900 staff meeting and rushed home at 3 to get my elliptical session in before a 630 meeting at a neighbouring town for a banquet. So, little time for exercising, plus allot of eating on the run will equal poor choices for me in my old life. NOT MY NEW LIFE! Last week I weighed in at 208.6 - a 4th of a lb lost for the entire week of super duper exercising and eating well 100% of the time. This week, I weigh in at a respectable 206lbs and didn't exercise as much as I would have liked to AND had a ladies only sushi slumber party with the besties Sunday night AFTER a few nachos and Irish Car Bombs Saturday. WTF?!?!? Anyone else with me on this one? I am not complaining here either but I have noticed things starting to sag. First the boobs, which I believe most of my 55lbs lost came from, are starting to droooop. 2 o's didnt do the drooping justice. Second, the flab around my tummy. I went from a round, robust belly to getting rolls. It does't seem fair. Give me back my boobs WL Gods and take whatever you need from my thighs or my ass. Actually, ripe for the picking from ANYWHERE else besides the boobs! I will continue to make my exercise goals and plan ahead and HOPE that if I continue, I will hit my mini-goal of 199lbs by June 5th - My Bday. I dont really have a solid # in mind that I would like to reach but after this entire year of hard work, I would be happy to maintain whatever I do lose for the rest of my life. I think a maintenence goal is a good one for me! DO NOT GAIN! Should be easy, right?!?! lol. THE BESTIES DO JASPER, Easter 2010. Me on the far right.

Shonette: I think around here (in the cold NOrth) we have named February the most depressing time of year! Its cold, we only get about 8 hours of sunlight a day. Christmas bills and such are weighing us done, tax season.. all of it. To be banded in January and face February now, the busiest time for me at work... I have had to make the decision to take care of myself, no matter what else happens. It will fall in to place. I used to be the kind of gal that swept the floor everyday, cleaned the entire house every week and had to be the first one to the office. Now, I sweep the floor a couple of times a week, spot clean the house and do ONE room every week and waltz in to work AFTER Ive done my exercise for the day. I know this may not be possible for you but I just wanted to let you know that some things can afford to spare your time FOR YOU! GOOD LUCK! HANG IN THERE!

I spent the first 3 days sleeping wherever I could, the couch, the chair, the spare room, ANYWHERE! I didnt get much either BUT I found comfirt in a wheat bag. Like a heating pad, put over my shoulders and neck. Also found walking walking walking to help. After day 3 I would walk after dinner until I was sore and the fresh air and exercise would really help allot. GOOD LUCK!

So, 4 WEEKS! The scale greeted me to a .4 of a lb lost this week. BOO! But given the stress at work these days and my return to normalcy with meals, it was to be expected. I have done my 4 cardio days this week PLUS an extra 5 days at the off-leash park and tah dah... .4 of a pound. FML! I feel great though. Great about my food choices and great about my exercising too! You can't win em all! AND eh hemmm - look COLLARBONES! I've been pondering how much I will miss carbs in my life and was sad about it for a while. That has changed now that I have discovered a new found love for grains and even more important.. experimenting with cooking. Before surgery I was in the same old same old menu rut. It was safe... and BORING. But alas, it has been broken! Last week I experimented with BULGER and MILLET. This week it is CHICKPEAS or GARBANZO beans. So, here is what we are having tonight. TURKEY and QUINOA meatballs and CHICKPEA salad w. curried yogurt dressing. I actually made the salad for last night but it was such a hit we are having it again tonight. SALAD 2c prepared chickpeas* 1c shredded carrot 1c red and yellow peppers chopped 1/2c finely chopped purple onion 1 head romaine lettuce DRESSING 2c no fat greek yogurt 1c chopped cilantro 2tbsp curry 1tsp salt 1tsp pepper 1tsp roasted garlic minced 1Tbsp pepper taste test as you go to suit you. I use more curry and more garlic. Mix all salad ingredients except lettuce. Blend together all dressing ingredients. I served on a bed of romaine with a few slices of fresh tomatoes on the side. It was so light and fresh. *-Chickpeas require soaking and cooking. I cooked up a whole bag on Sunday for use throughout the week. TURKEY QUINOA MEATBALLS 2lb extra-lean ground turkey 2c prepared quinoa* 2 large eggs 2 Tbsp roasted garlic minced 2Tsbp Sunflower oil 1tbsp pepper 1tsp salt 1Tbsp chili powder - add whichever spices you fancy. Mix all ingredients together in large bowl. Use 1/4 c measuring cup to size out balls. Fry in pan with no-fat cooking spray, turn meatballs often. Recipe makes about 20 meatballs at about 12g of protein/ball. I double this and freeze them on a cookie sheet before separating into plastic bags.

Good job owning it! Now, back on the wagon!

Thanks for sharing. I had some negative thoughts the other day too. Mostly about my band and stress at work. It does help to know that I am not alone and if I take anything from this site it is that. WE are not ALONE. All the best!