enjoythetime

Hey everyone! Didn't intend to be a stranger for a week but time got a way from me. Things have been going great, sticking with it and trying to go with the flow more. I'm focusing my efforts more on enjoying where I'm at RIGHT NOW , life is way too short and goes by way too fast to get caught up in wishing for perfection before you begin to enjoy the happiness you already have.. My husband reminded me of something very important that I forgot along the way, the other night he told me remember when you first had this surgery and you said you would be happy to just be under 200lbs, then it was to be 180, then 150, now it's I wish I didn't have soft saggy belly skin, I wish I could wear a bikini. When will I be able to look at myself and be content and see what others tell me they see? There's nothing wrong with always wanting more but when that want becomes something that takes away the happiness you already have then I say it's time to stop and revaluate things! I'm way too hard on myself. Perfection is impossible so why do so many including myself strive for it? So this is where I'm at right now. I do have a question for all of you. Since being banded I've only received 2 fills one at my 6 week post op and the last one a month later so it's been nearly two years. There are times (not all of the time just on certain days or even just between certain meals) when I feel like my meals are only lasting me about 2-3 hours before I'm hungry again, this is real hunger not head hunger but then in the same week there are days when I'm lucky to get all of my food requirements in so my question is when you yo-yo like this how do you know if you need another fill and why after 2-years would I need a fill, the saline doesn't evaporate at a rate that would make any difference right? So, what could this mean? I go to the Dr. for my follow-up in May so I'm really trying to identify if there is anything I should be asking for regarding the overall maintenance of my band. Should I have them do a scan of my band and pouch to make sure that everything looks good? Today's menu is only half planned. Breakfast- Yogurt and trail mix Snack- Protein Bar Lunch-?? Dinner-?? S: Skinny Cow Ice Cream 80oz of Water I have been getting my physical activity in ways like yard work, spring cleaning the house etc. so I have been more active over the last week then before and as the weather increasing gets nicer so will my activity level.

I'm a movin' and a groovin'! Lisa your list just made me happpppppy! This week has been a crazy one. I think it's a combo of the nice weather. For our industry this seems to be when the flood gates open. I love staying busy and multi tasking but some days this week I wished I were an octopus, a pink one though:-) I've been doing great on my food plan and my fluids are back on track. Feeling great with tons of energy, good thing because I've needed it this week! I will be a super busy lady this weekend getting ready for spring and summer so I'll be going through the house and garage clearing out all the stuff we don't need. I hate clutter! Getting the yard in shape for my pretties to come back or at least I hope they do, I'm not a green thumb but every year I try. Last year I planted a bunch of perennials so I'm hoping they like their new home:-) Today I'm super grateful that I no longer have to wonder if I'll be able to keep up with life's demands. I can do things now without first thinking about my ability to do them. It's great! Todays plan B: Yogurt and trail mix- 250 cal 17 p S: Protein bar- 160 cal 20 p L: 2 cheese stix- 160 cal 14 p S: 100 calorie pack of Lorna Doones- 100 cal D; Not sure, but something quick probably a weight watchers-?? S: Skinny Cow Ice Cream- 160 cal S: Depending on how much work I do tonight I may need something so it will be a protein bar- 160 cal 20 p @s_suthers I love the meatballs, I may have to give this a go on Sunday. Spring is off to a nice tomorrow and Sunday are suppose to be 78 and sunny, LOVE IT! Here's to a great weekend everyone!

No, no one has ever told me the band is temporary because it's not!!

Watch out I have some catching up to do on my posting since I missed several days:-) I just finished reading through all of the posts I missed. Man there was A LOT going on! You guys are just fantastic. I love the new challenge that Justwatchme added. Here's mine: Monday- I'm thankful God gave me such a wonderful husband. This man has stood by my side morbidly obese, fat, skinny and everything in between, you name it he's been there and has loved me the same no matter what my size. He's supported me, cheered for me, calmed my fears and reminds me everyday to live life to the fullest and to stop sweating the small stuff. He's my constant cheerleader. Tuesday- So thankful God gave me two beautiful children who inspire me everyday to be a better person then I was the day before. Today- I'm thankful for receiving a new lease on life! My life has completely transformed from 2-years ago! I wake up every day wondering if it's a dream. I thank God every day for walking beside me through this whole journey and for giving me another opportunity to live the life I was meant to live. Words really can't express how so many aspects of my life have changed since WLS but EVERY day something happens that wouldn't have for me at 289lbs and I just sit back and smile with such relief and gratitude! It's very humbling!

Hey my people!!!! This last week has kicked my butt but I'm baaack:-)! I've been trying to get over what ever in the world I came down with. Feeling better so hopefully on the up swing of things. I must say that during all of this my fluids in general were lacking significantly, my band must have tightened during this spell because I noticed I just wasn't hungry and when I was I could eat very little and then would be overly full before I knew it. Drinking anything would keep me full for about 2-3 hours so it was hard to get everything in. It was weird. Starting Monday I noticed that the band was slowly working it's way back to normal and today I feel like I'm all the way back. For the last couple of days I haven't done so well with staying on plan, I did ok but there were a few things I could've done without but I'm balancing it and that's all that matters. Thanks to this wonderful group I got my kick start I needed to start and finish the day strong. You guys are killing it. Great job! B: Yogurt and trail mix L: Protein bar and a cheese stick S: Cheese Stick D: Weight Watchers Meal S: Skinny Cow Ice Cream Water: 80oz

Not sure what got a hold of me yesterday, food poisoning or a stomach bug but whatever but it was , was horrible. Trying not to push myself too much today. Yesterday I managed to get 56oz of Water in. Food plan, well I didn't eat much at all. Weighed myself this morning and 3lbs gone for the week. Most of that I'm sure was from yesterday so I'm not sure how much of that is "real" but I'll take it and run with it for today. 1 more lb. to go to be back at my pre vacation weight!!!:-) Todays plan I'm honestly playing it by ear. B: Yogurt with trail mix. Water 80oz

Not feeling my best today. You know that quezie run down feeling, the week I've had is taking its toll so my plan changed a little as I'm not hungry at all. B: Protein Bar: 160 cal L: about 2oz of a cheese burger with no bun, A spoon full of Pasta salad. My work brought in my favorite sweet so I did have a small piece but it's ok no biggie. I probably needed it to keep my engine running for the rest of the day!!! D: Not sure it all depends on how I feel, it may just be my goals to get liquids in. Exercise- Not happening Water- 80oz for sure if not more @@JustWatchMe aka skkkkkkinnnnnnnneeeeee mini! @@bacon I wouldn't make any rash decisions, think about it, pray about it, research it, go to your counselor and talk about it with them and see what they think. It's your choice and yours only, you willl do what's best for you! @@2babutterfly great job on staying off the scale!! I had a great thing happen today that hasn't happened for about a year now because everyone is used to the new me. I saw someone that I hadn't see for like 5-6years and he says to me Monica, is that you? You're half of what you used to be. Made me smile, it's nice to be reminded every once in a while and now that this is my new norm it's not something I hear a lot so it was great! Everyone really is doing so great! Lt's keep our momentum going so we can make it up the hill this weekend!

Another day is done. Doing good with staying on my food plan. I just made treats for a March Madness cookout tomorrow at work and didn't sneak a bite;) Failing miserably at my walking challenge. I guess the next several days I better get it in gear. So far this week has felt like 2 cramed into 3 days so we shall see. I didn't need my after dinner snack so I finished the day with 1090 calories, got my Water in. B: Protein Bar 160 cal 20 p S: cheese sticks 160 cal 14 p L: Were having a March Madness cookout at work so probably a burger with no bun and a small side of some sort. My goal is to stay away from the sweets. D: Weight watchers meal 240 cal 21 p S: Skinny Cow ice cream 160 cal Were movin and groovin!!! Keep up the great work everyone!! Oh BTW Quest bars are my faaaaav! I love the double chocolate chunk, cc cookie dough, and Cookies and cream. These are the only Protein Bars ill eat. Addicting!!!

B: Yogurt and Trail mix- 250 cal 17p L: Quest Bar, 2oz of cubed cheese and a few slices of pepperoni- Approx 400 cal 34p S: Skinny Cow Ice cream- 160 cal D: Grilled Turkey Tenderloin and a salad with homemade ranch dressing- 250 cal 22p S: if needed a Protein bar- 160 cal 20p Est. 1220 calories 93p Water 80oz Sounds like everyone is doing amazingly good! Keep it up.

Can I just say crazy week and its only Tuesday!!! Working my plan and its paying off. Being crazy busy helps because you don't have time to be hungry;) B: Yogurt with trail mix L: Client lunch at a bbq place just had some burnt end S: Protein bar D: Just now eating a weight watchers Excercise running around like crazy, does that count??

This just made me smile. You're doing fantastic! Your post just made me remember all of those "first" feelings It's great isn't it. Just think, it only gets better!!!!!! Thanks for the reminder and for the smile. This was great!

Some times taking that first step out of our comfort zone is the BEST thing we can do for ourselves! Kuddos to you for going for it! Don't be nervous you've already committed just go in and give it all you've got. At first it may be a learning curve just like learning your band, we don't have to be perfect we just have to try. Anything you do is better than nothing and in time you will know what you're doing and the effectiveness of each movement will increase. Again, I think this is great!

I think you look fantastic! I'm the same way as you though, it seems like now a days I'm way more critical of myself then I was when I was wearing tents. I'm always able to find SOMETHING about myself that I feel needs to change, improve, be gone etc. But you're mom's right, my husband tells me the same thing all the time, no one else notices. Some how I have to get my brain around it and flipping be proud of where I'm at now and enjoy it. So good for you for working it girl!! Huge step, be proud of that and keep marching on.

Heeeey I see everyone is on a roll today! Awesome! It must be the turn in the weather, I know it's definitely increased my energy!!! The weekend was good! Stayed on plan for the most part. Added in a couple of things on Saturday but balanced it out yesterday. The plan for today: B: Yogurt & trail mix 250 cal 17p L: 4oz grilled turkey tenderloin with grilled zucchini and squash- Approx. 280 cal 25 p D: Approx 4oz chicken griller with a side salad Approx. 309 cal 32p S: Skinny Cow Ice Cream- 160 cal 999 cal 74p Water 88oz Exercise @@bacon I accept your 6 mile challenge for the week. I will begin by walking at least 1 mile this evening. @@s_suther praying for God's guidance for your family. Watch out world, here we come!!

Ok had to post this because Im kickin my weekend off to a great start. My husband calls me and asks do u want me to bring home your favorite------ and I said nope, I don't need it. He was proud and I must say so I am because this one indulgence is what I believes throws me off every weekend. Yayyyyyyyyyy baby!! Out of sight, out of mind. Now back to spring cleaning. Rock it ya'll!

@@2babutterfly look at you go girl! That's Abso freakin lutely amazing!!

@@JustWatchMe you can do this!!! Youre going to hit your goal, I believe in you 110% and I'm cheering for you all the way!! Use that nasty divorce as your motivation!! Think of strutin' your stuff, like yeah, you messssssed up!!

Amen girl!!! Love those sweet indulgences that are guilt free but oh so tasty!!! Doing good stayed on plan need 32 oz of Water before the night ends, no prob. Approx 1200 for the day. Tomorrow B: yogurt & trail mix 250 cal 17 p S:skinny cow ice cream 160 cal L: 1 chicken & spiniach enchilada from my fav mex place-no clue on cal. Dont care;) D: Protein Bar 160 cal 20p 88 oz water Exercise spring cleaning and playing outside with the kids

I've done some thinking over the past couple of days and for me it's a very fine line of balancing a life long life-style vs. getting caught up in all the "goods" and "bads". I believe we always have to be conscious of our choices but how do we balance it all out to where there are no categories for good and bad it just becomes living life? I'm really struggling with this. I don't want to count everything that goes into my mouth for the rest of my life or worry that because I had a slice of whatever that I'm doomed and 5lbs will appear. @@JustWatchMe I think this goes along with your post a little. How do we find that balance where food isn't good or bad it's just food but that we're still mindful but not OCD? How does this all balance itself out to where we can still lose or maintain or whatever our situation is?

TGIF everyone! Ok so today is going to be a great day! It's suppose to be 60 here today, whoohooo (no haters please:-)) It's amazing how just the change in temps mixed with a lot of sunshine brightens your mood and kicks that motivation into over drive:-) Well I must confess last night and this morning I fell victim to the scale. Apparently I do need to have my husband hide it. I'm a very stubborn person and insisted he didn't need to hide it for me to stay off of it. Well apparently that's not true it keeps calling my name:-) Yesterday I only got 48oz of Water in but calories stayed on target. Today the plan is: B: Yogurt and trail mix 250 cal 17 p L: Fish and Broccoli is on the menu at the cafeteria today so I will try it out. Not sure the cal (it is fried) or Protein but will stay within my 3-4oz serving and 1/2 broccoli so I should be just fine. Thinking around 250-300 cal. ?? S: Skinny Cow Ice Cream- 160 cal D: Weight Watchers frozen dinner- 230 cal 18 p S: Protein Bar 160 cal 20 p Approx. 1100 cal not sure on protein but should be an issue hitting my daily need Water 80 oz For exercise I'm cleaning house tonight so I can enjoy the nice weekend we're suppose to have. I'm thinking this means breaking out the grill:-) So excited! I love food on the grill, it's healthy and yummy so it's a win win and this will help me tremendously to stay on track for the weekend without feeling deprived. I hear grilled turkey tenderloins, honey cilantro lime grilled shrimp and filet with grilled veggies calling my name:-) Have an awesome Friday everyone!

Let me start by saying 65lbs in less than a year is amazingly good! You have to realize you're body has been through a lot, you've had 3 surgeries in less than a year that's lot of adjusting for your body. What is your main motivation to have surgery? What has been your motivation throughout your 65lbs loss? Are you wearing cuter clothes? Are you someone who needs to continue to lose to get off or stay off of medications? Just throwing these things out there to get you thinking about why you made the decision to have WLS. Grab ahold of all the those reasons you decided to have this surgery, remember the commitment that you made to yourself, grab onto that 65lbs you've lost and let this be the motivation that keeps you going. Remember how good it felt when you went in for your weigh-in to look down and be like omgosh I just lost xxxlbs. That's exciting and all you need is to restart yourself just enough to rediscover that excitement and then it will be easier for you to stay on track. Can you go back to liquids for a couple of days and then progress into mushies, soft and solids. If I were in this position that is what I would do. Hang in there, you can do this!

@@Chellie I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. The first thing that comes to mind when I read this is why are they going directly into surgery when they haven't affirmatively identified the problem? I would want to know exactly what the problem is and what they need to do to fix it before going into any type of surgery. Saying something is wrong under x-ray and then going directly into needing laparoscopic surgery to figure out the problem, seems a bit unusual? Maybe consider getting a second opinion? This was your first appointment with this Dr. right? Keep going, keep searching until you can find someone that will give you answers and who can work with you if you do need surgery. Ask about payment options. Do you know if you have any fill left in your band? Never give up on yourself!!! I can't imagine how upset you must be right now, I would be too. Just a couple of thoughts, is there a way for you to work with what you have? I mean the band is still there, it may not have the the fill it once had or maybe it doesn't have any at all no one knows, but what if you tried resetting, going back to the very beginning liquids, mushies, softs and then solids. Maybe your band and your stomach just need a restart in order to jump start things? This is what I would do if it were me. You've not wasted 7-years, you've gained a lot of knowledge about yourself and your strength during this time, you've worked the band, you've been successful, you're not back to where you started and an even bigger success is that you've not gained back more than you started with so you can still do this. I would consider all of your options before making a decision especially if it involves surgery on your first appointment. I wish you all the best!!! Please keep us posted on what you find out!

@@s_suther Thank you! I could just jump through the screen and ((hug)) you right now! You have such a great perspective and attitude about things. You're positivity and your dedication is admirable. @@JustWatchMe girl, you've come soooo far! I remember when you first joined, I have seen first hand how far you've come and you're just a super star! Good for you for pampering yourself with a manicure it's much deserved, I need one too I'm a nail biter and mine look horrific! I hope your knees start feeling better and that the stress levels reduce greatly! Thinking of you! @@ParaGirl and @@2babutterfly I'm there with you in the despise for exercise! I like physical activity as long as it's not so routine I guess....LOL meaning the same thing over and over again. I need variety I think the word exercise for me has just always had a negative vibe for me maybe I should come up with a new name for it:-) @@bacon sounds like you're doing great on the exercise. I'm jealous because I want Chipotle, maybe I'll do that over the weekend when it hits 60 here in KC....:-) Ready for spring!

The best tips I have: Take it easy on yourself, set realistic expectations and goals. You didn't gain the weight over night so don't expect to lose it over night. Stay off the scales and only weigh when you go in for a checkup with your doctor. If you get into the habit of weighing at home you will see all the little ups and downs and "stalls" which could derail you BUT if you wait for your monthly check-ups you won't see all of that all you'll see is your hard work and efforts paying off. Plan, plan, plan. Never let yourself be in a situation where you're not prepared, I know easier said then done but this really is a very important key to success. Take the first several months to learn and listen to your band not your head. This won't come over night, heck it's been 2 years almost for me and I still have moments where I listen to my head and not my band and this is when we find ourselves veering. Follow the plan your Dr. gives you to the T. If you have any questions or concerns don't wait call them that's what they're there for, this is why you pay them!! Protein, Protein. Protein, All Dr.'s are different so stick to the plan yours gives you but my doctor told me when I was ready for the solid stage my plate should always contain 3-4oz of protein, 1/2 cup veggies, and 1 starch (if I still had room, which I hardly ever do). Eat In that order, Protein first, then veggies, then starch. I was told my protein goal for each day should be between 60-80g. Finish your meal within 20 min and stop when you filled satisfied, not full, satisfied. Never drink with your meals. Allow yourself 30min-1 hour (again depending on your dr's orders) before resuming drinking liquids after eating. Always get your Water in, 80 oz per day. Look for those soft stop signals. Again this is something that will come in time and you have to watch carefully some times not to miss them. They're different for everyone. Mine is a burp, for some its a sneeze, others a runny nose etc. Basically it's a sign that you'll get nearly every time your band says you've had enough. The most important thing, STAY POSITIVE! Believe in yourself, never give up!! You can do this! Remember this is NOT A DIET this is a new lifestyle, it's not about bad or good,(unless it's something your band can't tolerate or if it's a trigger food for you) it's about balance and finding something that you can stick with for a life time of success. Best wishes for your upcoming surgery! Please keep us posted on how you're doing! Hi Guys, I am due my op in less then 2 weeks and the time seems to be coming up fast!!! I already regard the op date (14th March 2015) as my new birthday... the date my new life will start. Along with the main changes that come along with the surgery I am anxious to make this new start a healthy and happy one. Does anyone have any tips to ensure I start my life in the best way possible, I don't want to fall into old/bad habits and so I'd love to hear from people who have managed to create a new and healthy structure to their new lives. one of my worries is healthy choices for my 6 meals a day, especially whilst at work or out and about where I don't have the same options available to me. Don't be a stranger, please get in touch. Many thanks Dannii

Goood morning everyone! Yesterday was an emotional day for me, many "breaks" were needed to regain composure BUT I made it with a lot of love and support from my husband, kiddos, family and friends. You are all such an amazing group of people!!! Yesterday was a good day in regards to staying with my plan, I had some variations to what I posted basically eating 6 small meals throughout the day, the last one being at 9pm because that's when we got home from Disney on Ice and I was STARVING. Other than that I stayed under my target calorie count of 1338 and consumed 1290. Water was on point, no exercise, NO TREATS! This not weighing thing is a double edged sword. I felt so free this morning knowing that I wasn't going to step on that thing and let it determine my day, but I'm also going crazy wondering what's happening and heck it's only day 2 not much could've possible happened:-) Taking it in stride though! Today's plan will go SOMETHING like this. It's going to be another busy day so it may vary but I will stay on plan. Today is Grandparents Day at my daughters pre-school so they're having a little program, I can't tell you how much I love these! Any way back to my plan: Again variations so wanting to stay at 1200 or under for the day. B: Yogurt & Trail Mix 250 cal 17P L: Not sure to be honest will aim to keep it around 300 cal S: If needed Protein Bar 160 cal 20p D: Skinny chicken Casserole: 250 cal approx. 29 p S: Skinny Cow Ice Cream- 160 cal 80 oz of water. I will try to get some form of movement in. Cal 1120 Approx. 81 P Talk about holding someone accountable, my son said hey mommy were not doing a very good job at doing that exercise video every night like you said you wanted to....wawawa. Let's DO THIS!:-)