Bandista

Pandora is a great exercise partner. And it is wonderful you and your husband are on the same page. Healthy future ahead! Way to go choosing yourself......

Congratulations on your success and also figuring out that this is a long game....thanks for the words of wisdom!

I feel so lucky to have my band -- that it was available to me. Sometimes I feel like bands are being phased out, that sleeves and other surgeries have less followup care and more profit. I feel like I may have gotten my band just in time. Well, except for the wishing I had done it a long time ago. But I didn't know about WLS and I needed to have my BMI up enough for insurance to pay. That was all so complicated and I'm grateful it's all behind me. The one day at a time with the band is very manageable now. Here's to a new day of healthy eating.....

I had two wine events this week and it definitely stalls my weight loss -- plus I think I make poorer decisions about food. No wine this week for me either, and no whining! Have a great day -- and good luck tomorrow with your fill.

Congratulations! The new driver's license is a great present to yourself. Thanks for a very inspiring blog.

Hi AJ, I hope that appointment goes well today and you get some answers. The not knowing what's going on is so stressful, and then of course not being able to exercise or use the hot tub makes everything worse. I'm so glad you're back on the forum. We are here for you no matter how you're feeling. Sending best wishes your way!

Hi there -- I hated the waiting, too, but now it seems like it went by in a flash. Time can be so weird! I started the process in June and had to attend a mandatory info session to get the ball rolling -- only they didn't have another one until August 6th. So that was a big delay and then all the appointments -- program coord, nutritionist and psych eval, then finally I got to meet the surgeon and was given a surgery date, November 5th. All in all a five-month process. One thing I'm really glad about is that I used the time to step up my exercise routine so once banded I had that to fall into right away -- and the band really changed my attitude and ability to work out. Long walks, etc. So that's good. And I got a therapist, too, and started journalling a lot -- just to get at those eating patterns and food issues to be sure I was as ready as possible. You sound very ready and I wish you the very best -- it will all happen and you'll be on the other side before you know it!

Great list! Getting a band was all about #15 -- time to put myself first and get healthy. Best wishes to you. My father has dementia and it certainly does change the perspective -- being in the now and celebrating one another, loving ourselves and others -- all so important. Thanks for a lovely blog today!

So happy for you! What a way to begin 2014.......

Hi Kime-lou, I love the title of your post -- so powerful to be in reality vs. the land of fog or pretend. You are doing beautifully -- THAT is the reality. Thanks for a great post. Sugar is such a tough one. I am pre-band and currently outlawing some foods in order to get weight off before the surgery. Once banded I hope to not have that on/off or dieter's mentality but to be able to have a bit of something once in a blue moon. Ice cream, however, appears to be a no-no in my world. Just too easy to say yes, yes!

So happy for you -- thanks for the inspiration! You are doing beautifully. I am really looking forward to getting banded. Best wishes for great time with the mushies. I am a big fan of steamed and whirred up cauliflower.

Looks great! Congratulations on all -- you are doing beautifully. Can't wait to get there myself.

Nice! And they are lucky to have YOU.

A built-in two day a week walking plan! Good for you......glad you can be out enjoying this gorgeous fall weather in New England. Great time to set up a pattern for winter, when we will need our boots.

Hi there, so happy for you and your renewed commitment to yourself. We are on the same track -- so happy to have exercised today and to have had a protein shake AND exercised. Now that's a good day. Here's to tomorrow!

Way to go -- so happy for your success. Kevin looks like a very special person and I'm so sorry for your loss. Best wishes to you and I'm glad you have a great support system in place. Have a good week and take good care of yourself.

Way to go fitting into those jeans! That must feel so satisfying. I grew up on Warner Bros. and especially love the music. Maybe cartoons would be good for the treadmill.....hmmmm.

Have fun!

Congratulations on this big decision. I just got my surgery date: 11/05 -- maybe we will be November Bandsters together. Actually I am hoping they will call and move me up -- I feel so ready!

Sounds like you are quite the cook. I love to cook for our family, gatherings, the freezer -- you name it. Volume cooking -- the kind that takes hours and messes up the entire kitchen. Our son is turning into quite the cook, too. I plan to just keep at it as for me it's not really about me eating it in the end, it's the act of cooking itself that I really love. And I'll still be able to have my cup of whatever.

Meanwhile, I've also been wondering a bit about Thanksgiving. If I am banded 11/5 with a week of liquids and a week of mushies I will just be back to "regular" food for that holiday. Could be a good lesson in what the future will be like for me. Very small portions, chewing, chewing, chewing -- making sure everything is cut up into teeny-tiny pieces. Since I'm not telling every one about band it will be a social challenge as well. May as well get it over with!

Good luck to you!

Me, too -- so exhilarating just reading what you've written! I imagine you uncovering all that joy and happiness abounding. Yippee! Very inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing.

Yippee! So happy for you -- you are doing beautifully. I can't wait to be on the other side. Love these pictures and your smiling face. You are on your way!

Thanks so much for this -- very inspirational. I really want to show up for my life and getting healthy is the key to so many doors opening in the future. For now the door opening for me is this process of getting the band. Like you I was not heavy enough (oh the irony!) and so many health issues mounting up. Now I am at the goal weight for qualifying for the surgery -- here's to being at the real goal weight -- that goal of optimal health. You are a rock star already because you're rocking this. I know early days are not easy but you have so got this. Have a great day!

Hi there. Here's to Not Worrying -- just knowing that it is all happening. It's all happening. You are in the long game, the one that matters over time -- not the day to day or even month to month but what about one year ago and one year from now. What do those look like?

Mindfulness: it's where it's at! Great blog -- thanks so much!

I love the title of this blog as I sometimes feel like I lost part of myself along the way -- or that I'm in there somewhere under the extra weight that of course holds me back. I am so happy for you to have made this big new change in your life and I hope I'm right behind you. Thanks for giving a glimpse of what it's like in early days......I know it's going to be a big project, Project Me. Have fun cuddling with the cutie-pies -- best wishes.

Here's to courageous women standing up for themselves and LIVING. Best wishes to you -- choose yourself first!