SillyAuntDi

Congrats on changing your life!!! Welcome to the family

It's so easy at the beginning to think you've screwed the whole thing up by eating the "wrong foods." You still have "diet mentality." I'm no veteran by any means...I'm only 8.5 months out. But...somewhere around the 6 month mark it hit me...I'm not on a diet anymore. I can't screw the whole thing up because I ate ice cream. I'm not a failure because I had that delicious chocolate caramel from that wonderful chocolate store in Asheville. NO...I've made a huge lifestyle change. I'm not really forbidden anything (at this point...early on, yes I was restricted by my doc). I choose not to eat the things I am not eating (Pasta, bread...). So, please don't be down on yourself. You are amazing! You are brave for making the choice to be banded. Just take a breath and make the changes you need to make. Review the guidelines your doc gave you. Check your Water intake. And, lastly...remember to be patient with yourself. You are so worth this... And as for those Quest bars...I'm about to dig into one right now Yummy!

Love this! I have lost a newborn giraffe (130lbs), a human head (8lbs) and two Guinea Pigs (1lb each).

Amazing story! And such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing, not just your story, but your encouragement as well.

I was very careful in the placement of my tattoo. It's on my lower arm. My next one will likely be around my wrist. No worries of skin removal there I won't put one on my tummy, upper arms, or abdomen.

I celebrated 100lbs lost with this tattoo I'm planning another tattoo when I pass into one-derland. When I reach my goal listed below, I think I'm going sky diving! Then, if the doc gives me another goal beyond mine...well, who knows what I'll do when I reach that one!

Awesome!!!! I can't wait to join you there

Congrats! Take it easy the next few days and listen to your body. Welcome to the family!!!!

I'm forever grateful to you Alex for putting this all together. It has been my rock during these crazy, exciting months. I love it here!

I used FMLA coverage for my time. I work for a company that allows 10 consecutive work days as sick leave. If you need longer it is short term disability. I covered my sick days with the FMLA policy. But, like others have said, if you work from home, no one needs to know anything. I could have worked from home by day 3. Do what makes you the happiest. It's important that you spend those days healing, not worrying about work. Good luck and welcome to the family!!

I am putting this on my calendar!!!

Ok Before Now

I have been fairly open about my surgery except on Facebook. Like you, if asked directly, I answer truthfully. I only recently put a current picture on Facebook. I got a lot of "wows" and "you look great" but no direct questions about how or what I am doing. So, ultimately you have to do what makes you happy. I say celebrate. Put those pictures out there. You have nothing to be ashamed of and no reason not to show off your hard work.

Hi Friends! I'm back from my mountain vacation. I ended the week with the NC Lions State Convention. I had so much fun catching up with friends from across the state. This picture is from Friday night. Friday nights are "Fun Night" with casual dining and a band or other entertainment. food was not so easy this weekend. I was glad I had taken some things with me And when I say it wasn't so easy, this next picture is a clue. Yes...A room full of chocolate. I just stood there and stared at it. I ate one...ONE...bite and then just walked out. I could feel my skin crawling with that chocolate addiction!!!! Anyway...it was a fun week. Now I'm back at work and trying to figure out what emails need to be answered and which ones can be ignored! Have a great Monday!

I have had the best visit with my family this week. Many of them haven't seen me since my surgery. They have commented more than once that I am not eating enough. I just say, "no, I used to eat TOO much and now I eat what I need." I get told how much younger I look. All this because I have listened to my doc, done the things he has asked me to do, and had faith in myself. It's a wonderful thing.

I am allergic to whey protein so I use egg protein powder. I tried the Jay Robb powder and found it incredibly salty. I use the GNC egg protein and love it. I mix it with unsweetened almond or soy milk.

Speaking truth again this morning Have a great day!

Power hour of boxing today. Good lord. He said it was going to make us lose 2lbs in class. I believe he tried very hard to accomplish that goal!

At first, I sipped my Water. But now, 8 months later, I find I drink water "normally" with no real problems. I have to sip my Protein shakes in the morning, but they are thicker and...well...it's the morning and things aren't quite awake yet

Hmmm...I was banded in September and I don't think I felt real, tummy-rumbling hunger until I smelled my Mom's turkey at Thanksgiving I still have to remind myself at times to eat. But, we are all different and what happens with me won't necessarily happen with you. I have discussed my lower appetite with my surgeon and my nutritionist and I've been told to enjoy it as long as it lasts. The only thing my nut requested was that I eat a "snack" at 3:30 each afternoon (based on the schedule I told her I was following). So, I set my fitbit to buzz each day at that time and I grab a Protein bar or almonds and munch...even if I'm not too hungry. And, I have to admit, I feel better for it. So, don't stress too much about your appetite in these early days. Just follow your guidelines and enjoy your new life! Good luck!

Good luck today!!!

Weight on May 21st. 218 (now I can go on vacation!) This will be my last weigh-in for May. I will be out of town next week far away from my scales

Harri-Cat (Harriet) Harri loves shoes

I made it to a boxing class yesterday morning. I've rounded up my group to go again Thursday. It's an awesome hour of therapy. Every punch releases a little bit of stress.

Great job!