It's only been 11 hours, but I am amazed by the difference 0.25 cc's is making. That's how much my surgeon agreed to add today, bringing me to 5.75 cc's in my 10cc band. I was a little disappointed, I had hoped he'd take me up to six.
But I am sitting here waiting for the three *very* small bites of cottage cheese I took about 10 minutes ago to go through. Not a terribly comfortable feeling. There's some sliming. I have some soup and wine here, but I"m not sure I'll get any of it down.
My surgeon was happy with the eight pounds I've lost since my last visit on Feb. 25th and very cautious not to overfill me. Of course I'd love to goose things a bit and get the weight coming off faster, so we compromised on the .25 cc fill.
Everything worked out beautifully today - the fill was fine, I had soup for lunch and the kids were excellent at Lion King. They really loved it, it was fun to watch their reactions to the show.
My left shoulder pain came back, for the first time in ages, while I was sitting in the theater. Stuck around for about 30 minutes, then went away. So far, it hasn't come back.
**UPDATE** It's 10.40 pm and the cottage cheese finally went through but I can't eat anything else. Going up to bed. Man, that was uncomfortable.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Seder Monday, Last Supper Tuesday, Liquid Wednesday
The seder went pretty well, although I was kind of hungry so ended up noshing on matzo through most of the service. Then the matzo made me thirsty, and things got a teeeny bit awkward when my father-in-law instructed us to take a sip of wine and my 7-year-old yelled, "MOM! Why's your glass already empty?"
But hey, we moved on. And my baby was totally on the help-mom-be-less-fat bandwagon. She melted down in a sea of tears and baby boogers and I had to take her home before dessert was served.
All in all, not a bad night.
And somehow, by some miracle of I don't know what, when I stepped on the scale this morning it showed me down again, to 230.5 or 230 (50/50 ruling by my top-notch scale). I counted the 230.5 on my ticker. But it makes me nervous. Usually I know what to expect on the scale, and this loss surprised me. I don't know why it makes me nervous, but it does.
Today, however... let's just say I've been really cognizant that tomorrow is my fill. And while I know I need it and am more than ready to bring it on, there's been some last suppering going on. ALL DAY LONG. I won't get into the details, but calorically speaking I am off the charts today.
It's been a crazy-ass day. The Hubs continues to suffer from the flu-like malady that has swept through our house. Baby is still sick, 4-year-old is recovering, 7-year-old came into my room at 4 am crying that his voice hurt. Turns out he's got strep.
My fill is at 10 am tomorrow. I'm a little bit worried, because I leave immediately afterward to take my 4-year-old to see a matinee performance of The Lion King with one of his school friends and the friend's mom. I'll be on liquids only, which isn't a huge deal but in the back of my mind I'm kind of panicking that I'll get overfilled and spend the entire three-hour performance horking into a sink in the theater. And then still have to drive out of Times Square at rush hour with the friend and his mom.
Plus, I have to plan our Easter menu and make sure it's band-friendly. Anyone have suggestions?
Sometimes celebrating all the Jewish and Christian holidays is fun; often, it's exhausting. The Hubs and I never anticipated that when we got married.
But hey, we moved on. And my baby was totally on the help-mom-be-less-fat bandwagon. She melted down in a sea of tears and baby boogers and I had to take her home before dessert was served.
All in all, not a bad night.
And somehow, by some miracle of I don't know what, when I stepped on the scale this morning it showed me down again, to 230.5 or 230 (50/50 ruling by my top-notch scale). I counted the 230.5 on my ticker. But it makes me nervous. Usually I know what to expect on the scale, and this loss surprised me. I don't know why it makes me nervous, but it does.
Today, however... let's just say I've been really cognizant that tomorrow is my fill. And while I know I need it and am more than ready to bring it on, there's been some last suppering going on. ALL DAY LONG. I won't get into the details, but calorically speaking I am off the charts today.
It's been a crazy-ass day. The Hubs continues to suffer from the flu-like malady that has swept through our house. Baby is still sick, 4-year-old is recovering, 7-year-old came into my room at 4 am crying that his voice hurt. Turns out he's got strep.
My fill is at 10 am tomorrow. I'm a little bit worried, because I leave immediately afterward to take my 4-year-old to see a matinee performance of The Lion King with one of his school friends and the friend's mom. I'll be on liquids only, which isn't a huge deal but in the back of my mind I'm kind of panicking that I'll get overfilled and spend the entire three-hour performance horking into a sink in the theater. And then still have to drive out of Times Square at rush hour with the friend and his mom.
Plus, I have to plan our Easter menu and make sure it's band-friendly. Anyone have suggestions?
Sometimes celebrating all the Jewish and Christian holidays is fun; often, it's exhausting. The Hubs and I never anticipated that when we got married.
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Challenge Begins!
Per the Memorial Day Bathing Suit Challenge, I took a picture of myself on the scale yesterday and shipped it off to Kristen at I'm With the Band. That's the first time I've EVER taken a picture of a scale reading, and you better be sure I erased all traces of that photo after I emailed it. But things in cyberspace never really die. Sigh. So when I run for president someday it'll show up in the National Enquirer - MME PREZ EATS WAY THROUGH JOB STRESS! DOCS SAY SHE"LL BE DEAD BEFORE END OF TERM.
Tonight is Passover seder with my husband's family. If you've never been to one, you need to know just one thing: BIG meal. BIG. Good thing I have a fill on Wednesday.
Tonight is Passover seder with my husband's family. If you've never been to one, you need to know just one thing: BIG meal. BIG. Good thing I have a fill on Wednesday.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Dinner Party
Scale was up two pounds this morning. Sigh.
I can't say I'm surprised. We went to a dinner party with old friends last night, and while my eating wasn't horrible, there was A LOT of wine. I drank gallons and gallons of it (OK, probably four glasses over the course of four and a half hours). I woke up this morning with a headache and dry mouth for the first time in years. So the weight gain... probably not nearly as bad as it could have been.
It was fun, though. I was a little nervous because the hostess had mentioned she was serving pasta and meatballs, and I really haven't had much pasta. I ended up eating a few meatballs and ate around the pasta, no one noticed and it worked out great. It was a relief. So much so that I celebrated with another glass of wine.
I can't say I'm surprised. We went to a dinner party with old friends last night, and while my eating wasn't horrible, there was A LOT of wine. I drank gallons and gallons of it (OK, probably four glasses over the course of four and a half hours). I woke up this morning with a headache and dry mouth for the first time in years. So the weight gain... probably not nearly as bad as it could have been.
It was fun, though. I was a little nervous because the hostess had mentioned she was serving pasta and meatballs, and I really haven't had much pasta. I ended up eating a few meatballs and ate around the pasta, no one noticed and it worked out great. It was a relief. So much so that I celebrated with another glass of wine.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Oh Boy
I didn't have a terrible day, but I didn't have a good evening either. After a day of reasonable meals, I had tostitos with ranch dip, a cookie and two 100-calorie snack packs.
Bleh.
Bleh.
Debrief on Perfect Bander Day and Weekday Dish
My perfect day went pretty damn well!
Yesterday's menu: egg white omelette for breakfast, turkey, cheese and veggies with dip for lunch and baked halibut with sauteed spinach and salad for dinner.
I didn't get as much water in as I would have liked and didn't have time to go for the walk because I was running the kids all over the place. But overall, I'd say it was a success.
I'll try again today, although I was starving this morning and had two soft-boiled eggs, some Tostitos and ranch dip. I know, I know...
HAPPY FRIDAY, PEOPLE!
Yesterday's menu: egg white omelette for breakfast, turkey, cheese and veggies with dip for lunch and baked halibut with sauteed spinach and salad for dinner.
I didn't get as much water in as I would have liked and didn't have time to go for the walk because I was running the kids all over the place. But overall, I'd say it was a success.
I'll try again today, although I was starving this morning and had two soft-boiled eggs, some Tostitos and ranch dip. I know, I know...
HAPPY FRIDAY, PEOPLE!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Just For Today
I am striving to be a perfect bander, just for today. One day, to try to get my head right and remember what I'm supposed to be doing every day. (I'm taking a page from the 12-step "one day at a time," motto.)
I had my tea (with Miralax, yummm) this morning, then got hungry about 30 minutes ago and made an egg-white omelette with sliced cherry tomatoes and 2 T of crumbled feta cheese. Feta is great in omelettes and salads because a little goes a long way. It filled me up, and now I'm waiting for an hour or so to start my water.
I'm making fish tonight for dinner, and I'll have some hummus, turkey and cheese for lunch with a sf pudding cup somewhere in there when I crave chocolate. And an iced tea, I'm sure.
I'll take a walk later with my mom, who's flying up today for a visit.
So. That's the plan. I'll let you know how it goes.
**UNRELATED** I hate Sandra Bullock's husband. What a jackass.
I had my tea (with Miralax, yummm) this morning, then got hungry about 30 minutes ago and made an egg-white omelette with sliced cherry tomatoes and 2 T of crumbled feta cheese. Feta is great in omelettes and salads because a little goes a long way. It filled me up, and now I'm waiting for an hour or so to start my water.
I'm making fish tonight for dinner, and I'll have some hummus, turkey and cheese for lunch with a sf pudding cup somewhere in there when I crave chocolate. And an iced tea, I'm sure.
I'll take a walk later with my mom, who's flying up today for a visit.
So. That's the plan. I'll let you know how it goes.
**UNRELATED** I hate Sandra Bullock's husband. What a jackass.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Vanessa Said It All: Bandster Hell Lasts Too F-ing Long
So once again my band sister (Jan. 4, 2010 HOLLA!) Vanessa has kindly posted exactly what I've been thinking, feeling and fearing. Funny enough, her post refers to one written by Amy at Babbles of a Bandster. (As a newspaper reporter, I love when people credit their sources and avoid plagiarizing. We are an ethical group here.)
To recap: I'm almost at the three-month mark since surgery. My weight-loss has slowed to a snail's pace, I often find myself hungry and when willpower doesn't stop me from eating... well, my band doesn't seem to stop me either.
I just had a good-sized bowl of leftover truffle mac & cheese for breakfast. (Side note: Since being banded, I tend to have non-breakfast foods for breakfast, which I never did before.)
Naturally, I knew I shouldn't have this and could have made a far better choice. It was left over from the shower, not something I usually have around the house. But I did eat it, the whole thing, with no trouble. BRING ON THE FILL. One more week. I don't want to go to my surgeon and not show a loss. He seemed a little disappointed in me last time, although he was nice about it.
To recap: I'm almost at the three-month mark since surgery. My weight-loss has slowed to a snail's pace, I often find myself hungry and when willpower doesn't stop me from eating... well, my band doesn't seem to stop me either.
I just had a good-sized bowl of leftover truffle mac & cheese for breakfast. (Side note: Since being banded, I tend to have non-breakfast foods for breakfast, which I never did before.)
Naturally, I knew I shouldn't have this and could have made a far better choice. It was left over from the shower, not something I usually have around the house. But I did eat it, the whole thing, with no trouble. BRING ON THE FILL. One more week. I don't want to go to my surgeon and not show a loss. He seemed a little disappointed in me last time, although he was nice about it.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
MWAH! MWAH! MWAH! **THANK YOU, AMY!**
Kisses to all my blogger friends. (This is what I do to amuse myself while my son is at swim practice. I know, my head is huge. Can't do anything about it.) But especially, kisses to Amy in the Land of Cheese and Sunkist! I got the bathing suit, it's totally gorg and I can't wait to wear it. I'm not sure I'll ever get the nerve to post swimsuit pictures of myself, but I promise to think of you every time I wear it. Thank you!!
WE HAVE INTERNET ACCESS!!!!!! Also, my mom's health issues appear to be somewhat serious but manageable (not cancer, at least as far as we know). She had bladder cancer about 16 years ago, so I think we're always a little on edge about her. Which is ironic since she's the vegetarian/exerciser/healthy living guru in the family, and always has been.
I really wish my band would be tightest on the days I am hungriest. Wouldn't that be nice? And so efficient! Nooooo, though, that's not how it's going here. Today was a big eating day. I ate more bread (flatbread and then pita triangles) than I have in one day in ages. The scale was up two pounds and my fingers were swollen. One of those days. I'm trying to track all this on my daily weigh-in spreadsheet to spot trends. I'll let you know if I find any.
Like I may have mentioned, I'm ready for a fill. We're going to a dinner party on Saturday and then Passover at my in-laws' house on Monday, so I'm hoping I can hold steady.
Jennifer, I got fitted today for my Dynasplint. I'll let you know how it goes, but my foot is already better after two acupuncture sessions. I was skeptical about acupuncture, but I've been in pain since August so I gave it a try. Much to my surprise, it seems to be helping.
Here's hoping for a better eating day tomorrow.
In this picture, I realized my glasses are crooked.
So I took them off. Now I look like I have a lazy eye. Ford Models, see what you're missing?
Monday, March 22, 2010
Upcoming Fill - How Much?
We still don't have internet service, so I'm only checking blogs intermittently. I hope you're all well.
The shower was a success! The only problem was limited parking, so I valet parked a few guests' cars. I'm counting the running back and forth in nice shoes as exercise.
The food was decadent, and I tried to keep my intake to a minimum but I wouldn't say it was a low-calorie day. The appetizers were so good that I skipped the main course altogether. But I did have cake for dessert.
Here's the problem: I ended up bringing some of the cake home. And I ate it.
Two surprises here: I was able to eat more than I thought I should of the truffle mac & cheese, and the cake went down just fine. (I know, a little willpower goes a long way. My willpower was MIA on Saturday.)
On Saturday morning I weighed in at 232, down 34 pounds! I'm expecting that will bounce around a little after all my indiscretions. But a new low is a new low.
I definitely will be ready for my fill on the 31st. I'm at 5.5 cc's now, not sure how much I should ask my surgeon to add. What do you think?
The shower was a success! The only problem was limited parking, so I valet parked a few guests' cars. I'm counting the running back and forth in nice shoes as exercise.
The food was decadent, and I tried to keep my intake to a minimum but I wouldn't say it was a low-calorie day. The appetizers were so good that I skipped the main course altogether. But I did have cake for dessert.
Here's the problem: I ended up bringing some of the cake home. And I ate it.
Two surprises here: I was able to eat more than I thought I should of the truffle mac & cheese, and the cake went down just fine. (I know, a little willpower goes a long way. My willpower was MIA on Saturday.)
On Saturday morning I weighed in at 232, down 34 pounds! I'm expecting that will bounce around a little after all my indiscretions. But a new low is a new low.
I definitely will be ready for my fill on the 31st. I'm at 5.5 cc's now, not sure how much I should ask my surgeon to add. What do you think?
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Shower Day and Power Update
We have power! Unfortunately, no email or internet (I'm at the in-laws' picking some things up).
We're having the shower at the Plan B location, which I think should work out fine since I was still Cloroxing parts of the freezer at 10 pm last night.
WIsh me luck today...
We're having the shower at the Plan B location, which I think should work out fine since I was still Cloroxing parts of the freezer at 10 pm last night.
WIsh me luck today...
Friday, March 19, 2010
The Sun Shines!
The automated update from Connecticut Light & Power says we may have electricity by 6 pm TODAY! Not a moment too soon, either, things are getting ugly in the laundry department. The in-laws' generator keeps the TV going but not the washing machine. Hmmmm.
Last night's dinner consisted of pretzel crisps and some spinach dip. The dip wasn't as healthy as it could have been, but I didn't have the energy to make an omelet or something better.
I haven't been back to our house yet this morning so no weigh-in. We'll see...
Today is a new day. Let the sun shine!
Last night's dinner consisted of pretzel crisps and some spinach dip. The dip wasn't as healthy as it could have been, but I didn't have the energy to make an omelet or something better.
I haven't been back to our house yet this morning so no weigh-in. We'll see...
Today is a new day. Let the sun shine!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
New Mini Goal, and a Blessing
I was so distracted by the no-power-bridal-shower drama this morning I didn't even change my ticker.
I weighed in at 232.5 pounds, which means I've officially lost 33.5 pounds. This is my first new low in about a month. Yayyy!
My new mini-goal is 225, which is what I weighed the summer I did three triathlons and got pregnant with my second baby. I'll be very happy to bust through that number.
Today's eating was slightly better, I was so busy I didn't have time to think about it much. We took the kids to the zoo this morning and got some exercise walking around for about 90 minutes. It wasn't aerobic, but at least I was moving.
Here's the quick update on the post-storm stuff: The power company told me this evening that we likely won't have power restored until sometime Saturday. School is canceled for the entire week.
We're staying at my in-laws' house, which is one street over from ours. Their electricity is out too, but they have a generator. It powers some of the kitchen, family room, one bedroom and a bathroom -- all we need, really. (Although it would be lovely to be able to do laundry.) And the wifi works!! The in-laws themselves are still in Utah, so it's just us.
A friend saved me by finding an alternate venue for the bridal shower, so we'll need to get in touch with all the guests but at least they won't be coming to a cold, dark house with no hot water on Saturday.
My mom sees the hematologist tomorrow. I'm so glad she'll be able to see him rather than having to worry all weekend about it.
Thanks for all your comments and support. It's amazing to me how much they buoy my spirits on tough days.
Today's been kind of a doozy. In addition to the logistical problems and my mom's health issues, my great-aunt Mary died this morning. She was crazy funny and we'll miss her.
Aunt Mary was a good Irish woman, and in that spirit here is my favorite Irish blessing:
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
I weighed in at 232.5 pounds, which means I've officially lost 33.5 pounds. This is my first new low in about a month. Yayyy!
My new mini-goal is 225, which is what I weighed the summer I did three triathlons and got pregnant with my second baby. I'll be very happy to bust through that number.
Today's eating was slightly better, I was so busy I didn't have time to think about it much. We took the kids to the zoo this morning and got some exercise walking around for about 90 minutes. It wasn't aerobic, but at least I was moving.
Here's the quick update on the post-storm stuff: The power company told me this evening that we likely won't have power restored until sometime Saturday. School is canceled for the entire week.
We're staying at my in-laws' house, which is one street over from ours. Their electricity is out too, but they have a generator. It powers some of the kitchen, family room, one bedroom and a bathroom -- all we need, really. (Although it would be lovely to be able to do laundry.) And the wifi works!! The in-laws themselves are still in Utah, so it's just us.
A friend saved me by finding an alternate venue for the bridal shower, so we'll need to get in touch with all the guests but at least they won't be coming to a cold, dark house with no hot water on Saturday.
My mom sees the hematologist tomorrow. I'm so glad she'll be able to see him rather than having to worry all weekend about it.
Thanks for all your comments and support. It's amazing to me how much they buoy my spirits on tough days.
Today's been kind of a doozy. In addition to the logistical problems and my mom's health issues, my great-aunt Mary died this morning. She was crazy funny and we'll miss her.
Aunt Mary was a good Irish woman, and in that spirit here is my favorite Irish blessing:
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Stress Eating
Really trying to avoid it. Not going all that well.
* Still no power.
* Supposed to host a bridal shower on Saturday; power company says power should be back sometime between now and Sunday.
* My mom just called to let me know her plastic surgeon (don't ask) has referred her to a hematologist at an oncology practice because she's got some clotting/platelet issue with her blood.
If I read the scale correctly in the dim bathroom this morning, looks like I lost two pounds during our trip. Yay for that.
Yesterday wasn't so good. I devoured no fewer than a dozen cookies last night. Seriously. Must rein myself in.
* Still no power.
* Supposed to host a bridal shower on Saturday; power company says power should be back sometime between now and Sunday.
* My mom just called to let me know her plastic surgeon (don't ask) has referred her to a hematologist at an oncology practice because she's got some clotting/platelet issue with her blood.
If I read the scale correctly in the dim bathroom this morning, looks like I lost two pounds during our trip. Yay for that.
Yesterday wasn't so good. I devoured no fewer than a dozen cookies last night. Seriously. Must rein myself in.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Heading Home
We're packing up now and heading to the airport in Salt Lake City. As far as I know, we still don't have power at home and school is canceled again today, so I'm not sure we'll be able to stay at our house tonight. We'll see.
We went out again for dinner last night and I wasn't quite the angel this time. I still resisted dessert (go me) but ate some unhealthy appetizers, plus two glasses of wine. I did order black cod with bok choy, so it wasn't a total disaster. But I snacked on Jordan almonds through much of the day, which are pretty packed with calories.
I really didn't feel my band at all on this trip, so I know I'll be ready for a fill when I see my surgeon on the 31st. I'm trying to get an earlier appointment but they're pretty booked.
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY to all of you! ERIN GO BRAGH!
We went out again for dinner last night and I wasn't quite the angel this time. I still resisted dessert (go me) but ate some unhealthy appetizers, plus two glasses of wine. I did order black cod with bok choy, so it wasn't a total disaster. But I snacked on Jordan almonds through much of the day, which are pretty packed with calories.
I really didn't feel my band at all on this trip, so I know I'll be ready for a fill when I see my surgeon on the 31st. I'm trying to get an earlier appointment but they're pretty booked.
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY to all of you! ERIN GO BRAGH!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Socially Acceptable Prejudice
When I was 24 I lost about 75 pounds. I had been overweight to one degree or another since puberty so had no experience as a normal-looking adult.
I was absolutely shocked by how much nicer people were to me when I was thinner. I'm a friendly person and usually found that people were kind to me, but once I lost a lot of weight I noticed doors being held (by men and women) a lot more often. People were more likely to look me in the eye or start a conversation. Some of that could have been from my increased confidence, but I really believe most of it was weight-related. I think many of us who've had lap-band surgery have had similar experiences at one point or another.
The New York Times published an essay on the topic yesterday: For Obese People, Prejudice in Plain Sight.
**SIDE NOTE: I love that one of the doctors quoted in the essay is named Dr. Bacon.**
I'm not sure which is sadder, the article or the reader comments on the NYT Well blog.
Here's one of the comments: Judging obese people for being obese, if it is purely the result of a lifestyle choice, is not discrimination. These people willfully choose to live in an unhealthy, unsafe way and I don’t feel bad at all for discriminating against them. Last year I lost 45 pounds. For the first time in my life, I’m in shape. I have no sympathy for anyone who simply chooses to live in such a way. ~ Roger
I was absolutely shocked by how much nicer people were to me when I was thinner. I'm a friendly person and usually found that people were kind to me, but once I lost a lot of weight I noticed doors being held (by men and women) a lot more often. People were more likely to look me in the eye or start a conversation. Some of that could have been from my increased confidence, but I really believe most of it was weight-related. I think many of us who've had lap-band surgery have had similar experiences at one point or another.
The New York Times published an essay on the topic yesterday: For Obese People, Prejudice in Plain Sight.
**SIDE NOTE: I love that one of the doctors quoted in the essay is named Dr. Bacon.**
I'm not sure which is sadder, the article or the reader comments on the NYT Well blog.
Here's one of the comments: Judging obese people for being obese, if it is purely the result of a lifestyle choice, is not discrimination. These people willfully choose to live in an unhealthy, unsafe way and I don’t feel bad at all for discriminating against them. Last year I lost 45 pounds. For the first time in my life, I’m in shape. I have no sympathy for anyone who simply chooses to live in such a way. ~ Roger
Monday, March 15, 2010
Victorious at Dinner!
We went out to Grub Steak last night, which is one of my favorite restaurants here. It has a great salad bar, it's kid-friendly, and the food is pretty good. I wasn't up for testing my band with steak, even a tender filet. So I had a spinach and mushroom salad with light warm bacon dressing, 1/3 of a potato skin and about half of my halibut, maybe 3 ounces. I took about four small bites of mashed potatoes.
But get this - everyone was dying for dessert so they ordered mud pies and ice cream sundaes and whatnot. And I did not have a single bite.
This wasn't any great show of willpower on my part, I just really didn't want any. Remember, I had the Cadbury Creme egg earlier in the day, so I'm not up for sainthood or anything.
That's a good NSV for me.
In other news, at home the power is still out, school is canceled for today and tomorrow at least, trees are still falling because they've gotten so waterlogged from the rain. Can't wait to open the fridge and freezer when we get back. Blech.
There's no scale in the house here, so I have no idea what's happening weight-wise. I can't decide if I should weigh myself when we get home or wait a couple days to make sure all the flight-related fluid has moved along.
But get this - everyone was dying for dessert so they ordered mud pies and ice cream sundaes and whatnot. And I did not have a single bite.
This wasn't any great show of willpower on my part, I just really didn't want any. Remember, I had the Cadbury Creme egg earlier in the day, so I'm not up for sainthood or anything.
That's a good NSV for me.
In other news, at home the power is still out, school is canceled for today and tomorrow at least, trees are still falling because they've gotten so waterlogged from the rain. Can't wait to open the fridge and freezer when we get back. Blech.
There's no scale in the house here, so I have no idea what's happening weight-wise. I can't decide if I should weigh myself when we get home or wait a couple days to make sure all the flight-related fluid has moved along.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
The View
This is the view from our living-room window. The skies are still pretty gray, but it's beautiful nonetheless.
East Coast Apocalypse
When we were planning this trip, I agonized, truly agonized over whether to bring the baby with us. I brought my oldest when he was 18 months old and it was a NIGHTMARE. He never slept, couldn't adjust to the time change, was a disaster during dinners out, etc. In short, a totally normal toddler.
After much discussion with the Hubs, we decided to leave the baby at home. She's crawling and never wants to be still, always on the move. The idea of strapping her into a car seat on the plane (or worse, holding her) for 4.5 hours, plus an hour each way to the airport, seemed crazy. So we left her at home with the babysitter who comes a few days a week to help out, and who has been with our family for six years.
Poor Patricia called last night to let me know the house had no power because of the c-r-a-z-y Nor'easter yesterday. And that a tree was down in our driveway, which meant she couldn't even leave to take the baby to her house (which did have power) because the tree blocked the car in the garage.
This morning, Patriciar's husband was able to walk through the backyard to my in-laws' house and borrow their Jeep (which has a car seat) to rescue Patricia and the baby.
Holy moly. How's that for maternal guilt? I leave my baby at home and this is what happens.
Things here are good, my older son LOVES skiing and the younger guy could go either way. Lots of snow yesterday but things look a little clearer today.
Confession: The Cadbury Creme Egg? Gone.
After much discussion with the Hubs, we decided to leave the baby at home. She's crawling and never wants to be still, always on the move. The idea of strapping her into a car seat on the plane (or worse, holding her) for 4.5 hours, plus an hour each way to the airport, seemed crazy. So we left her at home with the babysitter who comes a few days a week to help out, and who has been with our family for six years.
Poor Patricia called last night to let me know the house had no power because of the c-r-a-z-y Nor'easter yesterday. And that a tree was down in our driveway, which meant she couldn't even leave to take the baby to her house (which did have power) because the tree blocked the car in the garage.
This morning, Patriciar's husband was able to walk through the backyard to my in-laws' house and borrow their Jeep (which has a car seat) to rescue Patricia and the baby.
Holy moly. How's that for maternal guilt? I leave my baby at home and this is what happens.
Things here are good, my older son LOVES skiing and the younger guy could go either way. Lots of snow yesterday but things look a little clearer today.
Confession: The Cadbury Creme Egg? Gone.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
High Altitude
We are here in Park City, it's beautiful, we took the kids to ski school this morning. (Side note: I could not believe how mean some of the parents were when their kids were crying at dropoff. I heard one woman say to her 4-year-old, "Well, I'm not staying. And you know what they're going to say to me when they call? That you're a baby." Jesus, lady, really? You need to ski THAT MUCH?)
I'm not skiing this year, wayyy too fat and the last thing I want is to destroy my knees. I almost killed myself this morning on the slopes, and all I was doing was stalking my kid on the ski school magic carpet. I wasn't even wearing skis, just snow boots. This reinforces my decision to skip the skiing.
The plane ride went fine, as expected. I was able to buckle the seatbelt, but lemme tell you if I'd had a cheeseburger before the flight it wouldn't have locked. Seriously. 757-200 planes do not have generous seatbelts. Delta did, however, have TVs on the seatbacks, and I could have kissed someone. Kept my boys busy for most of the ride.
I had some snacks on the plane but avoided meat for the rest of the day and didn't have any problems. (Thanks for the tip Jen.)
I also had soda for the first time since my surgery. I had a small Coke on the plane (for some reason I've always had regular Coke on planes) and it went down fine.
We're staying at a high altitude and I've heard bands can be tighter up high in the sky. So far, so good but I'm also being super careful. We're here with my husband's family and everyone's having pasta tonight, so I'm going to try a couple meatballs and some salad.
There's no scale but I'm trying to be cautious about what I eat. And I don't have a big appetite right now, which is so weird. I've had a Cadbury Creme Egg in my purse (in case of emergency) for three days! That's a record for me.
I'm not skiing this year, wayyy too fat and the last thing I want is to destroy my knees. I almost killed myself this morning on the slopes, and all I was doing was stalking my kid on the ski school magic carpet. I wasn't even wearing skis, just snow boots. This reinforces my decision to skip the skiing.
The plane ride went fine, as expected. I was able to buckle the seatbelt, but lemme tell you if I'd had a cheeseburger before the flight it wouldn't have locked. Seriously. 757-200 planes do not have generous seatbelts. Delta did, however, have TVs on the seatbacks, and I could have kissed someone. Kept my boys busy for most of the ride.
I had some snacks on the plane but avoided meat for the rest of the day and didn't have any problems. (Thanks for the tip Jen.)
I also had soda for the first time since my surgery. I had a small Coke on the plane (for some reason I've always had regular Coke on planes) and it went down fine.
We're staying at a high altitude and I've heard bands can be tighter up high in the sky. So far, so good but I'm also being super careful. We're here with my husband's family and everyone's having pasta tonight, so I'm going to try a couple meatballs and some salad.
There's no scale but I'm trying to be cautious about what I eat. And I don't have a big appetite right now, which is so weird. I've had a Cadbury Creme Egg in my purse (in case of emergency) for three days! That's a record for me.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Goalllll Recap
So, remember how last month I was going to try to lose enough weight to weigh 225 when we leave for Utah? Well, this morning I weighed in at 234.5. Or 234. Or 233.5. One of those, for sure, according to my lovely scale. But definitely not 225.
February = not the best band month for me.
Anyway, I know I'll fit in the plane seat tomorrow, and I'm already calling dibs on the 38-pound four-year-old as my seatmate. Pretty sure the Hubs will be fine with that, so he can further pervert our older son's mind with Star Trek and Star Wars discussions. Sigh.
The good news is, last night went a lot better than the previous night. I had 1/4 c. of chicken salad and 1/4 of an avocado for dinner, and then later had some Wheat Thins and two slices of American cheese. No wine, no sweets. I didn't feel like I was depriving myself. Then I ran the hell to bed before any more cravings popped up.
I think this trip will be good for me, breaking my usual routines. Plus, I won't be able to be a total pig since we'll have 10 people at the house with us. And I'll have time to go for walks and/or a fitness center while the kids and Hubs are skiing (we're leaving the baby here with a sitter). My foot is gradually getting better and I think I'll be OK on the elliptical or walking.
I'm bringing my laptop with me so I'll try to keep up with everyone's blogs while we're away.
February = not the best band month for me.
Anyway, I know I'll fit in the plane seat tomorrow, and I'm already calling dibs on the 38-pound four-year-old as my seatmate. Pretty sure the Hubs will be fine with that, so he can further pervert our older son's mind with Star Trek and Star Wars discussions. Sigh.
The good news is, last night went a lot better than the previous night. I had 1/4 c. of chicken salad and 1/4 of an avocado for dinner, and then later had some Wheat Thins and two slices of American cheese. No wine, no sweets. I didn't feel like I was depriving myself. Then I ran the hell to bed before any more cravings popped up.
I think this trip will be good for me, breaking my usual routines. Plus, I won't be able to be a total pig since we'll have 10 people at the house with us. And I'll have time to go for walks and/or a fitness center while the kids and Hubs are skiing (we're leaving the baby here with a sitter). My foot is gradually getting better and I think I'll be OK on the elliptical or walking.
I'm bringing my laptop with me so I'll try to keep up with everyone's blogs while we're away.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Bonding With My Band, or Not
When I was pregnant with my first baby, people constantly asked if I'd "bonded" with the baby yet. I'd sort of smile and say I was very excited to meet my little one. I read about women who said they felt completely bonded with their babies in utero and wondered what the hell they were talking about.
I have three children who I love with all my heart. I'd do anything for them, and I'm very happy to be their mom. But while I certainly felt protective and loving toward them during my pregnancies, I never felt like I "knew" them or was "bonded" to them while they were in residence.
I'm starting to have similar feelings of inadequacy about my band. It's in my stomach, I can feel it once in a while but mostly it's just there. People tell me I'm going to love having it, that it's going to change my life. I know it's true, but I'm not quite there yet.
Yesterday, my eating was good, water intake was good, I paused between bites and chewed really well. At one point I snacked on some pretzels but only a few and otherwise everything was protein and veggies. I will say yesterday went really well until about 9 pm.
That's when the wheels came off. Glass of wine, three 100-calorie packs of cookies and BLAMMO the good day became pretty bad. I'm not even sure it was a conscious decision. I had said I wouldn't snack in the evening, and I did. It's kind of like I was in a trance or something.
I know it happens, and it won't always happen and it's good that I did well during the day. It's a process. Onward and downward.
**Photo is about 40 minutes after the arrival of my second son via c-section in 2005.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
A New Hope
Well, that thing that's been MIA, that I've been waiting for, has arrived. Hallelujah! Now maybe the three weeks of unrelenting hunger and cravings will go away for a little while. (And I did not bravely bear up and fight the beast; no, I folded like a deck of cards and ate like a fiend.) I haven't lost weight in weeks.
Today is a new day. A new start. A new hope.
Rules for today:
Water, water, water.
Protein first (I've done pretty well with this).
No drinking with meals, or 30 minutes after.
Make good food choices.
Eat until satisfied, not until full.
Small bites.
Put fork down between bites.
Chew, chew, chew.
Nothing to eat after dinner.
I tried to schedule a fill for when we get home from Utah, but my doctor can't see me until the 31st. Not happy about that. I asked if the other surgeon in the practice could see me, and they said the doctors don't like to do that. What the hell...? I'll be asking him about that when I finally do see him.
Happy Losing, Bandsters!
PS Re the title of today's post: I live in a Star Wars-dominated household right now. We have Star Wars DVDs, bed sheets, toys, books, wall posters and chatter. Constant chatter.
Today is a new day. A new start. A new hope.
Rules for today:
Water, water, water.
Protein first (I've done pretty well with this).
No drinking with meals, or 30 minutes after.
Make good food choices.
Eat until satisfied, not until full.
Small bites.
Put fork down between bites.
Chew, chew, chew.
Nothing to eat after dinner.
I tried to schedule a fill for when we get home from Utah, but my doctor can't see me until the 31st. Not happy about that. I asked if the other surgeon in the practice could see me, and they said the doctors don't like to do that. What the hell...? I'll be asking him about that when I finally do see him.
Happy Losing, Bandsters!
PS Re the title of today's post: I live in a Star Wars-dominated household right now. We have Star Wars DVDs, bed sheets, toys, books, wall posters and chatter. Constant chatter.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Like Night and Day
This morning I woke up hungry. I tried to keep it at bay with some tea, but the hunger persisted so I had two bites of tuna/apple/cranberry salad (I know, disgusting - I would never have eaten this in the am pre-band) and a slice of turkey. The tuna got stuck. Just for maybe two or three minutes, didn't come back up, just sat there and hurt and then went through. I was still hungry, so had some more tuna and turkey to finish my breakfast.
Last night I do believe I could have eaten an entire pizza. Don't get me wrong, I didn't. And I haven't tried pizza since my last fill. But I had a decent-sized dinner (leftover beef bourguignon, about 2/3 cup, 1/4 c of brown rice and two mini peppermint patties). And I could have eaten more if I really wanted to.
It's amazing to me how different restriction can be from one point in the day to the next. I'm also finding that my restriction has eased a bit since my fill. I think it's because last week I still had the sinus infection with all the attendant yuckiness that comes with it. That probably made the band tighter. I'm making an appointment for a fill in a couple of weeks when I get back from Utah. Jen warned me to stay away from meat on the long flight and the rest of the flying day so I don't get stuck. I will be taking her advice for sure.
Finally, my period is MIA. (No, I'm NOT pregnant. Took a test to make sure on Saturday.) I expected it last week. Hmmmm.
Last night I do believe I could have eaten an entire pizza. Don't get me wrong, I didn't. And I haven't tried pizza since my last fill. But I had a decent-sized dinner (leftover beef bourguignon, about 2/3 cup, 1/4 c of brown rice and two mini peppermint patties). And I could have eaten more if I really wanted to.
It's amazing to me how different restriction can be from one point in the day to the next. I'm also finding that my restriction has eased a bit since my fill. I think it's because last week I still had the sinus infection with all the attendant yuckiness that comes with it. That probably made the band tighter. I'm making an appointment for a fill in a couple of weeks when I get back from Utah. Jen warned me to stay away from meat on the long flight and the rest of the flying day so I don't get stuck. I will be taking her advice for sure.
Finally, my period is MIA. (No, I'm NOT pregnant. Took a test to make sure on Saturday.) I expected it last week. Hmmmm.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
NY Bandster Brunch
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Cooking Tip
Some friendly advice from my local fire department: Next time, ma'am, be sure to turn off the burner before you ignite the cognac in the pot.
The good news is, dinner was saved. The woodwork above the cooktop is a teeny bit singed.
The good news is, dinner was saved. The woodwork above the cooktop is a teeny bit singed.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Two Months, 18-20 Pounds Lost
Yesterday was the two-month mark of my surgery. So far, it's been a mixed bag. I've lost 18 to 20 pounds in two months, but most of it was immediately after the surgery. I had hoped (as most of us do, I think) that the weight loss would be easier and faster. Ha!
I am DEFINITELY happy I have a band - it gives me a plan, it gives me hope and it's brought me to this great blogging community.
I'm looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish over the next several months!
I am DEFINITELY happy I have a band - it gives me a plan, it gives me hope and it's brought me to this great blogging community.
I'm looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish over the next several months!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Rebellion? and Question of the Day
I was the ideal teenager. I was responsible, never drank, never caused problems for my parents. Never rebelled. To this day, I've never tried recreational drugs.
But by God, this band has me in the throes of a teenage rebellion the likes of which have not been seen around here in a long time. Today was... a free for all. I won't begin to tell you what I've eaten, except to say I had a pretty bad stuck episode, then a few hours later my first real PB (other one was on a large pill I swallowed).
This PB was from eating pretzels too quickly, and oh my gosh did it leave me with a terrible sore throat and general inflammation. I sipped tea this evening to rid myself of it.
I don't know what's going on here, but I'm reining it in. I'm trying to take all the lessons I gather from your blogs to heart and apply them in my own life.
1. No candy. NONE, until the weight-loss is completed and I weigh 145 pounds.
2. Nothing to eat after 8 pm. This is my vulnerable time, so I'm cutting myself off.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: In my previous post I asked people to define what "sweet spot" means to them. A few other readers said they were interested to read what everyone says, so if you have time please comment and let us know how you know you're at your sweet spot.
But by God, this band has me in the throes of a teenage rebellion the likes of which have not been seen around here in a long time. Today was... a free for all. I won't begin to tell you what I've eaten, except to say I had a pretty bad stuck episode, then a few hours later my first real PB (other one was on a large pill I swallowed).
This PB was from eating pretzels too quickly, and oh my gosh did it leave me with a terrible sore throat and general inflammation. I sipped tea this evening to rid myself of it.
I don't know what's going on here, but I'm reining it in. I'm trying to take all the lessons I gather from your blogs to heart and apply them in my own life.
1. No candy. NONE, until the weight-loss is completed and I weigh 145 pounds.
2. Nothing to eat after 8 pm. This is my vulnerable time, so I'm cutting myself off.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: In my previous post I asked people to define what "sweet spot" means to them. A few other readers said they were interested to read what everyone says, so if you have time please comment and let us know how you know you're at your sweet spot.
The Elusive Sweet Spot
I have decent restriction - my band is definitely doing some work if I try to test it with flatbread or anything too dry. It's keeping me from overindulging in those things for sure.
I've heard so many people talk about the sweet spot in restriction but I'm wondering what your actual definition of the sweet spot is. Is it that you can eat a few bites at every meal and that's it? Is it that you never feel an urge to snack or pick? Is it that food is out of your mind for the most part?
Can those of you who've reached the sweet spot weigh in?
I've heard so many people talk about the sweet spot in restriction but I'm wondering what your actual definition of the sweet spot is. Is it that you can eat a few bites at every meal and that's it? Is it that you never feel an urge to snack or pick? Is it that food is out of your mind for the most part?
Can those of you who've reached the sweet spot weigh in?
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Losing Something
The Hubs left at sunrise to catch a flight, so I woke up, showered, dressed, had some tea, made school lunches, got the boys breakfast, got the baby up and dressed and fed, brushed everyone's teeth, and packed money for the first-grade field trip. Then I looked at the clock, ohmigosh it's already 25 after and the oldest needs to be at school by 8.45 am, so I found shoes and gloves and coats, buckled everyone into their seats and peeled out of the driveway. We pulled up in front of school in the nick of time.
That's when I realized it was, in fact, 7.45 am. And we were an hour early.
I may not be losing weight but my mind is long gone.
In band-related news, I definitely have restriction. Weight is stable for the last few days but TOM is any second now and my fingers look like sausages. I made an egg-white omelet with cherry tomatoes, spinach and some feta cheese for breakfast and was able to eat about 2/3 of it. Here's hoping I start seeing the scale move down, down, down.
The only thing is, I wouldn't say I'm not looking for food at all, as I've heard some of you say. I don't necessarily feel like I need to have more restriction, but I don't find that food has left my mind and become a nonissue. Maybe that happens over time? Or maybe my food addiction is so severe it'll never happen? I don't know.
That's when I realized it was, in fact, 7.45 am. And we were an hour early.
I may not be losing weight but my mind is long gone.
In band-related news, I definitely have restriction. Weight is stable for the last few days but TOM is any second now and my fingers look like sausages. I made an egg-white omelet with cherry tomatoes, spinach and some feta cheese for breakfast and was able to eat about 2/3 of it. Here's hoping I start seeing the scale move down, down, down.
The only thing is, I wouldn't say I'm not looking for food at all, as I've heard some of you say. I don't necessarily feel like I need to have more restriction, but I don't find that food has left my mind and become a nonissue. Maybe that happens over time? Or maybe my food addiction is so severe it'll never happen? I don't know.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Reflux in Bandsters
I saw my regular doc today about getting liquid antibiotics. (Got 'em! Thanks for the suggestion. Now I don't have to be terrified every time I take them.)
My doctor asked how things are going with my band, and then mentioned that he doesn't love bands because several of his patients had severe reflux problems with them. I know a few people in our community have experienced this as well, and this worries me.
Is reflux inevitable when you have a band? Is there a way to avoid it? Once you have it, do you have to loosen the band so much that you start to regain? How is it best managed once it shows up?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
My doctor asked how things are going with my band, and then mentioned that he doesn't love bands because several of his patients had severe reflux problems with them. I know a few people in our community have experienced this as well, and this worries me.
Is reflux inevitable when you have a band? Is there a way to avoid it? Once you have it, do you have to loosen the band so much that you start to regain? How is it best managed once it shows up?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Babies, Babies Everywhere
My sister called last night to tell me she's pregnant with her first baby! So excited.
And then this morning the orthopedist's receptionist called and said brightly, "Dr. V had her baby! So I'll need to reschedule your appointment."
While I am delighted for Dr. V., I didn't even know she was pregnant. And my foot HURTS. And I can't swallow the rather large Aleve Liqui-Gels right now. So I'm limping for another couple of days till I see another doc in the practice. C'est la vie.
The scale was down a bit this morning, but hard to tell how much. It skipped around, so I'll weigh again in a little while to see if I can get a solid reading.
I also want to give a special shout-out to my friend Janene, who is the only person from my real life to read my blog. We were friends when we were single professionals, we shopped and worked late and drank and got makeovers together, we danced at each others' weddings and I love her dearly. Hope step class went well today, my friend. xoxo
HAPPY MONDAY, PEEPS!
And then this morning the orthopedist's receptionist called and said brightly, "Dr. V had her baby! So I'll need to reschedule your appointment."
While I am delighted for Dr. V., I didn't even know she was pregnant. And my foot HURTS. And I can't swallow the rather large Aleve Liqui-Gels right now. So I'm limping for another couple of days till I see another doc in the practice. C'est la vie.
The scale was down a bit this morning, but hard to tell how much. It skipped around, so I'll weigh again in a little while to see if I can get a solid reading.
I also want to give a special shout-out to my friend Janene, who is the only person from my real life to read my blog. We were friends when we were single professionals, we shopped and worked late and drank and got makeovers together, we danced at each others' weddings and I love her dearly. Hope step class went well today, my friend. xoxo
HAPPY MONDAY, PEEPS!
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