tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224466904644443252024-03-15T21:09:41.990-04:00Lap Band Gal!Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.comBlogger1020125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-49226356577879373232017-07-04T13:41:00.001-04:002017-07-04T13:47:03.936-04:00I've Been a Bad Blogger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Where do I start?<br />
<br />
I have so many updates for you, especially if you don't follow my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lapbandgal1/?view_public_for=204502256256954" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">facebook</span></a> page (as I seem to overshare over there on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lapbandgal1/?view_public_for=204502256256954" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Faceplace</span></a>)<br />
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Anyways, our last catch up was back in January.<br />
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Yep. 6 months ago! Shame on me for not blogging.<br />
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When I am not checking in with you and blogging, it's never a good thing. Not blogging leads to weight gain. Sigh, yes, there's more about <i><u>that</u></i> at the end of this post. Goodie Gumdrops.<br />
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But first, let's talk about what I've been up to since January...<br />
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A fun trip to Singapore and a cruise to Thailand and Vietnam. Our one year anniversary trip!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNyyUfHjcxLlrBn9TyNwvTfVq-WedQgtyQ3wRiRoz4_mmiq-CILz92tI-goVnF-R-5ZSaFvDkrgaBL3QfwxgRp32lBZ23w6FclY6drRNdjWXglOx-ESaSa-2_wroKRIG6TMquEzuLG4E/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNyyUfHjcxLlrBn9TyNwvTfVq-WedQgtyQ3wRiRoz4_mmiq-CILz92tI-goVnF-R-5ZSaFvDkrgaBL3QfwxgRp32lBZ23w6FclY6drRNdjWXglOx-ESaSa-2_wroKRIG6TMquEzuLG4E/s400/fullsizeoutput_5a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXHhGREQZMcQDWCrGzbrE8VHGu3Q4SY7TgcF0mgzdQBR5MyJQkpNrdZObT3gbkjtxrffSxlAS8Gs6uNQWcoOL1ffNS6I9LHbvIdtTuijgEgzQhLytPihFuPYW_nIblZp1L3n8Vju-l4g/s1600/fullsizeoutput_63.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXHhGREQZMcQDWCrGzbrE8VHGu3Q4SY7TgcF0mgzdQBR5MyJQkpNrdZObT3gbkjtxrffSxlAS8Gs6uNQWcoOL1ffNS6I9LHbvIdtTuijgEgzQhLytPihFuPYW_nIblZp1L3n8Vju-l4g/s640/fullsizeoutput_63.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkvxD7WkTC7QkKR9I_O_BLN6lgGBpjeSF_kCCLEuteq3d0A5t9Vs7TgRgYNzAzOf9V30l2pEoTYqgJTZGgLtpbo5sHdn8R_Oc5ky1bnuPTaPe8i2NwBEH0r8kDaq_RHjSz2c_CDotIww/s1600/IMG_7730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkvxD7WkTC7QkKR9I_O_BLN6lgGBpjeSF_kCCLEuteq3d0A5t9Vs7TgRgYNzAzOf9V30l2pEoTYqgJTZGgLtpbo5sHdn8R_Oc5ky1bnuPTaPe8i2NwBEH0r8kDaq_RHjSz2c_CDotIww/s400/IMG_7730.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And right after our wonderful cruise and adventures in SE Asia, I ended up accepting a new job in Louisville, Kentucky. 2400 miles away from our home in California. Wha?! True that. Or as they say here in Louisville, "That's Right!" after every damn thing you say. all. the. time. seriously.<br />
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In March/April, there were interviews and house hunting trips between California and Louisville. Back and forth we went. And lucky us, we found our new home (a rental)...it lured us in with it's springtime front yard with bunnies and squirrels and cardinals and blue jays. What 1950s vintage charm. "Leave it to Beaver" and "Donna Reed" TV shows had to of been filmed in this house. That's Right!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBDJ2i3p_r08FGxxAANBU-eVu2fvQz-rJ65K1UaEciJPmciD74twWyWXABUDFik_EAAAe5z6Dh79jnBHpHLLjcZU_XYgh-C8iK89lKcwM1m0RK9ArXhPu10S7illq9Txc3mSpDhj-gNA/s1600/IMG_8115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBDJ2i3p_r08FGxxAANBU-eVu2fvQz-rJ65K1UaEciJPmciD74twWyWXABUDFik_EAAAe5z6Dh79jnBHpHLLjcZU_XYgh-C8iK89lKcwM1m0RK9ArXhPu10S7illq9Txc3mSpDhj-gNA/s400/IMG_8115.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We packed up the house and cars and road-tripped out to Louisville from California. 7 days on the road. Phew! I am tired still thinking about it.<br />
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We had tornados, flash flooding, and 6 hour detours due to freeway closures due to the flooding. But we made it and arrived in Louisville the week of the Kentucky Derby.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHq6_UoLZ-sGR_QEczGDpersUVopmM72V0HnKS6e6LlWFSInRVqR2MK_mSPkjku7A3ovdIo25HXtdYOQWAsw_eL5vIjeuhNIhZ215SEPupPNDjitiBWYUvP49tXEyVBrTv9n3HDdltss/s1600/IMG_8223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="713" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHq6_UoLZ-sGR_QEczGDpersUVopmM72V0HnKS6e6LlWFSInRVqR2MK_mSPkjku7A3ovdIo25HXtdYOQWAsw_eL5vIjeuhNIhZ215SEPupPNDjitiBWYUvP49tXEyVBrTv9n3HDdltss/s400/IMG_8223.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We've been Kentuckians for about two months now. What have we learned? This place is full of friendly and welcoming people everywhere. VERY different from what we are used to in California.<br />
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And we've learned that this is a FOODIE town. We had no idea. That's Right!<br />
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There are at least 6 Food Network and Travel Network shows about all the things you can eat in Louisville. And. It's All. True. AMAZING shrimp and grits, fried chicken and waffles, Hot Brown (a classic!), bourbon pie, Derby pie, bourbon slushies and every type of cocktail with bourbon in it...I could go on and on and on. You've been warned.<br />
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Here we are last weekend at a festival that was all about food trucks and craft beer:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioHFYWLkPZ7EB2tPRzJySG3rgHEjiF5WCseMs9N04J3tADwmPQZj2d_WsoEQ-ghlWsVPKrONpkfP61HLAZ4DDVu_kppSNpTxAlI2EQc-0jB3GgtReTe6iqvKQWFE36Zub2660BxLhrH4/s1600/IMG_8679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioHFYWLkPZ7EB2tPRzJySG3rgHEjiF5WCseMs9N04J3tADwmPQZj2d_WsoEQ-ghlWsVPKrONpkfP61HLAZ4DDVu_kppSNpTxAlI2EQc-0jB3GgtReTe6iqvKQWFE36Zub2660BxLhrH4/s320/IMG_8679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We've settled in well here in Louisville and since the husband is job hunting as a "trailing spouse", he's been fantastic at cooking up healthy dinners for me each night when I get home from work. You can see his recipe creations <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lapbandgal1/photos/a.205343542839492.51204.204502256256954/1690289697678195/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lapbandgal1/photos/a.204504436256736.50812.204502256256954/1697734333600398/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">here</a> on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lapbandgal1/?view_public_for=204502256256954" target="_blank">Faceplace</a>. What a great husband!<br />
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We've been having fun exploring Kentucky and here's a pic from last weekend. The pic kinda freaked me out. I looked at this pic and realized I was <u><i>really</i></u> gaining weight and it needed to stop. I needed to catch this freight train before it was too late.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilndBbXFf_E1NHyQV20kH-jvP40Be5rBf1UWTtjqwj-3hrxadgs2bG5u4QE7TypXhRPC7djJrMeXn7sh6pGrD5D5gzfhzjH9YVaSmTp2O6yiiHdxo5SYXn29ugIAkJ2t7YxIQdTOo2sLk/s1600/IMG_8777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilndBbXFf_E1NHyQV20kH-jvP40Be5rBf1UWTtjqwj-3hrxadgs2bG5u4QE7TypXhRPC7djJrMeXn7sh6pGrD5D5gzfhzjH9YVaSmTp2O6yiiHdxo5SYXn29ugIAkJ2t7YxIQdTOo2sLk/s400/IMG_8777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My back and knees have been hurting lately and I was in super duper denial about it being related to my weight gain. </div>
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I feel "fluffy" and sluggish and frumpy. It doesn't feel good. At. All.</div>
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Let's be super clear: my own food choices caused me to gain weight, not my Lap-Band "not working." </div>
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Question: Am I eating because I am hungry and needing food and nutrition? No. I am eating because of wonderful lovely food that is in my environment and I choose to eat it and stuff it in my face. Yum.</div>
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I jumped on the scale on Monday, July 3. Took a pic of course. (don't you dig that retro tile in our bathroom?) Here's what I now weigh:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrP4FFs3mfadCQiUUoKkP0OX7Ii6Bsr_eTta-ELi3w9pM4efX2mHnW02z65xN2LsK-NJ_MYf5-WsVjZkum8LtEmEC-_irn2LAkfJrAX2u4SN4IvLuovDxP3pmEjadsfkgL3uIAsybxYg/s1600/IMG_8790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1554" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrP4FFs3mfadCQiUUoKkP0OX7Ii6Bsr_eTta-ELi3w9pM4efX2mHnW02z65xN2LsK-NJ_MYf5-WsVjZkum8LtEmEC-_irn2LAkfJrAX2u4SN4IvLuovDxP3pmEjadsfkgL3uIAsybxYg/s320/IMG_8790.JPG" width="310" /></a></div>
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30 lbs above goal.<br />
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WTF.<br />
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I'm back to doing all those things that I did to lose weight back in the day:<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Tracking my food (calories and proteins) on a post-it note</li>
<li>Drinking water</li>
<li>Vitamins</li>
<li>Exercise</li>
<li>Accountability</li>
</ul>
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After 3 days of being on plan with my food, guess what?</div>
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I am never hungry.</div>
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My Lap-Band is still there doing it's job. It's keeping my hunger volume low and mostly non-existent.</div>
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Could I go out and eat 3 pieces of pizza right now? Sure. But that's not my band's job to restrict my food, it's there to keep me not hungry. My job is to make good food choices. That's Right!</div>
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Weigh-ins will now be on Monday's so that I don't get stupid with my food choices over the weekends and have better accountability.</div>
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We also have a few trips coming up and I really don't want to haul this extra 30 lbs around with me up and down stairs, walking around, in/out of airplane seats, etc. Not. For. Me.</div>
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I hope you'll be there to cheer me on as I share my weekly weigh-ins and updates on Facebook..</div>
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Stay tuned for next Monday's weigh-in. </div>
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<b><i>That's Right!</i></b></div>
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Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-84707758782617644362017-01-13T11:32:00.002-05:002017-01-13T11:32:43.343-05:00Guess What Happened This Past Wednesday?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Before I tell you about Wednesday, I must first tell you about this morning's weigh-in.<br />
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'Cuz today is Friday.<br />
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That means it's weigh-in day.<br />
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Last Friday's weight: 166.2 lbs<br />
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Today's weight: 163.8 lbs.<br />
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This week's loss: 2.4 lbs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FQkkkVfJGR3akJqHfImOY1tOeHzmxErSA0HAQAze2AmFiVBwB6SzOYUxYe5edJEMS0LnZL6UzLi_UBZ2SS3TWr0jhJXa_B3AxHqQlmnrPFuulagQdyUnoOb4P-APoCsfeFAc-DDzflQ/s1600/IMG_7317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FQkkkVfJGR3akJqHfImOY1tOeHzmxErSA0HAQAze2AmFiVBwB6SzOYUxYe5edJEMS0LnZL6UzLi_UBZ2SS3TWr0jhJXa_B3AxHqQlmnrPFuulagQdyUnoOb4P-APoCsfeFAc-DDzflQ/s400/IMG_7317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And I made you a pretty little spreadsheet to show my progress:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8bJxpkM9XhSwFUopE4bf-SlZh7lx0ld6EG7Gps7ksAFxTdC6p283S0jZHq2mZWtYVry0qlnPAt-sZn936p4jzBni2UzacS8i2s_X0glksG6Xknyx1GoUnmtxwXBT2CBxeaeHpQAbeVI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-01-13+at+8.10.00+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8bJxpkM9XhSwFUopE4bf-SlZh7lx0ld6EG7Gps7ksAFxTdC6p283S0jZHq2mZWtYVry0qlnPAt-sZn936p4jzBni2UzacS8i2s_X0glksG6Xknyx1GoUnmtxwXBT2CBxeaeHpQAbeVI/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-01-13+at+8.10.00+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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How have I achieved this 5.8 lbs loss in two weeks?<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>I have not been eating whatever the hell I want. Yep. Good times.</li>
<li>I have been tracking my food choices and limiting calories to 1200 calories a day. And as much protein as possible. No limit on protein. </li>
<li>With my Lap-Band to control my physical hunger, it's a little easier to eat less.</li>
</ul>
And guess what happens when I watch my food choices and portions?<br />
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Here's the Captain Obvious moment...wait for it... I lose weight! Shocking. Indeed.<br />
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I am aiming for 145 lbs.<br />
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I am trying for a loss of 1-2 lbs per week.<br />
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I'll get there.<br />
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One week at a time. <br />
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Now we can talk about Wednesday.<br />
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I went to see my bariatric surgeon for an adjustment to my Lap-Band.<br />
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I asked for a baby teeny tiny fill of 0.1 ccs.<br />
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He wanted to put more 0.2 ccs, but I told him no thanks.<br />
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I like to slowly creep up on that proper fill level. There's no rush.<br />
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For me, even that 0.1 cc fill has reduced my hunger levels a bit more. It's amazing that a tiny little fill can do the trick.<br />
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Until next week my friends.<br />
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Onwards. <br />
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Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-66469990335593831482017-01-06T11:55:00.000-05:002017-01-06T11:55:04.056-05:00What Have I Been Up To?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gJhp24WhJqCZDSeOx1dPJtRCRS3msbo-4ddDmYRQuFPPPo0fcsn_jw7ss1uuylXSK3Se0Kc5lAGh-ZucVXoXRsnCs4S7towN2j6uOmCHklEE4icccKMelzf35v2QzSZ3DkzCiDpwhuw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-01-06+at+8.16.36+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gJhp24WhJqCZDSeOx1dPJtRCRS3msbo-4ddDmYRQuFPPPo0fcsn_jw7ss1uuylXSK3Se0Kc5lAGh-ZucVXoXRsnCs4S7towN2j6uOmCHklEE4icccKMelzf35v2QzSZ3DkzCiDpwhuw/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-01-06+at+8.16.36+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Yep. It's been a hot minute since I last blogged.<br />
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So let's catch up, shall we?<br />
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It was end of August when I last checked in with you and here's the whirlwind that has happened in the last four months:<br />
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A fun romantic getaway to Sedona, AZ in September. We are still newlyweds after all! <br />
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A business trip Down Under to land of the koala bears: Sunrise in Sydney<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26lxBet1N8544v6mw_RkgHwQomolVLvLdarBM190pH6aVVbPMn1FN8K8iiXCZNE8-B3uCaMS7i4KGSRl68z_kJ5R8NUgJ4m68DfXU36tPoLxgtxOzuzvQ08H4IiuYqXf5CNnFggmDHwI/s1600/IMG_6092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26lxBet1N8544v6mw_RkgHwQomolVLvLdarBM190pH6aVVbPMn1FN8K8iiXCZNE8-B3uCaMS7i4KGSRl68z_kJ5R8NUgJ4m68DfXU36tPoLxgtxOzuzvQ08H4IiuYqXf5CNnFggmDHwI/s640/IMG_6092.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A visit to the pumpkin patch here in gorgeous Northern California: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinK8Khu8RfldZ6i-A2j5-X587ok8B3nonOHBov41ZoG0hk-tBqcZLTJUkULw8CwGwoXg2dV7PqdD-WY7jkECOC-4w2y6bCv2IgSuLKsoQzeUjJ0FcT_FLANaX5h9oJ_h7fdGpzopaLvJY/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinK8Khu8RfldZ6i-A2j5-X587ok8B3nonOHBov41ZoG0hk-tBqcZLTJUkULw8CwGwoXg2dV7PqdD-WY7jkECOC-4w2y6bCv2IgSuLKsoQzeUjJ0FcT_FLANaX5h9oJ_h7fdGpzopaLvJY/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Halloween was a blast: Jackie O. ~ Vote for Kennedy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EDltZK062ZBrd147nNn6kfgdOnr8o7HnDZW3TAqhWjHPttKbzHN30aJ82YGoN-2mpgu6Q_ow6ey-eZyqpmv4GP-hkGT31qszY68gfVwsFwUNuqG293w4MavOHV25ZsTPrpsIMPP72YM/s1600/IMG_6495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EDltZK062ZBrd147nNn6kfgdOnr8o7HnDZW3TAqhWjHPttKbzHN30aJ82YGoN-2mpgu6Q_ow6ey-eZyqpmv4GP-hkGT31qszY68gfVwsFwUNuqG293w4MavOHV25ZsTPrpsIMPP72YM/s640/IMG_6495.JPG" width="331" /></a></div>
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Thanksgiving in London: bike riding over the Thames<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuc7sQTDNXJxjBnTnxiA2VY1-UCzkUSwUdyc7l116V_Jgu0W8bcIZOzfLywJguQkiiMnRV1c-ylj0trBCdJTQbwq6owHOYbj_sVFUy5vodkNG9im2VwVXQI6eAV4vjN6PYlYVWNUnT-E/s1600/IMG_6796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuc7sQTDNXJxjBnTnxiA2VY1-UCzkUSwUdyc7l116V_Jgu0W8bcIZOzfLywJguQkiiMnRV1c-ylj0trBCdJTQbwq6owHOYbj_sVFUy5vodkNG9im2VwVXQI6eAV4vjN6PYlYVWNUnT-E/s640/IMG_6796.JPG" width="465" /></a></div>
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Christmas day hike:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpSCE6Tzru3gLym5Rp0C0VJpQkxrz0Fs75sTtJySokI88rtwdbd4IKWiKdlIsIcKlLG3seNXrWBbKv-EqlzOARuLiSn6ZVjDw3VL8wHQt7uiR4dZlCJ2N9j8e1sIhi0KpKKAPR5Bb0OA/s1600/IMG_7155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpSCE6Tzru3gLym5Rp0C0VJpQkxrz0Fs75sTtJySokI88rtwdbd4IKWiKdlIsIcKlLG3seNXrWBbKv-EqlzOARuLiSn6ZVjDw3VL8wHQt7uiR4dZlCJ2N9j8e1sIhi0KpKKAPR5Bb0OA/s400/IMG_7155.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
What also happened during these past four months?<br />
<br />
A 16+ pound gain.<br />
<br />
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Indeed.</div>
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I could show you how super tight my jeans are but instead, here's an end of the year weigh-in evidence: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGf7u5WraB-61JHS90ZWKASeBz4sYzdiosO1I8Cv-Y-oz0uqon_x2bU62YhKuPi1WJCHy7PMfUd8DA_M7cEHnrrDqqLIaaGuk0_GE0hkaelXwar5NfXJtWcD6MsbFMogw4rVB2sgIcSg/s1600/IMG_7246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGf7u5WraB-61JHS90ZWKASeBz4sYzdiosO1I8Cv-Y-oz0uqon_x2bU62YhKuPi1WJCHy7PMfUd8DA_M7cEHnrrDqqLIaaGuk0_GE0hkaelXwar5NfXJtWcD6MsbFMogw4rVB2sgIcSg/s400/IMG_7246.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
How did I get here?<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>I have not been doing weekly weigh-ins</li>
<li>I've been eating pretty much whatever I want to (my Lap-Band does not stop me) </li>
</ul>
That's it.<br />
<br />
My food choices and lack of accountability have led me to today. All the workouts that I do each day are not enough to undo all my poor eating choices.<br />
<br />
Moving forward: what am I doing about this?<br />
<br />
Getting back to doing weekly weigh-ins and not eating whatever the hell I want.<br />
<br />
It's not rocket science.<br />
<br />
Easier said than done, of course.<br />
<br />
I've been tracking my food.<br />
<br />
I've been eating all the foods that got me to goal in the first place.<br />
<br />
<br />
One week later, here's today's Friday weigh-in: a loss of 3.4 lbs<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA1lxa9YDSFPucUbZkRnl8ZZZVTtwhVcze3G8hd85-JSvoWOvhcHQbl-s97U0NhXM0sAMohrY-fv91JauqvGIohhGNJVAtZpUwcWzXVe03o_VHJ_5gshtK0HR3HYA29W7U7V_UJWRFR0/s1600/IMG_7245.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA1lxa9YDSFPucUbZkRnl8ZZZVTtwhVcze3G8hd85-JSvoWOvhcHQbl-s97U0NhXM0sAMohrY-fv91JauqvGIohhGNJVAtZpUwcWzXVe03o_VHJ_5gshtK0HR3HYA29W7U7V_UJWRFR0/s400/IMG_7245.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I am still learning that the lifestyle of someone with obesity is that I can never just let it go on automatic pilot.<br />
<br />
It's an every day kind of thing.<br />
<br />
It's a life of daily/weekly small corrections and refocusing, because if I ignore it, it will snowball into 20+, 30+ pounds or more. That's scary for me.<br />
<br />
Until next week my friends.<br />
<br />
Onwards. <br />
<br />
PS: if you'd like to see all the details of what I eat (recipes, videos) and other daily updates, please check out <span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lap-Band-Gal/204502256256954" target="_blank">my facebook page.</a></b></i></span></div>
Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-73478607533889183572016-08-29T15:13:00.001-04:002016-08-29T15:13:40.162-04:00Q & A with Lap Band Gal Video!<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BxD1C2Zrncs" width="480"></iframe>Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-6036956134064144132016-08-26T11:18:00.004-04:002016-08-26T11:18:41.938-04:00It's That Day Already?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
These Friday weigh-ins help me stay on track, so a BIG thank you to you all for checking-in on me and encouraging me along the way.<br />
<br />
Last week's weight: 154.8 lbs<br />
<br />
This week's weight: 153.8 lbs<br />
<br />
That's a loss of <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">-1.0 lbs.</span></b><br />
<br />
Sweet.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_oeY8duJa-roTBRsMMIoz1IVkrXOnCeIPckO4Mz5GLoD9NWNFN6SUDeiiRrCbZQKWBbgax3BqvpYB6bIJQAF3n0j7pt2jh66bZNL8ozbq1Klcu-QTY-xSB-cQazK1KISi2E0g8gl3CA/s1600/IMG_5467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_oeY8duJa-roTBRsMMIoz1IVkrXOnCeIPckO4Mz5GLoD9NWNFN6SUDeiiRrCbZQKWBbgax3BqvpYB6bIJQAF3n0j7pt2jh66bZNL8ozbq1Klcu-QTY-xSB-cQazK1KISi2E0g8gl3CA/s400/IMG_5467.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Until next week's weigh-in, I will see you over on my<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lap-Band-Gal/204502256256954" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.</b></span></div>
Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-47272044440524582492016-08-19T11:25:00.002-04:002016-08-19T11:25:47.088-04:00Friday Weigh-In Day & Some Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last week's weight: 155.2 lbs<br />
<br />
Today's weight: 154.8 lbs<br />
<br />
This week's weight loss: <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">-0.4 lbs</span></b> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx96orV5kYAq7N0-PIc2SBk8NIPJmWo1REw65VvQiS48UAjHZzfkFshZ5sw8_uhlsbEfUACt1afBs5gqeFV1kzfefLqAL59HZjD2LsLgs-kEZAyBZzGLUjofNH3u5UCahnyWI2QcnKFWk/s1600/IMG_5379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx96orV5kYAq7N0-PIc2SBk8NIPJmWo1REw65VvQiS48UAjHZzfkFshZ5sw8_uhlsbEfUACt1afBs5gqeFV1kzfefLqAL59HZjD2LsLgs-kEZAyBZzGLUjofNH3u5UCahnyWI2QcnKFWk/s320/IMG_5379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Captain Obvious Alert! I am learning that I can be more successful if I plan ahead of what I will eat before it becomes time to actually eat. This is especially crucial for eating out at restaurants and at events. Looking at online menus before I get to the restaurant is a habit I need to get into. Otherwise, I go on "fat girl automatic pilot" and make not-so-great food choices when that menu is handed to me by the waitress. Pasta? Biscuits with honey butter? Sure, why not! Sigh.<br />
<br />
I've been keeping up with my workouts of High-Intensity Interval Training (H.I.I.T.). This is usually 30 mins of cardio mixed with push-ups, planks, jumping jacks, squats, lifting weights. It's usually one of <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEz0VGxsiqc&list=PL06F7D4D05FE22F9F" target="_blank">Jillian's Free Videos</a></b></span> or <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq9j4lsQ1dk" target="_blank">Jeff & Stu's Free Videos</a></span></b>.<br /><br />
I keep track of my workouts on my wall calendar at my desk at work. I put an X if I workout that day. I may be slightly obsessed with those little pink X's <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihkzyi8778srCbAQnLrJbl3Kb8rt9zPScgJn2_MZklmXC2hAWrDAmtXW-QogacI3a981MeFTwmv-LTI04UjApGW-lPzFJc4K9XXGv5MF4d9M1s_qvaz6MSiWPjQQY8SlfXFtK9gQxs-A/s1600/IMG_5381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihkzyi8778srCbAQnLrJbl3Kb8rt9zPScgJn2_MZklmXC2hAWrDAmtXW-QogacI3a981MeFTwmv-LTI04UjApGW-lPzFJc4K9XXGv5MF4d9M1s_qvaz6MSiWPjQQY8SlfXFtK9gQxs-A/s400/IMG_5381.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Before I run, here's a quick photo from Wednesday night. The Husband and I at a local winery event.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZc4RkbAS86Tg3q-Vs7RR57g_jjKDXRx6z2ePoD3a5wY8QoGMkB5soh_I6gimgDA7L1y11USlBPJ04IXELrKB6qWo6O5DEbtdR7d-7NAh3iOdjXWQMRzgofnxuLHgf4XeF8y6RXt694E/s1600/IMG_5369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZc4RkbAS86Tg3q-Vs7RR57g_jjKDXRx6z2ePoD3a5wY8QoGMkB5soh_I6gimgDA7L1y11USlBPJ04IXELrKB6qWo6O5DEbtdR7d-7NAh3iOdjXWQMRzgofnxuLHgf4XeF8y6RXt694E/s400/IMG_5369.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Until next week... I will see you over on my Facebook page. </div>
Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-51862621107442872772016-08-12T11:50:00.001-04:002016-08-12T11:50:14.423-04:00Friday Weigh-In Day Results?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been super duper focused on my food choices, portion sizes (weighing food on my food scale), and of course tracking (writing down my calories and proteins) since August 1.<br />
<br />
I began on August 1 at: 158.2 lbs<br />
Friday weigh-in on August 5: 157.0 lbs<br />
Friday weigh-in (today) on August 12: 155.2 lbs<br />
<br />
That's a loss of<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> 1.8 lbs </span></b>this past week. Yay!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMV-s1wMU07hCaNgUH8b_4x9h2TTfSU9502NRdPXpdvKda6akTVhKFVp4Va6RkHgxaxDVwG4JlGmX3fCqn4xWq65J7xnhiEPnjFMjinOfz23gsePNMVr5gWsprIpkFtL6nvYQGd_PSqE0/s1600/IMG_5160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMV-s1wMU07hCaNgUH8b_4x9h2TTfSU9502NRdPXpdvKda6akTVhKFVp4Va6RkHgxaxDVwG4JlGmX3fCqn4xWq65J7xnhiEPnjFMjinOfz23gsePNMVr5gWsprIpkFtL6nvYQGd_PSqE0/s400/IMG_5160.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I am also updating my tracker at the top of this page as more accountability for myself.<br />
<br />
That's all for now. Until next time, I'll see you all over on the <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lap-Band-Gal/204502256256954" target="_blank">facebook page</a>. </b></span></div>
Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-52122807162990911422016-08-05T11:49:00.004-04:002016-08-05T11:49:40.388-04:00Friday Weigh-in and Why Don't I Just Go Get a Lap-Band Adjustment?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Let's recap, shall we?<br />
<br />
So, the sh*t got real and I weighed in this past Monday, Aug 1: <span style="color: #990000;"><b>158.2 lbs.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz13nvuJVWsjqdeH1_jFjzkpbtwt8XA95u49TnpwADU7T48JR4GKkYgmxxnj811TeWxU9MLLy1taFt7HMJWLHQ404VNFXTPfCCfAZy0jUOisWvLDQuxkkv8dtX3RRpMO2Y_CHKJQZFxzw/s1600/FullSizeRender%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz13nvuJVWsjqdeH1_jFjzkpbtwt8XA95u49TnpwADU7T48JR4GKkYgmxxnj811TeWxU9MLLy1taFt7HMJWLHQ404VNFXTPfCCfAZy0jUOisWvLDQuxkkv8dtX3RRpMO2Y_CHKJQZFxzw/s400/FullSizeRender%25284%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Today, I weighed-in at <span style="color: #990000;"><b>157.0 lbs.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpwKEqzitai5Zr0JJ9DymEjXoqRqYZ7ngaY3Av2_OBHRmOjVmLCISNqHYHGVMCdMFAHZ0w7dm7dnaI97CIUvUpcD6RoxtL6QoZ_DsdZEyO3joh_Tp4sHSWhLPHcZV5PaDgYr1M66hZOM/s1600/IMG_5108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpwKEqzitai5Zr0JJ9DymEjXoqRqYZ7ngaY3Av2_OBHRmOjVmLCISNqHYHGVMCdMFAHZ0w7dm7dnaI97CIUvUpcD6RoxtL6QoZ_DsdZEyO3joh_Tp4sHSWhLPHcZV5PaDgYr1M66hZOM/s400/IMG_5108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That's a loss of <span style="color: #990000;"><b>-1.2 lbs.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Sweet! I'll take it.<br />
<br />
How did I make this weight loss happen?<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>I wrote down my calories and proteins on a post-it note. Old school style. I stayed at about 1200 calories and 70+ proteins each day.</li>
<li>I am using my food scale. I'm back in the habit of measuring my food more often. </li>
<li>I am continuing to do all my usuals: Five HIIT workouts this week, taking my vitamins, drinking buckets of water, etc. </li>
</ul>
I will weigh-in next Friday and report back here. Friday weigh-ins are back! <br />
<br />
Now let's talk about a question that I received from one of you on the <span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lap-Band-Gal/204502256256954" target="_blank">Facebook page</a></span>:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>"If you've gained weight, why don't you just go get a fill?"</b></i></span></span><br />
<br />
I dig this question.<br />
<br />
A lot.<br />
<br />
My answer:<br />
<br />
My weight gain has nothing to do with my Lap-Band.<br />
<br />
That weight gain was ME.<br />
<br />
Me eating too much of the high calorie foods.<br />
<br />
So, no fill for me. (Lap-Band adjustment).<br />
<br />
My Lap-Band is not here to restrict my eating.<br />
<br />
My Lap-Band is not here to say what I can or cannot eat.<br />
<br />
What does my Lap-Band do: reduces the volume on my physical hunger signals.<br />
<br />
Let's take a look at my physical hunger levels these past five days while eating 1200 calories each day:<br />
<br />
Was I hungry? No.<br />
<br />
I'm pretty much never hungry. <br />
<br />
I eat about 2-3 oz protein and small portion of veggies at a meal AND I AM NOT HUNGRY for about 5 hours.<br />
<br />
This lack of hunger helps me choose better food options and portion sizes.<br />
<br />
From my own very subjective research of hearing lots of band patient stories and talking with Bariatric surgeons, the quickest way to lose my band would to have my Lap-Band too tight.<br />
<br />
That freaks me out.<br />
<br />
I paid $16,500 for my Lap-Band.<br />
<br />
I am keeping this Lap-Band as long as possible. <br />
<br />
I usually think long and hard about getting a fill.<br />
<br />
Also, the first little touch of heartburn or discomfort with my Lap-Band, I am quick to get an UNfill appointment scheduled. <br />
<br />
For me: The Lap-Band is not about restriction.<br />
<br />
<br />
That's more than enough on that topic.<br />
<br />
Lastly, you guys have been asking me lately for a video, so I will do a little Q&A video soon. You've been posting great <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lap-Band-Gal-204502256256954/?fref=nf" target="_blank">questions for me on the Facebook page</a> </b></span>Stay tuned...and Molly will probably want to say "hi" too. She's sassy like that:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw21vBv1qNvn9Ug9aKUUJfikUwPTlPIT8Dk6GHGwV21sUM2YnclyDRFz60bcj-J0FnZdo8bQOSHInxcHYfdu5rI5GJcgyyNO9JeHlZRSJiwGOIP_zxA2ZYx9FA0o1PgPpxLjFXpLCO2x4/s1600/IMG_4974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw21vBv1qNvn9Ug9aKUUJfikUwPTlPIT8Dk6GHGwV21sUM2YnclyDRFz60bcj-J0FnZdo8bQOSHInxcHYfdu5rI5GJcgyyNO9JeHlZRSJiwGOIP_zxA2ZYx9FA0o1PgPpxLjFXpLCO2x4/s400/IMG_4974.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-44915594809601293592016-08-01T13:24:00.001-04:002016-08-01T13:24:17.736-04:00Let's Get Really Clear Here For One Hot Minute<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been kind of quiet here on the blog and using <span style="color: red;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lap-Band-Gal-204502256256954/" target="_blank">my facebook page</a></b></span> for updates and shares.<br />
<br />
Have you gone to <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lap-Band-Gal-204502256256954/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></b> to "like" my page yet? You'd see this pic there:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVW0IzsUIIrm6Gu3p0x4nah_YGSXRZNgrgdel0S8roFd0OnC_ZI0H_BU7JIGfCLejGUZVYagyTxxuxdxSfvFnXuj4cwAAcd0iIXZtH6wJ2j5eLQMghIqdeg9k486sES-Z5-IpefFFal5Y/s1600/IMG_4744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVW0IzsUIIrm6Gu3p0x4nah_YGSXRZNgrgdel0S8roFd0OnC_ZI0H_BU7JIGfCLejGUZVYagyTxxuxdxSfvFnXuj4cwAAcd0iIXZtH6wJ2j5eLQMghIqdeg9k486sES-Z5-IpefFFal5Y/s400/IMG_4744.JPG" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Fourth of July Weekend - Vegas!</b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I've been rockin' my intense workouts.<br />
<br />
I've been taking my vitamins every day.<br />
<br />
I've been drinking my buckets of water.<br />
<br />
I've been going to support group meetings.<br />
<br />
But what I have I <u><b>not</b></u> been doing?<br />
<br />
Since about Christmas time, I have not been consistent with my weekly weigh-ins.<br />
<br />
My weekly weigh-ins are my most helpful tool of how I lost weight and how I continue to maintain my weight loss.<br />
<br />
Weekly weigh-ins are my accountability.<br />
<br />
Somehow my brain got ridiculous.<br />
<br />
I started thinking that I could track my success with how I felt and the scale wasn't as important as I had always made it out to be. Indeed. Ridiculous.<br />
<br />
So I stopped weighing in every week.<br />
<br />
I also have not been tracking my food choices and portions.<br />
<br />
I've noticed that my pants and shirts are getting a little tight.<br />
<br />
I've realized that my lower back is hurting a little bit.<br />
<br />
My daily workouts are just a tad more difficult.<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
'Cuz I am carrying around EXTRA weight.<br />
<br />
<br />
So I stepped on the scale this morning. I am officially 13lbs above my goal weight.<br />
<br />
Here's proof (and accountability):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiB15n0Ta1COtFf3Pmun8L6Xt8YrJxBGA9bI54PHNyr3YsvFbNzQOCgmNplCfMbWScVuiZkd3IZM95sVBjshNWIlE1p3Cfn0awQyigJOQccNxm6G9vJh2-vx8vcxP_o9fkPR-qvzuQzk/s1600/FullSizeRender%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiB15n0Ta1COtFf3Pmun8L6Xt8YrJxBGA9bI54PHNyr3YsvFbNzQOCgmNplCfMbWScVuiZkd3IZM95sVBjshNWIlE1p3Cfn0awQyigJOQccNxm6G9vJh2-vx8vcxP_o9fkPR-qvzuQzk/s400/FullSizeRender%25284%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sure, 13 lbs. Big Whoop-dee-doo-da, right? No biggie, right?<br />
<br />
Do I still fit into my size 6/8 pants? Yeah, just barely.<br />
<br />
But.<br />
<br />
No. <br />
<br />
IT. IS. A. BIG. DEAL.<br />
<br />
This 13 lbs gain can turn into 15 lbs gain, that can then turn into 25 lbs gain, and then 35lbs gain, and then, and then. <br />
<br />
Yikes.<br />
<br />
I am turning this freight train around.<br />
<br />
This train is headed for 145lbs goal weight station.<br />
<br />
I've been there before and I will be there again.<br />
<br />
Not doing my weekly weigh-ins was my BIG MISTAKE and my biggest learning lesson so far in my journey.<br />
<br />
I have been eating off plan.<br />
<br />
Portions are too big.<br />
<br />
Food choices are not healthy.<br />
<br />
I am owning these choices I have made these 6+ months.<br />
<br />
No matter how hard and often I workout, it will never make up for too many calories in my diet. <br />
<br />
Sure, I could make all kinds of lovely excuses of why this happened, like: I have no money, no time, too much work stress, blah, blah, blah.<br />
<br />
But no way Jose. No excuses for me.<br />
<br />
I made all of those food choices.<br />
<br />
I am back to weekly weigh-ins and also tracking my food on old school post-it notes.<br />
<br />
I'll be back on Friday for my weekly weigh-in. <br />
<br />
<br />
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<img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2JykZNr3msAkGOIzHPDNVUtjwbzAouklGI_THLDgS0N2astk6UnVYRcluqY5zpUbu6tRzEU5vE0-3gKsSd5c8E6e0bVSgcaLLegS_N9ORViT-JooLmj-wsX4ujdEOXTbtqGWk9pE_2Q/s400/IMG_4821.JPG" width="400" /> </div>
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Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-82447439456661469032016-04-01T11:07:00.002-04:002016-04-01T11:07:54.941-04:00Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Friday Weigh-in Day.<br />
<br />
Last friday's weight: 148.8 lbs<br />
<br />
Today's weight: 148.2 lbs<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryNomVwNOb8nhsaRJfiSPoFmhtV2p2fyD-uhhmGxHncYZfrgnKkv42fBDeBBhzXbQ_Zd1TdMC2Nzlulht0h1bTZjLAu3vJGnAseqJ_vwdeLmMVtn5bwS-n1a6wT8PTUcv4hDkAs1Qg4c/s1600/FullSizeRender%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryNomVwNOb8nhsaRJfiSPoFmhtV2p2fyD-uhhmGxHncYZfrgnKkv42fBDeBBhzXbQ_Zd1TdMC2Nzlulht0h1bTZjLAu3vJGnAseqJ_vwdeLmMVtn5bwS-n1a6wT8PTUcv4hDkAs1Qg4c/s320/FullSizeRender%25284%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a loss. -0.6 lbs....and I'll take it! Onwards.<br />
<br />
PS: for Christmas, the Husband gave me tickets to "Dirty Dancing The Musical" in San Francisco.<br />
So this past weekend, the day had finally arrived of the big show. OMG. I think I had way too much fun in front of that photo wall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxLXh0xfmYgl3JAb_0caXP6jy1HZrzsi-hddBmf-cL8G-QilfzueTL1s9jlXvUT6IBJl8kuICXISCo0wDath4LWA-bHqJUutRvEUiJQh9_9YCjlAYiX8-xLoYBZHDiQFHeGTchyphenhyphen-Qytc/s1600/IMG_3325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxLXh0xfmYgl3JAb_0caXP6jy1HZrzsi-hddBmf-cL8G-QilfzueTL1s9jlXvUT6IBJl8kuICXISCo0wDath4LWA-bHqJUutRvEUiJQh9_9YCjlAYiX8-xLoYBZHDiQFHeGTchyphenhyphen-Qytc/s400/IMG_3325.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-32397041232562228052016-03-25T11:05:00.000-04:002016-03-25T11:05:22.626-04:00How I Lose Weight With My Lap-Band<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeqeo6gndc58unYauFLPL3qY8aqpCeAlpl2nQ2FHTQNAWN8BojK2EWMPylhXaLKiKeOeJYrpcmbo8zOtg7piRvWDNyN8Jzq9Wzddxw5cmONC4Kt_x-Hdm1LOrI4b9-D8p2vK3xFS97lQ/s1600/201504_1139_ihhea_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeqeo6gndc58unYauFLPL3qY8aqpCeAlpl2nQ2FHTQNAWN8BojK2EWMPylhXaLKiKeOeJYrpcmbo8zOtg7piRvWDNyN8Jzq9Wzddxw5cmONC4Kt_x-Hdm1LOrI4b9-D8p2vK3xFS97lQ/s400/201504_1139_ihhea_sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Thank you for your extra love notes and encouragement here on the blog and also on <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lap-Band-Gal/204502256256954" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b></span> after my last post about my weight gain.<br />
<br />
Let's recap shall we?<br />
<br />
What's been going on these past three months or so:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>I made craptastic food choices. No one chose these foods for me. I own these choices I made.</li>
<li>I ate way too big of portions of those craptastic food choices. I chose these portions.</li>
<li>I didn't do my weekly Friday weigh-ins for about 5 weeks (lost my accountability).</li>
<li>I weighed in Monday 3/21/16 (five days ago) and the sh*t got real: <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>153.4 lbs.</b></span></span></li>
<li>A weight gain of 8.4 lbs above my goal weight of 145 lbs. </li>
<li>I am back on the accountability train with weekly weigh-ins and writing down my food choices each day (I track only calories and proteins). </li>
<li>I am staying accountable to my goal of getting back to 145 lbs.</li>
<li>My daily goal is 1200 calories and at least 70 proteins. I eat real foods and chew a lot. It's been over a year since I've had a protein shake.</li>
</ul>
So it's my usual Friday weigh-in today.<br />
<br />
The results?<br />
<br />
Drum roll please.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjY4ATrv9T2AXjPkwnCzohLx4ftgTyZdm-ra4gl-3WBrxKYxnXriC6zdxlMV1cIT2813sOGx6xsFpHXun2z-_ML8pR0m126Db8_SRtrM6wXHTVf4up0hprM8Te_fVkXZyK0-7vLRBSL6Y/s1600/FullSizeRender%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjY4ATrv9T2AXjPkwnCzohLx4ftgTyZdm-ra4gl-3WBrxKYxnXriC6zdxlMV1cIT2813sOGx6xsFpHXun2z-_ML8pR0m126Db8_SRtrM6wXHTVf4up0hprM8Te_fVkXZyK0-7vLRBSL6Y/s400/FullSizeRender%25284%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Bam.<br />
<br />
There ya go.<br />
<br />
A weight loss of 4.6 lbs!<br />
<br />
I have always been someone who can lose <u><i>and gain</i></u> weight fast. <br />
<br />
What have I <strike> learned </strike> <b><i>REMINDED </i></b>myself of these past 5 days?<br />
<br />
If I do the work, I get the results.<br />
<br />
If I track my food, I see the results on the scale. <br />
<br />
Was I hungry this past week eating 1200 calories each day?<br />
<br />
NO. Nope. Nada.<br />
<br />
Thank you very much Lap-Band. My band keeps my physical hunger under control so I can do the work of making food choices and portion sizes. <br />
<br />
If you'd like to see what I am up to daily, go check out my <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lap-Band-Gal/204502256256954" target="_blank">Facebook page</a></b></span>. I share what I am eating, recipes, workouts, etc.</div>
Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-53038646841664796552016-03-21T12:06:00.000-04:002016-03-21T12:06:02.690-04:00Let's get real here for a hot minute<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Those of you who follow me on <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lap-Band-Gal/204502256256954" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b></span> may have noticed something.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have not been keeping up with my weekly Friday weigh-ins. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My last Friday weigh-in on <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lap-Band-Gal/204502256256954" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></b> was February 5, 2016. 146.6 lbs. Here's the official photo of that weigh-in:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HnKm4em0Mh5JgDz6YvzJOWoOW_7Fp0CNz2_JqO6H2R16gX18KQXY90Mf1wjaHJ2_CrFVadtBfwVpk3F0Te74JuCp4oTDJA-Sd1Udw57OqEMt6844ZLDHeuvQgh2p852Y8b4i3dFmjuU/s1600/IMG_3348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HnKm4em0Mh5JgDz6YvzJOWoOW_7Fp0CNz2_JqO6H2R16gX18KQXY90Mf1wjaHJ2_CrFVadtBfwVpk3F0Te74JuCp4oTDJA-Sd1Udw57OqEMt6844ZLDHeuvQgh2p852Y8b4i3dFmjuU/s400/IMG_3348.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've been telling myself these tall tales in my head and thinking that I could do this weight loss maintenance thing without stepping on the scale. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You know, that thing called "accountability."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've been joking with myself into thinking I could do weight maintenance using the "how I feel" and "see how my clothes fit" methods.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But no.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
No way, Jose. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have learned these past few months that I cannot do that. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Those non-scale methods of accountability do not work for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I could tell you that I have not been doing my weekly weigh-ins for all kind of <strike> excuses </strike> reasons. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But it doesn't matter what those reasons are because here's what's gone down these past few months:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Food choices that were not always protein-focused. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Food choices that were too large of portions.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Food choices that were ridiculous and it's time for me to slow my roll.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It is all about my food choices. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It ends here.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am owning this.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So I stepped on the scale this morning. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDbXW4XNhfP-xBezx1s7fmWhWkgCmKA5SOGq_ikREwPynGkm-lwD81GC5HedvcxE8kDIrmowGhX2pkeacWU41-ch341f1KmFtD4eGwM4Un5Guu5WoLDdUHB6zSB3i2KJgxssChcmuDk0/s1600/IMG_3354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDbXW4XNhfP-xBezx1s7fmWhWkgCmKA5SOGq_ikREwPynGkm-lwD81GC5HedvcxE8kDIrmowGhX2pkeacWU41-ch341f1KmFtD4eGwM4Un5Guu5WoLDdUHB6zSB3i2KJgxssChcmuDk0/s400/IMG_3354.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yep, 153.4 lbs.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That's 8.4 lbs <b><u>above</u> </b>my goal weight of 145 lbs.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am catching this slippery slope <b><i><u>now</u>.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's what I am doing to stop this ridiculous weight-gain:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tracking my food choices by WRITING THEM DOWN</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Stay tuned for Friday's weigh-in.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It'll be off the hook.</div>
</div>
Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-35799877124152999412016-03-19T12:47:00.000-04:002016-03-19T12:47:01.511-04:00We said "I Do"!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Surprise!<br />
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<br />
Bonus Non-Scale Victory alert: the husband picked me up!<br />
<br />
If you would like to see a video and photos from our wedding, <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><a href="http://luckyus33.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">click here</a></b></span>.<br />
<br />
We had a fun-in-the-sun honeymoon Caribbean cruise:<br />
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Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-7965392517686010312016-01-12T14:49:00.000-05:002016-01-12T14:49:59.183-05:00Love is Sweet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_FGhSld56XVjOao_qrBwoZgta7IkmZ-cIBxDDNT57onOp0Qm10APT3Z-cWIolLIKtSqk19XTc7UCSyPdHdcWL99x-SV5mJB1nnqpkEABPu51NsrDcbMqfTRQ9-KH-Sql1FI1aMFANvs/s1600/IMG_2381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_FGhSld56XVjOao_qrBwoZgta7IkmZ-cIBxDDNT57onOp0Qm10APT3Z-cWIolLIKtSqk19XTc7UCSyPdHdcWL99x-SV5mJB1nnqpkEABPu51NsrDcbMqfTRQ9-KH-Sql1FI1aMFANvs/s400/IMG_2381.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
The fiance and I were so honored this weekend.<br />
<br />
A <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>BIG thank you</b></span> goes out to my parents hosting such a fun engagement party for us!<br />
<br />
It was a dessert bar with the theme: "Love is Sweet"<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mom, Sister, and I</span></b></span></td></tr>
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Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-7948876036751984442015-12-28T13:39:00.000-05:002015-12-28T13:39:08.576-05:00Five Years at Goal Weight with My Lap-Band<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been a crazy busy time for me lately.<br />
<br />
Here are the places I've been to for business trips or for fun in the last three weeks:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Chicago, IL</li>
<li>Dallas, TX</li>
<li>Newark, NJ</li>
<li>Scranton, PA</li>
<li>Milwaukee, WI</li>
<li>Green Bay, WI </li>
</ul>
Phew!<br />
<br />
I've been keeping up with my workouts and mostly eating how I should while on the road. <br />
<br />
As you know, I share all those lovely little annoying details of the day-to-day living with my Lap-Band on <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lap-Band-Gal-204502256256954/" target="_blank">my Facebook page</a></b></span>. You're welcome.<br />
<br />
I've been so busy that my Goal-iversary came and went and I didn't even notice! On December 17, 2010, I reached my goal weight. I lost about 120 lbs in 14 months. That was five years ago.<br />
<br />
I've been holding steady around the 145 lbs mark for FIVE YEARS now.<br />
<br />
It's a lot of work. No sugar coating here.<br />
<br />
Did I say it's<i><u> a lot </u></i>of work? Indeed.<br />
<br />
Here's a pic of the Fiance and I on Christmas morning. I posted it on Facebook, but alas, there are some of you who are not on <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lap-Band-Gal-204502256256954/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b></span>! Gasp!<br />
<br />
The presents were all unwrapped.<br />
<br />
The holiday treats were all eaten.<br />
<br />
The Fiance was heading out the door for a 6 mile run in the freezing cold. His usual.<br />
<br />
I was about to get my sweat on with my favorite workout trainer, Jillian Michael's via her free online videos in the living room. My usual.<br />
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<br />What is the biggest learning lesson from these past five years at my goal weight?<br />
<br />
There is no finish line and no "done" on this road to health.</div>
Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-80826125555686665852015-11-21T14:46:00.001-05:002015-11-21T15:02:40.771-05:00I Can't Figure Out My Recent Blood Test Results<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The "why" behind why I do what I do each day.<br />
<br />
The "why" behind why I make my careful food choices each day.<br />
<br />
The "why" behind why I measure my food portions each day.<br />
<br />
The "why" behind why I drink over 100 oz each day. <br />
<br />
The "why" behind why I exercise and sweat each day.<br />
<br />
What is the "why" I got my LapBand in the first place way back in 2009? <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>MY HEALTH.</i></b></span><br />
<br />
Sure, fitting into a certain clothing size is super fun.<br />
<br />
Sure, being able to be active and present in my daily life is good. (And not napping at home and watching TV for hours, 'cuz that's what I used to do at 260 lbs. Missing out on life in general)<br />
<br />
But for me, the main focus has always been <span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>my HEALTH.</b></i></span><br />
<br />
Did you know that at 260 lbs, my doctor was talking to me about pre-diabetes and high cholesterol medications?<br />
<br />
Every year since I got to my goal weight, I've been doing well with no signs of diabetes and all results at normal levels. Yay me.<br />
<br />
So I was extremely surprised when last week I got the results of my annual blood test / lab work.<br />
<br />
I really didn't think I could improve on anything from the year before.<br />
<br />
Weight maintenance gets pretty boring.<br />
<br />
Here are my results.<br />
<br />
I have improved my cholesterol results dramatically this past year! Yellow highlights are my newest results from last week and hand written info is from last year's tests:<br />
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<br />
The only issue is...<br />
<br />
I have NO IDEA how I did this.<br />
<br />
I haven't changed my diet and food choices in the past few years.<br />
<br />
I am doing the same exact type of workouts I've been doing for the past 3+ years.<br />
<br />
The only thing that I could guess is that this is a LONG-TERM result of eating WAY less red meat and animal proteins (chicken, beef, pork, etc) over the last 3 years? Sort of a long term affect of reduced meat eating?<br />
<br />
<br />
Back story: Three years ago I began my a new job at a <a href="http://www.amys.com/" target="_blank">vegetarian foods company</a>.<br />
<br />
Since employees can buy these vegetarian food items at a reduced price and these vegetarian foods are pre-portioned/frozen/convenient, I have been eating them ALL THE TIME.<br />
<br />
It is convenient and cheap for me. Tasty too. That's all. No other reasons. <br />
<br />
Therefore, I eat meat only 2 or 3 times a week in these past 3 years. Not very often.<br />
<br />
Could I now be seeing the long-term benefits of a reduced meat (semi-vegetarian) diet?<br />
<br />
Here's what I do know: I am a cholesterol ROCK STAR.<br />
<br /></div>
Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-12704482731773908722015-09-30T14:33:00.001-04:002015-09-30T14:33:20.509-04:00Sad News and a Visit to the LapBand Surgeon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Pemberley passed away last week.<br />
<br />
I've been sad, but remembering the fun times we had together is helping.<br />
<br />
She will always be my favorite workout buddy!<br />
<br />
June 2015: <br />
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<br />
4 days post-op. October 2009: <br />
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<br />
In other news, since about late July/early August, I noticed that I was getting hungry quickly after a small sensible protein meal. <br />
<br />
So then I thought, oh well, my seasonal sinus allergies will be ramping up soon, let's see how it goes. That band will get tight again. Allergies always makes my band tighten up.<br />
<br />
And I waited.<br />
<br />
And the seasonal sinus allergies went crazy. Boxes of tissues later...<br />
<br />
I was still hungry!<br />
<br />
So I thought, with a big vacation coming up to Italy, I figured there would be jet lag and travel stress/etc (stuff that usually tightens up my band), so let's wait and think about a fill when I returned.<br />
<br />
That vacation came and went.<br />
<br />
But I was still hungry!<br />
<br />
Then Pemberley passed away. So I thought, oh no, this is very stressful/emotional (stuff that always tightens up the band), I bet that band will tighten up. Let's wait and see.<br />
<br />
Nope.<br />
<br />
I was still hungry!<br />
<br />
SO, long story short, I finally went to see my Lap-Band doctor last Friday 9/25/15 for a fill. He added 0.4 ccs to my Lap-Band.<br />
<br />
My hunger is reduced and my thoughts of food and what my next meal will be are GONE.<br />
<br />
I love that at almost SIX years post-op, I can still get my Lap-Band adjusted and have that same reduced hunger and full feeling as I did at the very beginning of my weight loss journey.</div>
Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-34953746344401068962015-09-12T22:26:00.001-04:002015-09-12T22:26:55.368-04:00Italy is a dream...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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...that keeps returning for the rest of your life."</div>
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Someone famous said that quote. </div>
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And they were correct. </div>
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I'm back from two whole weeks in Italy.</div>
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There was Michelangelo's David: </div>
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Wine in Florence. </div>
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A climb up the many stairs to the top of the Duomo (Cathedral) in Florence. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrcXpD71jGG4gMY1BlaJ6jhEnxRVRdNczLlVtZNE8GThxun1XZ7PCaRg_PXh31UxsUUBscuaGwieLKImDspMsd8BX10AzkVN9ekNURIa2ubl6oIrc3VRI-auyHgPdJK7oaYe4zyW6w9A/s1600/IMG_0797.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrcXpD71jGG4gMY1BlaJ6jhEnxRVRdNczLlVtZNE8GThxun1XZ7PCaRg_PXh31UxsUUBscuaGwieLKImDspMsd8BX10AzkVN9ekNURIa2ubl6oIrc3VRI-auyHgPdJK7oaYe4zyW6w9A/s640/IMG_0797.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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There's always time for a cappuccino in the rain of Florence.<br />
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Tuscany countryside adventures: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGz3kxZrdELZ8OhEluGy2qF4LbVDB57aGT-JGGrTqwoak9ihu4-Kf9m7IJqbTMYU4ERJBXR7UanqsIHNF9HXxMFs9RwY2tmGx3elrx36EGu_yKjTX3p47btunICUg14G58XmorZdadrE/s1600/IMG_0514.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGz3kxZrdELZ8OhEluGy2qF4LbVDB57aGT-JGGrTqwoak9ihu4-Kf9m7IJqbTMYU4ERJBXR7UanqsIHNF9HXxMFs9RwY2tmGx3elrx36EGu_yKjTX3p47btunICUg14G58XmorZdadrE/s400/IMG_0514.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div>
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Chillin' poolside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s09usvrmNiLvikYFazq97sTx7TgghzE86zb3GN1DM4bROm7-so6MjsW7qUXR4_c7b7y7BQ-2Vhu-l6zXcaASSm06r94oV7UBhku1_v0aWOLTlFV-ZeqbPeTE4zN7g7D73_K65AJwirc/s1600/IMG_0592.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s09usvrmNiLvikYFazq97sTx7TgghzE86zb3GN1DM4bROm7-so6MjsW7qUXR4_c7b7y7BQ-2Vhu-l6zXcaASSm06r94oV7UBhku1_v0aWOLTlFV-ZeqbPeTE4zN7g7D73_K65AJwirc/s400/IMG_0592.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Ummm. Yeah. More wine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwHwUWeQKgm1gKBNEMTDFJZkg2hfIm18BTdhgYUWYIBKcXaxxk-I9JncrjO4kqqplvWJ_G4lMme3XUA9PHLFsPu38r1i8tl0VSvIT16RMczdo4t5LG9eYC_jQuGNAK9noIYK16K7tnAU/s1600/IMG_0554.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwHwUWeQKgm1gKBNEMTDFJZkg2hfIm18BTdhgYUWYIBKcXaxxk-I9JncrjO4kqqplvWJ_G4lMme3XUA9PHLFsPu38r1i8tl0VSvIT16RMczdo4t5LG9eYC_jQuGNAK9noIYK16K7tnAU/s320/IMG_0554.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But I DID workout six times. Water bottles for hand weights with my usual Jillian Michael's videos from YouTube:</div>
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Day spa relaxing under the Tuscan sun.</div>
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Cocktails at sunset at the Forum in Rome:</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU__Sqn27UH3Ma9ds-u0EI4IYLKYh8x-LiJw0Nb3t5mK5k-Vg4lgsgmoh6rMtm-Hl6r8luMWABrABE1w-bhxOmUfwDF_ZQwWbL8PkCo2qJ82NWk2z6FVzZ3euh2LZgapCMC52VvNpVh2E/s400/IMG_0604.jpg" width="283" /></div>
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Gelato in Rome: <br />
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Cooking class in Rome on our last night in Rome. Homemade ravioli and tiramisu!</div>
<span id="goog_591539780"></span><span id="goog_591539781"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiqSWVcynjLdJmaEy_mFi7VDlwOpHbMLayazsQmz4woitM_YUPtUsEK-nk6pMSJob4nC6j88cvFltMwSJnH1RDHGPaOqkeOge1729jmMwkWxsFYluK2NlpX9icKedE599A90WewHPbBw/s1600/IMG_1211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiqSWVcynjLdJmaEy_mFi7VDlwOpHbMLayazsQmz4woitM_YUPtUsEK-nk6pMSJob4nC6j88cvFltMwSJnH1RDHGPaOqkeOge1729jmMwkWxsFYluK2NlpX9icKedE599A90WewHPbBw/s400/IMG_1211.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And by the way.</div>
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One very important event happened on day 1 of our vacation. </div>
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In case you missed the many, many hints in the previous photos. </div>
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The event happened before the wine.</div>
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Before the cappuccino.</div>
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Before the poolside relaxing.</div>
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The boyfriend got down on one knee at River Arno in Florence at sunset.</div>
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And proposed marriage.</div>
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Of course I said, "Yes!"</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmCXHP9UqsvQUe0sM9-RwpJyqc5UCrb7LFdOqCtiu1O4lODh9SWZp-F2RhzlWxPYufbjpQj8LnrOa9OPu274-IuOxNpTP2q9McGGxp0bniU9wQuiI9L-EQceqTsorm5I7lmJOYla_n9w/s640/IMG_0631.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>Fortunati Noi</i></b></span></span></div>
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(Italian for Lucky Us)</div>
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Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-3160765726594372372015-08-16T21:19:00.004-04:002015-08-16T21:22:42.300-04:00Orbera. Weightloss AND No Surgery Needed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ms25LvFT8d3zvFlZuRT0ZtNGsRQcg2Z6De-gIPgDhKKTfjSahfW7xBo2Z7-pLKiEQRMsS6HE8wxgXIH0roA-I3taQtEj0g723CSCX2bZrt6OO3i7LHDPSppdznVnYHnSe5tEcxtLM0I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-08-16+at+6.00.32+PM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ms25LvFT8d3zvFlZuRT0ZtNGsRQcg2Z6De-gIPgDhKKTfjSahfW7xBo2Z7-pLKiEQRMsS6HE8wxgXIH0roA-I3taQtEj0g723CSCX2bZrt6OO3i7LHDPSppdznVnYHnSe5tEcxtLM0I/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-08-16+at+6.00.32+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Orbera inflated with saline and deflated.</b></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2NacRoRxCpwAvLBAtl9Ic-JUXqRCT0_O-wLM5yWAAiwp2jlAna1g-XmV5HMD-xpvo3tGPWCGMKtuWZs1OSG4EQMNir1RR6ThdSGhMaiWwLBPdOSNFdOdrq3m-DIB5zus2QbgXVzxxPU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-08-16+at+5.59.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2NacRoRxCpwAvLBAtl9Ic-JUXqRCT0_O-wLM5yWAAiwp2jlAna1g-XmV5HMD-xpvo3tGPWCGMKtuWZs1OSG4EQMNir1RR6ThdSGhMaiWwLBPdOSNFdOdrq3m-DIB5zus2QbgXVzxxPU/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-08-16+at+5.59.35+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Orbera in the stomach</span></b></span></td></tr>
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It's NEW.<br />
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It doesn't require surgery.<br />
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AND it's removed after six months.<br />
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Talk about a weight loss tool for the those of us fearful of a commitment.<br />
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But wait.<br />
<br />
There's more!<br />
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It's durable.<br />
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It's safe.<br />
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AND it's now FDA approved.<br />
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Over 220,000 patients worldwide have received this tool as part of an entire weight loss program that include nutritional guidance, exercise requirements, and the medical support from a bariatric team.<br />
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And now us Americans can get Orbera too! Is it for you?<br />
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Watch this quick video to meet an Orbera (and me!) up close and personal: <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hBckyX6vyuo" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Here's a video of the placement of Orbera:<a href="https://youtu.be/w9dWiV_pYdE"> https://youtu.be/w9dWiV_pYdE</a><br />
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Here's a link to find an Orbera specialist near you: <a href="http://www.orbera.com/find_a_specialist">http://www.orbera.com/find_a_specialist</a></div>
Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-27688824622357368662015-07-27T13:39:00.002-04:002015-07-27T14:39:26.083-04:00A Visit To Apollo Endosurgery!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Guess what? It's that time of year again...<br />
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When us Lap-Band patients and obesity patient advocates gather in Austin, TX at <a href="http://www.lapband.com/r_lapband_success" target="_blank">Apollo Endosurgery.</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.lapband.com/r_lapband_success" target="_blank">Apollo</a> makes the Lap-Band. Cool fact of the day #1. You're welcome.<br />
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Aren't we pretty?<br />
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You can't deny it.<br />
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Can you believe that this was the FIFTH year of this annual meetup?!<br />
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And of course, we all were ready to catch up. We picked things up right where we left off last year. Do you recognize any of these Lap-Band super-stars?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvgL1gRDaGvFh47IOj36sxNN3vhXfzXeiMq7tk1YVSGPN7mJE1WrMyXtXI5xnOxiWwjKZ706NYC2yOZvs01SZ9X596QGnFK0qQS2sDbIY1IJW4frEkvjOIYJyYE4UitxXMSoeP4EaEKo/s1600/FullSizeRender%255B1%255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvgL1gRDaGvFh47IOj36sxNN3vhXfzXeiMq7tk1YVSGPN7mJE1WrMyXtXI5xnOxiWwjKZ706NYC2yOZvs01SZ9X596QGnFK0qQS2sDbIY1IJW4frEkvjOIYJyYE4UitxXMSoeP4EaEKo/s640/FullSizeRender%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You know that we <i>OWNED</i> that back row of the shuttle bus!<br />
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Word.<br />
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At our meetings we got to Skype with Lap-Band surgeon extraordinaire and Aussie: Dr. Dixon.<br />
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Don't be jealous.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWfcX4vMULqwqEIU7zZgwo9bUMZxPVLqFOHypoAuG0pzhvfj6LnM5cNy2t6JT0F1d36KpmCoBUjyCSquQv4lTXoEcotUrd-a3pLDQHreOCQvIKW9NGaXZH5KRseGZRAuCFnf_C5niVsg/s1600/IMG_9898.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWfcX4vMULqwqEIU7zZgwo9bUMZxPVLqFOHypoAuG0pzhvfj6LnM5cNy2t6JT0F1d36KpmCoBUjyCSquQv4lTXoEcotUrd-a3pLDQHreOCQvIKW9NGaXZH5KRseGZRAuCFnf_C5niVsg/s400/IMG_9898.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
He really knows how to rock a PowerPoint presentation. A master of the slides.<br />
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You can hear the most amazeballs podcast interview with Dr. Dixon <a href="http://www.weightlosssurgerypodcast.com/014-dr-john-dixon-interview/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. He's kinda pretty too. Don'tcha think?<br />
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He told us cool stories about successes with the Lap-Band patients that he works with and even a story about medical studies with RAT BANDS. Yep, teeny tiny Lap-Bands that go inside rats where doctors learn about obesity. Cool fact of the day #2. You're welcome.<br />
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Next, Amy shared her story of her weight loss with the Lap-Band. Go check it out <a href="http://cheeseandsunkist.blogspot.com/2015/07/imahalflesbian.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. You will learn what a half-lesbian is.<br />
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Then we heard from Rachel Blind. Nurse practitioner who works daily with Lap-Band patients. She even shared with me her workout habits (but I've been sworn to secrecy): <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESiu82emIskw5CqEcCrI_2kBmFnmcq9tmTLZjDaeUlqyAFo2EJYVPCaS3XkR7Ahq7wXZPMllrPAWxxmvSZOepBqUm5G3YTYJzttH5suOhA1l9x_LX_chDyE8ZXDLLXLP3vLPesWy1sKs/s1600/FullSizeRender%255B4%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESiu82emIskw5CqEcCrI_2kBmFnmcq9tmTLZjDaeUlqyAFo2EJYVPCaS3XkR7Ahq7wXZPMllrPAWxxmvSZOepBqUm5G3YTYJzttH5suOhA1l9x_LX_chDyE8ZXDLLXLP3vLPesWy1sKs/s320/FullSizeRender%255B4%255D.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
We talked about myths too.<br />
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One myth that's floating around there that is FALSE: Lap-Bands are not being used anymore. So FALSE! Did you know that over 40,000 new patients received Lap-Bands last year? Cool fact #3.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0g5A8p8cHbaq4NDIj25fe5vbAorAkqajOarb6I3JZnO2t5AzmWlMWm9DBuGIjNHl-R_uTPZjpHKLhdWtV2E7nIV5_8iNSOqWz7Y7DuScyCurfpxGG5R7gkpYqbLD0Cokateu9amCfrKo/s1600/IMG_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0g5A8p8cHbaq4NDIj25fe5vbAorAkqajOarb6I3JZnO2t5AzmWlMWm9DBuGIjNHl-R_uTPZjpHKLhdWtV2E7nIV5_8iNSOqWz7Y7DuScyCurfpxGG5R7gkpYqbLD0Cokateu9amCfrKo/s400/IMG_0040.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I am short. That is all.</b></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMeA9kjnl2ujWkGCZ03QdqZzTU5b0kmcF5-KIwYHv5M14qqqsS5-whklOe2ZWoFKsnDq2srFj68S3m1lAfmh_Cx4CRgWg8NlCucfV2xuH7qXc8XIWoVEGSu-sP8ECI2nF-tb5g2MbHqQ/s640/FullSizeRender%255B2%255D.jpg" width="352" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>With the man who invented the Lap-Band. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>He would like to remain anonymous on this blog. Very secret-agent like.</b></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYLs1eqUDPaF7LiZk_eYemw01n9qai34yP7xNNs0kXc8jugtxqGJdAkKhu7k7pm3lZjyl9uXj-mCZouyqWnHUkWtkJNJiI5g8pgytFEE9gXLTyQWh3SQsghVCu_XQC46xvLGpPNse2Rg/s1600/FullSizeRender%255B3%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYLs1eqUDPaF7LiZk_eYemw01n9qai34yP7xNNs0kXc8jugtxqGJdAkKhu7k7pm3lZjyl9uXj-mCZouyqWnHUkWtkJNJiI5g8pgytFEE9gXLTyQWh3SQsghVCu_XQC46xvLGpPNse2Rg/s320/FullSizeRender%255B3%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dinner & Fun Times! Yum.</b></span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjCx2eUsU4uoRl5FH8GVNHT669vJArKKS4E74-JhRkng8Azun_xbthCGrjmIGPbDZ4WMzEQBG2mbopOK7hPvdJXry0xk3VrqKWd0HdNahxkGPQC2XUtsxFWD7orlAjZ0OV5KnuvS2XmA/s1600/IMG_9928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjCx2eUsU4uoRl5FH8GVNHT669vJArKKS4E74-JhRkng8Azun_xbthCGrjmIGPbDZ4WMzEQBG2mbopOK7hPvdJXry0xk3VrqKWd0HdNahxkGPQC2XUtsxFWD7orlAjZ0OV5KnuvS2XmA/s320/IMG_9928.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I can't wait for next year's visit with Apollo!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Super Star Links:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.lapband.com/r_lapband_success" target="_blank">LapBand.com</a></span><br />
<a href="http://cheeseandsunkist.blogspot.com/2015/07/imahalflesbian.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Land of Cheese & Sunkist</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.bariatricpal.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Bariatric Pal</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/bandedwendy" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Banded Wendy</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.karengillman.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">After The Band</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.wlssuccessmatters.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">WLS Matters</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://barimart.com/" target="_blank">BariMart</a> </span><br />
<a href="http://bariatricgirl.com/">BariatricGirl.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.obesityaction.org/" target="_blank">Obesity Action Coalition</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A few photos above courtesy of <a href="http://bariatricgirl.com/">BariatricGirl.com</a></span></div>
Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-39530023746775742222015-07-10T10:56:00.002-04:002015-07-10T10:57:40.534-04:00Friday Weigh-in Day -- Lost 3 lbs this week<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Friday Weigh-in Day! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">I have weighed-in each and every Friday since August 2009. That's more than FIVE years of weekly weigh-ins.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><br /> Here's today's weight and last Friday's weight. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">I'm down 3 lbs!</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCRlzYPzq6xDuVZx1lDrPjrUi395X-7bPq5mhU8jz-0ZwkpCMsqudBxPBJfXjiJsHIJESsobIvDvpKZhfzphCMhyphenhyphenAHx_bvs-4TtPnJSuJbHp_BAfQUWF1X705iNRo7gKIcoP163TWwPY/s1600/scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCRlzYPzq6xDuVZx1lDrPjrUi395X-7bPq5mhU8jz-0ZwkpCMsqudBxPBJfXjiJsHIJESsobIvDvpKZhfzphCMhyphenhyphenAHx_bvs-4TtPnJSuJbHp_BAfQUWF1X705iNRo7gKIcoP163TWwPY/s400/scale.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">How did I achieve this?</span></span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> 100+ oz water each day</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> 1200 cals, 60+ proteins each day (I WROTE IT DOWN)<span class="text_exposed_show"></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"> 5 x 30 min workouts this week</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Took my vitamins </span></span></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"></span></span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">This last week of dedication and hard work reminds me of the 14 months of when I was in my "Losing Phase" of my weight loss journey. These are the same behaviors and choices that I made to lose about 115 lbs in 14 months.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">What does this past week also tell me? </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">If I do the work, then I am successful on the scale.</span></span></span></span></b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">PS: My capri pants are lose this morning. Pretty baggy on my hips. Non-Scale Victory (NSV) alert!</span></span></span></span><br />
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Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-69115586609630699602015-07-07T12:44:00.000-04:002015-07-07T12:44:12.914-04:00I've Kept Off 115 Pound Weight Loss For Over Four Years with My Lap-Band<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Summer.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">A time that I enjoy MUCH MORE now.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The heat and hot temperatures are easier for me not being a big girl.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I'm not so sweaty.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I'm more comfortable.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Don't even get me started on the thigh chub-rub of wearing shorts when I was 260lbs. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Now at 145lbs, I don't have to be hot and sweaty carrying around my extra 115 lbs of weight on my body. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Long gone is my "fat" blanket" as I like to call it.. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I was always so sweaty! Gross.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">But now.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Let me tell you about how Summer time is for me <i>NOW</i> at 145lbs:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I enjoy wearing dresses now.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I like to wear cute shorts now.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Tanktops? Yes!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">A bikini? Abso-freakin-lutely.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I've been in maintenance for over four and half years now.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Please join me...Let's travel back in time.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And here are the summer pics to prove it: </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>((Cue that time travel music!))</b></i></span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">4th of July 2015:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2LT6VXxZeGTCQVnFKCZc7sCYmH23_EhI9BNKRlqdEogJrmZyMRrJGHWLmJaKsgFb5vw5Rs3tPZO-3nfAxmzBuWEvyY0B3cL0w-Da88RHXSAr1K-nz3zemb_bFE7ud4LTRnh_nLWZbWY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-07+at+9.25.40+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2LT6VXxZeGTCQVnFKCZc7sCYmH23_EhI9BNKRlqdEogJrmZyMRrJGHWLmJaKsgFb5vw5Rs3tPZO-3nfAxmzBuWEvyY0B3cL0w-Da88RHXSAr1K-nz3zemb_bFE7ud4LTRnh_nLWZbWY/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-07-07+at+9.25.40+AM.png" width="230" /></a> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Summer 2014:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwalgNhkUTGhjBIMiM-nkFEkt1iXd8Z3sVtsXyz0xpBh4RwhG5jXjR6KdtzEzym1poiwnRlHf4bebTbvHJfpxHq5Vyk8SjRhMdI5Iy2kGRbXS6KT0KmUQGvBS3T4dHnZwra2m2h8wyYk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-07+at+9.23.11+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwalgNhkUTGhjBIMiM-nkFEkt1iXd8Z3sVtsXyz0xpBh4RwhG5jXjR6KdtzEzym1poiwnRlHf4bebTbvHJfpxHq5Vyk8SjRhMdI5Iy2kGRbXS6KT0KmUQGvBS3T4dHnZwra2m2h8wyYk/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-07-07+at+9.23.11+AM.png" width="304" /></a></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Summer 2013:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooaaOrFs1YBRDs9aEwLIRJesuc_-4D7jB3KYtDjvSF8VsCtSuW30d0-8ZL0rm2ozfcYK9wqYoKHVuakVwlE6_71md93Np5Q8KGBurQqejvB-oCarn3vke_j1iQ9cwJh5DBazKIV_cl6o/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-07+at+9.21.32+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooaaOrFs1YBRDs9aEwLIRJesuc_-4D7jB3KYtDjvSF8VsCtSuW30d0-8ZL0rm2ozfcYK9wqYoKHVuakVwlE6_71md93Np5Q8KGBurQqejvB-oCarn3vke_j1iQ9cwJh5DBazKIV_cl6o/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-07-07+at+9.21.32+AM.png" width="202" /></a></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Summer 2012:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjFnICnBuc-egvgc_ztKbby7tpk4PsHjWdhCmDrvPS6e1um65S6P-fNKr1hGbsOdAEGgM7fcqGfYEYu8lG64YJTn3WPlg_g8gy51ok-doPCbtpFblr2vgZdnlPmFPhdGnXNmNRL2KkVY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-07+at+9.19.34+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjFnICnBuc-egvgc_ztKbby7tpk4PsHjWdhCmDrvPS6e1um65S6P-fNKr1hGbsOdAEGgM7fcqGfYEYu8lG64YJTn3WPlg_g8gy51ok-doPCbtpFblr2vgZdnlPmFPhdGnXNmNRL2KkVY/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-07-07+at+9.19.34+AM.png" width="303" /></a></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Summer 2011:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL10cVWJK340D4eBBpDKuTAF0nSXUVzWdGaNvBScuP0qIk3dVkTrykXKza34ISivqvZ4GtyAf0dXD0OCrUGxQ5galde8X1VUjVnJv9_4sBx0IMIyIMzwZgNap_Oj72r0DpFVBNVCUVvA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-07+at+9.18.02+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL10cVWJK340D4eBBpDKuTAF0nSXUVzWdGaNvBScuP0qIk3dVkTrykXKza34ISivqvZ4GtyAf0dXD0OCrUGxQ5galde8X1VUjVnJv9_4sBx0IMIyIMzwZgNap_Oj72r0DpFVBNVCUVvA/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-07-07+at+9.18.02+AM.png" width="197" /></a></span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">And now one last reminder of where I began. At 260lbs before I had got my Lap-Band. Winter 2008:</span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0j1ntspPJZCZwizhyphenhyphenKxOX9WdtJqYheZoPnGBxv1EIlB1N19HzPkJM4t98UmEVbMRtqT91fXYjUJh3Qi54aX5IZIzOxX3gXSoQm59oWDBc808tXpEdE8sSjxfIUky96QIVrmAyUcRxbbs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-07+at+9.22.50+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0j1ntspPJZCZwizhyphenhyphenKxOX9WdtJqYheZoPnGBxv1EIlB1N19HzPkJM4t98UmEVbMRtqT91fXYjUJh3Qi54aX5IZIzOxX3gXSoQm59oWDBc808tXpEdE8sSjxfIUky96QIVrmAyUcRxbbs/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-07-07+at+9.22.50+AM.png" width="229" /></a> </span></b></span></div>
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Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-8185441057278042702015-06-05T11:57:00.000-04:002015-06-05T11:57:33.004-04:00Friday Weigh-in Day AND a Big Girl Fill<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here's another post to document my stats and help me remember the numbers.<br />
<br />
It's been 5 years, 7 months since my Lap-Band surgery in October 2009 when I began at 260 lbs.<br />
<br />
I've been at/below my goal weight of 145 lbs since December 2010. <br />
<br />
Where am I today?<br />
<br />
I had another adjustment last Friday, May 29, 2015: the doc added 0.8cc's. Whoa, big girl fill alert!<br />
<br />
Therefore, here's the history of fills/adjustments since the January WTF freakout of when I thought I broke my band (I didn't):<br />
<br />
1/1/15: 7.3ccs current level<br />
1/5/15: -3.5ccs<br />
3/26/15: +1.5ccs<br />
5/29/15: +0.8ccs<br />
<b>TOTAL in my band now: 6.1 ccs</b><br />
<br />
How do I feel today?<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>NO. HUNGER. AT. ALL.</li>
<li>Small portions keep me satisfied for about 3-4 hours. </li>
</ul>
I've also lost about 2 lbs in the last week.<br />
<br />
This is mainly due to me doing the liquid diet for 4 of the last 7 days. My choice. My doc doesn't require this. I just know from past experience this is helpful for me to ease into a new band adjustment. <br />
<br />
Also worth noting I suppose, the last time I had food come back up (a PB) was in January. 6 months ago. Having food come back up has been a rare occurrence for me in general for me in my Lap-Band journey.<br />
<br />
In my very subjective opinion, I keep my band on the looser side of the spectrum.<br />
<br />
I can eat anything I want, no food choices limit me. For example: I ate a small slice of thick crust pizza for dinner last night. Doughy. Cheesy. Took me about 25 mins to eat it, but no problems.<br />
<br />
It's interesting how different a 2 lb loss on my 143lb body is compared with a 2 lb loss on my previous 260lb body.<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>2lbs loss now is 1.3% loss of body weight: I feel it immediately in my pants fitting better and less tummy rolls. It's so weird yet amazing!</li>
<li>2lbs loss when I was at 260lbs was .07% loss of body weight: didn't even notice it at all in how I felt.</li>
</ul>
Maintaining my weight is an every day challenge for me. <br />
<br />
What I have learned is that it never gets any easier.<br />
<br />
Maintaining my weight is just as difficult as losing weight. <br />
<br />
But it was difficult being 260lbs too.<br />
<br />
Here's Friday weigh-ins for the last two weeks. <br />
<br />
Onwards.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z6JCL3opukmnzVwVe8s-oPoHkjAXH1d4r0vnXzK6RsY0UJNKDrEaaq81EAHFZSgL1GO3JxGvy-h24kvJdeDfB7KUvzhOUN8md0CRYfrE4pfm-gMVLgNiig-rfkN2zkarn75xCdlWpJw/s1600/scale+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z6JCL3opukmnzVwVe8s-oPoHkjAXH1d4r0vnXzK6RsY0UJNKDrEaaq81EAHFZSgL1GO3JxGvy-h24kvJdeDfB7KUvzhOUN8md0CRYfrE4pfm-gMVLgNiig-rfkN2zkarn75xCdlWpJw/s400/scale+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-60984792561074237072015-05-09T15:57:00.002-04:002015-05-09T15:59:47.112-04:00An Amazing Read! Great Tips for Lap-Band Success!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Did you see it?<br />
<br />
Did you read it yet?<br />
<br />
Did you know that there are Lap-Band patients out there who are over ten years post-op who are maintaining their goal weight?!?<br />
<br />
Indeed.<br />
<br />
Meet Karen Gillman:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0D0sF8VfGcrGNMY09dp7TGVe-O-CxAMWPJQEJ1iR1qvZiShs-o6yuZu2e3HKRjvchjtxskg_TeMAL9M4ZMmKnRuXUq-XJeklSy9oWBUWeJhB3jJI68nz3Fbcr0esDg0KiuoCsXbj6abY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-05-09+at+12.25.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0D0sF8VfGcrGNMY09dp7TGVe-O-CxAMWPJQEJ1iR1qvZiShs-o6yuZu2e3HKRjvchjtxskg_TeMAL9M4ZMmKnRuXUq-XJeklSy9oWBUWeJhB3jJI68nz3Fbcr0esDg0KiuoCsXbj6abY/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-05-09+at+12.25.54+PM.png" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In 2004, Karen had gastric band (Lap-Band®) surgery which ultimately helped her combat her obesity, shed and maintain a weight loss of 145 pounds and
bring her BMI from a staggering 45.3 to a maintaining a normal weight BMI
of 23.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Go Karen!</div>
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Lucky for us, Karen is very open about her life before and after surgery.<br />
<br />
This lady is representin' on the interwebs:<br />
<br />
She's got a <a href="http://www.karengillman.com/blog/blog-by-karen-gillman/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><u><b>BLOG</b></u></span></a>.<br />
<br />
She's got a fancy <span style="color: #990000;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aftertheband" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b></span>.<br />
<br />
She even has a <a href="https://www.createspace.com/5360661" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><u><b>BOOK</b></u></span></a>. That's what she said. <a href="https://www.createspace.com/5360661" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><u>A book</u></b></span></a>! It's called, "It's Never Too Late. A Ten Year Journey with Weight Loss Surgery."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYg32aDA2Xo7DgWAvvFmOSIZ-Tyr_j0bt35nhaU-w80RzmbcrxH6QdwmCgn05HokhcCT6mhgU4N0WcfyBNy1l9cp2ChQzMLudy2Xp9kHHgV3mQxNHyZEY6TMpf9Ee77EEsIfLdViwt_gw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-05-09+at+12.58.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYg32aDA2Xo7DgWAvvFmOSIZ-Tyr_j0bt35nhaU-w80RzmbcrxH6QdwmCgn05HokhcCT6mhgU4N0WcfyBNy1l9cp2ChQzMLudy2Xp9kHHgV3mQxNHyZEY6TMpf9Ee77EEsIfLdViwt_gw/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-05-09+at+12.58.32+PM.png" width="286" /></a></div>
<br />
I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary from Karen and here's the scoop:<br />
<br />
I read it cover to cover.<br />
<br />
Twice. <br />
<br />
It's a super quick and easy read.<br />
<br />
Lots of pics. <br />
<br />
And. <br />
<br />
It.<br />
<br />
Is.<br />
<br />
Awesome.<br />
<br />
Sauce. <br />
<br />
But, wait.<br />
<br />
Who is this especially great for? Anyone considering any type of weight loss surgery.<br />
<br />
My favorite parts of this book?<br />
<br />
-- She lists her items she keeps in her kitchen. Who knew that there was a special type of grater and chopper that makes portion sizes easy? <br />
-- She shares her top must have items to be a successful Lap-Band patient. I love her recommendations of her fave shapewear that she wears underneath her clothes. (gasp!)<br />
--She tells you about her new level of happiness and energy now that she has lost her excess weight.<br />
<br />
You can find her book <a href="https://www.createspace.com/5360661" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><u><b>HERE</b></u></span></a>.<br />
<br />
Go.<br />
<br />
Order.<br />
<br />
It.<br />
<br />
Now.<br />
<br />
You're welcome.</div>
Lap Band Galhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12747065418364221233noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22446690464444325.post-91940528134398768092015-04-04T16:42:00.003-04:002015-04-04T16:43:29.756-04:00Did I Break My Lap-Band?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Let's rewind.<br />
<br />
Back to that time when I seriously thought that I had broke my Lap-Band.<br />
<br />
I had been cruising along for over a year with 7.3 ccs in my Lap-Band.<br />
<br />
I could eat anything.<br />
<br />
Bread. Yep.<br />
<br />
Pasta. Yep.<br />
<br />
Anything.<br />
<br />
Just not in huge quantities.<br />
<br />
My hunger was under control.<br />
<br />
It. Was. Awesome.<br />
<br />
Food would get stuck or "PB" (food coming back up) maybe once every 2 or 3 months.<br />
<br />
Then my food choices got STUPID over the holidays: Cookies, cake, treats, etc.<br />
<br />
Then came new years day 2015.<br />
<br />
And <i>EVERYTHING</i> changed. <br />
<br />
My honey and I went on a weekend getaway to San Francisco: Ice skating, Shopping, Theater Shows, Food, etc! <br />
<br />
Here's what went down:<br />
<br />
<b><u>Jan 1 -</u></b>- We started the weekend by going to the Trampoline park in SF. We jumped and jumped and jumped. Great exercise and so fun! Nifty socks included.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSzy5o7uKsnJa1_OBSjriteOTq9_NDrzb2wN4OBrHODL9nZeVDfqCT3_rgC5EFtoZram9tDw-6Uw4n7qSEoTV3OL_wXIegOfQNk1LxMhuHH0_h3Dd1TnGVML9tP1NbttyPNKWkjeTSP0/s1600/jump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSzy5o7uKsnJa1_OBSjriteOTq9_NDrzb2wN4OBrHODL9nZeVDfqCT3_rgC5EFtoZram9tDw-6Uw4n7qSEoTV3OL_wXIegOfQNk1LxMhuHH0_h3Dd1TnGVML9tP1NbttyPNKWkjeTSP0/s1600/jump.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><b>Jan 2 </b></u>-- Major PB lunch. Again a bad PB at Dinner. Bad food choices by me. Liquids going down fine though. There was a constant middle of my back pain and the really bad heartburn began. This was such a NEW experience for me. My Lap-Band had never caused me such pain. My constant thought: <i>Did I break my Lap-Band by jumping on the trampolines?</i> Seriously. WTF.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Jan 3 </u></b>--Our fun weekend was over and we headed home. I called my surgeon for an emergency unfill that week.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Jan 5 </b></u>-- Major unfill of my Lap-Band at bariatric surgeon's office: 3.5 ccs! Now there was less fill in my band than when my band was put in at surgery in October 2009.<b> </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<u><b>Jan 5 onwards </b></u>- heartburn and some pain with most all food choices. Liquids going down fine. <br />
<br />
<u><b>Jan 21 </b></u>-- Barium swallow. The barium swallow doctor and the tech assistant guy in the room kept saying "Looks good" and "be careful, you'll gain weight with a band that loose" They even had me swallow a barium pill (HUGE PILL!) And that pill went down no problem.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMjhnB1XgvC_aNPlgbUJuICdzFN7GA71oNgZEA-Ax7P9Wy3GdaOV1LcNQTm7osq1CWXyRbsJIUp4LLWn1n-YDsc9ZIZHaHzuAYKCM6lyGljNIaPaF1Cs-mO1e7YWcoSWxcKCG2fpA0CU/s1600/IMG_8602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMjhnB1XgvC_aNPlgbUJuICdzFN7GA71oNgZEA-Ax7P9Wy3GdaOV1LcNQTm7osq1CWXyRbsJIUp4LLWn1n-YDsc9ZIZHaHzuAYKCM6lyGljNIaPaF1Cs-mO1e7YWcoSWxcKCG2fpA0CU/s1600/IMG_8602.JPG" height="400" width="321" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><b>Jan 28 </b></u>-- Appointment with Bariatric surgeon for the official verdict on the barium swallow. He said it looked OK. I did not want a fill. He didn't want to do a fill. Still having slight pain and some heartburn occasionally. He said some scary words to me: "You don't want to lose your band" and we ended the appointment with "Let's see how it goes at this fill level".<br />
<br />
<b><u>March 5 </u></b>-- The last time I had heartburn.<br />
<br />
<u><b>March 5 onwards</b></u> -- No pain when eating. No heartburn for awhile now. Uh oh! I can now eat more. I am getting hungry after about 2 hours with my usual small portions. The scale is going up. I'm HUNGRY! Called bariatric surgeon for fill appointment.<br />
<br />
<b><u>March 26 </u></b>-- Appointment with bariatric surgeon. 1.5 cc fill.<br />
<br />
<u><b>March 26 onwards </b></u>-- Hunger is GONE. Scale has gone down a few pounds. Still no pain. Still no heartburn.<br />
<br />
So here we are: April 4. Today.<br />
<br />
These past three months have taught me:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>I can't take my band for granted. I need to make good food choices.</li>
<li>If and when my Lap-Band is removed (a silicone device has a limited lifespan) I hope the good folks over at Apollo Endosurgery are still manufacturing Lap-Bands so I can get a band replacement. I don't think I could ever revise to a bypass or sleeve. Not my thing.</li>
<li>Hunger is still scary.</li>
<li>And <i><b>NO,</b></i> I didn't jump my band broken.</li>
</ul>
I remember during my fill appointment with my bariatric surgeon on March 26. I joked with him when laying back on the table and said "Look! I'm winning today. I don't have to undo my pants for the fill. These pants are loose!"<br />
<br />
He then smiled calmly down at me and replied with,"You've already won."<br />
<br />
That brings me to my last learning lesson: <b><i>Perspective</i></b><br />
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