Update: Operation Swimsuit

It is now 30 days into "Operation Swimsuit" which began on March 1. 

Check out the original post HERE if you missed it.

Here are some updates on my plan:

• Increase the strength training exercises for toned legs, arms, and abs: I have been doing more strength training with an extra Jazzercise class each week. The 20 minutes of weight-lifting is really helping.  I am noticing that my size medium undies are getting the "saggy butt".  Time for size smalls I guess? At least something is getting smaller.
• I have ordered two tankinis from Lands End that arrive next week.  I don't think that I am brave enough to show you pics of me in the suits.  I have never worn a two-piece in my life, so we have to see if they work for my body.
• My body fat percent has reduced from 32% in February to about 28% now...headed in the right direction.  Working towards my goal of 25%.  Pre-Band I was 52% body fat.

PS: Weigh-in Day Tomorrow!

Workout Wednesday!

Post-Jazzercise!

Sports Bras, Allergies, and Stress, Oh My!

I had a fill scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.

But I cancelled it.

Why?

• My seasonal allergies have really kicked in lately, and for me, that means increased restriction.
• Things at work are a little stressful right now, and for me, that means increased restriction.
• Lastly, I have major restriction when I wear a sports bra.  Crazy indeed!  I eat dinner before working out so I have to make sure to eat first, then change into the workout gear.

It's a triple whammy right now on the restriction.  I can still eat most foods, just less.

PS: next time I do have a fill, I am going to see if the medical assistant (or a friend) will video the fill so you can all see the "stand up" method of getting a fill.  My fave method.

PSS: Tomorrow is Workout Wednesday!  Post pics of your fabulous glowing selves.

PSSS: Off to Zumba now. :)

Fat Girl Fridays

Something has been happening lately that I need share with you all.

After my Friday weigh-in, I end up eating horribly....ALL DAY. 

I have begun to call this phenomenon, Fat Girl Fridays.  Why?  Because I turn back into a fat girl and all of my old 256 lb-self behaviors creep back in to my environment.  Taco Bell, Reeses Peanut Butter Eggs, Pizza, Cake, I could go on and on and on.

Then, the Fat Girl Fridays sometimes lead to No Exercise Saturdays...it's a slippery slope. Sigh.

Therefore, I am recognizing this behavior for what it is and have made a plan for this Friday:

• I WILL eat sensibly and balanced.
• I WILL workout once during the weekend.

No excuses.

One of the Best Videos...EVER

All I have to say is "Amen, Sista!"

Shoe Shopping!

I bought some cute shoes this week that I thought I would share with you.  

When I weighed 256+ lbs, I wore size 9 or 9.5 wide shoes.  Now I wear 7 or 7.5 regular width.

I notice that it's a lot easier to wear high heels when I don't have to carry around an extra 111 lbs.  Amazing!

Both are 4" heels:

Of course, here's my cat, Pemberley, snoopervising the shoe modeling :)

Weigh-In Day...and the results are...

Goal Weight: 145.0 lbs

Today's Weight: 144.0 lbs

Happy Friday!

Are You Alone On Your Island?

Have I told you how fabulous the blog "Refuse To Regain" is?  Please stop by and check it out.

Barbara's post today really hit home for me. 

She talks about how it is key to surround yourself with others who are going through the same issues as you so support/ideas/etc can be shared.

She even has an analogy for us:
Everyone you know is having a great time swimming in the ocean. The only problem is that the ocean is terribly polluted.

Large blobs of chocalatey brown oil are bobbing all over the surface. People are swimming through them, swallowing bits and inhaling the fumes, yet they claim they are enjoying themselves. You see this going on and become increasingly concerned about the danger.

Suddenly, you see a beautiful island. Exhausted from the drag of the oily sea, you pull yourself up onto the shore. Like a pelican in the Gulf, you are coated in oil. You set to work on the laborious task of cleaning it all off. Finally, spent but relieved, you turn to look at the beautiful place where you've found rescue. There's only one problem: you are all alone on the island. 

Almost everyone who tries to accomplish transformation feels like the odd-man out. Eating mindlessly while complaining about health and weight is a cultural norm. We are social beings and living life in another permutation ostracizes us to some degree. It becomes increasingly difficult to avoid the pressure to return to the fold.

Can you relate to this analogy?  I totally can.

In my real day-to-day life (not online), I often feel like that I am the only inhabitant on my "maintenance" island. 

Very rarely do I hear anyone talk about or bring up the topic of exercise or making good food choices.  The usual conversations that I hear are what yummy/decadent food/drink will be consumed that day or at the upcoming weekend.  Where they are going to eat out...etc.   It never changes.

Am I not looking hard enough for more inhabitants on my  "Maintenance" Island?  Perhaps.  I know that they are out there.

I am so happy that I do have all of the online support from fellow bandsters and weight watchers.  I appreciate all your comments and positivity!

PS: Weigh-in day tomorrow.

Workout Wednesday! **pic added**

I see that there are already some new posts out in the interwebs for Workout Wednesday this morning.

Here are a few of my favorites so far today:

• Plush Belle is rocking the kettebell workout HERE
• Dawnya is sporting her workout glow HERE

Here I am sporting my post-Jazzercise "glow."

What are you doing today for activity and exercise?

Maybe park farther away from the store when you go shopping today? 

Maybe take a 15 minute walk around the neighborhood? 

Every little bit helps and adds up to a healthier YOU.

The Mind Games That I Play!

As I've said over and over, the journey with the lap band is 50%+ mental. 

I know how lazy and easily tempted I can be at times, so here are some random things I do to keep myself on track:

• Pucker Up!: I will sometimes purposefully put on lip gloss or lipstick (especially when I am out and about).  For some reason, in my wacky brain, I know that if I eat or drink anything, it will rub off and be "wasted".  Totally weird, but it works for me.
• Empty Pockets: When I go to refill my water bottle in my company's cafeteria or when I go for a walk around my neighborhood, I do not have any money on me.  So when I walk past the case of cookies in the cafeteria or the donut shop that is two blocks away from my house, I can't buy anything.
• Get in Gear: I usually have about an hour of time to kill in between arriving home and when I leave to go to workout.  When I get home, I immediately put on my workout gear so that I am ready to run out the door with no excuses.  Let me tell you, I can come up with lots of GREAT excuses not to work out. (the weather/tired/stressed/hungry/etc)
• Spread The Word: For those of you who I am friends with of Facebook, you've seen me do this time and time again.  I announce what exercise (usually Zumba or Jazzercise) that I am going to be doing that day/evening.  I've even heard of people who "tweet" their exercise goal of the day.  I feel that once I say it and put it out there for everyone to see, that I must go accomplish that goal.  A form of accountability, I guess.

What is your favorite tip that helps you in your healthy lifestyle?  Please share :)