Want to Read a Hot Mess of a Blog Post?

You know that you do....just admit it.

Get ready to pick your jaw up off of the table when you read this blogger's post. 

I encourage you to comment on that site and give your feedback.  It's time to stir the pot!

Reminding Myself of the Lap Band Rules & a Crazy Dream

I've lost some of my focus lately and need to see my surgeon's Lap Band rules written out again. I didn't get this band to half-ass it, because that's what I've been doing....half-assing it...completely off track.  The scale has hit an all-time low from lack of exercise...yeah...139...muscle lost...WTF.  Sigh.

So here goes:

1. Eat only 3 small meals a day. Chew, chew, chew.
2. Protein first.
3. DO NOT drink while eating. (30 min before and 1 hr after) No carbonated drinks.
4. Take vitamins.
5. Drink at least 64 oz of water a day.
6. Exercise daily.

Onwards to the crazy dream I had last night:  


I was at my surgeon's practice and I'm taken into the usual "fill room" as the reception desk lady calls it (just another exam room in my opinion). Anyways, in walks "Dr. Meredith Grey" from "Grey's Anatomy."  WHAT?!?  She acts like I see her for each and every fill, like it's no big deal.  She announces that she's going to do my fill.  Then all of a sudden, the dream fast forwards and I'm about to leave the room but I want to know how much fill she put in.  And do you know what? She won't tell me.  She says it's not important.  Then I start to argue with her that it is important and damn it I want to know how much she added to the 7.4ccs that I had when I walked in (side note: does anyone else know exactly how much their lap band is filled with?). I like to know these things...  Anyways, I was totally pissed at her!  Then I was woken up by my cat.  What a totally crazytown dream!


My first thought when I woke up was "Where was Dr. McSteamy?"  Now that would have been a better dream.

What Happens at the River, Stays at the River

Did you know that if you drop a digital camera in a river, the lens cover will no longer open all the way?  Just sayin'

Do You Know What I Am Thankful For?

I am thankful because:

• I am no longer sick and tired of being sick and tired.
• I can go swimming without a big cover up.
• I feel more healthy and am no longer winded when I walk to the mailbox.
• I don't feel like I am dieting just because I am eating less. 
• Sleep quality at night is better than ever...and no more naps during the day! I am no longer sleeping my life away.
• I enjoy shopping for tiny size 4/6 clothes, I don't have to settle for a piece of clothing that looks "just OK" 
• I can walk past the candy dish at work. 
• I stay hydrated with actual WATER, no Coke Classic or Mountain Dew for me anymore.
• I park in the furthest parking space instead of driving around for 5 minutes looking for the closest spot. 
• Lane Giant (Bryant) is no longer my only option for decent work/professional clothes. 
• I do not dread formal events, I can't wait to dress up!
• I am no longer dependent on my high blood pressure medications. 
• I don't mind climbing the stairs at work.
• Food no longer has as much power over me.

The Big Scary Monster Called Maintenance

For me, the losing phase of my journey was easier than the maintaining phase.  Note: I said "easier" not "easy."

There is no done.

There is no finish line.

It's forever.

A really eye-opening statistic has been floating around in my head pretty much since September 2009.  I'm sure that you've heard this statistic too: that 95% of people who lose a significant amount of weight will gain it all back.

YIKES.

Check out this recent post from Karla, a non-banded blogger really hit home for me.  Read it.

Being at my goal weight and maintaining can be a completely scary place to be at times, especially since I'm about 7 months at goal now, not 7 years.  It's still new. Perhaps, one day it won't be so scary.  But I still wonder if the Weight-Gain Fairy will wave her magic wand over me while I sleep tonight and make me instantly 256lbs again.  I know a bandster who is 6+ years out and still has this fear.  Does it ever go away?

Anywhoozle, let's talk about goals and accountability:

I set a goal back in January to register with the National Weight Control Registry when I am 1 year into maintenance.  This will be in December of this year....4 months to go until that milestone.  I know I can do it.

Recently, I have decided on another accountability goal, this time something that will remind me each and every day to stay on track and focused. 

It's time for a sparkly.  Yep, a one year at maintenance ring. 

One of my new favorite websites is HERE.  I'm getting lots of great ideas as I think I will probably design my own ring.  There will be some engraving too.  I've got plenty of time to plan it out.  If you have any websites you can recommend to get ideas, please let me know.

Weigh-in Day...and the Results Are...

Goal Weight:  145 lbs

Today's Weight:  141.2  lbs

Happy Friday!

I'm a Scale Whore

Yes.  It's true. I'm a card carrying member of the Scale Whore Society.  {{hangs head in shame}}

Perhaps you're a member too?  We're a fun group of whores, just don't take away our precious scales!

I step up onto that scale first thing each and every morning.  Of course, when I do, I'm nakie AND after a visit to the loo...oops, that was an over-share.  But it is my standard morning routine.  I've been doing it for almost two years now.

I use each morning's weigh-in as a gauge of how I'm doing with my food choices and exercise. 

Want to know something that is totally crazytown? If I don't find time to exercise for a few days the weight on the scale goes DOWN because I lose muscle....and since I'm in a sharing mood, I may or may not use this to my advantage on a rare Friday weigh-in....shhhhh...don't tell anyone mmmkay?  It's our little secret.

Lately, I've seen some bandsters have been having a no scale month. Yes, an ENTIRE MONTH. Our lovely Amy took a break from the scale in July.  Now, I see that my Jazzercise buddy Beth Ann is having a "no scale August."  I am thoroughly impressed.  How do these ladies do it?

There's no way in a million gazillion years that I would or could take a break from the scale when I was losing. I was on a mission to lose....and damn it, I had that spreadsheet to fill out.

I wonder if I could take a break from the scale for the month of September? 

Where could I hide my scale so I don't stand on it every morning? The trunk of my car? No, that wouldn't work...I would take the scale out of the trunk and there'd I be...just be standing on the scale, nakie in the garage....yikes...wouldn't want to scare the neighbors.

Those of you who have taken a break from the scale, where do you hide your scale? OR are you super disciplined and can walk past it without giving in to the temptation to stand on it? Enquiring minds want to know.

Are You Embarrassed to Have a Lap Band?

I'm not embarrassed about my band...at ALL.

You know me...If you let me, I'll get carried away and talk to people about my band until their eyes glaze over and they're bored out of their minds.  And don't forget one of my favorite inappropriate questions that I ask people: "Wanna feel my port?"  (why does that always sound naughty? ....ha ha ha). 

I realize that I am in the minority with my extreme openness about my band.

Anywhoozle, I get emails daily from people researching the possibility of getting a band.  Today, there was a question via email that I couldn't figure out an answer to because I just could not relate.

So, here's your chance to help a potential bandster out:

Cookie** is interested in getting the band, but is having feelings of embarrassment and can't imagine telling anyone about the fact that she is even researching the band.  Cookie also said that getting a band was like admitting that she has a weight problem that she couldn't fix on her own.

So, my questions for you are:

• What were your feelings when you first researched getting the band? Embarrassed? Excited? Scared? Happy? Etc?
• Do you tell people about your band? If you do, how do you tell people? 
• Do you only tell certain people?
• Any other advice for Cookie?

Cookie will be reading your responses and comments.

THANKS!

**Not her real name (duh.)

Who Else Wants to Step Out of Their Comfort Zone?

I heart my comfort zone. It's like putting on comfy flannel PJs when I get home from work at the end of a long day. It's expected.  It's well-known.  It's easy.  It's the path of least resistance.

However in the past few months, I'm noticing that I'm getting really good at stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things. I kinda like it. It's a bit scary at times, but it seems to always pay off in the end.  Fun things happen outside of my comfort zone:  Pole dancing? Sure!  Public Speaking? Why not!  Hiking? OK!

Guess what I'm doing this weekend for the first time ever? White-water Rafting...as in a river with dirt and bugs. For realz. This 'indoor girl' will probably wear a swimsuit...in public...gasp.

Here's another example...Do you think the fatty would have EVER worn a shirt like this? Talk about stepping out of the box!  (PS: get your mind out of the gutter.)

It's a lot easier for me try new things when I don't have to carry around those 115 extra pounds.

Now it's your turn!  Time to find something that you never would expect your old self to do and step out of your comfort zone.  I can guarantee you that some pretty magical things will happen.

Monday Check-in ~ Bullet Style

Happy Monday morning!  Don't you roll your eyes at me...

• How was your weekend?  Did your inner fat girl/boy eating behaviors creep back into your life?  What is it about the weekend that holds so much power over my food choices? Like it's a special time zone where calories don't count...ridiculous.  Other than the "sugar cookie incident" on Friday, my choices were pretty good.
• I have a serious Starbucks addiction developing. Those damn Treat Receipts that make me return after 2pm for my $2 fix doesn't help.  Is there a 12-step program for Starbucks? or maybe there's an app for that? Let me know.
• Does anyone else watch Big Brother? I love me a hot mess of a train wreck :)  Anybody else wonder if that Slop is band-friendly? I had a good think about that today.
• I heaved myself up a mountain yesterday on a 2+ hour hike. This mountain.  Yes, Floridians, a real live mountain: