Non Scale Victories

Lately I've had some nsv's that I never would have thought of before losing weight

- my feet are getting smaller. I noticed that all of my shoes are getting loose.

- I had to lift the seat in my car because all of my mirrors were getting out of wack. I am literally not sitting on as much cushion as I used to.

- Ms and I went to the movies and we had lots of room in our seats. We ate popcorn as our dinner though, not as a snack!

- I changed the chair in my office to one that I used to hate because I was too fat for it. Every time I sit down in it I smile at how comfortable it is.

- I was lifting some weights at the gym and was wearing leggings- in the mirror, I could see so much muscle definition in my legs and they looked noticeably thinner! Yes!

- I wore a hooded sweatshirt that was a size XL yesterday!!! Not a XX or a XXX but an XL!!! Normal people sizes!!!
Now it was a men's sweatshirt but who cares I'll take it for now. Shopping in a normal store feels so far away still but I will literally cry when I do!

Designer Whey Review

Just wanted to throw it out there that French Vanilla Designer Whey tastes like garbage. And for 100 calories it only packs 18 grams of protein. Booooooo!

I'm Not Easily Offended...

I like to think I can take a joke, in fact I can take a lot of jokes... but some dude said something to my husband at the Y tonight that made me shiver.

So MS and I started a whole lifting circuit today. It was fun, he got it out of a book he's been reading and we did it together. Arms, legs, then abs.

So while we were finishing up planks on the mats this big dude walked in and stood there. I saw him looking around and kind of shaking his head and talking to himself. Whatever.

So we went to walk away and he stopped MS and said, "I got news for you man, every time I work out with my wife, we get all hot and heavy and we looked good, and then she gets pregnant. Then she gets fat again."

Then he proceeded to repeat it again, but he said "They get fat again"

It took a few minutes for it to sink in. That joker is lucky I didn't have a 10lb dumbell in my hand. I would have smashed the stupid out his mouth.

Muffin Tin Meatloaves

These Meatloaves are bangin ... And 2 are less than 300 calories.

1lb of hot Italian sausage
1lb of ground turkey
1lb of lean ground beef
Grated zucchini
Chopped onion
Chopped mushrooms
1/2 jalepeno, chopped
2 cloves chopped garlic
1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup sweet baby rays
1 egg
Salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder, chili powder, Ceyenne

Sautée the veggies and let cool mix with meat, bread crumbs and BBQ sauce and egg.

Use a cookie scoop to portion the Meatloaves into a muffin tin

Bake at 350 for 30 mins, top with a little more BBQ sauce and return to oven for 10 more mins. Let sit for 10 mins and drain on a paper towel before serving

This made 24 Meatloaves, I'm going to freeze them individually and make 2 packs with my food saver, it is a perfect lunch to grab out of the freezer.

Couch to 5K

MS and I started couch to 5K today. I have mixed feelings about it. I hate running so much I could spit. Buuutt I also felt that way about elliptical machines a measly 3 months ago.

Today there was a 5K in the DC area sponsored by Chris 4 Life Colon Cancer Foundation and there was a HUGE team running in my friend's honor. I really wish i could have been part of it so I'm promising myself that I'll do it next march. I think it might have been another one of those winks from God that my husband announced he was going to start couch to 5K today on the same day of the race.

So... it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It's a 30 minute work out 5 minute warm up walk, 1 minute of jogging, 1 minute of walking on and off and then there is a 5 minute cool down walk.
So if you break it down it is only 10 minutes of jogging and 20 minutes of walking. Not horrible.

I'll do that 2 more times this week and then it increases a little bit every week for 9 weeks. MS found a 5K that we both want to run in Detroit in August. Ugh, I just can't even imagine running for  3 miles straight. yikes.

Good Morning!

I am very very excited to say that after 2 weeks of hovering around the same weight I have finally hit the -60 mark! YAY. My super handsome husband has lost 82 (even though the ticker on the right doesn't reflect that)

So that 6 lbs of garbage that was in my system when I got home from Myrtle Beach was just that - garbage.

I'm hoping to rev up my metabolism this week by eating lean protein, lots of green veggies, and zero junk food. I'll also get back on my 8-9 workouts/week schedule which will hopefully help a ton!

Now if this hair thing would just go away I would be a very happy person!

Back to Life

Hi!! I just read about 15 blogs!  I've missed catching up with everyone so much.

Wednesday afternoon I made it back from my work conference that was out of control and has kept me away for a little while. I work for a really great technology company and every year we hold a user conference. The cool thing is that the software that we sell helps people become more efficient and have a better handle on things, which means in this economy, business is thriving. This year we had record breaking attendance. It was really great. I overindulged on the Cabernet a few nights, but I was up and raring to go all day every day. I'm still pretty worn out from the whole thing!

On this trip, I was so excited to see that the resort we stayed at had an amazing fitness center with 5 or 6 Octane 4600 elliptical machines. I worked out with one of my roommate's 3 days out of the 5 which was great. If you ever see one of these just try it. You'll swear at it, but then all of a sudden you get addicted. It's my absolute favorite machine to work out on. I've been using it for over 2 months now, and I am still getting a kick ass work out on level 1. There is also a program called X-trainer and it gives you different speeds and techniques for interval training. It is seriously awesome.


Anyways - Even though one of the days I ate an oatmeal pie and a bag of lays for lunch (oops)I still thought I would drop some serious weight on this trip.  I barely ate, I just didn't have a whole lot of choices when I did. Well. I got on the scale the morning after I returned and it said I gained 6 POUNDS!! WWHHAA?!! Not even possible.

I figured it was lots of fluid and it definitely was. I went on a liquid diet and the scale today said I had only gained 2 lbs. I would imagine that will be gone tomorrow so I'm not overly concerned.

I have however, been at the same weight for about 2 weeks now, so I'm going to have to come up with something to kick start my metabolism back up. I'll work on it. I can't wait to blow past 60 lbs. haha I'm sick of that number!

I also have one other little struggle going on now and I'm a little bit upset about it. Just as my dietitian said, it has been 3 months since surgery and my hair is really coming out.

The dietitian said that for some reason, 3 months after a surgery like this, your body says, "woah something big happened" and it releases some hair.  She said I can take biotin but there's not proof that it will help.

I luckily have tons of hair. But it's starting to hurt my soul a little bit every time I comb my hair out after the shower. It's not coming out in chunks, just strands, but the strands come out by the handful after a shower. It's gotten to the point that I comb my hair out while I'm in the shower at the gym and I wrap the hair up in some paper towel and throw it away. It's too embarrassing to comb it out in the open.

I'm going to email my dietitian and see if she'll give me any other guidelines to help. I'm fearing she might just tell me to ride it out and see what happens. I'll just keep praying that it stops. please please please stop!

Another Fun Filled Day

Stupid Vagus Nerve.

I went in for my third fill today and as always, it was a shit show! Apparently my vagus nerve is a little bitch.

Before I get into the gory details, I have to say that I adore all of the staff at Dr. Yoo's office. It is seriously like a family. If they weren't so awesome, I would really have a hard time going in every month considering my little "episodes".

So when the nurse takes me in to weigh me, she always goes over a list of medications and confirms what I'm still taking. We went through the list, Birth Control? Yes! Mulitvitamin?Yes! Atavan? Atavan? OMG I FORGOT TO TAKE MY ATAVAN!

Atavan is a chill pill that MS and I were prescribed after our first adjustments (I passed out/He almost did). We were instructed to take 1 pill 30 minutes before our appointments. As soon as I remembered that I didn't take the pill I knew the rest of the appointment was going to be dramatic.

We got started and as soon as she took the saline out of my band I started clamming up and getting sweaty. It's such a crazy feeling because we both stay really calm even though I always have a huge needle sticking out of a stomach.  We somehow maneuver me, the fluro, and her foot pedals for the fluro all around, all while keeping that needle in the port. It's really ridiculous.

Today I had to sit down and she slowly added back what I came in with. Then I had to move from a chair to the table so we could actually do the fill with the fluro.

It's so crazy I have to keep laughing about it! I swear I will never forget to take that atavan again. I mean, last time I came close to passing out, but not as bad as this time, the pill does help.

The good news is... our doctor said she was so so so proud of us because we are really doing great. That made me feel good and makes me want to do well every month. Also, I think this is the tightest my band has EVER been. I'm on liquids for the next two days so I'm hoping for some SERIOUS weight loss!!

No matter what, this whole sensitive vagus nerve thing is a small price to pay for the weight I've lost.
If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing. This is hands down the best thing I've ever done for myself.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Protein Shake

My bff gave me a jar of simply fruit the other day because she didn't like it. It's been sitting in the fridge at work and today it gave me the inspiration to make a fab new shake.

The Almond Milk I've been using is really good. This week I have the vanilla flavor, but I honestly can't taste the difference in my protein shakes.

Here's the recipe  (I put ice in this as well)

Tip - if you use coconut oil make sure it is in liquid form and do not put it on the cold ice or milk or you'll end up with little waxy balls of coconut oil. First pour in the ice, then milk, jelly, protein powder and then throw the oil in last. If you stack it that way in the blender, the oil will mix in well and you won't have a weird texture.

Work Out Buddies

Really loved my second week of beginner's yoga at the Y. I felt especially fat today because this week's teacher was even more hard core than last week's. That's ok I'll get there, though.

I'm losing my work out drive, so I'm doing everything in my power to just keep on keeping on. Thursday was my only full day off this week, and I did take off my Friday morning work out time. This is where a support system (work out buddies from work and my husband) are clutch!!

Up until this point I didn't need buddies; I was just going on sheer determination. But the buddies have been there all along and there is no way I could just quit all together which is a blessing! If I were doing this by myself I think next week (myrtle beach) would be the death of my work out routine.

No worries, I'm not going back to my old habits. But if you find yourself in the situation I'm in right now, find yourself some buddies who won't quit!

Saw this on Pinterest and Love it!

Ten err Seven Things Thursday!

1. Lisa inspired me to talk about my 4 legged kid, because he has leg issues too. My little guy has a crooked front leg because one bone grew way longer than the other. My heart hurts every time he moves his little leg because it's uncomfortable. Some crazy cat lady at petsmart gave me a guilt trip the other day about not having surgery yet. Although I choked back the urge to karate chop her in the throat, it makes me feel guiltier every day that I think about it. I think that is probably what it feels like when some ass hole calls you a bad parent.

2. I TOOK A CAKE DECORATING CLASS TODAY!!! YAYYY! I made this in December for one of my friends:

So everyone in the office is getting a birthday cake this year. I make em they eat 'em!

3. I'm going to myrtle beach for a week long work conference next week - I might actually go get a fill on Thursday because my will power needs a bit of a supplement.

4. Last night I went out with 3 friends after work and stayed out until about midnight. When I got home, my dog was more excited to see me than he ever has been. He was so excited that he jumped onto our very tall, king size bed, for the second time in his life. He then proceded to bite/kiss my face. like "MOOOM, I want to eat your face off I'm so happy" What a great way to come home. I just love my sweet little dog.

5. Today was my only full day off from working out this week. For some reason my legs are always so irritated on my day off.

6. Wednesday morning at 5:00 I decided not to go to the gym and just sleep in... then at 5:10 I thought "Cut the shit and Get your ass out of bed ." This is when the fitness stuff gets hard. My goal at the conference next week is to work out at least 3 times in the 5 days I am there. Because this is where it becomes a slippery slope.

7. I'm so tired I'm running out of things to talk about :) ehhh I quit! Goodnight loves!

Critical Point

Well I knew this was going to happen, now I just have to figure out how to get past it. 

I opted to have lap band surgery because I've yo-yo dieted my whole life.I would lose 25-40 lbs and then sabotage myself until  I was 10 lbs heavier than when I started. I didn't like that I did it, but I couldn't stop myself from doing it for some reason. I kept doing that until I almost hit 300 lbs.

So I've lost over 50 lbs, more than I've ever lost on any diet. I've had two great fills, and now I find myself trying to eat more and more.

I'm still ok - I'm still under 1500 calories a day, but I can't keep up weight loss if I let my old habits creep back in.

This week my goal is to stay under 1,000 cals at least 5 days with No snacking after 8:00. I need to get my head right!

BOOBS!!

Flight is Booked!!!

BYOC

Bring Your Own Crazy! Thank you Drazil!!!

My Day in a Nutshell

1. Since I talked about psychics this week - I'm curious....if you could see one for free and you could only ask one question - what would it be?

I'm not opposed to psychics at all. I would actually want to talk to a psychic medium and I would just want to ask about those that have passed.

2. What's your favorite ice cream flavor and topping?

Lisa I'm with you. Sweet and Salty - I have a tie for 2 ice cream flavors
The Ben and Jerry's/Jimmy Fallon Flavor that has chocolate covered potato chips in it. I could die.
Also, I think there's a Blue Bunny Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese frosting that is also ridiculous.

For other flavors of ice cream, my fav topping would be caramel sauce

3. What's your preferred method of working out? DVDs, an external gym, gym inside your home, classes?

At the Y, elliptical for 30 mins, weights for as long as I can stand it. Steam Room for 4-5 mins and a cool shower. I didn't think I would go to the gym 2 months ago. Now it's sacred time for me.

 

4. If you work outside the home or if you ever did or will in the future - do you think it's better/easier to work with men or woman? Who do you work mostly with now?

I used to work in a female dominated industry now in a male dominated. There's always people who are wildly annoying and people who are fab. So I'd say it's a toss up.

5. Repeat question. Summarize your week in real life and in blog land.

 

In real life: my week flew by, I've been so busy at work I can't keep my head on straight, and I've pretty much just been hangin with my hubby shopping and working out in the evenings. We always have fun together so it's  been a good week. Per my last post, I've also been a little emotional this week. Missing my friend and worrying about a couple of special ladies in my life.

In Blog Land: I just get more and more appreciative for this group of wonderful women. Andrea's post today about her confidence made my heart warm. Comments from everyone are so special. I also really want to go to BOOBS this year to meet everyone! I think I'm definitely going to be able to make it! Can't wait.

Friday Is Finally Here!

Thinking about you today, Chris! http://bandedintheburgh.blogspot.com/ Wishing you a quick and safe surgery and an easy recovery!

Heavy Heart

Guys I just need to vent a little tonight. I'm sorry that this has nothing to do with bands or diets.

In 2007 one of my dearest friends was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Colon Cancer that had spread to her liver and lungs. She fought the hardest longest fight for 4 years and last year on March 7th she lost her battle.

She was so beautiful, hilarious and positive. Through her fight she made it her mission to raise awareness and became a colon cancer activist.

As a friend, she always made you feel like a million bucks. Towards the beginning, she had a major 12 hour surgery removing most of her liver, tons of lymph nodes and parts of her colon. Flowers came pouring in for her and a day later, she was walking around the hospital hand delivering flower arrangements to other patients to brighten their day. She said she couldn't take them back to the hotel so  she wanted to share them with everyone. 

I'll never forget the time when we were in college, before all of this cancer mess. Erica came rushing up to me a school and gave me the sweetest compliments. I remember walking away and thinking about how good she always made everyone feel. I promised myself that I would give more heartfelt compliments and spread more love because after all, people only remember two things. When you make them feel great and when you make them feel like shit.

Even though we were in different states we always texted and gabbed on Facebook. Towards the end I wanted so badly to say the right things, to be positive, and to give her hope. I prayed for God to give me the right words. One night while I was laying in bed we were texting.  I'll never forget it because it was the last time we ever got to talk. She told me that she was having one more procedure and if it didn't work she was screwed. She told me she wasn't ready to die.

What do you say to the strongest person you have ever met in your life when she has run out of hope and knows that its over? That conversation haunts me to this day. I tried to stay positive but I was out of words.

Shortly after that, her health declined rapidly. She couldn't respond to messages and her 2 best friends had to take over the communication to all of us.  I miss the hell out of her.

The hardest part of this all is that there have been 3 other women in my life under the age of 40 who have died from or are still fighting colon cancer.

Today another friend sent me a message. She's 29 and was diagnosed with colon cancer about a month ago. She has had her colon removed and this morning she told me she was going to find out today whether they got all of the cancer or if she would have chemo.

Tonight she replied back and she let me know that she in fact will have 6 months of chemo and then more surgery to put her intestines back together.  I tried to respond to her and all of those wounds ripped back open. Where are the words? What can I say? I want to be positive and heart felt and sensitive to what she's going through. I responded but my heart hurts just thinking about what she's going to have to go through in the next 6 months. Please send prayers her way.

I don't really have a way to wrap this up so I'll just leave you with a quote that warms my heart and embodies everything that Erica was.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
― Maya Angelou