Wanted: your fav mushie food and FIT armband update

If you have a fav mushie food - I'd love to know it ! Thanks !

I've been wearing my BodyMedia Fit and my 'numbers' self has liked checking in a few times a day. The Fit shows: calories burned, steps taken (compare with the pedometer) and then activity. 

Yesterday, I got a message (from the Fit) that said: Moderate Level Activity Hit. Yay ! And, yesterday was my most calories burned day (makes sense).  Got the on scale today = least amount of weight lost in a day (since surgery).  Do I care? No, I'm here for the long haul ... just find it interesting ... 

The support group yesterday was okay.  Learned that once I start eating, I should take my weight and multiply by .4 for the amount of protein I should be eating.  Was this worth the 40 min drive each way?  Probably won't be once I return to work ...

NSV: can easily get in and out of my dinky car (I think most all of the stomach pain, delicateness of the staples, etc is gone !)

Saturday support group

Does anyone how how often Blogger updates?  I check my 'Reading list' / 'blogs I'm following' - I'll start reading a blog and then realize I have missed a blog or two that the person had posted.  Does this make sense?  It's like a blog didn't post to my reading list.  Any ideas or suggestions?


Betty the Lapband made her first official appearance this morning.  I took a big gulp of water and then thought - hey, what's this weird plastic thing in my body doing. It's alive !!  Took just a moment and then she was fine.  ::: deep sigh :::


Can't wait to get to something more substantial in me - more than shakes and soup.  Not that I'm mourning 'food' but I can' be too far from a bathroom which can be a real pain in the bun (no pun intended).  I keep blaming the heat on my gastro-intestinal 'challenge' but I've never had these 'issues' for so long ...not fun. 


Going to the surgeon's office today for the support group.  I'm really going to order the vitamins (Nutrilite) they keep pushing.  Little do they know that if I  am not satisfied in 30 days - I will be one of 'those people' who ask for my $ back.  Any suggestions for vitamins, supplements would be welcome :)

Surgeon appointment and BYOC

Had follow up appointment with surgeon today. How odd is it that the woman I met in the February support group (the one who went back to work in four days) was there. Unfortunately she had to have the band removed and was on track for re-banding.  She told me of contacting the surgeon (while he was at a conference in NYC), him contacting a hospital to inform them she'll be arriving, him taking an earlier flight home and going right to the hospital (11pm) while his wife was in hospital waiting room.  I may not care for his staff, but this surgeon is awesome.  He is also banded (which has always helped put my mind at ease).


Said all looks good, get the staples out, don't walk so much (ha !) and yes, do go to the pool and tread water - it's one of the best things you can do for yourself.  All in all, a good time. 


Went to TJ Maxx (to look for baby silverware).  Did you know they carry Dooney & Bourke?  No Coach but I'm not spending money right now so that was probably a good thing.  I decided at TJ Maxx that I will probably become one of "those people" who know where every bathroom in every store is.  Yes, it's back to being hot-hot-hot here in MI.   


I am loving that my fur-child likes to put a paw on me (and wrap back paw) around me like a little monkey when she's sleeping.  How she can sleep thru VH1 - Greatest 100 Hard Rock Songs is  beyond me.  Rock on.


BYOC:


1.  Give me the sun.  But then I run from it (Caspar the ghost is my sister).  I just need the brightness.  I'll take rain as long as I can be inside, under an afghan, sipping hot chocolate with a good and Coco cuddled up like a croissant.


2.  Tulips.  Purple tulips.  Add two pennies and those little green stalks will be like steelrods :)


3.  Movies - I like to be entertained/engrossed.  Generally, I'll wait until someone says: you MUST part with $10 and see this movie.  I won't just go to the movies (I'm also be big renter, Netflix person).


4.  Sick - generally, all I have are sinus issues.  If I can 'catch' this fast enough (I get a wierd slime taste in my mouth) - I get home, overdose on Tylenol Fast Acting Super Strength Whatever and sleep it off.  Oh wait, "they" took my miracle drug off the shelf !


Blogland and Realland:
Loving the blogging and since I'm not back to work - my Realand is Blogland !

Random Rumblings

I've decided that I just like blogging.  I've always been one to talk to myself so this keeps my condo even more peaceful :)  


Received flowers from work yesterday.  It's a little wierd because of the general dysfunction of the place.  I won't bore you (yet) with that story and besides, the less I think about them - the better !  Here's a photo;  I thought it was more important to get Coco in the pic rather than show the bouffiness of the flowers.

Going through the purses from the front closet project.  I've always been a Coach purse whore which is funny because, on the whole, I don't care that much about other style items.  Maybe that will change with the weight?  Oh, and I've found two little packages of Tylenol Extra Strenght Fast Acting Non-Drowsy Sinus medication - yippee. Someone (fda? tylenol?) pulled my fav medication from their shelves and I've been going thru every drawer, make up bag, etc trying to find any 'hidden' pills ...  


My Mom gave me a Dooney & Burke purse years ago and while I like the size ... it's just not for me ... are any of you ebayers?  I do that in spurts and haven't in years ...


It's been weeks since I've had a cheese-it, a wheat thin or a piece of pizza.  It's a miracle.  Well, not so much because I really have not been hungry.  I'll hear my stomach growl and then go have a shake.  Yesterday was 2 shakes, a popsicle and 2 fudgsicles.  No stress, no pressure, no need to eat.  Yes, I see a problem here. Will probably have 1 shake and soup (with added protein) today.  I've never been a big breakfast person so the water and coffee I've had so far has been fine with me. 


Have follow up with surgeon tomorrow.  Hopefully, the staples will come out. My questions for him: what size band do I have? how much is in there? what time period is recommended before I can do more exercise other than walking, when can I go in the pool (not swim so much - just tread water and float around) when can I get a massage, confirm what mushies are ... anything else you talked about at 1st appt after surgery?


Still having some problems with thinking, finding words, etc.  Oddly enough - I'm fine with this :)

Wondering if this link will work

I will definitely seek out the product but the last paragraph is troubling for someone like me who USED to use every excuse in the book ...

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/the-new-trend-in-diet-foods-appeal-to-americans-desire-for-more-more-more-2516462

All about the numbers

Even thought I can't count - I am 'all about the numbers'.  When someone says they don't get very good gas mileage - I put in $20 and the needle only moved a little - I'll ask how big is your fuel tank? Do the math.


Sadly, here's my math:


Last August - bought a BodyMedia FIT - had to enter weight.  From Aug 2010 to pre-op diet day 1 (10 months) - gained 35 pounds.


January PCP appt to February surgeon appt - gained 4 pounds.


February surgeon appt to July surgeon appt - gained 20 pounds.


For the love of all that is holy - my first 24 pounds will just take me back to where I was this past February.  


I am envious of those who say: I've lost XX amount of weight -- I haven't seen that number since the Madonna, Boy George and the Izod alligator.  Nope, not me - this chow-hound ate right up until her per-op diet.  


Scale victory for the day: down 15 lbs since pre-op diet start
NSV: cleaning out front closet with the mandate to not just move everything to library closet !


Poll:  how do you decide to use labels with your blog?  Where do you come up with them? Why don't I ever know anything when it comes to blogging?

Home again, home again jittity-jig !

I think I got in about and extra 2000 steps trying to chase down my fur-doll so we could get on the road (all 10 miles of it).  Got home, unloaded a few overnight bags, cat chow, etc and then needed a nap !

Being at home will bring about a few different challenges (than staying with my parents).  1 - I'm sure there is still some 'junk' around here to eat where there is pretty much none at my parents (they take better care of themselves then I do) and 2 - I need to realize that when I'm here at Pleasure Palace (that's what I call my condo - I think I mentioned that I have 100000000 names for everything) that this is NOT real life.

I have never had much of a problem with eating right at home (i.e. a weekend).  My overeating comes from a stressful commute, job, twinkie-twits I work with, errands, not enough time, running for fast food, jamming it in my face, etc.  I love being home and being able to take things slow (even before this whole banded life).  But, I do know that it is not real.  And I will need to learn coping skills during the few weeks I have taken off work (ahhh .... it just sounds good to me to hear - taken off work).

New skill - I think compliments of Jess over at 30th summer (if it's not Jess - I'm sorry to whoever gave me this idea !) I'm eating my cup of tomato soup by dipping in spoon (straight down) and then eating whatever is left on the spoon.  I started at 4:12, rewarmed soup 20 mins later and need to rewarm it again !  Ta-da ! Slow soup eating !!  This slow eating, however, probably won't fly at work but it's a start. :)

Wow, do I feel great !

Before I start yip-yapping about myself - YILM (yes, I love myself) - I want to thank anyone who has started reading my blog (when I get home and have a computer all to myself) - I'll go back and start reading yours. Also want to thank anyone who has helped answer me questions about pain, cheese-its and all of my other inquiries.  It is so awesome to put a question 'out there' and ta-da - here's an answer.  I just hope that I'll be able to be a resource to others soon :)  


Now, back to me ... I'm going home !  Condo, sweet condo !  It's pretty easy being at my parents (except the sharing the computer part).  On one hand - there's nothing to do here except relax.  On the other hand - I need to get home and do my own stuff !  

Quiz - not really, but I can't think of the word

I have a Magic Bullet and really like it.  Do I need a little stick / hand blender?


I live alone and am always looking to save $.  Would a counter top electric oven be a good idea? I frequently think (when I go to warm something up on a stone) - what a waste of money turning this thing on.  


Any suggestions would be appreciated !

No, I can't have any cheese with this whine ...

So, I'm a few days out from surgery.  Feeling ok, drinking water, protein shakes, walking around the house ... but where is the 'home relaxing' part? (I'm still at my parents until I don't know when ...)


I can't read a book, much less a paragraph of a chzy magazine - can't concentrate.  I can't walk (need to get this incorporated into my life before I return to work) because it's 200 degrees out.  Can't help my friend start her new business (custom cakes, cookies, penny candy, etc) - she's moving from her home to a retail outlet - too weak ... can't watch a movie - fall asleep. Call a friend but can't concentrate - all of the wrong words come out (how wierd). 


I keep thinking back to the first support group I went to where I asked everyone how long it was before they went back to work.  A woman next to me said: I had it done on Thr and went back to work on Monday.  I think she lied. (Not that I want to go back to work - I don't - but I want to get a few things done !)


Rant over. Need to take a doze. 

Is this a liquid or more of a mushee?

Now I know why no one blogs during post-op liquids.  There is nothing to say !  


I still haven't have the beloved tomato soup (opted for a protein shake instead thinking that protein would be better for me).  Came across a recipe in LBT under the liquids section but I was wondering if you had an opinion on it.  Would you consider this a liquid?


Crockpot Cream of Potato Soup


Bag of frozen hashbrowns (shredded)
Box of chicken stock
1/2 cup finely chopped onion (which I will skip because I don't like onions)
1 tea garlic
2 cups of creamy liquid (milk, evap milk, half n half) -- I'll be using skim milk.


Dump potatoes, garlic and chix (used to be a waitress) broth in crockpot. Set on low and cook for 5-6 hours. Once the potatoes are soft, turn off heat and add milk.


Using stick blender, blend soup until smooth.


Thanks for any thoughts, opinions, suggestions, etc !

Wow, this post surgery gig is boring ...

Not that I'm complaining.  As I wrote to Wallflower (sorry, having a huge memory problem and irritability problem lately) - I am nothing if not lazy.  Of course, in a job interview, my answer would be: I am nothing if not resourceful (lol !!! good one !!).


Things I'm noticing: with each 1/3 of a day gone by - I do feel better.  Walking definitely makes me feel better (moving).  Sipping is for the birds.  It takes forever to sip water.  The Special K pink lemonaide is expensive but worth it for now (why didn't I invent that). My stomach growled a huge GROWL today so that's probably a good thing.  I wonder if I'm ever going to be able to eat another cheese-it.


I keep fighting my 80 year old Dad for computer time.  Time to make my 1/2 cup of tomato soup.  Living the dream. :)

Confettit toss !

I'm finally one of the popular girls !!  I'm banded ... yippee !!  I'm sore, but better with each and every nap, compliments of liquid vicodin.  I'm sipping water (Special K with protein - pink lemonaide) - hoping to get to 64 oz today, drank a protein shake yesterday and today and will have another today and maybe, just maybe a 1/2 cup a soup.  I walked 5200 steps yesterday and will make 5000 today so all in all, I'm happy.


I'm staying with my parents (went home today to get my fur-child, Coco) and pretty much just laying around.  No real shoulder pain to speak of.  Someone please tell me that all of the gas inside of me actually weights something because I would hate to think that I've only lost 2 lbs after eating 3 popsickles, two shakes and water in the past two days.  

Here we go .... Betty's Birthday Party

Over 5 months of hoops and waiting and the big day is finally here.  I'm leaving shortly for my folk's house and then the hospital.  Check in is 930am with surgery at 1130am.  Didn't sleep all that well last night but I feel good today.


Scale victory - down 10.2 lbs during pre-op
NSV - finally starting a blog to document this loooonnng (time coming) and looooong journey to health.  As my PCP said - you've really never known health and nutrition - have you? And the answer is simply - no.


I keep forgetting to thank my awesome followers and say - if I am not following your blog -- please let me know !


I'll try to get back on soon to let you know how I'm doing.  Next time you hear from me ... I'll be with Band ... her name is Betty !

But wait ... there's more

In a way, I feel like I'm going on a little vacation.  The things I am packing (spending tomorrow night at my parents) tell me that I'm going somewhere 'good'. Meds, Ipod, Book, Magazine, Toothbrush and paste, travel clothes .. and then the list says: shakes, Magic Bullet, tomato soup, popsickles, instructions for after procedure ... so, depending on when I stop reading - is whether I'm going on a little get away or to a hospital.


I need to find an alternative to waxing and threading.  I'm seriously going to look into whatever it is people are having done to remove facial hair.  I spent $38 (before tip) today for brows, lip and chin.  And this was at a chzy nail salon ! And the red chin, is from the burn.  Lovely. At least this should help with weight loss.  I hope.


NSV time: it has been weeks since I have had a Chz-It (my crack) or Wheat-Thin (crack's runner up). Oh, as if I could ever have a single one ...  I have an unnatural affinity with both of those drugs. Which has brought me to today ... and then tomorrow.


T minus 13 hours (or so) ... I hope to be on in the morning ... 

I also want to loose

The 200 books I currently own on diets.  I'm sitting in my favorite room - my library (a redone bedroom) and looking at all of the diet books that can go away at a future date: The Southbeach Diet (and recharged and some book for heart patients), The Ultimate Weight Solution (and food guide), Picture Perfect Weight Loss, The Eat Clean Diet, Eight Minutes in the Morning, Weight Loss for Dummies, Skinny Bitch, Weight Watchers Points, Weight Watchers for Two (and so on) and these are only the books I can see. Note, for now, I will keep the 2000 cookbooks I have .... according to my doc - if you use the band as intended - I will no longer have to 'diet'. We'll see. 

T'was the day before surgery ....

I keep checking the clock ... in 24 hours I'll be ... driving to my parents, checking in at the hospital, going under, etc ... I can see that it's going to be a long day (and I'm ok with that).  My original surgery date was 7/19 so I originally took off starting 7/18.  When the surgery date was changed to 7/21 - no need (in my mind) to add more chatting to an already dysfunctional work situation so I just kept with my original time off schedule.


I've been watch the Today Show since 7am.  It's now 8:40am.  They had one segment on high calorie fast food, now they are yakking on about steak BBQ with a korean twist ... coming up is restaurant etiquette. COME ON !!  Three segment (so far) about food.  No wonder we are so fat.  


Something tells me I'll be blogging all day ...

Six Million Dollar Man

Does anyone remember that show or am I just showing my age?

Last August, I purchased a BodyMedia Fit Thingee (that measures calories and steps).  Shortly after I started using it, I got sun poisoning on my arms and promptly forgot all about it.  

My carpy medical insurance (yes, I'm thankful that I have it) requires that I join either Weight Watchers or their Walking Spree (pedometer) program due to my BMI over 30 or pay even more (copays, deductibles, etc) than I do now.  I chose the pedometer program so since mid-March I've been tethered to a pedometer to make sure I average 5000 steps a day. I put the darn thing on before I even leave my bed each morning :)

I've been reading about people's Fit-Bits and such and decided to find the Body Media Thing-a-ma-bob.  I am now wearing a pedometer and the BodyMedia thingee attached to my arm and when I sleep - a CPAP machine.  Oh, where is that pageant entry form when I need it?

I am already (wrist) banded !

Only two pokes at the hospital for blood work ... I don't think that has ever happened in the past.  Then, the strangest thing happened.  The tech 'banded' me.  She put a band on my wrist and said - don't get this wet - you're now banded for Thursday.

What?? What kind of joke was this? I've been jumping patiently thru hoops since Feb 11. And all I get is a plastic red band.  I want my money back ! Oh well, one less thing for the hospital to do on Thursday. (I am bummed because I had been swimming and now all I could probably do now is soak in the pool and not tread.)

Had last appointment with the surgeon.  They prescribe pain rx's at time of discharge. I would have preferred to have gotten that done today. 

And I made one last appeal to the crabby office manager to give me SOME idea of the cost of this procedure.  My insurance pays 50% of weight loss surgery.  All I want is SOME ballpark of the cost.  Oh, and my insurance also has a flat $1000 for each outpatient or inpatient surgical procedure.  You/ She must have some idea ... but nooooo.  Finally, I asked: if I didn't have insurance at all ... what would the cost be - that answer she had.  It ought to be interesting when the bills start coming flying in.

NSV (or positive thought) of the day - I've added being able to ride on the back of Sweetie's motorcycle (mid-life crisis last year - another post).  Note, I won't actually ride on the back of his bike but being able to will be wonderful !  

Here we go ... blood work

Well I'm off to the hospital for blood work (drinking water as I type). I have carpy veins so I usually just ask them (beg them) to just go right to my hand.  In fact, these carpy veins set this whole process behind 6 weeks (couldn't get the heart MRI done because the techs couldn't get a good vein - twice).  


Meeting a g'friend for coffee, errands x 1000000 and then appointment with surgeon.  Tried to move up the time for the appointment and the crabby office manager (she's been crabby since day 1) told me he'd double-booked as he's just returning from a 2 week vacation.  Lovely.

Look at me !!

Just want to shout out a huge thank you to the most fabulous web designer Jen at http://justfoolinblogdesigns.blogspot.com/   I just lovelovelove my new blog.  While I'm committed to the Lapband, I know that it will take me a very long time to loose the weight so I might as well love my blog as I'm going to be blogging for a looooooong time !

Saturday's child works hard for a living

Good morning !  Once again, I am having some hand issues (asleep, in pain, puffy, etc).  How, oh how, am I going to go give a good massage this morning?  


Years ago, I was talking to a b-friend and we were discussing regrets.  I try not to have any (or maybe try not to think like this) but I mentioned that I always wanted to be a massage therapist.  Well, what was the big deal - just go do it ! This was before massage was super mainstream (where a massage studio was on every corner, a school in every basement).  I found a school that was 'good enough' (as I wasn't going to make this a career) and was on my way.  I love being in a school setting.  Don't like the stress of school but definitely love learning.  A year later, I was 'certified'.  My state doesn't require you to be licensed so 11 years ... here I am (11 years older) and ready to pack up my table and make a little cash.  I've cut waaaaaaaay back on massage because my 'real' job takes me  away from home at least 11 hours each day - my non-work time has just become that much more valuable.  Just wish this client had air conditioning .... 

Work - a dirty four letter word

Well, that's that.  Work is now over for a few weeks.  Amen.


As I blogged before, my last boss (who was awesome) left mid-June so I've been doing his job, my job and trying to train someone (68 year old gentleman from finance) to do some of the basics of my job.  At least I have not had time to think about or stress about surgery.  It was hell. Had a few blow ups with the CEO (I don't do well being micro-managed).  I KNEW I should have waltzed in to work and said - tomorrow is my last day - I'm off for surgery ... but noooooo.


Live and learn.  Met my new boss this past week.  We were wearing almost the same dress !  And she said the magic words: I work for time off ! :)  Not that I'm in a hurry to return to work (at all !) but she seems smart, direct and most of all I think she'll be an effective BB (buffoon blocker).  That's really all I need in a boss - just be a BB and we'll be fine. 


Now I am starting to get concerned about surgery.  My doc has what I would call a modified pre-op surgery diet.  1000 cals a day ... mostly protein shakes. What if my liver hasn't shrunk enough?? I think I need to go back to all liquids until surgery .... that, and sign up for Net-flix. 

What's in a name?

That which we call a rose ... oh boy, I haven't even started this post and already I've digressed ... 


Prior to this blog, the last name I gave was to my fur-child (heck, I can't even call a cat - a cat).  I give everything a ton of names.  My cat's name is Coco Fiona.  I call her Fee, Fee-o-lay, Fee-arella, Chow, Chow-chow, Furdoll, Furlover.  You name it - I call "Coco" it.  I talk to her only in baby talk - yes, I am disgusting.


Again, I've digressed.  The name of this blog is the topic !  And I will stay on topic !


While I knew I wanted to start a blog when doing research about the band (in fact, Lap Band Girl was one of the first blogs I read) because I liked the idea of getting my frustrations out on paper (as it were) rather than pacify my frustrations with food (wow, I must be one frustrated gal to 'pacify' all this weight !).  I just never gave the title any thought .... 


Now, I have a list like most bandsters of all of the things I want from the band (healthy, liking the mirror, etc).  Many of our lists look the same but one thing I didn't ever see was the topic of boots.  


All I want from life is to be able to put on a pair of cute, small heeled boots and a jean skirt (whoops, jean skirts are not in style any more) and not look like a sausage with two leather casings sticking out the end.  Not only do I have fat calves but I also have fat ankles.  Always have. Back before soccer was popular (1978, if I recall) I was on a soccer team and fell in hole after hole - spraining ankle after ankle.  Getting myself in a pair of walking boots will be a HUGE victory.  I'd like to reach this milestone before I'm 50. (One year, 6 months and 16 days from now.  Don't get excited - it's easy to calculate when your bday is the first of the month and you celebrate half-birthday).  

I want to be a nerd ....

I admit it.  I don't know what I'm doing with blogger ... for days now, I kept getting booted out. Wait, that isn't even right.  I wasn't able to even sign on ... oh well.  I'm back now and ready to post.  I even sent myself an email so that ifn (good Scrabble word) I got back on I could post.  So, without any further ado - my thoughts from Monday (which seems like a month ago):

Hughest NSV ever ... did not resort to stress eating !!

 

I work in HR and our little department has been cut by 50% in the past 2 years (so from 4 peeps to 2 - a director and me).  My most-awesome boss (hey, I was DUE a good boss) left mid-June for another job so I've been alone with double the work (which was on top of double the work).  Honestly, if I weren't going off on LOA, my company would have put off looking for a replacement for months ... anywhoo ... every VP, every director, the CEO and CFO were in my office today telling me that I was doing something wrong (yeah right - I don't think so).

 

I mean really ... who is the FML expert - you or ME ?!!  Who is the Workers Compensation expert - you or ME ?!!  Just because you read an article once upon a time does not mean that you understand the law.  Yes, the law.  I need a Director who will buffer me from the buffoons. 

OMG - Can I get back on?

Test. One two. Test.  Can you hear, er, I mean read me?

I see problems

Victories: Scale = down 4 (I don't care if it's water) and NSV = was at the grocery store and everything I got was high in protein and on the yes-yes list.  (Surgeon gave us a no-no list.)  Well, on the yes-yes list for now, I guess.


My pre-op diet is not bad at all.  I'm on 1000 cals a day of protein shakes (or meal replacement bars), liquids, broth and one Lean Cuisine meal which should be less than 300 cals.  I snuck in a few nuts yesterday just to keep things moving.  Decided that I could have a healthier meal under 300 cals instead of a LC.  Last night had a veggie burger on some healthy bun-type thing with jalapeno mustard.  The problem = did not take tiny bites.  Chewed, chewed, chewed and ate slowly.  No water before, during or after but NO tiny bites.  I can see where I am going to need to the cut up all food and use tiny silverware.  I guess the first step is recognizing the problem.

BYOC - one day late

1. If you were asked to symbolize yourself as an animal – which animal would you be?
Easy.  A cat.  I had to be one in a previous life (or will be in my next).  Sleeping - love it. Eating - you know it.  Petting/massage - a no-brainer - would never say 'no'.  Lazing around (i.e. being lazy) - constantly. I think that's about all a cat does. 
2. Did you ever play an organized sport – with coaches, rules and scoring? Tell us about it.
Yes. Junior high.  Soccer (back in 1978) back before there was 'soccer' and volleyball and basketball.  
3. When did you start shaving your legs?
Don't recall exactly when but lately I've been on strike. Quite liberating.

4. When you’re in a crabby – pissy – want to stab everyone you see kind of mood – what do you do to get out of it or do you revel in it?
Talk/yell it out.  I live alone so it's easy to b*tch someone out.  Yes, I talk to myself.
5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in blogland and in real life.
Did not feel all that great due to heat but did pretty darn good with the 2 days of no solid food. Still trying to get the hang of blogger.  If anyone has a blog template they'd like to share - I'd appreciate it.  Seems I can't get the 'gadgets' to work - always an error message.  Ack - what do I expect for free?


Scale victory - down 3 lbs. (My pre-op diet goal was 5 lbs.)

Get out (of my weigh) !!!

First I start yapping on this blog ... then I get followers (thank you Ronnie) and THEN ... Robyn http://robynnest-robyn.blogspot.com/ nominates me for Adorable Blog. I don't even care if I don't have an Adorable Blog ... it's just so nice of her ! ::: blowing a dating game kiss :::

The Rules

1.     Thank the person who gave you this award and link back to them in your post

2.     Tell us 10 things about yourself

3.     Nominate your bloggers

4.     Contact these bloggers and let them know you have nominated them

10 things about me:

1.  I just started posting on a forum (lapbandtalk) and blogging.

2.  I lived in Germany for a year in high school and this led to my love of travel.

3.  I was a majorette in high school and thought I was totally cool.

4.  I met my Sweetie on match.com (almost 10 years ago)

5.  I love to sail and would love to retire and spend months at a time on a boat

6.  I don't have any children (aside from above referenced Sweetie)

7.  My loves of my life are my little niece (Rita), little nephew (Hugh) and big nephews (Eric and Gary) - oh, and the Sweetie

8.  My fur-child gets a line of her own ... Coco Fiona (who also goes by a million other names)

9.  I graduated from college in 1987 and my license (vanity) plate is MSU87 - which used to be cool.  Now, I'm just aging myself.

10.  I drive a green Mustang convertible in the summer and without fail every 16 year old boy will say to be (at a gas station or driver thru:  I like your car, Dude.  

BYOC - tomorrow; NSV - today

Too tired to BYOC but I will :)

NSV - forced to take a bagel at a go away party for a co-worker.  Did not eat it.  Held it, walked to my office and threw it away.  ::: pats myself on back :::


p.s. still trying to figure out blogger and my gmail account (stuck in the 1990s with aol email) - thanks for your patience with me !

Pre-Op Diet day 1

So far, so good (although I just had a tiny spell of 'just not feeling' good), waited it out, too lazy to stand up, walk to the kitchen and warm up broth.  Like I said - waited it out and now I'm fine and dandy !


B'fast - coffee and then protein shake (HMR800) with an extra scoop of protein.
Lunch - Thai restaurant and had two cups of Tom Yum broth - delish.
Dinch - Choc muscle milk
Dinner - French Onion soup (broth) and some sugar free popsicle-type thing.  Again, just need to get up and warm the stuff up. (lazy)


Still stressed at work (waiting to find out who my new boss will be).  Unless she starts next week - she will start when I'm off (lovely).  Good luck to her and our two person department ...


Oh, I've decided I'm going to have a NSV everyday ... today, I cleaned out the frig at work and tossed all of the food in there - not one second thought.  I guess NSV are really in the eye of the bander because for me - this was huge - cake, chz sticks, whatever !


Finally, getting up to heat soup and then off to the pool.  Have a great night everyone !

Honestly, this is the Last Supper :)

I think I may finally be getting sick of food.  I have been thinking about food, pre-op diet, liquids, protein shakes and post-op feeding for way (weigh?) too long. I am sincerely hoping that my long wait (weight) will weigh in my favor ... okay, enough !  

Today, had grilled chz for b'fast, greek salad no beets (yes, pita) for lunch and then a carry out botana for dinner.  There are no sweets in the condo and protein shakes are ready to go for tomorrow (soup/broth for lunch).

Last night, a g-friend came over and we hung at my condo pool until 10pm.  That was nice ... I'm going to keep that up so that I'm not bothered by food (tv commercials, internet).

Spoke to my sister today (who just moved to Germany with my precious niece and nephew).  I loved her living her in MI for the past few years - meeting my newphew on his second day, holidays, baking with my niece, birthdays, soccer games, etc.   My plan is go visit in the fall.  

Oh, I knew there was a rant in me somewhere.  At work, I followed all of the rules and asked for time off giving (greater than) 30 days notice for this procedure.  FML approved for "multiple surgeries".  Found out yesterday who I was going to start showing a few things too during my absence.  I was frank with him: My LOA is not public knowledge and I want to keep it that way.  

Today, in the elevator (we were the only two), a manager said: are you on LOA?  I was shocked and replied: I was off sick yesterday but am here today.  Pregnant pause.  I then said - I'll be on LOA starting end of next week.  I didn't realize people knew.  Her response: well, people don't but managers do (wth???). This particular manager and my department have almost nothing to do with each other ... I'm just annoyed .... I should have done what everyone else does ... simply not show up to work and deal with FML later .... 

Oh, and I'm getting a new boss (and I'm not involved in the process).  My old boss left last month (he was a good one .... but I was due a good boss ... lol). So, in addition to all of the random bs, I've had no boss, double the work and I can hardly wait for the line of up people asking me questions that are none of their business !!  As Jerry Seinfeld said: People.  They are the worst !

Wow ... starting this blog was a great idea .... all that ranting and with these fingers flying ... no food !

Off to the pool !

I cannot count

No wonder why I'm fat.  If I can't count to 14 days, how in the world was I suppose to count to 3500 calories !


My pre-op diet is 14 days as follows:
Day 1 - 2 = liquid only
Days  3 - 12 = liquids (protein shakes and 1 lean cuisine, just don't exceed 1000 cals per day)
Days 13 - 14 = back to liquids only


I got the diet, grabbed a calendar and did the 'math' coming up with July 5 as my pre-op diet beginning day.  Did I mention that I am not a math major and somehow got an undergraduate degree without taking a single math class and a graduate degree which included a stats class? But, I digress ... when I woke up this morning (5:13am - what was that about) - it hit me  How can I be starting a pre-op diet on a Tues when my surgery is on a Thr?  I grabbed my cell phone (which doubles as an alarm clock because I am too cheap to replace my old alarm clock) - punched calendar and ta-da !!!  I counted backward from my surgery date (7/21) - two days, then counted another 10 days of lean cuisines - not 12 days dummy !!! - and then the final 2 days of liquids only.  Well, that story problem answer was:  you start liquids on Thr !!  Not today !!  First thing I thought of was: damn - I sent 1/2 a pint of ice cream down the drain !!


My final faux dinner was a snooze (but, oh so symbolic).  Went to Walgreens to buy Muscle Milk because I could not find the massive container of Isagenix protein powder I snatched from the Sweetie.  How do you loose that??  Picked up the pint of Twix ice cream.  Swung thru McDonalds for a McChix and Fries.


Boring.  But, it did force me to recall some extreme food issues ... turned 16, got my drivers license, got a job at McD's and that was probably not a good idea.  While I was chubby like all teens, some serious poundage layered on in high school.  In college, Twix bars became my treat and believe you me, I don't need much reason to treat myself (with food).  How sad.


Up today and just not feeling good.  Went to work for a few hours (stupid, really), came home.  Made a grilled chz.  I guess I do still have some food here.  Took a nap with the fur-child and I back, Baby ~ good as Gold !


I'm off to read YOUR blogs now :)

The Last Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

For someone who take pride in their ability to sleep like a rock - last night I did not get to sleep until at least 2:30am !  Must have been that bag of Costco potato chips in the kitchen calling my name.  Oh wait, the bag was closed, thus unable to speak.  I thought there could be caffeine in Mike's Hard Lime-aid but was informed by the Sweetie this morning that the Mike's products are more like sweetened beer products.  Maybe that was it ... I haven't had a beer in ... forever ... well, since I became a red wine drinker.  Anyone have any idea when I'll be able to have a little of the wino in my future?


I guess I could still have wino today but after my four hour nap with the fur-child I am discombobulated ! B'fast was Burger King b'fast sandwich and (oh, why not) tater tots.  Talk about carbs !  No wonder I came home and passed out.  Now, I'm up and simply don't feel that great.  Nerves, I'm sure, are playing a part .... looks like the Last Lunch has passed ... I'll be back to report on dinner ...


I'm back ... after a faux apple pie I found in the cupboard and another nap ... man, I do not feel good at all.  Drinking more water.  I know what the deal is - no coffee.  But this morning, I needed sleep more than I needed coffee and by the time I woke up - too late for coffee. I'm pretty sensitive to caffeine so I won't drink it after mid-morning .... oh well, I'm sure I'll live.  


Still have to take out the garbage - the last rummage thru the kitchen tossing food.  What, oh what will I have as my last real meal?

2nd to Last Supper

Well, that was that.  Sunday night dinner with the Sweetie: grilled chicken Caesar salad and a Mike's Hard Limeaide.  Will probably have a Skinny Cow sandwich in a few.  


Tomorrow is Independence Day. I like the idea that I'm starting this whole pre-op diet on 7/5.  I'm thinking about what Independence Day 2012 will look like ... I want it to look like this: health, control and shorts. I'm not even hoping for arms that will see the light of day - maybe that will come for Independence Day 2013.

What's in a name?

That which we call a rose ... oh boy, I haven't even started this post and already I've digressed ... 


Prior to this blog, the last name I gave was to my fur-child (heck, I can't even call a cat - a cat).  I give everything a ton of names.  My cat's name is Coco Fiona.  I call her Fee, Fee-o-lay, Fee-arella, Chow, Chow-chow, Furdoll, Furlover.  You name it - I call "Coco" it.  I talk to her only in baby talk - yes, I am disgusting.


Again, I've digressed.  The name of this blog is the topic !  And I will stay on topic !


While I knew I wanted to start a blog when doing research about the band (in fact, Lap Band Girl was one of the first blogs I read) because I liked the idea of getting my frustrations out on paper (as it were) rather than pacify my frustrations with food (wow, I must be one frustrated gal to 'pacify' all this weight !).  I just never gave the title any thought .... 


Now, I have a list like most bandsters of all of the things I want from the band (healthy, liking the mirror, etc).  Many of our lists look the same but one thing I didn't ever see was the topic of boots.  


All I want from life is to be able to put on a pair of cute, small heeled boots and a jean skirt (whoops, jean skirts are not in style any more) and not look like a sausage with two leather casings sticking out the end.  Not only do I have fat calves but I also have fat ankles.  Always have. Back before soccer was popular (1978, if I recall) I was on a soccer team and fell in hole after hole - spraining ankle after ankle.  Getting myself in a pair of walking boots will be a HUGE victory.  I'd like to reach this milestone before I'm 50. (One year, 6 months and 28 days from now.  Don't get excited - it's easy to calculate when your bday is the first of the month and you celebrate half-birthday).  

How did I get here?

First of all - Whoa !  I have followers (thank you !) !  Now I just need to learn more about blogging so I can ask YOU questions and be able to read your answers :) Again, thank you ..


So, how did I get here ...
I'll give you the short version ... not how did I get to this point of such extreme that I don't even want to step on the scale ... just 'the how I got from first appointment to surgery'.


My companies medical insurance changed (third time in three years) so now we must 'be healthy' or pay the price.  Part of the 'be healthy' is an annual physical so that's where I'll begin ... Note, for every appointment, I took 'the first available' (just like seating in a restaurant) ...


January - Primary Care Physician and I discuss lap band - get referral for surgeon.
February - surgeon seminar and consult 
February - psych consult (a rip off.  I was back in my car in eight minutes and the price doubled from appointment setting to checkbook in hand)
March - sleep doctor consult
March - stress test - treadmill
March - sleep study - mild sleep apnea during non-REM and severe sleep apena during REM sleep
March - hear from cardiologist - we need to talk
April - appointment with cardiologist - there were two possible blockages, doubtful but lets make sure .... you probably just moved (ding-ding-ding - I definitely moved, I remember moving, it was my first medical test ever.  Why did the soft spoken tech say: try not to move.  Why didn't she say: move under penalty of dragging out approval for lap band which means: DON'T MOVE !)
April - endoscopy - small hernia found
April - heart MRI = fail, can't get a vein (this after a week of beta blockers)
May - heart MRI, take 2 = fail, can't get a vein (this after a week of double dose beta blockers)
May - get fitted for CPAP machine
May - appointment with cardiologist - I come clean.  "Doc, I moved. I know I moved. I had an itch. I scratched it. What can we do??"
May - dobuteral (sp?) MRI of heart = fail (of course I took the 1st available appointment).  The appointment takes 2.5 hours but doc's office only scheduled you for 1 hour .... deep sigh.
June - dobuteral MRI - passed !!
June - talk to surgeon's office and hear: have you seen the nutritionist yet?
June - see the nutritionist


Who would have thought the fastest part of all of this was the paperwork submission to the insurance company who quickly approved the surgery (amen). So, Betty (the lap band) will be born on July 21.  

Here we go !

Just like getting on a Ferris wheel and hearing the Ferris wheel guy say for the bazillionth time (as he clicks the bar and I say a silent prayer of thanks that the bar does not jam into my gut) ... here we go.


I've been going through this whole weight issue my entire life.  Seriously, since age 6 ! I can still see myself coming home from kindergarten, eating lunch and then heading to the cracker cabinet while I watched Bewitched and Let's Make a Deal.  The Ferris wheel goes round and round.


It's time for me to get off and take charge one final time.  Enter Betty the lap band.  Her birthday is July 21.  


I've been reading about the lap band since January, taking names and kicking a**.  In addition to the lap band rules, I've added a few of my own.  1) participate in Lapbandtalk.com daily (even if it's just to say thank you for sharing your story and 2) to start a blog.  


So, here we go ....