No scale for me for (another) 8 days !!

Thursday is my weigh in day but I'm meeting my new boss (she started on the first day of my LOA) who is now my OLD boss (Friday is her last day) for lunch.  I would prefer to weigh before said lunch so today became weigh in day.  


Weekly loss (yes ~ loss !!):    2.6 lbs !
Loss since surgery (7/21) :    17.2 lbs
Loss since pre-op diet (7/7):  27.4 lbs


I've found at least one other place (other than Lifetime Fitness) to check out that has a pool.  My old high school turned into a 'Community Center' so on my weigh home from lunch, I'll go check it out.  Now, I'm no runner like lots of the Boobs (yes, I'm a jealous of your ability to run !!) but just the idea of me being 'worried' about working out once our pool closes is truly a Band-Miracle !

Keeping it Together, Tuesday

Hi Blogland !  I was going to post some work related carp (that's a fancy word for crap ... for any of you who have a Fancy Nancy in your life) but think I'll hold back for a bit ... hoping that some good work karma comes my way instead :)

Was at the grocery store yesterday.  Honestly, every time I'm at the store and I don't buy: Cheese-It's, GoldFish (buy 1, get 1 free), potato chips, wheat-thins or triscuits I feel INCREDIBLE !!  I have been a cracker-aholic since age 5.  Yes, I can easily trace back the beginnings of my food issues to age 5 (and the cracker cabinet).  I would love to be able to have a serving but there is no way I am going to even try to have '1 drink'.  Not yet.  Don't even want to try.  Don't even see a place for Goldfish on my child size plate.  I have only so many calories - I need to make sure that all (90%) of them are good protein, good for me foods.


Off to tread water at my condo pool.  I'm going to be bummed when it closes (Labor Day).  My gym had a pool but it recently closed.  They have other gyms but none of them even remotely close.  There is a Lifetime Fitness that has a pool but 1) it's expensive (surgery bills still coming in) and 2) I'm more than a little intimidated.  My 'old' gym had days for just women.  You could go on 'men' days but were limited to just the cardio equipment (which was fine with me).  I need to find a gym that is 1) near 2) relatively inexpensive and 3) geared to the Grandma.  Poof.  I did like that gym .... 

Bacon Bake-Off

How much wine can a bandster drink?  Well, a bandster without her first fill can drink weigh too much  (pun intended) !!  I could not find my camera so there's photo of the dress.  Just know that Samantha is a doll for sending it to me :)


I don't think I moved much yesterday.  Finally got to the pool and treaded water for 50 mins.  Lowest steps walked yesterday ... I suppose that happens when you take both a morning and afternoon nap.  Went to bed early and did not move :)  It's getting a little colder here so soon Coco will be joining me (on her purple blankie) to sleep at night ... I can't help it ... I just love her !


I've been having a grilled cheese (on Trader Joe's sprouted bread - 5 grams of protein for each slice !!), some bacon and sliced cherry tomatoes for lunch lately.  So gourmet for me !


Today, I will be baking: 


A. Oscar Mayer Center Cut Bacon - baking
B. Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon - microwaving
C. Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon - baking -- I ususally burn this so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.


What's weird is the Turkey Bacon is lower in cals, fat and protein compared to center cut bacon.  I think I am brilliant for 'discovering' this ... lol !

It's Caturday

The fur-child is not going to be happy when her Mum goes back to "that place that gives Mum a paycheck".  Until then, Coco's Day Spa will be open for business.

I could not sleep last night so I ended up taking 1/2 of a Tylenol PM.  You would think that someone my size would not metabolize so quickly but I am out of it (so I must be desperate when I take one).  The point of this last sentence - I can't remember what this post was suppose to be about .  


Ok. Just got back from getting more coffee.  Smelled the bacon (I bake it) and then remembered what I wanted to post about: FOOD.


I have not had my first fill.  I have been eating (I think) like a bandster and have lost some weight.   I am constantly looking for easy band-friendly food. Last night I 'made' the following:


Cece's  Peanut Butter Cup:
2 FF, SF fudgicles - melt in microwave (about 20 seconds)
2 TBL Better n Peanut Butter (add to the mush) - nuke a few more seconds
Stir
Eat with a teeny-tiny spoon


This is from South Beach Diet (of the 1000000000000 diets I was on - SB was my fav).  


Then, this morning - an eggbeater omelette with feta and a piece of toast with 3 pieces of baked bacon (center cut).  LOVE IT !


One of the things I've noticed (and love) with the band is that by eating slowly - I actually taste and savor the food ... why did it take me 48 years on this planet to figure this out?  :)

Ten Things Thursday

I stole this from Cat over at One Slim Cat ... I wonder if I can get to 10.


1.  Went to the dentist today - no cavities :)  Recall what I was wearing 6 months ago (and the shoveling of snow off my car after the appointment).  Totally gross fat-stretch pants.  (Purple long sleeve t-shirt and purple vest.)


2.  Met gal who used to work for me for lunch.  Forgot to bring my 1 cup measuring cup so I ended up eating the entire jalapeno bean dip.  Did not eat any extra chips .. and broke all them in 2 or three pieces.


3.  The Mexican ice cream magically appeared at the table.  We split it.


4.  Said Gal-Pal is going to open up a custom cake bakery.  Every time I talk to her I want to go home and bake. 


5.  Almost fell asleep driving home from lunch.  Immediately took a nap with the fur-child.  

6.  Woke up to a phone call from a recruiter.  Have a phone interview on Monday for two different positions.  


7.  Was this suppose to be 10 things about me or just 10 random thoughts?  


8.  I think I lost some serious brain cells from the WLS.


9.  Five weeks ago tonight I was walking the halls of the hospital determined to get in 10 laps (they were short hallways).


10. Due to jalapeno dip and ice cream I have not eaten again.  I'm a tad hungry but prefer not to add any calories to today's count.  Paying attention to calorie count - and not eating any more - is a TOTAL NSV. 


11.  Awesome Samantha sent me a dress to wear to a wedding Saturday night.  I lovelovelove this blogger community !


12.  Hmmm ... ten was easy.  Not interesting, but easy.  


Night all !

No scale for me for 8 days !!

Thursday is my official weigh in day.  I HAD been weighing daily then moving to every other and now I'm weighing when I feel like it.  As of today, I am down 25 pounds, which is finally lower than the weight I was when I went to my Primary Care Doc to start this up-down-in-out-left-right-crazy-stable journey of WLS (February 10). 


I'm happy, I'm doing the right things - please find me on myfitnesspal.com (Cecelou03@gmail.com) - so there is no need to screw it up my stepping on the scale for the next 8 days. 


I also found what I think I want my goal weight to be.  On Facebook (oh, and if you want to find me there too ... please let me know ... although I don't talk WLS surgery - mostly Coco, the precious niece and nephew and the Sweetie) someone gave me a year and you were suppose to say a few things about what was happening at that time.  My year was 1997.  I said:


My age was : 33
I was co-owner in Falcon Cold Forming, Inc. (RIP)
Was a raging workaholic (now I shudder at the thought)
Was at the Red Wings Stanley Cup Playoff - game 4 (Sweep - Red Wings over Philadelphia)
Drove a green Camero
Was at my lowest adult weight  


So I went and found a photo of me at that Red Wings game.  I looked good.  Not even skinny - probably still obese but I liked the way I look ... so that's what I've come up with.  A size 10.  


Going to get my nails done (I'm desperate), seeing Harry Potter - part 2 with my Mom, picking up a friends mail, giving a massage and treading water for 60 minutes.  This is my kind of day :)

Eye Candy and Ice Cream

The men outside my window (tearing shingles off the roof) have got some of the best looking legs I have ever seen !  But, I can't wait for them to leave because Coco is a-scared :(



That is the end of the good news.  Yesterday, met friends of the Sweetie for b'fast and way overate.  As in, I ate a 3 egg spinach and feta omlette, 3/4 cup of hashbrowns, and 1 large piece of rye toast.  Got my hair colored and highlighted ... took waaaaaaaaay too long and then the next thing I knew it was 430pm I was driving into a McDonalds for a cone.  I need to figure out some little foods I can keep in my car ... went to Sweeties who wanted to go for a 'little' ride to figure out what he needed to work on next.  He just bought a 1931 Ford Model A.

The ride was fun (albeit scary because there were no seat belts) but it kept going and going and going.  Sweetie lives in the country and just like a walk - the farther we are going - I kept thinking - we still have to get back home !  We finally stop for something to eat ... at a Dairy !!  I have a choice of real ice cream or real ice cream.  On the bright side, I am semi-afraid to eat out so at least I knew with ice cream there would be no problems.  No nutrition, but no getting stuck either.  Small chocolate with peanut butter.  Couldn't finish but geez, I just wanted something substantial.

Edit - I woke up starving and had a 100 calorie bag of popcorn.  This 'starvation' feeling happened last Sunday as well.  Thankfully I returned to normal eating patterns last week and today as well.

FINALLY, got home.  Made the Sweetie meatloaf and mashed potatoes, had 6 oz of red wine and called it a night.  I really don't like eating like that ... and that, although horrible,  is somewhat of a twisted NSV.  I want good for you, high protein, food ~ not crap !  I also need to put some good for you food at the Sweetie's place as well.  Who am I?  What have a turned into? I wonder what I'll look like in a year from now :) 

Storm brewing

I feel a storm coming on ... can't tell if it's between the Sweetie and me or Mother Nature and me.  Either way - just get here so I can get to the pool and tread water.


I've been at the pool every day this week and treaded water at least 30 minutes (yesterday was 60).  Today, I felt this weird feeling in my what I used to call my stomach.  Then it hit me ... omg ... those are muscles !!  Muscles that have been used :)  


I made Protein Ice Cream (I think) earlier today with the help from Shelly Eggface.  I forgot to put the crumbled sugar free lemon cookies in at the end. Of all of the ingredients to forget !  And, while there was a nice gloop of ice cream at the end of the 'ice cream cycle', there was also a layer of frozen ice cream around the sides and the bottom.  I couldn't even scrape it off.  I'll have to figure that out.  I'll let you know how it tastes (it's in the freezer right now). 


I need to make pesto as I bought a big bouff of basil the other day.  The best laid plans ... oh, let's just face it - I'm lazy.


Today is Coco Kitty and my one year anniversary.  I got her at about age 2.5 and I was already her THIRD Mum !!  How ridiculous as she is the sweetest, quietest little kitten-chow (have I mentioned that I have 100000000 names for her).  Earlier today we had a little talk about the upcoming year ... she knows that the next year will bring a new me, one that eats to live, not the other way around, one who works out regularly and one that will do whatever necessary to make sure that both of us have the health we deserve.  

BYOC and food scale

I got a food scale years ago at a dollar store  ... should probably get a new one (with my pending cooking binge).  Any suggestions?


It's FRIDAY so that means it's BYOC - Bring Your Own Crazy! Brought to you by the one and only Drazil! We answer a couple of questions in an effort to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break! Copy and paste and answer in your own blogs if you'd like!! ENJOY!! 


1.  How much makeup do you wear daily, how long does it take you and are you loyal to certain brands .. 


I've already given myself a treat since surgery: permanent make-up (eye liner).  I do love it and it's doing exactly what I want it to do - making me look a little more pulled together without even trying. 


2.  Repeat question: I’m going to pick a person not knowing your relationship with them (or even if there is one) and you try to describe this person in 5 words/short sentences. Your oldest paternal aunt - I don't have one :(


3.  Tell me about your first real kiss and how old you were - 


At a skating party in 8th grade. I was wearing brown levi's a blouse (of sorts) and a brown vest ... he had a comb in his back pocket.  Sadly, first kiss died a tragic death.  Found burned to death, with a girl, in the back seat of his car in an apartment complex 1/2 mile from his parents house.  Drug related.  Sad. 


4.  If I gave you $1000.00 and told you that you had to give it to a charity – which charity would you choose and why?  


Humane Society.  I cannot stand cruelty of any sorts ... people who cannot take care of pets or who simply cannot afford them should not have them.  No body is telling you to get a fur-child.


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


Great. Just great.  Go back to doc on Tuesday to see when I have to return to work.  Then, the carp will begin :(  until then, I am loving life. 

Move over Martha !

One of the many issues I had pre-band was mindlessly eating out of a box or bag. Or, if I actually cooked something I ate a huge !! portion so fast I hardly realized I had eaten !  


Well, mover over Martha.  Here is what I did yesterday (and finished today):

I have also made little labels listing Chili - 1 cup serving, the date and all of the nutritional info.  That is 15 high protein meals ... just waiting to be eaten .... WHO AM I ??  

I know some of you use myfitnesspal.com.  I think in order to invite you (er, stalk you), I need your full email address.  Can you please either invite me cecelou03@gmail.com or give me your full address.  Thx. 

Next up: learning how to hard boil an egg.  


I'm so proud of myself :)

Grrr ... the surgeon's office ... feel free to skip the rant that follows

I have never cared for the staff at my surgeon's office.  The office manager (I believe) is German so I have tried to cut her some slack with her abruptness. During the months of testing I had to constantly check back in with the surgeon's office (which I never understood because she was always so annoyed when I called). From day one the office manager told me - your PCP will need to contact your insurance company to get the requirements -- we won't do that .... and yet when it was time to submit to insurance company - I tell her that my PCP is about to do that ... oh no, she snaps - we will submit to insurance !


When I thought I was completely done (according to what my PCP was told from my insurance) - the surgeon's office manager said - did you see the nutritionist yet? (These are just little examples of them (her) being so quick to get me off the phone or out of the office but always missing something ... ) .    Back and forth, up and down, can't get me off the phone fast enough !




Surgery was on 7/21. Follow up appt on 7/29. Yes, she "forgot" about me (while waiting for staple removal) but this seemed typical.  Per Surgeon's instructions I made the follow up for 1 month 8/26.  I called this past Monday to confirm the time and was told that my appt was on 8/29 - not 8/26.  She rushed me thru the call and said that "he" would not be there but 'we'll give you a fill'. I hung up the phone thinking - I need to call back (maybe calling Monday am was not a good idea) - if I understood her correctly - they were just going to 'give me a fill' - no check in with the doc, just get in here and 'we'll do it'. Note, I found the appointment card and of course it was for 8/26.


Today, they called.  I missed the call and called back three minutes later.  It was like they didn't know they called.  Back and forth, on hold.  Office manager comes on and says that they need to change my fill to 9/12.  I said -  I don't know if I want a fill - I want to see the doctor.  On hold ... waitwaitwait ... ok, you can see him on 9/9.  Rushrushrush - gotta go.  "HOLD THE PHONE" I say ... you are not just going to rush me off the phone - am I going to see the doctor?  "Yes, I just told you that" ... ohhhhhhh, she has ticked me off ... 


Yes, I probably want/need a fill but do I want to talk to the surgeon first ... damn ! I do not like this office staff !


Extreme irritability is one of my signs that I need to return to my little pills ... but why should I do that just to deal with Twinkie-Twits? 

Today, on the Today Show ... teens having WLS

Thought provoking segment on the Today Show this morning.  As someone who was overweight by age 7 (see First Communion photo) - I have literally been fat my entire life (entire meaning 40 years worth).  Granted WLS surgery was not around 30 years ago (when I was a teen) but since my weight never affected me (physically - other than clothes, in relationships or in work situations) I had not considered the surgery. I had also never had any type of surgery or even been in a hospital (other than visiting and that was only 3 time).  Never a stitch or a broken bone.  


I know that the closer I got to surgery - the more I thought about the complications.  And the weight (no pun intended) of my decision.  Is a 17 year old ready for such decisions, for the vast amount of follow up and learning? I don't know ... 


I know that I wish I had learned to be a better eater when I was younger.  I wish I learned about nutrition.  I wish I learned better ways to handle stress, boredom, anger, happiness and any other reason why I over ate. 


Here's an easier question.  I cleaned out a pantry this morning.  Is there any reason to have Ramen noodle soup any more?

Transition Time Tuesday

Have you mentioned a recipe on your blog? Have I nagged you for very specific directions? I'm not exactly proud of my culinary skills at this point in my life and readily admit that lack of such skills certainly assisted in the crackeraholic and chipaholic which brought me to this very point.


So, here I am ... ready to transition from mush/soft food (which has been soooo easy) to real food.  I've been practicing chew-chew-chewing (i.e. cheese), putting down my baby spoon, listening for my soft sign (a ladylike burp), not drinking during mealtime, etc.  But now, I must cook. What what?


What were your easy transition foods when going from mush to real?  I know to concentrate on high protein foods and will stay away from bread-like products and sugar for as long as possible. (Sugar has never been a problem - but bread is a different story.)


As always, your support has been invaluable to me.  Any ideas would be awesome :)

It's back !

Before I go into my post - if you are a follower (thank you !) and I'm not following you - please leave me a comment so I can follow you as well :)


Also, I can't remember who was eating eggbeaters and needed a seasoning but I recommend Lawry's Seasoning Salt ... you really need something with eggbeaters.


Now, back to me (memememememe).


It's back - my hunger.  Sadness.  Yesterday, met some friends of mine (really, friends of Steve's) for b'fast yesterday.  Promptly measured out my food, chit-chatted, went to Lowe's to look for a dishwasher (and walk-walk-walk - that place is huge), stopped by a bridal show (for a friend, please ... ).  The B.S. was totally overwhelming with bridezilla's and after purposely parking as far away from the door as possible - I came home and Coco was waiting for me to take 'our' nap. 

Note, once nap starts, she will move to 'her' blankie - the purple fuzzie.  I woke up and I WAS STARVING !!


I ate protein, protein and more protein, waited 30 minutes and was still hungry !!  Refused to eat any more.  Went to Steve's.  Still hungry !! Drank 8 oz of red wine (diet snapple was not going to work), 2 oz of chz and my lapband lasagna and then promptly passed out.  Yep, the hunger was back yesterday.  


I logged everything and we'll see where I land on Thr when I step back on the Stupid-Ass Piece of Plastic.  It's so much easier to start the 'NOT WEIGHING MYSELF DAILY' habit after my highest day of calories since 7/6/2011.  <-- this is progress, people.  A weird kind of progress .... but progress, nevertheless :)

Secret Bandit Quote

My awesome Secret Bandit sent me a list of quotes all motivating me to the success I better be know I will be ... Since I've officially stopped whining about the SAPP (stupid-ass piece of plastic) today's mantra will be "Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail" (Charles F. Kettering).  That's me ..... Don't stop believing (oh wait, that's Journey) ... believing and act ... or fake it until I make it !  Whatever, it's all the same ... and it's all good !


Going to the surgeon to pick up some vitamins (they only take cash ... grrr), meeting a g'friend for coffee or lunch, trip to Home Depot (voted best place to meet men) and then I think a ski-club picnic with the Sweetie.  Should be a nice day.  Rain plan - all movies, all of the time.


p.s.  I'm starting not to recognize myself with all of this positive optimism (so I'm redundant - sue me) !

BYOC

It's FRIDAY so that means it's BYOC - Bring Your Own Crazy! Brought to you by the one and onlyDrazil! We answer a couple of questions in an effort to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break! Copy and paste and answer in your own blogs if you'd like!! ENJOY!! 

1. I have to do some MAJOR cleaning tonight…which is prompting me to ask…what is the absolute worst thing you hate to clean or cleaning chore you hate the most? (vacuuming, dusting, laundry, toilets, floors, etc.)

Floors !!  I have always worked at least two jobs and have always had a cleaning lady (I didn't ever really learn how to clean when I was younger).  My gal moved about two months ago and I've just gone without.  Not good.  Having a cleaning lady FORCES me to keep my place picked up (re: get rid of paper) so that she can clean - I'm paying her to clean - not straighten.  The scary thing is - I've had this cleaning lady since before 2002 and if she walked in front of me - I wouldn't recognize her (as she would always come when I was at work). 

2. Brown or Black? Fly or Drive? Hot dog or Burger? Gold or Silver?

Brown, fly, burger, and gold! 

3.  Repeat question: I’m going to pick a person not knowing your relationship with them or even if a relationships exists – and you then try to describe that person in 5 short sentences/words.                  Sweetie
Smart
Generous 
Hardworking
Spoonable
Patient 

1. 4.

1. Even if you don’t have kids, how do you feel about kids in multiple sports during their school years? Were you in MULTIPLE sports all during school? Forced or by choice  

1. 
   

1. I think a lot of kids that I know are way overscheduled.  Run, run, run, run, run and I don't understand the school system in Michigan because these kids have hours of homework.  I just don't understand. I don't remember having all that much homework.  I played sports and was in band.  The two didn't collide. Oh, wait, I also took piano lessons for years and would have liked to quit sooner than I did.

5,  Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blog land.
Real life - good.  I am loving not working and dreading going back. Getting some stuff cleaned out, seems like I have something to do each day (see parents, car problem, meet galpal for coffee, etc)  
Blog life - good.  I found someone's blog who I read months ago (while researching lapband) - I had saved her blog at work but was unable to find it again until this week.  She, like so many of you peeps are so inspirational ... I can't wait to be one of you :)

Stupid-ass Piece of Plastic

Thanks to all of you that cheered me on yesterday with my massive wailing about no scale loss ... you are all so appreciated !


I am officially over my day long wine/whine from yesterday.  I am going back to the reasons that I was banded - not to see the scale move down (although that would be nice...) - but to get healthy.  To have control over food - not the other way around !  And, looking back at the past month - I am on that trend.


Since being banded, I have had no fast food, have done some sort of exercise daily (some days better than others and this past week - done the most .... grrrr), I have assessed everything that has gone in my mouth - what are the calories, what is the protein, I have not eaten one cheese-it, one combo or one cookie.  I have drank water (now hitting 100oz daily) and I generally feel better about myself.  Scale be damned. I am smarter that stupid-ass piece of plastic !  My awesome Secret Bandit ALSO sent me a list of awesome quotes which helps her stay focused.  I reread them yesterday and decided (once again) - this is how I want to live ... 


Also, poured a diet raspberry Snapple in a wine glass yesterday.  If I can ignore the stupid-ass piece of plastic (the scale) - I can pretend I am drinking a glass of wine :)


The Sweetie took today off to work on his boat (doubtful that he will get it in the water this year but that's ok) so I'm going to zip over there, bringing breakfast.  Then I'm off to my Mom's to watch Harry Potter Deathly Hollows - part 1 - then next week we're going to the movies to watch part 2.  Note, no mention of popcorn (which I really love - I wonder if I'll be able to eat it when I get back to real eating).


Really, I am obsessing less about food than I was a month ago = I am a success !

Wine whine

When did you have your first tiny glass o' grappa? (or any wine for that matter). Grazi.

Cece, the old wives tale

I'm afraid I'm going to be a Lapband wives tale ... 'wasn't there someone named Cece who said she did everything right but the scale kept going up'?   Yes, I heard about her ... but didn't believe it was true ...


Sadly, again, it's true.  (I'm really trying not to get discouraged).


Yesterday's stats (via BodyMedia FIT):
Cals burned: 3106 - highest ever
Cals consumed: 1068
Deficit: 2033
Physical activity: 1 hr/45 - highest ever
Steps: 7370
Steps from pedometer: 11,256
water consumed: 96 oz
Protein: 70.7, Carbs: 86, Fat: 51.5
And the scale says: +.4


I guess I will be 'that girl' (oh, I though she was a myth) who followed the rules and didn't loose weight.  


Oh, and the bills for surgery are starting to roll in ...


I am seriously thinking about buying a new scale (I think this was Sweetie's old one - took it 6-7 years ago).


Now, you KNOW I'm not ALL about the scale but come on !  I'd like to SEE some progress on the darn thing !  In the last week (the 1st week of mushies)  the scale has bounced around but essentially has not moved. 


The only thing I am NOT doing (as I can tell) is taking a multi-vitamin.  I pick them up on Saturday from the nutritionist.  


Deep sigh - carry on ...


On the bright side - this will NOT lead me to binging ...

It's a Fast Food Miracle

As soon as I'm done with lunch I am taking a nap.  While eating (and resting between bites), I thought I'd tell you about the Fast Food Miracle ...


Up super early today because I had to take my car in for service (it's always something).  Got up before my alarm and in Ronnie fashion :) - I went out for a morning walk.  Got back and my alarm had not even gone off !  Drove way across town for car service, met a g-friend for coffee, picked up protein powder from Sweeties, thought I forgot to lock the door, drove back 10 mins to find that I did lock the door, went to a craft store, got gas and started to get hungry about an errand or three ago.


Do you know how many fast food places I passed?  In the past, if I was hungry - I stopped for fast food.  When I got fuel - I would ALWAYS go in to see if they had Combos (another food from the devil).  Did I do that today? No, I did not ! I came home, made buffalo chix dip and I am ever so slowly eating it.  Now, I could mohw the entire cup serving because it is just that tasty and I am just that hungry but I resist (or resist as much as I can).  Did I mention that I am NOT using a chip or cracker as a conduit to get the awesome dip into the pie hole?  


It is a fast food AND cracker miracle !  So, I think for me - it's not the zillion food commercials on tv (when do you think I surf the net?  during the commercials, of course) - it would be when I'm driving and I'm hungry and there's food every where I look.  Lesson learned = don't leave condo. 

My Secret Bandit Made Me Cry !

In a good way :)


Boy, what an emotional day (not sure why).  Got up early to walk (inspired by Ronnie) and it was pouring rain - not complaining as we need it !  I could tell by the mirror that I was retaining water as I was all puffy (started wearing my CPAP again).  Stepped on the scale (see earlier post) - it was up.  


Tried booking my flight to Dusseldorf to see my sister and her family.  The Delta sale ends today and I want to pay for a portion of my tix with Skymiles.  After numerous attempts (and roughly an hour) of being unable to book the flight on-line - I call and find out that I need to fly Delta and what I was selecting was KLM.  WTH - I thought they were one in the same.  Apparently not so when using Skymiles.   Now I will have to fly into Frankfurt and take either another flight or train to Dusseldort ... and that's not a connecting flight - that would be a stand alone flight. Argh.


Had the best walk since surgery. Got back to my condo and I see that the door in the garage is open - just enough for a sweet fur-child to walk thru !!  I panic.  Coco knows she is not allowed outside and so far she hasn't bugged me to check out the real world ... I fly upstairs (talk about raising your heart rate) and there she is ... sitting like a little fur-nudist on one of her blankies.


I picked up the mail while out on my walk - my Secret Bandit send me a whole envie of super cool, much needed protein supplements AND, yes AND a treat for Coco !!  I'm telling you ... I started to sob just a bit ... oh, AND the envie had little stickers of kittens on it !  Thankyouthankyouthankyou Secret Bandit ... I needed a pick me up - and you came through ! 

Water - it's everywhere

I know I'm doing things right.  In fact, yesterday, was the first day I drank over 100 oz of water.  I'm up early today (6am over here in EST) to walk - and yet I hear rain (not a few pitter-patters but r-a-i-n).  Yesterday was a good calorie burning day and good 'activity' day according to my BodyMedia FIT.


Then, why oh why, is that darn scale UP ?? In fact, back UP to the weight it was a mere NINE days ago.  


Maybe the calorie intake of 545 (no breakfast)?  


I'm all about the math: 2421 calories burned and 545 calories consumed = deficit (in my world) of 1876. That's 53.6% of a pound, people !!


Oh well.  I know I'm doing things right.  


On another note - I have a question about my Ipod (note, get it - another note?) - the darn thing was suppose to be charging all night and it's still not fully charged.  Any ideas?

Secret Bandit Survey ...

1) What is your size for shirts, pants, shoes, etc.?  Any size you are inclined to post.

T-shirt and pj size - as big as possible.  Heck, I guess anything at this point - big a possible :(  Flip-flop size - 8 or medium.

2) Do you prefer to read with an old fashioned book, own a Kindle, EReader, Nook, or other electronic book?

While I love my Kindle ... I also like books, books, books.  Have I posted a photo of my 'in-home library' :)

3) What are your top 3-5 hobbies?

Just getting the hang of being a bandee ... I'm also big into organizing this year. I used to be a Stamper (Stampin Up) and while I'm getting out of that - I do see what a paper whore I am ...  I love to plan travel, travel and sailing.   

4) Do you have a favorite color?  If so, what is it?

Purple.

5) What motivated you to lose weight?

Two folks in my family were diagnosed with diabetes last year and it finally hit me - I cannot do it alone.  I need help. 

6) For vacations do you prefer the beach or the mountains?

Beach, give me the water any day of the week !

What's your favorite workout tune?

Before I get started yakking - could you share with me your favorite workout-pump me up tune?  I was jamming this morning to Marky Mark - Good Vibrations ...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eSN8Cwit_s


Weekend away with a g-friend was a good time !  No gastro-intestinal problems (which was my primary concern). Brought my own hummus, cheese, yogurt, eggs and I counted out 16 wheat thins (and pulverized them by chew-chew-chewing them) which was a vacation miracle unto itself.  Did I mention that my g-friend brought a box of chz-its and I did not even flinch.  Had a few salt & pepper potato chips (again chew-chew-chewed it to pulverization).  Three movies, four magazines, two naps and two sunsets = all good.


Trying to go to Germany to see my sister and precious niece and nephew.  Off to stalk the Delta Europe sale.  And after the news of the Dow today - wth - I'm better off investing in my happiness today rather than skinny retired self in 20 years minus 7 days :)

Loving the mushies !

Yesterday my calorie count was 1000 - what are the chances of that? (1 in 1000, I would guess) which is the highest cal count I've had since two days pre-op (7/19).


And the scale said - .6   ... hysterical.  Three days of 400-600 calories and no movement and then - ta dah - movement !!


Mushies yesterday were excellent: Trader Joe's chocolate yogurt, Cece's Chile and 10 Trader Joes Sweet Potato chips (chewed to death) and then for dinner went for Mexican and had 3/4 cup of a japaleno bean dip (yes, I brought a one cup measuring cup to the restaurant), 10 chips (chewed to death) and probably 5 tiny bites of fried ice cream.  Two pretty big burps (I'm such a lady) and I was DONE !! 


Between finding every bathroom everytime I walk into a store and ending the meal with a burp - I think I'm my own 3 year old.


Off with a g-friend to Caseville Michigan ... it's all I can do to NOT post a photo of the mitten that is Michigan ... have a great weekend Babes !

Dating and interviewing ... it's all about getting the call

It seems like I do a lot of career coaching for friends and I always say: it's always nice to get the call.  Even if you don't want the job.  Even if you don't want the date. It's always nice to get the call (for an interview or call for a date). 


Today I was at the gas station and started chatting with the guy at the next pump who was wearing a St. Maarten ballcap. He said he'd like to see me again (again??).  No, I didn't want to go out with him but boy, oh boy - dating, interviewing and NSV - it's just nice to get the call. 

Weight loss in inches

During the hoop jumping phase of the lapband process I had to go for a sleep study and I now have to (or should anyway) use a CPAP machine.  One of the things they track is: neck measurement ... went to the sleep doc yesterday.


Yippee ... I lost 1/2 inch in my neck ~~  now, don't get me wrong - I'll take any decrease anywhere but 'neck' loss really isn't at the top of the list of places that I'd prefer the weight loss to start !  Hello, I want to wear walking books one day! 


Other good news - my blood pressure was 120/80.  Allow me to back up.  I've been on antidepressants for years.  With a change in meds (a few years ago), I had to start taking bp meds.  Of course, being fat probably didn't help.  It wasn't until three days after surgery that I remembered that I hadn't taken my meds (yes, I know you're not suppose to go cold turkey with anti-depressants).  Well, I hadn't seen any of my 'signs' of depression so I thought - hey, well see how this plays out. Two weeks since surgery (time is flying) - still none of my 'signs' have appeared.   


Let me do the math:  I'm still off work so I'm not stressed.  I'm not seeing my depression 'signs' so I'm not taking my depression meds. I'm not taking my bp meds (just because).  Hmmm ... even in my post surgery stupidity (yes, I'm still having it) - I can figure out the answer to this one.  Work = medication. 

I love the Mushies - day 1

And, as an added bonus (for me) - I just like saying the word: Mush !


Kind of overdid it today and will not leave the condo tomorrow.  


First mush meal - thawed some of my chili (I love my chili) - measured out 3/4 of a cup.  Nuked. Magic Bulleted. Nuked.  OMG - it was divine !  Finished it up and I felt fine, not hungry, just done.


Second mush - 1/2 oz of softened sharp cheese.  Just the TASTE of it permeating my mouth was awesome.  I KNOW that I used to eat so fast that yes - I probably never really tasted it.  Boy, was that chz good - sliced super thin.


No-noodle Lasagna - 2oz ricotta, 1/2 cup Pomodoro sauce, some good shakes of parm.  Nuke.  OMG - it was divine !  Used my baby spoon and really savored every single spoonful.  Had one spoonful left.  Burped and thought - ok, I'm done.  I'm happy (scale be damned) - I'm happy !

The Party is Over

It's been almost a month since I started the pre-op diet and I've lost 20 lbs. The newbie loosing is (sadly) over ... yesterday's stats (according to my BodyMedia Fit):


Calories burned: 2611 (the most ever according to the Fit)
Steps: 5827 (the most ever according to the Fit)
Step on pedometer: 7782 (most since surgery)
Activity: 40 minutes


Food:  popsicke - 20 cals
Protein shake - 250 cals
1/4 cup of killer chz and broc soup from grocery store - no cals available
2 tbs of hummus - 70 cals
Water - 56oz - not a very good day - I'm hoping I forgot to record a bottle


And the scales says: NO MOVEMENT !!!  And actually, no movement since Monday morning (and Monday's calorie burned was  2601). Like I said, the newbie weight loss is over so I must remind myself: obesity was not built in a day :)


I have an appointment with the sleep doctor this morning. Just started wearing the CPAP machine again (since surgery).  I will be happy when that albatross is no longer around my neck, er, I mean no longer around my nose.


The party, however, continues for Coco - queen of the chair and one-half.

47 and one-half birthday !

Whoa ! I didn't realize that yesterday was my 47.5 birthday until later in the day.  Because I'm a first of the month baby - it's so easy to say - hey in ... 20 years - I BETTER be retired ... spending the majority of my time on a sailboat, in the Caribbean :)


This half birthday thing started when I turned 40.  As an aside, I spent my 40th birthday on a sailboat, in the Caribbean (ahhhhh).  That was my first real sail trip (sailed for a week) and let me tell you - there is nothing to do on a sailboat (if you're deck fluff like me) but drink, eat, read, sleep and think.  And that's where it occurred to me - hey, this is MY life.  I need to make sure that I'm doing what I want and to not let it pass me by.  The decision I made on that trip was: stop being a workaholic - start enjoying every single day.


Came home, started looking for a new job.  Didn't find a 'real' one.  Ended up finding one that would pay the mortgage (I was doing a ton of massage work at that time) so I took it.  Maybe not the best financial move but I was no longer a workaholic. 


'Back then' was when I really started paying attention to my finances (ie - will I be able to retire) so that was the birth of the Half-Birthday .... in other words, on 8/1 each year I am another half-year closer to retirement.  Am I on track for all of the things I want to do?


This year - yep, on 8/1 - I am working on the weight-thing.  All in all, I'm where I want to be :)

Yip yapping

Ok, I stole this from VickyD for my post today since I am PMSing and anything I post today would most likely be a bitch-fest and I'm dreaming about mushies and I am sure people are sick of reading about it drawing a blank on what to blog about.

1. What is your occupation right now ?

Chief Fur-Petter until I return to w-o-r-k as an HR Manager

2.What color are your socks right now?

None. I hate socks.

3. What are you listening to right now?

Law & Order, Criminal Intent

4. What was the last thing that you ate?

Two fudgicles

5. Can you drive a stick shift?

Yes. The 'kid' car when I started driving was a Chevy Chevette. 


Last person you spoke to on the phone?

Someone at some cardio billing place - paying a bill.  Lovely.

7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?

Yes, VickyD is one of my banding heros.

8. How old are you today?

47 and a-half (oh, found my next post)

9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?

College football

10. What is your favorite drink?

Wine

11. Have you ever dyed your hair?

I am so overdue for a cut and color ... so, that's a big yes.

12. Favourite food?

Cheese, pizza, cheeze-its ... so sophisticated ....

13. What is the last movie you watched?

Taken (Liam Neesom)

14. Favourite day of the year?

First day of any vacation.

15. How do you vent anger?

I USED to vent anger with food.  Not sure how I'll be venting it in the future ... 

16. What was your favourite toy as a child?

My Raggedy Ann doll

17. What is your favorite season?

Fall - love the cool weather, colors.

18. Cherries or Blueberries?

Blueberries.

19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?

If they want to ....

20. Where is you favorite place to escape?

I see that Vicky and I agree on this - give me a boat and my Sweetie and I'm :)

21. Favorite Tv Show?

Whatever is left of Law & Order

22. Living arrangements?

I live with my fur-child in my condo (the Pleasure Palace)

23. When was the last time you cried?

I rarely cry.  I wish I did - rather than hold things in.

24. What is on the floor of your closet?

I'm pleading the 5th.  I'm cleaning the closet so it's a whole lotta ugly in there right now.

25. Who is the friend you have had the longest?

My friend Lorna who I've known since 5th grade.

26. What did you do last night?

Went to the Sweeties.

27. What are you most afraid of?

Having my parents die.

28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?

Spicy - japaleno's would be divine !

29. Favourite dog breed?

I am a cat person and only like little dogs.

30. Favourite day of the week?

Thursday.

31. How many states have you lived in?

One state and two countries (USA and Deutschland)

32. Diamonds or pearls?

Pearls.  In style or not - I love them

33. What is your favourite flower?

Purple tulips.