Just a quick hello!

Hello all!  This week has been busy and FUN!  We went to the state fair yesterday and had a fantastic time.  It is so fun to see it all through my children's eyes, it is a whole different experience than on my own!  Had a few bites of yummy food and then was dumb and had a bite (ONE) of cheese curd....ummm....lets just say STUCK, BAD.  I thought I was going to puke on the spot but managed to hold it in and it passed in a few min.  Sometimes I get a little brave and it is not a good thing, I forget that I can't eat like I used to.  Other than that episode, things are great!  I am feeling good as ever!  Thank you all for your love and support.  This journey wouldn't be the same without you all!!!

Just a quickie...

Today is 5 weeks since I have been banded!! I am stuck at 233 the last couple days, but oh well.  I definetly see and feel the difference so I am not going to obsess.  I just have a quick NSV to share.  SO...before surgery I was a size 22, yesterday I went to get my son some clothes for school and decided while I was in Old Navy I would try a few things on because so many of you suggested it to me for some new, cheap clothes.  I have NEVER been able to wear ANYTHING Old Navy.  NEVER.  Well, I tried on about 456,789 shirts all XXL and they were too big...WTF are you kidding me?  So what did I do...kept trying on XXL.  DUH! Eventually I went and grabbed some XL stuff and tried that on and guess what? I walked out with two shirts size XL. I was ecstatic.  I also tried on some jeans size 20 and decided against it because they were a little two roomie, I could have squeezed into an 18, but they would have been a little snug.  I just can't believe it.  It feels so good.  I can't even fathom what the next year will bring!  Well, time to hop on the elliptical, I am determined to kick some ass in the challenge!!!  Have a great day!

Just a quick note and picture!

I got a letter from my surgeons office that I needed to reschedule my first fill appt.  I was TOTALLY bummed, but guess what?? They got me in a week EARLIER and so I get my first fill Sept 1st at 9am!  I am totally excited and in much need.  I have been stuck at the same weight for the last week or so and for sure notice things going down easier and easier everyday.  Also I am not full as long!  WHEEEE!!!

Anyway...here is a new pic.  I took it yesterday so I could really look and see how much weight I have lost...because well...sometimes I don't see it quite as much as others do.  All I have to say is HOLY SHIT!  I can really see it and it is so exciting!  I really see it in my face and I can actually really see the collar bones now,WHOOT WHOOT!!

Desperately need new clothes.

Well I am happy to say it is that time.  My clothes are getting WAY to big and frumpy and I look terrible.  I am wondering if you ladies have any ideas how to keep my cost down.  Do you just thrift it?  I like thrift store shopping but hate it at the same time because cute plus size stuff is hard to find.  At least in my neck of the woods.  I am now in a solid 20 now.  This is what I was when I got married.  Maybe I will dig my wedding dress out and see if it fits again just for fun!  My seventh wedding anniversary IS coming up in a couple weeks! LOL.  Anywho, just wondering what you ladies do for clothing as your shrinking away??!!

Things I have learned in the last week....

-You must take small small bites and chew, chew, chew.  If you don't....OUCHIE!  No PB's yet or nothing stuck for more than a few sec, but damn it hurts when it is.

-Even if you take small bites, and chew....sauce, sauce and more sauce.  I need to find some more recipes for yummy sauces.  It makes things go down SO much nicer.

-SLOW DOWN.  Nuff said.

-And last but NOT LEAST, constipation SUCKS!  They warned me, but I was a well....lets just say....very regular pooper before band and thought it would even things out. NOPE.  UGH, it hurts.  I took some stool softener this am and am waiting for it to kick it.  It taste like straight turpentine though so I only take it when necessary.  I can't wait till I am on regular food so I can get more fiber in.  Soft food is working though and I am learning some good things...I guess.  ;)

Toodles! Have a great weekend!

I know it has taken me FORVER and I am sorry.  Thank you Grace and Pamela for this nomination!


7 Things about myself.

-I LOVE sewing.  I am fairly new to it, but grew up in a family with a lot of women that sewed, quilted, you name it.  I recently thought I needed to continue that legacy and bought a sewing machine and a serger and  LOVE sewing.  I sew mostly for my daughter, but am learning and hope to be sewing for us all soon.


-When I was 18 I packed everything in my Ford Tempo and drove across the country all by myself.


-I have a baby in heaven.  I lost my first baby and it was a terribly tragic event in my life.  My hubby and I were just married and we were devastated.  However, without this experience I wouldn't be who I am today.  Baby Lily taught me SO very much and continues to as I have been able to be a shoulder for many other woman who have lost babies.


 -I love, love, love reality TV.  I know....it's sick.


-I used to work in a factory and did welding.  My husband finds this VERY humorous.  I was good at it too!


-I hate yogurt.  Ewww.  I eat it because I know it's good for me, but I hate it.  It's gross and sour and ewww.


-As a kid I swam competitively for 7 years.  I also did diving and synchronized swimming.  I was a fish, literally.  


Now my nominations..... This is tough, most of the blogs I would nominate,  have already been nominated.  
I need to research this a little......I'll be back!

Learning, learning, learning and BYOC

Yesterday was a day of realization for me.  I really did this,  I really had surgery that placed a band on my stomach to help me lose weight.  This isn't just a dream.  I HAVE lost 27 pounds and counting.  I feel great,  I feel empowered, I feel successful!  There are so many things in my life that my "fat self" has gotten in the way of.  I may have followed through with these things and completed them, but they were never what they should have been, because in the back of my mind, I was just a fat girl.  Well, guess what?  I am no longer "just the fat girl".  I am a beautiful, strong, independent, humble, loving, woman who has chosen to do something positive for herself and is going to enjoy the journey every step of the way.  I feel like I am finally now able to embrace the woman I am, to enjoy who God made me to be.  Not just the good things either.  I am who I am for a reason.  It doesn't matter what anyone thinks, not my mom, not my dad, not anybody.  I have chosen a better life for myself and my family and THAT is what matters.  It was a brave decision and it deserves to be embraced and celebrated EVERY step of the way.

BYOC1.  Do you remember your last dream?

YES.  It was a icky one that involved my children and I don't want to think about it again so that is 'nuff said!

2.  Which is your favorite body part of the human body and why?

I love arms.  Probably because I have my Nana's icky old lady saggy arms and wish they were well....not saggy old lady arms.  
I love men's arms as well.....big strong, sexy arms.  My hubby has nice ones! ;)

3.  Tell me about your first kiss...


Chad Johnson.  Fifth grade.  Truth or dare.  I was IN love with this boy and was so excited, but scared and it was just a peck.  I look back and wish I would have just layed one on him.  LOL
4.  How big is your bed?

KING!  We used to have a queen, but two years ago bought an amazing memory foam bed that is big enough to fit the four of us if need be.  I LOVE it, it was expensive and a bitch to get into our room, but SO worth it.  It's my favorite place in our house, hands down.  ;)
5.  Repeat question....whose blog or comment stuck with you the most this week and why?



Definitely Stephs poop blog.  EWWWW.  Who does that?? 
Also, myself.....I was being a whiny little baby and needed a slap in the face.  I chose to do this, stop bitching and whining and get back on your happy train.  This IS A GOOD THING!!!

I have been a whiny boob....I am sorry.

Well, today is 3 weeks post-op!  My cold is gettting less and less and the fog is clearing.  I have been a whiny little baby and I am sorry.  I really had no idea how this surgery would effect me and I guess I was living in la la land.  Again, I am feeling better these days so I will let the last 3 weeks go.  Today I was down 2lbs for a total loss of 27lbs so I am now at 233.  I don't remember the last time I weighed 233.  I am excited!!  I am going to start working out again at least 3 times a week and hope it keeps dropping off like it has been.  This is exciting and I will enjoy this ride while it last because I know there is a point where the weight loss will slow.  That's about all I have for now, I am off to help my hubby revamp his resume!  Have a great day all!!

Oh yeah!  Only 23 more pounds till I get my nose pierced!!  I can't wait!

I have been a whiny boob....I am sorry.

Well, today is 3 weeks post-op!  My cold is gettting less and less and the fog is clearing.  I have been a whiny little baby and I am sorry.  I really had no idea how this surgery would effect me and I guess I was living in la la land.  Again, I am feeling better these days so I will let the last 3 weeks go.  Today I was down 2lbs for a total loss of 27lbs so I am now at 233.  I don't remember the last time I weighed 233.  I am excited!!  I am going to start working out again at least 3 times a week and hope it keeps dropping off like it has been.  This is exciting and I will enjoy this ride while it last because I know there is a point where the weight loss will slow.  That's about all I have for now, I am off to help my hubby revamp his resume!  Have a great day all!!

I thought I was going to die.

Well after another week or so of no posting I am back yet again.  I am having a hell of a time coming back after this surgery.  Tomorrow will be 3 weeks post op.  I am still stuck at 25lbs down, but I will not complain, it could be worse.   My son had a cold for a day and I think because of my surgery and healing, ect, I got it....BAD.  I have literally been back in my bed for the last 4 days and only today am feeling a little better.  I am hoping this it it for being so run down and I can get back into my daily routine with the kids and working out so I can get more weight of!  I am getting excited about the prospect of shopping for my new smaller body.  I have had quite a few NSV's  over the last week, it's been great!  EVERYONE is noticing my weight loss and finally so am I!  I looked in the mirror the other day and saw collar bones!  SO exciting, they have been hiding for awhile.  I am hoping to take some pics this weekend and see if I can see the progress in them.

I am noticing the swelling going down.  I am eating more without issues and am feeling less "full" after eating and drinking.  I am sure a fill will be greatly appreciated in 3 weeks.  I am still on purees and it's going well.  Lots of ricotta cheese, cottage cheese mashed, ff refried beans, chili, black beans and even some chicken and black beans that I pureed.  My hubby thought it was the most disgusting thing ever, but I thought it was HEAVEN.  Oh yeah, scrambled eggs as well. They were a little bit difficult to go down at first but I LOVE ranch dressing so I just put a little ranch on them and they slide right down.  I am finding it more difficult to make my 1/2 cup last a half hour with less restriction, any ideas there?   Well, I think I am going to put in a short work-out video and talk the kids into "dancing" with me!  Have a good day!

Today is a better day.

First off, thank you all so much for your kind and kick you in the butt (Stephanie) comments yesterday.  I was having a total Debby Downer day an I felt like shit.  Today, I am determined WILL be better.  I slept from 4pm to 8pm and then went back to sleep at 10 and slept till 9am.  I feel rested.  Part of the issue is that I have 2 kids and take care of another little girl with special needs 3 times a week and I feel guilty for making them sit in the hot house one more day so we go do something and it just does me in.  Yesterday we went swimming and then I  had to take my son to physical therapy...it was just too much. I have to learn that I have boundaries right now and stick with them.

On another, more positive note.....the scale is down one more pound today! Woot!  I did 10 min on the elliptical yesterday and could have done 5 more, but was feeling a little dizzy and didn't want to push it.  Well, kiddos need fed.  Thanks again for your support ladies.  I SO wish I could scrap up the money to go to Chicago.  I just applied for another job today...maybe if that works out I could make it work!  We will see!

Another quick one...

 I feel so tired and weak and am seriously wondering why I did this to myself.  I am hoping it gets better.  Ugh.  Anyway...I am still not to hungry and am now on purees, but should I eat if I am not hungry?  My husband says yes because it will help with my energy, but if I eat to much I feel sick and even worse.  Even if I drink too much.   I just don't know what to do or what to think anymore.  I am following all the rules and still feel like shit.  I know...it will get better, but right now it sucks, it sucks big fat donkey balls and I don't like feeling this way.  :b

Total slacker, and 2 weeks post-op.

I have been a total slacker at reading and posting the last week.  We only have one computer right now and it is ALWAYS overtaken by the hubs.  Also, I have just been trying to rest and heal.  I wake up in the morning and feel great. I do something and then I am so tired and sore I am done for the rest of the day.  It seems like it gets a little better everyday, but man....I am tired.  If the dizziness doesn't get better, I may have to go see my GP and see what he says.  I haven't lost anything in about 5 days.  I am now down 23 pounds.  Why no loss in the last few days?  I am trying to get enough fluid and am ONLY eating my 1/2 cup three times a day, I am confused about no loss.  Oh well, next week I am getting back on the elliptical and hopefully that will help.  I am now on purees and get to have scrambled eggs as well.  The eggs are going down but it takes a bit, I can definitely feel my band.  That reminds me, I still need to name the girl,  I will think on that some this week.  Well, the children are screaming that they are ready to go swim......I better get the show on the road.  Hope all is well with you lovelies and I am gonna try to blog a little more this week, at least do BYOC on Friday. Toodles!

Dizzy!

I have been getting really dizzy the last couple days.....anyone else experience this post-op?

1 week!

Yesterday was one week since I have been banded!  Things are getting better everyday.  I am still a little tender and yesterday I did WAY to much, like gave my big beast of a dog a bath and I payed for it last night and today.  I took it WAY easier today.  I had my post-op appt this morning and all is good.  I am now on full liquids and tolerating that great!  I met with the nutritionist today and I still can't figure out how they expect a person to get 60gms protein a day when the only want you to eat 1/2 cup three times a day.  Even if you eat really high protein foods, with only half a cup it seems nearly impossible without adding in a protein shake here and there.  They said I could have protein shakes now, but as I progress I need to phase them out.  I still say if I need the protein I will have one.  The protein powder I use is only 100 calories per scoop and no carbs or sugars.  What do you all do?  Well, that's about it, pretty uneventful around here.   Well one more thing....I am down 10 pounds since surgery so that is 20 pounds total!!  The doc did warn me that I may gain some back as I add more food, but thats okay.  They told me my first fill in 6 weeks will be 6cc!!  So exciting! Toodles

SO much better.

Thank you all so much for your kind and supportive comments the last couple days.  I am feeling LOADS better today and even got out of the house for a bit.  My good friend April came to  pick me up and took me to Target, it was great!!  Target is one of my favorite places.  April had gastric bypass about 3 years ago and she has been great suppport.  I called her this morning and told her I woke up starving, she said I needed Jello.  I didn't have any sugar free Jello so I got some while we were there.  The Hubby just made it for me and I can't wait to eat it! I didn't think I would feel hungry today, but I do.  I could eat a horse.  Well.....not really my band would definetly stop that at this point.  I am actually feeling my band, its awesome and weird all in one.  If I take to big of sip I feel it, if I drink to fast, I feel it.  There is lots of gurgling going on in there.  I bought a whole bunch of stuff for next week as well.  Buttery grits, creamy soup,  pudding, and lots of yummy teas and juices that I can even have now.  The next few days will be difficult as I can feel the swelling going down and the hunger start, but I know I can do this.  I just have to make it to Tuesday and then I am on full liquids and can add in my protein shakes as well and I do love those.  Well...off to nap, I took some pain meds when I got home from Target because my tummy was killing me and they are kicking in.  Thanks again for your comments, keep em comin!!

*edited to add the following*
As soon as I woke from surgery I had a lot of pain in my left shoulder and it has continued for that last several days. They said it was from the gas they pump into you. Today it was better until about an hour ago and it got bad, really bad.  I took a hot shower, put the heating pad on and hubby ran to Walgreens and got me some Gas-X.  It has subsided, but is still there.  I have researched it a little and it seems a lot of banded people had this shoulder pain post-op and some continue to have it and get it as a warning they are heading toward eating to much. Some also said it is due to a nerve on or around your diaphragm that gets pressure put on it from the band caused by swelling or overeating.  I will talk with the surgeon at my post-op on Wednesday.  Have any of you experienced this and what did/do you do to relieve the pain?

Gas, pooping, and chest pain.

Well, I am still FULL of gas.  I have been walking as much as I can, but it wipes me out.  I keep feeling like I need to burp and then get this terrible chest pain and pain in my left arm and don't burp.  It hurts and I can't figure out if it's my band or what it is.  I am suppose to drink at LEAST 48oz of fluid a day, but with all this gas a few sips and I am uncomfortable.  Any suggestions?  Also I had surgery Tuesday and still haven't pooped yet...is this okay?  They gave me stool softeners to take, but said only to take them if I was constipated.  I don't feel constipated, so I haven't taken them.  Should I be pooping by now?  Thanks for all your supportive comments.  I am trying to hang in there, but am a little discouraged today.  This gas is killing me.

BYOC

1. Let’s brag a little….what’s the best perk you’ve ever had in your job (current or past)? Any employment counts - even if you’re a stay at home mom – you have perks (and the hardest job ever in my opinion).

The best perks I had at a job was working at a medical clinic.  We had lots of  "free" drug rep lunches and dinners.  They were always at fun, swanky, expensive places that I could never afford.  

2. Do you ever lie in your blog?

No.  If I can't be honest here, why blog?

3. What do you wear to bed?

My bedtime outfit of choice is nude.  However, with 2 kiddos now it is panties and a t-shirt.  You just never know when you will need to hop out of bed and clean up puke or calm a screaming baby.

4. Where do you go for advice?

I am blessed to have many great friends and family that are always willing to lend an ear and give advice.  My husband is great at it as well, but sometimes he just wants to fix things and I don't always need a fixer.  Also when it comes to this lapband journey, here in blogland I have gotten amazing, honest advice that has been incredibly helpful.

5. Repeat question. Make someone a superstar without using a blog award. What comment or blog stuck with you the most this week and why?
 

Honestly, I have been so doped up on pain meds that I don't really remember the blogs I have read.  LOL.  I  do remember seeing a picture of Drazil all sassied up in her biker gear and thought....."she looks hot!"  Also, some pics of Amy with her girlfriend and they are SO very cute.  

I am alive!!!

Well ladies! I did it, I am now on the other side.  I am a banded woman.  Before I talk about my experience, I have say I am a person who lets it all out there.  I don't  hide facts, I really like to tell it how it is, because I hate experiencing things and thinking...why didn't anyone tell me about THIS.  Like having a baby...no one tells you all the nity grity, nasty details. I remember thinking when I was in labor and leaking fluids everywhere, why didn't any one tell me? SO here it goes.....

I not only was banded, but also had a hiatal hernia repaired.  I went in the morning of surgery and went through all the normal procedures, blood, urine, iv, etc.  They wheeled me back to surgery around 11am and and the last thing I remember was a mask on my face and them telling me to take deep breaths.  The next thing I remember is waking up to them taking the intubation tube out of my throat and it was scary.  I couldn't breath and my stomach hurt SO bad.  I was quite teary and the nurse kept rudely telling me to calm down and that she would get me some pain meds.  It kept hurting.  Finally after a half hour (I know this because she kept telling me what time it was) I was finally comfortable.  It was a little scary for me, but I got over it.  I then went to my room and stayed one night in the hospital.  The hospital stay was interesting, I won't go into detail about because it's not really important.  I will say this......I was in a lot of pain.  I kept thinking, what is wrong with you Sumer?  Everyone said it was way better than they thought it would be, but this was way worse.  I had a c-section with my last baby and this experience was FAR more painful.  My doctor then told me that it was because of the hernia repair that I was in so much pain.  I don't know why, I just know it hurt, and it took a while to find meds that would control it.  I came home the next day and honestly that night I thought I might have to go back to the hospital.  I was SO full of gas.  My stomach was so hard I felt like my incisions might burst open at any minute.  I am now on day 4 and I STILL have a lot of gas in there.  I am walking as much as I can and using heating pads, but am still really gassy. My lungs continue to hurt from the intubation, but are getting better.  How do you people do it?  I read on one blog that she went back to work 4 days post-op, going downstairs to get some broth poops me out.  I am holding on to the fact that each day is getting better.  Its hard to say if I "feel" my band yet as I still am so full of gas.  I will say that one Popsicle fills me up and I have to wait awhile to drink anything else.  I am trying to get the 48-64oz of fluids in, but it's hard, there just isn't a lot of room in there.
The experience was quite painful and continues to be somewhat painful, but I am excited to feel my band more and see what time brings me.  My BFF said I already look skinnier! LOL.  It was sweet.  Well ladies, just wanted to let you know I did it and am now one of you.  I am not trying to scare any of you out there that haven't been banded yet, just want to be honest,  MY experience was not like most I guess.  I didn't feel this way a couple days ago, but it WAS worth it and I know I will see that even more as I heal more and more.
Now I need to catch up on my blog reading.  Toodles!

Tell me it will get better after tomorrow...PLEASE!

So today is day two of clear liquid diet and I am starving.  I did okay yesterday till about 5pm and then it kicked in, stomach growling (loud), feel sick, hunger.  I woke up like that as well.  I am drinking a TON, but that seems to almost make it worse.  This morning I am trying an isopure, we will see how that does.  Will I feel less like this post banding? The thought of two weeks of liquids is making me scared.
My hubby was so sweet last night, my family had pizza and I made some comment about how it looked SO good and he said..."Not as good as that Jello looks!"  Ha ha.  It was total bullshit, but very cute.
Well ladies and gentleman....I think this is my last post as an un-banded woman!  See you on the other side!