Puppy Pictures

This is sooooooooo  not related to weight loss but, I wanted to share the puppy pictures.  These are half pug half weenie dog!  They are so tiny they fit in the palm of my hand.  I wonder if they will still be cute when they get a bit older.  Such  a strange combo! 

Six little noisy rat looking puppies.  One did not make it.  But these six are LOUD.  How can something so small make so much noise?  It is one of lifes little mysteries.

How cute is that?  It is sound asleep with its tongue hanging out!

Isn't the momma gorgeous?  She is probably the prettiest pug I have ever seen.  And she is ROTTEN.







Ten Things Thursday

It is Thursday and that means.....................Ten Things Thursday, brought to you courtesy of the lovely, kind and always funny Laura at Beer, Dogs, and Getting Healthier.  I say this all the time but really, if you aren't a follower of Laura's.............well, go over there right now.  You won't be sorry!

1. This weekend is lovingly refereed to Hannahpalooza around my house.  With Halloween and my daughter's 11th birthday on Tuesday, we are having 4 days of partying and non stop fun!  I am a little worried about the candy.  I LOVE chocolate.  I pick through the kids candy every year. If they want to go Trick or Treating they have to pay up in Fun Size Snickers!  This year, as I am so close to Onederland, I don't want to indulge to much! Oh, the dilemma!
2. It is cold here.  Don't laugh.  It is 55 degrees.  In Texas, that is Arctic.  I had to wear a scarf to walk this morning.  The wind was whipping me around!
3. Yesterday, I reconnected with a friend that I have not talked to in about 8 yrs.  She saw my blog and said I look the same as I did before having my 3 kids.  THANK YOU LAP-BAND!!!!  It feels strange because I have kept people out of my life for so long due to the fact I was embarrassed about my weight.  Now, I can't wait to meet her for lunch one day!  What a great feeling.
4. I really want to get to Onederland.  Like, I can't stand it!  I don't have a lot of patience.  I know it will be very soon but, I am ready to be there.
5. Momma dog and all 7 babies are doing great!  Most will have the squashed up pug face.  Right now she is resting with at least 4 puppies attached to her.  My poor baby!  I can't imagine having 7 kids all sucking on you at once! 
6. We have added a new friend to our walks.  I love that she had gastric bypass about 3 years ago and can relate to the emotional part of the weight loss journey.  It helps to know I am not crazy and everything I am going through emotionally is normal.
7. I have to break it to my soon to be 11 year old that she will need booster shots.  Dear God in Heaven........she is all drama.  It should be a really fun talk!!
8. I have very little appetite.  I think it is due to my nervousness about getting to Onederland.  I guess whatever works to get me there!  I will take it!
9. I think since it is a breezy 55 degrees I will make a pot of chili for dinner.  Turkey chili. Ssssshhhhhh!  Don't tell the hubs as he swears he can tell ground turkey from ground beef (really he can't!).
10. If you get a chance, pop over to Laura's  blog and watch that video.  I am still giggling.  People are insane!

That is all...............Have a great Thursday!!!

Versatile Blogger Award

Versatile:  ver-sa-tile [vur-suh-tl] or, especially British, [vur-suh-tahyl]:  capable of, or adapted for, turning easily from one to another various tasks, fields of endeavor, etc.:  a versatile writer.

Word information source:  www.dictionary.com

Here is how the award works:

1.  You thank the person who presented you with the award.

2.  You tell 7 things about yourself.

3.  You award 15 other newly discovered bloggers.

Thank you so much Laura and Vicky for nominating me!!! If you are not already following these ladies on their blogs...........you are missing out! 

Ok. 7 things.

1. I'm the oldest of 4 children.  I guess being the oldest set me up for a lifetime of bossiness.  I have always needed to be in charge.

2.  I married my high school sweetheart.  How cliche right?  But it is true.  But we were on break in college.  Very Ross and Rachel, huh?

3. I used to be early to everything now I am always late.  I like to blame it on my 3 kids.

4. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest.  My junior year in high school I moved to Alabama.  Can you say culture shock?  The only good that came out of it was I met my husband. 

5.  I have 3 girls that were all born right here in Granbury, Texas.  They are true Texans with little twangy voices.

6.  I don't know if I want to admit this but.....................I was a cheerleader in high school.  I can really rock some spirit fingers.

7.  I am with Laura on this one...........I HATE to clean.  Seriously, like why didn't I marry into a rich family with servants.  Oh that is right, I married for love.  Dang!

OK. I'm only going to do 5 blogs because I've got to get working  Laura and Vicky did!  And I really have to go pick up the kids at school.  So here they are:

1. LaniBani

2. Amy

3. Ronnie

4. Elizabeth

5. Andrea

When Reactions Aren't What You'd Expected

Those of us that have lost or are in the process of losing a significant amount of weight have grown accustomed to the reactions we get.  The stares, the "OMG! You look so good!", the question, "What are you doing?"  These are reactions we have come to expect, so when we are faced with someone who shrugs off our success with little recognition.........well, it throws us for a loop.  What makes it worse is when it is someone we are very close to or love.  Sometimes, not saying much is saying a whole lot.  Silence is a word unto itself.

I have come across a lot of this lately.  I got HUGE kudos when I lost around 75 lbs., when I was losing but was still my fluffy self that people are accustomed to.  Now, I get a lot of silence.  I have even gotten ignored.  Ouch.

Why, when I am probably at the best place in my life, do you shun me?  Is it that I have a new found confidence?  That you can no longer push around the fat girl?

Is it because you really want to be successful at a diet?  You want to change your lifestyle?   Because if that is it, I am a great person to walk with, talk with, discuss your goals with, cry with and share your successes with. 

My personality has not changed.  Well, I have gained more confidence.  I think I am stronger now.  But, I am still funny.  I am still nice.  I am the same inside.

So, why does my outside appearance now change our relationship?

Do you feel I don't need you?  Because really, now is when I need you most.  This last part of my journey is going to be hard.  And the maintenance..........well, that is going to be a bitch. 

I need you now more than ever. 

I don't expect gushing congratulations.  I just expect support.  Acknowledgement that I am on the right track.  That you are proud to be my friend, my family, someone worth knowing.  Someone who matters in your life.  Is that too much to ask for?

**By the way, I am losing weight for ME, for my health.  So I can be around for my kids, grand kids and hopefully great grand kids.  I honestly don't need approval from anyone...........but it is nice.  It is nice to know you have people on your side.**

Horned Frogs, Carving Pumpkins and Puppies

This weekend was eventful to say the least.  I am going to do a recap by bullets, as I think that might be quicker.  

• Saturday, the girls and I joined my family for a TCU game.  We stayed until half time because they pretty much stomped the opponent (score was 69 to 0).
• I noticed walking steps is nothing now.  I used to be leery of stadium seating.  I guess when you are built like Humpty Dumpty you are afraid you might fall.  Stairs are no longer an issue.  Huge NSV.
• I saw my sister and her husband for the first time since having the surgery and losing 112 pounds.
• My crazy family decided to carve pumpkins.  My dad, who had watched some DIY special, decided to use a power drill to create polka dots in his pumpkin.  I think it was just an excuse to use the drill.
• My dog gave birth last night to 7 little rat looking puppies.  I will post pictures later.  Right now, momma dog is sound asleep with her squealing brood.
• We went to a hospital employee function last night.  Some people didn't even recognize me.  I love it when people look at me all confused and try to place me but just can't!  I guess I am becoming an attention whore.

I will leave you with tons of pictures from this weekend.  It never ceases to amaze me how I am a camera hog now.

My sister, the girls and me at the TCU game.

Me and my sister.

Me and my oldest daughter.

Go horned frogs!

My crazy dad and his power drill pumpkin.

Polka dot pumpkin.  I don't know why he thinks it is so funny.  My family is CrAzY!

The girls carving pumpkins.

The girls pumpkins.

Georgia's science experiment to see if pumpkin/toothpick boats will float.

My sister, Beth, giving me the judgey face.

Ten Things Thursday

Today is Thursday, which means Ten Things Thursday, the great tradition started by Laura at Beer, Dogs and Getting Healthier.  By the way, if you have not already become a follower of Laura's blog then you really should!  She is hilarious with a capital H.

1.  I have PMS or MS minus the P.  I had a really hard time motivating myself to get moving and walk this morning.  But I did.  I feel much better now!

2.  Vicky and Laura get to meet tonight for dinner.  I am so excited for them.  They are two of my favorite bloggers.  Have fun ladies!

3.  I have an appointment with my surgeon today at 1:00.  Just a check-in.  He actually told me during my last appointment that I could come every 3 months now.  But, that kind of freaks me out.  I like the one month accountability right now. It keeps me on track. 

4.  My oldest daughter has her 5th grade music program tonight.  And let me tell you, she is thrilled (not really!).  5th grade girls sure are moody little things.  I guess it is "dumb" to enjoy music class when you are 10.

5.  As the PTO President of the school, I had to go purchase the juice and cookies for the program.  My mouth was watering over the cookie selection at the store.  Never send a woman with TOM to the cookie section.  But, happily I resisted the urge to eat them, lick them or inhale them.

6.  I think my dog is about to give birth.  She has been following me around everywhere for the last 24 hrs.  The poor thing is huge.  I will post puppy pictures when they are born.  Weenie/Pug mix puppies will be a very interesting combo.

7.  I am tired.  Like really, really tired.  I am fighting the urge to crawl back in bed and take a nap.

8.  A special thanks to Lap Band Gal!, for the shout out yesterday.  She is a huge inspiration to those of us at the beginning of our journeys.

9.  My sister is coming to town this weekend.  It should be fun.  We are going to a TCU football game Saturday even though not a one of us went to TCU.  We are all die hard Auburn fans.  War Eagle, baby!

10.  My size 16's are fitting me very nicely.  Not too big and definitely not too small.  I just can't wait to get down to a size 14.  I have a huge arsenal of 14 jeans taunting me in my closet.  I have been throwing in extra workouts to help the process along.

Well, that is it for today.  Have a great day!

Sometimes, The Truth Stinks

I am not gonna sugar coat this.  Some people may not like what I am about to say.  But, it is the truth.  And as we all know, sometimes, the truth stinks.

In order to be successful with this tool we call a band you have to put in the work.  Really!  You have to eat right and *gasp* exercise.  That's right, you have to use self control.

I have seen a lot of belly aching on forums about how the band is not controlling peoples food intake.  How they aren't losing any weight.  That is should be easier.  If you signed up for easy then you had the wrong surgery.

My surgeon point blank said, "This is JUST a tool.  You will have to do the work.  It does not do the work for you."  Did I really believe him in the beginning?  No!  But, after the initial weight loss and a plateau I quickly realized that I would have to do some major work if I wanted the plateaus to stop.  Therefore, when a plateau happens (and they always do) I have to change things up.  Increase protein, decrease sugar and carbs, exercise a bit more, etc.

People, you have to work with this band!  Why is that so hard?  We did not get fat overnight and we are not going to get skinny overnight either.  It is going to take years of dedication on our part.

Sure, we all slip but you have to do the work 80% of the time (if not more).  No one promised us lollipops, gumdrops and rainbows.  No one told you this would be easy breezy.  So what made you think it would?

Is it hard work?  Hell yes!  Do you have to be dedicated?  Hell yes!  But, will you be able to say YOU did the work?  Yes!  That you are the one that worked the band? Yes. 

You do not have the right to complain about something you are not actively participating in. 

Nuff said.

6 Month Progress In Pictures

It is hard to believe that in 6 months my life has changed this much.  I have so much more energy, feel much healthier (all my blood work came back NORMAL!), my blood pressure is NORMAL and I just feel better about myself.  I am stronger and healthier than I think I have ever been in my adult life. 

My six month bandiversary was Oct. 5th.  So in honor of that day I have composed a little picture collage.  My proof of progress is evident in the pictures.  I think the pictures speak for themselves.

Oh, and shorts.................huge NSV!!!

Addicted to Exercise

Yesterday, it was quite apparent that my body is addicted to exercise.

Here is how my day went down...............

Up at the crack of dawn because the kids just had to eat.  I am not a morning person.  So, I became snappy mom.  Snappy mom had to have 3 cups of coffee in order to scramble eggs.

My husband was playing in a golf tournament.  That means we could have a lazy pajama day.  My butt stayed in my favorite chair and watched movies with the kids until late afternoon.  Then snappy mom made a come back and decided we needed to get productive and clean.

The belt on my brand new vacuum broke.  I alternated between being mad and being upset as I had to unscrew and take apart the vacuum to replace the belt.  My oldest child kept saying, "Mom it is just a vacuum.  Everything will be fine!"  There is nothing like the wisdom of a 10 year old to keep you grounded.

My husband returned from golfing about 5.  I was so excited there was another adult to talk to that I wouldn't shut up.  He on the other hand, wanted a nap.  Of course I took his lack of interest in the dress that I wanted to order online personally, and began to cry.  Then I got mad.  (HELLO CYBIL!)

He looked me square in the eye and said, "Have you walked today?"  To which I had to reply, "No".  "I think you really need to," he said.

So, I texted Lesley and away we went.

And you know what?

I felt so much better.

Crazy, huh?

My body craves that exercise.  I need it.  It levels out my moods (I have major PMS) and keeps me sane.
What a difference a year has made in my life.  A year ago, I would have reached for a cookie, now I reach for my tennis shoes. 

When I first started to exercise I despised it.  Now, I am in love with it. 

Let me say that again............I am in love with exercise.  Those were words I never thought I would say.  Sometimes, I surprise myself. 

BYOC

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. What’s your most favorite noise and your least favorite noise?
   Most favorite - belly giggles from my children or the sound of silence (it is a tie)
2. Least favorite - whiny noises!
3. If you were a character in the movie Grease – who would you be?
   Unfortunately, I would probably be a Sandy.  Because I am a rule follower.  But I do have a bit of a sarcastic personality like Rizzo.  So maybe a combo.
4. What was the name of your best friend in elementary school? Are you still friends?
   Shannon.  We rode my pink banana seat bike all over town!  We are FB friends.
   
5. Who is your current celebrity crush?
   Josh Dumel.  He is just a major hottie. Or Harry Connick, Jr.  because who wouldn't love to hear his voice as you wake up in the morning?
6. Repeat question. Summarize your week in real life and in blog land.
   In real life, In blogland..............I am trying to catch up on my reading and commenting.    But, I will say my eating and diary keeping have been really good this week. In real life, CHAOS. Since I am a sucker, and the PTO president at my kids school, I have too much to do.

10 Things Thursday

• My dog is a slut.  That's right.........a slut!  She is preggers with puppies.  She is a pug and the baby daddy is a weenie dog.  That is mixed up!  I guess love is blind.  I wonder what they will look like.
• Today is my long walk day.  6 miles.
• I am a creature of habit.  Every morning I have Greek yogurt and a banana.  BORING! 
• When I stepped on the scale this morning the number shocked me.  It was low.  But I am waiting to see if it "sticks" or is just a fluke before I log it.
• My brother is moving back to the great state of Alabama next week.  That makes me sad.
• Lesley (my walking buddy) has a dress that is a size 14 hanging in her closet that is taunting me.  I need that dress..................what weight were you when you got to a 14?
• I have contemplated going back on liquids for a week just to fit in the dress.  But, I enjoy chewing so..........it is not going to happen!
• I have a hole in my sock and it is annoying me but I am too lazy to get up and find a new pair of socks.
• My husband is banded too.  But he eats crap and it annoys the hell out of me.  Probably because I want to eat crap but am too type A to go through with it.
• In a month I am going to do a 5K with my daughter.  We are going to walk it though.  It is just for fun and just because I can.

That is it!  Have a great Thursday. 

How I Did It...........

Lately, I have had a lot of people asking me how in the world I have lost 106 lbs.  So here are my "secrets".  Which really aren't that secret or mind blowing!

1.  I had Lap-Band.  LAP-BAND not Gastric Bypass.  They are completely different.  Nothing has been re-routed or cut in me.  My insides are all accouted for.  If you do not know the difference and want to.......google Lap-Band vs. Gastric Bypass.
2.  I log all my food and drinks on http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ .  This has been one of the best decisions.  Even when I was not exercising, I knew exactly what I was putting in my mouth.  Everyday.  Everything.  That is my motto.
3.  I walk.  EVERY DAY.  No exceptions.  When I first started this journey I did not exercise.  It wasn't until I had lost about 50 lbs. that I felt I had the energy to exercise on dry land.  I began by swimming and pretty soon I wanted to up my game.  Really! 
4.  I drink at least 100 oz. of water a day.  I do not drink soda.  EVER.  This is because I was a Diet Coke junkie.  About 8 Diet Cokes a day.  For me it is like crack.  I don't even want a taste because I know that if I have it, I will only want more.  In the beginning I used Crystal Light or flavored water.  Now I drink it straight up.
5.  I watch my sodium.  Sometimes I watch it as I lick chips. But, I am always aware how much sodium I have.  Why?  Because I am salt sensitive.  Any salt intake will make me retain water.  And when I retain water the scale will not budge.  This is something I struggle with.  Because I LOVE chips.
6.  I have an open communication with my surgeon.  I tell him EVERYTHING.  Which probably annoys the hell out of him.  But, I figure my success is also his success.  I don't think he really wants someone who is not succeeding as a representation of his practice.
7.  I try to get adequate rest.  Try.........because by nature I  am a night owl.  But, I have noticed when I get more sleep I crave carbs less.
8.  I take a fist full of vitamins every morning.  Because if I were to go bald due to a vitamin deficiency........well, I don't want to discuss it.  I would cry myself to sleep while in the fetal position.
9.  Here is a biggie.  I do not eat fast food.  It is the devil.  It is what made me fat in the first place.  I am a control freak, so cooking and eating at home give me the control I crave.  Have I eaten out?  Sure, but I have not been to the golden arches since being banded and I do not intend to go back. Just the smell of grease makes my stomach turn now.
10.  When I am worried, upset or mad I strap on my tennis shoes and walk.  I, like most over-eaters, am an emotional eater.  I have really worked on breaking the cycle.  I want to be able to feel my emotions not eat them and shove them down.
11.  I do not have taboo foods.  If I want something I eat it in MODERATION.  I also eat it in front of people.  There are no secrets.
12.  I no longer have the "all or nothing" mentality.  Before, if I fell off the wagon, I would beat myself up about it.  I would tell myself I was worthless.  That I was a loser.  Not anymore.  One day or one week is only a blip in the calendar.  Everyday is an opportunity to start over fresh.

So there you have it.  Just a few things that have led me to a new healthier and happier self. 

Believe me, if I can do this anyone can.

No More Salt!

Well, I have been battling the same 2 lbs. now for a few weeks.  Up to 214 then back down to 212 and back up again.................

I wish I could blame it on TOM, thyroid, anything really!  But I can't!

You see, I love me some tortilla chips.  And the last few weeks I have been licking the salt off the chips (literally!).  Salty and I do not get along as I am a retainer of water.  You can call me the human sponge. I have eaten chips with queso, salsa and plain.  Almost every day.  Is it a lot less than pre-band?
Yes!  But still, I know better.

I have been walking every day and  justify eating the crap because I exercise so much.  Which is WRONG!!! 

So, I am pledging to eat better this week.  More lean protein and no salty snacks.

Accountability sucks!

Coat $$$

By the way, the black trench coat at S*m's was only 39.98!!!!!  Thought y'all would want to know that! 

Internet Snafu

Is that how you spell snafu?  I don't even know if it is a real word.  But, a snafu is what I have been experiencing when trying to log onto the Internet.  2 whole days I have been without communication to the outside world.  I haven't been able to check blogs, log my food, e-mail or FB!  It seems they have been working on our communication tower here in the country.  And, seeing that we country folk aren't important........they have made it a 2 day project.  However, as of last night our Internet is working at mega fast speed.  I feel whole again.

Yesterday I traveled to the big city to do some PTO shopping.  While at the big warehouse store that starts with a S and is part of the Wally World corporation,  I found a trench coat.

It is the perfect weight for down here.  Not heavily insulated but lined and waterproof.  I bought a size XL to give myself a little room in the bust.  I am sure in a month it will be a little bigger and perfect when I need to wear a sweater under it.

I am still in complete shock that something out of the regular size department will fit.  Last year at this time, I would have been looking for a 3 or 4X in the plus size.

A whole new shopping world has opened up.  UH-OH!!!  Boy, is my hubby in trouble.  I don't know if I have revealed this before but I was a fashion merchandising major in college.  I used to eat, breathe and sleep fashion.  Now I can shop anywhere again.  My bank account may never be the same!

But, it sure is nice not to have to question whether I will fit into something.  Again, it is very surreal to me. 

I hope all of you out there in blog land have had a great few days!  I am really enjoying seeing all the pictures from BOOBS.  Hopefully, next year I will be able to go.

I will leave you with a picture of the purchased coat.  When I looked at the picture I smiled real big because my waist is reappearing!  DIVINE!!!

The yoga capris and bare feet really make this jacket pop!  HA!