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.