....it's beginning to look alot like Christmas!

Thanksgiving was wonderful! I enjoyed a 5 day holiday and other than going by a wee bit fast, it was perfect. I hope yours was as well! Eating was pretty much right on. I got stuck several times with Turkey, but it was my fault. I did indulge in a small bite of green-bean casserole and a spoonful of pumpkin pie on Friday. What would Thanksgiving be without pumpkin pie?

I broke my December 1 rule this year - I just couldn't wait. Our trees went up and our house was decorated on Friday. Everything looks so beautiful. We went to the Fantasy of Trees yesterday for the first year; beautiful! I think we will make it a yearly tradition! We have so many events coming up this month to celebrate the season, it's gonna be the best Christmas season we've had in a long time.

This week, I start on my New Year's Eve goal: -12 (for a total of -50) I'VE.GOT.THIS!

I leave you with pictures from the weekend.

Have a beautiful week, my friends.

Thanksgiving Day - Jamie and I



 Thanksgiving Day - Me with my momma

Thanksgiving Day - J and his mom

                                                          Thanksgiving Day - My brother and I

                                                                 Thanksgiving Day - J and I

                                                    Thanksgiving Day - My niece Rachel and I

                                                      Thanksgiving Day - My Mamaw Bea and I

Thanksgiving Day - My brother and cousin Jody

My beautiful (real) Christmas tree! 

                                                           Main Bathroom - I love these Santa's

                                                           Fantasy of Trees - Merry Christmas!

                                                   Fantasy of Trees - These trees were gorgeous!

                                                      Fantasy of Trees - Handbells and caroling

                                                                  Fantasy of Trees - 'tis me

                                                                            Fantasy of Trees

                                                                          Fantasy of Trees

                                                             Fantasy of Trees - Me and my love

                                                  Fantasy of Trees - Wonderland Village

                                                                       Fantasy of Trees 

Fantasy of Trees

Weigh-in Wednesday (one day late)

It's late, on purpose! If you follow my goals here, I've been working on a Thanksgiving Day goal since Halloween. Well, I made it. I did it. I am so proud of myself and frankly, just so darn happy with me. My next goal is a loss of -11.8 by New Years Eve, for a total loss of -50. I.love.this.band.

Starting weight: 258.8 (August)

First Fill: October 21

Last weeks weight-in: 224.5

                                                                                               This weeks weigh-in: 220                                                                                    

                                                                          

                                                                                     -4.5

                                                                                

                                                                                      Total loss: -38.8

                                                                                      Total loss this month: -22

                                                                                        
                                                                                        ♥

Today, I fit into Size 16 Old Navy Jeans.

I have not been in a size 16 since 1999.

Holy Wow!
That is all.



Bad bird, bad!

I hope everyone has had a beautiful and delightful weekend. My brother and my 5 nieces and nephews arrived after work on Friday and stayed the weekend. I love them so much and enjoy every second spent with them!

My fill went great on Thursday. I'm not quite sure the amount of fill. He said "it's very common to loose some of your first fill, so I put you back at 6cc's." To be honest, I don't think my first fill was a full 6cc because I have such lovely restriction with this fill vs my first fill. I've gotten stuck a few times, sadly. And speaking of sad, if you remember I love, love, love Thanksgiving turkey. Love it! We had dinner after church this morning and while I shall brag that I went through the line and only got 3 small pieces of turkey breast and a spoonful of salad greens, the outcome was terrible. After 3 small bites of turkey, it.got.stuck. Gah! Why turkey? Why? Why? Why? My brother, who had sleeve earlier in the year, re instructed me on how I have to chew, chew, chew since it's a dryer and stringier meat. Although I didn't PB, it took an hour or so before the pain went away. Later, I tried nibbling on a piece we brought home - and the pain resurfaced. Boo! I have got to come up with an alternative for Thanksgiving Day. I might have to put it in a processor and mutilate it. Either way, I will prevail! So if your a newbie (or seasoned) bandster - be careful with the bird!

This week is a short week. I worked holidays earlier in the year since I like to float to Thanksgiving and Christmas. (I like using PTO for vacations!) We will be having dinner numero uno at J's family and then later that day - heading to my hometown for a few days.

What's your holiday plans?

How can we survive Thanksgiving?

Fabulous Thanksgiving helpful hints from Hungry Girl; check her out here.

1. Eat beforehand
As tempted as you may be to do the I'm-gonna-save-all-my-calories-for-the-big-meal thing, don't! It's a bad idea. Why? 1) You'll be cranky. 2) By the time the meal comes around, you'll dive in, making unwise choices and likely overdoing it on high-calorie, high-fat items. 3) You'll feel sick afterwards. So what should you do? Have a smart breakfast (some oatmeal and fruit, maybe) and a light lunch during the day. Then you'll be less likely to attack the big meal like a hungry wildebeest.

2. Move it!
Activity is key. If you exercise regularly, don't break your regimen on Thanksgiving, of all days. If you don't work out, try to get in a little something, like a walk around the neighborhood, playing with the kids, etc. Heads up! Cooking and spending lots of time puttering around the kitchen not only earns you props at the dinner table, but it'll also burn about 140 calories an hour! (Average based on a 160-lb. person.)

3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Drink a good amount of water all day long. Not only is it all-around good for you, it'll keep you from grabbing snacks when you really just need some H₂O. And go easy on non-water drinks, especially ones full of sugar and/or alcohol. You don't want to tack on a ton of extra calories with a big meal ahead of you!

4. Pitch in!
I already mentioned how preparing the meal can burn a few extra calories, but the added bonus of making something for the feast? Not only will your friends and family ooh and ahh over your creation, but it also gives you a chance to get something a bit lower in calories on the table. If you know what's in it, you know how much of it you can have and for how many calories.

5. Choose wisely
It's really easy, once people start passing dishes around, to just take a scoop of everything. Don't! Take a moment when you first sit down. Assess the spread — there will be things you really want, things you kinda want, things you'd like to taste, and things you know are safe to eat. Grab from the last group first while you still have lots of room on your plate (lean turkey breast, non-sauced veggies, etc.). Then take a moderate amount of your super-faves, followed by a taste or two of unfamiliar items.

6. Treat yourself!
Don't spend all your time obsessing about calories — while it's smart to be aware of what you eat, you're not gonna have any fun if you don't cut loose a little and enjoy yourself. If the thought of sitting through a meal without having at least a small serving of stuffing or a little slice of pie is unbearable, eat it! Remember: It's a celebration... so celebrate!

7. Leftover-mania!
There are always leftovers. If you're hosting the get-together, stock up on disposable plastic containers that you don't care about getting back; try to hand out most of the food you don't trust yourself around and don't want to be stuck eating for a week. If you're visiting, see if you can snag some of that turkey, but don't let yourself get loaded up with heavy stuff and desserts!

8. "Fat" pants: A no-no
I'm only half-joking here, but don't put on the clothes you wear at your heaviest. Choose something to wear that's comfortable and classy — don't go specifically looking through your closet for something with an elastic waistband. And never unbutton your pants at the table. (Once again, only half-joking.)

Couresty of: Hungry Girl

Long time, no see.

Thanksgiving is just a week away, eek! I'm looking forward to my mini-vaca and going "home" for a few days. I don't live far, far away from my hometown but far enough to not make it there super often; I wished that were different.

My fill is this afternoon. I'm thankful my pure will-power will get some rest time. I've had good loss since my first fill, but it's been fueled by motivation, excercise and will power. I don't think being hungry within 2 hours after each meal is a good thing. However, I didn't let that fuel snacking or an excuse to eat more than I am supposed to. 

This picture?

This is me on my ride in this morning - I can see my lap! My legs! Hey stranger, your beautiful!  

Weigh-in Wednesday

Starting weight: 258.8

Last weeks weight-in: 227.8

This weeks weigh-in: 224.5

 -3.3

Total loss: -34.3

♥

I'm singing in the rain!

As I type, the rain continues to fall. This is now day 3 of cold and rainy weather. I don't mind so much. Actually, I've embraced the time and accomplished some extensive cleaning and organizing. Work has settled down from the start of the new Fiscal year so stress levels all around have simmered. It's not often you find a company you love and love the people you work with; but I do. I'm blessed.

I've officially invented and converted to a turkeytarian. O dear Jennie-O, how I love thee. I've found fabulous recipes and will be trying some over the next two weeks. Tonight, Turkey Meatloaf with chipotle peppers. Can I get a yum-yum?

This weeks big events, weigh-in tomorrow and my 2nd fill on Thursday. After tomorrow I should be within 5 lbs. of my Thanksgiving goal. The monthly visitor stopped in over the weekend; I'm hoping it doesn't effect my numbers. I can't wait to get a fill. I've been coasting on pure will power the last week. I've done well, but you know how it is.

I thought I would share my first set of before and current face pics. I am the least photogentic person on.the.face.of.the.planet. So, pardon the scariness! Also in my defense, the before pic was taken after working out thus the crazy hair and absense of make-up. Just sayin'.


9/7/10 - Taken the day before I started pre-op liquid diet. (Surgery 9/22)

11/16/10 - 7 weeks post-op.

Cute and free.

Planning meals and preparing your own food is the best way to stay on track to ensure you are getting healthy, quality foods low in fat and calories and high in protein. I ran across a cute meal and shopping list planner that you can download for free, here. I used it today to for our weekly menu and shopping list and just couldn't pass sharing it. Hope it can provide help to you on your journey.

Will this go away?

Quickly, as a fan of The Biggest Looser, I was very disappointed in voting results from Tuesday's show. Seriously, to the point of tears. Voting should be based on efforts and results not fueled by the end prize of money. Why does it have to be all about gameplay. I would think being there would have a bigger meaning. I'm also not thrilled with this years episodes of Glee. It's seems they are focused soley on pressing  issues in your face and have steered away from the purpose of the show, singing and music. I hope it survives. Moving on....

Last night I stepped out of my box and met a friend to hit the trail behind the gym. History: We worked together 10 years ago and were pretty close. We grew apart over the years and reconnected via Facebook about 2 years ago. We've been taking classes together at the gym but nothing one on one. She is a runner. She is working toward an 8k on Thanksgiving Day. I was nervous. She is so advanced to my fitness level and I thought she would make us run the entire 2-3 miles. It turned out not to be torture and I was able to jog about 5-7 minutes. I could not believe the difference of running on the park trail vs. the treadmill. I can do 1.5-2 miles on the treadmill and run for 20-25 straight minutes. It was a nice change of pace and in lovely weather. Tonight were back from BodyPump and Zumba. I'm 7.4 away from Thanksgiving goal.

Although I am down 31-pounds, I still see and feel the 258.8 girl. Compliments are daily and everyone is going on and on about how much I have lost. It makes me feel wonderful, honestly. I feel when I follow up my thank you's with "I really don't see it", that I could get a returned eye roll. But I don't see it nor do I feel it. I feel as fat as ever. Even my clothes that are fitting so loose and my newer smaller sizes, I still.just.feel.the.before.fat.  Will I hit my goal (170) and still feel like the largest person in the room? I want to feel as good as I am looking. I want to feel that people are just looking at me and not with a secret agenda of thinking about how overweight I am. I want to see the smaller me in gym classes instead of feeling like the unproportioned blob in the middle of the room. Will this go away?

Weigh-in Wednesday

Starting weight: 258.8

Last weeks weight-in: 229.8

This weeks weigh-in: 227.8

 

 -2.0

 

Total loss: -31

 

♥

Flattery, for the first time.

Happy Monday! It's such a beautiful day here in East Tennessee. It's sunny, cool and breezy; love it! I don't think I mentioned before but I got sick last week, around Wednesday. Friday I left work early and pretty much stayed on the couch the entire weekend. I'm much better today and so happy to be out of the house. I hope everyone else is well. It's that time of year when the sniffles and coughs like to appear; be sure to sneak in some extra Vitamin C over the next few months!

Last week I posted that my restriction wasn't quite as good as it was the first few days following my first fill, October 21st, and that my next fill was scheduled 6-weeks out on December 8th. Although my numbers have continued to fall beautifully, my restriction kind of just isn't there. It's almost like I want to eat something naughty, to get stuck, to know it's still there. Each day I am relying more and more on willpower as hunger pains are becoming more frequent. With Thanksgiving coming up, I called my doctor today and requested a 4 week fill, instead of a 6 week fill; they scheduled me for next Thursday. This makes me happy! Thanksgiving turkey is my kryptonite and I was so, so nervous going through the big day without restriction. I'm nervous anyways, as this will be the first food centered event I've been to, post-op. So far, nothing has entered my mouth outside breakfast, lunch or dinner and nothing unhealthy, at that. My will-power has been great, but if I had to solely rely on it, I wouldn't be traveling this journey, right? So, many thanks to my fabulous surgeon's office for getting me in a wee bit earlier.

I wanted to share something fabulous with you. I received a text from a friend this morning, telling me what a motivator I have become how I have jump started their efforts to shed thier extra weight. This was all kinds of flattery. Especially from this paticular friend. She is gorgeous, smaller than me and for her to notice and to actually be motivated from me, well, is just lovely. I remember just 3 short months ago when I was a few pounds shy of my heaviest at 260. I was so out of shape and so unhappy about myself. None of my clothes were fitting and my self-esteem had officially plumitted to its lowest. point. ever. Now a few pounds shy of being in the 'teens, life is great and I love the gym. Know there is always someone who notices your efforts. If we are taking care of ourselves, others will notice. And if we are fortunate enough, we can inspire others to be healthy with us. Everyday, your blogs inspire me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Simple alternatives.

Hello, lovelies.

Before you think you've landed in a strange, unchartered place; I've given my blog a little face lift. Formerly, "girl, banded", it became clear to me last night that for as long as I can remember, I've been chasing the chance to be skinny. The band has finally given me the tool to get there and I couldn't be happier. In fact, I've never been more focused. It's molded the way for a total life style change and I feel fantastic. I've incorporated wellness, healthy choices, accountability and fitness into my daily routine. For the newbies or those considering, the band isn't a miracle. It's a tool. A fabulous tool that makes each of our skinny's obtainable!

Second, holiday challenge begins today. You can follow my progress here.

I've had several emotional and stressful events occur over the past several weeks. For the first time ever, I haven't escaped to food. Instead, I hit the gym and hit it hard. 

• If you don't know of our fertility treatments, catch up here. We will be continuing with treatment # 4 in April 2011. In the mean time, I received a call from BF #1 on Tuesday of this past week, she is pregnant with her first! I received a call from BF # 2 the very next day; she is pregnant with her second! These are really hard calls to get when you have to gamble with treatments in hopes to have a child. Those on the same journey, understand this. I am so excited and happy for my girlfriends and that I get to share this wonderful time with them both. Hopefully I will get my positive with our next attempt and we can have our life dream of expecting together.
• My brother's wife of 17 years, decided she no longer wants to be married. They have five beautiful kids and so to say my brother's life has been shattered, is an understatement. I just can't wrap my mind around this.
• J has a fantabulous career but this is the companies slower season. Christmas is just around the corner and now begins the time to stress over finances.

We've heard our entire lives that turning to food when stressed, is never the answer. Insanely, it's taken me years to figure this out. I'm glad I've finally discovered other alternatives. Try blogging, going to the gym or even a short, brisk walk, calling a friend, drinking a glass of water w/ lemon or a cup of tea, or taking a bath. Doing something simple to divert your attention or going to your safe place where you can regain calmness, will simply save calories. Stress and emotional eating just isn't band friendly. We don't eat when were not hungry; therefore, if hunger isn't the problem, then eating isn't the solution.   

some friendly reminders.

Weigh-in Wednesday

Starting weight: 258.8

Last weeks weight-in: 234

This weeks weigh-in: 229.8

 -4.2

Total loss: -29

 ♥

Smaller sizes, bigger goals.

I survived Halloween with enjoying only a small York Peppermint Pattie; success! I can't say temptations weren't lurking having 5 kids for the weekend, but I did well. I've actually done excellent with temptations and food choice. My fill, almost 2 weeks ago, is ok. I can tell I don't have near the restriction I did a few days following, so I'm getting hunger pains about 3 hours after each meal, versus the 4-6 hours I originally had. I don't eat more than I should so I don't know how much over a cup I could eat. It's a lot of pure will power right now. I will do nothing to sabotage this and hopefully can get in for a 2nd adjustment prior to my December 8th appointment.

Friday afternoon I stopped in Old Navy (my favorite store) and was looking for something new to wear for the weekend. I took a size 18 jeans in the dressing room for giggles, just to see how much more I needed to loose before I could purchase. O-MY-GOODNESS did they slide on beautifully, zip and button right up? a size 18! My clothes are fitting so much better and I've been able to fit into things I've not wore in years. It's so exciting, possibly euphoric.

Having said that, as silly as this sounds - it wasn't until this weekend that it really set in how fat I had gotten. How the hell did I not truly know what I had done to myself? I've lost nearly 30lbs, yet I'm still a fat ass. I was in pictures over the weekend and just couldn't believe that I was still.just. big. People have noticed and have had many kind things to say, which puts me over cloud 9, but personally, I just want to see a skinny me. It's pushed me even further toward motivation and I will not stop until I get to my goal.

I've done awesome with my fitness goals! Tonight I start a 6-weeks Intro class to Nia. I'm excited to see what this really is; you can check it out here and here. I'm going to attempt Bodypump again tomorrow followed by Zumba. In addition to classes, I hit about 2 miles on the treadmill each night as well. My numbers are looking great and I feel wonderful.

I've not been this happy about myself in such a long, long time.