Except for all of you!
I went to my doctor this week for my LAST FORMAL CHECK-UP! How freaking scary is that? It has been almost a year since my revision to Sleeve surgery. He spent over 30 minutes with me....even though he had a waiting room full of patients. He basically said that I have surpassed his expectations of where he thought I would settle as a final weight and he said that I should listen to my body and give myself a 5 lb window to fluctuate. I'm ok with that. He had me crying and made me promise that even though I live 120 miles away, I would try to come back at yearly intervals. He said not only would it give him a chance to admire his work (I love him), but it would also give me some form of accountability. Really? I'm thinking I need more than a "oh, a year is coming up and its time to see my doctor! I better lose this weight I've gained! "
No. First and foremost, I need to be accountable to myself. Thankfully, I have Steve and my family to help me with that! Than, I need to keep blogging and keep up all the friendships I've made around here with woman who have become so special to me. Everyone is at different points on this thing we call a 'Weight Loss Journey'. It helps to step back sometimes and retrace our steps with those who are not as far along. It keeps me grounded, so to speak and helps me as much as I hope I help others.
I know I am not the only one who says "I'm not ever going to gain that weight back" but we all know how easy it is to slide with our weight and that is just a fact of life. The way I explained it to my doctor is, I feel like after losing all this weight, the slate was wiped clean. Getting the lapband and than the Sleeve basically gave me a chance for a "do over". I am now at a weight that I am healthy and comfortable with. I am in control of what I put into my mouth so I should be strong enough to respect myself enough not to gain it back! That is my plan. One day at a time. What an interesting concept, yes?
While I was at his office, he wanted to try out a new machine he has gotten since my last visit, the InBody520. It measured my weight, lean body mass and body fat mass. According to this sophisticated piece of modern machinery, I am at a 22 BMI (on a scale of 18.5 - 25 for normal) with a 30.6% of body fat (on a scale of 18.0 - 28 for normal). This means that I would need to lose an additional 13.4 lbs of fat and gain 2.4 lbs of muscle mass. At my current weight of 139 lbs, this would bring me to about 128 lbs! We both looked at each other and agreed....it is what it is. So much for $15,000+ machines!!! I am comfortable at this weight and so far, I am able to maintain it without any extreme measures such as exercising 2 hrs a day 7 days a week! There ain't no way this body is ever going to see a 1-2 before a number on a scale unless I am holding on to a towel bar!!!!! And we dont want to go there anytime soon...believe you me!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Hello...from?
I can't even keep track of where I am lately! I was in Key West for my hubby's birthday in mid-april and than a week later I was in Palm Springs for a long girls weekend and then what was supposed to be a 4 day trip to New York for the anniversary of the death of my dad and brother-in-law, turned into a 9 day trip! Yikes!
My younger daughter Jordan signed a lease for her first apartment and what kind of momma would I be if I wasn't there to help her move in? Actually, she was moved in just fine when I arrived on may 4th! We spent a few days racing around Long Island purchasing things such as a futon, dinette set, misc. tables and kitchen stuff! As the saying goes "it was the best of times, it Was the worst of times!". I could not wait for Steve to arrive on May 10th! Mallory couldn't wait either as she was the unofficial referee between Jordan and I...a role she hates evidently! I'm told Jordan and I have the same personality and we can both be quite stubborn at times. Who knew? Oh well, no one got hurt and now, two days being home again, I can honestly say I miss my girls!
The really nice part of the trip was that I was able to spend Mothers DAY weekend with my mother and daughters. It has been 4 years since we were all together on that day!
I didn't get any exercise in during my 9 days in NY and as usual there was a lot of eating out. My son-in-law kevin looked forward to all the leftovers i brought him from my many lunches and dinners out. I thank God I have my Sleeve to keep me in check! I so much like cooking myself! Eating out is nice once or twice but after that I'm done. Mallory and Kevin are the only family members who do any home cooking lately so I did have a few very nice dinners while there.
I'm sad to say that my next trip isn't until late August! We are doing a family cruise to Bermuda. I'm so excited! I just don't know if I can wait that long to see the girls again! I just might have to sneak in a few days on LI in early July maybe. We will have to see how busy a season I'm having with my real estate business. I got quite a few referrals while I was away so hopefully, there will be some closings to cover the cost of any "extra travel".
I'm back to my routine with exercising and eating. I'm happy to say that I have been continuing to maintain my weight even with all the traveling. The scale fluctuates between 138-141 it seems. Regardless of what the scale says, the personal training I invested in is really starting to pay off. I can see so much more definition in my arms, shoulders and even stomach! Steve even commented that my arms looked really good!
That made my day!
My younger daughter Jordan signed a lease for her first apartment and what kind of momma would I be if I wasn't there to help her move in? Actually, she was moved in just fine when I arrived on may 4th! We spent a few days racing around Long Island purchasing things such as a futon, dinette set, misc. tables and kitchen stuff! As the saying goes "it was the best of times, it Was the worst of times!". I could not wait for Steve to arrive on May 10th! Mallory couldn't wait either as she was the unofficial referee between Jordan and I...a role she hates evidently! I'm told Jordan and I have the same personality and we can both be quite stubborn at times. Who knew? Oh well, no one got hurt and now, two days being home again, I can honestly say I miss my girls!
The really nice part of the trip was that I was able to spend Mothers DAY weekend with my mother and daughters. It has been 4 years since we were all together on that day!
I didn't get any exercise in during my 9 days in NY and as usual there was a lot of eating out. My son-in-law kevin looked forward to all the leftovers i brought him from my many lunches and dinners out. I thank God I have my Sleeve to keep me in check! I so much like cooking myself! Eating out is nice once or twice but after that I'm done. Mallory and Kevin are the only family members who do any home cooking lately so I did have a few very nice dinners while there.
I'm sad to say that my next trip isn't until late August! We are doing a family cruise to Bermuda. I'm so excited! I just don't know if I can wait that long to see the girls again! I just might have to sneak in a few days on LI in early July maybe. We will have to see how busy a season I'm having with my real estate business. I got quite a few referrals while I was away so hopefully, there will be some closings to cover the cost of any "extra travel".
I'm back to my routine with exercising and eating. I'm happy to say that I have been continuing to maintain my weight even with all the traveling. The scale fluctuates between 138-141 it seems. Regardless of what the scale says, the personal training I invested in is really starting to pay off. I can see so much more definition in my arms, shoulders and even stomach! Steve even commented that my arms looked really good!
That made my day!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Back from Key West!
Steve and I went to Key West to celebrate our wedding anniversary and his birthday. We stayed at the Pier House and had a fantastic time. Here are some pics from our trip!
On our balcony
Every morning we walked to this bakery and had the best breakfast sandwich!
Isn't my husband handsome? I love him!
My daughter Mallory was so excited to see her name printed on something. Steve wanted to steal the sign for her. Can I tell you that we could not find a T=Shirt with Mallory Square on it! They don't exist! I did find a hand painted sign from a local artist with it on it though so that should make her happy!
On our Sunset Cruise
The famous Key West Sunset!
The name of the restaurant was 'Better Than Sex' and all they served in a dark, candle lit atmosphere was desserts that had the names of all things sex! The drinks on the left was homemade Kalua topped with White Chocolate Mouse Lubrication and it was 'rimmed' with something. The pie was Kinky Key Lime and it was to die for. Other names of desserts were The Missionary Crisp, Peanut Butter Perversion, Tongue Bath Truffle,Team Cream, Cookie Nookie and others! As good as the dessert was, I can assure you IT WASNT!!!!
While we were on vacation in Key West....Brutus spent a few fun-filled days with his 90 year old Grandpa who decided that Brutus should channel Toto and installed a basket on his double bicycle for Brutus to ride in!
Suffice to say that both man and dog had a blast!
The Pier House - Where we stayed...gorgeous!
We parked our car when we got to our resort and we walked everywhere we went. We ate and we drank and we walked! Thankfully, I believe all the walking helped to keep my weight in check and I was pleased to come home to a 3 lb loss for the week we were away!
I have another big weekend coming up as I'm joining a few girlfriends for a fun filled few days out west! Watch out!
Friday, April 20, 2012
BYOC (I haven't done this in forever!)
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012
BYOC - Bring Your Own Crazy!
It’s Friday – so it’s time for BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy! We answer 5 questions to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break! Copy to your own blog and enjoy!
1. Do you have any siblings? What is your relationship with them? Good, bad, ugly?
I have one sister who is 2years younger than me. We have always been very close but since the tragic deaths of our father and her husband almost 2 years ago, we have become even closer. We speak on the phone at least once or twice a week.
2. Let’s talk pizza. Do you prefer homemade or restaurant? What toppings are your fave?
I am a true pizza snob! I have my favorite pizzeria on Long Island where I go when I am there but here in Florida, I prefer to make my own! I love to experiment with toppings and it's a great way to use leftovers! Other than that, I love just about any kind of pizza except pineapple topping that I tried in Hawaii.
3. When is the last time you cried – in sadness and in joy?
I cried this morning speaking to my father-in-law. He was sad because his oldest son never calls him. I started crying and told him that not a day goes by where I didn't wish I could speak to my dad just one more time and thT someday Tom would regret not speaking to his dad when he had the chance.
Probably the last time I cried because I was happy was when Mallory got married last year.
4. Do you own a gun – one that is specifically yours? Do you know how to use it?
Nope! We have guns in the house as Steve is a retired Detective but I do not know how to use them. I don't even like touching them when I come across them. I would like to learn how to unload them or even to check if they are loaded!
5. Repeat question. Summarize your week!
I had a great week. We were in Key West for 4days celebrating our anniversary and Steve's birthday.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
BYOC - Bring Your Own Crazy!
It’s Friday – so it’s time for BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy! We answer 5 questions to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break! Copy to your own blog and enjoy!
1. Do you have any siblings? What is your relationship with them? Good, bad, ugly?
I have one sister who is 2years younger than me. We have always been very close but since the tragic deaths of our father and her husband almost 2 years ago, we have become even closer. We speak on the phone at least once or twice a week.
2. Let’s talk pizza. Do you prefer homemade or restaurant? What toppings are your fave?
I am a true pizza snob! I have my favorite pizzeria on Long Island where I go when I am there but here in Florida, I prefer to make my own! I love to experiment with toppings and it's a great way to use leftovers! Other than that, I love just about any kind of pizza except pineapple topping that I tried in Hawaii.
3. When is the last time you cried – in sadness and in joy?
I cried this morning speaking to my father-in-law. He was sad because his oldest son never calls him. I started crying and told him that not a day goes by where I didn't wish I could speak to my dad just one more time and thT someday Tom would regret not speaking to his dad when he had the chance.
Probably the last time I cried because I was happy was when Mallory got married last year.
4. Do you own a gun – one that is specifically yours? Do you know how to use it?
Nope! We have guns in the house as Steve is a retired Detective but I do not know how to use them. I don't even like touching them when I come across them. I would like to learn how to unload them or even to check if they are loaded!
5. Repeat question. Summarize your week!
I had a great week. We were in Key West for 4days celebrating our anniversary and Steve's birthday.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday, April 13, 2012
The truth hurts!
It is very sad to me when people blog about their failure to lose weight and then proceed to blame it on everything and everyone but themselves. This is a weightless community and while we are here to support one another, I do not condone enabling them.
I have lost 94 lbs or 40% of my body weight since starting my journey a little over 2 years ago. This loss equates to over 100% of my excess weight being lost and so far, maintained for 9 months. Does this make me a success? Maybe or maybe not. I will let you know in a few years. Does this make me an expert on weight loss? Hell no! I struggle every single day with my weight!
I don't care what someone's beginning weight is though, the formula to lose is the same. Eat less and move more. We all do it using different tools, VSG, LB, GB, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, exercise, jaw wiring, whatever. These are all just tools. We know what we need to do to lose the weight, we have all done it many times. The bottom line though is, if our head is not in the game, we can kiss weight loss goodbye! How many times have we heard someone say that if only they can make a band for our head, we would all be ok? Too many times. All the weight loss surgery in the world will not stop ice cream from slipping down our throats.
I am a very supportive person but even I have my limits. Sometimes I feel compelled to point out the obvious to someone who is "struggling". If someone is addicted to sugar, uh, stay away from it.....period. If someone is addicted to crack, you don't do it only on special occasions, do you? No difference. Sorry.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I have lost 94 lbs or 40% of my body weight since starting my journey a little over 2 years ago. This loss equates to over 100% of my excess weight being lost and so far, maintained for 9 months. Does this make me a success? Maybe or maybe not. I will let you know in a few years. Does this make me an expert on weight loss? Hell no! I struggle every single day with my weight!
I don't care what someone's beginning weight is though, the formula to lose is the same. Eat less and move more. We all do it using different tools, VSG, LB, GB, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, exercise, jaw wiring, whatever. These are all just tools. We know what we need to do to lose the weight, we have all done it many times. The bottom line though is, if our head is not in the game, we can kiss weight loss goodbye! How many times have we heard someone say that if only they can make a band for our head, we would all be ok? Too many times. All the weight loss surgery in the world will not stop ice cream from slipping down our throats.
I am a very supportive person but even I have my limits. Sometimes I feel compelled to point out the obvious to someone who is "struggling". If someone is addicted to sugar, uh, stay away from it.....period. If someone is addicted to crack, you don't do it only on special occasions, do you? No difference. Sorry.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Busy, Busy, Busy!
Did I mention I've been busy? It's all good though!
Major decorating changes at our house. We have lived in our home for 4 years now and I have fought Steve on adding a TV over our fireplace in the living room. Really, we have a media room with a TV the size of a movie theatre screen so I just didn't see the need to add one over the mantle as I felt it would detract fron the beautiful molding. Not to mention we have a TV in the kitchen which buts up to the living room! (plus we have one in the media room, one in each of the 3 bedrooms and 1 in my office....enough TV's you think?) Anyway, after much thought, I decided that a TV really was needed in the living room as there are times we want to watch TV downstairs and the little TV in the kitchen just doesn't cut it. The following are a few pics of the living room before and after TV!
My sister and niece were with us from Friday until Sunday and then they headed over to Disney for the week. I was on the fence about whether to join them for a day or so but every time I spoke to her she told me how 'packed' the parks were due to Spring break. That did it! I love me my sis but I hate, hate, hate the crowds at Disney during holiday weeks! She is a teacher and has no choice. I am not and I have a choice! I will be seeing her in a few weeks anyway so I'm ok with not visiting more at Disney!
We spent Easter with Peggy, my late fathers companion, and her family. I didn't tell Peggy that Sue and Elayna would be joining Steve and I so she was so shocked and happy to see them at her door! We had a lovely day and I enjoyed all sorts of Southern food specialties: fried okra, fried creamed corn, ham, some kind of pineapple salad and let us not forget the mac and cheese. Dessert was my Carrot Cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and Peggy's absolutely out of this world Coconut Layer cake. Oh.My.God!!!! Nuff said on that!
Steve and I love having our family visit us but its also nice when we put the house back together again after one of our Italian invasions as I call them!
This Sunday we are heading down to Boynton Beach to visit Steves dad and than on Monday, we are heading to Key West for 4 days! I am so excited as I've never been there! I am so looking forward to doing a little sightseeing but than just relaxing at the beach and pool at our our resort. Can't wait!
On the weight front, I am still holding steady between 137 and 141. I am back to my routine at the gym and I've added two 1 hour sessions a week with a trainer to help me focus on weight training. I am focusing on toning my body. I've been with Melissa for 3 weeks and I can already see some muscle tone in my arms! Yay!
Major decorating changes at our house. We have lived in our home for 4 years now and I have fought Steve on adding a TV over our fireplace in the living room. Really, we have a media room with a TV the size of a movie theatre screen so I just didn't see the need to add one over the mantle as I felt it would detract fron the beautiful molding. Not to mention we have a TV in the kitchen which buts up to the living room! (plus we have one in the media room, one in each of the 3 bedrooms and 1 in my office....enough TV's you think?) Anyway, after much thought, I decided that a TV really was needed in the living room as there are times we want to watch TV downstairs and the little TV in the kitchen just doesn't cut it. The following are a few pics of the living room before and after TV!
For all you Disney fans, we now have our own 'Hidden Mickey'!
TV looks small but its a 50 inch! Notice Brutus on the couch? We have invaded his space!
My sister and niece were with us from Friday until Sunday and then they headed over to Disney for the week. I was on the fence about whether to join them for a day or so but every time I spoke to her she told me how 'packed' the parks were due to Spring break. That did it! I love me my sis but I hate, hate, hate the crowds at Disney during holiday weeks! She is a teacher and has no choice. I am not and I have a choice! I will be seeing her in a few weeks anyway so I'm ok with not visiting more at Disney!
We spent Easter with Peggy, my late fathers companion, and her family. I didn't tell Peggy that Sue and Elayna would be joining Steve and I so she was so shocked and happy to see them at her door! We had a lovely day and I enjoyed all sorts of Southern food specialties: fried okra, fried creamed corn, ham, some kind of pineapple salad and let us not forget the mac and cheese. Dessert was my Carrot Cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and Peggy's absolutely out of this world Coconut Layer cake. Oh.My.God!!!! Nuff said on that!
Steve and I love having our family visit us but its also nice when we put the house back together again after one of our Italian invasions as I call them!
This Sunday we are heading down to Boynton Beach to visit Steves dad and than on Monday, we are heading to Key West for 4 days! I am so excited as I've never been there! I am so looking forward to doing a little sightseeing but than just relaxing at the beach and pool at our our resort. Can't wait!
On the weight front, I am still holding steady between 137 and 141. I am back to my routine at the gym and I've added two 1 hour sessions a week with a trainer to help me focus on weight training. I am focusing on toning my body. I've been with Melissa for 3 weeks and I can already see some muscle tone in my arms! Yay!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
2 Year Anniversary!
It's hard for me to fathom that's it's been 2 years since I had my LapBand surgery in Mexico! So much has happened since than weight-wise not to mention, life-wise.
I have had my band removed and revision surgery to VSG and all toll, I am down 97 lbs! More important to me than how I look is how I feel and i feel like a million bucks....maybe even 2 million with inflation! I look in the mirror some days and cannot believe how far I've come these past two years. My only regret is that my Dad is not here to share in my happiness. I know he would be so happy and proud that I've accomplished all that I have.
The one person who truly deserves a medal is my sweet husband Steve. He has been my rock since the day we've met. He pushes me when I don't think I can do any more but mostly, he just holds me tight and let's me know that I have his support in everything I do! Knowing I have him by my side and that he has my back, makes everything better!
On that note, My goal weight was 150 and I am bouncing between 137 - 140 so I've officially changed my goal to 145 and that is the number I am using not to surpass.
I was given the ok to start exercising again last week from my doc and let me just say I AM BACK! I even started a two day a week weight training session with a personal trainer to complement my 4-5 times a week cardio program. The cardio is going great but dear, sweet baby Jesus...I am frickin aching from the weights! But, you know the saying..."what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger". I feel so much stronger already...at least thats what I keep saying every time I try to stand on my 'squat weakened thighs'.
On the life front.....we spent this past weekend visiting our friends on Hilton Head Island, SC. We had a lovely time. Ate too much, drank too much and laughed a lot! Good times! We drove home via Savannah, GA and had a nice lunch before continuing our drive home. We will be back, y'all!
My sister and niece are heading down for a visit during their Easter break and I can't wait to see them. Although I got to visit with my niece last month when she was here, I haven't seen my sister since mid-January. I can't wait. I never get enough of having my family visit with me....I feel like I am always disrupting their lives with my frequent trips up north, so being able to reciprocate is something I live for!
I am in the process of planning a short 4 day getaway to Key West next month for Steve's birthday and I am really looking forward to that! Any of you who have been there and have restaurant suggestion, please email them to me. I plan on surprising Steve with a visit to a Drag Show one night! Should be fun. I have already started shopping for new clothes to wear. I will say that shopping for clothes is a gazillion times better than when I was 97 lbs heavier. When I think of all the tears I cried while shopping in the past, I vow to myself that I will never disrespect myself like that again by gaining the weight back.
I have had my band removed and revision surgery to VSG and all toll, I am down 97 lbs! More important to me than how I look is how I feel and i feel like a million bucks....maybe even 2 million with inflation! I look in the mirror some days and cannot believe how far I've come these past two years. My only regret is that my Dad is not here to share in my happiness. I know he would be so happy and proud that I've accomplished all that I have.
Some pics:
The one person who truly deserves a medal is my sweet husband Steve. He has been my rock since the day we've met. He pushes me when I don't think I can do any more but mostly, he just holds me tight and let's me know that I have his support in everything I do! Knowing I have him by my side and that he has my back, makes everything better!
On that note, My goal weight was 150 and I am bouncing between 137 - 140 so I've officially changed my goal to 145 and that is the number I am using not to surpass.
I was given the ok to start exercising again last week from my doc and let me just say I AM BACK! I even started a two day a week weight training session with a personal trainer to complement my 4-5 times a week cardio program. The cardio is going great but dear, sweet baby Jesus...I am frickin aching from the weights! But, you know the saying..."what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger". I feel so much stronger already...at least thats what I keep saying every time I try to stand on my 'squat weakened thighs'.
On the life front.....we spent this past weekend visiting our friends on Hilton Head Island, SC. We had a lovely time. Ate too much, drank too much and laughed a lot! Good times! We drove home via Savannah, GA and had a nice lunch before continuing our drive home. We will be back, y'all!
My sister and niece are heading down for a visit during their Easter break and I can't wait to see them. Although I got to visit with my niece last month when she was here, I haven't seen my sister since mid-January. I can't wait. I never get enough of having my family visit with me....I feel like I am always disrupting their lives with my frequent trips up north, so being able to reciprocate is something I live for!
I am in the process of planning a short 4 day getaway to Key West next month for Steve's birthday and I am really looking forward to that! Any of you who have been there and have restaurant suggestion, please email them to me. I plan on surprising Steve with a visit to a Drag Show one night! Should be fun. I have already started shopping for new clothes to wear. I will say that shopping for clothes is a gazillion times better than when I was 97 lbs heavier. When I think of all the tears I cried while shopping in the past, I vow to myself that I will never disrespect myself like that again by gaining the weight back.
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