Off topic..... can you help?

Hey all!

I've been doing fine in band-land, and considering it's month-end/year-end, I'm so slammed with work, that I barely have enough time to breathe. Add to that, 3 restless 10 year olds, and their daddy - who are all home on vacation this week. Since I work from home, that puts a little snag in my work/home balance :)

ANYWAY.....

One of my clients is the MTOA (Michigan Tactical Officers Association) and they are in desperate need of a website rebuild. The economy has been especially tough here in Michigan, and this non-profit has suffered as much as any. They've run out of funds, and can't function without a good website (for membership information, and intel sharing)

They have been nominated to win $3300 of website services from a Virtual Assistance company called The Virtual Difference. This would get their site up and running properly, and have membership areas, and a working shopping cart.

Can you please share this with your other blog friends, and see if we can't help them win? There are 2 other companies/individuals competing for this prize, and it's been a VERY tight race between the MTOA and another woman.

Here's the link....... to vote, just be logged into your FB account, and click the "like" button. Easy peasy.

Thank you SO much for helping :)

http://thevirtualdifference.com/bgb-1st-nominee-mtoa/

Official Sunday Weight... and... Going Green?

204

That's down 7 pounds from that 211 **LAST** Sunday.

Still need to lose 6 to get back to where I was..... but I know I'm eating right, and it will happen.

BTW....... I've tweaked my morning smoothie routine. I was reading FIRST magazine, with Dr. Oz on the cover, and he was talking about green smoothies.

One of my client's client's...... Olga Aura has a 21 day detox, which also speaks about Green Smoothies.

My husband is a juicer..... not steroids.... but fruits/vegetables. I've never liked it, and think it tastes caca.

But..... I love my blueberry smoothie (just about) every morning.

So...... after reading again about how good this stuff is, I decided that I'd make it a LITTLE green. I added 1/4 cup frozen chopped spinach to my smoothie!

So..... the recipe has been tweaked to this:

1 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup Diet V8 Splash
2 heaped TBSP ground flax
1.5 scoops protein powder
1/4 C frozen spinach

Blend.

This smoothie, currently clocks in at almost 40 protein! Tastes wonderful, and there wasn't anything weird or GREEN about it. It was still a lovely purpleish color, with just a few flecks of green.

Tomorrow, perhaps I'll try 1/2 cup spinach?

Wow........ living life on the edge!

coming back down

204.4 today...... better than the 211 on Sunday!

Come back to me, 198!

Book Club.... Cards with Friends...... Birthday Dinner...... Oh MY!

I knew that this past weekend was going to be a small problem.

However....... it turned into a BIG problem.

Starting with: that crazy loss of restriction. WTF? I've never experienced it before. I know some others have mentioned that it's happened to them, but I haven't had that issue. Until last week, when my restriction magically went away. (note: it came back yesterday morning...... bless my band)

I have to wonder if it wasn't Kris Kringle, telling me, that I'd been good so far, but honestly.... how could I possibly get through THREE events that have always been big noshing events, in one weekend??

First off: Book Club

We meet monthly. The name is MDRS: Michigan Drinking and Reading Society. (Heidi.... I've also read Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, and loved, loved, LOVED that book! We read "Naked" by David Sedaris for December, in case you're interested) We should probably be called MDRES..... the Michigan Drinking, Reading and EATING society. Whoever is hosting always puts out a nice spread, including a veggie platter with dip, something sweet (m&m's, hershey's kisses...... these evil little pretzel things with a hershey's kiss melted to the middle, and then an m&m pressed into it...... OMG)

Anyway.... I actually had to ask for the crab rangoons to be moved, because I was starting to make a dent on that plate! Normally, at book club, I park my ass next to the veggie platter, and start with the carrots, since they always seem to get stuck. I purposefully eat these, because I can get a "little" stuck.... I call it a "warning" it's slightly uncomfortable, but there's no major sliming, no squeezing sensation, no pain.... just a suddenly full feeling that fills to my throat. Sometimes it can stay that way for 20-30 minutes, which helps me keep my snacking at bay. BUT..... with no restriction, I ate right through the carrots, right over to the bell peppers. I wasn't doing a lot of dipping though :) I did eat a few of those pretzel thingies, a couple of cookies, 1 glass of wine..... and more crab rangoons than I should have.

The next night, we had neighbors over for cards. We haven't had them over in quite a while, however, it's always a food/drink fest. These neighbors are also my BFF, and my husband is tight with that husband too (not sure if hubby has a BFF.... he just has a few select buds) My BFF and I have been known to kill a case of beer by ourselves on a night of cards. AND a pizza.

Anyway, we got the kids some pizza, and we were drinking pomegranate martinis at 75 calories/drink. However, the kids didn't eat the pizza, and the parents started in. I ate THREE pieces of pizza. THREE! Now this is Michigan pizza, not east coast pizza, so it's not huge slices, but still! Add to that at least 4 pomegranate martinis, and then a munch fest on hershey's kisses, jingles cookies, etc. The next morning, I woke up BLOATED.

That afternoon, we went to a restaurant for my husband's birthday...... my parents took us all out. I had a nice dish of chicken vodka (ordered without pasta..... knew I was already bloated up from the pizza..... remember, I have a gluten intolerance, so me + wheat = bloating, potty problems) so I ordered potatoes on the side instead. They were roasted reds, and actually looked kinda oily, so I ignored them. Ate a small piece of bread with dipping oil.... got a warning. I thanked god that my restriction was starting to make a comeback.

We went back to my parent's house, and I had 1-1/2 pieces of ice cream birthday cake. Went home and noshed a bowl of Doritos.... and promptly PB'd those for 1-1/2 hours. NOW the restriction kicks in. OK.... I deserved it.

I went all the way back up to 211 from 198 in 2-1/2 measly days.

I know it's a bloat..... not a true gain. On Sunday, I was weighing every few hours, and it went something like 203, 205, 207, 209, 211. All in the same day!

I was back down to 208 yesterday, and I expect to get back to my 198 within the next week and 1/2.

I had made an appointment for a fill for this past Wednesday, but everthing I ate on Tuesday got stuck (either warnings, or PB's) so  I called and cancelled.

It was a weekend filled with bad choices..... but I let myself make them, and I suffered the wrath of the scale. The only positive (?) thing is that on Monday morning, I finally went to  the bathroom without having to have a long discussion with my colon. Usually, I have to start threatening Milk of Magnesia when it gets to day 4-5-6 of no action on the potty. Because I have that gluten intolerance, I actually went without any problems. Not sure it's worth that 13 pound bloat though......

Suddenly....... no restriction?

My band has always, always, always let me know it was there. I have to chew, chew, chew, otherwise, PB city.

On Friday, I was taking this combination of medications:

3 TBSP Milk of mag (cuz someone didn't poop for 5 days)
3 TBSP Vicodin (that abcess is on my front tooth..... between my tooth and my nose..... it feels like I got punched in the face!)

After I took this combo on Friday, my throat felt tight. I was a bit concerned, because I felt that the Vicodin didn't taste right..... I always have a flask of liq. vicodin around, for when I have problems with teeth/period/etc., and this just tasted different.

That tight feeling in my throat subsided, and I figured it was just a fluke.

I made a delicious dinner of crab stuffed chicken over rice. I expected to at least get a warning when eating, cuz sometimes even when I do chew, chew, chew, things like chicken and rice get stuck. Nope. Not stuck. At all. It all went down fine.

The next day, I had my typical blueberry protein smoothie for breakfast, and it went right down. Sometimes in the morning, I'm extra tight. Nope. Not tight at all.

For dinner on Saturday, I had a big salad...... which usually takes me about 2 hours to eat, since I need to chew, chew chew...... and many times I'll get a warning (as opposed to a PB) but no problems at all. I ate the whole salad without breaks.

On Sunday, I started getting concerned, because I still didn't have my restriction back. I started my Amoxicillin on Sunday as well (having that abcess taken care of on Thursday, and need to be on antibiotics for 5 days)

I warmed up some of that chicken/crab, and decided to go ahead and shovel it down, and see what happens. I purposely tried to get stuck, and I actually did get stuck. But that was because I was throwing the food down there. I got GOOD and stuck, and hung over the sink for 30 minutes until it subsided (note: because I also had fundoplication with my band, I cannot vomit at all. Anything that gets stuck only has one way to go.... down the gullet. I would not purposefully try to make myself vomit)  OK.... so the band is still where it belongs, and is still working, but somehow, my restriction has changed.

Monday, no restriction again. Monday evening, I haven't pooped since I took Milk of Mag on Friday.... take 3 TBSP....... there's that tight feeling in my throat again? Dinner went right down, no problems.

Tuesday morning, instead of my smoothie, I made oatmeal. Fairly lumpy. Went right down.

I like my band tight. Where did my restriction go?!!?!?!!

Gonna call the doctor today to see what the deal is.

And Aunt Flow..... you're 2 days late. I have FOUR pimples that told me you're coming. I am definitely not preggo...... unless it's immaculate conception. We had too much going on during my last cycle to even think about doing the naughty :) So...... what's going on with THAT? No AF? No Restriction?

Anyone have any idea what happened?!?

Tried on size 14......

and they are TOO BIG!!!!!

Tried these on at JCPenney, and was shocked to see that they were too big! Never mind those pesky blobs of fat in the front...... hopefully will see those go with TT in June!

God, I look old!

Measurements

I've been a honest to goodness hard ass about measurements. I measure every Sunday afternoon, as close to 2:00pm as possible (I know I've mentioned that I have a touch of OCD, yes?)

I have been a member of lowcarb.ca since 2002. I had put my measurements on there in years past, and this may or may not reflect 375.5 (my highest weight)

I thought I would share these now:

                  THEN      NOW

Neck            16.5"        13.5"             -3"

Bust               54"           40"              -14" (was a 48H, currently a 36DDD)

Bra Band       44"           32"               -12" 

Waist             44"           34.25"          -9.75"

Hip                56"           42"               -14"

Thigh            31"            20"               -11"

Calf              20"             15"              -5"

Ankle            10"            8.25"           -1.75"

Bicep             17"           11.75"          - 5.25"

Wrist              6.75"         6"                -.75"

Total weight lost: 177.5

Total inches lost: 76.5"

Size then: 30/32

Size now: 12/14

Wow...... I'm nearly at 180 pounds lost!

I know my official goal is 175.5...... but I wonder if I'm doing myself a dis-service? I wonder if I shouldn't have a "size" as a goal instead?

I'd LOVE to be a size 8.

I can't believe I even said that...... I can't believe I actually CAN say that.

I think I have a pair of jeans in the garage that are a size 28. I remember when they were too tight........

I have a picture here....... of me trying on a size 14 at JCPenney yesterday....... too BIG!!!!!!! Will share when I can get it to upload!

******ONEDERLAND********

199!!!!!!!
It's agreed by all the scales (well..... sweet Taylor now says 197.5, but Old Salty says 199.8)

Hello gorgeous number that I haven't seen since I was 17 years old!!!!!

I have three scales.......

My name is Karen, and I'm a scale-a-holic.

I have 3 scales, one for each bathroom. If I lived in a mansion with 10 bathrooms, I'd have 10 scales. Minimum.

Not one of these scales ever concur with each other. EVER.

My powder room scale.... "Taylor" the oldest and kindest of the group, just told me this:

However, until the other two scales can come to the same agreement, I cannot in good faith claim Onederland to be my own.

I have a Weight Watchers scale, dubbed "WW", which is the middle child. It resides in my boy's bathroom. It always aims to please, but has often been painfully truthful as well. This is my go-to guy, which I generally trust over the newbie of the group.

My personal bathroom scale, Health-O-Meter body fat scale, in a sleek glass design, is considered "Old Salty" Always crabby, always honest, and has only twice lied to the point of laughter (when I weighed 330+, it mis-read once at 288. I remember wishing it was true, and how happy I would be to see that number. Now that I'm on THIS side of that number, that number would resolutely move me to tears..... not good ones!)

Old Salty, however, does concur with other scales. My DOCTOR'S scales. All of those nasty, nasty machines that mock me when I walk in the door. 

But.... I had to share what Taylor just said.

Wally and Old Salty need to weight wait until 2:00pm, my official, OCD defined, weigh-in time. It must be done completely naked (but not Taylor...... Taylor is kind even if I'm wearing a jacket!) and then if on a Sunday or a Holiday, measurements are taken and logged. I did say OCD defined, yes?

I hope to someday be happy weighing in once a month, and not being defined by what that scale says. Will it ever happen? Not sure. My OCD begs to differ.

Thanksgiving!

What do I have to be thankful for?

My wonderful family, the job that I love..... and the scale that's finally moving!

Here's my 205 shot! I had been doing photos for every 20 pounds lost, but now that I have 30 pounds left to lose, I'd like to move that to every 10 pounds lost! So....... see you at 195!!

Karen at 205

Plastics

So, I mentioned that I went to the plastic surgeon last week for a consultation.

The consult was $150, and I get 2 free clay mineral mask facials at my convenience, plus, if I choose to get the work done, $150 taken off the price. OK...... not bad. I do plan on seeing three surgeons, and then making an informed decision from there.

This one said this:

• You can get your arms and boobs done NOW. The weight that you have to lose is mainly from your waist down (yeah, yeah.... I'm a walking pear, always have been)

• My current BMI is 33. He would like to see it be a 29 for the tummy tuck/leg lift

• $15K for combo arms/boobs. My arm lift would go from my elbow, all the way down to about 1" PAST my bra band, since I currently have super saggies in my armpits/bra that I'm having to tuck all those nasty bits into my bra. My boobs would get the SPAIR breast lift (it's a technique) with no reduction, no additions. I'd be something like a 34D when I'm done. He thinks a D cup is where I should be, no smaller, since my frame holds it well (read: hourglass..... my boobs need to match my ample arse!)

• $15K-ish for the tummy tuck/leg lift. He was ok with putting these two procedures together like the arms/boobs. He isn't about the 10-hour marathon body lifts.

As a whole, I liked his portfolio, his demeanor, and his plastic M&M collection :) The husband came with me, and of course, he didn't like the look of ANY of the boob jobs..... but then, he really liked ALL the "before" pictures. My darling DH....... he's got that 70's natural, nipples as big as dinner plates mentality. Which, although I'd like to keep his booby thing alive, I CANNOT live with them the way they are right now. I have to wear a support system 24/7, otherwise, I need pain medication. (plus, my kids can hear them slapping down the hall...... I have all boys, and they're 10 years old...... they do not need to hear the girls arguing down the hall!)

He did say something ADORABLE that I need to share.......

"The girls are sisters, not TWINS...... they aren't going to look exactly the same"

That line might have just won him the $30K lottery that is my body.


Next consultation: Monday, November 30th, 1:30PM

This is with the surgeon that my regular doctor referred me to. I'm not in love with the website, but when I was talking to my hair stylist about it, she went gaga about that doctor. Apparently, he's done her mom's facelift, her aunts boobs, and plenty of clients. Hearing that...... I'm now more interested in talking to him than I was before. Lucky him! Will give the details when I get them.

I didn't get on the scale today......... but here's the menu for today:

Breakfast
3 cups coffee with FF milk and splenda
1 Protein Smoothie (1 C frozen blueberries, 1 C diet V8 Splash, 3 T ground flax, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder)

Lunch
1 tall glass Crystal Light Lemonade
1 small serving Quiche Lorraine (oh so yummy)

Dinner
1 glass FF milk
Seafood lasagna (made with rice lasagna noodles) (will give recipe if it's delish!)

Snack
3T chocolate granola mixed into a CARBmaster yogurt

Onederland...... why do you tease me so?

I'm stuck, stuck, stuck!

I've been 207-210 for the last 4 WEEKS!!!!!!!

I did briefly see 205.9 this week, so I'm claiming that mofo, cuz I SAW it on my scale (the one that doesn't lie)

But this is getting frustrating...... I really thought at the beginning of the month, when I was able to claim 207.6 that I had 199 by January 1st in the BAG.

Now..... I'm not so sure :(

After that 207.6 on my Sunday weigh in, I then saw (this is weekly, on Sunday's) 210.5, 209.6, and then today, 209.2

I crawled back through my weigh-ins, and notice that this time last year, I spent TWO MONTHS at 280, and then from February - April at 270. So, I do have stalls that last for two-three months.

But this stall..... THIS one, is emotionally eating at me. Honestly, if I stalled at 195, and sat there for three months, at least I'm sitting on THAT side of Onederland. Instead of THIS side of TwoTown.

I'm hoping to break this stall soon though...... I'd REALLY REALLY REALLY like to bring in the New Year at 199!

I know what I have to do....... i just don't want to do it. I stopped exercising at about #225, because work picked up even more than before, and I couldn't make time for it. But..... I'll be totally honest here..... I'm not a lover of exercise. There's no particular exercise that makes me feel good, or gets me excited. The elliptical bike does the job, I can wear my headphones and listen to music, and just zone out.... but I just haven't had the motivation to do it.

I've lost as much weight without exercise, as I have with..... but I think now I need to step up my game, and get on that goddamn machine.

I will admit, that physically, I feel wonderful when I am exercising. It just doesn't "do" it for me emotionally.

I think I'm in a funky place right now emotionally though...... having some "monthly" issues with o time, and tom time..... I totally SCREAMED at the boys the other day, because we thought they lost my phone (someone had handed it to me, and I had it in my back pocket) but before I realized that, I had myself a big-fat-ugly hissy fit. It sucked, and I still feel guilty about it. but not guilty enough to fess up that the phone was in my pocket the whole time. They tend to play on my phone, and just leave it anywhere, and this time, it was at their school. I figured that I wasn't going to do myself any favors by telling them that Mommy had the phone the whole time :(

Holiday Pomegranate Martini Recipe - only 75 calories, 2 gm sugar!

POMEGRANATE MARTINI

Low-Carb, Low-Sugar, Low-Calorie

I love Pomegranate martinis, and used to buy Smirnoff Pomegranate Martini by the bottle...... but upon reading it, it was filled with Pomegranate juice, and lemon liquor..... which spells CALORIES to me. I wanted to have something as yummy, but without all those pesky pesky grams of sugar.

As I was standing in the booze aisle, mourning the fact that a martini just wasn't in my future for that evening (and trust me.... I sooooooooooooooo needed it!) a lightbulb went off.

I checked the nutrionals on Smirnoff flavored vodkas..... and they all clock in at 69 calories per shotglassfull (is that a word? it is now!)

Then I realized, I could use the Oceanspray DIET juice, I remembered seeing Blueberry/pomegranate, and Cranberry/pomegranate..... so I ran over, and grabbed a bottle of juice, and saw that it's 5 calories/ 8 ounce cup, with 2g carb/sugar. THIS was do-able!

I went home, pulled out my favorite martini glass and did the following:

Filled martini glass with ice, and poured over:

1 shot Smirnoff Pomegranate Vodka

5 ounces OceanSpray Diet Cranberry/Pomegranate juice

splash Spice Originials Lemon Extract (no calories, carbs, etc)

Gentle stir.

This rings in at about 75 calories, and 2 carbs..... a really nice option for those who want to have a cocktail during the holidays, but still want to stay on plan. This is good for just about any diet!

I thought I'd share, because honestly, it was DELISH! The only thing missing was sugar on the rim :)

Review: Kroger Brand CARBmaster Yogurt - Carrot Cake

CARBmaster Yogurt - Carrot Cake

I don't know why I feel the need to review these yogurts, other than the fact that for THIS bandster, yogurt is necessary! I get my calcium & protein, I get my live cultures, which help with digestion, and it's a smooth, creamy food option, for when the band is crabby! Not to mention, this particular brand doesn't have sugar, instead, it's sweetened with Splenda, and has 4 carbs.

As a lover of all things carrot cake, I was nervous to try it. I didn't want to be disappointed. I didn't want it to taste weird. BUT..... my hopes were greater than my fears, and I dove in, spoon first!

The color is a light orange..... not sure what I expected in that regard?

The taste is actually VERY nice. It's reminiscent of carrot cake, just lighter.  It's creamy, it's cream cheese/carrot-y, and clocking in at 60 calories, it's a fantastic treat!

Here's the nutritionals:

Serving Size: 1 Container
Calories: 60
Fat Cal: 10
Total Fat: 1.5g
Sat Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0
Chol: 10mg
Sodium: 100mg
Potassium: 10mg
Total Carb: 4g
Fiber: 0
Sugars: 3
Protein: 9g
Vit. A: 25%
Vit. C: 0%
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 2%
Vit. D: 15%

So it didn't take me long to make a decision about how to doctor this little treat from super yummy, to the decadence I deserve!

So....

I added about 10 raisins, snipping them in 1/2 so there was more bits, and stirred them in. Then, I took about 1 TBSP of walnuts, and gave them a quick choppy-chop, and stirred them in as well.

O. M. G. That took the divinity to a new level!

I'm also considering taking 1 T cream cheese, mixing with 1/2 packet of splenda, and smearing that in the bottom of a small bowl. Then, turning out the yogurt into the bowl (with raisins and walnuts added) and sprinkling with some shredded carrot and a dash of cinnamon. 

If it's super yumm-o, I'll report, and give full instructions!

All in all, a fantastic treat for bandsters!

Plastic Surgery and Carrot Cake

I have plenty to say about both of those topics, and they'll have to wait until tomorrow, as I need to feed the family.

But in a nutshell, I went to see the plastic surgeon today for a consult. He's ready to do arms/boobs now. Wants to see my BMI hit 29, then ready for TT and leg lift.

Will talk at length about my conversation, and my feelings tomorrow.

I was able to procure Kroger brand CARBmaster Carrot Cake yogurt today. Tastes a lot like...... carrot cake. All it was missing was carrot bits, raisins, and a walnut or two. Hmmmmm...... could add those myself. Will do a full review with pix 2morrow.

Hit a new low today as well....... 7.1 pounds until I'm in ONEDERLAND!

Big Blonde Babe

I can't believe I had dyed my hair blonde........

Oh yeah...... and that was 170 pounds ago :)

Review: Kroger Brand CARBmaster Yogurt - Spiced Pear

Kroger brand CARBmaster Yogurt - Spiced Pear

I found one, just ONE flavor of the newly expanded line of CARBmaster yogurt the other day at Kroger. I am still patiently waiting to find Vanilla Chai and Carrot Cake on the shelves. (they also have some sort of Colada..... I'm not into coconut, so I tend to ignore those flavors) Until then, I am going to give a small review on this little treat. Current price: 3/$1.00.

Spiced Pear...... I have one word for you: YUM!

I found a few little pear morsels in my cup of yogurt. It was creamy, light, and VERY lightly spiced. If you like pears, and vanilla yogurt, then this one's a keeper! I find that the spice was so light, that perhaps a sprinkle of cinnamon next time I have a cup would be in order! 

Here's the nutritional facts:

Serving size: one container

Calories: 60

Fat Calories: 10

Total Fat: 1.5g

Sat. Fat: 1g

Trans. Fat: 0g

Cholest.: 10mg

Sodium: 90mg

Potassium: 15mg

Total Carb: 4g

Fiber: 0g

Sugars: 3g

Protein: 8g

Vit A: 6%

Vit. C: 2%

Calcium: 20%

Iron: 2%

Vit. D: 15%

I know I've been talking about the CARBmaster line of yogurt from Kroger for my last few posts, and I figure I should give a little more information about this product.

Kroger rolled out the CARBmaster yogurt line during the big "low-carb" frenzy of the early 2000's. After so many of these products rolled out, and then fizzled out by 2006, this particular line of yogurt, blessedly, has not only NOT been axed, but is flourishing, and has been slowly expanding it's flavor lineup.

I love yogurt, but sugar is NO friend to me! So many yogurts (you know who you are!) label themselves as Fat-free or low-fat. Which, is true. But what they DON'T mention is that they pump it full of sugar. Some have 10, 15, 20 grams of sugar! That's almost as much as a can of cola!

CARBmaster all has around 4g carb. 

I usually have a CARBmaster around 9PM, whether alone, or with some homemade granola mixed in.

I'm so thankful that this yogurt line is thriving! Yeah Kroger!

Feeling Groovy

It took ALL day to shake this headache....... went to bed with it.

Took 1 excedrin last night, no better.

Took 2 excendrin this morning...... nope

Took 2 tylenol 4 hours later. NADA

Finally, I took a hot shower, laid on the couch, and gave in. Took 1 vicodin.

NO MORE HEADACHE.

Why did it take the big guns to get rid of this headache?? Barometric pressure?!?!

Kroger Carbmaster Yogurt

Did you know?

Did you know??

Kroger Carbmaster Yogurt came out with NEW flavors!!!!!!!!

Spiced Pear (have it in my fridge NOW!)

Carrot Cake (sold out.......)

Vanilla Chai (sold out)

I love yogurt.... but hate all the sugar that comes in 'regular' yogurt. I've been eating Kroger Carbmaster yogurt for a few years now, and just dig it. I'm thrilled it didn't die a fiery death like most of the low-carb foods did. Apparently, this line is thriving!

I'm going to eat PASTA!

WTF, how is that exciting?

Well, I've been trying to be a good gluten-girl, and not eat any of it!  I swore off pasta before I ever got the band because of this:

It was a few years ago, and I was on strict Atkins for about 6-8 months. It was my dad's birthday, and he asked me to make my special Baked Ziti for him. I have a KILLER recipe, that uses a mix of provolone and sour cream instead of ricotta cheese, not sure why it blends together so well.....but yum!

Anyway, I decided that I was going to have some as well, so my husband dished it out for all of us, and since this was WELL pre-band, I would say my portion had to be a 6" square, and probably 2-1/2" thick. Without a doubt, it HAD to clock in at between 700-800 calories, minimum.

Anyway, I enjoyed the HELL out of that meal! Savored every bite, ate every crumb..... you get the idea. As we were sitting around the table, drinking coffee, I started to feel like CRAP. Not like I was going to vomit.... more like I got hit with the flu. I was suddenly really COLD, but I also started sweating. All my muscles started aching, as did my joints, my back, etc. I started feeling disconnected, like I had a fever..... then, I was EXHAUSTED. I could barely move. I had to go and lay on the couch, and although I could participate in conversation, I just laid there like a blob. My husband had to clean up the dinner dishes, because I just couldn't move. My parents left about an hour later, and I took that opportunity to go to bed. I went up to bed, and slept a horrible, listless, continually waking sleep. When I got up in the morning, I felt like I had been in a car wreck. Everything that ached the night before was screaming in pain. I had a headache like I had been on a drinking bender. I went to the bathroom, and had a poopy that smelled so wretched, that I actually *did* get sick, and yarked all over the floor. I took some tylenol, and went downstairs and threw myself on the couch. I started getting better that afternoon..... until I got on the scale, and realized a 10 pound GAIN overnight. I looked at my feet (retaining water, perhaps?) and they were SO SWOLLEN, you couldn't see my ankles at all. As a matter of fact, I was really swollen from the knees down.

It took 3 days to feel better, and 5 to get that nonsensical gain fixed.

I wondered then if I had a gluten problem? I had had similar reactions when eating pizza. Same flu like symptoms, same weight gain, same pain.

I had bloodwork drawn, and my IgA levels were out of bounds..... my OB was the one who had them done, and she was like "dude..... no more gluten, k?" (that's how we get along...... love her!)

So...... I gave up pizza. I gave up pasta. I never had another weirdo reaction like that again. Wondering if it's semolina wheat that is my problem?

ANYWAY...... after searching high and low for a pasta that's acceptable, I fell in love with Tinkyada pasta, and I'll be having Penne for dinner tonight! Will post the recipe if it's yummy!

Karen's New England Clam Chowder

It's that time of year...... there's frost on the grass in the morning, all the leaves have fallen from the trees.... and if you look really hard, you can see a flurry or two sneaking in on a sunny November afternoon.

What warms my heart, and my tummy is a good, hearty soup. My husband begged me to make Manhattan Clam Chowder, which I did, and he loved. But me..... not so much. Too tomatoey..... but I knew there was a clam chowder out there for me, that was based in potatoes.

He loves tomatoes.... I love potatoes.

The recipe that I found that was closest to what I wanted was LOADED in fat (I'd suppose the 3 cups of half and half or heavy cream might have had a bit to do with that) but I didn't want to lose the creaminess. Hello white rice flour! It thickened it up, and because it's a soup, the flour lost the graininess that sometimes others complain of when using this type of flour, because it absorbed enough liquid.

This recipe totally made my family happy..... and my BAND!

KAREN'S NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER

Ingredients:


4 slices of low-sodium bacon, diced (I used Plumrose sugar free, lower sodium bacon)
1.5 C onion, diced
1 C clam juice
4 C potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" chunks
White pepper, to taste
2 C Fat Free Milk
3 T butter
2 (10 oz.) cans minced clams
4 T. White Rice Flour, mixed with enough fat free milk to make a paste 

Directions:

1. Place diced bacon in large stock pot over medium-high heat. Cook until almost crisp. Add onions, cook until translucent. Stir in clam juice and potatoes, season with white pepper (and salt if you'd like) Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to medium, and cook for 20 minutes.

2. Pour in milk and butter. Put in both cans of clams, with liquid. Cook 5 minutes. Add white rice flour and milk paste, cook until thickened.

3. Pour into soup bowls, top with shaved parmesan/romano/asiago cheese.

Totally approximate: Makes 8 servings, at about 350 calories, 20 fat, 20 carb, 25 protein

List of Food Lap-Bandster's Probably Can't Eat Anymore.....

I'm putting together a top ten list, since many people have asked me what I can/can't eat. This list can be revisited, and renumbered, if followers/lurkers decide to weigh-in :)

TOP TEN FOODS THAT GET STUCK IN MY LAP-BAND

1. Scrambled Eggs, omelettes
2. Meat that's too dry; meat jerky
3. Meats that are too fiberous: Lamb, Cheap cuts of beef, cube steaks
4. Bread
5. Pizza
6. Rice
7. Pasta
8. Raw celery
9. Fruit/Vegetable skins
10. Nuts

I wouldn't even try jerky meats...... but I had gone to a catered event, and got a slice of ham. It was dry, and I knew better. Slime-time!

All omelettes get me sliming within the first bite.

Breads **will* go down if I eat them slowly, chew like crazy, and only send small swallows down at a time. I can get down those "arnold's sandwich thins" if I coat it generously with vinegar first. I was eating turkey/provolone/romaine sammies with vinegar and a dash of oil on an Arnold's Sandwich Thin whole wheat..... but now that I'm at 10cc, I've tried twice to eat this sammy, and it got stuck both times.

Sooooo....

I'm going to start posting some lunch/dinner recipes that don't get jammed in my band.

I try very hard not to eat a lot of gluten, and now that those arnold sandwich thins aren't going down the gullet anymore, hopefully, gluten-free. (long story..... but I was on Atkins for a long time, decided to have a special baked ziti dinner, and ended up in bed for 3 days, from a gluten intolerance)

So, I will try to post recipes a few times a week. I'm a "quality" foodie..... meaning, it's gotta taste GREAT in order to make it into this blog. My whole family has to dig it, and request it again :)

I have one in mind...... so watch for the next post!

I'm scared.....

I'm scared that after all the hard work to get the surgery lined up, the liquid pre-op diet, the surgery itself, the liquid post-op diet, the mushies.... and then the journey..... that I'll go back to being that 375 woman again.

I just went through my closet, and for the first time, everything fits. EVERYTHING. That includes my junior prom dress (albeit, I can't button up the back) and the dress I wore when I was THIRTEEN when I stood up in my brother's wedding. (can't zip that one either..... but it goes on!)

Sweaters that I've loved for years because of their warmth and roominess are still able to be worn..... they're just huge.

Winter coats, that used to be tight, now look so ridiculous, that I'm forced to put them in my BFF's daughter's girl scout troop coat drive box. My gorgeous blue peacoat, that RIPPED at the seams, and my mom had to fix, because it was too tight, now looks like I'm playing dress up in my daddy's coat.

But I'm scared.

I'm scared to get rid of clothing, because that little voice...... the one that doesn't believe in me, keeps telling me I should keep all the stuff that's too big, because I'm not going to succeed.... because I'm not strong enough. That I can't keep up with what I'm doing.

BUT.... there's another voice that I never heard before. And that one says.... you've never lost so much weight before. You've never stuck to a diet for over 8 months before, and this time, you've changed your eating habits for good! You've stuck with this since July 2009. It's November 2010, and you're not doing badly. You SHOULD exercise more than you do... and you know that, but kiddo, you've lost nearly 170 pounds so far. You WILL make it this time. And when you get there....... you're gonna stay there. One day at a time, and if need be, one breath at a time. You can do it.... because you've BEEN doing it.

I was 210 today...... not bad considering the candypalooza that I had on Wednesday...... I'm hoping to be back to my low of 207.6 within a few days or so.

Take that Butterfinger...... and shove it!

F$CK YOU Butterfinger, and all your peanut-buttery/chocolate goodness!

I tried, I really did!

But then I got all high and mighty....... and it clenched my DOOM!

I was reading everyone else's blog, talking about motorboating bags of candy that the children gathered on Sunday..... reading about cheating on diets, looking at pictures of empty candy wrappers in the trash, calorie counts, weight gains..... and I smugly sat here and proudly said to no one: Not me! I've been strong, I've done GREAT! I'm so close to Onederland, I can taste it.....

Onederland does NOT taste like a Butterfinger however. And that's probably step one of my 10 steps into the abyss!

1. Triplet #2 brought home a bag of candy that could feed a small country. Triplets #1 and #3 brought home nearly as much, but apparently, #2 did some serious schmoozing, and got all those "full size" candy givers to donate more than once. He got a full size Twix, M&Ms, Snickers, Kit Kat, Butterfinger AND MilkyWay. Must be some sort of record!

2. My FMC (Free Menstral Calendar, TMI iPhone app for those of us with OCD that need spreadsheets for Auntie Flo) APP told me that my monthly "gift" was going to arrive today. That explains why the "girls" almost self-amputated on Monday.... they hurt THAT much!

3. I was overdue for a big helping of self-loathing and guilt. Apparently, I thrive on it.

4. I just bought $200 in clothing at Torrid in size ZERO..... because that's my size there. I'll never be a true size zero...... so I figured I needed to get a few pieces of clothing that said it anyway. The super sexy skinny jeans? Size 16. 

5. I'm going to the OB/GYN on Monday, and she has a scale that I need to hop on so the nurse can write it on my chart. Any time I know someone has to weigh me...... there's a slip

6. I'm going for a PLASTICS consultation a week from Monday. Another scale I'm sure.

7. The husband AND the kids were home from work/school for election day. Hubby took Monday and Wednesday off for a 5 day weekend, and to burn a few days that were going to be lost Jan 1 if he didn't take them. He stresses me out when he's home, because I WORK from home. I'm self employed, and it's hard to work when I get interrupted 8000 times. If the kids are home too..... it's a recipe for disaster (disaster = fudge brownies)

8. I lied to myself, telling me it was going to kick-start my metabolism. Actually..... it's not really a lie. Every time I've done this, I have my little food party..... then a double serving of guilt. I generally do go up in weight, and then if I'm behaving, can have up to a 10 pounds drop and won't see a plateau for weeks..... but the emotional payload is too heavy a price for my (obviously) damaged psyche.

9. Everyone else was doing it...... I'm a suck for peer pressure

10. Because I'm not perfect. This is a journey....... not an express lane 10 minute quickie lube.

I did wake up feeling weak and needy, and headachy and swollen (salt and sugar can do that) and not necessarily on task..... however, one small visit to the bathroom confirmed what FMC was telling me..... and I made a cup of coffee with milk and splenda. And then I had another. And THEN I started my day.

One foot in front of the other...... breathing in and out.... some days, that's all I can do :)

Halloween - It's my wedding anniversary!!

I'll have to make a mental note to go into the photo archives in the house, and see if I can't scare up our wedding pictures! I wore a black dress and veil, my husband was a punk rocker. My maid of honor was a vampire, the best man, Caesar!

I probably weighed about 280-300 when we got married.

Sunday's are my weigh ins...... so today I clocked in at:

207.6

I am not changing my goal of getting to Onederland by New Years day, though. I think I just need to keep my nose to the grindstone, and let the chips pounds fall where they may! I've been super diligent, and totally behaving, and am getting rewarded!

I haven't had any super restriction issues that I was having a few weeks ago, which is nice. I was getting clogged when I drank coffee..... and honestly, that's just blasphemy! Coffee is one of my "vices" and dammit, I am NOT giving it up. (mostly cuz, I'd NEVER poop again!!)

I've been on a colon cleanse this week as well. However.... my colon laughs at this cleanse, and I needed to take 3 rounds of veggie lax two days ago to get things moving along. I'm not sure what this problem is, but it's just NOT resolving. Can blueberries constipate? That's one item that I eat daily..... 1 cup of blueberries in my delicious protein smoothie. I'm going to have to research that. UGH..... I suppose I could swap in strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc..... but blueberries really do it for me! I usually have at least 3-4 cups of coffee before/during/after breakfast.

I eat a salad just about every day for lunch, so that can't be it. I rarely put cheese in my salads..... they usually consist of romaine, cucumber, bell pepper, sunflower seeds, a few croutons, and some full fat dressing (I'd rather have full fat, than light..... which is usually filled with sugar) so that should be a colon blow on it's own..... dontchathink?

Dinner is whatever I made for the family..... typical meat/starch/veggie. I have a glass of milk before dinner.

Late snack is yogurt with homemade Chocolate Granola (will post recipe soon....) and I usually have few glasses of crystal light before/during the snack.

If I had a normal poop every few days, I'd be thrilled....... but this stuff is desert dry... with tumbleweeds and skeletons!

That's a good scale!

209.2


If I could only get my kids to listen like my scale did! 


I *did* shake the garbage can at it...


So...... 9.3 pounds until ONEDERLAND!!!!!!


Come to momma!

Momma wants.........

MOMMA WANTS VERY BADLY wants to say goodbye to the 210's! I've been here a while, and although a nice trip, I'd like to start my 10 pound countdown to:

I honestly don't expect to be in Onederland until January 1st.......

But I've been hanging around 211-213 for too long now..... I managed to squeeze out a 210.4 yesterday......

Can momma get a 209????????

Will update later....... weigh time is in 20 minutes...... but I'm gonna be PISSED if I don't get a 209!

No no....... too sexy!

My goal weight is EXACTLY 35 pounds away!

THIRTY-FIVE!

It seems so close..... yet so far! I average about 5-6 pounds lost/month...... so that's about 6 months away, but I'll give myself until August 6, 2011 (my 2nd bandiversary date) to hopefully get there.

Wouldn't that be wonderful?

BTW......... I went to the mall the other day looking like this:

so, as I'm sitting on a bench and waiting for H&M to open, I look up to see this 20-something year old boy looking at me, and when I did look up he says (sooooooo loudly)

"MMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm............ you are TOO sexy! If you were 20 years younger, I'd take you home, and cover you from head to toe in EVOO"

Then he went on, lamenting about candles, and music, and breakfast.......

Me, on the other hand, was like "20 YEARS YOUNGER"?!!!!!!?!?!?!

If I weren't so old and addled with dementia, I might have said "Well, if you were 5 years YOUNGER, perhaps it would happen!"

However....... all I did was smile, and count the seconds until H&M pulled up the gates!

BTW....... those pix up me up there?

I'm rocking size 16 Torrid skinny jeans! (please say that like Amy Poehler, when she's saying "and I'm rocking ONE LEG!")

OK...... it's time for some geritol, because it's 4:50pm, time for bed!

so TIGHT

Since when do I start to SLIME when I drink coffee? Apparently.... since this week.

I got a fill a few weeks ago, and am currently sitting at 10cc, and find that first thing in the morning, only liquids will do..... and yesterday morning, even liquids were crabby as shit!

I've also started drinking Crystal Light Strawberry Orange Banana..... and noticing a burning feeling while it's going down. I'd been on coffee, water, tea only for quite a while (did I mention wine? weekends only!) and it's REALLY noticeable that I have a burning sensation when I drink the Crystal Light (well... I'm lying here..... it's actually the cheap-ass Kroger equivalent)

WTF gives? Choking on my coffee?? Burning with SF fruity drink? Don't tell me I'm having an issue with citric acid in the drink? C'mon!

I've also NOT had heartburn since getting the band, assuming that the fundoplication that I had along with it helped... but I've noticed a small amount lately. I'm going to chalk it up to feeling extra tight lately...

I so don't want an un-fill...... I **really really really** want to get to Onederland ASAP, and an unfill would certainly deter that.

Last I checked, I was bouncing between 211- 213, so, I'm holding steady. I was hoping to see 209 this week, and say goodbye to the 210's all together. It will happen.... I have to be patient!

BTW...... I have my consultation with a plastic surgeon on the 15th of November. I need to talk about these dangly bits. My tee-tahs are KILLING ME! Not only do they hurt by my armpits, but because I just ovulated, they're swollen and PISSED. (btw...... ovulation = tight band???)

I'm having problems in my back, between my ribs with the connective tissue..... thinking that my teetahs or this apron of skin/flab from being FAT and having a triplet pregnancy, or both, are pulling on my shoulders/back, and causing some pulling on my ribs.

While there, we'll also address my flying squirrel problem (some people call them batwings.... I'm SO past batwings, it's not funny..... the only thing I could equate to it was a flying squirrel) and these THIGHS...... I have saddle bags, at least 10 ass cheeks, and these lumpy lumps on the back of my thighs that all need to be quarantined!

I think it was Heather who said that there's a science experiment going on under her clothes. AMEN Sister!

I can't even wear pajamas comfortably anymore, because of SLAPPING. Plus..... you can HEAR my junk wiggling/jiggling/flapping/swearing from down the hall!

I have about 35 pounds to goal...... figuring that will take me about 6-7 months, plus about 3 months to sit at goal..... I figure this time next year I'll start getting ready to be the new benefactor to my local burn unit (wonder if they'll take donations? They'll really dig one of my tattoos that are going to be lost in the tummy tuck!)

Hmmmmmm........ think I'll get a 35 pound ticker!

I think I know my goal

So..... after thinking about it last night, I think my goal is:

175.5

That would be a loss of exactly 200 pounds.

I can revisit if necessary, but I honestly just don't think 150 is an attainable goal..... while I think 175.5 is.

So...... that's my new goal!

I think I need a goal?

I think I need a goal.

I've been concentrating pretty hard on mini-goals (current: get to 199 by January 1st) and just couldn't wrap my head around ONEDERLAND at all, and now that I'm approaching it, I'm at a loss.

I'm 5'6" tall, and probably medium build. I have always had bigger thighs/calves/booty. 

Whatever the case, I have an appointment with a plastic surgeon on November 15th, for a 2 hour weight loss plastic surgery consultation. I'm paying $150.00 for the appt., and they take that off the cost of the procedure, AND I get 2 free facial peels that cost $65.00 each. So..... no complaints.

If my goal is 165, and I'm currently losing at about 5lb/month, that puts me at July 2011 when I hit goal, so I shouldn't really have surgery until around January 2012.

BUT..... I'm having problems with my ribcage. The tissue in between my ribs is starting to burn/ache. I think it's because of my chest/tummy, and all that excess skin/flab.

I am also having problems with my arms, specifically where I shave my armpits.... because of all the wiggly/jiggly/loosey goosey stuff there, I'm suffering big cuts, and chafes. I also have to tuck all that stuff into my bra.

I think it was Heidi that said it was a "science experiement" underneath her clothes. Well said.

My insurance is BCBS..... you'd think it was good, right? I'm an individual payee..... I am self employed and my husband is a contractor. That means, individual plan. They refused to pay for my lap-band (people were taking advantage of the individual plan.... that's what they said to me) and currently, I pay $485.00/month for a family of 5, with a TEN THOUSAND DOLLAR deductible. No typos..... in order to keep it "affordable" at $485/mo, I had to bump my deductible that high.

I'm going to have to see if I can't shop around for something better, with better coverage, and a lower deductible.

Either that...... or I have to get a job outside of the home?

Or I can wait until 2014, where the government's new laws prevents my healthcare company from excluding me from a group plan, just because I am a sole prioprietor.

I think they would probably pay for a breast reduction/lift, since I'm having pain. But..... $10,000 deductible, what's the diff if the cover or not?

Onederland...... you're in my site!

I haven't weighed this since college..... could even be high school, not sure about that.

I can't believe I'm 15 pounds away from that place..... that lovely, lovely place that I haven't seen since about 1985.

Things I've noticed:

• I can sit in my office chair without my legs getting squashed on the sides anymore
• I can sit in my office chair, sitting on one leg, with the other tucked under me
• I can sit CROSS LEGGED in my office chair!

• I still eye up the size on booths at restaurants
• I still eye up the size of the booth, but I'm stoked to see when I sit, I could have me on my LAP and still fit
• I still eye up the size of booths at restaurants, and if I'm with someone who's larger, I take the smaller side, knowing that they're having the same internal conversation of "am I gonna fit?"

• I got up off the floor the other day
• I got up off the floor the other day, WITHOUT struggling, or crawling to a nearby table/couch to pull myself up
• I got up off the floor the other day, by jumping to my feet, and not realizing it, until I was nearly out of the room!

• That it's 2 o'clock..... and I still haven't eaten lunch! I have to RUN!

BTW....... I totally plan on doing a set of WIDTH pictures at JackSh!t getting fit blog!

To constipate... human, to poop..... divine!

I've been constipated. REALLY constipated. Since day ONE of having the band.
At first, I thought perhaps it was because I was on liquids for 3 weeks. (THREE weeks you say? Why one more week than the usual 2 week pre-op liquid diet? Because my BMI was 60.6, and my doctor makes everyone with a BMI over 50 do three weeks, so that the liver shrinks more)

Then I thought that it was the liquid gold vicodin that I was taking to manage pain.

Then I thought that maybe because I was eating so much less, that I didn't have to poop every day/ every other day/ every 3rd day/ once a week.

I started feeling bloated and gassy. When I would go, it was little tiny hard pebbly poo, that took a lot of coaxing and prodding.

Then I tried vegetable laxative. My colon laughed at it! Milk of mag.. nary a toot!

I did one of those "colon cleanse" products. It worked for a few days, and then nothing.

FINALLY..... I think I've found something that works for me.

Cascara Sagrada! It's some sort of herb that helps with digestion.

I'm not making any promises, but I took 3 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon on Saturday, and Sunday morning, no pain, no strain.... and plenty of results. No bloating, no cramping, nothing.

I took 2 Sunday morning and 2 sunday evening, and Monday morning, I went again. Like a NORMAL person.

If all I need to do is take 2 / 2 times a day, I'm SO IN. Otherwise, it's bloat/pain city.

Next topic blog post.......... my ACHING BOOBS. Documentation starts NOW!

Someone left the popcorn in the rain.......

Good lord! This momma was up at 5:00am to get ready to selling popcorn with triplets #2 and #3 since they're cub scouts (triplet #1 bagged out 2 years ago) 

We sold from 9am-Noon, outside a local restaurant in a strip mall.

It poured rain, and I don't think it got over 55°F

I was frozen to the bone....... even wearing long underwear!

Product sold: $73.00 worth

Not bad..... but normally, on a nice day, with good traffic, it should have been closer to $300.

Tomorrow, we go to a local woodland area for their "Forester" badges. 

It's supposed to be COLDER tomorrow. Wonder if there's a long enough extension cord for my heat blanket??

Oh......... and trip #1 and daddy are staying home in their jammies.

Something is seriously wrong with this scenario.

When we get back........ I get to paint the trim in the office. 

Damn..... I'm lucky!

Restriction... Restriction. RE - STRIC - TION! (fiddler on the roof.....)

I know...... I know. I've been a baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad blogger.

However, I have a good reason. I've been SLAMMED with work, and I haven't had time to come up for air. In this economy, and considering I live at the economic ground-zero (metro-Detroit) this is a good thing. Actually, it's been this way for me since December of last year, but it seems to be snowballing, and I might even have to turn some work away. That means..... I get to raise my prices in January. That tends to weed out the problem clients anyway :)

I'm a graphic designer, if I haven't already mentioned it.

Wanna see a logo I did for my children's school you say? Well...... alrighty then:

I created that back in 2005, when my boys started at the school. The principal was asking for a logo at the first PTA meeting I went to, and I figured it was a good way for me to help out the school. It's a kick seeing all the kids wearing t-shirts/hoodies with the logo on it. All the teacher's have mousepads and coffee mugs with this guy. I'm pretty proud of it, but mostly because I see my little men's faces above it every so often :)

Band News

I had gotten a .5cc fill on September 9th, because I felt like I had been able to eat too much volume at any given time. So that put me from 8.5cc to 9cc.

I felt NO CHANGE. No difference. NADA

I called, and whined.

I went back on September 23rd, and asked for, AND RECEIVED, a full 1 cc fill, so now I'm at 10cc.

I think I'm **finally** understanding this sweet spot stuff!

I hadn't had a fill since November, 2009. I was doing fine, and did great until about August, and it was then that I started noticing that my weight loss was dropping off a bit, and my hunger was picking up.

And I was starting to see some of my old binging behaviors wiggling their way back in. After my second, I'm gonna eat the room (and honestly, these binges are NOT the binges of pre-band days. A binge now consists eating 2 scoops of ice cream, and a slice of toast..... promptly getting PB'd) I decided it was time to get a fill. Imagine my disappointment when I didn't feel any different.

I'm blessed that my doctor lets me do the driving a bit. His nurse does the fills, but they know the clients who "know themselves" and I guess I'm one of them :)

The doctor was in the office, and he came and gave me a big hug, and asked me for some before/after shots, and a link to my blog, for his newbies to come and see. Nice, right?? He's so wonderful...... He takes patients from all over the country. I couldn't recommend him more!

I have also noticed that I can **finally** walk away from a plate of food if I'm full. I could never do that before. I can thank my mom for that. All that catholic guilt! AAAHHH!

Anyway, I walked away from a salad the other day, part of my albondigas soup yesterday, and a bowl of cottage cheese last night! Amazing!

Alright..... I need to eat my lunch.... I'm hiding from clients on YM! right now, so they couldn't see me bloggin'

hee hee

I don't have any pictures to post today..... I'll have to take some this weekend. We're selling popcorn for boyscouts, dontcha know.

I will definitely post pics of my new office once it's done (I spent the whole weekend painting it)

Hugs,
K

Who the hell are you?

Heidi, aka: shrinking mommy asked me a question on my post with all my 20 pound picture updates:

are people not recognizing you? how are you dealing with that?


It's true..... some people aren't recognizing me.


It seems to be a mixed bag of emotions when it happens. I suppose it's completely situational.


One of my BFF's Toni and I went to bingo a few weeks ago. It's something we do together, and most of our friends don't partake. Now that there's NO SMOKING it's a much more enjoyable time, considering we used to leave just REEKING of smoke, and I'd always have a headache. All these smoking complaints from a ex-smoker. I admit it, I'm the evil ex-smoker. I can't stand the smell of smoke, it makes me sick.

Anyway, a woman we both know from our children's school was passing out the books. So this lady (her name is Geneva..... which I actually really like..... considering it's also a font.... if I were reborn, I'd want my name to be Helvetica!) is all smiles and says to Toni "how are you? how have you been? how's things??" and looks in my direction, and then back at Toni.

Snark that I am..... I say "Um....... I'm doing really well myself, thankuverymuch!"

She looked at me, smiled politely, and continued talking to Toni.

Even Toni was dumbstruck (which never happens..)

We sat down at our table, and of course, were clucking like a couple of chickens (a hen-fest, as my husband calls it)

I thought that perhaps I had upset her at school. Maybe she heard that I said something bad about her? I hadn't, but the volunteers at the elementary school are g-o-s-s-i-p-s, and tend to fill in the blanks with their own ideas/words.

Then it dawned on us. She had no clue who I was. I hadn't seen her since September of last year!

We had a good laugh, and I felt better knowing that she was cold because I was a stranger..... and not because I was an asshole :P

Back to school night...

This night is a giant cluster-fuck for me! Having triplets, in different classes, with open houses on the same night at the same time, I tend to run from class to class. There are four 5th grade classes this year, so my boys are in class with 75% of their grade. That means I also have contact with 75% of those kid's parents.

Did I mention I'm the Box Tops Coordinator for our school as well? Well... up until this year. I put a note out that I need a replacement. My work has increased 10-fold, and I just can't count up all those little suckers. You'd think a dime at a time wouldn't add up to much, right? In the past 2 years alone, our school collected over $10,000 worth! It's nice, considering that we live at ground-zero as far as the economy goes (Metro Detroit) 

Anyway, this mom Janice (J'neece) introduces herself to me. I stood there staring at her, because we'd been pretty good acquaintances up until that point. Heck, we've had PLAY DATES.

Just as I was about to tell her who I was, two of my boys came up to me with some sort of grievance, and she looked at them, and looked at me, back to them, back to me, and then the realization came over her face.

We had a good laugh, and she congratulated me on my loss.

I've noticed something else too.....

That some women that I know..... specifically, CHUBBY women that I know, have not said one word about my loss.

My husband is the one who pointed it out.

There's a few women that I'm friends with, that are a part of the 30-70 pounds overweight club. 

Something about my loss has rendered them mute. I'm not sure if they don't want to say anything because they don't want me to feel self conscious...... or because THEY feel self conscious.

There's a gaggle of them, though...... and their silence seems to be speaking volumes. I find it strange.... but I understand.

BTW...... my fill from 2 weeks ago?

I can't tell the difference. AT ALL. I'm scheduled for another fill this Thursday at 10:45  I'm currently at 9cc, I'm hoping they'll put me to 10cc. I would bet, however, that I'll be reporting 9.5cc

Exercise.......

I haven't been on the elliptical in 2 weeks. I moved it out of the room that it's in to paint the room. But we've been busy spackling, moving, getting the paint, cleaning out the room, etc., and I haven't gotten on it since. I also haven't lost a stinking pound since I got off it. MEH!

Blast from the past.......

At a wedding, in 2008 (my brother and I)

This past Saturday, with 2/3 boys