Pretty exciting in H-Town this week!

It was a pretty exciting weekend in Houston Friday, we had snow!!!!! Yes for the second year in a row it snowed!!!!!!!  Of course the city shuts down and the people go crazy but it was alot of fun.  Unfortunately it didn't stick at my house, we had a little too much rain with it.  That's ok though, we got alot last year so I guess we have to share.  It was freezing cold temperatures yesterday selling the shortbread at the Farmer's Market.  I layers two pairs of pants, long sleeve shirt, snow jacket and fuzzy boots so I was nice and cozy.  I then realized last night I wore this all day without getting too hot, hmmmmmm that was weird.

The restiction is still there!  I am now back on reg food and it's been kinda rough, still leaning towards the mushie stuff for most of my meals.  Yesterday I stopped to eat at KFC, wanted mashed taters and some of their grilled chicken.  I ordered a breast, mashed taters and coleslaw to eat in.  I was amazed when I could only eat the mashed taters and 1/3 of the breast, the girl looked at me crazy when I asked for a to-go bag!  Oh well. 

I have my company Christmas party next week so it was LBD (little black dress) shopping again, oh how I dread this.  The good news is I was able to find a LBD!!!  It was a little difficult but I did it.  Now to accessorize it..........  heals or boots, that is the big questions.  I will try to post pictures of it next week!!!!

WOW!!!!

So I keep hearing about this thing called restriction but I don't think I ever really felt it until now and all I can say is WOW!  After seeing Fhil I noticed the water went down a little slower, no biggie that seems normal.  Then yesterday morning I tried to take my medicine.  I take 4 very small pills that I just pop in my mouth and down they go -- not yesterday!  I tried to swallow them all at once and they got stuck........ you know that jammed feeling in your chest.  That was the first time I ever really experienced it and it's not fun.  The protein shake for breakfast went a little slower than normal and I didn't even want to finish my coffee, Jello was even difficult.  Oh yeah and lets discuss my "liquid" dinner.  When I got home spagetti sauce with Italian sausage was simmering on the stove (2nd time this has happened after a fill) --- this WAS my favorite dinner in the whole world, along with a coke!!!!!  Well, nix the coke and noodles and all you have left is sausage in sauce --- YUM (actually my favorite part) but since I am on liquids nix the sausage...........  Yes, you guessed it -- I had tomato sauce for dinner and it was the best. I kept walking by the pot and eating spoonfuls then I got creative and sprinkled parm cheese on my spoon!!!!!  Crazy huh, but it sure beat another protein shake or cup of broth.  So today I am drinking just liquid and they seem to be going down better.  I had some creamy soup for lunch that I didn't have any problems with but even with that, I can feel the difference!  Tomorrow should be a new adventure --- mushy foods.  I will let you know how it goes :-)

Fourth date with Fhil......

Yesterday I had my fourth date with Fhil and realized it is also my 4 month anniversary of this journey!  The scale decided to play nice and showed me a smaller number, making it an even 35!!!  Wow, who would have thought I would actually get smaller over the holidays??  It was a hard decision deciding if I wanted to see Fhil before Thanksgiving or not.  I was really afraid of over doing it if I didn't but then I decided, this isn't a race and if I want to enjoy eating turkey then I should.  I didn't do this to punish myself and never eat again so I decided to put it off until after.  Thanksgiving really wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.  I cooked the turkey and most of the sides so when it was time to eat I filled a salad plate up with a small taste of each thing and couldn't even finish it!  I was shocked, people were getting seconds and I couldn't even eat a salad plate's worth :-)  So much for dessert!  Couldn't do it, didn't really want to do it anyway so I was content.  I didn't go to bed miserable that night...........  Over the weekend I went into snacking mode but it was different, a chip and salsa here and there, not the whole bag in one day.  I didn't get mad about it either, I just said after Monday I will get back on the wagon.  This shouldn't be too hard -- liquids for 3 days.  UGGGHHHHHH    I just hope this adjustment loosens up a little, jello was a little hard today but the Jamba Juice ROCKED. 

No scale victories, I have hit a brick wall there, but I have a few NSVs!!!  First, I was invited to a reception that my company was sponsoring on Thursday night.  I haven't seen the person that invited me in over a year, he knew nothing about the surgery.  All he knew is I haven't been feeling good lately.  I spent the evening mixing and mingling and when the reception was over a few of us went to the hotel bar.  On the elevator ride down he told me -- you look healthy!!!!!  I don't think he realized what he said, how excited I was to hear that.  That is the reason I am on this journey -- not just for the weight loss, but to get my life back and it is working.  There was even a short conversation at the bar about how good I was looking lately  :-)  Whoo hoo

Second NSV -- I was going to the Rockets game last night and was out shoe shopping during the day.  Of course, who can just look at shoes????  I found myself looking at clothes and wouldn't you know I found a shirt I just couldn't resist.  I have been eyeing this type of shirt all season long but just wasn't sure about it.  It was one of those long shirt dress things that can only be worn with leggings --- hmmmm.  I bought the shirt then headed to the junior section to get those leggings, yeah you know the ones --- the ones I swore I would not wear when they came back into style this year.  Well, I bought a pair.  The real test came when I got home, would they accompany me to the Rockets game????  I tried on the whole outfit and was truly amazed how cute it looked. Maybe that virtual trainer did some good with all those ludges after all, the leggings didn't look as bad as I imagined, except they were a little too big.  The only problem now, no boots to wear and no time to go back to the store --- enter K's closet.  She has these really cute pair of black fuzzy boots so outfit complete (except some dumb girl kept giving my boots a dirty look in the bathroom.  What the heck did my boots ever do to her???)  Oh yeah, and going to the game was fun, I really enjoyed being comfortable in my seat. Crazy little things, huh???

Found my biggest weakness.....

Chic-Fil-A chicken nuggets and spinach dip!!!!!  Last night I had to miss my quarterly supper club gathering  with my work family entitled "Mexican Food Frenzy" to be with my good friends who were getting together for was suppose to be the night of E's christening.  Not that I was fearing the food at the Mexican Food Frenzy (actually a fellow bandster was hosting this one!) but I mentally thought it would be easier foodwise being at my friends house, knowing Chic-fil-a was being served and I have restrained all this time from it.  When we got there I walked right past it, not a nugget touched these lips.  After a few hours there I realized it was dinnertime and we weren't leaving anytime soon so I went ahead and indulged on four nuggets and a tablespoon of spinach dip with wheat thins -- no big deal.  I wasn't worried!!!!!  Then the alcohol came out ---- what is it about alcohol and food??? Why do they go hand in hand???  Life was good, sitting around the fire outside drinking my mini bottles of wine (yes, I was trying to portion control here and got mini bottles -- too bad I drank all four!) while the evil nuggets were inside.  But as the gathering got smaller we made our way inside and I made the mistake of following CB to the kitchen.  Just one more nugget, it's been what maybe 2 hours since "dinner", what's one nugget going to do.  But no, he needed a friend and another cracker of spinach dip.  Wow, have I missed spinach dip.  I asked CB who in there right mind made this outstanding spinanch dip, it was like none I ever tried.  She kept saying it was just normal dip, WRONG -- I think someone laced it with crack (our running joke when we cant stop eating one thing) b/c it was addicting!  We both just kept eating it.  Well turns out she had made the "crack dip" that indeed was just plain spinach dip, but it was good.  Now here's the NSV -- there was a tray of Chic-Fil-A brownies on the counter as well as some homemade gooey brownies that CB described had chucks of chocolate in them.  Not one passed through my lips!!!!  I denied them, I had no desire for them.......  their friend the nuggets were evil enough.  And this moring when I got on the scale, only up .4oz.......  hmmm not too bad considering I thought the evil nuggets won the battle last night.  Until we meet again........

I thought this day would never come.........

When I could post this picture --- are you ready...........

The best ass that ever played baseball!!!!!  Number 31, did you see that ----- 31?????  Yes, number 31 of the NY Mets........  OMG I have a whole wall of my baseball room devoted to him!!! Whew, time to cool off.  Lets get back to that number ---  what was it again????  Oh yeah 31.  What does this 31 mean????  It means the scale moved :)  It also means I have jumped off the plateau for a while, but the most important thing it means, besides putting up that picture, is I MADE IT PAST MY FIRST MINI GOAL!!!!  Whoo Hooo, go me.  Yes I am tooting my own horn here, I am really excited here.

On a different note, I went to my quarterly checkup at the endo office, first one since the surgery.  She was really excited to see the weight coming off.  I got in trouble for not pricking my finger 3 times a day anymore and I had to promise to do it again for the next month.  I had to donate 7 vials of blood to check all my levels b/c I am at a point of my weightloss that some meds may have to be adjusted.  That was pretty exciting news!  We had a great talk about plateauing and she said to expect one every 20 -25 lbs and can last about 3 weeks.  She told me when I get here I have to step up my excercising.  Instead of just doing the Wii I have to incorporate walking.  Then she challenged me to get another 20 off.  I told her that was my goal too, so next stop --  20lbs = goal weight.  Wonder how long it will take???? I bet with these holidays coming up, longer than normal but who cares, I will get there soon enough.......................................

Look, even Mike is cheering me on........

Been a while!

It's been a while since I posted! Halloween was good to me, as it seems like a blur so long ago.  I did have a few NSV's that I was really excited about but never got a chance to brag on.  I dressed up in a costume this Halloween for the first time in about 4 years :)  I was really skeptical about what I wanted to be and where I would get my costume.  We went to several places but I just couldn't see spending all that money for a costume for one party, boy the cute costumes have really gotten expensive!  The costume I picked out online was the gangster girl, from the picture it seemed to cover all the right places.  Much to my surprise, they had it at Hot Topic for 50% off when I went there the Tuesday before Halloween.  I was apprehensive trying it on, as I haven't bought a costume in years and didn't want to be disappointed when it didn't fit.  BUT IT DID!  Still in disbelief I put a hold on that costume and went next door to Torrid to try some of theirs.  There was no way I was even going to step foot in public wearing their smallest size.......  I was drooping everywhere.  So back to Hot Topic I went and got my Gangster girl.  VICTORY......... (I would post some pictures but it has white pinstripes in the bodice that exploded when the flash on the camera went off! I didn't work this hard to post pictures like that!) Off to the party Friday night.

Unfortunately Halloween morning I got the news of the passing of someone very special to me.  It made Halloween seem meaningless but we decided to pass out candy anyway for a short time.  My NSV here was that I didn't eat a whole bunch of candy -- only a few Almond Joy's I couldn't resist.  Though I questioned alot of things about life during this last week I didn't turn to food for comfort.  I know I had every reason to do this but I was able to withhold the emotional eating. Now that does not mean I didn't eat some food that I should have stayed away from, mashed potatoes are still the ultimate comfort food, it just means I didn't over indulge. 

My goal this week is to get that scale moving. I missed a few workout sessions last week but I am back on track making them up.  I have my first appointment since the surgery with the endo tomorrow and though I really wanted to be down somemore, I hope she is happy with the 30 that are gone.  I am not happy being in "plateau hell" as Gen like to call it so I will work twice as hard to get out of it!!!!

It moved..... just slightly but a move is a move

I am reluctant to post this but a move is a move all the same. Even though it was only a slight one it put me over the 29 mark!  29.2 to be exact.  Hopefully this means that I am out of my 3 week plateau.  It's funny that some of my fellow bloggers have been in the same situation, could it be the changing of the weather??? 

So why did I pick the picture above???  To show support for the Phillies tonight!  Growing up in South Jersey I somehow missed the Yankee boat and was put on the train to Philly.  I remember as a kid going to see Pete Rose play at the Vet on my birthday and hanging his poster in our gameroom to remember the experience! (hmmm what ever happened to that poster?? Don't think it made the move to Texas).  I loved the Phanatic as a kid and still get excited when he's on TV.  I even stood in line for over an hour and a half to make a build-a-phanatic at their new stadium a few years back. 

Good luck to Gen and Ter who both have dates with Fhil today!!!!!

GO PHILLIES......

NSV's

My first NSV was actually yesterday.  We made plans to go to Zeigfest long before my surgery.  Zeigfest is a music festival put on by a beer company and sponsored by Budweiser. It was super weather outside for such an event and a group of us were going.  I looked on the website for the band lineup and noticed the disclosure that several food and beverage vendors will be accepting cash only, no problem there -- but the thing that caught my eye was the several food and beverage vendors.  Good, there will be a selection of beer and wine and maybe a margarita stand --- wrong!  We got there and it was beer only :(   How could this be??? Don't they know the whole world does not drink beer, or at least anymore????  I ended up drinking 2 bud light limes (gosh I still love that stuff) out of a cup, after letting the bubbles settle.  Gone are the days were I would have left the festival drunk and hungover the next day.  I think I could have drank more beer yesterday if I wanted to but I had no desire, I just enjoyed the day, the company and the music. 

Now for the big NSV --- I turned off the Texans game for 18.02 minutes to workout.  That's right, football took second to working out this morning.  I am determined to follow the 30 day schedule on the Active and today was not a rest day.  Had I put it off any longer it would have been and I think that trainer sensed it.  He put it to me today and I really think he is an azz man.  As crazy  as it sounds, when I did the workout with the girl trainer I never had to do so many squats and leg excersises as I do with this guy.  Doesn't he know that is not my problem area???? Hasn't he seen I have no azz to begin with????  It was fun though and when I turned the game back on the Texans scored --- twice.  We may just have a team afterall this year!!!! 

It's only a video game.......

So that's what I thought when I started using the Wii Active again, but boy was I wrong!  How can a video game make you walk like you have a bad sunburn after two workouts?????  I finally got my clearance to start regular workouts again and I was looking so forward to reconnecting with my Wii.  I got my tennis shoes on, my workout clothes on and I was ready to do it.  I even changed my trainer this time from the girl to the guy.  I swear he is alot harder.  I never felt the muscles I am feeling with the girl trainer.  Did you know you have a big muscle from your butt all the way down your leg????  I didn't until I take each step today or even sit in a chair.  Oh and forget getting in my car.........  I feel like an old crippled lady.  Hmmmm sounds like another reason to go look at that Jeep, NOT.  Well, maybe -- but I love Theo.  He was my dream car. 

I had a sucess story this week and it had nothing to do with the scale (who is my enemy right now).  About two years ago I bought this really cute winter coat in Colorado, I wasn't even thinking about it until I read Gen's blog and saw her victory.  I remember last year I couldn't get it buttoned so I never wore it.  Well I dug in my closet and found the coat and tried it on......... it buttons!!!!!!  Victory............  Now if I can only get the scale to cooperate.  How can you not loose an ounce when you have nothing but liquids for 3 days.???????

meeting with Fhil.....

Met Fhil after work yesterday and boy am I feeling it today!  Finally, some restriction.  I was beginning to think my band was defective or something because I felt nothing.  The dr. wanted to put just .5cc's in since I am still shedding the weight but I begged for 1cc.  This makes my grand total 5.5cc's.  He asked if I could eat a whole chicken breast and I told him I probably could eat the whole chicken if I tried so I got my wish.  Hopefully this will get me over the hump I am on, fighting with these same two pounds that keep showing their ugly head. I hear this is a common problem for alot of people, getting stuck from time to time.   I also got released for all excercise now!!!! Wii Active here I come, we are going to have a good time tonight.  I have been looking forward to this day for a long time. It seems like these 3 days of liquids following Fhil are getting harder and harder, I can't wait for the mashed taters I can have on Saturday.  Yummie........ 

Spidey Toes!

The pedicure yesterday was close to perfect!  We went to this great little place by my house that has a "menu" for all the types of pedicures they offer.  I went for the basic "tiki" package since all I really wanted was my toes done.  Little did I know!  As I was sitting in the massage chair getting my feet worked on  when I noticed the lady across from me had her legs wrapped in towels and one of the girls was massaging her neck, arms and shoulders.  It looked great, from a distance, but since I despise being touched by a stranger I wanted no part of it.  My girl started massaging my legs which I was expecting so no problem, then she wrapped them in hot towels, mmmmm that felt good.  Then she came up by my shoulders and I totally stiffened up!!! What....... I was getting the basic package, the only extra I expected was a glass of tea!!  I didn't want to hurt my moms feeling or the girl doing the massage so I sucked it up and just dealt with the pain.  Yes, the pain -- the sole reason I hate being touched.  I tried to remember the breathing techinques I learned when I had children, breathe and wiggle the toes.  Hmmmm, didn't work so well. Not only was this poor girl touching me, she was trying to do a deep tissue massage!!!  OUCH  every time she ran her thumbs into my neck it felt like she was just tearing my flesh -- stop the tourture, I wanna get off.  (That will answer anyone's who questions why I only get hot rock massages - they don't touch you!).  When she finished my wonderful massage she did my toes.  I picked this great orange color for the holiday and as a peace offering (I think she saw the horrified look on my face) she put spidey webs on my big toes!!!!!  I love it, all the excitement of my spider webs made the pain go away.  As for mom, well -- when we got in the car she was telling me about her disappointment in her girl,  when she did the massage she barely touched her.  What -- why didn't I get her!!!  Overall we had a fun time and I can still feel it this morning.  My neck feels bruised but my toes are cute, guess that's all that counts......... 

first real outing with the friends!

Another fabulous weekend weather wise........  couldn't ask for anything better!!!  With that brought my first real outing out with the friends.  I started the day off selling my mom's Scottish Shortbread at the local farmer's market.  We has record sales and not one sample went in my mouth!!!!!  To celebrate she is treating me to a pedicure today so I have to make this post fast :) 

Our local and beloved micro-brewery is moving into their new bigger, more sophisticated building in two weeks so that meant we had to make the pilgrimage across town yesterday to say goodbye to the old.  Even though I cannot drink bubbles anymore I wanted to go say adios.  The place was packed!!!! Guess everyone had the same idea.  I went to walk to the main bar to see if they had my favorite Christmas beer while the entire place was waiting in line for that first beer and was able to secure us a table, major bonus points for not drinking bubbles!  After the line shrunk a little I decided I would take my sample glass (I didn't even take a full size profession visitor glass) to the bar to see if I could have a little Christmas.  My counselor said if its draft and you let it sit a while, then you can usually drink one.  Well, I am proud to say that didn't work.  In the 2hours we sat there, I had about 3 sips and just couldn't do it.  I was fine with that, it just meant that I got to be "sober Sally" as my daughter calls it! We did have a great spread of food at the brewery.  Since we forgot the fork, I rolled my ceasar salad up in some turkey and cheese.  One thing I haven't missed is bread, I don't think I really liked it to begin with.  After the brewery closed we made our way to Hooters for more beer and wings and to watch some college football.  My meal consisted of 5 boneless wings and water, but I still had a great time and I'm not waking up with a huge headache this morning like I'm sure some of them are......... 

Happy weekend to everyone!!!!  Hope it was a fun one........

movement......

No this is not me, but I thought the picture goes along with the theme!!

Finally, the scale Gods have been nice to me!!!  I am going to tighten down this week and hope to make my short term goal -- only 3lbs away :)

emergency post --- just my luck

Scenario ----  pouring azz rain, gas light is on, wearing oversized comfy sweats taking the wonderful daughter to cheer

So here I go, venturing out in the rain AGAIN getting soaked running to the car b/c the garage door broke and I have to park outside (strike one!).  Wonderful teen daughter inserts comment "Thats why we have hoodies now!" as opposed to 30 minutes ago when we came home from getting soaked at the grocery store so I look like a drowned rat anyways..........  Now I get in the car where the gas light starts blinking so there is no putting off the gas station till the morning as planned, gotta go in the rain.  As I am pumping the gas I feel there are eyes staring me down and I look around.  Crap, a skeleton just fell out of the closet!  Why me, why now, why when I am soaked and in my neighborhood. You know the one, the one you always have to look your best to see!  Not that he hasn't seen me at my worst (oh and there were many nights of that!) but it's been years since visual contact.  I know it has been over 3 since we talked b/c I had just gotten Theo (yes I name my cars) and he hasn't seen it.  But even then we just talked on the phone.  This was my best guy friend for the crazy years of life!!!! We helped each other with all our problems, we could talk about nothing for hours or watch history movies without feeling like we had to entertain each other or just drink margaritas without worrying about hating each other in the morning.  It was great!  Then I had to suddenly move all the way across town one day (long story) and decided to get married out of the blue 6 months later.  We've bumped into each other over the last eight years but so much had changed.  (Wow and now that I think about it, last time I had just literally left the gym so I guess today was a step up)  Well needless to say, I didn't talk to him tonight.  How could I looking like this???  I have been working so hard on losing weight and he has to see me in an oversized sweatshirt, I was mortified.  Why couldn't it be a day where I was dressed up, with the confidence to go say hi??? I have always envisioned looking him up when things are better, to say "Hey, guess what I've been through." He hasn't seen me since I gained the weight or since I got sick. I dont think he would have cared about the weight, but I do. I just acted like I didn't see him, stopped pumping the gas, got in my car and sped away.  As for the cheer practice that started all this..... got to the fields to find out it was cancelled!   Just my luck...............

This is Halloween........

This weekend has been lots of fun!  Even though my lower body feels like I have been working out for hours I didn't let that stop me.  The weather here has been perfect this weekend so I did alot of outdoor activities, my favorite being helping my youngest daughter decorate for Halloween.  I haven't really felt much like decorating these last two years and I guess it has shown.  Last year KT got so frustrated and decided she was taking over the decorating duties this year.  She decided our front yard had to become a huge cemetary so after Halloween last year she got bunches of new stuff on clearance, including a 12ft tall crypt keeper!  We got all the decorations down on Friday and started going through them, eager to get started.  Unfortunately some things came up Saturday for her but she was here bright and early Sunday so we decided to get started, at 9:00am!!!! Whoa, that's early.  We spent nearly all day doing the yard, running to the store and having alot of fun.  We hardly took a break.  Here are some pictures of her creation:

I loved Halloween when I was a kid so this was so exciting for me!  Even though alot of our neighbors do not celebrate Halloween, I hope they are enjoying her creativity!!!

Now for the food stories!  I decided this weekend I have become a food diva.  Even though I can only eat 4-6oz a meal, I prefer a really good meals. I have been looking so forward to trying the "Ramen Revolution" from Pei Wei and decided Saturday to go.  I knew I could not eat the ramen noodles that came with it, but the meat sure sounded good, and I could taste a few of the noodles.  Besides it was free so how could I go wrong???  I thought my only choice was beef and was shocked when the girl offered shimp or chicken so I went for the shrimp, seemed like the better choice.  When I got the meal there were about 8 shrimp on it and there was really no taste, no spicy tang that they promised.  What a disappointment, but wait - it made me happy I was not tempted to eat the spagetti they were trying to pass off as ramen noodles.  I still ate the 8 shrimp though, they were ok.  Can't remember dinner that night so I guess it was nothing impressive.  So now Sunday -- while doing the decorating, KT decided she wanted to go to Burger King.  Since I was starving I agreed.  I loved Burger King burgers before surgery so why not have one without a bun???? Ewwwww, it was not as good as I remembered!  I was thankful when I could only eat 3/4 of the patty before I was full.  Boy was I looking forward to dinner -- turkey mignon with dried cherry sauce and squash casserole (recipe from black eye pea,  modified).  Mmmmmmmmmm yum, much better.  It's crazy how someone who didn't make anything more than mac & cheese or hot dogs is now making dried cherry sauce........  and the best part??? I am happy eating just enough to fill me up.

Shrink with me clothes.....

I finally finished my shopping!!! Monday I went to NY&Co @ the Galleria armed with a coupon, boy they know how to get you into the store.  I found a style of pants that I absolutely love -- buy one get one 50% off.  Hmmmm -- 45.00 for two pairs.  Should I spend that much???  How long will they actually fit??? Well my coupon was for 30.00 off of 75.00 so guess what....... I could shop more and still pay the same amout, now it was well worth it!   I got the most comfortable jacket for the office that is actually made out of sweatshirt material.  Comfy clothing and 45.00 now divided by three pieces of clothes = 15.00/item -- now thats worth it, winter wardrobe is almost complete.

Yesterday I pulled out a pair of those new black pants and one of the new black shirts.  I paired it with a leopard scarf and leopard heals ready to show off my new finds.  I had KT take pictures since it was my two month anniversary and I thought I was looking good until I looked at the camera.  How, after giving 26lbs back to whereever they came from, do I still look like Staypuff the Marshmellow Man????  In my eyes the pictures yesterday looked just like the pictures from July, I was crushed :(   When I got to work things changed altogether.  Many people that don't know about the surgery (as well as some that do) commented on how slim I look and how amazing that outfit looked on me.  I even got an e-mail this morning from someone who wasn't sure it was ok to comment in public.  She's soooo silly!  Well, I thought maybe I had one of those "skinny mirrors" I keep hearing about deceiving me at home but now I know......... the camera really does add 10lbs (or I have the fat lense on!)

Success

Well not alot going on here today!  I successfully was able to get out of the house between rainstorms and get to the mall.  New York & Co. in this mall is small so I didn't find anything there, gotta go to the Galleria after work maybe, but I did go into a cheezy type of trendy clothes store and guess what --- I was able to wear their clothes.  I couldn't believe it, its been years since I have even step foot into that type of store unless I am shopping for my kids.  I purchased four shirts, three I could wear to work/out after work and one that I could wear out on a Saturday night.  Now I have to get over to Charming Charlies to accessorize these new finds............. 

On the food front, my mom brought over some chopped beef brisket from the craft show the day before so I went to the store and got a sweet potato to eat it with.  Living in Texas the best food on earth is a chopped beef baked potato with all the toppings at Joe's BBQ.  YUMMMM   Well, my creation wasn't anywhere near as yummie as the one at Joe's (nor a quarter of the size) but it was really good.  The sweet potato added the right touch where I didn't miss all that butter, sour cream, chive, bacon ............   whoa, flashback -- get back on track here. I still can't get over how much less I eat.  Even though I think I am eating over 4oz a meal I can't even imagine what that original pototo weighed.  I have found my first food I cannot tolerate -- smoked pork loin.  I have tried it twice in the last month and, even though it is easily chewable it really makes me ill!!!  I will not be trying it again............  

wardrobe malfunction......

Wow, what a jump!!!!  I am shocked myself.  This journey has been an amazing experience for me, it has changed my whole outlook on alot of things.  Yesterday was opening weekend of this crazy thing I call "The Holiday Seasons shortbread selling campaign."  My mom decided a few years back to sell her amazing shortbread and last year we tried doing some craftshows with pretty good success.  Our first one was yesterday and though I haven't talked to her since I left, I think it went pretty good.  We almost sold out of a few of the flavors, I was getting a little nervous there for a bit.  I noticed myself being a little more open than last year with the customers, more sure of myself.  When they came up to the table, I jumped up and gave the sales pitch -- it was pretty fun.  The last thing in my life I would call myself is a salesperson, I really hate selling stuff.  I talked and mingled thoughout the show and really enjoyed my day.   I also noticed my choice in items at the show changed.  I was really looking forward to going to the little food person that sells all those great dip mixes, I make them for parties and my friends really love them.  This year I walked over to that booth and decided I had no interest in buying anything there.  I was more interested in the clothing!  I picked out this really cute t-shirt that I eyed most of the morning.  When I went after lunch to purchase it the lady selling it told me I could go try it on, it was one of those stretchy form fitting t-shirts and I wasn't quite sure how it would do.  I went into the bathroom and every woman in there complimented me on how nice the shirt looked but I just couldn't do it, I am just not comfortable with the form fitted look yet.  But I was really excited inside because, I could fit in it.  I could actually go to a crafts show and buy a piece of clothing!!!!!!!!! 

I was invited out to several different places last night. I was really disappointed to find out I have no really cute night-wear left everything thing I had was sizes too big!  I had nothing my size that was trendy and fun to wear to the places I wanted to go so I pulled out an old stand-by shirt and went to my friends birthday party at a club by the lake.  She kept telling me how amazing I looked and how proud she was of me.  I love this girl!!!!! Happy Birthday Kat.  Between the loss of confidence in my wardrobe and the rain that flattened my hair leaving her party I just decided to come home after that.  I am on a mission to go shopping today so I never have to feel that way again but this rain just won't let up!  I got a gift card to Charming Charlies for my birthday so I've decided that if I can buy something at a craft show, then why not try to buy one of those cute outfits they have there..............

Oh yeah, and I have made a new short term goal ---- 31.  I can't wait until I can post that picture.

Whew.........

Went to the neurologist yesterday and was hoping I would check out with flying colors, should have turned around when I walked through the door!!!  It all started Tuesday when I called to confirm my apppointment, thinking I was beating Issiac to the punch, but really because the time in the Blackberry didn't look right.  The receptionist told me it was at 2:30pm, good so far!  When I  arrived at the office and checked in the girl at the front desk couldn't find my record, she looked in her computer and said my appointment was for October 30!!!!!!!!!!!!  Now, how could this be happening twice, first the endo and now the neuro. I proved the endos office was wrong but I dont get those cute cards from the neuro.   Am I really losing it that bad?? I thought I was doing sooo much better.  I looked at the calendar and noticed Oct 30th is a Friday and there is noooooo way in the world I would shedule an appt for late on a Friday, so in my mind I am correct.  Since I am on the VIP list in the neuro's office, she was more than happy to see me.

Now imagine this, your appt time is incorrect and your main complaint on how you feel is time related; do you think she believed me now?? Of course she did, she's the only one that's believed this whole journey.  I love my neuro, she is a petite thing and we just laugh the whole appointment.  I think I am going crazy at times and she confirmed yesterday it isn't old-timers.  Whew, skated past that one!  She is very concerned about my sleep again though.  Even though she was estatic over how I looked, she said my eyes were still very very tired.  She thinks this is the reason that I am having a short circuit again :(  My main problem is time related and she noticed this in our conversation, at least it's not all in my head!!  I also had to repeat three words to her, no problem.  Then about five minutes later she asked me those three words........ ha, took me a few seconds to find them again but I did.  Yeah me, I was rocking.  Then the final test -- spell world, W-O-R-L-D, great made it!  Now spell world backwards ---- huh???  Am I drunk or something??? I can't spell backwards.  I have enough problems spelling forwards and you want me to spell backwards??  So I gave it a try and after writing it in my hand 3 times, I GOT IT!  Well, we decided I cannot get my CPAP adjusted because of the constant weight loss and that I have to stabilize that first so in three months I have to go back and get re-evaluated.  I may even be able to get off of it!! In the meantime I have to work on getting plenty of sleep and resting up.  I can't believe this, I am the energizer bunny now and I have to watch it.....  I am overdoing it??  Does that suprise anyone? Shouldn't, I am making up for alot of lost time.  But in keeping with the doctors order, I am taking tomorrow off .....................................  Oh yeah, when I was leaving the same girl as last time made my appointment for December.  We agreed on a day and I even showed her my Blackberry to make sure I was right.  Guess what -- she scheduled it wrong on her computer!!!  Now, you tell me..... was I wrong????

My goal for this weekend is to make these last two ounces go away so I can put up a big 25 picture.  I have been walking in the evening so that should help.  You see the craziest things when walking through your neighborhood in the evening.  Last night there was the cutest little bunny eating up someones front lawn.  He was white with big floppy grey ears, obviously someones pet got loose.  Then there was this crazy airplane flying over Fwood.  It was making these weird shapes in the sky and since my biggest fear involves planes, well I got a little concerned.  I lost sight of it but when I got home it sounded this plane landed somewhere on my street, panic attack.......   I kept looking and looking trying to see what the heck was making this loud grinding metal noice.  I have to bust out laughing when my little older lady neighbor came out of her back yard carrying a leaf blower twice the size of her.  It could have sucked her up!!

Have a great weekend and see you Monday

Not much to report.......

This weekend went pretty well! There was a company party that I attended on Friday and was very suprised on how many people stopped me to say how good I looked, healthy and refreshed. I was really excited about this. For once I didn't really worry about what I wore to the party, anything looks better than what I used to look like. The food served wasn't challanging either, they had shrimp and sliders (minus the buns) that were really yummie. I got to spend some time with my support partner who is looking amazing, way to go T!!!! We drank lots and lots and lots of wine together.

Saturday brought the joys of being a mom of a girl going to homecoming. Oh, and seeing baby El who is just and cute as can be -- and 8lbs now! Unfortunately I had to cut my visit short with her to go attend to the homecoming needs. Kel looked fabulous as always going to the dance, and her date wasn't bad either. They had sooo much fun and her friends mom even did the Denny's run afterwards, whooo hoo for the first time in 7 years I did not have to spend the night at Denny's.........   After all I was just whipped, off to bed I went until the power went out.

Sunday I slept in then got to spend the day with The Grasshopper and her sisters. We started out with breakfast at her favorite Mexican restuartant, which never bothered me. One taco and I was fine (minus the tortilla), the chips didnt even sound good. We finished the day by going shopping at the mall again (I think she said it was her fourth time this weekend!) As the pattern has been going, the scale was a little up on Monday morning. Nothing to fear though, it was back down to where I started this morning.

Today hasn't been the best of days, I think I knocked something out of whack. I am feeling like a relapse is coming on but I am hoping and praying its the flu. I know, I am probably the only person in America who is hoping for the flu. The last time I felt like this is the day after I mowed the lawn, I had to stay home from work. Well, yesterday I thought about mowing it -- do you think its time to hire a lawn guy????? I already have an appointment with the neuro tomorrow, I haven't seen her since the surgery so I am pretty excited. I really hope I feel better beforehand so she doesn't think this was not worth it!

And finally --- A BIG HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY to my two favorite twins, my baby brother and sister. Hope ya'll are having fun and we need to get together soon............................

This pic is sooo old but it's the only one I have!

My Birthday!!!!!!!!

I am really excited about my birthday this year, I feel like a little kid! Last night I was laying in bed thinking I really don't know what I did on my birthday the last two years so it feels like FOREVER since I've had one. (If we did anything together, pls remind me!). My grasshopper is coming home for the weekend, can't wait to see her. My friends at work bought me Chinese food for lunch, I found something that's not too bad for you and really yummie. They also bought gourmet cupcakes I am waiting patiently to try........ I am enjoying myself today but also watching out for what I eat. I was hoping I could be at 25 by the 24th but that didn't work. Oh well. I had a major gain this week from fluid retention and now I am flushing it out so all is good.

The biggest thing driving me crazy right now is my memory, it seems to be short circuiting again :( Time still seems to be the biggest struggle, something that happened minutes ago feels like hours in my mind. I have never forgotten stuff at work and all weeks I have. On top of that I forget the most important things -- like picking my medicine up at Walgreens. I passed it all week without thinking twice about my meds ---- uggghhh. Guess I am going to have to get one of those pill packs to make sure I take them........................... hehehehehehehehe Sometimes I wish I could chalk this up to old age but NOT HAPPENING, sorry!!!

Alot of challenges this past week!

In honor of last nights win over them Cowboys and the amount I am down ---------



---------

Well, this last week has been nothing but challenges. It started out getting the fill two Thursdays ago which puts me on liquids for 3 days --- whoa, bad timing on my part!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Friday started "Girls Beach Party Weekend" where a good friend of mine rented a gorgeous beachhouse and invited us girls to hang out with her, way too much fun (thanks A). Though the food looked great, I stuck it out and kept on my liquid diet -- WINE and water. It really wasn't too bad, honestly, but this was the first time I really missed my beer. Then Saturday night was Papa Roach/Hinder and Nickelback at the Woodlands and what comes with that??? Beer, Beer and more beer. I was really glad to be there with the kids (even though 2 were legal driving age) because that gave me an excuse, I only had one glass of wine. Thanks T! Sunday stepping on the scale was not pleasant..... major gain! Whoa, gotta get cracking here. I was so glad to come back to work on Monday so I could eat right and DRINK LOTS OF WATER.... As a friend of mine said who is also going through this journey - a liquid diet does not mean an alcohol diet -- how funny, you would have done the same thing! (But big kuddos to her because she announced a major milestone while listening to me complain, this game me hope again)

The week was going good until it was decided to start my birthday celebrating a week early ---- oh those frozen mojitos Friday. I really have to stay away from them, they have to be full of calories but they are sooooooo goood :) Saturday it was road trip time -- went to see the grasshopper and deliver her some King Crab. That went over really good, not too far off the course but again, there was wine involved. For those who havent been to Gruene since last weekend, they opened a new winery and the fruit wine is yummie --- bought 3 bottles............. And finally Sunday- Giants and Cowboys in cowboy territory. Of course you have to come armed with good food when you enter here wearing your best Giant pj's (hey it was a night game) so here comes the Buffalo Chicken dip. The host is one of the best bbqer's around so of course he made TONS of food -- stuffed pork roast, smoked ribs, beans, pasta salad and oh something else I had to stay away from. Doesn't he know I only eat 4 ounces now??? I ate very little roast and ribs and I am feeling it today. Not only does the scale show it but I am feeling pretty full still. Liquids seem to be the only thing I even want to think of eating right now (and can you believe wine doesn't even sound good?) All I want is WATER WATER WATER!

In spite of it all I am glad to see the scale was good to me. I was getting discouraged about it not coming off as fast as in the beginning but you know what -- it's coming off so I am happy. As far as the Hashi's goes, I have some appointments coming up, the one with my endo got misscheduled so I have to wait again, oh well. I am really tired today but that comes from the overdoing it this weekend. It would have been much worse in the past. One thing I am grateful for is my newfound energy level -- before this journey I would not have been able to do a third of the above activities listed. I AM LOVING THIS!!!!! I have also weaned off of one medication and slowing weaning off of another. WHOOO HOO

This week is homecoming for Kelly and MY BIRTHDAY! more challenges to come.........

legal drinking age..........

That's right! I hit the legal drinking age in many states today, unfortunately not in years but in pounds (how I would love to go back to 21 sometimes). It's amazing what a few ounces can do for getting over a hump. I go for a fill tomorrow, 2nd one. I hope I get more restriction soon because I get soooooo hungry between meals then I feel i could eat a whole tables worth of food.

As for my endo appt this week, well something must have happened on their calendar because my appointment is lost! I have to go home and look for the pink card they gave me. I know I'm not crazy and scheduled an appointment before I left last month, why else would it be in my blackberry!!!

I did it!!!

I was very surprised when I got on the scale this morning! Even with all the wine drinking and bad eating (ok, that was limited!) I finally broke the 20 barrier!!!!!!

some smiley times........

As I am waiting for the "crack" balls (cake balls that are as addicting as crack) to settle for the pool party I am on my way to, I thought I would share some smile times from the last two days!

Yesterday I wore a pair of jeans to work that actually fit, and they looked pretty good. I wasn't embarrassed to wear a short shirt with them. I even went to happy hour with my friends and had a great time! We went to a really neat sports bar on Washington that has a roof patio overlooking downtown. The frozen mohito's were delicious and the company was great. I actually socialized instead of just sitting there in my "shell", even staying 2 hours later than planned. I actually could have stayed all night there, we had that much fun! (smile time)

Then today I woke up and passed a mirror and took a glance. Now lately when I have been waking up I refuse to look in the mirror. My face is usually puffy like a marshmellow and my skin looks like I am fifty years old, my eyes are sunken in and I've had these dark racoon eyes from not feeling good so I just avoid the whole thing. Well today it was different...... As I walked passed the mirror and took a glance I stopped and smiled. I actually looked healthy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (at 9:00 in the morning to boot) I had color in my face, it wasn't marshmellow puffy and the dark circles were gone. I then stepped on the scale and didn't even care those ounces are still teetering.

I baked for the first time since the surgery and that went well also, didn't even really want to taste the cake balls. I would rather save the space for the ribs and dips at the party, I know they will be good as always. My final smile time was deciding which bathing suit to wear to the party, I actually have a choice. Do I wear this years that is probably big by now or the one I bought for the cruise before I got sick? Well, after trying on the old one I decided what the heck, why not. I think it fits and I can actually wear the wrap with it!

Well gonna run, I am excited about spending more time with my friends! Have a safe Labor day weekend.

j

Patienty waiting..........

or not! I am still trying to get these last couple of ounces off to make it to the big 20. I was warned not to become a "scale ho" but I really want to see them disappear so for the last two night I have been going from heals

to sneakers

as soon as I get home from work. I have started doing my Wii Active again which is pretty exciting for me. I actually enjoy the workout. Wish me luck, I'll let you know when I get there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 month, 2 days and counting!

It's been 1 month and 2 days since the surgery and it's been great! I have a frog tracking my progress and although he's been stuck at 19.8 for 2 days I'm not getting discouraged. As other bloggers tell me, this is to be expected. I am just going to work a little harder because I really want that 20. I got to go clothes shopping for the first time and was able to shop in the regular sections, including juniors -- it was soooo exciting!!!!! I also had to get new shoes since I think 10 of the pounds I have to those kids we used to feed in China as kids (that's who I decided can have this extra weight. If they needed my food all those years then they can use the weight) were in my feet. That brings up an interesting subject -- why is it when weight comes off its in the places where you need it the least???? My feet were never big and neither were my wrists or boobs but guess what, thats whats shrinking away. So not fair!

The life adjustment this first month has not been as bad as I thought it would be. I haven't been as crabby as my kids were afraid I would be. I am at a point where I can eat any type of food I would like, in moderation. I have become a fan of scallops, smoked salomon and crab over this time. It's great for me but my family is going crazy, they aren't big seafood eaters unless its crab. Lots of find your own meals for them!

As for those pesky antibodies, well all I can say is they are still there. They show their ugly head from time to time but I am learning to just kick their ass. I have noticed alot of changes for the good but there are a few effects that have intensified, it's just a matter of flexibility and learning to manage. Since the surgery I have felt better than I have in years. I have more energy and can stay awake past 10:00pm on the weekends :) I don't sleep every weekend away anymore, for some reason I like getting up at 8:00am now. Soooo not me but it makes for a good weekend. I have started doing more social activities with friends which I am loving. I gotta watch the wine consumption though, it's effects are alot stronger than before!!!!!! I do admit, I miss my beer from time to time too. I've gotten color back in my skin, I'm not ashy anymore and the strangest thing about that is my tattoo has darkened. My mom asked if I had it redone because it was so vibrant the other day. My memory is getting better, at least I know my kids school schedule this year. Ohhhh last year was bad, I didn't know where they were half the time. I am looking forward to enjoying another soccer season watching KT play for the school! On the flip side, I have to really watch my outdoor activities in the heat -- they will suck all life out of me!!! I used to be able to do stuff in the sun but not so much anymore. Sleeping in the pool or on the beach seems to work ok but I mowed the lawn two Sunday's ago and didn't quite make it to work on Monday, I slept for about 20 hours straight. Sometimes I just have to let those antibodies win. Oh well, fall is around the corner then I don't have to worry about this. Like I've been saying, for every 2 or 3 things changing for the good I can deal with 1 bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a great afternoon :)

In the beginning......

This is my first blog so it may be a little long! In mid 2005 I started feeling very tired and worn down so I went to my PCP for a physical. After getting a clean bill of health I decided to schedule a visit with my gyno to check a small mass I could feel in my chest. That journey lasted approximately 6 months when the local cancer hospital finally gave me another clean bill of health but when I explained to them how I felt they referred me back to my PCP to have my thyroid checked again. Since my first PCP said my thyroid was fine I kinda blew off the visit, I had gotten two clean bills in a years time!!

Now comes 2006 and the journey begins!!!!!!!!!!!!! I started feeling very fatigued and figured something had to be wrong so I decided to find a new PCP and get a fresh pair of eyes on this. I had just recently lost the few extra pounds I had gained from the stress but I was getting weaker and weaker. My thyroid tests came back all normal but my new doctor, who was very understanding, decided to prescribe me Armour since all my symptoms were classic hypothyroid. The Armour seemed to help for a short time but when they symptoms came back, they came back hard! My PCP felt I should see an endocrinologist for a blood panel, again nothing. My thyroid antibodies were high but noone seemed to care. Who knows how I was working during this time, I could not keep my eyes open! I started developing some neurological symptoms - numbness, confusion, tingling and was sent from endo to neuro without anyone being able to find anything except those dumb antibodies, but what are they??? They really weren't elevated enought to cause that much of a problem. Noone seemed to care about them. My PCP during this whole experience was the most caring person I have met but he was even perplexed. I was gaining weight like crazy, I was having all kinds of neuro problems and I could not stay awake. I was convinced it was the Armour causing the weight gain so I requested a change to Synthroid but that didn't help, we were at a loss. I was beginning to think it was all in my head, as many doctors suggested. After extensive research on the internet regarding these antibodies I decided to seek out some doctors on my own. I found (with the help of a television show) an endo in town that specializes in this thing called Hashimoto's so I gave her a call, trying my best to get an appointment because I was going down fast. On top of everything else, I could not remember a thing! (Thank you to my job for understanding, though throughout these two years I had learned to mask alot of what was going on!) The specialist was booked for the next few months so I asked for the next best and got an immediate appointment with her. Boy what an eye opener! It turns out these thyroid antibodies are a big deal -- that thyroid thing controls your whole body! We did some medication adjustments and I was on my way to feeling better, finally!!!

Then in 2008 the "episodes" hit, they were mini stroke type episodes ---- they weren't frequent but they were troublesome. I was referred to a neuro who was an angel from heaven. She could tell something was wrong and she was determined to figure it out! Could it be this rare condition I found on the internet (yes the internet again!) called Hashimoto's Encephalopathy? Noone has ever heard of it but I was determined. I printed off hundreds of pages from the net and brought them to my new neuro along with the pages and pages of test that have already been performed. I was beginning to feel like a guinea pig. I went through weeks of more testing and finally something came back --- RERA's. What is that??? A form of sleep apnea. (how, I was tested for that in 2006) Hmmm according to her that could cause the weight gain, the memory loss, the fatigue, the blackouts -- everything. I have never been so excited to hear of something. Since i seemed to have had it for so loing it was causing a reversable type of brain damage. With treatment, I would be fine. Whew.

I don't really remember much from late 2007/2008. It seems that my short term memory short circuited. It was at this time I started filling people in on the secret I was hiding, how bad I was really feeling and how scared I really was. Why isn't the miracle apnea treatments working?? Why are things not reversing??? I can tell you that even with treatment for the apnea, I was still sleepy all the time. I started taking Provigil to make it though the day. I developed high blood pressure from the medication so I had to discontinue it. Even though the Provigil went away, the blood pressure problems did not! Again, a side effect from this massive weight gain I experienced. I decided to call that specialist from that tv show again, what the heck it couldn't possibly cause any harm. I have been through hundreds of tests by this time and the only definate blood test was that dumb Hashimoto's. She got high praises from my neuro and this was the last step before starting the grueling treatments for HE. If there was something wrong we had confidence she could find it. Believe it or not, I was able to get in!!! I learned with this great auto-immune disease it was next to impossible to lose the weight I gained so I started looking into the Lap Band. Could it work? I would ask her, my neuro seemed to think it would. Her only new finding was now i developed insulin resistance, the precurser to Type II diabetis. Now something had to be done!!!! If all this new stuff could be controlled with weight loss, why not try it??? Since I was not "ideal" weight for auto approval, both my neuro and endo gave my insurance their blessing and whalla -- I got approved. During all my research I found a thyroid advocate, Mary Shomon, who I had been following faithfully and I asked if she had every heard of a Hashi's patient having Lap Band but she had not. So here I go again, feeling like yet another guinea pig. I could not find many stories out there of people who have been though this, so I thought I would blog my progress!!!! I went from having a clean bill of health to having Hashimoto thyroiditis -causing neurological issues, weight issues, sleep issues, blood pressure issues and now insulin issues all in two years. All which could be reversed by losing a few pounds.............. Will it work????