what is going on here???...

The scale says I'm up 8+ lbs from the beginning go the B2B challenge.  The worst is that my boobs have been sooooooo sore for the last couple of weeks and today I didn't fit into any of my new bras (the cup definitely runneth over!).  And, no, I'm not preggers!

I really hope it's just PMS and will be over soon...

Umpqua Oats...10 Thumbs up!

While playing around on the Inna-nets recently, I came across a mention of something called Umpqua Oats.  I did a little research and was intrigued.  So,  I stepped out of my comfort zone a bit and I contacted them to ask for samples.  They were kind enough to oblige and actually sent me 8 (one of each flavor)!

Umpqua is based out of Oregon and basically is an all natural alternative to those chemical-laden and full-of-sugar instant oatmeal packages that you find in major chain grocery stores.  They come in a recyclable container and the preparation couldn't be easier.  You just shake, add water and wait a minute or two.  The result?--a really great tasting, soul-satisfying & healthy breakfast! (even my husband approves)

This would be a great option for all of us bandsters.  The texture is just right--it goes down w/o problems but is thick enough to hang around and fill you up.  And, it even has 8g. protein.

I was so excited about this product, that I sent the info over to Stephanie.  You can read her review here.  Best of all, there will be a limited supply of samples given away in Chicago!

Check out the Umpqua Oats website & consider making a purchase--you won't be disappointed!

PS  This review is purely voluntary on my part.  I contacted them to ask for the samples (not the other way around).  The fact that I happen to love the product is because, well, they have a great product!

having a hard time, y'all...

Yesterday I was a bottomless pit!  Today, everything makes me feel nauseated.  I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

I did find a studio close-by that offers Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, etc.  I plan to check it out later today.

Cheers!

Oreos are from the devil!

That is all.  Carry on.

feeling bloated & swollen...

...not OTR...possibly over-salted...feeling kinda blue.  Hope it passes before the weekend.

nothing to see here...

Not much happening in Lynda-Land lately.  I'm up about 1.5 lbs since having .5cc taken out (I'm guessing the loss was due to dehydration).  I'm feeling good and am mostly happy with my level of restriction.  I can eat solids when I remember to follow the rule.  I am satisfied with 1/2-1 cup and generally stay satisfied for 3-5 hours.  Sounds almost perfect...if I could just start losing again!

Must. Start. Exercise.

Gotein... (updated w/ winner)

Hope won the giveaway.  Congratulations, Hope!

The folks @ Gotein sent me some samples (and an extra for a giveaway).  I guess they are focusing their marketing campaign (at least in part) on WLS patients.  

Powdered protein drinks aren't part of my normal day, but the portability of this product intrigued me and I agreed to give it a shot.  They sent two each of 3 flavors:  chocolate, vanilla & strawberry.  I am hesitant to try the strawberry because, quite frankly, it scares me.  I have never met a strawberry drink (diet, high protein or otherwise) that I liked.  I don't even like strawberry milk.  I do drink the cans of chocolate and vanilla flavored SlimFast...and I think they are quite good.  So, that's what Gotein is up against.

Chocolate:

I should have read the directions!  The first step is to DRINK approximately 1/3 of a 16.9 oz. bottle of water.  Then, you pour the Gotein powder into the remaining water, shake to mix, and drink.  Typical me just popped open the bottle of water and poured the powder right in.  You have to shake it quite a bit to get it mixed, but I was pleased to discover that it dissolved quite nicely--not a lump to be found!  My first sip proved to be smooth (no gritty texture) and the flavor was not offensive.  There was definitely none of that yucky protein aftertaste.  It reminded me of Yoo-hoo.  I wish there had been a bit more of the chocolate flavor--but, I assume that was my fault for mixing too much water.

Vanilla:

Having learned my lesson with the chocolate, I dutifully drank 1/3 of the water out of my 16.9 oz bottle before mixing.  I took this opportunity to take my morning meds, so it worked out just fine.  The vanilla powder mixed just as nicely as the chocolate and, without the extra water, the resulting drink was thicker--which I liked.  The flavor, also, was much less subtle--which I also liked.  My overall impression of the vanilla was much the same as the chocolate...inoffensive & just fine.

So, will I drink Gotein every day? probably not.  But, like I said, it's just because I don't use protein drinks as a regular part of my diet.

Will I purchase some Gotein anyway?  You bet!  I really like the convenience and portability and "inoffensive" is a lot better than most powdered protein drinks which make me want to gag.  I will definitely have some of this stashed in my car and you'll probably find it in my purse in Chicago.

If you'd like to try some, too, just leave a comment.  I'll pick a winner 1st thing Monday morning.

Cheers!

B.Y.O.C.

I don't think I've done one of these since last year...

t’s Friday so that means it’s BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy! We answer questions today in an effort to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break. Copy and paste to your own blog if you so desire…and ENJOY!!

1. Let’s do something crazy….I’m going to list the rainbow colors and you type the first FOOD item that pops into your head that symbolizes that color for you…..here’s mine:

Red – strawberries

Orange – mashed sweet potatoes & andouille sausage from Heaven on Seven in Chicago!!!

Yellow – summer squash

Green – broccoli

Blue – blueberries

Purple – eggplant (although, I never eat it...strange that it came to mind first)

Brown – chocolate ice cream

Black – the burnt cheese that oozes over the side of deep dish pizza (yum!--the best part!)

2. What is on your kitchen table right now?

We don't actually have a kitchen table.  There is nothing on my dining room table...I cleaned house yesterday. :)

3. What movie do you watch again and again and again? Not like what movie have you seen 5 times…but like what movie have you seen 30 times or more?

I don't think I've ever watched a movie that many times!  I do find that I get sucked into 300 whenever I come across it, and it is one of the few that we own on DVD.

4. If Satan had a last name – what would it be?

Smith (you know, 'cause he likes to seem all "normal" and then he hits you with the whammy)

5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in blogland and in real life.

Real life has been quiet this week--and boring!  I'm beginning to think it might be time to find another volunteer gig.  Maybe the greyhound rescue down the street...I used to be a professional dog groomer and do pretty well with training basic commands.

In blogland I'm working on reading the BOOBs blogger of the day (don't want to make an a$$ out of myself in Chicago).  I'm also putting together a "yearbook" (or cheat-sheet as Stephanie calls it) to help us all put real names with faces.

Cheers!

google+...

I have some Google Plus invites.  Send me an email if you want one.

bringing sexy back...

I got a "Hey Mami!" while walking through Lowes earlier today.  Urban Dictionary says:

Mami	863 up, 92 down
	Mamí, Is spanish slang for baby, sexy, Other names used ... Chula, Mamacita, Mamita, Nena etc. *Ay mamí tù tan caliente. (oh, Girl you soo Sexy.)

 I am part thrilled and part disgusted.  But, mostly thrilled. ;)  I give credit to losing 40+ pounds...and my new bra (see yesterday's post).  I told you guys it was the best bra EVAR!!!

best bra ever...

A while back, I mentioned my new love for Lunaire bras.  They are a line of bras designed specifically for cup sizes C-DDD.  They also are pretty!

Lunaire "Casablanca" underwire

I bought my first one earlier this year.  I liked it so much that I found myself wearing it almost every day even though it is black lace.  So, I decided it might be time to go back to the store and see if I liked any other (possibly more casual styles) from this same manufacturer.  I tried on 10 different bras...and I liked every single one!!!  Maybe even more amazing is that the sizing was consistent from one style to the next.

I wound up buying two:

Lunaire "Chloe" Seamless Semi-Demi

Whimsey by Lunaire "Barbados" w/ lace Demi

The first one, Chloe, wins the prize for the best bra ever in the history of the world!!!!  I know you're probably looking at that picture and thinking your boobs would not look like that.  But, I'm here to tell you that they will (I'm 36DD and it worked for me)!!!

Chloe is pretty, yet casual.  She is seamless (great for knits & t-shirts) and comfortable.  I wore her all day and there was no tugging--the girls stayed exactly where they were supposed to be and the band didn't ride up.  Most importantly, she gives me support AND separation!!!  No more boob-crack peeking through the top of my shirt!

The pink one is nice, too, and I am wearing it right now.  I am in love with Lunaire!



PS  I get them at Macy's, but you can buy them online or at other department stores like Belk, Nordstrom, etc.

how do you spell relief?

U-N-F-I-L-L

Doc took out .5cc this morning and I'm feeling better already.  My plan is to take it slow and graduate up to solid foods over the next 48 hours.  I just downed a SlimFast (something I haven't been able to do for 3 days) and am about to get to work on some water.  According to the doctor's scale, I've lost 11 pounds in the last 3 weeks.  That's a little too fast for my tastes.  I'm curious to know where I'll be in a couple of days when I'm fully re-hydrated.

We talked a little about why it took me so long to come back in.  I told him about the illness followed by TOM.  I also told him that I had figured I would just ride it out as long as I could get down the SlimFasts and soup.  He told me that the next time I'm not able to eat solid food for more than 24 hours, I should call him immediately and he will determine if it's due to a cold or some other temporary ailment.  He said soup and SlimFast may be good enough for me, but it's not good enough for him.

I go back in 6 weeks for a checkup.

PS  I found the most amazing bra ever yesterday!  It gets a whole post tomorrow...

Back to Basics Challenge (weigh-in)...

Start:      203.0
Week 1:  200.4
Week loss:  2.6

BYOC

I haven't done one of these in eons!

1. If you were asked to symbolize yourself as an animal – which animal would you be?
Hmm...I would be a dog--some type of terrier.  I am often a goofy spaz; I am loyal; I am stubborn; I love to snuggle; I will do what you ask but on my own terms; I am nosy and inquisitive; I will be your best friend and I love a good belly rub!


2. Did you ever play an organized sport – with coaches, rules and scoring? Tell us about it.
I played softball & tennis for many years.  I was actually pretty good and our softball team actually made it to the championships.  I miss those days.
.

3. When did you start shaving your legs?
I was in the 6th grade.  My mom was hosting a dinner party and I was messing around upstairs.  I found my older sister's electric razor and brought it down to ask my mom if I could use it (yes, in front of all the guests).  She said, "yes, but if you cut yourself you have to get your own bandaid."


4. When you’re in a crabby – pissy – want to stab everyone you see kind of mood – what do you do to get out of it or do you revel in it?
If I can, I go to my room and close the drapes, turn off the lights, put on my noise-cancelling headphones and listen to one of my relaxation/meditation c.d.'s.


If I'm in a situation where I can't do that, I try to take a deep breath and recenter myself.  I used to wallow in it, but have recently discovered that the wallowing doesn't really make me feel any better.


5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in blogland and in real life.
I have been a bit self-centered in both real life and in blog land this week.  Dealing with the angst of yet another swollen stomach and too tight band has occupied all my time.  I have really appreciated the comments and support...it has really helped!

admitting you have a problem is half of the battle...

OK, I'm finally ready to admit it--I'm too tight.  ARGH!

I finally ran out of excuses and called the doctor this morning.  I will go in on Monday AM for a partial unfit.  No, it's not because I had a cold.  No, it's not because I'm OTR (thanks Maria!).  No, it's not because its morning or the sky is blue or that Draz is a unicorn.  It's just because I'm too tight.

I can still drink water and take my smaller pills, so dehydration is not a problem.  I can usually get a Slimfast or V-8 down for lunch and dinner, so I'm at least getting a tad bit of nutrition.  I'm tired & cranky, but surprisingly not hungry.  I can make it until Monday...I can make it until Monday...I can make it until Monday...

halfway there...

Due to all the too-tight-or-not drama, I completely failed to notice that I have passed (just barely) the halfway mark to goal!  My "realistic & totally attainable" goal is 165.  I started @ 241.5.  As of this morning, I have lost a total of 40 pounds!  Only 35 more to go to get to goal!!!

mixed blessing...

This latest fill has been a mixed blessing for me.

On one hand, I'm finally losing weight like I thought I was expecting to do 6 months ago.  I'm not hungry.  And, did I mention that I'm finally losing?!?!?

On the other hand, I am now dealing with heartburn on a regular basis and I never know from one meal to the next if I'm going to be able to eat (mushies included).  Earlier today, I found myself struggling with a cup of hot tea.

LapBandGal posted a chart recently that got me thinking...maybe I'm just a smidge too tight?  I have managed to avoid making poor food choices (no ice cream for me!), but I'm certainly not able to eat the variety of foods that make for a healthy diet.  Obviously, the fact that I'm getting anything down is better than what I've experienced in the past.  But, I don't think that relying on SlimFast for breakfast and lunch everyday is where I really want to be.

I just wonder if I can ride it out until I see the doctor again in 4 weeks.

Sisterhood clothing...

If you are interested in a piece, just comment below or send me an email (thistimenextyear [dot]lynda[at]gmail[dot]com).  I will contact you to arrange shipping.

At most, items have been worn only twice.  Some have never been worn at all.

#1.  East 5th size 18 pant suit. GONE

#2:  JH Collection size 16 pant suit GONE

#3:  Tommy Hilfiger size 14 blazer GONE

#5:  Worthington size 14, 3/4 sleeve tapestry crop jacket STILL AVAILABLE

#6:  Ann Taylor size 12 waffle texture black blazer.DECIDED TO KEEP IT. :)

#7:  Harve Benard size 16 wool blazer STILL AVAILABLE

Back to Basics (the beginning)...

So, looks like we're posting our challenge weigh-ins on the blogs.  Here's mine:

That's right, folks!  A new lowest low!  I think this bodes well for me in the karma department.


I would really love to be down to 185 by Chicago.  That means averaging 1.5 lb loss each week.  It's doable, but it's not gonna do itself.  Possible motivation to start using that gym membership?????

Sisterhood clothing coming soon...

The Hubs and I did some organizing today, and I found a few suits & blazers stuffed behind some old winter coats.  Most of these have been worn no more than once or twice, so they are in really good shape.

I have a light brown pant suit in size 18 & a blue weave summer pant suit in size 16 (wore it to a wedding).  I also have 3 blazers to give away in sizes 12 & 14.  I tried them on and they actually fit again (!), but I just don't have any place to wear them and thought some of you with office jobs could use them.

Check back in tomorrow for pictures.

corn is not my friend...

The tomato-corn pie from yesterday's post turned out pretty good (my husband even had 3rds!).  Unfortunately, it seems that this latest fill has put corn on my No-Go list.  Fortunately, this latest fill actually seems to be working!

I'm not surprised about the corn, since I've heard that this is a problem food for so many.  Still a little sad, though.

Getting ready to watch a The King's Speech with The Hubs.

Cheers!

1/2 pound to go...

I am only 1/2 pound away from a new lowest low!

I saw 203.5 briefly in March--a result of dehydration due to swelling after a fill.  Two days after the partial un-fill I was back up to 209 (where I had been hovering since my birthday in January!).  And, there I have stayed up until this .

Today, I weighed in @ 203.75.  Official weigh day is Tuesday.  I think this will certainly give me the motivation to avoid the ice-cream over the holiday weekend.

Cheers!