comments...

I think I'm a little bit self-absorbed these days.  I read all of your blogs every day.  I think comments in my head.  But, for some reason, I just don't get around to sharing my thoughts and giving words of encouragement.  The sad thing is that I know what a huge difference a simple "way to go" or "don't be discouraged" can make.  I feel like I'm letting you all down.

While I work on this, please know that I am reading your blogs.  I am celebrating with those of you who have had success and cheering on those who are struggling.  I hope that someday soon I'll get this figured out and can be a truly supportive, contributing member of this community again.

10%...

As of this morning, I have lost 10% of my starting weight!!!  This is my first "official" weight loss goal to be met.  In fact, I have set all of my goals to be in 10% increments.  So, mark your calendars!--or, at least I'll mark mine. ;)  

August 11, 2010--24 lbs lost--10% of starting weight (241.5)--current weight 217.5

Cheers!

9 week NSV...

I had a checkup with my PCP this afternoon.  According to her records, I have lost 24 lbs (it turns out that my highest was actually 1.5 lbs higher than I originally thought).  But, the real victory was my blood pressure...110/70!!!

Cheers!

stooipd (.)...

Anticipating the continuation of my daily losses, I had a celebration post written and ready to go.  Today was supposed to be the day that I reached my 1st weight loss goal.  I only needed to lose 1/4 lb from yesterday's weigh-in.  Instead, my dear friend TOM decided to show up early this morning and my official weight is 1/2 lb. higher than yesterday.  That puts me 3/4 lb. from my intended goal.  

I know the reasons.  I know it's temporary.  I know it's nothing that I could have controlled. But, knowing all of that doesn't make it any less frustrating.  I really wanted to see those numbers.

On a more positive note, I'm doing better than this time last month when I actually gained 2 lb the week prior and held onto it for over 2 weeks.  I guess there's always a silver lining if you look hard enough.

Cheers!

a little restriction (maybe?)...

Two days ago, I had a smoothie for lunch.  Later, I was surprised to realize that it was time to start cooking dinner.  I had not even thought about food for almost 5 hours!  And, I wasn't terribly hungry.  I ate about 3 oz (cooked) chicken and about 1/4 cup mashed cauliflower for dinner and was quite satisfied.  The scale rewarded me the next morning with 1/2 lb. loss (yes, I'm a daily weigh-er--I like to look for patterns).

I had another smoothie for breakfast (blueberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, flax oil, Greek yogurt, agave nectar) yesterday around 9:15.  It took me a full 30 minutes to finish the 16oz smoothie.  I ate again about 2 hours later--2 oz. cheddar cheese.  That held me until about 4:00 when I had a banana.  I was rewarded, again, with 1/2 lb. loss.

I'm not sure I'm ready to officially claim restriction.  But, I definitely like the way things are going at this point.

Cheers!

have you seen those GIANT pills?

My doctor thinks "it would be great" if I started taking Omega-3 supplements to help with a myriad of health concerns--most notably, joint pain and cholesterol.  The most popular form of Omega-3 supplementation comes in the form if Fish Oil.  Ouch!  If you've ever seen a fish oil supplement, you know what I'm talking about--those are some gigantic pills!  I had a hard time getting them down even before the band.  I don't even want to think about it now.

Another option is Flax Oil--which, I do add to my smoothies.  You can add it to other things, too--oatmeal, grits, soup, drizzled on muffins or toast, etc.  But, it has a flavor that takes some getting used to.  I can handle it in my smoothies, but not in much else.  And, it can go rancid if you keep it too long.

Last week I was perusing the supplement aisle at my local Kroger and I found this.  Omega-3 Krill Oil supplements--they are really SMALL (you might even call them 'tiny')!!!  The box has an "actual size" photo on the front--which is what caught my eye.  I've been taking them for about a week and have had no problems getting them down.  They're even smaller than my Calcium supplement (Citracal Pettites) that were recommended by the bariatric center.  And--as a bonus--I don't get those awful fish burps!

Cheers!

this thing called exercise...

Darrell & I joined a gym! (did I mention this already?)

My mother's cardiac rehab program is at an end, and she joined Fitness 19 in order to continue strengthening her heart after the heart attack in Feb.  She got a Senior discount--her monthly fee is $9.95.  They let us join as family members on her account.  I also pay $9.95/month and Darrell pays $5.95/month.  Yep...that's right!--all three of us have a membership to Fitness 19 for less than $26/month.  AMAZING!!!  Of course, I haven't yet made it through the front door.  But, I'm planning on it. :)

Fitness 19 is a "back to basics" sort of gym.  Just quality equipment--no classes, no spas, no pool.  I did find a studio not too far away called Yoga Fitness & More.  They offer yoga (duh!), Zumba, Sculpting, Cardio-kickboxing, etc.  I'm planning to try that out this week.  In fact, there is a Gentle Yoga class tomorrow morning with my name on it!  And I can hear the treadmill @ Fitness 19 calling my name.

I have plans...now, I just have to stick with them.  I will do this!

Cheers!