welcome to the ga aquarium...

...in a few minutes I'll be leaving home to go to Volunteer Orientation at the Georgia Aquarium.  When Darrell & I decided that I would quit working at the library back in October, one of our objectives was to free up some time that would allow me to volunteer and "give back" to the community on behalf of our family.  Almost a year later, I'm finally getting to do that!  I'm so excited about this opportunity. :)

+3 and a new low...

I got 3cc @ my fill yesterday, for a total of 5.25cc (I think I have a 10cc band--still not entirely sure since I keep forgetting to ask).  They had some difficulty with the fill--even though it was done under the fluoroscope.  Apparently, the needle picked up a fat molecule on the way in which plugged it up.  After about 1/2 hour of poking and re-poking (it didn't hurt since they had given me numbing shots prior), the surgical fellow finally called in Dr. Lin for assistance.  Dr. Lin gave it a couple of tries and then they decided to change the needle.  The new needle worked on the first try.

Dr. Lin was very generous with his fill.  He said that it was up to me to tell them if I wanted more or less.  He said they would give me as much as I asked for--unless they saw something on the fluoroscope to indicate otherwise.  He also said that it was up to me to decide when to come back--whether it was 1 week, 1 month or longer.  I just wish somebody would tell his secretary that.  Let's just say that actually making an appointment is a very lengthy and tedious process.

Liquids yesterday and for the rest of today.  Soft foods for breakfast and lunch tomorrow.  At that point if I feel like I'm doing okay, I can progress to "regular" eating tomorrow for dinner.

I'm also down a pound today for a new low and a total of 25lbs. lost!!!  I'm sure it has something to do with me not eating much yesterday (6oz. yogurt for breakfast, 8 oz smoothie for lunch and 1 cup soup for dinner), but I'll take it.

I'm feeling good about things and am hopeful that this fill, even if it doesn't get me to the sweet spot, will be more useful than the last.

Cheers!

fingers crossed...

...for my 2nd fill today.  I've lost 2.5 lbs since the 1st fill which was 4 weeks ago.  Better than gaining 2.5 lbs, I suppose.

A typical eating day for me:

BREAKFAST
6 oz. fat-free vanilla Chobani Greek yogurt
1/3 cup home-made granola
or
Smoothie (yogurt, fruit, flax oil, agave nectar)

SNACK
12 oz. low sodium V-8

LUNCH
1 cup salad greens
1 oz. cheese
sprinkling salad veggies (green onion, tomato, etc)
4 oz protein (chicken, tuna salad, beef, etc)
1/2-1 tbsp dressing

SNACK
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup fruit

DINNER
4-6 oz. protein
1/2 cup cooked veg

VITAMINS/SUPPLEMENTS
Centrum chewable (x1)
Citracal petite (x2)
Mega Red krill oil (x1)
Green Tea extract (x2)
Biotin (x2)

I haven't counted the calories, but I think it's a pretty good balance.  I should be meeting with the dietician soon--we'll see what she says.

Cheers!

bacon=EVIL...

Did I really just eat 8 slices of bacon?  Yes, I think I did.  I promise I don't do stuff like this on a regular basis (even before the band).  Bacon is the devil!

http://www.rehabkc.org/events.asp

At least I don't live in Kansas City...

Cheers!

3wks/2lbs...

It's been 3 weeks since my first fill.  I've lost 2 pounds.  I thought I had some restriction during the first week, but it disappeared almost as soon as it arrived.  I know...I know...it's a "process" and all that.  I get it.  But, it's also frustrating. I want to lose weight and I want to lose it N.O.W.!!!  Only 1 more week until my second fill.  Fingers crossed.

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!