Thursday, August 6, 2015
Happy Surgiversary to Me!!!
Today I am ONE YEAR POST SURGERY! This journey has been and still is incredible! I have so many things I want to share and I hope that I can organize it all very well but if not please bear with me!
Things I have lost!
Pounds! 58.9 lbs gone to date (this includes the 10 lbs I lost during my pre-op diet) (as of 7/25/14)
Inches! Stomach: -11.75
Hips: -10.25
Left Thigh: -4.5
Right Thigh: -4.5
Waist: -3.5
Bust: -8.625
Right Arm: -1.5
Left Arm: -3.25
Neck: -1.75
Grand Total: 49.625 inches!!!!!!! (as of 7/24/14)
Clothing Sizes! I used to fit in a 2x, sometimes a 3x depending on what the article of clothing it was. I used to wear a size 24/26 pants. Now I wear a 2x but am also fitting into XL! I wear a size 20 pants generally sometimes I can fit into an 18 (my first goal size).
That is roughly 4 pants sizes and a dress size or 2!
My HAIR! I cut 18 inches off of my hair!
Things I have gained!
Confidence and self-worth!I used to be ashamed to go out in public or see people I hadn't seen in awhile. Like my old coaches, high school friends, old co-workers. I didn't like being in pictures. I didn't feel beautiful. I felt FAT and UGLY and I HATED it. Today I still sometimes feel fat but not FAT, and I have my ugly days but I am not UGLY. I feel beautiful. My scars are beautiful and a part of me and I will proudly show them off to anyone! I LOVE me. I am still bigger than I was in high school but I do not care! I am on a downward slope that is so fantastic. It feels great to look back at the pictures of me a year ago and see my progress. and I view every picture I am in now as a potential before picture because I know that I will keep succeeding. I am so HAPPY.
I want to specifically thank Mandy for sharing her journey with my mom. It was your talk with her about your journey that became the beginning of mine. Also thank you for being my weigh in buddy and for your advice!
I want to thank my mother! You had doubts put into your mind but you trusted my confidence over your own doubts. You have supported me in running a triple crown and eating ice cream when I want to. You have read every blog and commented on every status. You have been there through accomplishments and failures. You have not judged me. and you have allowed me to do what i need to do and be who I want to be through out this process.
Katie, you have also been there for me through out this entire process. You made my binder which I so appreciate. I look back at all the letters you asked people to write and I am so grateful. You also have run/walked with me, you have pushed me, you have accepted me, and you have been motivated by me! I cannot thank you enough.
Jeff, you have been by my side and chosen to believe in me when you didnt have to (my family has to but you don't and you choose to any way)! You discussed your fears and reservations and respected my decision despite your feelings and didn't resent me for that. You have been open minded, open hearted, and so hands off exactly when I need you to be. You have increased my confidence with your daily comments on the beauty that you see in me.
Stephanie! you have helped me as well! you have been my motivation to work out. You have "liked" my weight losses on myfitnesspal every week. you have been an inspiration to me in your own weight loss and your humbleness. I have seen your progress even though you may not and it is inspiring. You have never questioned me but always supported me. I am so thankful to have you in my life!
My friends, family, followers! Your social media support has been amazing! So many people congratulate me by liking my posts commenting words of wisdom. telling me I look great, Telling me how proud you are of me. It is overwhelming in the best way possible!
To my best friends, Chandler and Cat! You also have been so supportive and kind. You listen to me complain and you hear my struggles. thank you! and thank you for the letters as well!
Also Thank you to anyone who has prayed for me whether that be a year ago or years before that or are praying for me now. It is always appreciated.
I love you all so much and I look forward to continuing this journey for the rest of my life and sharing it with all of you!
Xoxo,
J
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Sweet Summer Time...and an Update!
IT IS SUMMERRRRRR! and I could not be any more excited! It is time for weekly FREE Jazzercise and Zumba, Vacations, the Lake, field trips with the boys, tanlines, swimming, and extra time for workouts! I am getting more and more motivated and ready for more weight loss!
Since my last blog, which I am ashamed to admit was 6 months ago, I have officially hit my goal of losing 50 lbs (twice)! I lost, gained, then lost again, officially finding myself consistently under the 50 lb mark. I also achieved a fitness goal by completing the Louisville Triple Crown of Running. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. It was emotionally and physically draining but amazing all at the same time.
I know that I said I would be cutting my hair off as a reward for losing my 50 lbs, but a wrench has been thrown in those plans...My hair dresser is unavailable to cut my hair and I am scared of allowing anyone else to do so; however, don't worry! I have rewarded myself with new clothes since most of mine don't fit anymore!
I have lots of things coming up, My mom's side of the family is getting family pictures taken, my immediate family is getting pictures done, my best friend is getting married, and I will officially begin my final year of undergraduate education! SO! I want to be the best version of myself, I want to be happy when looking at all those pictures, and proud of my journey in its entirety when I walk across the stage at graduation. It is time for me to use this summer to my advantage! I have decided to follow my rules completely for just a week at a time and am ready to begin working out more often as well!
Monday I will start weekly Jazzercise and Zumba, I want to start walking more, utilizing my gym membership, and getting more serious about this since I have the extra time in the summer! I will also blog more often so that all of you can help to push me and motivate me if you would like! Sitting on the couch and dreaming of the things I want to do and actually doing them is difficult for me. Lately I have constantly thought well I could do this, and this will help, but doing it is a whole other obstacle but I am going to set some goals for the end of the summer. I have to think about what they are but as soon as I do I will blog about them next week!
It is time to get more serious! If anyone would like to join me you're very much welcome to!
Love you all!
-xoxo
J
Since my last blog, which I am ashamed to admit was 6 months ago, I have officially hit my goal of losing 50 lbs (twice)! I lost, gained, then lost again, officially finding myself consistently under the 50 lb mark. I also achieved a fitness goal by completing the Louisville Triple Crown of Running. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. It was emotionally and physically draining but amazing all at the same time.
I know that I said I would be cutting my hair off as a reward for losing my 50 lbs, but a wrench has been thrown in those plans...My hair dresser is unavailable to cut my hair and I am scared of allowing anyone else to do so; however, don't worry! I have rewarded myself with new clothes since most of mine don't fit anymore!
I have lots of things coming up, My mom's side of the family is getting family pictures taken, my immediate family is getting pictures done, my best friend is getting married, and I will officially begin my final year of undergraduate education! SO! I want to be the best version of myself, I want to be happy when looking at all those pictures, and proud of my journey in its entirety when I walk across the stage at graduation. It is time for me to use this summer to my advantage! I have decided to follow my rules completely for just a week at a time and am ready to begin working out more often as well!
Monday I will start weekly Jazzercise and Zumba, I want to start walking more, utilizing my gym membership, and getting more serious about this since I have the extra time in the summer! I will also blog more often so that all of you can help to push me and motivate me if you would like! Sitting on the couch and dreaming of the things I want to do and actually doing them is difficult for me. Lately I have constantly thought well I could do this, and this will help, but doing it is a whole other obstacle but I am going to set some goals for the end of the summer. I have to think about what they are but as soon as I do I will blog about them next week!
It is time to get more serious! If anyone would like to join me you're very much welcome to!
Love you all!
-xoxo
J
Friday, December 12, 2014
The Journey continues...or is it just beginning?!
Jeez...you know you neglect your blog when you keep forgetting how to post a new one!
Hey, Ya'll
It has been two months since my last post...I am down 34.1 LBS and counting! I am still looking to reaching that 50 lb mark so I can get rid of all this hair!
My semester is finally over and I am anxiously waiting to see if I got straight As like I am anticipating (pretty sure the last time that happened was 3rd grade!). My plan is to do lot's of fun stuff over the next month and go to the gym a lot too! I have used my goggles, swimsuit, and swim cap a couple times since my last post, I have tried spin class, and kick boxing twice too! I definitely feel the difference when i work out. This week I lost 1.4 lbs and I am pretty sure that it is because I did the ropes course, went to kick boxing, and did a crazy work out with my mom, Katie and my friend Cat. That is very exciting to me because with the stress of finals week you can all safely assume I did not eat my best :) but a loss is a loss and I am very proud of myself! I have had my second adjustment since my last post and I am feeling much more restriction! I am having to chew my food and also eat less as well. Although I am four months in I feel like it is just the beginning! I am finally seeing what the rest of my life with Sasha (she has a name now!) is going to be like!
This week I accomplished something that I thought would be so simple, but once harnessed in realized I was very wrong. Jeff and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary this past weekend and I took him to Louisville Mega Caverns where we did the Mega Quest Ropes course. I expected him to be the scaredy cat and for me to fly through but it was the total opposite. He did so amazing, made it look so easy, and had so much fun! I was shaking in my shoes, ready to throw up, and ready to cry. Jeff cheered me on and I finished the course with my head stuck in a cargo net...the most important thing is that I finished. Once on the ground Jeff wanted to do the zip line again and as I waited for him to go again I began to think...4 months ago, I would have exceeded the weight limit and not been allowed to complete this course. I had worked so hard to lose weight and here I was rewarding myself in a way that I didn't intend to. I got very emotional. I did those obstacles (a hell of a workout) and had fun while doing it. Jeff had so much fun and deemed it his favorite memory that he has shared with me in the last 4 years. We now have pledged to lose enough weight to do the Zip Line tour. (SHhh don't tell him but I'm only 6 lbs away!) That makes me so happy because even when I booked this trip I was way over the zip line limit (I am actually under the limit but their stupid scales adds 10 lbs to me) So now I have another short term goal and an exciting reward already in store!
I am so thankful to all of you that read these! It is helpful to get to share my journey with each of you and express myself as well. I also have a way to go back and see my mindset through each stage thus far! I hope you enjoy today's blog. Thanks for the support!
If anyone has suggestions on what I can write about let me know and I'll see about getting it down over my break!
Merry Christmas!
xoxo
Jacinta <3
Hey, Ya'll
It has been two months since my last post...I am down 34.1 LBS and counting! I am still looking to reaching that 50 lb mark so I can get rid of all this hair!
My semester is finally over and I am anxiously waiting to see if I got straight As like I am anticipating (pretty sure the last time that happened was 3rd grade!). My plan is to do lot's of fun stuff over the next month and go to the gym a lot too! I have used my goggles, swimsuit, and swim cap a couple times since my last post, I have tried spin class, and kick boxing twice too! I definitely feel the difference when i work out. This week I lost 1.4 lbs and I am pretty sure that it is because I did the ropes course, went to kick boxing, and did a crazy work out with my mom, Katie and my friend Cat. That is very exciting to me because with the stress of finals week you can all safely assume I did not eat my best :) but a loss is a loss and I am very proud of myself! I have had my second adjustment since my last post and I am feeling much more restriction! I am having to chew my food and also eat less as well. Although I am four months in I feel like it is just the beginning! I am finally seeing what the rest of my life with Sasha (she has a name now!) is going to be like!
This week I accomplished something that I thought would be so simple, but once harnessed in realized I was very wrong. Jeff and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary this past weekend and I took him to Louisville Mega Caverns where we did the Mega Quest Ropes course. I expected him to be the scaredy cat and for me to fly through but it was the total opposite. He did so amazing, made it look so easy, and had so much fun! I was shaking in my shoes, ready to throw up, and ready to cry. Jeff cheered me on and I finished the course with my head stuck in a cargo net...the most important thing is that I finished. Once on the ground Jeff wanted to do the zip line again and as I waited for him to go again I began to think...4 months ago, I would have exceeded the weight limit and not been allowed to complete this course. I had worked so hard to lose weight and here I was rewarding myself in a way that I didn't intend to. I got very emotional. I did those obstacles (a hell of a workout) and had fun while doing it. Jeff had so much fun and deemed it his favorite memory that he has shared with me in the last 4 years. We now have pledged to lose enough weight to do the Zip Line tour. (SHhh don't tell him but I'm only 6 lbs away!) That makes me so happy because even when I booked this trip I was way over the zip line limit (I am actually under the limit but their stupid scales adds 10 lbs to me) So now I have another short term goal and an exciting reward already in store!
I am so thankful to all of you that read these! It is helpful to get to share my journey with each of you and express myself as well. I also have a way to go back and see my mindset through each stage thus far! I hope you enjoy today's blog. Thanks for the support!
If anyone has suggestions on what I can write about let me know and I'll see about getting it down over my break!
Merry Christmas!
xoxo
Jacinta <3
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Busy Busy Busy!
Hey Ya'll!
I know, I know, I haven't written in awhile. :( Since my last post, I have continued watching the boys all while starting my Senior year of College!! My life is very hectic and busy with school, family, friends, Jeff, and trying to figure out my new stomach!!!
Speaking of my new stomach, I have lost a total of 27.6 pounds! I was doing very well for awhile, I was consistently losing. Then I plateaued. I found myself reverting back to the ways I was eating before, not quantity (I still eat way less than I did before), but I was eating foods that were not good for me, or not in my plan. I actually gained a pound a couple weeks ago. I got very discouraged. It was almost like I was giving up. It was really scary and emotional and I might have given up had I not had a doctor's appointment coming up. It took getting an adjustment (they fill my band with saline solution to make the opening to my stomach smaller) and being on a liquid diet for 48 hours to reel me back in. That is the best thing for me on this journey and the BEST thing about the lap band. I can struggle and plateau, and I still can look forward to getting an extra nudge from my band! Although still nameless, my band is my friend and I am really starting to love her! The week after I got my first adjustment, I lost five pounds and I am proud to say that I am back on track (except for a visitor that has come this week and brought cravings for sugar (mostly coffee and chocolate)! I am also looking forward to and very excited that a week before Thanksgiving I'll get my second adjustment! Who's jealous?!
I am learning a lot about myself, like I can't just eat right, I also need to exercise! I am trying to get back on track with that. I went to the gym almost every day for a week with the boys, but I am struggling to make time (especially when I have papers and tests). However, I bought myself some goggles on clearance, and a swim suit on sale so that I can swim at the Y. I also found a touch screen Ipod shuffle at a garage sale for $20. I am looking forward to putting some awesome music on it to work out to. I have found some work outs on Pinterest that I am willing to try and I've decided to do a 30 day plank challenge (I can barely do one in good form for a minute). If anyone wants to join I'll put it on Facebook! Also if anyone has a go-to work out for the gym or at home they'd like to share, I am all ears! I am learning mostly that this journey is all mental! I am trying to learn to ignore the negative things people say and soak up all the positive things and listen to my gut (haha...physically and mentally)! I am starting to feel pretty when I look in the mirror again. Sometimes I'm obsessive and it is a little bit obnoxious but I am happy and that is all that matters:)
I have set some goals, I have reached a few and am also anticipating reaching many more!
My biggest and most exciting goal that I am looking forward to reaching (I am more than half way there!) is my 50 lb loss mark! I want this so bad and when I reach it, I will be rewarding myself by chopping my hair off!
I have lost two pants sizes (maybe more).
I have lost a couple dress sizes.
I officially weigh less than Jeff!
and I am so close to fitting in my most favorite pair of jeans!
Things in my life are great and I am so thankful for all the comments and support I am getting! Keep them coming they are very much appreciated!
I hope you enjoy!
-xoxo
Jacinta!
I know, I know, I haven't written in awhile. :( Since my last post, I have continued watching the boys all while starting my Senior year of College!! My life is very hectic and busy with school, family, friends, Jeff, and trying to figure out my new stomach!!!
Speaking of my new stomach, I have lost a total of 27.6 pounds! I was doing very well for awhile, I was consistently losing. Then I plateaued. I found myself reverting back to the ways I was eating before, not quantity (I still eat way less than I did before), but I was eating foods that were not good for me, or not in my plan. I actually gained a pound a couple weeks ago. I got very discouraged. It was almost like I was giving up. It was really scary and emotional and I might have given up had I not had a doctor's appointment coming up. It took getting an adjustment (they fill my band with saline solution to make the opening to my stomach smaller) and being on a liquid diet for 48 hours to reel me back in. That is the best thing for me on this journey and the BEST thing about the lap band. I can struggle and plateau, and I still can look forward to getting an extra nudge from my band! Although still nameless, my band is my friend and I am really starting to love her! The week after I got my first adjustment, I lost five pounds and I am proud to say that I am back on track (except for a visitor that has come this week and brought cravings for sugar (mostly coffee and chocolate)! I am also looking forward to and very excited that a week before Thanksgiving I'll get my second adjustment! Who's jealous?!
I am learning a lot about myself, like I can't just eat right, I also need to exercise! I am trying to get back on track with that. I went to the gym almost every day for a week with the boys, but I am struggling to make time (especially when I have papers and tests). However, I bought myself some goggles on clearance, and a swim suit on sale so that I can swim at the Y. I also found a touch screen Ipod shuffle at a garage sale for $20. I am looking forward to putting some awesome music on it to work out to. I have found some work outs on Pinterest that I am willing to try and I've decided to do a 30 day plank challenge (I can barely do one in good form for a minute). If anyone wants to join I'll put it on Facebook! Also if anyone has a go-to work out for the gym or at home they'd like to share, I am all ears! I am learning mostly that this journey is all mental! I am trying to learn to ignore the negative things people say and soak up all the positive things and listen to my gut (haha...physically and mentally)! I am starting to feel pretty when I look in the mirror again. Sometimes I'm obsessive and it is a little bit obnoxious but I am happy and that is all that matters:)
I have set some goals, I have reached a few and am also anticipating reaching many more!
My biggest and most exciting goal that I am looking forward to reaching (I am more than half way there!) is my 50 lb loss mark! I want this so bad and when I reach it, I will be rewarding myself by chopping my hair off!
I have lost two pants sizes (maybe more).
I have lost a couple dress sizes.
I officially weigh less than Jeff!
and I am so close to fitting in my most favorite pair of jeans!
Things in my life are great and I am so thankful for all the comments and support I am getting! Keep them coming they are very much appreciated!
I hope you enjoy!
-xoxo
Jacinta!
Thursday, August 14, 2014
8 Days Post Op and Already eating Fast Food!
Hey Ya'll!
I did it! I am banded and I am back! 8 days post surgery, finally rid of gas, and feeling fabulous (most of the time)!
Seriously though, this week has been a mix of miserable and AMAZING! It wasn't until Tuesday that I actually felt normal again (Wednesday through Tueday = miserable). That's a pretty quick recovery but it felt way longer. I am still getting used to my body that holds my new tool. I experience a lot of funny things in my stomach most of the time. Some more bearable than others.
Since yesterday, I am a week post op and therefore officially done with liquid foods! In fact I am supposed to avoid them. Now I am in the "mushie" stage. Anything the consistency of baby food is fair game. SO! how you wonder have I managed to already eat fast food? Well...I was hungry, I was out, and I refuse to "miss out" on things because I am banded. So I went to taco bell and ordered these wonderful things called "pintos and cheese" basically refried beans (which are definite YESes in this stage). Silly enough, it was one of many highlights in my day. I plugged them into My Fitness Pal and moved on! (Yesterday = Amazing)
My attitude in this is the most important I think, and so far many people remind me of how positive I am! I need those reminders, So thank you! I am so happy with my decision and how things are going so far! Also afraid! Right now it is EASY to follow the rules. I am eating well because I am trying to heal my stomach and avoid vomiting (successful so far!) Soon though, in about three weeks, I'll be healed and it'll be easier to make unhealthy choices. I try to stay in today and focus on the now but the muddiness of the future really does worry me. I keep reminding myself to take it one day at a time.
Food is such a huge part of many things, like the Kentucky State Fair for instance...uh let me tell you...I LOOK FORWARD TO FOOT LONG CORN DOGS...EVERY YEAR! This year, I am looking forward to finding SOMETHING that's remotely not HORRIBLE for me and mushie! If I don't find it, that's okay! I am also soo looking forward to walking hand and hand with my boyfriend through the flee market part, basically the only reason we go...that and corn dogs of course! :) I am looking forward to Sophia's second birthday party on Saturday and trying out a pureed taco...honestly I'm more excited for the party and seeing her joy than the taco, but I also can't wait to try this taco:)
So many positive awesome things are happening and I am learning that I need food for fuel and nothing more. I cannot wait to continue on my journey! I thank all of you for being apart of it, I want to thank my sister for putting my awesome binder together and to all of you for writing me prayers or words of encouragement or wisdom! They were amazing to read the day after surgery and will be nice to read right before I head to the fair as motivation to look past the corn dog stand:)
No name has been given to my little friend...still getting to know her!
Finally, I have been told by several people that comments are being lost once you post :( so sad! I love the comments I get on here, and on Facebook too! So here is the thing, in order to leave me a comment on my blog you have to log into your gmail account. Feel free to add me to your email list or "circles" my email is jacinta.tinsley21@gmail.com You can view my blog my clicking on it when viewing my google+ account!
Thanks for reading
-Jacinta
I did it! I am banded and I am back! 8 days post surgery, finally rid of gas, and feeling fabulous (most of the time)!
Seriously though, this week has been a mix of miserable and AMAZING! It wasn't until Tuesday that I actually felt normal again (Wednesday through Tueday = miserable). That's a pretty quick recovery but it felt way longer. I am still getting used to my body that holds my new tool. I experience a lot of funny things in my stomach most of the time. Some more bearable than others.
Since yesterday, I am a week post op and therefore officially done with liquid foods! In fact I am supposed to avoid them. Now I am in the "mushie" stage. Anything the consistency of baby food is fair game. SO! how you wonder have I managed to already eat fast food? Well...I was hungry, I was out, and I refuse to "miss out" on things because I am banded. So I went to taco bell and ordered these wonderful things called "pintos and cheese" basically refried beans (which are definite YESes in this stage). Silly enough, it was one of many highlights in my day. I plugged them into My Fitness Pal and moved on! (Yesterday = Amazing)
My attitude in this is the most important I think, and so far many people remind me of how positive I am! I need those reminders, So thank you! I am so happy with my decision and how things are going so far! Also afraid! Right now it is EASY to follow the rules. I am eating well because I am trying to heal my stomach and avoid vomiting (successful so far!) Soon though, in about three weeks, I'll be healed and it'll be easier to make unhealthy choices. I try to stay in today and focus on the now but the muddiness of the future really does worry me. I keep reminding myself to take it one day at a time.
Food is such a huge part of many things, like the Kentucky State Fair for instance...uh let me tell you...I LOOK FORWARD TO FOOT LONG CORN DOGS...EVERY YEAR! This year, I am looking forward to finding SOMETHING that's remotely not HORRIBLE for me and mushie! If I don't find it, that's okay! I am also soo looking forward to walking hand and hand with my boyfriend through the flee market part, basically the only reason we go...that and corn dogs of course! :) I am looking forward to Sophia's second birthday party on Saturday and trying out a pureed taco...honestly I'm more excited for the party and seeing her joy than the taco, but I also can't wait to try this taco:)
So many positive awesome things are happening and I am learning that I need food for fuel and nothing more. I cannot wait to continue on my journey! I thank all of you for being apart of it, I want to thank my sister for putting my awesome binder together and to all of you for writing me prayers or words of encouragement or wisdom! They were amazing to read the day after surgery and will be nice to read right before I head to the fair as motivation to look past the corn dog stand:)
No name has been given to my little friend...still getting to know her!
Finally, I have been told by several people that comments are being lost once you post :( so sad! I love the comments I get on here, and on Facebook too! So here is the thing, in order to leave me a comment on my blog you have to log into your gmail account. Feel free to add me to your email list or "circles" my email is jacinta.tinsley21@gmail.com You can view my blog my clicking on it when viewing my google+ account!
Thanks for reading
-Jacinta
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Week 1 in the Bag!
Here it is...FINALLY! Day 7! Tomorrow is surgery day! I know You guys have only been on this journey with me for a few days now, but to me, these past seven days have been the longest days of my life! I have had a multitude of emotions ride along with me. I've been happy, excited, sad, grumpy, scared, HUNGRY, satisfied, anxious, and nervous...need I go on?!
It has been a pretty overwhelming week, coming to grips with the attitude I want to posess from here on out is a difficult task. A lot of times I catch myself having my own little pitty party. I sit around and think about all the foods I'm NEVER going to get to eat again...dramatic..i know! I continuously tell myself how ridiculous I sound and that maybe once I have my surgery I won't want those foods anymore! I even hope that I won't desire them! In my meeting with the dietician last Wednesday She gave us a list of foods that might not agree with our bands after surgery, they included things like shrimp, greasy fried foods, popcorn, etc. and I actually sat there and said "Lord PLEASE let greasy and fried foods not agree with me," because the chance of throwing up would be motivation enough to stay away from those things that WILL be able to pass through my band and WILL be able to make me gain weight again!
The truth is is that this life altering decision I have made is so scary. I have found comfort in the food I choose to eat...and I have built relationships around food. My family gatherings are centered around food! I get excited for family get togethers because I know that their will always be great food...now I have to train myself to be excited for other things! This doesn't mean I can't be excited for food, let me tell you! I have never been more excited to eat strained mushroom soup (a food acceptable in my next diet stage). I get excited about the Chocolate mocha protein shakes that I turn into my very own ice coffee spiked with Benefiber...YUM! It is so silly but it is my daily Starbucks! It even has caffeine:)
I think excitement is the emotion that I feel the most! I am excited to continue on this journey! I am excited to have lost 9 lbs just this week! I'm excited about how little negativity and how much positivity and overwhelming support I have recieved. You who have read, commented, "liked," and/or messaged me are very much appreciated! You each make my journey a little easier so thank you! Thank you, Thank you!
Next time I write I'll have a new friend with me:) I think I'll name her! Suggestions are welcome and I'll post as soon as I decide and get to know her a bit!
Thanks for reading!
Love you all!
P.S. My surgery is scheduled at 7:30am tomorrow! Keep me in your prayers please!
It has been a pretty overwhelming week, coming to grips with the attitude I want to posess from here on out is a difficult task. A lot of times I catch myself having my own little pitty party. I sit around and think about all the foods I'm NEVER going to get to eat again...dramatic..i know! I continuously tell myself how ridiculous I sound and that maybe once I have my surgery I won't want those foods anymore! I even hope that I won't desire them! In my meeting with the dietician last Wednesday She gave us a list of foods that might not agree with our bands after surgery, they included things like shrimp, greasy fried foods, popcorn, etc. and I actually sat there and said "Lord PLEASE let greasy and fried foods not agree with me," because the chance of throwing up would be motivation enough to stay away from those things that WILL be able to pass through my band and WILL be able to make me gain weight again!
The truth is is that this life altering decision I have made is so scary. I have found comfort in the food I choose to eat...and I have built relationships around food. My family gatherings are centered around food! I get excited for family get togethers because I know that their will always be great food...now I have to train myself to be excited for other things! This doesn't mean I can't be excited for food, let me tell you! I have never been more excited to eat strained mushroom soup (a food acceptable in my next diet stage). I get excited about the Chocolate mocha protein shakes that I turn into my very own ice coffee spiked with Benefiber...YUM! It is so silly but it is my daily Starbucks! It even has caffeine:)
I think excitement is the emotion that I feel the most! I am excited to continue on this journey! I am excited to have lost 9 lbs just this week! I'm excited about how little negativity and how much positivity and overwhelming support I have recieved. You who have read, commented, "liked," and/or messaged me are very much appreciated! You each make my journey a little easier so thank you! Thank you, Thank you!
Next time I write I'll have a new friend with me:) I think I'll name her! Suggestions are welcome and I'll post as soon as I decide and get to know her a bit!
Thanks for reading!
Love you all!
P.S. My surgery is scheduled at 7:30am tomorrow! Keep me in your prayers please!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Shrinking My Liver!
Okay, so before I just dive on in I guess I should tell you all the purpose of this blog.
The purpose: I am getting a Lap Band, and I was told I should journal, so I am sharing it with you:)
Please keep me in check!
The Beginning of the Beginning:
Around Thanksgiving last year, My mom approached me with the suggestion of looking into the Lap Band Surgery. She knew a woman who had recently gotten one and decided to get the insurance I would need just in case I decided it was for me (JUST IN CASE PEOPLE!). My mom agreed to pay extra for a whole year, just in case...hmmm I thought... she's brave:)
I decided to start looking into the Lap Band surgery. She mentioned this in passing as to suggest the option but not push it. I had always wondered about the possibility but never researched or followed through! I worried about judgment and also knew NOTHING about it. She gave me the motivation I apparently needed and I began my thought process, just thinking for now! Eventually I decided to research and talk to the friend of my mom's that had recently gotten her band and ultimately decided to start my journey!
I first had to wait until January (this is when the new insurance set in), and then wanted to wait until after my 21st birthday (JAN. 28), but the whole time I prepared myself, discussed with certain people, and researched this life changing possibility!
I began the process one random day by calling the Lap Band of Louisville! Possibly around the time a lady at work looked at me and said "no offense, but I hate when real big people get on roller coasters and they don't fit and then they fall off..." Okay? What? Did I just get stereotyped for being fat...WOW! For the record I have never 1. Not fit on a roller coaster and 2. FALLEN OFF OF ONE!
Anyways, They sent me medical history papers which I quickly filled out and sent back! Whew...step one complete. After that I waited and waited until I was able to schedule my initial consultation with the surgeon. This was followed up by a psychological evaluation (I'm not insane guys! A psychiatrist confirmed it!), and approval from my insurance company! Holy cow it was getting real! Next was to schedule three appointments (ONE OF THEM BEING SURGERY!). I had to get testing done, meet my surgeon again, and then have surgery. Easy enough...well scary enough too! I just met with my surgeon for the second time on Wednesday and I am three days away from surgery...3!
With that being said, I am five days into my pre op diet...2 MORE DAYS TO GO!
My diet is mostly liquids with the exception of 2 servings of veggies (raw...and might i add no ranch dipping sauce:)) 2 servings of fruits (a half a banana is a serving...wtf?) and 3 servings of dairy (cheese slices not included). I can eat all the jello and sugar free popsicles I want (GAG!) and drink as much chicken broth and water as I'd like! Needless to say...I'm struggling.
So I am sitting here hungry, and decided to create this blog instead of standing at the refrigerator
staring at all the things I can't have. SO far it is working...
The purpose: I am getting a Lap Band, and I was told I should journal, so I am sharing it with you:)
Please keep me in check!
The Beginning of the Beginning:
Around Thanksgiving last year, My mom approached me with the suggestion of looking into the Lap Band Surgery. She knew a woman who had recently gotten one and decided to get the insurance I would need just in case I decided it was for me (JUST IN CASE PEOPLE!). My mom agreed to pay extra for a whole year, just in case...hmmm I thought... she's brave:)
I decided to start looking into the Lap Band surgery. She mentioned this in passing as to suggest the option but not push it. I had always wondered about the possibility but never researched or followed through! I worried about judgment and also knew NOTHING about it. She gave me the motivation I apparently needed and I began my thought process, just thinking for now! Eventually I decided to research and talk to the friend of my mom's that had recently gotten her band and ultimately decided to start my journey!
I first had to wait until January (this is when the new insurance set in), and then wanted to wait until after my 21st birthday (JAN. 28), but the whole time I prepared myself, discussed with certain people, and researched this life changing possibility!
I began the process one random day by calling the Lap Band of Louisville! Possibly around the time a lady at work looked at me and said "no offense, but I hate when real big people get on roller coasters and they don't fit and then they fall off..." Okay? What? Did I just get stereotyped for being fat...WOW! For the record I have never 1. Not fit on a roller coaster and 2. FALLEN OFF OF ONE!
Anyways, They sent me medical history papers which I quickly filled out and sent back! Whew...step one complete. After that I waited and waited until I was able to schedule my initial consultation with the surgeon. This was followed up by a psychological evaluation (I'm not insane guys! A psychiatrist confirmed it!), and approval from my insurance company! Holy cow it was getting real! Next was to schedule three appointments (ONE OF THEM BEING SURGERY!). I had to get testing done, meet my surgeon again, and then have surgery. Easy enough...well scary enough too! I just met with my surgeon for the second time on Wednesday and I am three days away from surgery...3!
With that being said, I am five days into my pre op diet...2 MORE DAYS TO GO!
My diet is mostly liquids with the exception of 2 servings of veggies (raw...and might i add no ranch dipping sauce:)) 2 servings of fruits (a half a banana is a serving...wtf?) and 3 servings of dairy (cheese slices not included). I can eat all the jello and sugar free popsicles I want (GAG!) and drink as much chicken broth and water as I'd like! Needless to say...I'm struggling.
So I am sitting here hungry, and decided to create this blog instead of standing at the refrigerator
staring at all the things I can't have. SO far it is working...
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