Changes...

TOO MANY CHANGES!!!

I knew the weight loss would bring several changes; the obvious one being physical.  However, I have undergone so many emotional and mental changes in the last few weeks, that I'm struggling to find myself again. 

Before I continue to sound dramatic, allow me to reassure everyone (including myself) that I've NEVER been this happy.  Shopping has become more than an addiction (I need an intervention PRONTO!), and seeing myself in the mirror every morning and night is now a necessity.  I have lost more inches than pounds in the last month or so, but I'm not complaining.  I'm down to a size 10-12...but still get a way with using a few of my tighter 14's.  I'm a Medium/Large in all shirts and sweaters...no mo' XL's!!!  My workouts are still religiously 3-4 times a week (I even started the Tapout XT videos at home in addition to my Muay Thai sessions).  I'm a WORKOUTholic to say the least.

Back to my emotional and mental changes....

I sometimes breakdown when I think of how much bigger I was.  It's hard to look at old pictures and think that I THOUGHT I was happy.  I find it hard to open up about this to anyone because I don't think they'll understand me.  I do have tears of joy too.  I'm much healthier, happier, and SMALLER!!  Mentally, I sometimes still think I'm that big.  I look at a few things at the store and think, "That definitely doesn't fit, it's too small," then VOILA! it fits!! I want to drop another two or three sizes if possible.  I know I want to be out of the double digits (i.e 1-0, 1-2, etc).  I think a healthy 8 or even a 6 would make for a perfect size (for my body). 

The journey has only just begun for me.  I'm currently at 6.3 cc's and it's HARD!!  I need to chew more and eat a lot slower than I already was.  I've only thrown up ONCE since I got the band back in January, I plan to keep it that way.  We'll see what the rest of this year brings.  I'm hoping to be 170 by December.  That's a whole 18 pounds...but I know I can do it. 

So there you have it.  A full update after over a month.  Here's a before and current progress picture....

On that note: 

"Train like a beast, look like a BEAUTY."

191.5!!!!

I have officially become a workaholic.  I am working a minimum of 64 hours a week.  Am I exhausted? Yep.  Am I still doing my 2 hour Muay Thai workout 3-4 times a week? YEP!! I gotta tell you though, I've never been this happy!! I'm down 48 pounds since December and feel FABULOUS!!

There's so much that I have to share from the last month but I'll just cover the main points.

I got another fill...so now I'm at 6.1cc's.  I am eating A LOT less!!!! It's only a bit challenging when I'm in a hurry and don't seem to have 30+ minutes to eat a regular meal.  I can see the differences though.  Although sometimes I feel hungrier than before, I have a bite and I'm full!!  We'll see how my next appt turns out.

On another note...I'm down to a size 12.  14's are doable (I'm still wearing some of my old jeans), but they're not form fitting.  I look at myself in the mirror and still find it hard to believe that I'm so much thinner.  People are definitely able to tell now and they make sure to point it out to me.  I still haven't told family that I got the band...most of my co-workers already know though.  It's just easier for them to know because they see me every day and know my tiny portions fill me. 

I am headed to Las Vegas this weekend.  I expect to drink a lot and eat very little.  I know, I know....it's NOT the right thing to do BUT it IS Vegas ;)

All in all....I'm LOOOOOVING the new me!! I'm so happy I decided to get the band and would gladly do it all over again if I had the choice.

I'll post Vegas pictures next month.  For now, here's a picture from two weeks ago at the Hello Kitty Dodger game against the New York Mets.

Adjusting, Exercising, Living.

It's been such an awesome month!! I'm still under 200...196 to be exact.  I am definitely enjoying the perks of being smaller.  I am working out an average of 8-10 hours a week while working 50-64 hours at the big J-O-B.  I couldn't be happier.  I am juggling everything very well and still find time for family, friends, and ME.  It's amazing how much a few pounds off does for the mind and soul.  I enjoy this life SO much more!!!

My favorite new part about the weight loss??  Wearing sky high heels!!! I always "hated on" those girls that wore the cute heels and pulled off great outfits.  It feels amazing to finally be able to do that.  I can shop anywhere now and actually find a size that fits.  I always loved fashion...I just couldn't be a part of it as freely.  So here I am...lighter, happier, and sexier ;)

This is my before and NOW picture.  I am about half way through my goal weight.  I don't think I can fully picture myself at 145 lbs yet...I'm loving 196 too much! LOL

December and May

My Thai boxing is still in play...I love it more and more each day.  After seeing these results, it's safe to say that I'm addicted.  I have much better conditioning now and it's only been seven weeks since I started.  I have most of the equipment (hand wraps, gloves, shin guards, mouth guard, and oil for bruises) already...I'm fully committed.  I want to make it more than just a workout- I want to make it a hobby.  I think this has also helped me feel more confident; physically and mentally.  And so, the journey continues and so does my passion for life. 

“I want to grow old without face lifts. I want to have the

courage to be loyal to the face I have made.”
― Marilyn Monroe

No mo' 200's!!!!!!!

Yes, I am officially out of the 200's!!! I don't know how long it's been since I last looked down and saw a ONE at the beginning of that cruel three digit number.  I got a fill last week.  I'm now at 5.6 cc's.  I think it's easier now that I'm almost at 6.  When I was at 3.6 cc's I felt VERY little restriction.  I ate too much and was still struggling with my addiction to food. 

I am still doing Muay Thai 2-4 times a week.  To say I love it is an understatement.  I have so much more to learn and to get better at, but I already feel a difference.  I can do my sit ups with much more ease...which means-- this belly is slowly disappearing!!

I am thrilled with this new lifestyle!! I almost want to yell it at the top of my lungs to the world and spread the joy that lives within.  I would gladly pay another $16,000 just to experience this freedom.  I have another 50+ pounds to go, but I have a feeling it's only going to get more fun from here on out. 

My trip to New York was a huge success.  I did almost everything on my to do list.  Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Diego Rivera exhibition, New Jersey (Carlo's Bakery), Brooklyn Bridge, Ground Zero, Fifth Avenue, Central Park, Madame Tussaud's, pizza, cheesecake, bagels, etc!!  Eating was a challenge.  I think I ate too much during those four days.  Luckily, I didn't gain a single pound.  (I actually lost 1 lb)...I have plans to go back next year.  I need to experience a Broadway show and the fabulous nightlife! ;)

So there you have it...I'm happy, healthy, progressing, and am having the time of my life in this new skin!  I'm excited to get to the finish line and see the complete transformation.  Here are a few pictures from New York...enjoy!

"Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and

the thrill of creative effort."

-Franklin Roosevelt

Muay Thai- Thai Boxing

The last month has been pretty interesting.  I'm finally getting a day off (I've been working non-stop...7 days a week...since February 6th) and that makes me very happy :)

I recently started Muay Thai which is Thai boxing.  It's a COMPLETE workout.  I train for about 2 hours a night...4-5 nights a week.  It's an amazing workout and I'm learning about self defense.  I haven't lost much weight in the last month but I definitely see myself shrinking.  I want to focus on toning my body as each pound is shed. 

My next fill is in two weeks (when I come back from New York).  I hope they take me up to 6 cc's.  I want to see a bigger difference in the next few months.  People have already started noticing that I'm slimmer, but I have a LOOOONG way to go. 

I'll keep you all posted on my fill appointment.  Today's weigh-in: 203.7.  I'm less than 5 pounds away from a HUGE milestone.  I can't remember when I was last under 200.  To celebrate: a new tattoo!!! (details to come)

p.s. I got these awesome new heels!!! and I plan on breaking them in tomorrow night at Tyler Perry's "The Haves and the Have Nots" play!! (let's hope I don't stumble and fall lol)

Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.

-Benjamin Franklin

MIAMI Graduation, 3 pounds, and work!

TWENTY days.  That's how long it's taken me to get back on here and give a quick update.  However....

I'm officially a Masters graduate!!!

The trip was short and exhausting!!! After working 31 days straight, I took a red eye to Miami Thursday night and was non stop till I got back on Sunday.  I feel so fortunate for the experience and thrill of walking that stage.  I know my Daddy is shining down on me from heaven....happy for ALL that I've achieved in the last few months.

I feel so much slimmer now...and they say pictures speak volumes so here goes...Here are two SCARY before pictures.  I'm not proud of either one, but I am in awe of how far I've come in the last three months. 

It's a hard pill to swallow when you face pictures like this.  I can't say I didn't have fun but looking back, I just wonder how I could live in peace in that size.  Both of these were taken in the last 8 years.  It's safe to say that I've been a big girl for a pretty LONG time.  I'm slowly becoming the woman I've always dreamed of being and it feels pretty darn good!!! =)

I haven't lost a lot since I got my first fill.  I've lost three pounds since I last posted.  My eating choices haven't been the best but I do manage to have my 65 grams of protein a day and workout at least 4-5 times a week (when I don't do all 7 days).  I'm finally jogging but I might have to change my workout a bit in the next few weeks.  (I'm playing tennis tomorrow!! Always a fun workout). 

Work has been pretty insane but I don't let it wear me down completely.  I still manage to workout before or after my 8 or 12 hour shift. 

Here are a few recent pics from nights out ;)

So there you have it...I'm at 205 and very happy.  I am going to New York at the end of April and I plan on being under 200 by then.  Wish me luck!!!

"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments."

-Jim Rohn

Exhausted.

It's hard to believe that someone can physically reach complete exhaustion but I'm here to say that I'm borderline there.  I have worked 28 consecutive days (including a few 12 hour and back-to-back shifts).  I have 3 days to go before I have a few days off.  Did I mention I still workout almost every day and am now running over half a mile non-stop?  Yup, pretty ridiculous but very possible. 

I've lost a few more pounds.  I'm about 207 (when I weigh-in in the morning).  When I got my fill last week, I got 3.6cc.  I had 1cc in there from surgery.  The PA said I lost 5 lbs on 1cc in a month.  Not too bad considering it was only 1cc.

I'm off to Miami on Thursday night.  Graduation is Saturday and I'll be back on Sunday....QUICK trip =D

On a weight-loss note, I feel FABULOUS!!! My old clothes no longer fit.  I've bought quite a few outfits and they're all Medium and Large.  No mo' XL and XXL ;)

I'll post a few pictures next week.  I have a long, busy week ahead of me...and some lbs to lose =)

"Your schooling may be over, but remember that your education still continues."

WORK, WORKing out, and FIRST fill tomorrow!!

Sorry.  I know it's been 16 days since I last posted.  I have been working for 15 days straight and have been working out for 13 of those.  I think I mentioned it before but just in case....I really like to push my body beyond its limit.  I will probably work for the remainder of the month and some of March (without taking a day off).  Crazy right?  Yup.  That's me =)

I plan to continue working out as well.  I am doing two miles a day with a few hills and some neverending stairs (please see pictures below).  I've even started running a bit!!

I'm excited for my first fill tomorrow.  I was told I would be given 4cc's.  I'm so new to this that I don't really know how much it is but I know the total is 10, therefore, I am looking at a drastic change from here on out.  My scars are healing nicely.  They're still very visible and there is still some glue residue but I don't want to scrub just yet.  I am only massaging the area around the scars.  Fortunately, I don't feel pain anymore (only when I eat too fast and don't wait my five minutes between bites). 

I am now at 210.  That's a whole 29 pounds from when I first weighed myself at the orientation class in December.  I'm sure after I get my first fill, I will start seeing a quicker weight loss.  To be honest, I don't want to lose weight too fast.  I want to tone as I drop the weight.  I'm scared at the thought of having too much excess skin and needing surgery later. 

I'm really focused right now though and plan to continue this journey with dedication.  My life has changed in so many ways. I'm grateful for each pound lost and every new feeling gained. 

March will be a very memorable month for me.  I am flying out to Miami to walk the stage and receive my MBA in International Business.  (I will also face the challenge of being a new bandster on a mini vacation- any tips?)

Here is the cap I'll be rockin' ;) and the tickets to the ultimate show!!

To say I'm excited is an understatement.  I prayed that 2012 would be MY year and so far...it's turning out to be one to remember!!

"Growth is the only evidence of life." 

~John Henry

Progress...or lack thereof

I don't know if it's because I haven't gotten my first fill, but I am not losing as much weight as I would want to.  I feel like going back on the liquid protein diet to jumpstart the weightloss but I also love and enjoy food.  Urgh...anyone out there have or had the same problem?

I must admit though...I am loving the new body.  I feel so much more comfortable in my clothes.  I am still in between sizes but I no longer struggle to buy anything at the stores.  Recently I bought a denim shirt- size LARGE.  I don't think even an XXL would have fit back in December.  I do see myself shrinking.  My shoes fit loose, my rings fall off, and I can slide my Tiffany bracelet off.  It's the little things that stand out to me.  I have lost a good portion of the belly but still have massive thighs and arms that will need a lot of work at the gym. 

The denim shirt at my friend's art event- 02/02/12

Speaking of, did anyone have a hard time toning?  Have any of you considered a tummy tuck?  Or did the excess skin mold with your new body on its own?

On a happy note: I adopted a puppy this week!! He's beyond adorable and loving.  I went to the nearest pound and saw the cutest 3 month old terrier.  He was as happy as could be despite being behind ugly bars, sleeping on a cold floor, and having two other roommates.  I named him WHISKEY (yes, alcohol was my inspiration).  I have faith that he will be the perfect therapy for my mother.  My dad passed away 7 months ago and after spending over 30 years with him, she needs a cheerful companion to help her cope.

I had just picked him up from the animal hospital (he was neutered) - 02/04/12



Whiskey and Taquito (my 7 1/2 year old baby) -02/05/12


Back to lapband land--- I'm sure the next few weeks before my first fill will continue to be challenging.  I still get hungry but I get full with just a few bites.  Fast forward two hours and I'm hungry again....and so the cycle continues day in and day out.  Slowly but surely, the weight is coming off though.  I have to remain positive and assertive with all these changes- both mentally and physically.

"The road to success is always under construction."

-Lily Tomlin

Update.

I've been soooo busy these last two weeks.  My cousin came in from Boston for a few days and it was NON-STOP!!! I worked 8 days straight after going back to work from surgery and continued partying with my cousin all week long.  It is very safe to say that I pushed my body far beyond my limit and I am officially exhausted.  However, I feel great!!!  I sound like I'm contradicting myself but the truth is that I feel no pain and I am moving at my normal speed. 

I have gotten the hang of small meals and waiting 30 mins between liquids and food (hardest challenge so far).  I am now weighing 216.1.  I am losing the weight very slowly...no surprise considering I didn't eat all that healthy while my cousin was here AND I've had a few alcoholic drinks this week.  Don't forget I'm a social butterfly...drinks are inevitable. 

I went to my follow up appointment on Wednesday.  They said everything is fine and I will be getting my first fill in a month!! I'm hoping I'll get the green light at that point to start working out.  I made the mistake of buying a lot of new clothes online while I was home recovering from surgery.  Now I'm stuck with a lot of BIG clothes!!! I fit very comfortably into a Large but have already bought a few Medium sizes.  Before surgery I was a size 16 and struggled with a 14 but I recently bought my first pair of size 12 jeans.  They're a bit snug but I refuse to buy a size 14 again.  Now I think I'm going to start taking my clothes in to give them a fitted look.  Luckily I like to sew and have my own sewing machine, otherwise I'd be spending a pretty penny having everything tailored. 

Here are a few progress shots.  I have a long way to go but I can already see some slimming down.  I can't describe this feeling to a T but I will say that I feel AMAZING!!  You can see the biggest difference from the first picture to the second but very little change from the second to the third one. 



January 3rd



January 20th



January 29th



The following are full body shots from my cousin's trip to LA.  Slowly but surely I'm getting there =)



So there you have it.  I am down 20+ lbs since I started this journey (pre op) and to think that I'm just getting started! 

"The person who gets the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore."-Dale Carnegie

Back to the norm....kinda.

It's been four days since I last posted- sorry.  Won't happen again =)

Let's start with Monday: Cemetery and Grocery shopping.
I finally decided to get out of the house and went to visit my dad at the cemetery.  I've never taken longer or spent more energy getting to the mausoleum!! I knew I'd be tired but didn't know how hard it'd be till I was out of breath after only a few steps.  Since I knew I was starting the pureed stage today (Wednesday), I had to go grocery shopping and stock up.  I felt like I was at Costco but really, it was only my local Fresh & Easy.  Each isle felt like an eternity to get through and check out felt tedious, tiring, and a hassle.  After an hour, I had had it.  I was now cranky, tired, hungry, and in pain.  Did I take on too much too soon?  YES!! That's usually how I do things though- ugh.  Safe to say that I came home, had some delicious medicine, and KNOCKED OUT!

FYI: Driving is painful and uncomfortable.  I'm still wearing my binder so it's been a challenge to sit comfortably with it at work and while driving. 

Tuesday-Wednesday: BACK TO WORK. 
First day back wasn't that bad.  It felt great to be around co-workers again and not just stare at the TV all day.  I'm walking a lot more and am being much more organized about my portions and sips of water.  Today was much better and the fun is just getting started.  I was able to fit my skinny jeans again (which I wore today) and my clothes are beginning to fit bigger.  I am a true shopaholic so I am already buying smaller clothes online.  Cute tops and tighter jeans- Eeek!! (insert excited feeling here).

This morning's weigh-in:

Yup.  2-1-9.  I can't remember the last time I was out of the 200's so that's definitely the current goal (after full recovery of course).  I am very happy being 20 lbs lighter since I started all of this.  I have my 2-week follow up appointment next Wednesday.  Let's hope all goes well.

All in all, I feel GREAT!!  I'm excited for all the new changes and adjustments.  I'll take new progress pictures tomorrow.  It is FAR too cold to attempt them tonight.  Los Angeles suddenly feels like the east coast and it's not pretty. 

"Progress comes from the intelligent use of experience."

-Elbert Hubbard

Lesson learned!!

So here I am thinking that I could still drink a little more than I should and now I have a cute little pain in my lower chest area.  I drank too much of the soup too fast!! I can't even describe this pain but I definitely know it's from me drinking THREE spoonfuls of broth without waiting my 5 minutes in between.  Sigh...lesson learned.

I successfully showered by myself today.  TMI, right?  Well I just had to share.  It's a huge accomplishment considering I can't do much on my own right now aside from sitting at my desk and typing away.

Plans for tonight?  MOVIE night!! A girl's gotta have her movie nights ;) On the itinerary: The Help and Bridesmaids.  Yes, I own both and have never watched either one >_< Hopefully that'll help keep my mind off the discomfort and take in some quality time with one of my closest girlfriends.  The only thing missing?  Wine.  Soon my pretty, soon.  I also want to go for a walk around the block.  I think it'll help to leave the house for a bit. 

Oh and I gave in to some medicine last night.  I'm supposed to take 15ml but I only took 8.  I really only wanted it to knock me out because I've had a horrible sleeping pattern since Wednesday.  Success!! I slept from 9pm to 5:30 this morning.  Not bad ;)

Okay....last thing for today: I'm down to 223.8!!!! I've got a LOOOONG way to go but I'm slowly making progress. 

Have a wonderful weekend!! I'm sure I'll update again tomorrow or Monday (since I don't have to be back to work till Tuesday). 

For all of you that are banded, how long did you wear your binder?  Were you able to go back to work within a week?  How well did you adjust in your work environment post op?  Any tips are greatly appreciated- Thanks!!!

"I will not lose, for even in defeat, there's a valuable lesson learned, so it evens up for me." ---Jay-Z

2 days POST Band

It's been an interesting two days. Gas, burps, and walking have taken over my life. Did I mention I haven't been able to get a full night's sleep in? Aside from all this minor stuff I'm complaining about, all is well!!

I am able to pass gas comfortably, poop with ease, and keep my liquids down. I still have to get used to the 5 minute wait between sips but I'm slowly getting there. I have decided not to drink the medicine and deal with the pain on my own. So far so good. Lately I've been feeling "hunger pain" but I think it might just be the air that's pushing up my chest.

Safe to say, I'm doing quite well and healing normally (so far). I'm a bit paranoid about the blood clots so I walk frequently to avoid scares. Everyone says I should be sleeping more and getting rest but that's the one part of me I can't change. So yes, I'm up at 6am and sleep only 3-4 hours at a time at night.

I've been surviving on Jello made with mixed-in whey protein, chicken broths, and my protein shakes. I can't wait to start the pureed food week! Honestly though, I don't feel hungry. It's just the "hunger" pain that reminds me I should be having something.

Here are a few pictures...some good, some very bad.

Here I am (in the middle OBVIOUSLY) celebrating my 26th birthday with about 20+ friends at our local downtown bar in 2010.

I continued my 26th birthday celebration with a weekend in Palm Springs with my girls (also in 2010).

Fast forward to 2011, still big, still celebrating.  Here I am dancing the night away (in FLAT BOOTS) at a club in downtown. 

December 2011, I look very wide in the black and white dress- bad choice!  However, I managed to pull off the night in 5 inch heels (which killed me the following morning). 

Sigh...won't be missing these struggles anymore ;)  I'm not fully proud of any of these pictures.  Yes, I love to have a good time and socialize.  I've never let my weight be a deciding factor in my weekly social gatherings but it does play a large psychological role that smaller sized people will simply never understand. 

Day 2 post band is almost over and I'm starting to feel better.  Oh and I also only have four days to go for my MBA.  Yes, FOUR DAYS!!!!

"I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

My twist: "I look for the day when people will not be judged by the size of their bodies, but by the character and personality that lives within."

-Lisa

Banded!!!!

Hi everyone!! I was banded this morning at 7:30 am. I came out of my anesthesia at 8:45, took my first sips at 9, started walking by 10:20ish, and discharged at 11 am. It's been a painful day around the port. I slept most of the evening but managed to walk every time I woke up. Hence why it's 11:45pm and I'm wide awake. I took some of the liquid medicine but it was too strong for me. I wanna try to endure the pain and avoid the drugs. If it gets too painful, I'll give in.

It's amazing how this works. I don't feel hungry, just thirsty. A sip each 5 minutes isn't enough!! Lol..but it'll have to do. I will add a few pictures tomorrow.

I still don't know how I want to keep track of my progress. Any ideas? I had thought a few shots every month would work. Do you think I should take them with the same clothes? Tight? Favorite top? Help!!

Thanks again for all the support. Those that knew of the surgery have been very supportive and caring. Can't wait to go back to work and feel useful again.

xoxo

Big day tomorrow!!!

I almost forgot to post before the surgery!!! So I'm doing this from my phone.

First of all, Milk of Magnesia- sooo not cute!! I've been in the bathroom all evening!!! The nerves are settling in and I have everything packed for tomorrow. I'm literally in the bathroom about to shower with the anti-septic soap. The day is finally here!!!!

Please say a little prayer for me. It'll be my first surgery and anesthesia experience. I'm hoping everything will be fine and if possible, I'll update tomorrow night or Thursday morning. Thank you all again for the support. Most of my friends don't know about this and I haven't told anyone in the family except for my mom and brother. Have a great night!! I gotta be up at 3am!!

"You never know how strong you are...until being strong is the only choice you have."

xoxo

Countdown: 3 days!!!

It's Saturday morning and my mind is going a thousand beats per minute.  I've already lost 14 pounds....Yes, I now weigh 225.2.  The whole starving thing is not for me though...I need food!!!!!  I haven't had anything solid since last Sunday.  I've tried soups in the last two days but a couple of spoonfuls and I'm FULL. 

I'm sure that's what it's going to feel like after the band is placed- complete control system!!  I honestly can't wait to see the weight start coming off and hitting the gym at the same time to tone the excess skin.  I already feel much lighter with only 14 pounds lost.  The ultimate goal is 99 so I have 85 pounds to go =)

I have a fun day planned out today....Knott's Berry Farm with my girls!! It'll be a lot of walking, talking, and laughing but I'm hoping I'll be just fine if I have my shakes and lots of water.  I'll complain about aching feet tomorrow at work lol

Just thought I'd share that I'm a cash patient for my Lap-Band which means- I REALLY want this!  Not to discredit those that have insurance and still really want it but if I'm coughing up a good $16K for this, I plan on succeeding with it.  I'm usually very organized and a planner so I'm hoping these traits will work in my favor post surgery. 

I said I would post BEFORE pictures in the next post so here they are.  There's absolutely NO glamour in these shots.  I asked my mom to snap these before going to bed.  I weighed 230 here (a few days ago):

Have a wonderful weekend!!! I have 3 days till my life is forever changed and 10 days till I'm done with school FOREVER!!!

Cheers!!! (<--- raises protein shake in the air)

Happiness:

"Whoever is happy will make others happy too. He who has courage and faith will never perish in misery."
-Anne Frank

Let the countown begin!! 6 days till I get banded!!!

I'm thrilled!!!! and mega nervous (O_o)

Only six days to go and I'm down to 227.6.  YES....227.6!!!!!  I slacked off last weekend so I know it could be lower but I'm very happy with this number (<--- I sound like the Biggest Loser now lol). 

I'd like to lose another two before the surgery but I'll focus more on simply not gaining anymore.  I took some before pictures already.  I'll probably post them next time.  The more I see the pictures the quicker I want to get this done.  I can't wait to feel the freedom to try ANYTHING I want at the stores!!! I've been limited all my life but I can feel the ball and chain coming off slowly ;)

Did I mention my countdown for completing the MBA program has also begun?  13 more days!!! I said it before but I'll say it again....2-0-1-2 will be AMAZING!! and I'm off to a great start already!

Till next time:

"Your body is the baggage you must carry through life. The more excess the baggage, the shorter the trip."

-Arnold H. Glasgow

Happy New Year!!!!



I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!!  I spent it at home with my mom and dog, Taquito.  (Yes, my dog is named after food- Tacos)  Before I go on, I'd like to share a few important things with you all about my life. 

First of all, we're from Guatemala and my mom has made a living out of selling tamales from home since I was born.  This means that I've eaten one too many tamales in my lifetime.  Delicious- yes, but also fattening and tempting all together.  For Christmas we usually make 2,000-3,000 tamales to sell.  This year we only made 1,000.  So for new year's eve we made 300 more and my job was to sell them. 

I take great pride in the business we've created and kept for so many years but having these babies at home is DIFFICULT!!! They're so delicious that I find it hard to resist.  I said my goodbyes this holiday though.  After the surgery I plan on seeing, smelling, but not having any more tamales.  If I do, it'll literally be just a bite and no more.  I didn't get fat by just seeing them >_<

Secondly, I lost my father this past 4th of July, 2011.  To say I was Daddy's little girl is an understatement.  We were inseparable and he was my everything.  He struggled with pulmonary fibrosis for three years but on that hot summer day, his heart and lungs finally gave out and he left this world.  I was fortunate enough to be by his side till his last breath.  He passed away at home with my mom and I holding his hands. 

Even now he keeps me motivated and focused in all I do and all I aspire to be. 

Lastly, I am currently going to school for my MBA- Master's in Business Administration with an emphasis in International Business.  As of now I have 16 days to go before I complete the program!! So yes, my surgery is on the 11th and my last day of school is the 17th.  Pretty exciting week for me =D

Now that I've gotten all this FYI stuff out of the way, let me talk about my progress.

I am still at 230 and I'm perfectly fine with that.  I ate a little bit this weekend but I was careful not to go overboard.  I don't know how I didn't gain any but I can certainly understand why I didn't lose any either.  I have 10 days to go before my surgery so I'm going to kick it up a notch and try to lose at least another 8 before the 11th.  I haven't tried working out but I might get out there two or three times this week just to get a bit active. 

I went out on Friday night after all; wore my 5 inch heels, cute top with pleather jacket, and had a nice cold bottle of water ;)  By midnight I felt a bit tired, sleepy, and weak so I went home at 12:30am.  Soooo glad I did!!! I slept like a baby when I got home. 

My struggle continues and I am faced with delicious temptation every day but these next 10 days will be defining for me and I definitely plan on shrinking this liver before my surgery.  I have many goals for the new year and the most important one is SLIMMING DOWN. 

Allow us to ring in the new year with attainable goals, a productive mind set, and a driven heart...

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.. " -Edith Lovejoy Pierce