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