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