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