Time to talk about Poo. (You have been warned......)

Well lately I have been finding that I am getting stuck quite a bit at the other end.....constipated!!!  I really was never constipated preband...a regular once a day gal in fact but I suppose with a band I am eating way less vegies and fruit than I usally would of although I am careful to still eat a serve of fruit and as many vegies as I can in a day.

It is just like little pellets and a bit of an effort too but this morning I think I lost 2 kgs on the loo.  Seriously how great to go and lose a load!!!  I did warn you...  I ate an apple yesterday and as I was just typing about fruit wondered if that helped me along a bit.  Ok enough said....are you still there?????

Well today is Valentine's Day and DH and I don't go overboard here as we celebrate our Wedding Anniversary on the 19th but also because I personally don't feel the need to be told to show my love on any particular day....we just always try to do it.  The kids however are excited and are downstairs making a gluten free chocolate cake for Valentines Day (amd also because they love cake!!!) They are also going to make dinner.  My girls just love to cook.  Back to DH...we usually just do a card but today he also bought me the Masterchef Cookbook.

I am so into cooking again...which is great for us all.  I think because I am allowing myself to eat what I FEEL like rather than following a diet.  I am really enjoying what I eat and because it is so much less then what is was pre band that I do try to make what I eat count nutritionally. Back to the book...I would probably only cook about 50% of the recipes as there are some things in it I just wouldn't eat but there are heaps of tips as well and the things I would cook look yummy.

One of my friends came over for lunch again yesterday and she commented that she thought I had lost more weight (and yes I have!!!! LOL) She is the friend who noticed around the 8kg mark and I suppose since I don't see her as often she notices more.  I felt great yesterday wearing some different clothes, as more of them are fitting and I spent the day out of my boot which was wonderful.  I am allowed small spells of wearing my orthotics now as well as the boot.  I am enjoying the Aqua classes especially in this hot weather and I also purchased Jillian Michaels '30 day Shred'.

A few of you have reccomended it and a friend of mine as well.  I will have to watch it to see what things I will be allowed to do as I am not to do any weight bearing stuff yet but maybe the abs???  Who knows.  I am planning on getting back to Pilates too but will wait until I get the Dr's approval but it is close ...I can feel it....and I certainly will not jeopardise my foot as aqua is better than nothing.

Here are the girls with their little muffins...cake is in the oven ...they just told me they are filling the cake with shipped cream....luckily I am not a huge fan so will just have a small slice.

I also find that I am happy to have just a sliver of cake these days rather than worrying about a cake actually taking up residence in my home...I would usually have to eat a fair whack of it.  I love the band.

So have a wonderful V day everyone......

Sally xxx

Oh forgot to say that I lost another .2 kg (.44lb) and on a Saturday morning too.  Who would have thought a weight loss on the weekend was ever possible????  No weigh this morning because as I have previously mentioned I was backed up and the relief came after breakfast!!!  Ok sorry ....enough info!!!!

Eleven Kilos and some thoughts.

Yes that is right...I have lost another kg bringing my total to 11.4kg (25.08 lbs...yes the .08 counts!!!) In fact since my fill I have lost 3.4kg (7.48lbs) but I do admit that I have been hungrier this week, so won't say no to another one in 2 weeks.  I seem to be still ok on four meals and lots of water and cups of tea.

It is funny how not many people have noticed that I have lost weight, I had one comment from a friend at 8kg and then last week from a lady at school who noticed but really no one else except my youngest daughter and my husband when I was wearing my new 3/4 jeans on the weekend.  But I have noticed from some of the blogs I have read, that many of you didn't get any comments early on in the weight loss but the more you lost it took less losses for people to notice.  I don't mind it was just an observation.  I feel way too good in myself to care.

Another thing is the things that males say...honestly do they think sometimes?  My DH has been away a bit over the last 2 weeks and the other night I was telling him how stuck I had been and how it all came back up.  I said that I thought it was because I would be tighter from my period and I ate the food a little too quickly.  Well he said " You always eat too fast".  I go...are you kidding???  Maybe pre band but for goodness sake I now take ages to eat just a cup full and most of the time leave some on my plate.  How can he not notice???  I sure he just spoke without thinking.....well here's hoping...for his sake!!!!  LOL.

Another thing is that now I have heaps of leftovers, because I can't eat a full serve anymore and I think that I need to allow 1 night a week for eating the leftovers.  I always take my lunch to work, even more so post-band so it is great on those days but last night I made a chicken korma curry with sweet potato, carrot and peas and then realised DH was coming in late from Melbourne so we have even more left over and I hate to waste good food.  Lucky he had some for lunch today..as did I so it is being whittled away.

I went to see Precious today at the movies.  Once again I turned up to Tafe (College) ready to get started on my course and today there was a teachers strike....arghhhhh.  I had gotten up early, got the kids and their lunch ready, guzzled breaky (well as fast as a bander can...more like chew chew chew as you do things in the kitchen and then popped dinner on in the slow cooker.  Luckily, DH was working from home and took the kids to school but within an hour I was home.  I text one of the other girls and she didn't turn up because she received a phone call...well why the hell didn't I and a few others????

So on the way home I thought I would go home and check the session times for Precious which is only one at Independant cinemas and then found out it was starting in 3/4 hour so I hot footed it over there and just made it only to find out it was a Reel Mums (you know mum and bubs) session.  I went in anyway and the bubs were great.  It is such a sad movie but great in the end because she realises her worth and gets out of the situation.  I feel less energetic today so it was a nice treat.  Bummer though because I could have gone to Deep Aqua...anyway have been twice this week and will go tomorrow with my firend.  I wore my pedometer to work yesterday and in 6 hours (left early because it wasn't busy) did 7,500 steps and it wasn't that busy.  According to my WW pedometer I was healthy and earnt 1 point!!!  Not that I am counting.

These pants I have on are really quite baggy now and loose at the top and can be pulled down without undoing.  I love wearing the baggier clothes because it shows yourself that you have lost but then I think people notice more in tighter clothes.  At one stage DH had to help me do these up just before the pre-op diet.  I have a white pair and balck pair of these pants if anyone pre-surgery or of a larger size would like them....size 18 Suzanne Grae which I always think is generous sizing so might even fit a size 20.

Well I could say heaps more but don't want to bore you all.

Oh and thanks to my new followers...I now have 30...unbelievable

For now....Sally xxx

Stuck. Yuck

Yesterday I was extra hungry....so just before I left to pick the girls up from school (we live 2 streets away and I have to drive because of my foot...ridiculous hey???)  I had a slice of ham and a Weight Watchers nut bar.  Now I usually don't eat these type of bars but bought them for when I craved something sweet.  Well it got stuck stuck stuck.

Emma had one of her friends over and I spent 1/2 hour in the toilet PBing....3 mini vomits (sorry if it is too much info) and it was up...thank goodness.  I have been a little tight ...I had mother monthly visit and even got stuck on a shake and vitiamin so I have been taking it super easy.

I skipped the planned dinner of chicken kofta's thinking that meat would not go down well after all the PBing so I made a really quick salmon quiche.  That went down ok but then I had it for dinner tonight and yep...3 PB's and relief.  How strange that I can eat breakfast but not dinner.  Oh well...hope the scales move.

Measurements:

Neck  32cm ( loss of 2.5cm Total 5cm)
Left & Right arm 31 cm ea (Loss 1.5 ea arm Total 3 cm ea arm)
Chest  111cm (Loss 7 cm Total 12....yay yay yay)
Waist   110cm (Loss 5cm Total 9)
Hips   120cm (Loss 4 cm Total 7)
Thighs R& L 62 cm ea (loss 3cm each Total 5 cm ea)

Loss:   27.5cm (11 inches)  Since Late December
Total Loss: 49 cm (16 inches) since Surgery

Good luck to Sandy-Lee as she waits to see if her operation can go ahead.  You are in my thoughts!!!

Till then

Sally xxx

Getting to know me...

Well I have exercised today and am feeling a little flat.  I can't seem to get motivated and I wanted to do the ironing but this humid and wet weather we have is not letting anything dry!!!  I am a bit picky today also so am up here wasting time on my computer and thought I would do the Getting to know me questions....

Just a quick call out to "Secret Diaries of"....I am having trouble getting into your blog.  Is anyone else???

Here goes:

1. What time did you get up this morning?


I woke up a little late today at around 7.15am.  I was just super tired I suppose.

2. How do you like your steak?

I don't like steak....but love lamb, pork, chicken and seafood.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

I saw NINE last week with a girlfriend but can't say I was super impressed.  I also saw Avatar recently and LOVED that....how do they come up with these things???

4. What is your favorite TV show?

I love Medium.  Also I got into a few shows that are not on free to air TV last year as I spent so much time resting my foot...Dexter, True Blood and Entourage

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

For now I am happy here in The Sutherland Shire in Sydney NSW.  I would love to have a home on the water though instead of being 15 mins away.

6. What did you have for breakfast?



Am a little bit tight due to the visit of Mother Monthly so I just had an Optifast shake

7. What is your favorite cuisine?

OMG...what isn't.  Love Thai, Lebanese, Indian, Seafood, Italian, Greek, Middle eastern, Pizza (none post band though :( yet :)) It wouldbe accurate to say their are not many foods I dislike than listing them all

8. What foods do you dislike?

Steak, large thick slices of eggplant (small cubed is ok) and anything really weird like fish heads, eyes, chicken feet etc....


9. Favorite place to eat?

We have a great local restaurant called Rocksalt....I have never had a bad meal there
10. Favorite dressing?

Probably olive oil and balsamic
11. What kind of vehicle do you drive?

I just got a new Toyota Camry on Friday!!!!  Hubby has a 4wd Pajero
12. What are your favorite clothes?

When I am at a good weight I love to wear dresses, 3/4 pants, jeans, skirts, tops ....oh anything really as long as I am slim!!!!

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?

Oh wow....so many places.  Ireland, Spain, Greece and the Greek Isles, USA (particularly Hawaii, New York, Florida), Canada, , the rest of Europe that I haven't seen...oh lets just say anywhere I haven't been..otherwise the list will be too long

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Half full most the time.
15. Where would you want to retire?

Near the water.  Maybe Cronulla or Noosa
16. Favorite time of day?

Morning and when I get to sit down after the kids are in bed
17. Where were you born?

Launceston, Tasmania
18. What is your favorite sport to watch?

Not really into sport except watching the girls play netball or the Olympic games

19. Bird watcher?

Not really except perhaps when in holidays and they gather around

20. Are you a morning person or a night person? Morning for sure
21. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?

Hmmmm.....we booked a cruise to Noumea and the Isle of Pines, we are going to Canberra in a few weekends time ...OH...and I have lost 10kg!!!!
22. What did you want to be when you were little?

Lawyer, mother, wife, rich!!!!
23. What is your best childhood memory?

Nothing really stands out except for my childhood pets and our holidays down the coast with our cousins and Nanna.

24. Are you a cat or dog person?


Dog.....
25. Are you married?

Yes happily since 1994.  16 years this month.  He is my best friend and supporter and I love him to bits

26. Always wear your seat belt?  Always.


27. Been in a car accident?

One minor bingle....
28. Any pet peeves?

People who push in or park illegally...why do they think they are more important?????

29. Favorite Pizza Toppings?

Feta, olives, prawns, sundried tomato...anything really except pineapple or beef.  I don't like fruit with my savoury things

30. Favorite Flower?

Tulips or Gerberas

31. Favorite ice cream?

Cookie and Cream or gelato

32. Favorite fast food restaurant?


Moon's Sushi

33. How many times did you fail your driver's test?

Once..... :(
34. From whom did you get your last email?

A friend about Footy Tipping Comp


35. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?

Anything clothes or shoes or homewars or stationary or handbags....or....or...or

36. Do anything spontaneous lately?

Catch up with girlfriends, went to the movies, jumped DH....I  am a fairly spontaneous person

37. Broccoli?

Love it!!!!  Love most vegies
38. What was your favorite vacation?

Europe with DH (no kids although I missed them like crazy!!!) and Hong Kong Disneyland with all the kids (I have a 19 yr old step son)

39. Last person you went out to dinner with?

A group of friends whilst on holidays

40. What are you listening to right now?

The whir of the fan and the bliss of silence

41. What is your favorite color?

Aqua blue, greens and watermelon
42. How many tattoos do you have?

None and no intention of getting any

43. Coffee drinker?

I enjoy a skim cappacino when out with friends.

Well I hope I have not bored you all to tears!!!!

 

Photos

This is me in my new size 16 pants....I still have a bit of muffin top going on though.

This is me the day of my operation..

Today 10.4 kg (22.8lbs) down

Side view...day of op.

Today...side view

Yesterday...these shorts are too big but oh so comfy.  It is so humid here atm.  I haven't worn this M top for a while.

Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson was playing so I was a posin' for the camera in tune to the music.

I am not loving the way i am looking yet but I am appreciating the 10kg down and trying to enjoy my life.....isn't it so hard to love ourselves.  I feel great then I see the pics.  I weigh about the same as Amy W but to me she looks way slimmer and I am taller too.

Thanks Gen for saying I must be tiny...I love the sentiment but let me reassure you....I am not.

That's it for now....

Sally xxx

It is all good...and more.

Ten, ten, ten, ten, yay 10!!!!!

I am so excited...I have had the best week...it seems to happen when you are losing....doesn't it???

I have lost 10.4 kg (22.88lbs) since my journey began and 2.4 kg (5.28lb) since last Thursday (fill day!!!)  I love the band.

In reflection it has not been too hard at all..(except the pre-op) I have enjoyed some wine and chocolate over the holidays and am for the most part enjoying my food except when it doesn't go down to easy.  I have really enjoyed cooking what I feel like and I certainly do not feel like I am on a diet...because I am not!!!

It is amazing how much just 10kg has made to my life....I am less breathless, I can bend over easier, my bras fit better (although they are grogy bogey...can't wait to ditch them), work is easier, my clothes are fitting so much better and I have more energy.  But the biggest change is too my outlook on life....just last June I was lying in bed thinking of how I could I end my life....the thought of my kids being without me and DH's support kept me here....thank god.  I was trying to get out of going to Fiji because I just couldn't bear having to buy larger clothes and facing how much weight I had put on...and travelling with a size 8 skinny mini.  My foot was in a bad way and I couldn't exercise.  I would sometimes not get out of bed....it was very very dark days.

Now I am loving life....and the weight loss is a part of that.  I just feel comfortable again....I can do everything easier and it is just 10kg!!!  My life is also greatly improved because I am off the crutches too and exercising again but I am sure 10kg of extra weight off my foot is making a huge difference too.

And I have had some NSV's too....a top I bought last September (size 16) and never wore because it was too tight...(you know how you buy them and say I will loose the weight???) well on hols it was still too tight but now it fits great.  And yesterday I got 2 pairs of denim 3/4 pants size 16 and a bargain at $10 each (Suzanne Grae)  They will tie me over until some of my nicer clothes fit.

On the exercise front I have done 3 deep aqua classes this week and also stayed off the wine (Major NSV!!!)  The exercise just makes me feel alive and I even went to aqua in the rain today (it is outside).  I also picked up my new car yesterday so I am feeling very spoilt.

Did anyone watch Biggest Loser's Master Class last night???  Finally some info on nutrition.  I loved the Dr who told them (and us) not to diet anymore and to just watch our portion sizes and what we eat.  Everything in moderation.  Following a mediterranean diet too seems to be the go.  Lots of fish, legumes, vegies and some olive oil....sounds just like healthy eating right?  He also said that we can exercise all day and it won't help us lose weight if we are not watching our nutrition which echoes the article that Yana posted on her blog.  Interesting!

I will post some pics soon.  Thanks for all you have supported me to this stage.  Next goal 15kg (33lbs)

Enjoy your weekend...I will!!!

GB xxx

Not far off my next goal

Well hubby fixed the internet but it still comes and goes....but I have been having a great week anyway.  Life without the crutches is grand and it feels so nice to be doing some normal things again and filling my day with things other than the 'puter, TV and books (besides work)

The scales are moving down and today I weighed in at 94.8kg which means I am just 0.4kg off my 10 kg ( 22lbs) mark...my second milestone as my first was 5kg.  I am making my goals little and realistic with 5kg incruments.  I am just loving how this last 1.6kg...3.52 lbs.... (in less than a week!!!) is making me feel.  My work clothes feel looser and it is so much easier to get around and bend over etc.  My job can be quite physical (I am a Vet Nurse) and towards the end of last year I really wondered how I would be able to keep up if I was breathless and struggling all the time.

In other great news I can notice a difference and my daughter noticed too...how sweet.  She said 'Mummy...you are really losing weight...look your tummy has gone down'.  Now the kids know nothing about the op and if they comment I will just say I am being healthy again.  My little one tends to be a little pudgy and has great self esteem so I try really hard to talk in terms of health rather than diet as diets send with it the idea that you are not good enough.  I truly believe that my weight/ food issues stem from being put on a diet at 8 by my well meaning mother.  I have had lots of counselling and believe that my young 8 year old self wondered what was wrong with her that she had to change or wasn't good enough how she was.

 For years I would not go somewhere if i felt fat on that day.  It would ruin lots of things for me.  I thought that people judged you by the way you looked and I think that when I really became fat, that is when I made some of my best friends and maybe I needed to be big to realise that what I perceived from a young age was truly wrong.  Anyway...back to my youngest....she loves healthy food and of course my eldest hates it and she is the slim one!!!!  Isn't that the story of our lives????

My pants today were hanging off me...time to downsize I think.!!!  Yay.  I have also done 1 deep aqua class on Monday and will do one tomorrow and Friday too.  Eating wise I am eating my 4 small meals a day and try to eat what I feel like but always choose valuable calories rather than empty ones....things like oats, strawberries/ peaches with yogurt, my spinach pie, salmon patties and hommous with vege sticks...I am also trying to eat a wide variety of foods to keep the nutritional levels up.  Having said that I had 2 homemade bickies tonight.  My mum made them for my youngest who is wheat intolerant so they had peanut butter, choc chips, sugar and bi carbs.  They were so sweet but hit the spot as I think the monthly visitor will be upon mesoon and I just felt like them.

So sorry to hear so many off you are experiencing 'the Blues' aand I hope things pick up for you all soon

Till next time...GB xxx