Down 15 pounds so far...

Well, it has been 1 week since my Lap-Band surgery, and I've lost 15 pounds so far on this journey... Part of the weight loss happened before the surgery, during the pre-op diet... I am pretty amazed how easily it is coming off, so far... I know some of it is just water weight, but I truly hope that the scale will continue to go down. I am currently a size 18, and am hoping by Christmas to be at least down to a 16. I also am hoping to drop about 20 pounds before Christmas. That is 2 months away, and I truly think with the proper diet monitoring, and a little exercise, that is totally do-able.

About a week before my surgery, I met a new friend named Julie online. She was having the Lap-Band surgery done the same day as me... We became fast friends online before the surgery, and really hit it off in Tijuana. The cool thing is, that we basically were the same height and weight before surgery. So we have been sharing experiences regularly, and I really enjoy talking to her. She has been super supportive and I look forward to friendship that will continue to blossom.

Today, I stopped at the mall, and went into one of my favorite stores; Steve and Barry's. I found the cutest wool blend trenchcoat from the Sarah Jessica Parker "Bitten" line. It is fully lined and well made. And it was only $20! I LOVE LOVE LOVE her line of clothing. They are fashion forward and have very clean lines... and the price is oh, so nice! I told Robert that as I drop weight, I will be buying all of my clothes from Steve and Barry's. I can afford to keep my wardrobe updated as I drop sizes, and I will look so cute!

Surgery is over!!

Well, I flew down to San Diego (during the wildfires!) on Sunday and had my surgery with Dr. Ortiz on Monday. It was everything I had expected, and everything they told me it would be. The hospital was immaculate, the staff was exemplary, and I am already starting to feel like my old self. I will post later about the whole journey, but I did want to write a quick update stating that I am so excited about my new journey. Dr. Ortiz and the hospital could not have been more amazing. This surgery is going to give me a new lease on life, I just know it. Robert is already calling me 'skinny' even though I've only lost 10 pounds. It is amazing what 10 pounds does for one's mindset though. It makes me feel like I can conquer the world. I can't wait to start working out now, building muscle, and really melting that fat away, and molding my body into a healthy, firm, body. More later!

5 days....

I am leaving for Tijuana in 5 days to have my Lap-Band surgery with Dr. Ortiz. I have struggled since I was a pre-teen with my weight, and I am really tired of the constant ups and downs I have. I have no problem losing the weight, but it always comes right back.

I have 2 darling little girls, and I want to be healthy for them. I want to run and chase after them without getting winded. I want to wear high-heels without my feet feeling like they are going to break off. I want to ride Top-Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point, and not have to worry about getting kicked off because the seat belt doesn't fit.

I was 234 3 weeks ago. I have lost some weight for my pre-surgery, and am now at 225. I am hoping to down to 220 before I go in for surgery.

My final goal is to be at 140 within a year. That would mean a 80 pound weight loss in a year. It seems daunting, but it is less than 2 pounds per week, and with diligence and consistent workouts, I know I can do it.

The beginning of a new journey!

I have struggled with my weight my whole life, riding the roller coaster of weight loss, weight gain, over and over. I am tired of it, to say the least. My health is important to me. My husband and kids deserve someone who is healthy and fit, and so I've decided to take charge by getting Lap-Band surgery. This surgery is the only thing I know of that will actually give me a feeling of satisfaction. I won't be hungry all the time, and will be able to stop eating when the time is appropriate. More than that, that feeling of satisfaction will be an ongoing feeling, meaning that my brain, and the part that always thinks about food, will be 'fixed.' I wonder how it will feel--- to find something OTHER than food to obsess over! I am excited about the prospect, and the journey I am about to take...