Yay Me!!

I am so proud of myself. I turned down a cupcake!! I didn't want to, but I know in order to stay on track I have to not indulge in my guilty pleasures....cupcakes, cakes and cookies.

I hope you guys have a good day. I have a lot going on right now, but definitely wanted to check in with ya.

Edited to say: Oh and I have had already today 8 glasses (64 oz.) of water. Another Yay Me!!

Back to Basics day 2

I made a pact with myself that I would do better about posting. I think I will try to do one post a week. I love this forum because when I do post I stay somewhat on track when I don't....well you know. The only other thing is finding balance because when I start reading and posting I'm on here all day and posting multiple times a day.

Anyway, I started my food journal back up and took in 1780 calories and 92 oz of water or 11.5 glasses.


Happy Friday!!!

EatSmart & weigh in with their scales!!

Good Day All (in the best British accent I can muster)!!

Kenlie over at All the Weigh is giving away a FABU prize check it out below!!

Minus the extra pair of feet of course.

Your weigh in is only as good as the scale (and of course your efforts) you step on. So head on over to Kenlie's spot and check her out.

Happy Friday and Good Luck!!

A little pain and Pouch Test?

Another quick post.

I haven't started on my assignments yet, but I will get to them. At least I read the dang thang, along with some blogs.

Ok so lately I have been having a sort of nagging pain that comes and goes around my port site. Not sure what it is, but it happens at night mostly. When I lay on my stomach it starts, so I flip on my side or on my back and it stays. It's not excruciating pain, but pain nonetheless. I'm wondering should I go to my doctor and demand a flouro test. I so hate dealing with him. I am going to call and talk to his nurses whom I love. Any thoughts?

That brings me to this question. Do I need to do a pouch test? Does that have anything to do with the port pain? BTW, what the heck is a pouch test? I'm going to scourer the blogs to find out.

Hey out there!! Back to Basics!!

Whew!!

Hey everybody!!

1st off Thanks to Stephanie for checking on me! I have been grinding hard with this school work. Quickly because I got two assignments and a project due I will rely on bullets to catch you up. Hopefully I won't be to long.

• As mentioned before I have been swamped with school and work. My life consists of work, school, eat and school....wash, rinse and repeat. I am able to go on Facebook because it is quick, but I haven't been reading any posts....I know bad blogger. I will do better, I think I can promise that. #fingerscrossed

• I have a date for my next surgery. As I mentioned before I am undergoing breast reconstruction so this is the next to the last one. They will put in the silicone implants. So I will have a new pair of bobbies. Yay!! The date is August 18th and it will be outpatient surgery. I won't have to stay in the hospital and will be off of work for a week (with drain tubes....ugggh!!). I scheduled it in between Summer classes and Fall classes. After recouperating I will head right into Fall classes....yeah I know...

• I have to get back to basics with this weight thing. I have a not so new revelation. School is stressful and I am a stress/emotional eater. No duh!! The point is I HAVE TO STOP THAT!!! Dang it when I'm working on papers late at night my stomach just gets to growling and carrot sticks just ain't (yep I said it) on my radar. I have got to do better. So today, I am going back to writing EVERYTHING down that I eat, and following a 1200-1500 calorie eating plan. Notice how I didn't say the "d" word.

• School is going great!! My hard work is definitely paying off even if it is showing on my waistline. I have so far an A average in my classes. I got an A in my 1st Summer session class that ended on the 1st of July and I have two more to go this term.

With that I hope everyone that follows me is doing well. I may try to read and comment a little, but forgive me if I don't get to everyone.

((((HUGGGS))))

The Skinny on my new BOOBIES

Hey Everybody!!

First off thanks so much for all the cool and wonderful comments on my last post! I love a forum that supports all my madness ;-)

I'm in between studying (Summer classes started this past Tuesday) and thought because a few have asked, I would "try" to make a short post about my upcoming Breast Reconstruction Surgery.

Most of you may know that I am a breast cancer survivor. Back in May of 2009 I was diagnosed with a very rare form of breast cancer in stage II (only 0.05% of the women in the country have this kind). By my oncologist not knowing how to treat it, I underwent 3 months of chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy and radiation. In November of 2009 after having my breast removed, my ecstatic doctors informed me that the cancer was gone. I had to undergo radiation, but after that I would go through 3 more surgeries to get new breast. This will be my second surgery in where the doctors will put in silicone implants. I used to wear 50EE or 50F (they were probably Gs or Hs) bras so the option to downsize was an EASSSSSSSYYYY one!!

My next surgery is scheduled for some time in August. I'm opting for the 3rd week which will be the week of the 15th. This is excellent timing for me as I will be in between Summer semester classes (end August 8th) and my Fall classes (which start August 29th). My plastic surgeon says I will only need a week to recuperate as opposed to the 8 weeks I needed when I had the mastectomy and the 3 weeks for the breast extenders (plastic and metal skin stretchers). The last surgery will probably be either around Thanksgiving or during my Christmas break to attach new nipples. I know you are thinking "WTH!!!!", but yeah, when they removed my breast they took everything. I won't have any sensation in my nipples, but hey I will have the appearance of some ;-).

All and all I am one happy camper. I have learned that life is so fleeting and that happiness is where you make it. The cancer is one of the primary reasons I decided to get the band. Because the cancer I had was not related to estrogen, I had to be proactive about my health. When the media and health officials tell you that being obese can cause cancer or be linked somehow to it, BELIEVE THEM!! Now me being obese didn't cause it (it is genetic), but staying that way would actually feed the cancer cells and make it worse. I want to live, so although previously against WLS, I soon got on board when my life was brought into question.

Anyway, this post turned out longer than I wanted it to, (I didn't want to bore you) but I wanted to let you in on what is going on with me. Ok, off to have my employment evaluation (which will not result in a raise...the state doesn't give those) and finish working on my project for my class. I will try to do some more commenting on the blogs in between that.

Have a great weekend!!!!!!!!

Musings in bullet form

Because I write this blog mainly for me (at least that's what I tell myself - see below) here goes another ramble/question in bullet form. I'll try to make it short.

• Do you ever wonder what it is you are doing wrong with regard to diet/weight loss? I know the answer, but hey I just had to ask. I know that people lose weight differently and at different speeds, but dang I so want to be at goal right now. If I didn't have that last cookie, maybe just maybe...

•Head Hunger is a biiiiiiioootttttchhhh!!! That's what I have been dealing with when it comes to those cookies ^^^. I wish somebody would tell me how to get over that hurdle.

• I'm back on Atkin's after diverting for a week or two. I picked up 5+ lbeees and wasn't at all happy. I have to be close to goal by August because I don't want my stomach being bigger than the new boobs I'm getting.

• Which brings me to this point. I think I'm more determined just because of the aforementioned statement.

• Have you ever wondered why when you send a friend request on a certain social networking site to a person, they don't accept, even though you thought you were cool elsewhere. #justasking

• I read a post the other day and the person said (paraphrasing) "it's not like anyone will comment anyway." I felt bad for this person, not just because they felt this way, but because I have sometimes felt this way before too. And if you admit it, you have too. We (some of us) often say that this blogging thing is "more for us" something like a journal, but if we are truthful we will admit that when we type a post that we think is prophetic, prolific or just down-right funny we would like at least one person to comment.

• What keeps me plugging along with this thing.....success stories (in no certain order) like Tessie Rose, Amy W., Stephanie, Catherine55, Grace, Lap Band Gal and the list goes on.

• This post in no way indicates that I am down on myself or in some self pity mode. On the contrary, I am quite happy today (and most days). These are just random ramblings I had in my head.

Focus or not to Focus

Finally I got Blogger to act right. I had been having major problems.

So I haven't made a post with bullets in a minute. I guess today is the day for my randomness to kick in.

• It's amazing how we get off track with our food and become addicted. I read someone's post (don't remember who) about the brain of an addict and how our brains look the same whether we are addicted to drugs or food. It was an eye opener to say the least. I don't remember all the details, but it really gave a different perspective to how we "foodies" are so similar to folk who abuse harmful drugs.

• I am so off with my eating. If it was confession Wednesday, I would tell you that I ate about a half cup of Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup and 4 Cashew Sandies. Not good. Today I had a McDonald's hash brown and 1 of 2 sausage burritos. I just couldn't eat the other one. I'm not stuffed, but I am full.I actually stopped before my shoulder started hurting, meaning I stopped before I got stuffed and hurt myself. Trying to get better with that. My mind sometimes reverts back to when I was a kid and we were told that we had it better than the children in Ethiopia so we needed to eat all of our food. I never have understood how my eating all my food would help the starving children in Ethiopia, but oh well.

• Which brings me to this, I've heard people say that (paraphrasing) in order to lose weight and keep it off you have to not focus on food. Ok, because I'm have creative AND logical mind, how are you supposed to do that. I ask that because with the band in order to accomplish our goal and to lose weight we have to be meticulous about food. You have plan what you are going to eat and how much. Measure and weigh, portion control. You can't eat high fat food, fast food, fried food, et cetera, et cetera. My question is how do you NOT focus on food when you have to plan everything you put in your pie hole....ummmm pie, opps got off track for a second there. Where was I....oh, I find that I am constantly thinking about food. What I'm going to eat, how to prepare it, when I'm going to eat and how much of it I can or cannot eat. It can be a bit much at times. Being & getting fat was easy, losing it is hard as nails.

• My son is going to do a semester at the community college here in the city and then transfer back to TSU. I'm over my disappointment and know that he will succeed. I've learned that the only failure is not trying.

• I am so stoked about Chicago and the B.O.O.B.s trip!! I will confess that I'm a little nervous. I have been thinking about what to wear and checking the B.O.O.B.s blog to see if an agenda has been posted so I can plan around that. I tend to be a little OCD with trip planning. And seeing as since I haven't been on a real vaca in some time. The planning will go into overdrive.

• I am also (another confession) nervous about meeting all you wonderfully successful and gorgeous ladies. I feel like it's my first year in high school and thinking, will anyone talk to me. Will I be sitting by myself and just looking around. I have some wonderful roommates and know I will have fun with them, but I don't want to isolate myself and monopolize all their time. Funny thing is that folk who know me would say "Are you kidding me! Pam, you are the most outgoing chick we know!" I'm a friendly person and sometimes (no most times) go out of my way to make friends and be friendly. Ohhh well.

• Just random....why am I sitting here on Keelie's page listening to her music. Keelie is so motivating and has been so successful. She has such a great outlook. The first song that starts playing is "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus. Although I'm not a big fan, I love that song. It just puts you in the mood to know that you got to keep going. You've got to keep climbing towards your goal, whatever that may be. You can't stop and cry over the mountain that's in your way. Get up and wipe those tears, push, pull, climb your way up, past or around it.

Lastly I want to leave you with this:

Blogger acting up

I can't see anyone's recent posts. I can click on them in the dashboard but it won't take me to the most recent posts.

I needed to be able to take my mind off of stuff, but oh well.

Have a great weekend everyone.

A little down

Hey All,

It has been a minute since I last posted something. Weight loss is going ok. I ended the semester on a HUGE note, all A's, but my son on the other hand, officially is on suspension. I don't know what he did or better yet, didn't do while in Nashville, but I have seen his grades and they are not good at all. I don't know if it was him being away from home or what, but it took it's toll. I am not going to scream at him when I get home but we will be having a talk. I'm sure he will be sickened, but he has to take the blame for this one.

I'm disappointed because in this world with the the economic state as it is, he needs to have a skill set. He is so good with computers. I just don't know right now what to do. I guess I can't do anything, but let him bump his head a little. He has to find a job and we all know what the job market is like right now. I pray that he will be able to. Maybe this is something that needed to happen for him to see that he can't slack.

I'm feeling a little down right now. I'm proud of myself, but no one likes to see their child fail.

Just had to vent a little.

NSV!!

I CAN CROSS MY LEGS!!!!

I don't know why I just sat here and decided to do it. I am working on an assignment and just up and crossed my legs and they stayed and didn't slip off from to much fat!

OMG!! I am exhausted, but that made my day. I spent all day at LeBonheur Children's Hospital with my niece who started having seizures and am just whipped. I have homework that I haven't done and am attempting it now, but I will get it done.

Checking In

Hey everybody!!

The semester is winding down and I am so happy. I am loving school and to be honest getting these A's makes me feel like I'm smart, LOL. I finished my last paper in my Sociology class last week and the instructor has been on the ball because I was just checking and she has posted my grade already. Whooo-hooo!! I hope the semesters after this one are as great. I will have an A in all of my classes (3 of them) at the end.

Atkin's Update: I kinda slipped a bit when my mom went into the hospital to have surgery. I had packed my shakes and protein powder for added umph, but when it came time to eat, the hospital was severely lacking. My older sister and I went to Chik-fil-a and I got a grilled chicken salad, but dinner proved more difficult. It seems in Collierville, TN (which is where the hospital was) everything shuts down at 9 p.m. Boooo!! I thought I would be able to order from the Chinese place, but the nurse told me that they closed at 9 as well. It was 9:30....dangit! I ended up getting a pizza & some wings from Pizza Hut. I was sad. So I ended up eating carbs Thursday through Sunday. The good thing is that I didn't over do it. I gained 2lbees, but went right back to Atkin's on Monday. I haven't weighed myself since Saturday, so we will see when this Saturday comes how much I have lost. I finding this thing easier and easier as time goes on.

NSV: Folk have been telling me how great I look. My co-worker was all out cheering for me today and doing the "swim." I was laughing and posing. She says she can tell I am loosing and that the swimming is working. I have 2 more lessons left and then I will be on my own.

Anyway, not much to tell. My mom did wonderfully through the surgery so she is just healing. Thank you to all of you for your kind words and prayers on her behalf.

Another Lbee gone! & I forgot my freaking LUNCH!!

I'm down another pound which puts me safely at 230 lbees!! *insert big smile here* 220s here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I forgot my lunch this morning. I was so busy packing my sneakers to go walking on my lunch with a colleague, as well as my backpack for my school stuff and changing purses, that I forgot my FREAKING LUNCH!! I am so mad at myself because it was a good lunch too :-(! I had packed a cup of that delicious Mock Potato soup (see recipe) topped with cheddar cheese and bacon bits. UGGGGGHHHHH!!!

This means I will have to go to the student union and get a salad. Their chicken is grilled but it is kin to cardboard. I chew and chew and chew. Thank God I have never PB'ed off of it cause it's just that tough. I think I might get tuna this time, if they haven't put anything in it, like sugar or something.

Anyway, enough of my moaning and groaning. Have a great day! Today is my Friday as I will be off tomorrow and Friday because of my mom's surgery.

Low Carb - Mock Potato Soup Recipe

Amy over at Babbles of a Bandster posted a great recipe for a low carb Cream of Mushroom Soup so I wanted to follow suit and post a great recipe that I give 2 thumbs up.


MOCK POTATO SOUP
1 medium cauliflower, cut into small chunks, about 20 ounces after trimming
1 small onion, diced, 2 1/2 ounces
3 cups chicken broth (homemade recommended)
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (pre-shredded not recommended)
3 pieces bacon, fried until crisp and crumbled, optional
2 green onions, chopped, optional
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

In a large dutch oven, bring the cauliflower, onion and broth to a boil. Cover and simmer until the cauliflower is very tender, about 20-25 minutes. Use a stick blender to puree the soup until completely smooth and thick. Add the butter and cream; mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cheese; heat very slowly until melted. Garnish with bacon, green onion and parsley.

Makes about 6 cups or 6 big servings
Can be frozen without the toppings

Per Serving: 263 Calories; 22g Fat; 11g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 4g Net Carbs

This recipe is really good. I have some today and I'm loving it! For more of these wonderful recipes for those that are doing any low carb diet here is the website: Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes.

Enjoy!!

Yay Me!!

I'm not a Charlie Sheen, but I love this saying.

I'm down 10.2 lbeees!! Down to 231. I'm almost in the 220s. Yay Me!! I am so happy. I just came back from my WL doctor (Dr. Woodman) and I have lost 10#s!! He was a little more polite than last month, well as polite as he can get. I just think this dude's personality cannot be salvaged. He is a piece of work. I didn't get a fill because he feels I'm in the green zone. I have to admit that I am staying full almost 4 hours on solid food, so I agreed that I didn't need one. I met a lady while there and she was getting an un-fill. Let me tell you that she looked miserable. That sealed it for me. When I first got there, I thought I would get a small fill, but shoot after looking at her, I'm like ....that's ok, I'll pass. She was behind me in line to see the doctor and was pacing. I felt so bad for her that I let her go before me.

I was the bigger person and thanked him for calling me on last month to check on me. My momma always told me to kill 'em with kindness. The nurses thanked me for the flowers and I am all smiles today. I got a paper to finish and another to start. My mom is having surgery on Thursday so I would definitely appreciate your prayers for her.

Happy Monday!

I'm doing it! I'm doing it!!

I got on the scale and I am 4 lbees down!! I started Atkin's on Saturday and it did not disappoint. I had to change my multi-vitamin to a regular one because I was taking Flintstones, which has sugar in them, but I'm cool. I am so happy right now. I will tell you that my cravings for sweets have stopped.

I am shocked. I was eating cookies or some kind of cupcake everyday. I knew I needed to stop, but didn't know how. Until Amy W. talked about what she was doing. Thank you again Amy W. for all you advice, past, present and future!! One of my co-workers brought in some of these yesterday....


I haven't even touched them. Any other time I would have scarfed down a handful and went back for more today, but NOT I SAID THE CAT!!! I haven't had a one. I am so proud of myself.

My mood was a little down yesterday and I attribute only a small part to Atkin's. We had some terrible storms here and a huge tree from my neighbor yard fell across my yard. This was a scare for my family after having a tree fall on my house in '07. Plus, after hiring a new Executive Director in November (whom I liked a lot) they fired her before her 6 months probation and are going to hire this girl that I ABSOLUTELY can't stand, which is not normal for me cause I get alone with everybody 99% of the time. She works in our division and thinks she runs stuff; likes to give orders. I have been doing a lot of praying that I don't giver her a shock with my newly purchased stun gun ;-).....

Don't get nervous I wouldn't harm a soul, but she might get told though.

Happy Tuesday!!!!

Copying Amy W.

Yep, I'm gonna do it. I was on the website half of a day yesterday printing out stuff. I am not going to buy the book unless someone suggests that it's needed. After Amy W.'s success, and others saying they probably will go for it, I decided why not. I will start on Saturday. I know that bucks the traditional start day of Sunday or Monday, but I have never been traditional ;-).

So you know I am taking swim lessons. They are going great. I normally take them on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, but this past Tuesday, my instructor had to cancel. So to not be outdone, I decided that I was going to get a "snatch my sexy back" aka workout, anyway that day. I went to a cycle class at the campus rec center and boy was it a workout. The guy that does the class is nice, not a tyrant. He is a former runner and a cyclist so he was coaching me, the newbie. I will tell you that I sweated some and had to stop at points because that little seat was hurting my butt. Ouch!! I decided that since it was just a 30 minute class I would do the abs class afterward. Let me tell you, I am sooooo paying for that today. My stomach is sore and tight (I guess that's a good thing). That class nearly killed me, but I persevered to the end though. The instructor (who was the same for both) told me he was proud of me. Most folk don't get through the cycle class the first time around. I want to try the kickboxing class next.

Can I just say that family wears on you. For those who are my Facebook friends you probably know that I stay upbeat and positive, at least I try too. The other day was a hard one. My younger sister had a miscarriage (she was 3 months) so I was up the night before half the night. I think I got about 4 hours of sleep. Not good. I feel for her, but honestly my sister is the LAST person that needs another child. Don't get me wrong I don't wish ill and I love my sister, but she is drama and not a good parent to the child she already has. It pulls on me because I always say I can't raise everyone's child. I was praying that God's will be done because I know what would ensue, if she had another baby. She has a 16 year old that is always in trouble and that she never pays attention too. Anyway, she is probably going to have a hysterectomy because she has two pretty big fibroids that are causing problems. Crazy part is that she could have had those fibroids removed years ago. I did (hysterectomy too) and I am great. I just had to vent for a moment. My family pulls on me a lot and I end up not getting sleep/rest and/or giving advice that is NEVER followed and they they come running back to me after the fact.

Ok, WOOSAH!!

Have a great day and it is Thankful Thursday as Cee-Jay has deemed it.

I'm Thankful!!

p.

Snatching My Sexy Back!!

I have no excuse not to exercise after seeing this lady. The story is over after 5:26 mark, but if you want to watch the whole thing be my guest. Check out her body....sick!!



I read an article in Essence Magazine written by a Life Coach named Lisa Nichols and she said "My daily to-do list includes fun and entertaining tasks, such as "snatching my sexy back" rather than "working out." I have been using this and it is working for me. Our minds are quite complicated and sometimes we have to fool it into doing certain things. #justmyopinion

I'm down 4lbs and I'm happy. I hope to be down about 4 more by the time I go back to the doctor. It will be interesting to see him after our blow up earlier this month. I have been getting up at 5 a.m. to do my walking dvd and I have even incorporated jogging and jumping jacks in place of some of the moves. The jumping jacks are tough, but I get through it.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!!

Body Changes

Happy Friday Everyone!!

I am taking a break from writing this sociology paper to post a couple of pics. The scale is finally moving again. I'm very happy about that. More importantly, I see changes in my body. Check out the pics below.


I took this today. The first is with the shirt loose and I must tell you this is a 2x. The second is with me gathering the shirt in the back (hence the one arm thing going on). I see the changes everyday when I shed my clothes. Especially in my stomach. I'm not there yet, but this gives me motivation to keep going. I did have some cookies yesterday, but overall my eating has been good. Haven't PB'd yet. I can stay full for about 3 hours or so and eat about a cup of food. Now when I go back to Dr. Woodman the question he will ask is if I allow myself could I eat more and the answer is yes, so I haven't hit my sweet spot yet, but I feel I'm very close. I don't want to go to the line though and start PBing. As you can tell I got a phobia with that one.

Anyway, Happy Friday!! Enjoy your Weekend!

A post just for me

I am posting again mostly for myself so I can look back at this.

1st - I am full from a 1/2 cup of Cream of Mushroom & Chicken soup. After all that drama this morning. I am finally full from a little bit of food. HALLELUJAH!! Now whether this is my sweet spot, I have no clue, but I am going with it.

2nd - one of the nurses who assist my A$$ of a doctor during surgery also had the Gastric Bypass. She gave me a suggestion before I saw the doctor. She said: "do a crossword puzzle while eating. Find a word in between each bite. It will slow you down and you will get full." I told her I would try it with the Find-a-Word puzzle. I did and behold....I stop eating because I couldn't anymore. I felt myself sigh and know that is one of my signs. Just think that fool of a doctor threatened to not give me a fill.

3rd - I cried a bit more during and after my conversation with my friend Margie. Margie is only about 4 months out and is so smart. She can't stand the doctor that we have. She is forming a support group so that we can help each other because the one the bariatric clinic has is not engaging. There is always one person who hogs the sessions and no one gets to talk or ask questions.

4th - I am not defeated. I feel better and am so thankful for this forum. You ladies that have commented are so encouraging. I always see your progress and marvel at the inspiration. Thank you. If I name names, I may forget someone, but thank you.

♥♥♥
p.

UPDATE @8pm: I received a call on my cell phone this evening and you will never guess who it was from....Dr. Woodman - my bariatric doctor. He said he was calling to check on me and see how I was doing. Said he wanted to make sure I was okay. O_O

I am totally shocked. I sent his staff some flowers today and told them on the card that I appreciated them and thanks for being so encouraging. I guess he must have saw them.

Also, My dinner tonight consisted of Grilled Tilapia (on my George Foreman grill) and 1/2 cup of Tomato soup. OMG 1st, I have never had Tomato soup. It was so delicious! B (I just had a Amy W. moment, LOL), I am totally satisfied. I think I can make a go of this y'all. I did my Find-a-Word puzzle and feel great.

Angry Face!!

Hey everyone!!
Just a quick update. School is going great. I have an A in all my classes. Swim classes are going well too.

I just came from my bariatric doctor, Dr. Woodman. Have I mentioned that he is an a total ASS!!! Sorry for the language but this morning. He took me there, I pride myself on trying to be as positive as I can. I don't need stress or negativity in my life. Well Woodman gave me a fill, but not before trying to give me a lecture about not complying with the rules. Well let me tell you that I didn't let him go there without me saying a few words. Long story short, he said he WASN'T going to give me a fill. I said fine then you are wasting my time and I am about to be late for work. I was just about to ask for my co-pay back when he recanted and said that he would, but then started in on me. He told me my attitude was the reason why I haven't been successful and I proceeded to tell him that his attitude is the real problem as well as his delivery. He ended up giving me a fill, but not before I think everybody in the office heard our argument. I told him he wasn't helping anyone one with his harsh delivery and that he never gives anyone praise even when they do well. He said he would if I was successful. Oh I let him have it.

It was not pretty y'all. Just to let you know I have only gained 1.6lbs in 4 months and he was b!tching about that. When he leave I did cry, but it was because I was so angry. He didn't want to hear, although he asked, that I was working full time, a single mother, back in school taking 9 credit hours and a caregiver for my mom. He told me that he has patients that work and go to school and that they have been successful. I told him I'm sure and that I applaud them, something he never does. When I got ready to leave his staff, who are so wonderful by the way, asked if he gave me a fill and if I was okay. I told them I was and that they were saints to put up with that fool.

When I got to work, I called a friend of mine who also had the surgery through him and she talked me down. She told me that he has no personality, he is rude and that he must be an unhappy man to say the things he does. That made me feel better in that I was able with her help to put things into perspective. I refuse to let him and his negativity take me there again. I don't have the money to switch doctors and to be honest I wouldn't let him drive me away because he doesn't have any sense. My friend did tell me that she found out that the doctor had gastric bypass, which I found shocking. He was once FAT....hmmmmmm! So he is flawed after all.

Anyway, I am looking forward to Chicago! I want to say thank you again to all of you who read my blog and to all who have either forged a path for me or are walking it with me. Thank you just for being you.

♥♥♥
p.

Quick Post

Hey Everybody!!!

I just had to post quickly because I'm in the middle of studying for an exam. I am doing good and trying to kick the cookie habit. I think the spirit of Cookie Monster has taken over my body. I crave cookies. My co-worker slick sabotages me by bringing them in or someone else does. It is murder I tell ya!! Then I get home the other day and have a gift of freshly baked Oatmeal Raisin cookies. Ugggggh!!! WHYYYYYY!!! Anyway, I think I am battling it as best as I can.

I have though started taking swimming lessons. I never learned as a kid and decided that this would be a great form of exercise. My first lesson was this past Tuesday. I had so much fun. More fun that I thought I would. I learned to float, to kick and to blow bubbles and that's saying a lot for me because 1) I'm goofy, 2) as a child you could sprinkle water in my face and I would think I was drowning and 3) I almost drowned at 16 yrs. old. I have a private instructor at the rec center here at my job. She is mad cool and understands that it may take me a minute to get the hang of it. I'm taking them twice a week for six weeks. I hope to be a strong enough swimmer to do laps in the pool. Fingers crossed.

Anyway, I hope you all are doing well. Can't wait until September, but right now I need to get back to studying. Isn't it great to have a job where you can do what you want and still get paid for it.

BYOC - Getting back to Blogging

1. What day of the week do you love and what day of the week do you hate?
I love Saturdays. That is my lazy day. I don't comb my hair and I just lay around the house. I don't care for Monday's at all.


2. What is your middle name and is there a meaning behind it?
My middle name is Elaine. It means LIGHT. Don't know why my mom picked, but I do know for a while during my childhood I struggled with it's spelling. I couldn't figure out if the i went before the a or not. I felt like a dunce.


3. Since Draz is dreaming of her next tattoo, do you have any tattoos? How many? If you don’t have one – what would you get if you did have one?
I don't have any tattoos, but I thought about getting one once, but decided against it.


4. On that same theme of dirty little secrets…how many piercings do you have? Any you wish you had?
I only have my ears pierced. I have never thought about getting pierced anywhere else cause I can't even imagine the pain. Especially folk who have their nether regions or nipples pierced....OUCH!!!


5. Repeat question: Summarize your life in blog land and in real life.

Blog Life has been off. Until Joey mentioned it I didn't realize that I would only blog when things are going good. I have to do better. I'm so glad that Stephanie contacted me on Facebook and let me know about BOOBS 2.0 cause I missed the first one, but I DO NOT plan on missing this one. I even have roommates, and I'm so excited!!!

Real Life is going good, I'm stressed, but it's a good stress. I'm in 3 classes and have good grades. I think that I'm obsessed with these classes. Things are getting interesting for one class as my professor is kinda nice looking and seemingly paying me some attention. Don't worry though I'm not going there cause to be honest I'm enjoying being single and I need to stay focused. I don't want to get all off gazing up into some dude's face when I should be studying.

Happy Friday!!!

All is Well

Hey guys!!!

I have to do a quick post and say HEYYYYY!!!

I am in school taking 3 classes (9 hrs) and am LOVING IT!!! It is amazing and scary at the same time. I am always on pins and needles to do well and I am doing very well in my classes. A colleague was shocked when I told her I was taking 9 hrs. She couldn't believe I was doing that and working full-time. I guess I go hard in the paint ;-).

Weightloss is going. I am at a plateau, but at least I haven't gained. After I finish my protein shake I am going to exercise and then get ahead on some reading & classwork since I am snowed in. YAY!!

I have to say a BIG THANK YOU to Stephanie for alerting me to the BOOBS trip in September. On my way to the page now. Thanks again Step!!

Weird Shoulder Pain

I just had to make a quick post and ask this question.

I have noticed that when I don't eat I have this nagging dull ache in my left shoulder. I sometimes don't pay attention to my body, but I noticed yesterday while I was waiting on my son that my shoulder was hurting. I knew I hadn't eaten since about 5 (2 cookies) and it was now about 9:30. We were going to dinner so I didn't want to eat something and not be able to enjoy. As soon as I began to eat the pain decreased and soon went away. Same thing happened just now. I am having lunch with a colleague down the hall, but it won't be until 12:30. I haven't eaten anything since my protein drink this morning about 7:30. I have had water, but the pain goes away after the water stops being satisfies my thirst. I popped open a 2 oz can of tuna and mixed it w/mayo and have some wheat thin crackers and pain goes away.

Has anyone else had this problem? I call it weird because the shoulder pain I have heard people speak of with regard to having a band is when they have eaten to much. Mine is just the opposite.

Weight Loss Tips and running around....WHOOOO-HOOOOOO IT'S FRIDAY

Howdy Howdy!!!

Ok, I'm going to make a quick post, but had to stop in to say HEY *waving* to all my blog buddies out there. I gained only 1.5lbs over the holiday Whooo-hooo!! I celebrate because I thought it would be at least 10 they way I ate. I look back though and realize that I cooked my holiday fare with low fat substitutes. I hosted Christmas and New Years by the way. There were many dishes that I was afraid would pack on the pounds, but they didn't. I'm so happy.

Anywho, I ran across this article in fitbie that I adapted to fit my likes. I post it here in hopes that it will help someone else. Or read the article and adapt it to fit what you do. I didn't use every tip because a couple I do automatically, like the one about flax seed. I use fiber in all my dishes as well as protein. Check out below.

30 Second Weight Loss Tricks

1. When you get the urge to snack mindlessly give yourself a mini-manicure and pedicure. “Do a quick 30-second manicure in the evening,” says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, author of The Flexitarian Diet and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. “A coat of clear nail polish just makes it harder for you to stick your hand into a bag of chips.” By the time you are finished you may no longer want to snack.

2. Slice Your Food. Can good manners help you slim down? Exhibit A for why table manners ought to make a comeback: Cutting your food into smaller portions slows down your food intake, and it also visually tricks you to think that you’re eating more. Researchers from Japan’s National Food Research Institute found that people thought piles of sliced meats and veggies were 27 percent larger than when the food was kept in one piece. Satiety is affected by visual cues, so making your portions appear larger will help you feel satisfied with less.

3. Weigh Yourself Daily. Think you can guesstimate how well you’re losing weight? Study after study shows that regularly stepping on the scale can help you drop pounds. How much more weight? People who log weekly and daily weigh-ins lose about 12 to 18 pounds more than those who check less frequently, concludes a review study in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.

4. Dress Down. Take advantage of Casual Friday. A University of Wisconsin, La Crosse study found that people who wear jeans to work take 491 more steps a day than those in business wear. How many calories could you burn if you walked for 30 minutes a day?

5. Brush Immediately After Dinner. Tap into years of Pavlovian training (watch videos of Pavlov’s theories), and brush your teeth soon after you’ve finished supper. Traditionally, brushing your teeth is a signal to stop eating, explains Blatner, so you’re primed to resist after-hours snacking. The essence of peppermint has been reported to suppress appetite, and cleaning your chompers with strong-tasting toothpaste may help distract your taste buds from craving another flavor.

6. Eat before you go to a party. This will cut down on overeating and eating fatting foods from the party table.

7. Rather than eyeball portions, place a measuring cup in your pantry so that you’ll know exactly how much you’re doling out, recommends Blatner. Keep a serving of cereal to one cup, a portion of dry macaroni to ¼ cup.

8. Reach for the phone, not the potato skins, the next time you’re feeling blue. Emotional eating can spiral out of control really fast, so instead of turning towards food for a pick-me-up, dial a friend to vent or schedule some Frisbee to blow off some steam.

9. LASTLY: MAKE A CHOICE…..You have the ability to make the choice to be who you are or want to be. If healthy is what you aspire after then choose healthy. It’s that simple. You make the choice to eat that extra cookie or piece of cake. You make the choice to hit the snooze button for that extra 15 minutes and not get up to exercise. You make the choice. So what will you choose??

Here is a recipe that I found in a group I'm in on Facebook. Enjoy and HAPPY NEW YEAR and NEW YOU!!!

Peanutty protein bars
by Fit on the Fly on Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 4:32pm
Tired of paying all outdoors for the equivalent of "Snickers on Steroids"...me too!! We hope you enjoy this recipe hand-tailored especially for YOU! XOXO

2 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup peanut flour, dry (such as Trader Joe's)
1 cup (4 scoops) vanilla protein powder
1 cup water
2 T. calorie free caramel dip (such as Walden Farms - I find mine at Market Basket)

Mix first 3 ingredients in mixing bowl and stir until well combined; Add water and stir until mixture is well combined; Stir in caramel dip; Pour mixture into a square pan, lined with wax paper; Freeze for one hour, cut into desired size, and wrap individually; Store in refrigerator.

Nutrition information:

Snack size (cut bars into 8 portions)
Calories:190
Fat: 4
Carbs: 19
Fiber: 4
Protein: 23
Sodium: 30
Sugar: 3

Meal-replacement size (cut bars into 6 portions)
Calories:235
Fat: 5
Carbs: 25
Fiber: 5
Protein: 30
Sodium: 40
Sugar: 3