I have this HUGE smile on my face right now!!! I am so happy and feeling great. I saw the comments on my last post and I just LOVE each and every one of you!!! There honestly are no words. I wish I could give you all a hug! Your kind words, thoughts and much needed prayers got me through. I thought about you all the whole time I was there. I will do a seperate (hopefully not long) blog about it later as I have stuff piled on my desk.
I will say also that I not only love you guys for the kind words and prayers, but for your ability to give back. All your advice helped me throughout this process. Without you I don't know where I would have been. So with that said I am doing WONDERFUL and have already lost...drumroll please...................
10 lbs!!!!!
I♥♥♥♥you guys so much. Be back with another post later!!
Stephanie, thank you again for being such a sweetheart and posting an update for me. you are a Godsend!!
Tomorrow is the day!!!!!
WOW!! Ok first off let me let you know there will be no structure to this post whatsoever. I am excited and have work to do in this office. How dare they expect me to come to work and WORK!!! ☺ Since I'm going to ramble I will try to put them in bullets so you can follow. As they appear here is exactly how they popped in my head.
*WARNING: This post does contain rants about poop! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!*
•I dropped my son off in Nashville to start band camp and in 3 weeks college. I miss him already. I didn't go into his bedroom at home for fear of crying. On that note, I was there all day and when it was time for me to leave, I just hugged him, gave him a kiss and told him to be good (like he was being dropped off in daycare or something). He looked into my eyes and I saw all the love I have cultivated for 18 years. I will see him in a few weeks when he comes back home to play in the Southern Heritage Classic.
•I started my clear liquid diet this morning and have to drink Magnesium Citrate. A laxative and I'm at work!!! OMGEEEEEEEEEE for realz!!!!!! I went to Fred's and picked up a 10 oz. bottle for a dollar in the only flavor they had "Sparkling Lemon." Yea..... I know some of you are going to say "well why don't you drink it when you get home??" The short answer to that is that I have to drink it between 1 and 2 p.m. They want my system clear and not pooping on them by the time I come in. So lets do the math here. LIQUID DIET + LAXATIVE = LIQUID POOP AND A LOT OF IT!!
•Which leads me to my next rant.....I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 a.m.!!! Actually I'm good with that so that I won't have to be there all day. I have had surgeries where I had to be at the hospital at 1 p.m. WTH!! My surgery is supposed to start at 7:30. From what I'm told that may or may not be the case. It's like a little cattle call......That's sad. Ok....
•I will be off work for the rest of the week and will not have internet access except through my cell phone. Not a lot of wiggle room with that small screen, so I will fill you guys in when I get back to work on Monday and play catch up with all you guys goings on.
•I can already tell I'm going to get sick of broth. I had beef broth this morning and after the first 2 or 3 swallows I was like ACK!!!
•I'm determined to see this through. Part of me wonders though is it to show my best friend (the one thats banded) that the band can actually work and that she is wrong. IDK. I know my primary reason is of course my health, but also to show my friend that she has to work the band. We had a discussion last week where I think she actually was trying to talk me out of this. I'm a strong head so she knew it wouldn't work, but she made slippery comments anyway like "You can do it on your own" and "It is really no difference." She said "it doesn't take away your cravings." Well duh!!! I told her this is a "lap band" it goes around your stomach, not your brain. If you were an emotional eater before the band will not make you stop medicating yourself with food because you just broke up with your no good baby daddy for the umpteenth time. Nor will it solve any other emotional issues. Those are your's and your's along to fix.
•While we are on it. Sometimes I wonder about my BFFs (I have two and they are sisters). One is banded the other isn't. They are both very competitive and not in a good way. They do it in a way that says "nah, I beat you and am better." I was over to their house last week and the sister that isn't banded asked me how much I weighed. Of course because I'm an open book 90% of the time I told her. She waited a while and in the middle of the conversation said something like "I wasn't going to tell you, but when you told me how much you weighed I was thinking I'm not going to let her beat me (in losing weight)." WTH!!! As much as I have been through you are worried about competing against me. The one who HAS to lose weight or die. COMMMMMMMEEEONNNNNNNN!! I didn't mention this to my mom (who is VERY supportive, btw), because my family is already a little perturbed with my BFFs for not coming to the hospital at all when I had my double mastectomy. One hates hospitals and the other was tired from work. I didn't know until this past week that my family had discussed this without me. They feel that people you have been loyal to for 17 years should have been supportive of you regardless. I agree and have since let it go. They apologized and I accepted. But sometimes I wonder.....
•I do have another good friend who was banded Oct '09 and has been VERY successful. Her story is similar to mind with a few exceptions. Her mother died of cancer some years ago and her brother has cancer now. She just made a decision that she wanted to live and see her beautiful babies grow up. I don't blame her. She is the reason I made the decision to get banded.
Anyway those are my ramblings for today. I have more, but this post would be exceptionally long and I don't want to bore ya. By the time I talk with you guys again I will be in band land. See you on the other side!!
*WARNING: This post does contain rants about poop! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!*
•I dropped my son off in Nashville to start band camp and in 3 weeks college. I miss him already. I didn't go into his bedroom at home for fear of crying. On that note, I was there all day and when it was time for me to leave, I just hugged him, gave him a kiss and told him to be good (like he was being dropped off in daycare or something). He looked into my eyes and I saw all the love I have cultivated for 18 years. I will see him in a few weeks when he comes back home to play in the Southern Heritage Classic.
•I started my clear liquid diet this morning and have to drink Magnesium Citrate. A laxative and I'm at work!!! OMGEEEEEEEEEE for realz!!!!!! I went to Fred's and picked up a 10 oz. bottle for a dollar in the only flavor they had "Sparkling Lemon." Yea..... I know some of you are going to say "well why don't you drink it when you get home??" The short answer to that is that I have to drink it between 1 and 2 p.m. They want my system clear and not pooping on them by the time I come in. So lets do the math here. LIQUID DIET + LAXATIVE = LIQUID POOP AND A LOT OF IT!!
•Which leads me to my next rant.....I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 a.m.!!! Actually I'm good with that so that I won't have to be there all day. I have had surgeries where I had to be at the hospital at 1 p.m. WTH!! My surgery is supposed to start at 7:30. From what I'm told that may or may not be the case. It's like a little cattle call......That's sad. Ok....
•I will be off work for the rest of the week and will not have internet access except through my cell phone. Not a lot of wiggle room with that small screen, so I will fill you guys in when I get back to work on Monday and play catch up with all you guys goings on.
•I can already tell I'm going to get sick of broth. I had beef broth this morning and after the first 2 or 3 swallows I was like ACK!!!
•I'm determined to see this through. Part of me wonders though is it to show my best friend (the one thats banded) that the band can actually work and that she is wrong. IDK. I know my primary reason is of course my health, but also to show my friend that she has to work the band. We had a discussion last week where I think she actually was trying to talk me out of this. I'm a strong head so she knew it wouldn't work, but she made slippery comments anyway like "You can do it on your own" and "It is really no difference." She said "it doesn't take away your cravings." Well duh!!! I told her this is a "lap band" it goes around your stomach, not your brain. If you were an emotional eater before the band will not make you stop medicating yourself with food because you just broke up with your no good baby daddy for the umpteenth time. Nor will it solve any other emotional issues. Those are your's and your's along to fix.
•While we are on it. Sometimes I wonder about my BFFs (I have two and they are sisters). One is banded the other isn't. They are both very competitive and not in a good way. They do it in a way that says "nah, I beat you and am better." I was over to their house last week and the sister that isn't banded asked me how much I weighed. Of course because I'm an open book 90% of the time I told her. She waited a while and in the middle of the conversation said something like "I wasn't going to tell you, but when you told me how much you weighed I was thinking I'm not going to let her beat me (in losing weight)." WTH!!! As much as I have been through you are worried about competing against me. The one who HAS to lose weight or die. COMMMMMMMEEEONNNNNNNN!! I didn't mention this to my mom (who is VERY supportive, btw), because my family is already a little perturbed with my BFFs for not coming to the hospital at all when I had my double mastectomy. One hates hospitals and the other was tired from work. I didn't know until this past week that my family had discussed this without me. They feel that people you have been loyal to for 17 years should have been supportive of you regardless. I agree and have since let it go. They apologized and I accepted. But sometimes I wonder.....
•I do have another good friend who was banded Oct '09 and has been VERY successful. Her story is similar to mind with a few exceptions. Her mother died of cancer some years ago and her brother has cancer now. She just made a decision that she wanted to live and see her beautiful babies grow up. I don't blame her. She is the reason I made the decision to get banded.
Anyway those are my ramblings for today. I have more, but this post would be exceptionally long and I don't want to bore ya. By the time I talk with you guys again I will be in band land. See you on the other side!!
Me Versatile...I'm a one trick pony!!
Oh my!! I am so honored to recieve this award. Wow!!
Here are the rules:
1. Thank the person giving the award.
2. Share seven things about yourself.
3. Nominate 15 newly discovered blogs.
4. Let your nominees know about the award.
• Leah you are so AWESOME to have nominated me for this special award. I will cherish it forever.
• Share seven things about myself
1. I've always dreamed of traveling in space. I was a trekkie and watched every other space show that came on television. I watched Star Wars, Lost in Space, Space Ghost, the "old" Battlestar Galactica, The Jetsons, My Favorite Martian, you name it I was fascinated with it . Anybody remember "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century??"
2. One of the superpowers that I always wanted to have was to fly. I love birds and planes for that simple reason. I have even contemplated taking flying lessons.
3. I can be a snob. I hate being around ghetto people. I purposely avoid going to stores in the hood because I just don't want to be around loud black folk who have burgundy hair and cuss (not curse) out their children.
4. I wore neutral colors & navy blues for most of my adult hood because I wanted to look smaller. You know the old adage that dark colors makes you look smaller? Yea right. I didn't own a thing of color until I turned 35.
5. I have worked at the Univ. of Memphis for 13 years. I have never stayed in one place for more than 5. I will admit though I have switched positions in those 13 years 3 times.
6. I am deathly afraid of snakes.
7. I'm not so sure I want to be married anymore. In my 20s & 30s I would literally cry because I didn't have a husband. I have planned my wedding since I was a kid, now I'm not so sure. In this battle with cancer, I have learne to love my peace and space and now I feel like a husband would deminish all of that. I want to have a companion, but I want to be able to send him home when I'm tired of him.....is that bad??
• Nominate 15 newly discovered blogs.
Dang, I can't even count that high. Ok here goes and if you've gotten it before, sorry just add it to the bunch ☺.
1. Michelle
2. Lap Band Gal
3. LDSwims
4. Heather
5. Band Groupie
6. Kristen
7. Sumer
8. Christine
9. Kristina
10.Amy
11.Michelle
12.Catherine
13.Pie
14.Tessie
15.CeeJay
one more
16.Ice Queen
Again I want to thank the beautiful Leah for nominating me. I think these awards are more than just cute. They go a long way in encouraging someone. I took this seriously simply because I know that one day when/if I get another award after I'm banded this will lift my spirits and encourage me to fight on. So FIGHT ON my friends, FIGHT ON!!
Now off to complete #4!!
6 more days until band land!!!
Protein Review
Happy Monday to you all!!
I wanted to do a review on a protein that I have tried and love. My BFF suggested this (as well as the nurse at my surgeon) and I have found that not only is it great for protein, it doesn’t taste bad either. This is the website and you can click on the different Nectar links to see the different flavors.
1st up is Nectar Protein in Chocolate Truffle from the Nectar Sweets line. This is a chocolate drink that has a great chocolate flavor and doesn’t taste gritty. It has 23 grams of protein per full scoop and only 100 calories. There are 0 grams of fat, 0 carbohydrates and it has NO Aspartame!! I thought this was great as I have been seeing some very alarming things about aspartame lately. I will definitely be switching to Stevia. If you go to the website there are several flavors including Natural Fruit Punch and Natural Peach from the Nectar Naturals line, Twisted Cherry, Roadside Lemonade, and Fuzzy Navel from the Nectar line and Chocolate Truffle, Strawberry Mousse and Vanilla Bean Torte from the Nectar Sweets line.
2nd is Nectar Medical, which is a protein powder that you can mix in to drinks and or soft foods & soups. It has 10 grams of protein per scoop and only 40 calories with no carbs or fat. This protein can also be mixed in feeding tubes. The taste isn’t bad and you can’t really make a distinction in your food. Be careful not to mix it in anything to hot as it will denature the protein.
Right now I am on my (self-prescribed) pre-op diet and I mix the following:
1 full scoop of Nectar Protein in Chocolate Truffle (100 cals; 23 g. protein)
1 full scoop of Nectar Medical (40 cals; 10 g. protein)
1 teaspoon of Metamucil Fiber (25 cals; 5 g. fiber)
1/3 cup of powdered milk (80 cals; 8 g. protein)
1 cup of cold water
In blender combine all the powders and ½ of the water and blend for about 10 seconds. Let the mixture sit for about 2 to 5 minutes (as it will allow the powders to settle thus enhancing the taste) Add the remaining water and blend a few seconds more. Can add a few ice cubes if you like and pulse a bit longer. Can substitute 1 cup of skim milk instead for the powdered milk and water.
Cals: 245
Protein: 46 grams
Fiber: 5 grams
You can mix what you want and get a healthy dose of Protein and a low cal drink that will keep you full. I am drinking a shake for breakfast and lunch and eating a salad with tuna for dinner. Be mindful though that when you mix up the drink it will swell and be well more than 8 oz. I wouldn’t suggest mixing the Fuzzy Navel or other flavors like Natural Peach with milk though. You can do just water.
I bought these products from a local nutrition & vitamin store here. Check with your local stores to see if they carry it. I can tell you now that Wholefoods doesn't and neither does GNC if you shop at those places.
I wanted to do a review on a protein that I have tried and love. My BFF suggested this (as well as the nurse at my surgeon) and I have found that not only is it great for protein, it doesn’t taste bad either. This is the website and you can click on the different Nectar links to see the different flavors.
1st up is Nectar Protein in Chocolate Truffle from the Nectar Sweets line. This is a chocolate drink that has a great chocolate flavor and doesn’t taste gritty. It has 23 grams of protein per full scoop and only 100 calories. There are 0 grams of fat, 0 carbohydrates and it has NO Aspartame!! I thought this was great as I have been seeing some very alarming things about aspartame lately. I will definitely be switching to Stevia. If you go to the website there are several flavors including Natural Fruit Punch and Natural Peach from the Nectar Naturals line, Twisted Cherry, Roadside Lemonade, and Fuzzy Navel from the Nectar line and Chocolate Truffle, Strawberry Mousse and Vanilla Bean Torte from the Nectar Sweets line.
2nd is Nectar Medical, which is a protein powder that you can mix in to drinks and or soft foods & soups. It has 10 grams of protein per scoop and only 40 calories with no carbs or fat. This protein can also be mixed in feeding tubes. The taste isn’t bad and you can’t really make a distinction in your food. Be careful not to mix it in anything to hot as it will denature the protein.
Right now I am on my (self-prescribed) pre-op diet and I mix the following:
1 full scoop of Nectar Protein in Chocolate Truffle (100 cals; 23 g. protein)
1 full scoop of Nectar Medical (40 cals; 10 g. protein)
1 teaspoon of Metamucil Fiber (25 cals; 5 g. fiber)
1/3 cup of powdered milk (80 cals; 8 g. protein)
1 cup of cold water
In blender combine all the powders and ½ of the water and blend for about 10 seconds. Let the mixture sit for about 2 to 5 minutes (as it will allow the powders to settle thus enhancing the taste) Add the remaining water and blend a few seconds more. Can add a few ice cubes if you like and pulse a bit longer. Can substitute 1 cup of skim milk instead for the powdered milk and water.
Cals: 245
Protein: 46 grams
Fiber: 5 grams
You can mix what you want and get a healthy dose of Protein and a low cal drink that will keep you full. I am drinking a shake for breakfast and lunch and eating a salad with tuna for dinner. Be mindful though that when you mix up the drink it will swell and be well more than 8 oz. I wouldn’t suggest mixing the Fuzzy Navel or other flavors like Natural Peach with milk though. You can do just water.
I bought these products from a local nutrition & vitamin store here. Check with your local stores to see if they carry it. I can tell you now that Wholefoods doesn't and neither does GNC if you shop at those places.
BYOC
Well here goes my craziness!!
1. What is your favorite genre of movies? (comedy/romance/horror/action)
I have since childhood been a huge fan of horror. I would watch every Alfred Hitchcock movie I could and then end up not being able to go to sleep for nightmares plaguing me. I also love fantasy movies, the Harry Potters, Lord of the Rings, Wizard of Oz, Chronicles of Narnia. Anything that takes me away and lets me dream of another land, I love.
2.What do you order when you eat Chinese food?
I haven't ordered Chinese in a good little while, but every time I do I order Shrimp Fried Rice, 1 egg roll and an order of Crab Ragoon with the sweet sauce. I am in heaven when I eat this meal.
3. Okay no one kill me for this one - and don't answer if you don't want to BUT I just saw some preview for Dr. Phil on swingers and I wondered - what's your take on swingers.....for it, against it, do it, would never do it, etc.?
Ok so I'm gonna look real bad after admitting this, but I used to go to swing parties. I would sometimes participate but most of the time watch. It got old after a while and I eventually stopped going. It was a phase I was in back in my early 30s. It's not something I would do now.
4. Let's go back to a repeat question. Pick one thing you'll do one next week that is for your physical/mental health.
I only have one day where I will have to do a clear liquid diet before my surgery on the 10th, but I have decided to do protein shakes for breakfast and lunch and a salad for dinner for the whole week before. I will also be getting my water in.
5. Repeat question. Which blog or comment stuck with you the most this week and why?
I will admit I have been a total slacker. I have read some blogs, but not my total following. I have to get better. I did read Draz's blog about the flooding at her house and could not imagine going through that. We had some torrential rains here in Tennessee a month or so back and there was so much damage. I pray for her and everyone who is going through right now.
1. What is your favorite genre of movies? (comedy/romance/horror/action)
I have since childhood been a huge fan of horror. I would watch every Alfred Hitchcock movie I could and then end up not being able to go to sleep for nightmares plaguing me. I also love fantasy movies, the Harry Potters, Lord of the Rings, Wizard of Oz, Chronicles of Narnia. Anything that takes me away and lets me dream of another land, I love.
2.What do you order when you eat Chinese food?
I haven't ordered Chinese in a good little while, but every time I do I order Shrimp Fried Rice, 1 egg roll and an order of Crab Ragoon with the sweet sauce. I am in heaven when I eat this meal.
3. Okay no one kill me for this one - and don't answer if you don't want to BUT I just saw some preview for Dr. Phil on swingers and I wondered - what's your take on swingers.....for it, against it, do it, would never do it, etc.?
Ok so I'm gonna look real bad after admitting this, but I used to go to swing parties. I would sometimes participate but most of the time watch. It got old after a while and I eventually stopped going. It was a phase I was in back in my early 30s. It's not something I would do now.
4. Let's go back to a repeat question. Pick one thing you'll do one next week that is for your physical/mental health.
I only have one day where I will have to do a clear liquid diet before my surgery on the 10th, but I have decided to do protein shakes for breakfast and lunch and a salad for dinner for the whole week before. I will also be getting my water in.
5. Repeat question. Which blog or comment stuck with you the most this week and why?
I will admit I have been a total slacker. I have read some blogs, but not my total following. I have to get better. I did read Draz's blog about the flooding at her house and could not imagine going through that. We had some torrential rains here in Tennessee a month or so back and there was so much damage. I pray for her and everyone who is going through right now.
My Fat Girl Bucket List
I saw this on Jenny's blog back in June and just knew that I had to do one. Jenny I hope you don't mind. So here goes.....
1. I want to wear a size smaller than a 24…much smaller. I want to be able to shop at Ross Dress for Less and wear cute clothes like my boss. Maybe a 16…naw how about a 14.
2. I want to be able to climb stairs without being so out of breath and tired that I want to throw up.
3. I want to go to Universal Studios and ride on the Harry Potter ride and not be asked to get off because of weight like this guy.
4. I want to stop coughing and to not use my inhaler anymore.
5. I want to wear the cute stilettos and not have my calves & shins in excruciating pain from all the pressure of 269lbs.
6. I want my stomach to be flat so I can tuck my tops in sometimes.
7. I want to learn how to swim and wear a bathing suit in front of guys at the rec center. The women I don't care about but I get self-conscious in front of guys.
8. I want to get small enough to wear a cute hair cut & color where my head doesn’t look so big and I don’t look like Ronald McDonald. You know how a fat person’s head looks huge with little hair. BTW this is one of my rewards.
9. I want to throw a classy Martha Stewart type dinner party complete with places cards and music. I want to be able to wear the cutest LBD and entertain my wonderful guests.
10. I want to take a dance class and not be afraid that I will be to out of breath to do the whole class. Maybe a Salsa, Swing and/or Belly dancing class.
One more...
11. I also want to be able to cross my legs. Right now I can’t even put my foot up on my knew (like the men cross their legs) without bending down and picking my foot up and putting it on my knee. It gets there but it slides right back off.
********
Ok guys, I want to name my band like so many of you wonderful ladies have. I need some suggestions. You know I love cartoons and Harry Potter *waving @PIE*. So help me out. Maybe something that goes along the lines of a wizard band....?? Or maybe I can call him/her Snoopy or Scooby. I don't know but I'm sure some of you smart ladies can come up with something. I'm open to all suggestions.
*******
I would like to send out peaceful and good vibes to my dear Draz. I know things are kinda crappy right now, but I know you will get through this. It's hard to see you sad because you are so fearless. Here's to knowing that the best is yet to come for you. ♥♥♥
WOW @ Drew Carey
Have you guys seen this?
Drew Carey has dropped a reported 70 lbs. -- and he tells UsMagazine.com he couldn't feel better.
"I just got sick of being fat," he told Us Wednesday at the 2010 CBS Summer Press Tour Party in Beverly Hills.
In early May, the National Enquirer reported that The Price Is Right host, 52, was dieting and working out. A month later, it claimed Carey was using an "custom-made appetite suppressant administered by a Hollywood nutritionist."
But Carey told Us he's been following a cardio program, "so there's nobody really standing over me. I do work with somebody who gives me advice on what to do, how many minutes to run, what my heart rate should be and all that kind of stuff."
Carey, who said he is no longer diabetic, told Us he wants to lose more weight "so I can be looking that great at 86."
Added the actor, "My fiancee has a 5-year old, and wow, I'd love to see him graduate. I'd love to be able play with him without getting tired, enjoy my life and watch him grow."
Though he still eats meat, he told Us he has one strict food rule: "No donuts!"
*****I pulled this from OMG!! http://omg.yahoo.com/news/drew-carey-drops-70-lbs-i-got-sick-of-being-fat/44733?nc
Drew Carey has dropped a reported 70 lbs. -- and he tells UsMagazine.com he couldn't feel better.
"I just got sick of being fat," he told Us Wednesday at the 2010 CBS Summer Press Tour Party in Beverly Hills.
In early May, the National Enquirer reported that The Price Is Right host, 52, was dieting and working out. A month later, it claimed Carey was using an "custom-made appetite suppressant administered by a Hollywood nutritionist."
But Carey told Us he's been following a cardio program, "so there's nobody really standing over me. I do work with somebody who gives me advice on what to do, how many minutes to run, what my heart rate should be and all that kind of stuff."
Carey, who said he is no longer diabetic, told Us he wants to lose more weight "so I can be looking that great at 86."
Added the actor, "My fiancee has a 5-year old, and wow, I'd love to see him graduate. I'd love to be able play with him without getting tired, enjoy my life and watch him grow."
Though he still eats meat, he told Us he has one strict food rule: "No donuts!"
*****I pulled this from OMG!! http://omg.yahoo.com/news/drew-carey-drops-70-lbs-i-got-sick-of-being-fat/44733?nc
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Thanks Grace & Nella
220
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Thanks Leah
Thanks Ronke
About Me
- Pamela E. Williams
- Memphis, TN, United States
- Loopy character here, I love fantasy movies and cartoons. I'm a 41 yr. old kid that has a son who loves her flaws and all. I'm also a recent Breast Cancer survivor. I got banded on August 10, 2010. Jiminy is his name, Jiminy Cricket that is or JC to all of you out there.
Eggface ROCKS!!
Thanks Lena
