too much time....way too long.

Hi there,

It has been too long of a time since I've blogged. I got caught up in back to school, and never returned....I've been posting here and there on your blogs, but seriously not as much as I should. Such is the life of an elementary school principaI.

I am embarrassed to say that I have not lost any weight since school has started. I know why....my portions are too big and I am not exercising. I've had one fill and had to postpone my next one until Nov. 9th. It is funny though....I've lost about 60 lbs since March....but my body seems to be rebelling with losing weight. It is not showing on the scale, however, is totally showing on my clothes. I can ALMOST shop at regular stores! I can fit into XL and XXL at Old Navy, which I love. Not too expensive, which is great, since I outgrow things so quickly.

Above is a recent pic of me in my size 18W jeans, and XXL shirt from Old Navy....very exciting! I added the other pic b/c I can't believe just how thin my face is getting. I love it.

So I am trying....I promise. I really want to get past 230 before the holidays.....I am at about 237 right now. UGH!

Sorry to be such a bad blogger....but going to try to be better.

Hope you are all well!

DeeDee

So THAT'S what restriction feels like....

I got my first fill on Tuesday. And I did the obligatory liquids for 24 hours after that. But Wednesday-Friday, I felt like I could eat and eat and eat again....and needed to seriously rely on self-control....(which is what this SHOULD be about, right?)

Well, last night, I threw a surprise 40th anniversary party for my parents at a Chinese restaurant. I haven't had Chinese food since well before my surgery and was looking forward to it. It was a buffet, so I made my plate and sat down with it. It looked SOOOOO good! Took my first bite-chewed like crazy-swallowed, and thought....hmmmmm, not sure if I like this feeling. So I slowly ate a couple of more bites, and thought, I had better stop...since I can't leave if I am feeling sick, and I am afraid that I am going to be sick. I did enjoy the few bites that I ate, however, was so worried about the ramifications that I didn't go up for more....which is UNHEARD of for me....before surgery, at a Chinese buffet, success would have been only filling my plate twice! Now, I filled it once and ate less than half of it. It is a little sad, since I do LOVE Chinese, but when I am wearing my size 18 jeans for the first time today, I know I am going to love THAT way more than I love Chinese food.....

In another positive note....when I ate my 2 eggs over easy (with Pam) and 1 slice of whole wheat toast this am, I was full really fast. I think that I have restriction!!! YES! Now, I need to slow my eating down to catch up with my brain....I really need to work on that, and drinking my water which has been a couple and utter fail since school has started back. Is in normal for restriction not to happen until days after a fill? Don't misunderstand me, I am a realist, and know that this probably won't last forever....but I likey likey now!

While my weight loss has been slow since surgery, I have lost nearly 60 lbs since March (surgery was in July). I am loving how I feel....and how I look. And best of all, while I am still on a lot of diabetes medications, my blood sugar is FINALLY in control. I am hoping that they will wean me off of them slowly as I continue to lose weight.

It is a good post surgery day for me!

Enjoy your Sunday!
DeeDee

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth....I promise!

Hello to my friends!

I am sorry that I have been absent....I could give you some lame-o excuses....like last week it was back to school, and as the school principal, I was a little busy.... Or that the week before, I was on vacation, with very limited internet capacity.

But enough about excuses! I haven't lost much weight....really just tossed around the same 3-4 pounds. So that means that I have lost 40 pounds before surgery and 6-10 pounds since surgery. Not the progress that I would like, however, I will take it. When I went to my PCP, she had me at 290 in March. So that means from March to now, I have actually lost close to 60 pounds. Pretty crazy!

I go for my first fill on Tuesday, which I am pretty excited about. I bought some clothes today, and fit into 18W's and 1X. I am pretty excited about the new sizes.... Yay! I got a pair of jeans that I feel AMAZING in! YAY!

So I am here...and I am alive. And I love you for checking on me!

Thank you for all you do! Thank you for being you!
DeeDee

My fill.....dashed

So, as I was about to get my fill today, I laid down on the table to tell my dr. that I would be going away for the week this weekend, and he said, "sit up....I am not giving you a fill"....I had psyched myself up for it, but he doesn't want to risk it with my first fill. We will be in the boonies of New Hampshire, and probably wouldn't be able to get to a hospital easily if something happened. While I am disappointed, I get it....so now....I wait. And have to display some major self-control. I guess that is what it is all about!!!!

Bandster Hell?

I don't even know what this is!!!! I guess I thought it was the time after surgery when you are still eating liquids....but then I have heard people refer to it as that time between eating soft solids their first fill. So...which is it?

I have gone from mushies to soft solids chewed up REALLY well. I've had only one or two minor "stuck" incidents. I am going for my first fill on Friday. I was toying with cancelling since I am going on vacation right after, but I have put on a couple of pounds...which is scaring the crap out of me. I am eating WAY less then I am used to....and at times, I am still even a little hungry after I eat....but I make myself stop. I just hope that this turns around.

So...what is your definition of Bandster Hell???

Also, sorry that I haven't been around. School opens in 2 weeks, and I am freaking out! Trying to catch up today!

Hoping to drop some pounds this week....
DeeDee

yucky belly

Okay, ladies...I need some advice....

I was banded on July 19th....so, about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I am doing primarily liquids, and mushies. I have this dull pain in my stomach area, on the inside. I don't know if this is normal, or if it is something that I should go see the dr. about. It is beginning to piss me off!! I had trouble sleeping last night-getting comfy, etc. I still can't sleep on my belly-it just hurts too much. I am shocked that it has taken this long to recover....I am starting to get discouraged...Any thoughts would be so appreciated!

My belly still hurts,
DeeDee

Small NSV!

Today I am wearing the dress that I wore to my rehearsal dinner 7 years ago! I loved the dress, but quickly outgrew it shortly after I wore it for the first or second time. So I shoved it in the back of my closet, thinking that someday, someway, I would get into this dress. Today is the day! I was going to save it as my back to school dress...but unfortunately, I need to go to a funeral. :( It is adorable...if I do say so myself, and with the right undergarments, it looks great on me! Yay!!

The scale seems to be stuck at 230 with a .2, .4, .8 after it....I hope that when I wake up tomorrow the scale starts with a 22-. Now that would be AMAZING!

Enjoy your day! It is hot, humid and sticky here in Massachusetts........

DeeDee :)

48 followers! AWESOME!

How awesome is that! I am thrilled to have so many amazing followers!

I could use some advice....Here are my questions....answer one or answer them all....

1. I would LOVE to do a vlog, but have NO IDEA how to do it. Do I use my camera and post it online? I have a web cam but it seems to only work as a regular camera. Help?

2. My first "fill" appointment is scheduled for the day before my vacation. Should I reschedule it for after I get back? I certainly don't want to be miserable on my vacation. Advice?

3. Do any of you have any yummy protein shake powders that you like? Do you know of anywhere that I can get samples online? I hate to spend a lot of money on HUGE containers.

4. Is there something that you put on your scars that help them to look better? When did you begin putting it on? My scars are looking good, so I would like to start treating them soon.

That is it for now....and if you got this far, you deserve a non-caloric cookie!

Smooches,
DeeDee

My first nomination! Thanks Sam!

So here are 7 things you don't know about me!

1. My real name is Diane. DeeDee is a nickname that my dad called me when I was a little girl.
2. I met my husband online.
3. I am the oldest of three children-my 2 siblings are boys. My parents are still happily married and will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary next month.
4. My 2 step-children live with me and my husband full-time. They see their mom on the weekends. My daughter is 4 years old. She is the light of my life....I actually can't remember life without her.
5. I am a school principal and I love my job. It is the most difficult, but most rewarding job I have ever had (besides being a mother).
6. I have a bit of an addiction to reality tv....it is my guilty pleasure: Big Brother, Top Chef, Next Food Network star, The Real World, Boston Med, etc.
7. I DESPISE housework, and am so happy (and lucky) that my husband really pitches in around the house.

I have no idea who to nominate! I know that is lame...but I nominate any of my followers who have not been nominated!

Enjoy your day!
DeeDee

My first byoc-July 31

What is your favorite genre of movies?

I love any kind of chick flick....and luckily, my husband does too!

What do you order when you eat Chinese food?

Yummy!!!! Crab rangoon is my favorite. I also like pork fried rice, fried shrimp, beef with broccoli, etc. There isn't too much Chinese food that I DON'T like, unfortunately, which is why I will need to stay away from it for a while.

What is your take on swingers?

I think it is gross...sorry to offend. But if you are married, I assume you took vows, and if you are swinging, then you are breaking those vows. My cousin and her husband are swingers, and frankly, I am very uncomfortable around them. Any kind of cheating, for me, is a deal breaker. Just my opinion...sorry if it offends....

Pick one thing you'll do next week that is for your physical/mental health.

I would like to walk more next week...my husband went out a couple of nights this week after dinner for nice walks, and I would like to do it 3-4 times....

Which blog or comment stuck with you the most this week and why?

Everyone has been so nice.... it has been great becoming part of this family....
Sandy Lee from rollercoasterdieting.blogspot.com has been incredibly supportive. Thanks Sandy Lee!!!

Question for you all....how do I get these questions to cut and paste so that I don't have to retype them next time???? I am such a newbie!

Tata!
DeeDee

stupid stupid stupid

I am SO STUPID!

I had my follow-up with my surgeon on Thursday. He was impressed with how well I was doing, and told me that if I wanted to start mushy foods, to do so. So last night, I brought my blended tuna and mashed avocado to my mom's to eat while everyone else was eating dinner. She had a pasta dish with salmon in it, so I decided to try some. The salmon went down well....almost too well. So I tried some pasta...which went down, however, after a few slow bites, I started to hiccup, and my mouth started to water. I immediately jumped up, cleared my space and sort of walked around the house. I drank tons of water, and felt okay. But then last night, my stomach began aching. And it hasn't stopped. My stomach is still killing me tonight! I have had total liquids today-nothing mushy at all, and not a whole lot to eat anyways.

Could one impulsive meal have hurt myself? Or is this common? I am freaking out that I have damaged my band, or my stomach. How would I know if I did? Any ideas as to how to make this stomach ache go away......I've learned a valuable lesson....

Help!
DeeDee

I made it!

So I made it through my first week. This weekend was fantastic! I went to Bon Jovi on Saturday, which was fantastic. I was a little tired, however, stuck it out for the whole show and had a blast. Normally, I would've been rocking out like crazy....but this time, I needed to take it easy. I danced a little, but also sat and watched as well....

I also had 2 different restaurant excursions as well. I did very well having just soup. I get so full so fast, that while my friends were chowing down on their food, I took my soup nice and slowly...and they finished their huge meals well before I finished my soup. It was a victory for me! YAY!

I am also choking down 2-3 protein shakes a day. My hair is not falling out as bad....but yuck! I can't stand it anymore! I went back to work today...and am EXHAUSTED! I did okay though...I pretty proud of myself!

I bought a new scale-which I LOVE! I love it b/c it is nice, but also, I likey-likey the number that it has been showing! YAY! Not down a ton, but down at least 5-6 pounds since last Monday. I also bought myself a magic bullet and am so excited! I can't wait to use it!!!! Any suggestions from any of you Magic Bulleters would be great!

Well, that's it for now. I have an appt with my PCP tomorrow and with my surgeon on Thursday. My blood sugar is still a little bit high....not crazy high the way that it was, but higher than it should be....

Muah to you all!
DeeDee

Pity party....over!

Hi everyone,

So sorry about yesterday....my pity party is over. I am feeling MUCH better about things. I think it has to do with beginning to eat new foods. I know I am starting a little early, but I am being super careful. I need protein SO bad....my hair is falling out in chunks and it is beginning to worry me....So, I had my CIB this AM, some cottage cheese for lunch, and for dinner I made some tuna and I mashed up an avocado. I made sure to chew the tuna like crazy....even though it was pretty blended through.

I think I am a little sad also, because the scale is really not moving for me. I am just a couple of pounds lighter than I was before surgery. I know in time it will come, and that my body is adjusting....

Many thanks to you all for your kind words. In some respect, I was waiting for someone to tell me to "suck it up!" and no one did! The people that I have met through blogland are so inspirational! So thank you all.....

DeeDee

I'm usually not a whiner...really, I'm not.

Like the title states, I am usually not a whiner. I roll with the punches, and I typically have a high threshold for pain. I never get sick, and when I do get sick or hurt, I suck it up and deal with it.

I just can't get past the idea that I am recovering from this surgery so slowly. Seriously, I could sleep ALL DAY LONG if I allow myself to do so. I had originally intended on going back to work YESTERDAY....but at this point, won't be going back until Monday. I am tired, cranky, and moody...and I hate it!

I am also having trouble distinguishing how my body is feeling. I can't tell if the rumbles in my tummy are gas....or am I hungry? But the thought of food actually makes me nauseous. Today, I have drank a CIB and eaten a yogurt....and that's it. Yesterday, I couldn't even get through one Special K protein shake, and I had very watery mashed potatoes for dinner. I know I am not getting enough protein....my hair has been falling out terribly....

So sorry for the whining. I know it will get better....in fact, it already has...but it is going so slow...which I am certainly not used to. I know I should feel happy and blessed, and I do...I think I am just feeling a little sorry for myself...and I hate being "that person".

Onward and Upward....
DeeDee

Best laid plans....

Hi all,

So, my surgery was Monday AM. Let's just say that it has been a long couple of days....and I am glad they are over. I am a planner....I had everything planned to a T...and it didn't work out the way that I had hoped. Oh well....I am home, I am banded and I am ready for the rest of my life!

I showed up at the hospital at 6:30 for my 8:00 surgery. They ALMOST didn't do it b/c my blood sugars were so out of control. (My diabetes had taken a turn for the worst, and my ppc was trying to trying to figure them out with meds.) The surgery went well, and I felt okay. I wanted to go home that day...that was part of my plan. But my surgeon and the endocrinologist wanted me to stay overnight so that they could monitor my blood sugar and put me on a new course of meds....great. I was an emotional wreck....crying on and off all day on Tuesday. They released me (begrudgingly) yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon. It was such a relief to be home. My Lily-girl was so happy to see me, but was so worried about my incision. My husband has been great. Yesterday was our anniversary, so we weren't able to do anything special. I figure we will do something nice in Sept. when I am feeling better and can eat a bit easier.

Last night was terrible...sorry if this is TMI, but I was so constipated...I truly felt like I was giving birth...OMG...PAINFUL!

I was up today, walking around, etc. but I also took a 3 hour nap-which was wonderful. My body clearly needs the rest. I really thought I would be back at work either today or tomorrow, but it doesn't look like that is happening either. I have Bon Jovi tickets for Saturday...I need to rest up to go see the man!

So all in all, I made it! I never needed to fill the pain meds....taking extra strength tylenol seems to be working as needed. I am looking forward to actually being able to make choices about food again. But for now, I will stick to my liquids.....Now the work begins! :)

Thanks to those who were thinking of me!

Be Well,
DeeDee

Before.....taken 07/17/2010

Okay....so here is my "before" but not really, since I have lost about 40 pounds already. This is a terrible shot of me....but it gives a clear picture of where I am right now as far as my body shape and size. The BEST part of this pic is the pants....they are a size 20, and I haven't worn them in about 7 years. The picture doesn't do them justice-they have water color tulips on them-sounds corny, but I LOVED them when I bought them...and quickly out grew them! When I wore them in public today, I wore a sheer white sleeveless blouse with it....to somewhat cover up my belly.... I can't believe my surgery will be behind me in just a couple of days!!!!! I pulled out 2 containers of old clothes and many of them actually fit again! Good thing I am a bit of a pack-rat!!! I am sad to pack up some of my other clothes....b/c I love my clothes....but am so psyched to be in new sizes! I know some of you trade clothes....at this point, I only have 24s to offer....but would love to start trading! Anyone?

Thanks for stopping by! I am overwhelmed by your kindness and graciousness! I am getting the hang of this blogger thing!!!!

Be Well,
DeeDee

This is me!

This pic was taken Memorial Day of 2009. I am probably at my heaviest here, save my pregnancy (which brought me in to the low 300's-seriously crazy!). While I am not proud of myself here, I do love that dress.

I love pictures....however they have to be of other people. In no way do I like pics of myself....I probably will do a before shot before Monday comes though. I don't have the fun pregnant pics with the beachball belly. When I was pregnant, I looked fat....plain and simple.....FAT!!!!

So this, luckily, isn't quite how big I am right now....and that dress is way too big! YAY!

Thanks for swinging by!

DeeDee

So friendly!

Hi everyone,

10 followers! I am surprised to have ANY followers! Boring DeeDee!

So it is the last weekend before my surgery on Monday, which I am thrilled about. I am not thrilled, though, about the liquid diet. It is really doing funky things to my belly....I will be glad when that part is over....

One thing that is getting me through this limbo period is looking through YOUR blogs. Many of you, I have gone to your very first posts, and read through your procedure and recovery. It makes me so hopeful!!!

So thank you for your support thus far. And please bear with me with this blogger stuff. I am new and haven't really a clue. And if I am doing something wrong, clue me in...I won't have hurt feelings....

One question that I have is how to make a signature at the bottom of my post....anyone? Anyone?

Be Well,
DeeDee

I'm here....

Well, hello.



Here I am...



My lap-band is scheduled for July 19th. I am excited and nervous, all at the same time. So excited....but so nervous.



I am on the 2 week liquid diet, and it is terrible. I hate it. I have little patience, and am snip-snappy. Luckily, I am married to the most incredible man in the world, who is great at dealing with me....this liquid diet is TRICKY!



Let me tell you a little about myself. Like I said, I am married to the most amazing man, and we will celebrate 7 years married the day after my lap-band surgery. We have a 4 1/2 year old little woman, who is the light of my life. We also have custody of his 2 children (my step-children) who are 10 and 14. Needless to say, we are busy.



I am a school administrator in a small town in Massachusetts. I love love love my job....but it is hard, stressful work.



For as long as I can remember, I have been overweight....that long...and have always struggled with it. I've done every diet on the market: WW, South Beach, Nutri-system, etc. Most with success...but then I get cocky and it is all over for me! I've lost and gained the same 60-80 pounds over the last 15-20 years. I am so ready to be done with this battle....



I began the bariatric program right before Christmas 2009. At that time, I hit my highest weight (besides my pregnancy, which took me into the 300's-yikers!). At Christmas time, I was probably in the high 280's-290's. I really need to find out from my dr. what my starting weight was. I am down to the 240's now...which is a huge accomplishment for me...having lost about 40 pounds BEFORE surgery makes me hopeful that I will be able to succeed. I know it will be hard work, but I know I can do it!



I am hoping to meet others who I can ask questions and just get support....like how am I going to get through the next 7 days of a liquid diet..... ugh!

Be Well,
DeeDee