Good morning bloggers! Hope everyone had a good weekend. This winter weather in Connecticut is getting really tough to deal with - makes everything difficult - even just taking my son to the bus at the end of the block or driving anywhere since we can only fit one car down our road so if someone is coming you need to pull into a driveway - totally nuts! And the forecast says more snow tomorrow - this will likely be here through April.
But I am not going to let it get me down BECAUSE. . . I saw a new recent low on the scale this morning and am now down 27 lbs! Very excited. I really wanted it to be 30 lbs by next Monday morning but it will be tough to lose 3 lbs in one week - going to try though!
The even better news and NSV for me is I was able to get through my son's birthday weekend (he is 6 today), have family and friends over for a party and still lose. I have also been out to dinner 3 times in the last week and just made band friendly healthy choices - although I need to be careful of that slider food called cheese. Way too easy to eat and I love it.
I think that walking on the treadmill every day is what has helped me so I really need to keep it up. I have been doing 40 minutes or about 2 miles. I have also started walking on an incline which burns so many more calories. As soon as I get to a more comfortable weight level I really want to start doing other activities like getting into a tennis game or even classes at the gym. I have to admit I have been a bit of a gym phobic my whole life because of the skinny-mini's. One of which is one of my best friends who is so into the Zumba, spinning, and all these great sounding classes. As soon as I feel confident enough I will try it. But for now I am happy with my home gym which is really quite nice. Thinking of treating myself to a Eliptical machine or something else for cardio other than the treadmill if I can fit it into our budget.
Speaking of which - it is so crazy how much we end up spending on kids birthday parties. Between renting the place, pizza, cake, party favors it really adds up. And I have 3 kids going through the whole birthday party thing. Today I am bringing cupcakes into my son's class (even though his whole class was at the party yesterday) and since I am not baking them and chancing the lick of the spoon, taste of the frosting, or worse yet - taste of the cupcake, it will be another birthday expense.
Back to my band, I don't really feel much restriction from my fill yet - am hoping the next one scheduled for February 14th - will do the trick.
I haven't forgotten my Stylish Blogger Award and will try to post later. But time to get back to work. Hope everyone has a great day!
xoxo Susan
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
40% off TODAY at Lands End - get your swimsuit ready. . . I love their suits
40% off the highest-priced item in your shopping bag
Savings reflected at checkout when you enter
Promotion Code: SAVE40
PIN: 2415
Limited Time Offer — Save 40% on highest Regularly-Priced item (excludes monogramming, gift boxing, gift cards, shipping, taxes and duties). Discount will be applied at checkout. This offer has no cash value and is not redeemable for cash. Applies only to merchandise purchased from landsend.com and Lands’ End consumer catalogs. Excludes Lands’ End Business Outfitters purchases. Promotional savings may be deducted from returns. Offer valid through 11:59 p.m. Central, January 26, 2011. Not valid on previous purchases or when combined with any other promotional offers.
Savings reflected at checkout when you enter
Promotion Code: SAVE40
PIN: 2415
Limited Time Offer — Save 40% on highest Regularly-Priced item (excludes monogramming, gift boxing, gift cards, shipping, taxes and duties). Discount will be applied at checkout. This offer has no cash value and is not redeemable for cash. Applies only to merchandise purchased from landsend.com and Lands’ End consumer catalogs. Excludes Lands’ End Business Outfitters purchases. Promotional savings may be deducted from returns. Offer valid through 11:59 p.m. Central, January 26, 2011. Not valid on previous purchases or when combined with any other promotional offers.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
First fill update
On the train home since my doctor is in NYC. It took her 3 times to find my port. It was uncomfortable but didn't really hurt. She had me do a crunch on the table to help find it. So I had nothing in there and she put 4 cc's in my 10 cc band.
Felt a bit of a difference when I drank the water. Starving!! Only liquids today. Have to stop at the deli for some chicken broth since I really don't like the box kind.
Thinking of Gen and her soup from Nordstroms (I have read so many blogs but Gen I think that was you) which would be delicious right now but they said only clear soup for me for the day. Still have ice pops and jello so will have that as well.
Bye for now. . .
Felt a bit of a difference when I drank the water. Starving!! Only liquids today. Have to stop at the deli for some chicken broth since I really don't like the box kind.
Thinking of Gen and her soup from Nordstroms (I have read so many blogs but Gen I think that was you) which would be delicious right now but they said only clear soup for me for the day. Still have ice pops and jello so will have that as well.
Bye for now. . .
Monday, January 24, 2011
Tomorrow's fill can't come quick enough. . . been picking and grazing all day - what is happening to me? Question on restriction after first fill.
Thanks for all the support posts. I was doing really well but definitely had an off day. Maybe because I know I am going for my fill tomorrow? I know I need to nip it in the bud.
Day started out normal - up early - made my protein shake even before I fed the boys at 7 (275 calories w/skim milk and half banana). Had a Pure Protein bar (200 calories) at 10:45 before I went on the treadmill. I walked briskly for 40 minutes and did a little over 2 miles.
Before my lunch I had 2 small bites of my son's Lasagna (75 calories - can't be more than that) Lunch was at 1:00 and I had one cup of Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup and about 5 ounces of Rotisserie chicken (130 + 200 calories). So far 875. Snacked in the afternoon on 1 cup of blueberries (85 calories).
Right before dinner I had 3 bagel chips and 1 oz of pepper jack cheese and 2 bites of a hot dog no bun (200 calories). Then I knew if I didn't eat I would continue grazing. This has not happened to me since surgery so I was getting scared. I sat down and had about 6 ounces of Rotisserie chicken (260 calories).
So my total for the day is ~ 1420. I think the most I have eaten since surgery!! I guess I burned about 250 walking so I am under 1200 for the day.
I am not going to be too hard on myself. Glad that I just blogged this so I am accountable!!
Question about fill - how many of you felt some restriction after the first one?
xoxo Susan
Day started out normal - up early - made my protein shake even before I fed the boys at 7 (275 calories w/skim milk and half banana). Had a Pure Protein bar (200 calories) at 10:45 before I went on the treadmill. I walked briskly for 40 minutes and did a little over 2 miles.
Before my lunch I had 2 small bites of my son's Lasagna (75 calories - can't be more than that) Lunch was at 1:00 and I had one cup of Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup and about 5 ounces of Rotisserie chicken (130 + 200 calories). So far 875. Snacked in the afternoon on 1 cup of blueberries (85 calories).
Right before dinner I had 3 bagel chips and 1 oz of pepper jack cheese and 2 bites of a hot dog no bun (200 calories). Then I knew if I didn't eat I would continue grazing. This has not happened to me since surgery so I was getting scared. I sat down and had about 6 ounces of Rotisserie chicken (260 calories).
So my total for the day is ~ 1420. I think the most I have eaten since surgery!! I guess I burned about 250 walking so I am under 1200 for the day.
I am not going to be too hard on myself. Glad that I just blogged this so I am accountable!!
Question about fill - how many of you felt some restriction after the first one?
xoxo Susan
My First Award - 5 Guilty Pleasures - This is going to be tough to narrow down! :)
Thank you so much to Rachel at Rachel Thin Within for nominating me! This is going to be fun. I told my husband and he said - how are you ever going to narrow down all your guilty pleasures. Very funny - huh!!
Here goes. . .
1. Sex and the City. I have been addicted since it first came on the air in the late 90's. I remember I used to rush home from weekends in the Hampton's in 1999 to catch it - this was clearly before DVR's, HBO on Demand, and iTunes. I particularly related since I am basically the same age as the girls and was single and living in the city at the time. And I had my own "Mr. Big" like character who wouldn't commit but unlike Carrie he is not my current husband. Now whenever I need an uplift I just watch an old episode. I must have seen all of them no fewer than 10 times each - I can't believe I just admitted that. . .
2. iTunes. Everyone says how can she work, have 3 little kids, and watch so many TV shows. I use a combination of DVR and iTunes. I love to download series of shows that I missed when they were on like Damages - totally amazing. And Rescue Me - another favorite. And for all of you Sex and the City fans I found a show called Mistresses on BBC which was great and like the British version of SATC.
3. I am a Designer Shoe addict. Since having kids and having to pay for nannies, etc I have not been able to support my shoe (and purse) habit. Also gaining weight over the last 7 years has tamed me some since my feet hurt in heels and most shoes. So instead of Manolo's and Jimmy Choos I now wear Stuart Weitzman, Taryn Rose, Donald Pliner, and my comfy Dansko's everyday. However I have already been eyeing some cute Tory Burch wedge sandals for the Spring.
4. Hair and make-up products. I love good make up and shampoo. Laura Mercier is my favorite on the make-up and use Paul Mitchell, Pureology, or Fredric Fekaii for my hair.
5. Fine dining and wine. It wouldn't be a guilty pleasure list without something food related! I LOVE restaurants. Whenever I am going to a new city I check out the Zagat's guide for the best restaurants. I also love drinking wine although have cut back a lot even before my surgery and try to only drink when out.
Now to nominate three bloggers. I don't think I have the links right but are: Angie at This Banded Mom's Journey, Momto4redheads at Canadian Girl With a Band, and MLM at Banded to Lose.
Here goes. . .
1. Sex and the City. I have been addicted since it first came on the air in the late 90's. I remember I used to rush home from weekends in the Hampton's in 1999 to catch it - this was clearly before DVR's, HBO on Demand, and iTunes. I particularly related since I am basically the same age as the girls and was single and living in the city at the time. And I had my own "Mr. Big" like character who wouldn't commit but unlike Carrie he is not my current husband. Now whenever I need an uplift I just watch an old episode. I must have seen all of them no fewer than 10 times each - I can't believe I just admitted that. . .
2. iTunes. Everyone says how can she work, have 3 little kids, and watch so many TV shows. I use a combination of DVR and iTunes. I love to download series of shows that I missed when they were on like Damages - totally amazing. And Rescue Me - another favorite. And for all of you Sex and the City fans I found a show called Mistresses on BBC which was great and like the British version of SATC.
3. I am a Designer Shoe addict. Since having kids and having to pay for nannies, etc I have not been able to support my shoe (and purse) habit. Also gaining weight over the last 7 years has tamed me some since my feet hurt in heels and most shoes. So instead of Manolo's and Jimmy Choos I now wear Stuart Weitzman, Taryn Rose, Donald Pliner, and my comfy Dansko's everyday. However I have already been eyeing some cute Tory Burch wedge sandals for the Spring.
4. Hair and make-up products. I love good make up and shampoo. Laura Mercier is my favorite on the make-up and use Paul Mitchell, Pureology, or Fredric Fekaii for my hair.
5. Fine dining and wine. It wouldn't be a guilty pleasure list without something food related! I LOVE restaurants. Whenever I am going to a new city I check out the Zagat's guide for the best restaurants. I also love drinking wine although have cut back a lot even before my surgery and try to only drink when out.
Now to nominate three bloggers. I don't think I have the links right but are: Angie at This Banded Mom's Journey, Momto4redheads at Canadian Girl With a Band, and MLM at Banded to Lose.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Officially down 25 lbs from high! One Month Bandiversary
Has it really only been a month? It feels like so much longer since I began my new way of life. I honestly can not remember the last time I stuck to a program like this. And it really hasn't been that difficult. Well, maybe recently has gotten tougher but am hoping with my first fill on Tuesday that I won't be as hungry. And I am just enjoying blogging and meeting all of your through your blogs so much! I can't tell you how much the comments and support help.
I loved my time in NYC. I don't think I appreciated it enough when I lived there - all I wanted was a husband, kids, and house in Connecticut. Well - I have that now and wouldn't you know I miss my days in NYC. Luckily for my job I have to go in some but not too much. Commuting from where I live is at least an hour on the train and too much for everyday - although I used to do it.
This morning I weighed in and was down 0.5 lbs since Sunday - which I am very happy about since all of my meals since Monday have been out. And it brings me to my 25 lb total. My next short term goal is to lose another 5 lbs by February 7th when I leave on my next trip to Bermuda. I think if I stick to my treadmill walking and the liquids following my fill should help me get there.
On the home front - today is another snow day which is quite frustrating since I have a lot of errands to do. Our Au Pair is going to Hawaii for a week which will make it tough for me to get much done outside of work.
No major plans this weekend other than to watch the JETS game on Sunday. Would be so amazing for them to be in the Superbowl for the first time since 1969!
Off to get a couple of miles in on the treadmill - the best part about working from home. Take my blackberry down to our basement gym with me so I can answer e mails and if someone calls I am "in the bathroom" :) Would have been nice if I got on this program 2 years ago instead of gaining 30+ lbs but as they say better late than never. . .
Have a great day!
I loved my time in NYC. I don't think I appreciated it enough when I lived there - all I wanted was a husband, kids, and house in Connecticut. Well - I have that now and wouldn't you know I miss my days in NYC. Luckily for my job I have to go in some but not too much. Commuting from where I live is at least an hour on the train and too much for everyday - although I used to do it.
This morning I weighed in and was down 0.5 lbs since Sunday - which I am very happy about since all of my meals since Monday have been out. And it brings me to my 25 lb total. My next short term goal is to lose another 5 lbs by February 7th when I leave on my next trip to Bermuda. I think if I stick to my treadmill walking and the liquids following my fill should help me get there.
On the home front - today is another snow day which is quite frustrating since I have a lot of errands to do. Our Au Pair is going to Hawaii for a week which will make it tough for me to get much done outside of work.
No major plans this weekend other than to watch the JETS game on Sunday. Would be so amazing for them to be in the Superbowl for the first time since 1969!
Off to get a couple of miles in on the treadmill - the best part about working from home. Take my blackberry down to our basement gym with me so I can answer e mails and if someone calls I am "in the bathroom" :) Would have been nice if I got on this program 2 years ago instead of gaining 30+ lbs but as they say better late than never. . .
Have a great day!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Discovering I can eat way too much. . . am definitely in Bandster Hell. Can't wait for my 1st fill!
First - welcome to my new followers! So happy to have you - if you have a blog please leave me a message with the link so I can make sure to follow you too.
As I have commented in previous posts I have been so careful and good about eating, almost afraid to push the limit. Well I am discovering I can eat more than I expected I could and not really feeling any restriction.
I left on a 3 day business trip yesterday to Baltimore and NYC. Had lunch with my husband before I got on the train at Capital Grille - so delicious and lunch is "relatively" reasonable. I ordered the sirloin salad which was basically a sliced steak with salad on the side. I was only able to eat 2 out of 8 pieces of the steak and most of the salad. I was very full on the train.
At night I had dinner with my boss and ordered crab appetizer (always good in Maryland) and rockfish for dinner that was amazing but I was only able to eat half of each. I feel so guilty eating food where I don't know what the calories are and I need to just get over it. Plus even eating half of each seems like a lot compared to the dinners I make myself at home where I can measure things.
I went to the hotel gym - my new thing :) this morning at 6:00 am and did 30 minutes on the treadmill so am doing well with my exercise. I had to be ready by 7:30 so it was all I could manage. I didn't have time to find someone to make my protein shake so was thrilled that at our breakfast meeting there was Chobani yogurt. Then took the train back to NYC and had cottage cheese and fruit. Met a friend for lunch at Bar Americain - another great meal and had some tuna tartare which has become one of my favorite band friendly things to order out since it is already cut into such small pieces and then we shared a cobb salad with no bacon - another thing I like to order out because I eat the chicken, egg white, and a bit of the avocado and cheese. Today I feel like I ate too much of the cheese.
I am meeting some friends for drinks and then out to dinner again. I feel like I am living my old single life in NYC and. . . I am loving it! But I know that on Thursday I have my husband and 3 delicious boys to go home to. And it is too hard to diet like this. The band is keeping me in check somewhat but I really can't wait to have the restriction and hope my first fill on Tuesday helps.
I saw a picture of myself from the baby shower I went to on Sunday and was not happy. And that was after losing 24 lbs. . .so hopefully that will help me make good decisions at dinner.
I don't know if I will be able to get to the gym in the morning since the car service is picking my up at 7:15 am. But considering I have walked at least 30 minutes on the treadmill for each of the last 7 days - I can take a one day break.
Off to Lavo, an chic relatively new restaurant off Madison Ave to meet some girlfriends before having dinner with another of my bosses.
xoxo Susan
As I have commented in previous posts I have been so careful and good about eating, almost afraid to push the limit. Well I am discovering I can eat more than I expected I could and not really feeling any restriction.
I left on a 3 day business trip yesterday to Baltimore and NYC. Had lunch with my husband before I got on the train at Capital Grille - so delicious and lunch is "relatively" reasonable. I ordered the sirloin salad which was basically a sliced steak with salad on the side. I was only able to eat 2 out of 8 pieces of the steak and most of the salad. I was very full on the train.
At night I had dinner with my boss and ordered crab appetizer (always good in Maryland) and rockfish for dinner that was amazing but I was only able to eat half of each. I feel so guilty eating food where I don't know what the calories are and I need to just get over it. Plus even eating half of each seems like a lot compared to the dinners I make myself at home where I can measure things.
I went to the hotel gym - my new thing :) this morning at 6:00 am and did 30 minutes on the treadmill so am doing well with my exercise. I had to be ready by 7:30 so it was all I could manage. I didn't have time to find someone to make my protein shake so was thrilled that at our breakfast meeting there was Chobani yogurt. Then took the train back to NYC and had cottage cheese and fruit. Met a friend for lunch at Bar Americain - another great meal and had some tuna tartare which has become one of my favorite band friendly things to order out since it is already cut into such small pieces and then we shared a cobb salad with no bacon - another thing I like to order out because I eat the chicken, egg white, and a bit of the avocado and cheese. Today I feel like I ate too much of the cheese.
I am meeting some friends for drinks and then out to dinner again. I feel like I am living my old single life in NYC and. . . I am loving it! But I know that on Thursday I have my husband and 3 delicious boys to go home to. And it is too hard to diet like this. The band is keeping me in check somewhat but I really can't wait to have the restriction and hope my first fill on Tuesday helps.
I saw a picture of myself from the baby shower I went to on Sunday and was not happy. And that was after losing 24 lbs. . .so hopefully that will help me make good decisions at dinner.
I don't know if I will be able to get to the gym in the morning since the car service is picking my up at 7:15 am. But considering I have walked at least 30 minutes on the treadmill for each of the last 7 days - I can take a one day break.
Off to Lavo, an chic relatively new restaurant off Madison Ave to meet some girlfriends before having dinner with another of my bosses.
xoxo Susan