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Friday, October 16, 2009

Birthday Challenge--Day 1

Yesterday (10/15) I managed to stay within my 18oo calorie goal AND tracked everything I ate. Here's yesterday's menu:

Item/Calories

Coffee With Fat Free Half And Half And Sugar x 3/189
Deweys Moravian Sugar Cake/230
Donato's Thin Crust Vegy Pizza/577
Yoplait Thick And Creamy Cherry Cobbler/100
Banana/121
Cheese Pizza, 2 slices of 12-inch/304

Total Cal: 1,661.00

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Birthday Goal-revised

Back in May, I made a huge goal to lose 50 lbs by October 27 (my Birthday).

Ummm...yeah...about that...

I completely lost focus. I had actually forgotten about the goal until someone asked me how I was doing with it. I've actually only lost a couple of pounds since then.

The fact is, I am terrible at achieving long term goals. I start out strong and then lose it. However, I am not about to give up, so what I have decided to do is work on a much more immediate goal. My birthday is now 12 days away. I can easily lose 2 pounds in that time period. So, that is my new goal. 2 lbs by 10/27. I'll track my food and exercise every day between now and make sure that I do not exceed 1,800 net calories per day.

On a positive note, I have really ramped up my walking. Two weeks ago I walked 10 miles. Last week, I didn't get any walking done becuase of a particularly crazy work schedule. But, yesterday I walked 2 miles and then rode the stationary bike 11 miles. I broke down and bought some New Balance shoes and am really loving having decent walking shoes.

Anyhow, I'll keep you posted on my 10/27 goal. Keep praying!

Tami

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Summer Update

Another long lapse between updates! I am so sorry. Life really does "come at you fast". Here is the latest. On July 17th, I got another fill, which was definitely needed. I had gotten to the point where I was able to eat waaaay too much at one setting, which totally defeats the purpose of having a band! So, now I am up to 6.5 cc's of saline in my 10 cc band. For now, this seems to be just right. I think I have finally reached what is know as the "sweet spot"-enough restriction to provide significant appetite control, but not so much that nothing will go down. I am getting "stuck" much more frequently since the fill, mostly when I lose focus and eat too fast. That's probably the most annoying thing about having the band. Eating slowly, chewing everything to a pulp and then still getting stuck! But I seem to be losing weight again after a lengthy plateau, so it's still totally worth it.

I took my walking up a few notches last week, logging 12 1/2 miles for the week! I am hoping I can keep up the pace this week. I know that regular exercise is the key to continued success with the band, but I still struggle to find the time and energy to do it every day.

My other biggest hurdle is avoiding junk food. I eat really tiny meals, but cookies and crackers and ice-cream still go down with ease. I don't usually buy this stuff for the house, because if it's there, I'll eat it in a moment of weakness. It's so frustrating!

Still, there have been so many really wonderful things that have come out of having the lap-band and enjoying the weight loss success I have had to date. Here are just a few:
  • Having visible collar bones and thin hands (even my rings are loose).
  • Walking around on the beach in my swimsuit and not feeling like the hugely fat lady that everyone is staring at
  • Actually liking pictures of myself
  • The other day Laura said I wasn't fat anymore since I had my surgery
  • Trying on clothes at the store and then realizing the size I chose was too big, having to go back and get a SMALLER size. (I never used to do that!)
  • Having no shorts that fit anymore, because they are all too big!
  • Buckling my seatbelt on an airplane and actually having slack.

There are lots of little victories like these that keep me encouraged, even when the scale has stopped moving. So, please continue to keep me in your prayers. Specifically, please pray that I'll have the motivation and opportunities to exercise each day, that I'll have the will power to stay away from junk food and that I'll continue to enjoy weight loss victories, both big and small, with help from my trusty Lap-band.

Thank You!!!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

One Year Later!




















2 Corinthiand 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

WOW! I cannot believe that it's been a whole year since I had my Lap-band surgery. One year ago I weighed over 300 pounds (this is the first time I'm admitting that publicly, by the way). I was so unhappy and had reached a point of desperation. After trying every diet under the sun without any long term success, I was convinced that the Lap-band was my last hope of ever winning my life-long battle with obesity.

One year later I am thrilled to say that I've lost around 55 pounds and gained something that cannot be measured, hope. A real optimism that I will beat this. I can see the proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel" and it is getting brighter and closer with each inch and pound lost.

One of the most common questions I'm asked is, "Do you have any regrets?" My answer is a resounding NO. I can honestly say that (with the exception of the first few hours out of surgery when I was dealing with anesthesia-induced grogginess and really bad gas pains) I have never regretted my decision to have surgery or wished that I had never had it done. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Don't get me wrong, it hasn't been easy. In fact, I get really annoyed with people who actually think weight loss surgery is an easy way out. One of the main things I have learned this year is that, Lap-band or no Lap-band, I will still always have to watch what I eat and make exercise a regular part of my life. The Lap-band is only a tool, it helps with appetite control and satiety. But, the rest is squarely up to me.

Today, as I head into year number two, I realize that I am going to have to work harder to get the second half of my excess weight off. I have gotten careless in my food choices and very lax about exercise. My specific goal is to lose 50 lbs by my 37th birthday on October 27, 2009. I will need to lose 2 pounds per week to make that happen.

Here is my action plan, will you help me by praying that I will have the strength and motivation to stick with these goals?


  1. Pray-I need God's strength to get through this every day.

  2. Get a fill-I had been on the fence about whether or not I needed my band tightened, but I am sure of it now. I am often able to eat more than I should at one sitting, which means the band is not at the right fill level.

  3. Keep a Food Journal-I have stopped doing this faithfully, and it does make a difference. I definitely eat better when I write down everything that goes in my mouth. According to "The Daily Plate" website, I will need to stick to around 2,300 per day (assuming that I am doing some physical activity each day) in order to lose 2 lbs. per week.

  4. Physical Activity Every Day- I know I need to be physically active for a minimum of 30 minutes per day, every day. I'm renewing my commitment to walk every day. I will also journal my exercise.

So, there you have it, the skinny on my one year "band-i-versary" (the skinny, get it?). I'll keep blogging about year number two, so check back often for updates. And, a big thank you to the hundreds of you who have walked along side me this year. I am so thankful for your love, prayers and support!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Chew More, Weigh Less

I found this article on Realage.com and I think it is right on...

Next time you grab a handful of nuts to snack on, count to 40.

A recent study revealed that when people ate a small serving of almonds, 40 chews quelled hunger better than 10 or even 25 crunches of the same amount of nuts.

The Magic Number
Not only did the extra chews help curb hunger best, but also the feelings of fullness lasted longest when people gave the nuts the extra chews. And the practice may work with other foods, too, because researchers suspect it may simply be the mere act of chewing that switches on your brain’s satiety center.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Q & A

I just recieved an email from a woman with some questions for me about my experience with the Lap Band. Her questions were really good and I thought this info would be benificial for lots of folks who are considering the Band. So...here is her email and my response:

Dear Tami,

I am a wife, mother of 4 children, nursing student and member of a local church. I have struggled with my weight all my life. I have been following your weight loss journey on the WBFJ website. I have been doing some research on the procedure and would like to ask you a few questions if you don't mind.

A this point the major obstacle for me is the cost. I have BCBSNC insurance but I think it will still cost $3,000 to $4,000 out of pocket.
First of all, looking back from where you are now, are you still happy about your decision to have the surgery?
Have you had any complications?
What has been the hardest part of this journey for you.
Would you recommend Dr. Fernandez to others?

Do the nutritionist and psychiatrist accept insurance?
Do you mind telling me the total cost of the procedure before any insurance coverage?

I know this sounds like it is all about money. I know that you understand that it is hard to decide to spend (and to find)a large amount of money on yourself when you have a family to consider. I feel very selfish for even looking into having this done.

Thanks for listening and for answering my questions. If there is any other information that you think would be helpful that I have not thought of or forgotten to ask please share that also.

Here is my response:

Feel free to ask away! I feel that God has given me this procedure as a gift...a bondage breaker...and I want to share it with as many people as possible!

Your estimate is probably close. I have BCBS as well with a $500 deductible and a $3,000 individual out of pocket max per year. The Psych and the Nutritionist do not file insurance; however they are both participating providers w/ Blue Cross Blue Shield, so you may have some of those payments refunded if you file them on your own. (I got about $85 back from the $500 I paid to Jeff) I'm thinking the whole thing cost me about $4,500 out of pocket. It was the BEST MONEY I HAVE EVER SPENT! Worth every penny. I think of it as an investment in my future health and well being. It's really a drop in the bucket compared to the financial and physical costs of life-long obesity.

I understand your reservations as a mom about spending this kind of money on yourself. But, if you think about it, this is as much about your family as it is about you. The analogy I use is how the flight attendants on the airplane tell you that if the cabin loses pressure you are to put the O2 mask on yourself 1st and then on your child. That’s because, if you pass out from lack of oxygen, you are no good to your child. Same thing applies here. If you don’t take care of yourself, what's left for your children? So, this really is an investment in THEIR future as well, because you are such a crucial part of their future.

I've had a few bumps in the road, but nothing huge. The most significant problem I've has was a few months ago when my port (the access point where the Dr. injects or removes saline solution to adjust the band) came loose and flipped over. This required a minor, outpatient surgery to flip it back over and put it back into place. It's very securely in place now and I've had no problems since. The other problem was the incision from the second surgery developed a minor infection. 10 days on an antibiotic took care of that. Other than that, occasionally a small piece of food will get stuck between the upper part of my stomach and the lower part. This causes an uncomfortable pressure and very occasionally spitting up until the food goes up or goes down. This problem can be pretty much eliminated by eating small bites, chewing slowly and eating slowly. This is a learning process.

I have not regretted my decision once. I'd do it again tomorrow. In fact, based upon my recommendation and experience, my best friend just had the procedure done by Dr. Fernandez (Fuzz). If I'd recommend it to her, I'd recommend it to anyone. Fuzz and his staff are wonderful. I consider them a blessing.

I hope this helps. You are doing the right things...research and asking lots of questions. Pray, pray, pray. God will absolutely let you know if this is the right choice for you.

Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions!

Tami

Monday, January 26, 2009

It was the Best of Times, It was the Worst of Times!

Last time I wrote, I told you about the 3 week vegetarian eating plan I was embarking upon. Today marks day 22...and finally I am back to a regular diet. I'm not gonna lie, it was tough. Especially when confronted with BBQ ribs and chicken, pizza and food from cookout. But I made it without cheating once, and it was well worth it!

Physically, I am very pleased. I've lost 7 lbs in 21 days and I feel cleansed and healthy. Our bodies long to eat food that is unprocessed, in the form God gave it to us.

I've discovered a new appreciation for beans, vegetarian chili, canned diced tomatoes and home made, pan-fried polenta. I've also discovered that I need to find an effective remedy for gas.

I've realized that my high sugar intake had made me tolerant of the taste of overly sweet things. After being on sugar detox for 3 weeks I notice a huge difference. I am going to continue to try to keep my sugar consumption to a minimum.

I can drink and enjoy black coffee.

Friday, January 9, 2009

A Few Food Ideas

I mentioned in my previous post that I've chosen to go on a very restricted diet for a few weeks in order to purge my body of all the junk I put into it over the Holidays. I'm trying to get the New Year off to a good start. Basically, I've eliminated meat, dairy, sugars and all processed foods & chemicals. I'll admit, the first few days were tough! But, after getting through detox shock, I'm really adapting well. I feel good. The hardest part was figuring out what I can actually eat. But, I've found a few easy and good things that work well for this eating plan. If this is something you're interested in doing, here are a few recipes & meal ideas, which also work for the "Daniel Fast":

Breakfast:
  • Soy Milk (check the label...no sugar)
  • Grape Nuts Cereal
  • Post Shredded Wheat (Original or Spoon Size)
  • Kashi 7 Whole Grain Puffs Cereal
  • Protien Shake made with soy milk and powdered soy protien.

Lunch & Dinner:
  • Organic or Homemade vegetable soup (make sure the base ingredient is vegetable broth, not beef or chicken-recipe below)
  • Plain or lightly salted rice cakes w/Smuckers All-Natural Peanut Butter and Polaner All-Fruit Spread
  • Celery sticks with all-natural peanut butter
  • Salad w/ Olive Oil and Lemon Juice
  • Home-made polenta (recipe below) topped with all natural or homemade spaghetti sauce or salsa (again, beware of sugar or preservatives in the ingredients
  • 100% Whole Grain Pasta w/ all-natural tomato sauce
  • White beans w/ crushed tomatoes

Recipes: There are many more out there, just Google "Daniel Fast Recipes". Here's a link to one great resource I found: http://www.therockofwilmington.com/downloads/rockdanielfast.pdf

Angela's veggie soup
1 28oz. can diced or crushed tomatos

1 6oz. can tomato paste

1 can of tomato sauce

1 can (drained)of corn, green beans, potatoes, english peas, carrots

salt and pepper to taste

2 medium onions diced

1 tsp garlic

4-5 bay leaves

Add water to cover items cook in slow cooker for 3-4 hrs or on stove top. Could also add mushrooms or other veggies you enjoy-just be creative.

Hot Water Cornbread (or Fried Polenta)

2 c. Cornmeal (yellow or white)

Kosher Salt

Pour cornmeal in 2 cups of boiling water. This produces a firm mound of dough. Set the dough aside and let it cool for approximately 20 minutes.

After the dough is cool, pinch off a piece of dough and pat into small round cakes. You may either fry the cakes immediately or refrigerate on wax paper for later cooking.

Pan fry in 3-4 Tbsp of Olive Oil (not extra virgin) until cornbread has a crisp crust on the outside, yet is soft on the inside. Sprinkle lightly with Kosher salt. Serve warm--great with tomato sauce or salsa.

White Beans and Veggies

1 Can Organic Tomato Soup

1 Can White Beans

1 Cup Mixed Vegetables (Frozen)

Add your favorite spices and heat everything in a pan until vegetables are at a consistancy you like (5-10 minutes).


Holiday Success

I saw Fuzz yesterday for a check up and a fill. I'm finally back to the fill level I was at before my Italy trip unfill. I needed it, because I was eating waaaayyy too much, and alot of the wrong foods. But, here's the great news...I made it through a 10-day trip to Italy, Thanksgiving and Christmas, with a less than perfect fill-level and LOST 1/2 pound! God is good!

I'm back on track now. This past Monday, I started a very restricted three-week diet (no meat, dairy, sugars or processed foods of any kind--basically vegetables and whole grains only) in order to purge my body of all the junk I've been putting in it for the past few months. And, I'm feeling really good about that. Anytime I've been on a diet in the past and gotten off track, I've gained a bunch of weight and then, a year or two later would go on another diet and repeat the same thing all over again. Ahhhh....the world of yo-yo dieting, I know it all too well. With the band, I feel empowered and equipped to stick with it, even if I slip up from time to time. Actually, it was nice to enjoy the Holidays and eating, knowing that I wasn't ruining the progress that I've made.

Yes, I'm still loving my band. Even though I've had a couple of small bumps in the road ( a flipped port that had to be surgically repositioned and then an infection at the incision site), I have no regrets whatsoever.

Please pray for a good friend of mine who is having her band surgery on February 3rd. I'm excited for her and I hope that the procedure is as successful for her as it has been for me.