It's time to GET REAL with myself and you-- 4 months into the journey

After Drazil's http://www.justmedrazilandsheniqua.com/ most recent BYOC on Friday the 28th, I really got to thinking. (Oh I know, I try not to do that too often.)  Many items talked about why you blog, who knows about your blog and or surgery, if you are public or anonymous, etc.  I started to realize that I am not being truly honest on my own blog.  I tell the truth about what I post BUT there is a lot I leave out. 

1.  I have never posted my weight..... today it's 164 but I don't want anyone to do the math and see "holy shit she was 205 at one point."  (only 24 more pounds to go though!!)

2.  I have kept my surgery a secret from almost everyone...about 15 people know and this is including only a few family members.  I am afraid that people would discount the work you have to do to make this tool work. ( I am actually kind of ashamed that I couldn't deal with my "food issues" with out help.)  There is so much of a stigma attached to WLS....people wrongly assume it's a "magic wand" or the "easy way out."  WE know that is not the case.  I have to work every single day to follow the rules.

3.  I am a food addict.  I use food to cope.  I use food to soothe.  I love the way food feels while I am chewing it.  (Notice I didn't say how food tastes....for 25 years I don't think I really tasted the food as much as ate it as fast as I could.)  Things have changed though over the last 11 months.  I try to really savor each bite.........it could be all that chewing before swallowing, trying to listen to my body, think about "am I satisfied" etc. that forces me to focus on the taste.  Regardless, I am glad.

4.  I get so much from all of your blogs and I don't really ever thank you.  I was reading your blogs well before I had even admitted to myself that I was going to get the surgery.  Your words, victories and struggles inspire me every day.  Thank you.

How
real
are
you?

 

If you don't already visit Shelly's blog you MUST!!!

If you aren't familiar with Shelly's site, you are missing out.  Now Shelly has not been "banded" but did undergo WLS 5 years ago.  She has a zillion followers, enters cooking contests (and wins!) using WLS friendly recipes, has TONS of great food ideas and recipes, and other inspiration.  Protein ice cream?  Yep, I make it and love it.  Protein bites?  Yep....I make those too.  Super good "carb-less" everything.....yep, it's all there.   She has a zillion followers so she doesn't "need" more BUT I AM TELLING YOU, IF YOU DON'T USE SOME OF HER RECIPES YOU WILL BE SAD.  They are great.  Go on....go check it out.  http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com

It's finally FRIDAY.....BYOC

It’s Friday and time for BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy! A couple of questions we answer to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break. Copy to your own blog and enjoy!

This week Draz's questions are going to themed…as in they are all about blogging and just to throw you off – there are more than 5 this time!!

1. When did you begin blogging? Do you plan to do it a long time or do you think you’ll stop after a while?
 Five months now.  I NEVER EVER thought I would blog.  What in the world do I have to say?????

2.  What do you enjoy more - blogging yourself or reading other’s blogs?
Oh....an easy one!  I love reading other blogs!!  I was a "lurker" on a number of blogs for 6 months before I decided to start one.


3.  What’s the biggest thing blogging has taught you? Biggest surprise about blogging?
That I really don't like to write.....I seem to have a hard time expressing myself.  Oh, and that I am not funny.  I am kind of funny in real life...but it doesn't translate to my blog.

4.  Have you met any other bloggers in real life – solely because of your blog or theirs?
Nope...hope to some day.

5.  Does your blog have a general theme as in one topic or do you cover everything and anything?
It's really a public journal about my experience with the band and exercise.

6.  Are you public or anonymous? Whichever you are – do you ever wish you were the other?
I comment "public" BUT  I am not "out" as being banded to many people outside of blogland.


7.  What’s your best blogging advice for a new blogger?
I could take some of this advise.........................

8.  Does anyone in your real life read your blog/know it’s address? Do you wish they would or wouldn’t?
Only 3 friends in "real life" know about my blog.  Since I am not ready to share that I am banded with many, I am good with this.

9.  Do you enjoy blogging or do you view it as a chore? How often do you blog?
Both.  I love reading everyone's blogs and hearing what is up.  I LOVE the support from all of you.  BUT ......it is kind of a chore.  It's just not easy for me to think of what to say....or that I actually have something interesting to say.

10.  Do you tell people in your real life that you blog? Or keep it a secret?  Oh it's a big ol' secret!!!

Finally 40!!!

I finally made it to -40 lbs!!!  I am so excited b/c it seemed like I just kept bouncing back and forth the same couple of pounds.  My goal is to shed the next 25 by my bandiversary on June 30th.  Nothing too extreme, just an average of 3 lbs a month...seems kind of low huh?  Well I am trying to be realistic.  I have lost a total of 40 lbs. BUT on 15 of them have been since surgery.  My dr. keeps reminding me "it's not a race....it's a marathon."  He's right and for once in my life, I am actually content to lose it slowly.

I am getting excited for my 60 mile breast cancer walk in November.  We have one more training walk to go.....we are going to do 20 miles on Nov. 6th!  So far our longest walk has been 17 miles in about 5.5 hours--including potty breaks & eating.  Hopefully, I will be good to go for the whole 60....actually, I am...it's my feet that I am worried about.

Hope all is well in your world!

"Take twice as long to eat half as much." --Anonymous

Hello big, wonderful, world......yes, I am back.  Did you miss me???  All 27 of you??? LOL

Now I am sure some of you are thinking, ..."she hasn't posted in such a long time, she must have fallen off the wagon."

NOPE.

"she hasn't been doing her exercise so she didn't want to face the exercise ticker."  (btw, I need to put a new one for October up.)

NOPE.

"well, maybe she is gaining weight and in denial." (I love denial but not currently in that state.)

NOPE.

none of the above.  I am doing fine with my food intake, exercise is going ok....not as much as I would have liked last week but still acceptable.  Not making poor choices.  Just not much to report on the weightloss front.  I keep bouncing up and down the same 2 lbs...trying still to get to - 40 lbs.  I will get there but who knows when.  I am really and truly wearing a size 14....some 14's are even ...gasp....too big.  So I know my body keeps shrinking but the scale can't stick to a number.  I will get there.

Getting a fill on Wednesday....hoping I will finally get to the elusive GREEN ZONE.

hope all is well with you.

"I don't care about being big and strong, I just want to look good naked "-- unknown

I saw that quote on a t-shirt and loved it.  I would NEVER wear it, but still funny for my exercise post.

Well today I had a banner day for exercise.  I went on a training walk (getting ready for the Susan G. Komen 3 day 60 mile walk in November) and we did about 17 miles.  It was hot.   I was sweaty.  But we did it. 

I think I might have to start my October exercise ticker just so I can put those minutes on it!!  he he!

hope you are enjoying your weekend.