Before and Now Pics...

June 2011

December 2011

Five Month Weigh-In and Check Up

 First and foremost, I must apologize for updating you so late.  My actual appointment was on November 22nd.  I updated Facebook and completely forgot about this Blog after that.

On this day, I weighed in at 242.3 pounds.  Therefore, I have lost a total of 53 pounds!  I am extremely happy with the results.  Also, from my last visit to this visit, a total of six weeks, I lost 12 pounds.

One of the questions I asked my doctor today was about the size of my calves.  I wanted to know why I lose weight and inches all around my body, however, my calves stay the same size.  Dr. Korman was not able to pinpoint why, however, he says I will lose weight the way I do and nothing he can recommend other than what I am doing already will change it. 

We also spoke of the drugs/medications I am on.  My primary doctor has eliminated Metoprolol which is one of the two medications I was taking for high blood pressure.  I hope to be off the other one soon.  Today's blood pressure reading was 112/80.  Great being as in late 2007 it was up to 198/xx. 

My rheumatologist lowered the Methotrexate from six  tablets to four tablets.   This is just a trial elimination because we don't know if that will work or not.  Based on my right hand joint, I think it will have to go back up...  :(

Before I left the doctor's office, I asked the nurse if I could get a copy of my "before" picture to share on this blog.  Here they are: 

As soon as I can get someone to take a "now" picture of me, I'll post those as well. 

Finally, here are my measurements.  I've lost 17.5 inches all around.   

	Weight and Measurements Chart
		Immediate Goal:  195
		Ultimate Goal:  150
Date	Weight	Bust	Waist	Hips	Thigh	BMI
Pre-Surgery	295	53	48	59	25
6/1/2011	290	53	48	59	--	49.9
6/15/2011	277	52	48.5	61.5	--	47.5
7/21/2011	268.5	51	46	58.5	24.5	46.1
9/1/2011	257.5	49	46	56	25	44.2
10/13/2011	254	47.5	45	53	23	43.6
10/27/2011	248.8	Dr. Mory's Office Scale
11/22/2011	242.3	48	44	52	23.5	41.6
12/16/2011		Dr. Jorgensen's Office Scale
12/29/2011		Dr. Mory's Office Scale
1/5/2012
Totals:	52.7	5	4	7	1.5

Zumba Baby!

As a lot of you know and from previous Blog posts, I am attending Zumba classes.  Zumba is an aerobics type class which uses Latin music to inspire the students into fitness. 
I go every day and sometimes I take two classes a day. 

Recently, however, I have decided to kick up the Zumba a notch.  I received some weights for my birthday and tonight I took the wrist weights and used them through out the class. 

It felt good to use them, however, I didn't feel any different.  I guess I was expecting some pain, but no,  nothing.  The instructor was being a little soft on us and I think part of my blah experience was because of this as well. 

I will continue to use my weights and see if anything changes.

I also plan on taking other classes at this gym such as Kickboxing and a Step class as well. 

Finally, my Niece brought her "working" scale to our home and I weighed myself.  I really didn't want to record my weight in between doctor's visits, however, it was just too temping not to.  Therefore, drum roll please... I now weigh 242!  This means I have lost 53 pounds!!!  Woo Hoo!!!

Misc Stuff

	Weight and Measurements Chart
		Goal:  195
Date	Weight	Bust	Waist	Hips	Thigh	BMI
Pre-Surgery	295	53	48	59	25
6/1/2011	290	53	48	59	--	49.9
6/15/2011	277	52	48.5	61.5	--	47.5
7/21/2011	268.5	51	46	58.5	24.5	46.1
9/1/2011	257.5	49	46	56	25	44.2
10/13/2011	254	47.5	45	53	23	43.6
10/27/2011	248.8	Dr. Mory's Office Scale
11/22/2011
Totals:	46.2	5.5	3	6	2

Post Surgery Follow-Up (10/13/2011)

for those of you that have a Facebook account, thanks for reading my update and for posting your remarks.  I appreciate all of them.  This post however is for those who don't have that access. 

Today was my six-week followup appointment and weigh in.  Since I have not watched my diet, I kinda knew what the results would be and as we say in Spanish, dicho y hecho (said and true).  I lost only 3.5 pounds.  The reason this is so depressing is because the checkup before that, I lost 11 pounds.  The time before that was nine pounds! 

So what did I do wrong?  I ate "almost" like I did prior to surgery.  One day I had three tacos for dinner.  I should have stopped at one.  On another day, I had half of a chocolate croissant and so on.  What the heck was I thinking when I was eating this stuff?  I know better! 

On the bright side, and thanks to my Zumba classes, the 5K walk and dancing with my girlfriends, I lost some serious inches.  Three inches on my hips and two on my thighs.  In my view, excellent results! 

What can I do in the future?  I attribute my bad eating to stress.  Not that I stress out alot, however, when I do, I need to stop and recognize this and of course watch my eating.  I will of course continue my Zumba classes.  These are fun for me, so this part should be easy.  Finally, I need to return to the support group that I went to last week.  I liked the group and can see myself making friends with some of the people in the group. 

As for the rest of my appointment, my doctor reviewed my blood tests and although the cholesterol was slightly elevated, it wasn't enough to worry about.  We also discussed my thyroid and the medication I'm taking for that.  Basically, I'll be taking that med for awhile.  We also spoke about how good my blood pressure is doing.  I told him exactly four years ago it was at 198/?  The current reading is 116/70 which it has been consistently there for about a year now.  In fact, it is so good that my primary doctor took away one of my blood pressure meds.    

Last, but not least, my Lap Band doctor now has his own webpage with patient blogs on it.  I will be joining the blog community as one of his patients.  Here is the link in case you want to look it up:  http://www.marinaweightloss.com/

The following is my Weight and Measurements Chart: 

Goal:  195 Date Weight Bust Waist Hips Thigh BMI Pre-Surgery 295 53 48 59 25   6/1/2011 290 53 48 59 -- 49.9 6/15/2011 277 52 48.5 61.5 -- 47.5 7/21/2011 268.5 51 46 58.5 24.5 46.1 9/1/2011 257.5 49 46 56 25 44.2 10/13/2011 254 47.5 45 53 23 43.6 11/22/2011             Totals: 41 5.5 3 6 2

Out of the Darkness Event

Today I participated in the Out of the Darkness Event.  About a year ago, I lost my son-in-law to suicide.  Therefore, in my own small attempt, I accepted my daughters challenge to join her in a fundraising drive and a 3+ mile walk. 

Although just a small group of us showed up, it gave me more of a desire to get the word out, to do more, to get more people involved and overall to save lives.  The people who are so depressed need to know that there IS help out there.  If you would like to know more about the organization I joined, I also encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and please visit this link:  http://www.outofthedarkness.org/  Lets all unite to do something TODAY! 

Todays walk was the hardest piece of exercise that I have done since my surgery four months ago.  It was just over a three mile walk.  I ended up with a blister on my left foot and a pulled muscle on my right hip.  I was able to keep up breathing wise, however, the pain in my hip caused me to come in dead last.  I could have easily stopped and had a relative come pick me up, however, I didn't.  I completed the walk, baby step by baby step and only five minutes behind a mom and her children in a baby stroller.  Thanks to my niece Angelica who although could have run the whole route in just minutes, stayed with me as we completed the route together. 

MY ROUTE AND STATS VIA MY iPHONE APP: 
http://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/53610250

Marisela, where art thou?

Guilty as charged!  However, I have a good excuse...  you see, I have been kidnapped by some really good friends.  They invite me to go dancing every weekend.  We make the rounds of the various clubs in Oxnard and Ventura and dance the night away.  Sometimes, I just sit through some of the songs as I have trouble keeping up with them.

This of course brings me to my next and new adventure.  These same ladies told me about the Zumba class they take.  Of course I had to go and get a guest pass and I loved it.  I wasn't able to do the jumps like everyone else, however, in time, I am sure I will be able too.  Now all I need to do is get a good deal on their six month membership and I am set. 

Another thing that I've noticed is the size of my clothing getting too big...  I no longer fit in my old pants.  They slide off way too easy and of course never at the right time!  I then bought one pair of pants and even though they still fit, they are also starting to fit loose...  I am also down a size in my pajamas and boy does that feel good!

Finally, I am now starting to date.  This feels really, really good.  Just when I had swore it all off and thought my love life was over...  ~big smile~

Post Surgery Follow-Up (9/1/2011)

This time, I was very excited to be making my way to Dr. Korman's office.  First and foremost, he is a handsome man, however, that being said, I totally respect him and that ring on his finger... 

The day before, I saw my RA doctor.  While I was there, I was weighed in and the scale showed 260.  What excitement!  I thought for sure with all the cheating I was doing, that I would have gained some pounds.  However, it was quite the opposite. 

Some of the things I did wrong were nibble at the donuts that someone brought to my Moms home.  I also had some enchiladas which of course are made with tortillas, an excluded item from my diet.  I also had a little bit of soda.  I was never a big soda drinker, however, it was so hot this past week, that I just did it out of necessity.  Finally I had an egg sandwich with mayonnaise.  The bread and mayo, a big no, no!  

After being weighed in at Dr. Korman's office, I discovered that I was down even more than the reading the day before.  This scale showed 257.5.  WOW!!!  11 pounds down from my previous visit with this doctor.  The nurse was excited and when the doctor entered, he was very happy for me too! 

After the doctors initial greeting, he said "you are almost three months post surgery, you were here six weeks ago and your loss continues very successfully".  I then confessed my cheating and he told me "then you know you can do better".  "Even though you weren't perfect, and not too many people are, in six weeks you did 11 pounds, two pounds per week, that is encouraging and awesome!".  "You are doing beautifully."  I had a BIG smile on my face! 

We then discussed how the last fill worked out for me.  I told him the first week after, I was really full, however, the rest of the time was normal and I ate that way too.  I really shouldn't say normal, because pre-surgery, normal would have been a large plate of three enchiladas, rice, beans and maybe some dessert.  My post-surgery normal is one enchilada, some rice and some beans.  A big difference for me. 

The doctor then filled my port with the saline solution.  While doing so, I told him about the walking and dancing I did recently.  I also told him about my friend Veronica who wants to take me on a one-hour hike, which by the way he is all for.  Finally, I told him that I have to buy new clothes.  I said my pants keep falling down and never at the right time.  Laughter from the Dr. and nurse erupted and he said "oh the things that will happen".  I agree! 

Below are my updated measurements.  All good with exception to my thigh.  How did it grow .5 of an inch when the rest got smaller? 

Weight and Measurements Chart Date Weight Bust Waist Hips Thigh BMI Pre-Surgery 295 53 48 59 25   6/1/2011 290 53 48 59 -- 49.9 6/15/2011 277 52 48.5 61.5 -- 47.5 7/21/2011 268.5 51 46 58.5 24.5 46.1 9/1/2011 257.5 49 46 56 25 44.2   37.5 4 2 3 0.5

Dancing

Last night I went to Heritage Square in Oxnard to listen to the last concert of the Summer Season.  I was invited by a couple of friends that love to dance.  I thought I can't possibly do this, much less keep up with them.  However, lo and behold, I did it! 

Prior to surgery, I was lucky to dance one half of one song.  Yesterday, however, with only a couple of breaks, I danced the majority of the two hours and 15 minutes that the band played for.  After that event ended, I made my way to the Moose Lodge where I continued to take on another two songs.  Whew!!! 

The bad/good news... This morning, my feet hurt and every muscle in my body aches.  I will consider this good news because after all, it is exercise. 

And now a shout to our Family friend Beth Weaverling.  Beth had gastric bypass surgery on July 11, 2011.  She has lost an AMAZING 43 pounds.  Congratulations Beth, I am very proud of you! 

Jumping on the Trampoline

today, we celebrated my granddaughter Sarah's birthday.  Her mom decided that we would celebrate at Sky High, a trampoline facility in Camarillo.  Prior to this Lap Band surgery, I would have never even on a dare attempted this, however, today, there I was jumping my life away.

I would post the video, however, the twins were not securely in place and well you know... However, here is a "still" picture of me.

As a friend recently said:  "You're doing great!  That roller coaster is getting closer and closer!"

Crossing my Legs

I still have a very long way to go, however, crossing my legs is a great step forward.  I haven't been able to do this in a long time! 

Post Surgery Follow-Up

So with mixed emotions, I made my way to Marina Del Rey to visit my Lap Band doctor.  I had a heavy heart because I felt I had been eating way too much as of late and thought I didn't lose any pounds.  The other part of me was excited to get an "actual" reading from the doctors scale. Lo and behold, or as my brother Jose would say "Fua", I did it!  I lost another 6.5 pounds.  This brings my weight down to 268.5! 

While visiting my doctor, the pouch (or port) in my body got refilled and that meant an all liquid diet for the day.  Thank goodness!  He also checked my existing meds and asked if I was still taking blood pressure meds.  I said yes, however, I will triple check this with my primary doctor.  I have asked him if I can stop taking these, however, he still won't take me off them.  Soon... very soon!

My doctor also reminded me to walk and/or do exercise.  I told him how hard this is post-surgery.  I walk and I get winded right away.  Of course, I am just plain lazy too! 

My next appointment is on September 1, 2011.  Hopefully the results will be just as good. 

	Weight and Measurements Chart
Date	Weight	Bust	Waist	Hips	Thigh	BMI
Pre-Surgery	295
6/1/2011	290	53	48	59	--	49.9
6/15/2011	277	52	48.5	61.5	--	47.5
7/21/2011	268.5	51	46	58.5	24.5	46.1
	26.5	2	2	0.5		3.8

Eating Too Much and Foods I no longer eat

I am getting really excited to go visit my weight doctor this week.  This, so that I can get my "official" weight.  I have been weighing myself here and there, however, I would rather post an official weight.  I also feel my pants very loose and that is really good for my ego. 

Yesterday, and the day before were bad days for me. 

Sunday, I was at my Moms home and she had ham tortas, she asked if I wanted the last half that was available.  At first I said no and proceeded to look for something else to eat.  When I didn't find anything, I then accepted her offer.  Everything inside the torta (ham, avocado, lettuce tomato, jalapeno) was good for me.  The mayo and bread, very bad.  I ate the whole half sandwich. 

Monday, I had two shops scheduled.  One was for El Pollo Loco lunch and then there was Sharky's for dinner.  Never again will I schedule two shops that way.  In after thought, Sharky's was the only shop that required that I eat in.  I could have brought the Pollo Loco food home, but didn't.  I ate the salad, the thigh and the corn on the cob.  Normally that would be okay for me, however, when I added on the Sharky's food, I felt bloated and fat.  I was very disappointed with myself.  Another lesson learned!

FOODS I NO LONGER EAT (If I don't make the above mistakes...):

-Bread
-Ice Cream
-Candy (I used to eat ALOT of this)!
-Fried Foods
-Coffee (has been replaced with Whole Foods Yogi Tea)
-Soda - (I wasn't a big soda drinker to begin with so this was easy)!
-The skin off the chicken
-Bacon
-Tortillas
-Tamales
-Pizza

I am sure there are other foods, but I can't think of them right now. 

Have a great day and thanks again for reading my Blog. 

Breakfast!

Woo Hoo, here it is: 

From Trader Joes:  Organic Greek Style nonfat yogurt (vanilla) with organic raspberries and blueberries. 

From Whole Foods:  Yogi Tahitian Vanilla Hazelnut natural herbal tea w/some cream--I've yet to find some cream that still tastes good but is not so full of "stuff". 

The Packaging: 

Nothing Interesting...

I have procrastinated long enough and based on the title of this entry, I should procrastinate even more.  I wish I had some good news to share, however, I've only lost one pound since this and the last entry (boo).  I am doing everything right with exception to walking and/or excercising.  If I can get my lazy butt up, I might lose some more weight. 

I have however felt a substantial decrease in the way my clothing feels.  My current pants are loose and I have to constantly pull them back up.  I also bought a pair of shorts and a t-shirt that are both one size smaller.  Those feel snug, but good. 

The above picture is from my regular doctors visit and not my weight doctor.  That visit is coming up on July 21st.  Also, before I forget, thanks to Joann for helping me with the scale pictures.  Without her help, you would have to turn your head to read the numbers. 

Also, during my visit with my doctor, I clarified that he was still my doctor.  Based on my visit prior to this one, he said "I will have to find you another doctor because you never listen to me".  This was based on me not eating breakfast.  So, after making sure he will still be taking care of me, I told him I still can't do breakfast, however, I am very happy you are still my doctor.  We both smiled! 

Picture Test

MIA

Hello, I know I have been missing from this blog, however, I basically had nothing to report. The last scale I had was not working and finally, today, I returned it. While I was in the shop, I weighed myself and lost another 4 pounds.   I will buy an old-fashioned scale one of these days, however, if anyone knows where there is a public scale I can use, I would appreciate the suggestion. 

I wish I knew how to turn the picture around... help anyone? 



While I was at Macy's, I bought some workout clothes.  I looked for some pants, however, ended up buying some shorts.  I've had the tennis shoes for awhile now, so those and an old shirt and I should be ready.  I can only hope I don't look bad. 

Overall, I am feeling great.  Considering my initial weigh in at the doctor's office (295) and my current weight of (275), the 20 pounds is looking and feeling good on me.  My current pants are very loose and I have to pull them up all the time. 

As for eating, I still make a couple of mistakes here and there.  For instance, I had some spinach and it was so darn good that I ended up eating 3 helpings of it.  I thought, how bad can a vegetable be?  Oh, it was bad, I ate too much and I felt it stuck in my chest.  Fortunately, it didn't take to long to clear.  Otherwise, I am following my eating orders pretty good and I no longer get dizzy.  Breakfast is still another story, but oh well...

Thanks for reading my blog and see you soon! 

Rotten Scales!

I previously mentioned a digital scale that cost me about $10.00 and it started showing "error" messages after only a couple of days use.  It took me a whole week to realize this, however, the $50.00 scale has been showing me the same exact weight!  WTH!!  I didn't even realize this, I thought I was on a same weight slump... When I went to the doctors office and they weighed me, wa la, the $50 digital scale is also broken.  I think I need a good old-fashioned scale.

Today, I also went to my Rheumatologist and took a picture of my weight.  Officially, I am down by 12 pounds. 

Before Surgery or How did I Gain all this weight?

BIRTH TO HIGH SCHOOL:  I was at regular weight during this whole period and about four years after high school.  The only thing I remember from this timeframe was my dad would bring home day-old donuts and my mom would make homemade pies every now and again.  Fortunately, I didn't gain any weight from eating those. 

GETTING MARRIED:  I married in November 1981.  I looked back on some pictures and noticed I had a little stomach bump (not pregnant).  This was probably from eating at Taco Bell or other Fastfood restaurants that were my favorites. 

I married a Mexican food chef.  He worked for The Alamo restaurants for several years.  He would come home and cook elaborate meals and would be unpleased or unhappy if I didn't eat the whole thing.  I was happy to do this. 

I soon became pregnant with my daughter and that was the beginning of my real weight gain.  I gained 65 pounds with her.  Wow, typing this now and thinking 65 pounds for a 7 pound baby, WTH!!!  Of course, I don't remember losing much of that.  All the stomach fat was still there.  I also did nothing about it.  I continued to eat the rich meals my husband was cooking and I did little to no exercise. 

17 months later, the Twins were born.  With them I gained 41 pounds so that is the good news.  The bad of course is the stomach fat was still there and now with three kids in the house, nothing was changing.  I still ate rich foods and did no exercise. 

POST FAMILY:

The kids are now grown; I am divorced from the first husband and starting to date.  I soon discover internet dating and a site for BBW or Big Beautiful Women.  I am surprised at the volume of men that are interested in me and I go out on a couple of dates.  These men obviously don't mind the big girl, so I have no incentive to exercise. 

My immediate family however wants to start an exercise contest.  The contest runs for six months and the requirement is to pitch in on a monthly basis.  There is a small amount of money for a monthly winner and a large pot for the winner at the end of the six months. 

At this time I decide to join Curves.  That combined with the exercise machines we have at home and a punching bag, I become the 2nd place winner losing 50 pounds.  My niece Delilah won overall. 

SECOND MARRIAGE:

This man gets introduced to me by a friend and he also does not mind a big girl.  However, when I met him, I had regained the 50 pounds and was now a member of Bally's Gym and going every morning at 5:00 AM.  About a year later, I dropped the gym and stopped exercising all together. 

This man would bring home ice cream and we would have it every single night.  I didn't gain any weight, but I didn't lose any either. 

There was also a lot of stress in this marriage as well as the deaths of two of my sisters.  With all this happening, I still didn't get past the 300 pound point.  I was however starting to develop medical issues and most due to my weight. 

TODAY: 

Pre surgery, I am still eating everything in sight.  I stop for a hamburger and fries almost every day.  I eat a large bowl of spaghetti and eat desserts or candy as they appear before me.  The good part is that I don't gain weight from all of this consumption. 

In December, my brother had one of his legs amputated due to diabetes.  That was IT!  I needed nothing further to convince me that I needed to lose weight.  It is now six months later, and on my way to substantial weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.  I don't crave the majority of the foods I was eating, save one or two.  I get full with the bare minimum and I am drinking lots and lots of water.

WTH???

Can somebody please tell me why I've gained weight???

The only thing I've done different is move from week one to week two in food choices.  I can now eat beans and egg. 

The other thing, the first scale I bought for $14.xx broke after one week.  The new scale I bought today for $50.xx has this new weight on it.  Both scales are from Macy's. 

Input anyone???

A Correction and 6/15 Doctor's Appointment

Good Morning and it's a beautiful one today!  I feel wonderful, and I will be going for my first walk later today. 

Starting with the correction... yesterday, when visiting the intake nurse I was weighed and told I lost 13 lbs.  I told her my scale says 17 lbs.  The nurse reminded me that I had lost an additional 4 lbs according to my medical chart prior to surgery.  She suggested that I was probably using the initial weight in number. 

Lo and behold, that was true.  So officially, with today's loss, I am down by 15.  I will correct the tickler later today after people have had a chance to read this. 

Arrival:  I arrived a half an hour late as traffic on the coast can get hairy.  However, I discovered that two other patients that were in my class were patiently waiting for me.  Since we were waiting for the nutritionist, we had a good chat before the doctor's appointment. 

We basically compared everything about our visits from billing to weight loss and mostly about how we were feeling and the foods we were eating.  It was great to compare notes per say.  We also exchanged email addresses for future correspondence. 

A visit with the nutritionist:  I confessed to her my mistake about the soup and yes, I got a scolding.  Not bad though, I was expecting worse. We then reviewed all the foods we can now have and will be able to have in the coming 5 weeks or at the time of our next appointment.  I was happy to hear that for this week I could have a scrambled egg (not fried or boiled) to eat very slowly and ANY kind of beans that I wanted.  Even though it was good to hear this, I am not really hungry, so I'll see if or when I end up eating any of that.  As a side note, I wrote an email to the RN telling her I was craving a banana.  I asked for permission to blend it into my protein shake and she said I could.  The nutritionist said no way; fruit cannot be had until the 5th week.  Who to believe???

Doctor's Appointment:  I was told that the doctor was not in and that we would visit with the registered nurse instead.  This RN was also the one who released me from the hospital.  I am wondering if this will be a trend... The good part about this nurse, is that she was been employed with the doctor for 15 years now. 

The RN started by asking me if I had any pain.  I told her about the pain in my chest when I burp.  She told me that is where the band is at, it is swollen, it is a silicon band so when I burp it is not going to expand so it is going to put pressure and it will hurt.  She told me it does get better because the swelling will go down. 

Before reviewing my other questions, she wanted to see my stitches.  I said good because the tape was itching me a lot.  I also told her that I had something leftover from surgery on the back of my ear.  She told me that I could have taken that one off on Wednesday and that was probably causing my dizziness.  The RN also asked about having double vision (which I don't) and about taking in water.  She told me that dehydrating can also make me dizzy.  Finally, not getting my food in can drop my blood sugar and that can make me dizzy. 

We then reviewed my regular medications from my other doctors and she told me I can start taking them whole or without crushing them and of course after I eat and one at a time.  This will be interesting because  I am so used to taking the whole hand full at once. 

We then talked about nutrition.  She reminded me that I have to eat three times a day and to stay away from all white foods, like bread, pasta, tortillas, and even potatoes.  She wrote in my chart that I could advance my diet, and that I should be exercising (get in 30 minutes every day). 

About the chills:  When I lose weight, I am losing some fat, so I will be cold all the time.  Her response, wear a sweater, lose the weight. 

Finally, since I won't be able to attend the support groups, she suggested I try ObesityHelp.com where they suggest closer places for the support groups. 

Have a good day everyone!