THE WAGON DOES EXIST AND I FELL OFF OF IT!

I think it was about a year ago that I was actively participating in Zumba classes and ended up injuring my back.  I promptly went to the chiropractor and he successfully treated me.  After that series of treatments ended, I should have returned to Zumba but didn't.  I not only let my time paid lapse, but I also sold off the three months that I had coming to me.  

Every now and again, I would take a small walk, and on Grandparents Day in September, I gathered my flock and asked them to join me at Tarantula Hill in Thousand Oaks.  That day was the last time I did any exercise at all. 

Within this one-year sabbatical, I found myself dirt poor.  This came from conducting mystery shops that required me to pay for items ahead of time before being reimbursed two to sometimes three months later.  I also experienced a disappointing relationship, and the last straw was when my mom was hospitalized after yet another stroke.  I strongly feel that all of these things caused me stress, but I didn't realize it at the time.  In dealing with it, I ate all the wrong things a lot of the time.  At one point, however, I was doing so well that my primary doctor took me off of one of my blood pressure medications.  Sadly, a few months later, I was back on it.  

In the one year that has flown by, I have noticed the unwavering support from friends who not only support me but also keep me in check with the food items I post on Facebook.  I have also noticed my flagging enthusiasm and lack of goal setting and keeping.  

So what has made me come back after such a long absence?  I started a new temporary assignment working at Wellpoint.  I also realized that working full time with a company that has strict attendance guidelines would not allow me to go see my lap band doctor in Marina Del Rey.  

In the interview, the Wellpoint reps talked about how they liked their potlucks and asked whether that was something I would enjoy.  I then came to the first day of class.  Not only do they like their potlucks, but it was also mentioned that between our sit-down job and all this food around us, people who work there gain an average of 40 pounds.  Believe it or not, in the two short weeks I have been in class, the temporary agency has brought in two boxes of donuts (and that was the first day!), we have had two potlucks, and our future supervisors brought pizza for the department the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.  

If this is the way my new assignment will be, I really have to get my priorities back in check.  I not only have participated in the potlucks by bringing a dish, but I also have participated by eating…and eating…and eating.  

Yesterday, I decided to look into Zumba classes again.  This time, however, I will find something closer to home here in Thousand Oaks.  I emailed one of the instructors and she wrote back saying that she will start two new classes at the Goebel Senior Center this coming January.  

I am really excited to start up again.  I hope that these classes will encourage me to watch what I eat, and, of course, get back into shape.

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	5	53	48	59	--	49.9
6/15/2011	277	13	52	48.5	61.5	--	47.5
7/21/2011	268.5	8.5	51	46	58.5	24.5	46.1
9/1/2011	257.5	11	49	46	56	25	44.2
10/13/2011	254	3.5	47.5	45	53	23	43.6
11/22/2011	242.3	11.7	48	44	52	23.5	41.6
1/11/2012	238.3	4	48	43	51	24	40.9
2/23/2012	233.5	4.8	46.5	43	50	24	40.1
4/5/2012	229.9	3.6	46.5	42	48.5	24.5	39.4
5/17/2012	233	-3.1	47	41	49	25	40
6/28/2012	233.3	-0.3					40
7/26/2012	237	-3.7					40.7
9/11/2012	232.4	4.6					39.9
11/2/2012	231.9	0.5					39.8
Total Pounds:	62.6		6	7	10	0
Total Inches:	23

On A Sad Note...

As my readers know, I always post my latest weight loss almost from the instant I leave the doctor’s office.  My most recent visit was Thursday, May 17th or FIVE days ago.  The reason for this madness you ask?  I GAINED FOUR pounds!!!  Yes, I said it and it is true.  Sadly, my loss of control continued through yet another doctor’s visit.  This, even though I had all of you, my friends edging me on for better behavior and encouraging me with every positive word possible, the gain is true.  

The RN who saw me didn't really scold me, however her words were just as piercing and I cried.  I don't like admitting this on a public blog, however, all of you should know me as a true person and not stating this on my blog would make me a liar.  

In the end, the RN suggested I make appointments with all the staff available to my disposal at the Clinic.  This would include the Nutritionist, and most importantly the Psychologist.  The RN and I both think that this emotional eating needs to be addressed.  She feels I didn't go through all of this just to fail now.  The RN also asked if I was already happy with the weight I have lost to date.  I answered a half yes; however, that being said, even though I am happy, gaining four pounds is not the way to show it.  

Yesterday, one of my family members made a comment on my weight loss progress and when I admitted the gain, I told them I hadn't blogged about it.  One of my family insisted that blogging about it would be part of the healing process and it is true.  I am already feeling better.  

Today, I will be driving to Marina del Rey for my appointment with the psychologist.  Hopefully, we will get to the bottom of this issue and I'll get back on track.  Somehow however, it won’t take just one visit… 

On a good note... the RN refilled my Lap Band port.  It feels a lot different than other visits in that I am full much faster than before.  I am not sure what she did different, however, it is very noticeable to me.  With this, I wish you all a blessed day.  Enjoy its beauty!  

	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
11/22/2011	242.3	48	44	52	23.5	41.6
1/11/2012	238.3	48	43	51	24	40.9
2/23/2012	233.5	46.5	43	50	24	40.1
4/5/2012	229.9	46.5	42	48.5	24.5	39.4
5/17/2012	233	47	41	49	25	40
Difference from last visit to this visit	-3.1	-0.5	1	-0.5	-0.5
Total Pounds:	62	6	7	10	0
Total Inches:	23

You Are Kidding Me...

Today, I have come to the conclusion that I have lost complete and total control...  I am sad to report that my eating has gone over the top.  Today for dinner I had three slices of pizza at a birthday party.  If that wasn't enough, I had a piece of cake, ice cream and the candy toppings with that.  I then had a candy bar after all of that.   Yesterday, I had two donuts amongst all my other food intake.

I wish I knew what was going wrong, however, if I had to guess, I would say my eating is stress related.  I recognize this when it is happening, however, I have no strength or sense to stop it.  The worst of it all is I don't feel guilty, well not until today anyway and it was only after I finished eating the candy.

I am hoping that by writing this in my blog, it will be a restart of proper eating.

So bring on the scoldings, I deserve any words you send my way...  Hopefully, those will cause me to behave, hopefully!

10 Month Check Up

Yesterday I went in to see my Lap Band doctor, Dr. Korman at L.A. Bariatrics.  As it turns out, he wasn't in and I was seen by his registered nurse Bridgette.  Bridgette is such a great person.  Her personality is so sweet and I like visiting with her just as much as I do with Dr. Korman.  

Sadly, I only lost 3.6 pounds.  I know a lot of you think that is a lot, however, to me, it is almost nothing.  I look forward to the visits when I reported a 12 pound loss.  On the upside, I lost another inch on my waist and an inch and a half on my hips.  

I believe that part of my problem this time (there is always an excuse…) is that I gave up drinking coffee for Lent.  In its place, I started drinking hot chocolate.  I knew I was doing wrong, but kept doing it anyway.  Also, I haven’t been to Zumba or done any exercise other than a brief walk here and there.  I seriously have to get back on this subject and soon! 

Three weeks ago, I visited my primary doctor, Dr. Jorgensen.  He was proud of my weight loss thus far and asked what my goal was.  When I told him I wanted to weigh 150, he told me that might be too much.  He also said that losing that much would leave me with a lot of loose skin.  I therefore asked how much the corrective procedure would cost.  I was shocked, so I "think" he said $6,000 per area.  I guess I better start saving now… ha, ha. 

That being said, I need a new goal.  Please respond with some helpful suggestions as to what you think my goal should be.  I am posting the pictures from the doctor's office yesterday.  This should give you something to look at when you make your suggestions.  Also, if you are one of my "anonymous" followers and decide not to post your name, please send me a private email so I know who you are.  

April 5, 2012                   

June 2011                 

and here is a cute cartoon I found... Enjoy!  

this is the data from stepping on the scale.  

AND FINALLY MY STATS:  

	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
11/22/2011	242.3	48	44	52	23.5	41.6
1/11/2012	238.3	48	43	51	24	40.9
2/23/2012	233.5	46.5	43	50	24	40.1
4/5/2012	229.9	46.5	42	48.5	24.5	39.4
Difference from last visit to this visit	3.6	0	1	1.5	-0.5
Total Pounds:	65.1	6.5	6	10.5	0.5
Total Inches:	23.5

A New Way of Eating...???

My previous post spoke of the scolding I got by my doctors RN about my eating habits.  I had the following food the day after my appointment:

BREAKFAST - Protein Shake
LUNCH - Steak and Chicken kabobs and salad from Daphne's (one of my favorite places)
DINNER - El Pollo Loco - 2 piece thigh dinner with salad (my other hang out)

So this may be the recommended eating plan, however, it was way too much food for me!  In my pre-surgery days, I could have ate all of that and more.  Today, forget it!  I could have easily stopped at lunch and called it a day.

The day after the one mentioned, I had a protein shake for breakfast, then Pollo Loco for lunch at about 3pm.  It was great and filling.  I had no cravings for anything other than hot tea in the evening.  Can't I just continue to do this?  I like it so much better and I am losing weight.  Heck, they are lucky I am eating breakfast!  Well a shake that is...

On another subject, I recently bought a pair of size 20 pants.  I started this adventure wearing size 24 pants!  Here is my most recent picture.

Eight Month Weigh-In and Check Up

Okay, so I know I should be and can be doing better, however, I'll take what results I did get for now.  I lost an additional 4.8 pounds and 2.5 inches. 

As you remember from previous posts, these last six weeks included back spasm problems.  This meant no Zumba classes.  In January I also started or restated my part-time inspections again.  This means that I am traveling to Los Angeles on a daily basis.  My Zumba gym is in Oxnard.  My solution to that problem is to find a Zumba gym in the Thousand Oaks area.  I will work on that soon. 

Today's visit included a confession and a scolding by the nurse.  They always ask how I am doing and I of course confess to eating too much.  I tell them that after I have coffee in the morning, my next meal at about noon is something large and that covers me for the rest of the day.  This is unacceptable to my doctors staff.  They insist that I eat three meals a day, no exceptions.  The nurse suggested a protein and a vegetable or a protein and a fruit.  If I am still hungry in between, I can always have more protein.  I always promise that I will behave, but never do.  I just don't like breakfast or should I say I don't like eating at the breakfast hour... The nurse also reminded me that I didn't go through this surgery for nothing. 

Next, the nurse refilled the port and that went smoothly. 



Here are the latest numbers for your reading pleasure: 

	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
11/22/2011	242.3	48	44	52	23.5	41.6
1/11/2012	238.3	48	43	51	24	40.9
2/23/2012	233.5	46.5	43	50	24	40.1
Difference from last visit to this visit	4.8	1.5	0	1	0
Total Pounds:	61.5	6.5	5	9	1
Total Inches:	21.5

Tarantula Hill

One of my pre-surgery goals is to hike the Santa Monica Mountains. I decided that taking baby steps would be suitable in this case. I had to stop several times, but I conquered it! This hill basically shoots straight up in a circular path. Once on top, you reach a chain link fence stopping people from accessing an underground water well. The view from the top is amazing! In one direction I was able to see the Santa Monica Mountains. Of course the 101 Freeway and Lynn Road were easily seen and busy with traffic.

This was an awesome experience and hope to duplicate it soon. By the way, the sore muscles go away in three days.

My next goal; Wildwood Regional Park.

So this is Christmas...

ah yes, Thanksgiving and Christmas arrived and thankfully left!  I ate so much that I actually gained FIVE pounds eating too many chocolates and tamales.  Thankfully, by the time I made it to my seven month checkup, I had lost those five pounds and an additional four.  Whew! 

I did however, discover one thing about my treatment.  If I know in advance that something like these holidays or special events are coming up when I am at my doctor's office, I should NOT let him convince me that I should not get my port refilled.

I honestly believe that this is what caused my downfall.  On my visit of November 22nd, I had lost 12 pounds.  My doctor who read those results felt that I was doing really good and that we could fore-go refilling my port.  What a big mistake that was.  I was now on double threat status.  Nothing to give me the "full" feeling and the holidays.

Of course this is all my fault and not the doctors, however, I am just saying what could have been.  Lesson learned and we will move on forward.

On another topic, I have not attended my Zumba classes in over two months as well.  I think I overdid my exercises and threw out my back.  Fortunately, it was only muscle spams and a chiropractor is slowly bringing me back to health.

Otherwise, I hope that your holidays were great and that your New Years Resolutions are on track. 

With Love,
Marisela 

	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
11/22/2011	242.3	48	44	52	23.5	41.6
1/11/2012	238.3	48	43	51	24	40.9
Totals:	56.7	5	5	8	1