I'm with the band

Quinoa-roni & Cheese Recipe

2011-07-25T19:37:00.002-04:00

Hey Friends- I made this for dinner tonight and it came out really good so I thought I would share- Enjoy!

Quinoa-roni & Cheese

For the quinoa: 2 cups quinoa
3 cups chicken stock

Rinse the quinoa in cold water and drain. Put the quinoa in a large covered saucepan and add chicken stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. (No liquid should remain.)

In a large bowl, combine: 4 cups (16 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar, 24-oz. container low-fat cottage cheese, 2 turkey sausages cut on the diagonal

In a medium bowl, whisk together: 0.5 cup whole-grain flour, 2 cups milk, 2 Tbsp honey mustard

In a large saute pan: saute 1 medium onion, chopped, in olive oil with 1 tsp kosher salt until tender and translucent, add milk/flour/honey mixture and stir until thickened. Add the thickened mixture to the bowl with the cheese/sausage. Add the cooked quinoa. Stir to combine. Dump everything into a 9x13 casserole (sprayed with nonstick spray)

Bake at 350 for about an hour.

This makes enough for a 9x13 dish

oh helllloooo

2011-07-13T09:53:00.005-04:00

Hi friends, I thought I'd stop by and check in. I don't have to much to say, but I wanted to let you all know I am feeling GREAT with the unfill I got 2 weeks ago! I am able to eat normal foods, and have only gotten stuck once. It is such an amazing feeling to not have to worry about where I am going to PB next. I have gained about 2lbs, but I think most of that is due to me being able to eat bread again. I was able to eat 2 slices of pizza this weekend with no issues, I did feel full but I was so excited to eat it, and it tasted so good I just kept eating. Time to get serious now, and start focusing on more protein.

Rick and I got a new addition to our family this past weekend and I want to introduce him to everyone, his name is simba!

He is a lion head bunny and is about a year and a half old. He is such a sweetheart and I am so excited to have him!

And just because I feel like sharing pictures today, I had to share this one from our honeymoon! I forgot to tell everyone, when we were in St.Marten I persuaded Rick to go to a nude beach with me! Clothing was optional, he opted in, and I opted out...well for 5 minutes anyway lol. It was so liberating to go running in the ocean naked without a care in the world. I definitely recommend trying it once in your life, here is a picture of me there (before I decided to strip)
Happy humpday, hope everyone has a fantastic day! xxoo

Band update after Dr's visit

2011-06-30T13:35:00.002-04:00

Hey love bugs! Thanks for all our comments of concern, it meant so much to see that so many of you have been through the whole vertigo thing as well! I am feeling so much better, the vertigo is practically gone, my ears aren't hurting to bad..its mostly just sinus stuff right now. PHEW!

So I went for my visit with my band dr. today, finally! I weighed in at 173.3, which is about what they had me at in March at my last visit. She wasn't concerned with my lack of weight loss, she knew how busy I have been. She did ask how my eating has been and I told her about my PB'ing daily, she said just a minute and stepped outside. She then came back in the room and told me to go to radiology immediately for an ESD. ESD?? I asked. It's an esophagus stomach and duodenum test, much like a barium swallow. So I headed down where I was changed into a gown and brought right back into the examination room. It worried me how they were taking me so quickly, usually these tests take weeks to get. So I sat on table and a Dr. came in and had me swallow the barium, (ahemmm chalk like stuff) and move into all kinds of different positions. I could see on the screen the barium moving through my system, and I could see my band, which made me happy. He had me swallow standing up, laying down on my back, laying my stomach, my side, every which way (this sounds kinda dirty lol) I was then done and sent back upstairs to my band dr. She had the results by the time I was back, and had a smile on her face (thank god) She said my band was perfectly fine, but that the barium was barely trickling through my band and that I was way to tight. She said my esophagus looked a little dilated, but this was most likely due to being to tight. She decided to take out 1.5cc's and thought that should give me some relief. She said to come back if I was starving or still pb'ing, and they would slowly put some back in. I think I am around 6cc's at this point and I feel great! I just had a stuffed pepper for lunch, and it went right down! Phewwww.

I am so happy that I made the call and went in, I feel instant relief knowing my band is OK, and that I can now move on with my progress. I also expressed to her how shitty it made me feel to have lost 80lbs but still be considered obese by the BMI charts because I am so damn short. She told me how much she hated the BMI scale, and that I am doing terrific, and to not focus on the #'s so much. That seems to be the trend for July on blogger- not focusing on the #'s, just doing what you know, and being healthy! I asked if the clinic had thought of getting one of the high tech scales that can measure muscle and water and all that jazz, so that patients can stop worrying about the stupid BMI scale. She said it had been brought up a few times, and they hope to get one. I really hope they do, because that would help so many people realize that just because their weight is not going down, they may be gaining muscle mass.

Well that was my day today. I am getting ready to head home to Maine until Tuesday, I can't wait! I hope everyone has a safe 4th! xoxoxoxoxo

my world is spinnnnnning

2011-06-28T16:12:00.003-04:00

Hey Everyone- So I know I promised I was back, and well...I haven't posted in awhile.

The thing is- I was diagnosed with vertigo and a double ear infection yesterday...and it sucks! I have never in my life experience anything as shitty as this vertigo thing. For those of you who don't know what it is, its a type of dizziness where you feel like the room is constantly spinning- much like as when you are wasted and get the 'spins'. My Dr. said it was most likely brought on by my ear infections, so its good to know I'm not going crazy! She put me on antibiotics and some crazy dizzy medicine that knocks me out. I have been home sick for the past 2 days and haven't been doing much of anything. I haven't had any dizzy spells yet today though, so I'm hoping I can get back to work tomorrow, and then get on with the week to finally enjoy my 4th of July weekend back home in Maine.

As for my band I have an appointment Thursday @ 9am for a checkup. I am going to have them run a complete blood work up on me to check my cholesterol, thyroid, vitamin levels...all that good stuff. Let's hope everything comes back OK. The good news is, with all this crazy dizziness I haven't felt much like eating and am down 3 lbs! wahooo!

I hope everyone is having a good week, and has an awesome 4th of July. I will let you know how my appt goes Thursday! xxoo

2011-06-14T09:49:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone!

Hi my name is Kristen and I am in a rut...so I'm in need of some help/advice/mojo.

I CANNOT get my ass to the gym, I don't know what to do! Nothing seems to motivate me, and I mean NOTHING! Rick is getting up every morning @ 5:30 asking me to go, and I just can't find it in me to go. I haven't worked out in well over 6 weeks, and I haven't lost a lb in over 6 months! I NEED to get back on track and I NEED to lose these last 15 lbs to get me to a normal BMI. I can't find it in me, the idea of going to the gym seems like torture to me right now and I don't know why. I know once I start going and get back into a routine I'll be fine, but I just don't know how to do that. The answer seems so simple, just deal with it and go..but the idea of setting foot in the gym makes me want to cry...am I going crazy? Last night Rick asked me if I wanted to go to the gym in the morning and I just cried. Do I want to go to the gym? Hell NO! Do I need to? Hell YES! What is the sudden irrational fear of the gym? Has this ever happened to anyone?

Rick and I have the same band dr. and he has been going regular for check ups and fills- she mentioned at the last appt. that she hasn't seen me in 6 months and told him to tell me to come in. FANTASTIC. That's going to be a great appt. NOT! I'm up probably 2 lbs from the last time she saw me. Do I need a fill? NO! Do I need an un-fill? Possibly. I just don't know what I want or need. I am so mentally and physically confused. Some days I eat just fine, other's I PB everything. Am I eating the wrong foods? Sometimes...but yesterday it was just chicken that did it.

Sorry for this rambling and whiny post...I just don't know what to do. Any advice would be appreciated! Love you guys!

Guess who's back?!?

2011-06-06T11:18:00.004-04:00

Hey Everyone!!! So it's been almost 2 months since I last posted and that makes me sad. I have been so overwhelmingly busy, that I haven't had much time, but now I am back and ready to start blogging. I've learned a lot about myself these last few weeks, I think I have an obsessive personality. I become obsessed with things and dedicate every waking moment to them..I'm not really sure how to describe it. For the last 2 years it has been blogging and everything band related, then about 6 months ago the wedding obsession came into play, and I spent every second on theknot and etsy, then it was the honeymoon obsession where I was obsessed with cruisecritic.com and planning all of our excursions for every minute of the trip. Well now I am glad to say I am back on the BANDwagon and ready to start obsessing with blogging and my band again!

Things have been OK band wise, I only gained 3 lbs on our honeymoon, so not to bad. The reason I only gained 3 lbs though, isn't as exciting as I wish it was. No, it wasn't due to the massive amount of "exercise" I did. It was because my band was super tight, and I PB'd probably everyday. I was never uncomfortable or in pain, it just sucked not to be able to keep much down. I'm not sure if it was me being so anxious, the weather change or what...but since I've been home I've been OK. Thank god for the 24/7 soft serve machine lol. I'm holding steady around 172lbs right now, but I'm ready to get back into the 160's. It's time to settle down and get back into a normal routine.

Today is my first day back to work since May 19th..I don't even know where to start. I guess that's what helped me to write this post...procrastination of starting work.

So I'm not sure where to start with all the blogs I've missed. It looks like a few of you are having band issues, and removals?!? Steph got her neck done (it looks amazing!)God a lot happened quickly. What else is new? I would love to be filled in, I will try and read back on posts, but if anyone wants to send me an email to catch up I would love to chat! I Hope everyone is well. I will leave you all with our 'teaser' video from the wedding, hope you enjoy!!!

05.21.11 Kristen & Rick from NH Images on Vimeo.

Bridal Shower Bash

2011-03-28T12:31:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone- As promised- here are pictures from my amazing bridal shower that took place Saturday. The location was a total surprise- It ended up being on the ocean in Salisbury MA. It was freakin AMAZING- I couldn't imagine a more gorgeous location or shower. This is my gorgeous 'bouquet' that was made from all the ribbons and bows from our gifts

This is my mommy and I. *LOVE* her!

This is me with my best friends Rachel and Nicole (who you all know)

This is my beautiful bridal party- I couldn't ask for a better group of ladies

Look @ this cake! Have you ever seen anything like this? It was un-real!! Rick proposed @ a lighthouse, so the girls went with nautical theme

This is our overwhelming stack of gifts- It took us 2 hours to get through them all! We got so many amazing gifts.

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. I am going back to kickboxing tonight and guess who I'm dragging with me? Yup- I talked Rick into giving it a try! Wish us luck! xxoo

Girls gone wild- NYC edition

2011-03-21T21:21:00.004-04:00

Happy Monday Everyone!

I am almost recovered from this crazy weekend in NYC. I was bad and didn't take any pictures while I was there, so thank god others did. I stole the group shot from Angie, so I could have it forever and ever.

Words honestly can't describe this weekend for me. I wasn't able to attend BOOBS last year in Chicago, so this was my first big bandster get together. It was such a surreal experience for me. To actually be able to meet people who's blogs I have followed for nearly 2 years...amazing! To meet so many different ladies all at different stages in our journeys- some just starting, some who have crossed the finish line. When I got home all of my friends asked me how my weekend was, and I all I can say is amazing- I don't know how to explain it or even where to begin. To meet people for the first time, and feel like you know these people inside and out-to be able to be myself and not be afraid of what people are thinking. To have been able to 'meet' someone through blogger, and stay at their place without ever actually meeting or talking to them in person is truly insane from the outside, but to us completely normal. To be able to stay @ this persons house and clog their toilet (yup I did it) and not be mortified..totally normal. Colls- I freakin love you girl, thank you so much for letting me stay with you and cuddle with your kittys.

I will leave you with a couple of pictures that I do have. Nicole and I took a 5 hour bus ride on a ghetto ass bus, and we almost went crazy-but theres no one else I rather have taken this trip with!

Work-Out Wednesday

2011-03-16T19:52:00.003-04:00

Karin over at Lap Band Gal challenged all of us to post pre and post workout pics of ourselves today for work-out Wednesday. I bought a groupon a few weeks ago for a kickboxing class, it included 1 personal training session and 4 group classes. Let me pre-face this with, I have NEVER taken any sort of kickboxing class EVER. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. This wasn't any gym kickboxing class...this my friends was at a martial arts center with hard core karate people. Part of my package also included boxing gloves-which was probably the main selling point for me... Here I am, during my water break and when I get home and showed Ricky my moves!

I used my personal session today, and it was a total body workout- not only did we punch bags, we also did jumping jacks, pushups, and about a hundred different types of situps. It was super fun and I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new today.

What did everyone else do for workout Wednesday??

Who needs a challenge?!?

2011-02-23T08:30:00.003-05:00

Nikki over @ Chasing Skinny has offered to host a spring challenge. Here is the new challenge logo, click it and it'll bring you over to her page! Good Luck Everyone!!!

Guess who's coming to NYC?!?!

2011-02-22T11:37:00.004-05:00

THESE CHICKS!

OMG!!!! Can you guys believe it?! Nicole and I are going to make it to NYC for the upcoming brunch! We are beyond excited. We bought a groupon for a bus trip from Boston to NYC a few weeks ago, and figured what better time to come then for a famous NYC brunch?

Colleen has graciously offered us a place to stay Saturday night, so that is our plan. I can't wait to finally meet everyone! We'll keep you posted on more details as we figure them out! xxoo

Where I am...

2011-02-21T20:26:00.003-05:00

Hey Everyone, It's me kristen...remember me? I used to be a pretty good blogger, but not so much recently. Don't fret, I am alive and I have been reading everyone's posts everyday, I just haven't had much to say. My weight is holding steady around 168, I am going to the gym about 3 times a week, and I am in wedding planning mode like crazy right now. My wedding is in 89 days and its all I can focus on right now. It's fun and stressful at the same time. Other then that not much else is new..I landed myself in ER last week for severe dehydration from a stomach bug, that was fun (not) I am all better now, so no worries.

Well the inspiration for this post came from Amy's last post, she posted a picture of her in her bathing suit at her biggest, with a huge grin on her face. She spoke of how happy she looked and felt at that time in her life. This struck a cord with me, as I was going through pictures on my computer a few days ago I found this old one of me. This was probably 20lbs from my heaviest, but I am super happy and proud of how I look in the bathing suit...REALLY?!? I went on spring break and wore this! It just goes to show I never let my weight control me, even when I looked like this-I was happy, I was proud, I never let anything prevent me from having fun. Now weighing 80lbs less, I think I worry more about a little muffin top here or cellulite there- why? Here is my resolution- be comfortable with myself the way I look right now. Any more weight that I lose is a bonus. I have come a long way from this picture, and I am proud of myself. I will never look like that again! Love ya's. xxoo

NYC Girls, Help Please

2011-02-02T13:58:00.002-05:00

Hey Ladies,

Sorry I haven't been around much these past few weeks. Everything is fine, just been very busy with Rick on the mend, and our wedding in 3 months or so. EEEK!

Rick got called away on a business trip today, he needs to go to NYC next week for a few days and is in charge of making his own hotel reservation. Can anyone recommend a nice hotel in SoHo? Nice, but not super fancy or expensive.

Thanks so much, I promise to blog soon!

so I'm pretty much marrying superman!

2011-01-22T15:58:00.004-05:00

Thank you all for all your kind words and support for rick and I these last couple of weeks. Rick's lapband surgery was yesterday morning. It was scheduled for 10:15, but they didn't actually take him in till about 11:30, which drove me insane! He got out of surgery around 1:15, and I was able to see him around 2:15. He was sitting up straight and told me he was 'bored' lol. He was still in the post-op area, and was staying there until an overnight room became available, so I was only able to stay with him for a few minutes. Around 5pm he finally got a room and was able to be moved. I took many walks with him, and his pain stayed around a 3. He never took any of the pain meds until last night @ bed time to help him sleep. I picked him up this morning, and we're now home. He is eating lots of jello and broth and has had 2 protein shakes. I can't believe how strong and alert he is right now, its amazing! I am so proud of him for taking this giant leap and I can't wait to watch him progress. He started his journey @ 317 lbs, day of surgery he was 299lbs. His goal is to be down 50lbs his first year, and 100lbs @ 3 years. He is going to knock these goals out of the park, and I'm very excited for him. Here is a picture of him 3 hours post op:

Love you all! I will continue to keep everyone posted! xxoo

what do you think?

2011-01-12T20:49:00.002-05:00

Your call- Protein Shake or Mudslide?

If you guessed mudslide- YOUR WRONG! This is the super yummo protein shake I made Rick tonight for dinner. I have been trying to mix things up for him, so this was one packet vanilla, and one packet chocolate and I lined the glass with sugar free chocolate syrup. It looked so pretty!!

Here in New England we are having an insane snow storm, my city last reported 18 inches of snow. Both Rick and I got to work from home today, which was really nice!

I also had my un-fill scheduled for today and yup I beared the storm and made the trek to the hospital. My nurse practitioner agreed that I most likely am tight due to wedding stress and took out .4cc's. She also said if I want to see her closer to the wedding she will take a little bit more out for me if I'd like for our honeymoon :o) It feels so great to not have to stress about pb'ing on our wedding night lol.

I also asked her about the throat/esophageal cancer concern from PB'ing and Acid Reflux. She said that there has been no link between the band and cancer, but generally severe acid reflux has been known to result in esophageal cancer. This made me feel a lot better, because although I've been super tight and spitting up a lot I hardly ever have acid reflux. whew!

I hope everyone is bearing the weather and staying warm and safe. xxoo

alright you conviced me...

2011-01-10T15:59:00.002-05:00

With all this talk about being to tight, acid reflux, throat cancer from pb'ing- I have made an appointment for a slight un-fill on Wednesday. I'm assuming with my wedding approaching quickly, I am going to be getting more and more stressed equalling more and more restriction. So small un-fill it is. I will keep you posted on how it goes.

Quick update on Ricky- He started his liquid diet on Friday and is down 11lbs as of today. Lucky little bastard. He is really struggling with mind over matter, and not physically eating anything, but I keep telling him it will get better each day!

XOXO

New Year's Resolution

2011-01-01T20:10:00.004-05:00

Back Story: While preparing for surgery, a lot of people would ask me what my goal was and I would respond: 'to fit into designer jeans' so for a congratulations gift my mom and dad got me a nordstroms gift card. Last Christmas I told other family member's I wanted a nordstrom gift card, because I was saving up to buy designer jeans once they fit.

Today: While playing online I was perusing nordstrom.com and saw that they had a pair of Joe's Jeans on sale 40% off. They are size 32 petite. I've never even tried on designer jeans, but I feel like having these will be a great motivator. They might fit, they might give me a muffin top, I might not even be able to get them over my knees, who knows. All I know is that I will soon have my first pair of designer jeans, and that I WILL fit into these this year! Here is a picture of them, wish me luck, I will post pictures and a review once I receive them in the mail!

Great grocery store find and NYE menu

2010-12-31T16:34:00.004-05:00

Rick and I are spending our first New Year's Eve since we've been together in tonight, no party's no fancy restaurants, no friends- just me and him and our comfy home. We decided to make a 'fancy' meal and relish in the snooki ball drop on MTV lol. I searched all morning for a recipe that called out to me. I was craving all sorts of things, not things that necessarily go together. So here is our menu for tonight with clicky links to the actual recipes:

Italian Wedding Soup
Flank Steak with Balsamic Reduction
Parmesan Risotto

Breakfast tomorrow is:

Bacon and Cheese Quiche

Not all is 'diet-friendly' but I'm sure with our substitutions, it will be much healthier then anything we would have eaten out at a restaurant. Also, for the flank steaks I found a great find at the grocery store without even looking! I found these perfectly portioned flank steaks that are exactly 100 calories, 3.5 gms of fat a piece!

I hope everyone has an amazing New Year's Eve and New Year's Day! Be safe, see you next year! xxoo

Yummy Din-Din and Advice Needed

2010-12-30T19:32:00.005-05:00

Hey Everyone, I thought I would go ahead and share an all time favorite recipe with everyone. Amy posted this recipe about a year ago, and it is probably my favorite meatloaf recipe ever! I make it about once a month and never get tired of it. I use a mini-loaf pan which makes 8 perfect 5oz servings. Here is a picture and the recipe:

Amy's Hot Meat:

1 pound ground turkey
1 medium chopped/diced onion
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup ketchup
1 cup mexican blend shredded cheese
1/2 cup feta cheese
1/4 cup honey mustard dressing
1 egg
Black pepper

Bake @ 350, until thermometer reaches 160 degrees. It took 35 minutes with my mini-loaf pan.
______________________________________________________________

Also a good meatloaf recipe is one Nicole shared with me last year, VERY good and moist! Here it is:

1 1/2 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 egg
3 slices bread, finely chopped (1 1/2 cups, lightly packed)
1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
1/2 cup ketchup, chili sauce or barbecue sauce

*Substitutions*
I used ground turkey and used 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce it made it really moist! cooked it for just about 60 minutes, Also didn't do bread did bread crumbs.

1.Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except ketchup. Spread mixture in ungreased 9x5-inch loaf pan, or shape into 9x5-inch loaf in ungreased 13x9-inch pan. Spread ketchup over top.
2.Insert meat thermometer so tip is in center of loaf. Bake uncovered 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes or until thermometer reads at least 160°F. Drain meat loaf.
3.Let stand 5 minutes; remove from pan.

__________________________________________________________
Now for the advice I need. As Rick's surgery is quickly approaching, I am trying to think back to some post-op liquid/mushy recipes that I enjoyed. Does anyone have any favorites they wouldn't mind sharing? You can post them as a comment or email them to me at knwitham@gmail.com. I remember one of my favorites being a ricotta cheese bake, which consisted of:

1/4 C Ricotta cheese
1/4 C Fat free cottage cheese
1 ounce mozzarella cheese
dash salt/pepper and parm cheese
1/2 C Marinara

Mix all ingredients in your magic bullet or other blender devise. Pour into personal size casserole dish; heat in oven at 400 for 15 minutes or microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds.

Thanks so much!!! xxoo

80lbs down, FINALLY!

2010-12-28T11:24:00.006-05:00

Praise the lord! I finally hit 80lbs down today, I have been waiting for this for a long time. It took me forever to move through the 70's! Only 33 more lbs to goal!! Want to hear something screwy? I am still freakin 'OBESE'! Can you believe it?!? I am in the 160's and still considered obese! I need to lose exactly another 10lbs more pounds to be considered 'overweight'. Have I mentioned how much I hate the BMI scale?

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this or not yet, but Rick got his surgery date! He is officially being banded on January 21st. We went for a bunch of pre-op appointments yesterday, it was like dejavu! He had a ton of blood work, an EKG, met with the anesthesiologist, and then met with the nurse practitioner. He was supposed to be down 20lbs for this appointment, but ended up weighing in +7lbs! Uh-Oh! Our nurse was not happy to say the least. She even threatened to postpone his surgery. She prescribed him 2 weeks of HMR shakes and instructed him to follow it to a T, and said that 3 weeks of it wouldn't hurt him. So January 7th, liquids it is. This should help me out as well, since Rick is the chef in our household, I won't be cooking to much.

I hope everyone has wonderful Christmas, I sure did! Rick got me a pandora bracelet with a bunny charm, a cupcake, and an engagement charm. From friends a family I got a snowman, a butterfly, the letter 'K' and the breast cancer charms. I love them all! I am thinking of making this a reward type thing for me, for every 10lbs I continue to lose, I buy a new charm. That would be a nice incentive!

Happy New Year's to everyone, I hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year's!! xxoo

Holiday Challenge Week 7- Final week Results and Winners!

2010-12-20T20:50:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone- The results are in! We have 3 winners for the Holiday Challenge. Let's all congratulate:

1st place: Heather- Heather lost an amazing 15.8lbs and a total of 10% of her body weight! Amazing job girl! Heather has a had a rough couple of weeks with the loss of her brother and is really shining through. I can't think of anyone who deserves this more then her. Congratulations!!!

2nd place: Grace- Grace lost 25 lbs bringing her to a total of 9.5%. I will admit Grace had a few rough weeks where I was worried about her, but she busted through and got herself back on track! This girl showed true endurance, and didn't let 1 bad week on the scale ruin things for her. She was the biggest loser for multiple weeks and is well on her way now.

3rd Place: Nikki B- Nikki lost 19.9lbs and 9% of her body weight. She was only banded a few months ago in September, and is already putting up huge numbers! There's no bandster hell for this girl, and if there is she's not showing it!

Congrats to everyone, this was a super successful challenge! As a group we lost a total of 393.3lbs with an ending total of 49 participants this averages 8lbs per participant! Awesome!

Goodbye obesity hello Success!

Last weigh in TOMORROW

2010-12-18T20:06:00.001-05:00

Hey Challengers,

Just wanted to send a reminder out that all weights are due tomorrow along with a picture of the scale. E-mail me the picture to knwitham@gmail.com

The sooner you get your weights in, the sooner I can announce the winners!

Thanks loves, xxoo

Angie Update

2010-12-15T12:34:00.003-05:00

Hey Everyone- Just wanted to fill everyone in. I just spoke with Angie, and her tummy tuck is complete! She is on her way home now, and said the pain is dull, nothing terrible.

I will fill you in if I hear anymore, I'm just relieved everything went well! xxoo

Challenge Week 6 Results

2010-12-14T13:13:00.003-05:00

Here it is ladies, week 6's results.

Guess who came in first place AGAIN this week? Yup- GRACE! She lost 8lbs and 3.2% this week! Way to grace, you are popping up biggest loser #'s week after week!

As a group we lost 126.5lbs bringing us to a grand total of 350.7lbs! Fantastic week!

Don't forget next week is the last week, so I will need you to send me a picture of the scale! E-mail it to knwitham@gmail.com. The sooner you send it, the sooner I can announce the winners.

xxoo

Challenge Week 6 Check In-Warning food porn!

2010-12-12T17:33:00.009-05:00

Whoops! I had a semi-bad week. As I mentioned I went to Washington DC to visit Rick's sister Lorri. We had so much fun, and I know if it wasn't for DC being such a great walking city, the scale would have been much much worse. Things we did were visit:

National Gallery of Art
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History,
Went to a comedy show @ the DC Improv
Went to see the Christmas Tree @ the White House,

Walked around Georgetown,went to DC cupcakes and even got to see them shooting Season 2!!! Here are a few pictures of the shop..

I bought 6 cupcakes: 2 peanut butter chip with chocolate frosting, 2 Rudolph red velvet, 1 vanilla coconut, 1 vanilla birthday cake with chocolate frosting. Don't worry I didn't eat them all! I have had 3 of the 6 over the course of the past 3 days, not too bad!

I also indulged in some other yummy food fare, here are some pictures of that:

This is me channeling my inner southern belle- Fried Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, Waffles, and Green beans... SERIOUSLY??? What good bandster would order this? SOOOO good though! I ate one piece of the chicken, a little mac and cheese, a few green beans, and didn't even attempt the waffles. Oh yeah and it came with white gravy too!
This is my oval burger lol. It was a hamburger with bacon and bleu cheese (didn't eat the bun) Soooo good!

Hope everyone else had a wonderful week. Challengers: make sure and send me your weights, only 1 week left!!!

Challenge Week 5 Results

2010-12-07T11:20:00.005-05:00

Here you go ladies- Only 2 weigh-in's left! Can you believe it?!?

This week's 'biggest loser' lost 3.8% Holy Moly! She has been a biggest loser one other time this challenge, and has set some great goals for herself. Can you guess who it is?? Click HERE to find out! Way to go!

I am super excited to report that we lost a total of 74.3lbs this week!! Bringing us to a grand total of 298.5lbs lost! If you remember my post from last week, I made a goal for us to lose 60lbs this week- well we hit it and soared beyond it! Congrats!!!

Keep it up! xxoo

Challenge: Week 5 Check in

2010-12-05T20:09:00.002-05:00

Hey Friends- Here is my week5 weigh in for the challenge. I am down 2lbs this week, WAHOO! I see a new decade arriving next week (finger's crossed) I am going to Washington DC this Wednesday through Saturday for a mini getaway though, so it might be tough! Not sure I told you all or not, but back in October JetBlue was running a sale for flights from Boston to DC for $7 each way! Seriously, how could I turn that down?? Rick's sister lives right outside DC so I am going to go for a few days to have some nice girl time! I can't wait!!!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic week and recovering from Thanksgiving! I look forward to getting everyone's weights! Love ya!

Week 4 Challene Results

2010-11-29T21:59:00.002-05:00

Congrats Susan at Stop Spending All Our Precious Time. Susan lost 2.4% this week! WOOOO! Way to go girl, losing this amount and during Thanksgiving? This is fantastic!!!

This week we lost 29.7lb total as a group, bringing us to a toal group loss of 232.4lbs! This isn't to bad considering it was Thanksgiving week, but I think as a goal for next week we should aim to double this number. Let's set a goal for 60lb loss next week, that is just a little over 1lb/per person- we got this!

And because we are in week 4 of 7 I thought I would share the Top 6 Challengers and their %, congrats ladies!

1) Kellie- Something About Kellie with a 6.3% total loss
2) Stephanie- Dreams of Skinny High Heels with a 5.4% total loss
3) Angela- Repair and Renovation with a 4.6% total loss
4) Susan- Stop Spending our Precious with a 4.5% total loss
5) Gilly- Something something something fat chick with a 4.2% total loss
6) Breanne- Lady Lap Band with a 4.1% total loss!

You go girls- start thinking about where you want those gift cards to!

My week 4 weigh in and BIG news!

2010-11-29T13:52:00.002-05:00

Down 1lb. I'll take it during thanksgiving, but I must say I am still a tad disappointed. On Wednesday I had hit a new decade, I saw 169.8 on my scale and I was so happy, but that was quick-lived. It will come back soon, I know it will!

Thank you everyone for all of your sweet messages on my engagement pictures. I really am pleased with how they came out, and I love comparing them to past pictures.

I have BIG news! So remember how my fiance Rick decided he wanted to have WLS? Well Friday he got the call with his SURGERY DATE! He is going to be getting BANDED on January 21st! By the same surgeon as me and everything. I am so freakin excited for him. He finished his 4 week nutrition classes tonight, and is done with all of his pre-op testing until his final lab work and EKG 2 weeks before surgery! Wahooo!

We lost Internet at our house last night, so I am still working on this weeks graph, I will post it later tonight! xxoo

Some of our favorites!

2010-11-24T18:42:00.009-05:00

Hope you like them, we were very pleased with how they came out! Our photographer did a great job capturing our personalities, and I can't wait to see the wedding pics!

P.S THE DRESS FIT!!!

Holiday Challenge Week 3 Results

2010-11-22T20:50:00.005-05:00

*Click picture to make big*

Here it is challengers-No one guessed the winner this week, although I didn't give you much time!

Let's all congratulate Kellie from Something about Kellie for losing a whopping 4% this week!! Awesome job chicka!

As a group we lost 70.5lbs, it wasn't one of the best weeks overall but in Biggest Loser trend the 3rd week is always one of the worst! Let's kick it up this week and try to break through for a 100lb next week! I know we can do it! We are at a total loss of 203.4lbs! WAHHOOO!

Week 3 Challenge

2010-11-22T18:34:00.003-05:00

Hey Ladies-

I wanted to let everyone know I am working on the week 3 chart for the holiday challenge, but thought we could play the guessing game in the mean time!

This week's winner lost an amazing 4%, lets see if you know who it is:

She's from Australia
She has 2 Children
She was just banded THIS MONTH!
Her band is name Portia

Any Guesses?? Stayed tuned for the answer!

Fill Update: I went for it!! When I told my nurse practitioner all that I've been able to eat her mouth dropped! She said enough of these baby .1 fills and gave me a big girl fill of .5! EEEEK! I'm nervous, but hopefully it gives me the kick I need. She was also a little nervous as to why I had sudden overnight looseness so she ordered a barium swallow for 12/27 just to make sure everything is OK!

Wedding Update: I have some exciting news- my wedding dress is in!!! I ordered it over 5 months ago, so the fact that it is finally here is super exciting! I ordered it a size smaller then what I was measured for in June, and tomorrow is the day to see if it fits! I have 6 more months to make that baby fit! Everyone cross your fingers for me!

Also, this Saturday my mom is coming to visit and we're going to do my cake tasting AND visiting a florist!! I'm so excited that everything is coming together! Let's hope I am loose enough to eat some cake, I think i have a valid excuse!

We got our engagement pictures on Friday. I posted all 250 to facebook, so if we're friends I'm sure you saw them! I will post the contenders for our Save the Dates, Newspaper announcement and Christmas Cards later this week!

Hope all is well! xxoo

Happy Sunday!

2010-11-21T15:51:00.005-05:00

Well looky who lost all her bloated lbs from last week! WAHOOOO! I'm now only .2lb heavier then when I started the challenge. My (.) is due for a visit this week so I'm sure that should help get these pesky lbs off.

I'm having a little dilemma- I have been super loose lately and have a fill scheduled for tomorrow, but with my (.) coming I am really tight right now. Should I just go ahead and get the fill since I've been so loosey goosey lately or wait till my appointment on the 12/27 and get it then?

Thank god for that starbux gift card as I've been living on skinny vanilla lattes lately. So yum!

Alrighty, I think I'm going to make some of Eggface's Cheesy Bites. If you haven't made these before I highly recommend them, they are super easy and delish!

Challengers: don't forget to send me your weights!!! xxoo

O.M.G SPEECHLESS!

2010-11-16T21:37:00.003-05:00

Me Speechless? Doesn't happen....well EVER!

I just received a package in the mail...and who is it from?? MY CHALLENGERS!

Are you guys serious?!? This is one of the most thoughtful things that has ever been done for me! And to think, its all for doing something I LOVE!

I love organizing these challenges, and seeing how well everyone does every time.
I love the drama that these challenges bring
I love stalking all your hot asses for weights when you forget
I love every minute of this!

And to be honest, I couldn't do any of this without you guys! Seriously! You guys catch any mistakes that I make so that this can be an honest and fair competition. You guys give me helpful hints and advice on how things can run more smoothly. And I can't forget Joey- I let her hack into my blog and make it 'challenge friendly' Like for realz how much easier is it now that we have a challenge tab?? I know it's so much easier for me, and it couldn't have been done without Joey!

I love you all so much, and I appreciate that you all did this for me. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! Now get all your sexy bums to Boston- Starbucks is on me!!

Holiday Challenge Week 2 Results EDITED

2010-11-15T20:18:00.004-05:00

WOW* You guys are good- Everyone guesses the week 2 winner correctly! YAY- Go Grace, You rock babe! For anyone who didn't see my previous post- Grace lost 17lbs this week equalling a 6.4% loss. INSANE!

Here are a few facts about the challenge:

We have 51 total participants
Our total starting weight as a group was 11,497.2lbs
Our weight loss this week was 132.9lbs bringing the group to 11364.3lbs
This is an average loss of 2.6lbs per person!

Looking good everyone- keep up the awesome work!

**With this being the first chart of the challenge, please let me know if something looks off to you, or if you would like me to change something!**

Stay Tuned!

2010-11-15T17:37:00.003-05:00

Hey Peeps-

Wanted to give everyone a heads up I am working on this week's challenge graph- I thought I'd through out a fun little game first though while I got it ready...

Want a sneak peak into this week's winner? Yes you say?

Alright here are your clues:
*She lost freakin 17lbs this week! (who knew this was even possible?)
*She's lost a total of 90lbs since being banded
*She had an accident 'making dessert' this week

Any guesses? Stay tuned for this week's magical bandster!

xxoo

Ruh-Roh

2010-11-14T17:12:00.004-05:00

Challengers- I hope your scale doesn't do to you what mine did to me!

YUP- for those of you who are keeping track, thats a 3lb GAIN this week! Not the right direction, and nope its not my time of the month either!

Let's see, could I blame it on the foot long quarter lb chili cheese hot dog I got at Sonic on Tuesday night? Or the 4 pieces of challah bread and 3 potato latkes with sour cream I ate Friday night? How about the 5 buffalo chicken tenders with bleu chesse I ate last night? As you can see I deserve this gain- and it's the kick in the ass I needed! I ordered 2 canisters of Click protein powder on amazon the other night and will be sticking to those for breakfast this week. Let's hope it helps!

Still missing quite a few weights- don't forget to send them in! xxoo

Happy Challenge Start Day!

2010-11-07T12:31:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone- Happy challenge start day!

I've started to get everyone's forms and weights- thank you so much everything looks great!

For the record- Here is a picture of me on my scale :o)

Hope everyone has a terrific day! xxoo

2010-11-05T14:00:00.002-04:00

Hey Peeps-

Please be aware TODAY is the last day to sign up for the holiday challenge and to pay on Paypal. There are a few of you who haven't paid yet. Check my post of everyone who has signed up and paid- anyone still in black needs to pay.

Pictures of the scale and the weight form are due THIS Sunday!

Also- We will be doing prizes for the top 3 winners- it won by a landside! As of right now with 52 participants that is $260 so the prizes will be awarded in gift certificates in the following amounts:

1st- $150
2nd- $75
3rd- $35

XOXO

Ummm- Confession?

2010-11-02T16:35:00.002-04:00

This is my waste basket @ work right now- I must confess I think I just 'binged' I counted the wrappers and looked up the calories and it equaled 1,050...GREAT!

Let's be happy Halloween is now over, and Easter is a way's away!

Challenge Update

2010-10-30T16:23:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone, I wanted to do a quick post to update everyone who is interested in the holiday challenge on a few things.

1) The paypal button is up and working- it on the sidebar of my blog and says "pay now" If you could please make sure and do that by this Friday the 5th- that would be super helpful! Also, when paying can you please make a note on the payment with your blogname so that I know who is who.

2) The amazing Joey- has helped me to simplify the weekly weigh in process. She has made a tab and an icon for everyone to use when sending their weekly weights. The tab can be found right under my header it says "holiday challenge" the icon can be found on the sidebar of my blog and says "Holiday challenge: enter your weight here" You can use either one-if you want to click on it and familiarize yourself with the new process that could be helpful. Basically it is just a form you fill out with your name, weight, blog name etc. and the form gets automatically emailed to me. You will still need to take a picture of the scale the first and last week of the challenge and manually email me that, but for all the other weeks this form should be use. It's going to be very helpful it helping me identify everyone and make sure and log everyone's weights under the correct name. I know this will take some getting used to, but I know in the long run its going to be awesome. Thank you so much Joey for helping me to streamline this whole process!

3) As some of you noticed we have a new rule this challenge- We had an issue with people emailing me their weights in the past so this time around please let me know ahead of time if you will be on vacation or away and not have access to a scale/email. If I am not told you will be away, you have a 1 week by, after that you will be taken out of the challenge. I will HATE to have to do this, but it is necessary.

4) We have 40 participants so far which equals $200. Does everyone want to do a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prize again, or keep it to 1 grand prize? Let me know- majority rules!

Hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween! I will make sure and do a picture post with my costume last this week! xxoo

Holiday Challenge Icon

2010-10-28T15:38:00.001-04:00

Here it is ladies- Wear it proudly and represent!! Thanks so much Joey, xxoo

Holiday Challenge Participants (working list)

2010-10-28T10:50:00.066-04:00

Hey Pretty Ladies!

Here is a working list of everyone who I have heard from that is interested in participating I will post a paypal link soon. Everyone who expressed interest will be in black- once I receive $5 from you I will change your name to red, so we can keep track! XOXO

1) Kristen (me)- I'm with the band
2) Angela S (AZ)- A Better Me
3) Laura J (WY)- non-blogger
4) Jen S (AZ)- What you lookin at skinny
5) Mary S (AL)- The perfect place
6) Steph- Electric LadyBand
7) Tori (CO)- The Winding Road to Parenthood
8) Carmen (CT)- I'm with the band....
9) Susan (MO)- Stop Spending our Precious Time
10) Gilly- (Canada)- Something something something fat chick
11) Jess P(CA)- The Little Bandit
12) Heather (IL)- Am I actually doing this? Heather's banded journey
13) Paige- Once upon a Band
14) Joey(CA)- Volume Control
15) Donut Butt- Does this donut make my butt look big?
16) Annie(NY)- Band-Aid Baby!
17) Camille(TX)- living large in C.C.
18) Bonnie(PA)- Banded and Proud of It!
19) Sam(Australia)- Banded for me
20) Read(MD)- My Trek Downward
21) Kellie(Australia)- Something About Kellie ...
22) Angela V(TX)- Repair and Renovation
23) Perry(CA)- Pie in Progress
24) Jenny W(NY)- Life's Little Journey
25) Maria(MI)-Last Train out of Fat Land
26) Nicole(NH)- Better Banded
27) Bianca J(Canada)- Breaking Free From My Self-Imposed Exile
28) Kristen R(AL)- *Kristen's Lapband Journey*
29) Mary H(UT)- Being a Winner by Being a Loser
30) Liz(NY) -Tales from the Band
31) Andy- Changing my life
32) Nikki B (TN)- girl,banded
33) Kiki (MA)- Livin' Large No More
34) Breanne P (MA)- Lady Lap Band
35) Lyla- Big Fat Professor
36) Amaris (CA)- Distracted by Diets
37) *~D~* (KS)- A Fat Chick Gets Skinny
38) Meghan (NY)- Bandedtolose
39) Nikki P (Austrailia)- I'm Finally Losing It!
40) Janet (GA)- That's how I roll...
41) Stephanie J (FL)- Dreams of Skinny High Heels
42) Kristin Z (CT)- Catchy title here
43) Ms. M- Fatscapades of a Redheaded Chick
44) Melissa W- Does this band make my butt look small?
45) Linda H (MD)- Lindas Bandwidth
46) Amy M 'Amester' (NY)- A "Bandee" on the Run
47) Rachel- Rachelthinwithin1
48) Grace (MI)- Grace's Fat Chance
49) Cindy E (CA)- Changing ME! For the Better!
50) Jen W (CA)- Band Geek
51) Joia J (CA)- Tales from the Band...
52) Colleen V (NY)- This Time I Mean It

Guess what time it is- CHALLENGE TIME!

2010-10-28T10:35:00.003-04:00

Alright Ladies- It seems we are all desperately in need of a challenge! Here is my proposal- We do a Holiday themed challenge starting Sunday, November 7th and run through Sunday, December 19th making a total of 7 weigh-in weeks. Let me know if anyone has a problem with these dates-but I think it should work out well and give people enough time to sign up and get the word out. Does everyone want to do $5 to paypal again?

For anyone who is new to challenges here are the rules:

Challenge rules:
1. Challenge starts SUNDAY November 7th. and ends SUNDAY December 19th.
2. Weigh in days are SUNDAYS, please make sure to email me (knwitham@gmail.com) your weeks weight by 8 pm SUNDAY night so that I can post your numbers for the week.
3. Please include a picture of you on the scale, on the FIRST and LAST week of the weigh in's.
4. The challenge prize will go to the biggest loser meaning the person who loses the most % of weight from challenge week # 1
5. We had an issue with people emailing me their weights in the past- Please let me know ahead of time if you will be on vacation or away and not have access to a scale/email. If I am not told you will be away, you have a 1 week by, after that you will be taken out of the challenge.

*Joey- would you like to make us a Holiday themed challenge image?*

**Please just comment on this post if you would like me to add you to the participant list- I will keep a running list of everyone who I hear from**

***I will post a paypal link as soon as I get a confirmation that we want to do that again***

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or suggestions! You can always post a comment on here, or e-mail me @ knwitham@gmail.com

sometimes.....

2010-10-20T20:46:00.006-04:00

***click to make bigger :o)

when the scale doesn't move- your measurments do!!

what a week- phewwww

2010-10-16T20:14:00.005-04:00

Hey Ladies- Sorry I have been MIA for what seems like forever! My life has been pretty hectic lately, but seems to be calming down. I must say thought these hectic past few weeks have put a toll on the scale- I am holding steady around 174 lately.

Lets see where to start?!? About a month ago Rick's mom was diagnosed with having 2 brain aneurysms- both were not huge per say but big enough that they needed to be operated on. She had one on each temple, and they could only be operated one at a time. Almost 2 weeks ago she had the first one operated on, and it went pretty smoothly. She is home safe now, but lives alone so we have all been taking turns making sure shes OK. She cannot drive or lift anything over 5 lbs for 6 weeks, so you can imagine it's pretty tough for her. We are just very thankful these were caught before bursting and that she is healing so well. As for the 2nd aneurysm they can operate as soon as 6 weeks or she can wait 6 months its up to her- we're all hoping for the 6 weeks though just to be safe!

Last Monday on Columbus day my friend Janelle and I did the Tufts 10k in Boston. My goal was to finish within 1hr and 50 minutes which was my previous 10K time, well who knew Janelle was going to push me so hard that we ended up finishing in 1hr and 30 minutes! And guess what?? I actually RAN a little! wahoooo! Here is the 2 of us pre-race:

It was a ton of fun, and I can't wait to continue with more races and keep trying to better my time. The best part of the race- my HRM said I burnt 1249 calories- WHEW! Here is a link to some more pictures that event photographers took during the race http://www.brightroom.com/go.asp?83986502

Hmm what else is new? Rick had his sleep study last week- it went OK. The sleep tech. said he stopped breathing a few times but never for any length of time. The dr. should be in touch with him soon to discuss the results and what they should do moving forward.

I got my blood lab results back this week- my cholesterol was a little high @ 212 (it shouldn't be over 200), I think its all the cheese and ice cream I eat. I need to work on this! I feel like its a catch-22 sort of, I mean protein is such an important part of WLS patients, but so much of proteins are high in cholesterol, so what do we do?? My copper was also pretty high, what the hell does this mean?? Camille- any idea? lol Other then that everything was normal, so that's good!

Something non-weight related that got me super excited this week was JetBlue was having a $7 fare sale for flights from Boston to DC. Ricks sister lives in DC, and the fare was good on Tues,Wed and Saturday's until December 15th. I was able to book a flight from wed-sat for $35 including taxes! I can't wait! I am going December 8th, such an exciting find!

I think that is about all that's new in my life- I'm thinking it's time to start another challenge if there is any interest. What does everyone think? I know I need some scale inspiration!

aww shucks :o)

2010-10-07T10:03:00.004-04:00

Let me pre-face this story for you- In my office I work for 3 different companies, only 1 of my bosses knows about my band.

Yesterday I took a personal day and I guess one of the bosses who doesn't know about the band approached my other boss that does know to ask if I was OK. He said he noticed I've been losing a lot of weight, and had always thought I was a beautiful girl and didn't need to change a thing. He wanted to make sure I was doing OK health wise and losing weight on purpose not because I was sick.

OMG how freaking cute is that?!?! The boss who knows just told him that I've been working very hard, and that yes I've lost a lot of weight, but it is on purpose. haha. He then asked her if she thought it would be OK if he complimented me on how nice I look, she said of course! I haven't seen him yet, but I can't wait till I do!

I wanted to thank all of you for all of the awesome comments on my 'bombshell' picture. I'm trying really hard not to let all these compliments go to my head, but it's difficult lol. I just feel like I'm at a really good place right now. That seems to be the trend around the blogosphere- A lot of us are getting into 12-14's and into the 170's and feeling comfortable. I know I still have a bunch more to lose, but it just feels great to be considered 'average' size!

Hope everyone is having a fantastic week! XOXOXOXO

Bombshell Revealed!

2010-10-04T20:07:00.002-04:00

Hope your not disappointed!

BOMBSHELL!

2010-10-04T13:16:00.004-04:00

That's what I look like today- an absolute BOMBSHELL! Not to toot my own horn, but I think I look pretty damn fine today! Let me set the scene for everyone- I am wearing a new v-neck sweater from Express (size L) in a magenta/purplish color, Dark skinny jeans from Old Navy (size 12), and my brand new KNEE HIGH BOOTS! I would love to share a pic, but I'm in the office alone today, maybe later tonight Ricky can take one for me! I cannot put into words how I felt shopping this weekend. I bought my FIRST ever pair of knee high boots, even the wide calf ones never fit me! The feeling when these boots zipped up in the store for the first time is in-describable. It may seem silly, but this is by far my best NSV to date.

My mom was in town visiting this weekend, and wanted to treat me for all my hard work lately. We shopped all day Friday and Saturday and I got some awesome new (smaller) clothes! Work clothes have been the hardest for me to keep up with- I hate coming to work with saggy butt pants. We went to New York & Company, my favorite work clothes store and bought 2 new pairs of pants in a petite size 12!!! AHHHH! I am officially a size 12/14- 16's are now to saggy! WAHOOO! It is true what they say, once you are down into smaller sizes it only takes a few lbs to drop a pant size. As for tops I went to Ann Taylor Loft and got size large sweaters, at Old Navy I was a medium and at Kohls I bought a sweater in a SMALL! WTF! Now trust me- this sweater ran HUGE, but still...me in a size SMALL, OMG! Shopping trip=Success!

On Friday I also had my yearly lab work done for my band, they took about 25 tubes of blood it felt like-yuck! I'm super excited to get the results though and compare them to my 6 month lab work. I will post the results once I get them.

In eating news- I had my first fried oreo on Saturday night! The fair was in town, and I've heard a few bloggers talk about them, so I just had to try one for myself. ORGASMIC! It came with 5, and I ate 2 1/2, but I could have eaten all 5 probably if I let myself lol.

In wedding news- Rick and I booked our honeymoon last week!! Can anyone guess what we're doing?? A CRUISE! hahahaha. I told you I was addicted! This is a 9 night Eastern Caribbean cruise out of New Jersey (so we won't have to fly!) It is going to Bermuda, St.Thomas, St.Martin and Puerto Rico. Rick and I haven't been to any of these islands yet so we're super pumped! We will be cruising on the Royal Caribbean- Explorer of the Seas.

As for an update on where Rick and where him and surgery stand- he has a few big appointments next Monday. He will be going for a barium swallow, to meet his surgeon and decide on a surgery, and also for a sleep study! BIG DAY! I think he's excited to see what comes, I know I am!

Speaking of next Monday the 11th, I don't think I've mentioned this but I'm doing the Tufts 10K run in Boston with a good friend of mine. It is going to be my first "real" race with a timing bib and all. I don't plan on running much, but I will try my best! My goal is to beat my 10k time in June of 1 hour and 49 minutes. My friend that I am doing it with is in amazing shape, so I know she'll give me the push I need.

I think that's about all for bullet point Monday. Thank you everyone for all your responses to the BOOBS cruise, I look forward to looking at all the possibilities !

BOOBS Cruise?

2010-09-27T15:44:00.003-04:00

LOL that sounds like Booze cruise doesn't it?!?

With my new found obsession for cruising, I mentioned a BOOBS cruise for the next get together, and I saw a few people say they were interested.

Well just because I am so sad that I couldn't come this time, and how much I have loved looking at everyone's pictures- I started researching cruises.

Your not going to believe this! I went to the carnival cruise line site and they have 3 day cruises that go from Florida to the Bahamas that are only $179/person! OMG can you imagine how much fun we could have?!

I am all for being on the planning committee (whether we choose to cruise or not) I do have to forewarn though- I am in the process of planning our wedding in May- so as the time gets closer I will need lots of help! Now let's hear everyone opinions! I know you just got back- but I'm sure your just as eager for a reunion as I am!

XOXO

Back to life- Back to reality

2010-09-21T13:42:00.003-04:00

Hey Everyone! I am finally back from my amazing cruise!!! We got back late Sunday night, and I am still getting adjusted to not being on vacation. I think I may become a cruising addict- I seriously loved it, every minute of it! It's such a great way to vacation- you get to see so many different areas in one trip, its perfect!! We went to Grand Caymen, Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan Honduras. My favorite by far was the Honduras. It was so beautiful there and the locals were so friendly. They truly appreciate all that tourism has brought to their country and treat travelers with respect. Also, in the Honduras I went ziplining for the first time! It was SOOOO cool! At first I was very brave and cocky and volunteered to go first- once I got to the platform though I lost all of the braveness that I had. I started to shake like a leaf and had the hardest time getting myself to let go and just jump. Something about still have that fat complex, and a tiny harness and wire not being able to support me. I did it though and I flew through the air like a monkey. It was spectacular, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to try it. One of the best parts about ziplining was Ricky was able to do it also! Initially we thought the weight limit was 275lbs so he had planned on going fishing with his father, once we got there though they told us it could support up to 500lbs! I was so happy he was able to join us, and that his weight didn't prohibit him from doing something he wanted to do. We all know how it feels when our weight comes in the way of doing something we want to do- not good at all!

Eating wise-not too shabby! I am pleased with how my band reacted. The first half of the trip I was pretty loose and able to eat pretty much anything. I had protein bars for breakfast, usually a taco for lunch, and for dinner I indulged! Since my palette isn't very large, I stuck to the classics most evenings. I started with french onion soup (the cheese is protein enough right? lol) then I followed this with caprese salad (again more cheese) for dinner I stuck with the chicken and steak dishes, and every night I concluded dinner with dessert (and finished all of it, most times!) Let me tell you- I was not deprived on this trip! Towards the second half of the week though my band started to tell me to slow down! Lunches became harder to keep down, and dinner started to end with a PB. Nothing I couldn't handle though, I was out of my routine and eating differently it was to be expected. I didn't not go to the gym while on the ship, although we did do plenty of walking! Rick and I ended up getting a drink package making all drinks under $8 free! By the end of the trip our room invoice said we had gotten over 100 drinks! OOOPS! Needless to say, we enjoyed ourselves!

The scale fairy was definitely on my side for this vacation- I left last Friday weighing 173 and came home to weighing 174.5 and today I was back to 173.2 so mostly sodium I'm guessing. I don't know how I managed it, but however I did it I am ecstatic!

So for anyone who has considered cruising I definitely recommend it! Maybe next year we do a short Florida-Bahamas BOOB cruise? Now that could be dangerous!

I will finish this with a few pictures from the vacation- you can friend my on facebook if we aren't already friends to see more if you'd like!

I'm glad to be back, and I am loving reading all of these BOOB posts about everyones anxiety. I know I would be one of the top posters on this topic if I was going so its fun to read. I hope everyone has a fantastic and safe trip. I can't wait to see pictures and to be able to join next year! While you are gone I will be in my friends wedding and will make sure to have a drink in honor of everyone! XXOO

Check out my new shizit!

2010-09-09T22:31:00.002-04:00

Do you notice anything different? Do you?

Give up?

Jenny made me an amazing header!!! I am in *love* with it! I think she has a future in header making!

Thank you girly, this is just what I needed to jazz up my layout! xxoo

Thousand word Thursday- Week 2

2010-09-09T12:19:00.005-04:00

It's time once again for Thousand word Thursday- The topic this week is:

A decoration in your home that is very meaningful to you - a family heirloom, a gift from your BFF, etc.

For me this was easy, it was the first thing that came to mind...I'm not sure if it fits the description exactly, but to me it the most meaningful object in my home (besides Ricky that is) haha.

So without further adieu let me introduce you to the first boy I ever slept with.....

Bloggers- Let me introduce you to foofy. Foofy is a stuffed bunny (if you can't tell) that I have had since the day I was born. When I first got him he was white and furry, now after 25 years of love he is grayish and bare. He is my own personal velveteen rabbit! I sleep with him every night- and every night Ricky threatens to throw him away lol. I think hes jealous! I used to tell him that once I got a ring, I would stop sleeping with Foofy- but that didn't work out so well (oops) Foofy is here to stay and not going anywhere anytime soon.

I hope you all enjoyed meeting the love of my life- I can't wait to see what everyone else shares! xxoo

Blogger Awards :o)

2010-09-07T17:33:00.004-04:00

1) Post who gave you this award:

Thank you Stephanie, Beth and Bre for this award!!!

2) State 10 things you like:

My Bunnies
Blogging
Wedding Planning
Arts and Crafts- especially stamping and embossing
Bike rides
Dunkin donuts
Traveling to sunny beach places
Hosting speed dating, and meeting fun and interesting people
Bubble Baths
Red Wine

3) Give this award to 10 other bloggers and notify them with a comment: (listed in alphabetical order)

only 2 more wake-ups this week and then VACATION

2010-09-07T11:30:00.003-04:00

Can you tell I'm excited?? This Saturday (on 9/11 eeek) I will be flying to Ft.Lauderdale Florida to gear up for my first cruise. I am going on the Celebrity Solstice from 9/12-9/19 with 16 of Rick's family members! Can you believe it?!? There will be 17 of us together on 1 ship...CRAZINESS! I am beyond excited/nervous not only because this is my first cruise, but also because of my band. I am hoping to dear god it behaves! Everyone in his family knows about it so that won't be a big deal, I just don't want to look bulimic! Here is a list of the places we are going:

Day 1 Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Day 2 At Sea
Day 3 George Town, Grand Cayman
Day 4 Cozumel, Mexico
Day 5 Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
Day 6 Roatan, Honduras
Day 7 At Sea
Day 8 Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Have any of you been to any of these places and have any must do's/ do-nots while there? I know that while we are in Honduras we have a planned excursion to go zip-lining- I am beyond excited for this! It will be the first time I am under the weight limit to do it, and can't wait!!!

I look forward to hearing any suggestions you all have whether it be for cruising in general or fun things to do while at these places.

Thousand Word Thursday

2010-09-01T10:26:00.007-04:00

Hey everyone! So Amy at Babbles of a Bandster came up with a fun new for all of us to get to know each other more (if that's even possible) Each Wednesday she is going to post about a subject, and the following Thursday you are to post a picture that relates to the subject. This weeks subject is: "

"Let's celebrate our own beauty and how wonderful we all look with a photo of your favorite feature on your own body"

This was pretty simple for me- I love my eyes! I honestly feel they are my best feature and the first thing people notice about me. I will admit when I was younger I always wished I had a fun eye color like blue, green or hazel instead I have what I often referred to as "cucka brown" eyes. They are so dark brown that they are almost black, they are mesmerizing! Here they are:

Guess who I just met???

2010-08-24T15:04:00.004-04:00

SURPRISE!!!

ALEXIS!

Ahhh I am still star struck I think! Meeting Alexis was beyond amazing! She was one of the first blogs I started to follow when I began mine and I've always admired her. She was even cooler in person then she is in her blogs- if you can imagine that. Most of you will get to experience this though in just a few weeks @ the BOOB reunion. Meeting her today, really helped me with not feeling so bad about not being able to attend. She is so beautiful and down to earth- it was just like catching up with an old friend. We met on Newbury St. at a thai restaurant and enjoyed some yummy dumplings and soup. DELISH! Of course the rain had to follow her from Seattle to Boston, so the weather wasn't ideal, but we made do and had a wonderful visit. I hope to be able to meet up with her again someday soon.

I haven't posted in a week or so- nothing else is really new. Last night Rick and I attended the mandatory surgical weight loss seminar at my clinic so he can get started on his own journey. He left feeling very confident and excited. He is scheduled for a half day appointment next week with the NP, dietitian and nutritionist to see if he qualifies and what pre-op testing they will require for him. This is all very exciting and happening really fast. I'm happy and scared for him- now I know how he felt when I was going through it all. Funny thing happened while at the seminar, the NP facilitating the seminar asked if anyone in the audience had, had bypass or lap-band and I jumped up and rose my hand. Everyone turned and looked at me, and I just waved. I let everyone there know that I just passed my year mark, and was down 75lbs and if they had any questions to feel free and ask me. It was such a proud moment for me :o)

My weight is at a standstill right now, holding steady around 176. I haven't really been to active lately so I understand why. I really just need to start focusing on getting to 158, so I can celebrate no longer being obese. That is my next goal and I'm ready to start moving towards it!

Hope everyone is doing well! xxoo

ONE Year bandiversery post

2010-08-14T18:23:00.003-04:00

*WOW* Can you guys believe its been a year?!? A few of you have followed me since the beginning of this journey, a lot of you from the middle, and some of you just recently. To everyone, THANK YOU! Without all of your support and helpful suggestions, there is no way I would where I am today.... which is down 72lbs, and down from a size 22 to a 14! I think I will follow trend and do this post in a bullet form of things I have overcame, and things that still need some work. So grab a drink and take a seat love bugs.

Achievements:

Since being banded I have gone from 248lbs to 176lbs which equals to be about 1.3lbs/week- I'll take it!

I am now 46bs from my goal (130lbs) 132lbs will put me into the 'normal' category on the BMI chart (I'm only 5ft 1)

I can now wear skirts/dresses comfortably without needing to wear spanx to prevent chub-rub! This was a big one for me- I ALWAYS got chub-rub and it was the most un-comfortable thing to deal with.

I can also now wear shorts- before banding I could never wear them because my legs were so much bigger then my waist so that whatever shorts fit my waist were skin tight on my thighs- not pretty!

After getting off the train in the morning I can comfortably walk up the stairs without feeling like I ran a marathon. Pre-banding I used to take the elevator with all the handicapped people.

I can now shop in just about any store I want, and don't have to worry if I will fit into their clothes. I range in pant sizes from 16-12 depending on whether their dress pants or jeans, and tops are all mostly larges.

I have completed my first 5k and 10k (walking) before banding there is no way I would have attempted these. I also have another 10k scheduled for October!

I can wrap a regular sized towel around my entire body and wrap it cute (and it stays!)

I tell anyone who asks about my band. I used to be shy and when people asked why I wasn't eating alot I would just say I had a tiny tummy and leave it at that. Now when people say wow! you've lost weight, how'd you do it? I proudly tell them I had lap-band surgery

In another 11 lbs my Dr told me I could safely become pregnant and carry a child! Although, we don't plan on having children for a few more years, it is an amazing feeling to know that my body will be healthy enough to carry a child soon.

Exercise- I do it, but I don't love it. I go through periods where I go to the gym 4 days a week, and then there are times I don't go at all. I know that exercising is the key to losing more quickly, but its still something I have to talk myself into doing.

I have made some amazing friends throughout this process. My lovely Breanne- I met her on lapband talk and we got banded at the same clinic months apart. She has been an amazing friend to get to know, and to discuss all my fears and achievements with. She is kind of like my little guinea pig, she goes through everything I have to do testing and fill wise , just a few months before me. Nicole- I met halfway through this journey through blogger. She lives less then an hour away, so it is easy for us to meet up. She has given me countless bags of clothes, and I love her dearly. Angie- Angie is my sister from another mother. We are so much alike its scary. Often times we find ourselves seldom talking about our bands, but our personal lives- and I love her for this. I can always count on her honesty. Colleen- Is my twin, she is one of the only people I can send my petite pants to and know they will fit her. She is so sweet and is always leaving me cute comments on facebook. There are many more fantastic friends I have made through blogging, but not enough time or space to write about you all. Just know that I love you all!

Support- I have amazing support. My fiance Rick has been with me every step of the way. He loved me at my biggest and still loves me now. He actually proposed to me the night before my pre-op diet began. We went out for a wonderful last meal, and he asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. He is an amazing guy, and has given me more support then I could have ever asked for. He goes to the gym with me (when I go) he even forces me to get out of bed in the morning when I can't get my butt to the gym. He doesn't judge me when I eat things I shouldn't, he has made healthy changes when he cooks me dinner, by substituting lesser fat ingredients. He truly is my best friend.

Now on to my do's and don't post-banding:

I cannot eat bread products or pasta. This was probably one of the hardest things for me to learn. I love carbs, and sometimes when I have cravings I still eat them, and end up getting sick- Shhh! It's a learning process!

I can still eat all meats (in moderation)-usually with no problem, but can't do re-heated meats.

I have learned that its OK not to be hungry. Before banding I used to eat on a schedule even if I wasn't hungry, now I listen to my body more and if I'm not hungry I don't eat.

I don't deprive myself- this is one of the biggest reasons for my success/non-success depending how you look at it. If I want an ice cream- I eat it, If I want M&M's-I eat them. I do try to limit these indulgences, but I think that by not depriving myself I don't binge as often.

I currently have 7.1CC's in my 10cc band and I have had 1 unfill. Currently- I am very well restricted, to some it might be considered to tight, but for me it helps me to not eat things I shouldn't.

I do not measure or count my calories...I eyeball them for the most part. I know that my band won't allow me to eat more then I should, so this hasn't been as issue.

I still weigh myself every day, sometimes more then once a day. It helps to keep me in line. I don't let small gains get the best of me, I usually know when to expect them.

I have become a pro at pb'ing in public. I pb a lot (not something I'm proud of) and it usually occurs at the worst times and places. I take public transportation to work, so if some morning I am tighter then others and can't keep my protein bar down- there are no bathrooms on train....ziplock baggy it is! I usually just start rubbing my tummy and act pregnant and no one says anything...tricks of the trade!

I was an amazing pre-op patient...I strictly stuck to the plan and did not deviate from my shakes, I was to scared too! My biggest fear was that I would wake up in recovery and be told that they couldn't band me because of my fatty liver.

I try new foods. This doesnt' mean I like them all (jenn and nicole can attest to this one...they witnessed me trying shrimp for the first time a spitting it up) but the fact that I'm trying is a good thing. Foods that I like now that I never did before are: oranges, spaghetti squash, chili, hummus, I think thats it lol.

I remember reading on Amy's blog how your poopies will never be the same and questioning this...it's true! Your poops will never be the same. I used to be a twice a day type of girl, now i'm lucky if its every other day. (sorry for the TMI)

Now would I do it all over again? YES! I truly believe that I would have never lost the weight I have, had I not had this surgery. Yes, it is a lot of hard work, and you don't get results overnight- but you get what you put into it. This band of mine is a blessing, and quite possibly could have saved my life. Yes going into this process I didn't have any obese-related conditions, but who knows how long it would have taken before I developed them.

So that's it...did you make it through it? I'm sure I left out a few things but those can go on to next year's list. Here is to an amazing year, amazing new friends, and for a lifetime of heath and happiness! xxoo

Oh Helloooo

2010-08-10T21:05:00.002-04:00

Hey Ladies! How is everyone doing??

I must say- it was strange not getting everyones weigh-ins on Sunday. I miss the challenge already and can't wait for the next to start. As for the winners I thought I would share where everyone chose to get gift cards to. Heather chose Kohls, Kelly chose Target, and Joey chose Amazon.com- All very exciting stuff. I can't wait to see what they get!

Guess who I get to meet in 2 weeks!!!!! ALEXIS! Can you believe it? I am so freakin excited. She won a trip out to Boston to see a Red Sox vs. Mariners game, and is staying at a hotel that is only a 10 minute walk from my work! I must say I am very blessed- although I can't make it to BOOBS I have been fortunate enough to meet many bloggers in person and love you all. I must say as BOOBS is getting closer in date, I find myself becoming more upset that I can't make it. Life's tough, grab a helmet right?

So guess what else is going on in my life??? The other night Rick and I were driving home from a BBQ, and he asked me what I thought about him getting WLS! I am so happy for him. I have to admit my prerogative going into being banded was for it to go really smooth and easy and he would see and want to do it for himself. Having been through this for almost a year now though, I don't feel banding is the right choice for him. I'm not sure how all of you feel, but I just feel banding is better suited for a women. I know some of you who have husbands and male family members who are banded, god bless them! I just can't imagine Rick dealing with pb'ing or going in for adjustments- he gets sick at the sight of his own puke for gods sake. So that leaves bypass and the sleeve as viable options for him, I think I would prefer him get the sleeve but I haven't found anyone around here who performs it. Bypass just seems so scary to me, I'm not sure why. I remember about 10 years ago, I had a teacher die during his bypass surgery, but he was a big big man and that was 10 years ago....I don't know what to think, I guess we can leave it up to the dr's, it's sure to be a long process before anything happens. I'm just glad that he came up with this decision on his own, and is looking to improve his health.

On another note- my one year bandiversery is this weekend on Saturday! I have to go to Cape Cod for work fri-sun and was worried about not being able to do my one year post, so I wrote it up last week and will try and post it while I'm there!

I have to give a shout-out to little Mary who is getting banded very soon. I am so excited and proud of her. Let's all wish Mary the best and for a quick and easy recovery!

Love you all! xxoo

The results are in......

2010-08-03T10:33:00.011-04:00

The winner's of the Hot Summer Meltdown Challenge are:

First Place: Heather- Am I actually doing this? With a total loss of 11.7% and 21.4lbs!

Second Place: Kelly-Kelly and the BANDit With a total loss of 11.6% and 32.2lbs!

Third Place: Joey- Volume Control With a total loss of 10.1% and 23.3lbs!

Way to go girls! Start thinking about where you would like your gift cards to, and I will email you soon for ideas!

As a Group:

We loss 549.7lbs!! We did it girls, we hit the 500lb loss mark and kicked its ass!

Thank you so much for all of your hard work girls, we did amazing! xxoo

Challenge Rant

2010-08-02T10:40:00.004-04:00

Challengers- Please note I have not received many of your weights and need them ASAP. Along with your weight, since this is the last week of the challenge I need a picture of the scale.

Also, I want to let everyone know that I will not be hosting another challenge immediately following this one. I need a little bit of a break, and August/September are looking pretty packed for me. I am willing to start back up in October for a possible Halloween/Thanksgiving Challenge if there is interest. If anyone would like to take the reigns until then, please let me know if you need any help.

Also, in the future if you do not plan on participating in a challenge fully I recommend not signing up. It makes it very difficult for the host to have to email people constantly for weights. There are some challengers that I did not once receive weights from unless I emailed them on Monday to remind them. I understand everyone forgets once in awhile or goes on vacation, that's no big deal- but for 9 weeks to not once e-mail me is a bit ridiculous. Sorry if this comes of as harsh or bitchy- I've just been very frustrated lately with having to email 15-20 people every week begging for weights.

Alright- now that I'm done with that rant- I am so proud of everyone for all their hard work throughout this challenge. We did an amazing job, and the #'s that are coming in are record-breaking! I can't wait to see the final amount.

Don't forget- We decided we would award prizes to the top 3 percentage losers. That means gift certificates in the amounts of:

First Prize-$150
Second Prize- $75
Third Prize- $30

Hugs & Kisses- I plan to be able to post the chart later tonight if I get everyone's weights in. I will email the winners as soon as I know anything!

The difference a year makes.....

2010-07-27T18:58:00.004-04:00

The pink shirt is from July 2009 I weighed around 242 there, and the purple is from July 2010 and I weighed 180.

These pictures were just uploaded onto facebook, from my college reunion weekend with my friends. I really can't believe the difference a year makes! *WOW*

I must say getting the band was the best decision of my life!

Week 8 Challenge Results EDITED

2010-07-27T09:56:00.005-04:00

Morning Ladies, Here is this weeks challenge results.

The winner for this week is: Mary- Being a winner, by being a loser Mary lost 2.2% this week, awesome job chicka! She has lost over 43lbs since she started this journey, and I think we can expect big things from her. Keep up the great work Mary!

As a total we lost 22.5lbs this week. EEEEEEK! Definitely not our best week ladies- let's kick this up a notch and finish with a bang. For the entire challenge we have lost as a group 477.3lbs. I would really love to see us finish at the 500lb loss mark. This would be we would have to lose 22.7lbs this week, which is under 1lb per person. I am confident we can do this!

Lots of love, hope everyone is having a fantastic week! xxoo

Big things popin!

2010-07-25T21:15:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone and Happy Sunday!

Just wanted to check in with everyone and thank you all so much for all the kind words you left on my 70lbs loss post, they all meant so much and brought a huge smile to my face.

Today Rick and I attempted another bike ride, this time we made it 10 miles, rode for about a an hour and a half, and my heart rate monitor said I burned 902 calories!! YAY!!

During pre-op I read egg faces blog a lot and all of her yummy recipes convinced me to buy an ice cream maker (click here to see the one I got). Unfortunately we never had enough freezer space to freeze the barrel you need to freeze to make the ice cream. Miraculously we've made enough space for the barrel and tonight is our first time using the machine in a year! We are making a chocolate soft serve with sugar free pudding mix and splenda. I will let you all know how it comes out!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

Challengers- Don't forget to send me your weights tonight, only 1 week left!

Down 70!

2010-07-24T15:59:00.005-04:00

WAHOOOOOOO! The scale read 178 this morning make me officially down 70lbs! I am about 3 weeks away from my 1 year bandiversery and at this point last year I was just about to start my pre-op diet. 70lbs is more then I could have ever imagined losing in 1 year, I am so proud of myself. My clinic told me that they hope for their patients to lose 50% of there excess weight in the first year after surgery, that would have been 60lbs for me. So according to their statistics I have passed expectations. yipppppe!

My parents are down visiting this weekend so I have to cut this short, but I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend!

Challengers: Don't forget to send me your weights tomorrow!!!

Challenge Week 7 Results

2010-07-20T09:16:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Grace- from Grace's Fat Chance. She lost a whopping 3.2% this week! Grace has had a rough couple of months from nerve pains, breakups, internship issues and even going through the process of applying to grad school and just getting ACCEPTED! With all of this on her plate she has overcome a lot of these problems and continues to lose weight at a rapid pace and lead the challenge. Grace, I am so proud of you for everything you have accomplished, and I'm sure everyone else is too. You deserve this!

With this impressive loss it brings the group to a total loss for the week of 65.9lbs and a total loss for the challenge of 455lbs! HOLY SHIT! That is impressive!

BREAKING NEWS: I emailed a few of you for weights yesterday stating that this was the last week of the challenge and that pictures of the scales were due next week...apparently I am 1 week ahead of myself. OOOPS! Please note- We have 2 weeks left of the challenge, and pictures of the scale are not due until Sunday, August 1st. So sorry for the confusion!

Happy Losing Everyone, I'm so proud of you all!!!!!!!!

Challenge Week 6 Results

2010-07-13T13:05:00.005-04:00

Helllllllo ladies! I have finally completed this week's graph and am so proud of all of us!

This weeks winner is Kelly- The new me is coming out. She lost an amazing 2.1% WAHOOOO! Kelly is doing an terrific job, she lost this weight while away on vacation, now that's dedication! She just had surgery in May, so I'm sure we can expect big things for this girl. Great job!

Now for the total group weight loss, we lost 48.2lbs this week, bringing us to a total of 391.3!!

As for sweaty pretzel man- Thank you all so much for your hilarious comments. I am so glad that so many of you could relate in one way or another. This is how I ended up handling it, I sent out an email to the entire office that said:

Today when I arrived at work I noticed that some food behind my desk had been opened and not closed. I just wanted to remind everyone that things behind my desk are my own personal belongings, if there is something that I would like to share with the office it will be on the table in front of my desk (i.e jolly ranchers) Thank you so much for understanding.

So I think this will do the trick, I took the highest road possible that I could think of while still getting my point across. Hope it works!

XOXO

Fill Update and Opinions Needed

2010-07-12T19:23:00.003-04:00

I had my appointment today with my nurse practitioner for a checkup and fill if needed. We discussed my restriction level and decided to go ahead with a .1 fill. She got the needle right in on the first try which was great! I asked her if the humidity could have anything to do with me being so much tighter on some days and she said she didn't believe so. She thinks the major factor in sudden tightness all stems from stress. This definitely could be the case, but who knows. I weighed in @ 182.4 which is 13lbs down from my last appointment 13 weeks ago. She was very happy with this progress and so am I. I also asked her about a possible un-fill in September when I go on my cruise, she didn't like this too much and said no. She did have me schedule an appointment with her for right before I leave to make sure I am at a comfortable restriction level. I guess we'll play it by ear. With this .1 fill it brings me to 7.1 total cc's in my 10cc band. As soon as I left my appointment I went and got a coffee coolata with skim milk..high in sugar but oh so good and it went down just fine. For dinner I just had baked potato soup from panera and it was DELISH!

OK so I need some opinions, a very strange thing happened at work today. I brought a bag of pretzels to work today and placed them on top of a cabinet behind my desk, mind you I am in a cube so all of this is out in the open. I work in a pretty small office, about 15 people total, but there are multiple companies within my office suite. One of the companies hired a new person last week, a very sweaty gross looking man. So I leave for my fill appointment around 12 today, and around 3 I get a call from my coworker who is in hysterics laughing. I guess so called sweaty man, went BEHIND my desk and opened my bag of pretzels, ripped the bag down the middle, grabbed a handful of them and then walked away without closing the bag. I don't even know this man! I've said hi and introduced myself, but that's all! The thing is, he is the vice president for this other company in my suite and I don't know if I should say something. I don't want to be the fatty that yells at someone for stealing her pretzels, but he needs to know this isn't OK! So what do I do? Should I send out an email to the entire office saying someone opened my pretzels and that's not OK, do I send an email to just him, do I go and talk to him in person? This is the most award situation EVER lol.

Challenge Update: I am waiting for a few more weigh-in's, but I should be able to post the graph tomorrow!!

XOXO

I went for my first bike ride of the year today!

2010-07-11T18:10:00.003-04:00

Guess what I did today?!?!?! I know you can probably guess from the title of this post, but I am just so freaking excited. Last year about 2 weeks before my surgery Rick and I went out and bought new bikes, I had tried riding that week but with being on the pre-op diet and the August heat, I didn't last long. Today was a different story though. We dug the bikes out of storage, filled the tires with air, put them on the bike rack and off we went to find this mystical bike trail we've been reading about. It was about 2 miles down the road from our house, and it was like finding a hidden jewel. I can't believe this has been so close to me and I have never taken advantage of it. What the trail is, is a 6.6 mile trail that used to be a railroad back in the day. A few years ago the town took it over, and paved it and made it into a wonderful little bike way. It was such an awesome smooth ride with no traffic, the scenery was great and I even found a bunny!!! I am so thrilled, and pumped up on endorphins. I really hope we can start biking more, we don't have any excuse not too now. Here is a pic Rick took of me at the end of the trail...right after I found the bunny and was super excited haha.

I hope everyone had fantastic weekends. Last night my best friend and I went to Jack Johnson concert, it was terrific! I love his surfer style music, its so happy that you can't help but smile and dance when you hear it. This morning I went to the beach for a few hours before going on the bike ride. I was feeling a little daring and lifted up my tankini top to tan my tummy and got a little too crispy, oops!

Tomorrow is my first appointment with my nurse practitioner since March. I think I have decided to ask for a .1 fill. Just a little tweak to get my weight moving again. I will let you all know how that goes tomorrow.

CHALLENGERS: Don't forget weights are due today!!! xxoo

Week 5 Challenge Winner

2010-07-07T10:05:00.004-04:00

I'm sure you are all on the edge of your seats waiting for me to tell you who the winner of the week 5 challenge was.

Lets all congratulate Jess on not only losing 2.8% this week, but for making it into the 150's!!

Way to go Jess!!!

Challenge Week 5 Results

2010-07-06T15:32:00.014-04:00

The winner for this week lost 2.8%! WOW! Let's play a game and see if we can guess who it is!

*She had to get an un-fill this past week

*She has 2 daughters

*She had her surgery in January 2010, and is down 57lbs

Any Guesses????? Stay tuned for the answer!

Snapshot of last week: We lost 54.9lbs total, bringing us to 341.3lbs thus far!

I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday weekend! xxoo

Where I am..

2010-07-01T09:36:00.002-04:00

Good morning my little sunshines! Today is my 'Friday' and I couldn't be more excited. Tonight after work, Rick and I are heading up to my parents home in Maine until Monday. I plan to do a lot of laying by the pool and working on my tan for the next few days :o) For the past 2 weeks my weight has been doling steady between 182-184, I'd really like to see the 170's sometime soon. I feel like I'm somewhat happy where I am, and haven't been trying as hard as I should be. To most this would be a great weight to be around, but for me being only 5ft 1, I still have a lot of work to do. I am just about at 11 months out from surgery right now and down 65 lbs total. I'd really like to be at 75lbs down for my 1 year, which is August 14th and would put me at 172lbs. So I have about 6 weeks to lose 10lbs, totally doable, but also a stretch!

I have an appointment with the nurse practitioner the week after next, I'm not sure if I will want a small tweak or not. Some parts of me want to get one, and force myself to be stricter with my choices, but other parts of me think that I like where I am. I also scared myself a few months ago when I had to get an unfill, I don't want to be back there.

I wanted to give a quick challenge update as well- Since this week's weigh in happens to fall on the 4th, I know this will be difficult for some people to get on the computer and email me their weights. If you want, I would be fine with everyone emailing me their weights Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Whatever is most convenient for you guys!

I hope everyone has a fantastic and safe 4th! xxoo

Challenge Week 4

2010-06-29T10:00:00.003-04:00

Here is the results for week 4 of the challenge, we're half way done ladies!!

The winner this week is: Stephanie: Dreams of Skinny Heels. She lost an amazing 3.2% this week! *WOW* Congratulations!!!

Also, since we are half way to the finish line I wanted to post the 'Top 5' challengers thus far, in hopes to kick this up another gear. Let's not forget, we decided to award prizes to the top 3!!

1) Grace- Grace's Fat Chance with a total loss of 6.2%
2) Joey- Volume Control with a total loss of 4.8%
3) Suzi- A new me- with a total loss of 4.2 %
3) Carmen- I'm with the Band also has a total loss of 4.2%
4) Traviaun- HotDogs N HamBurgers has a total loss of 4.1%
4) Heather- Am I actually doing this also has a total loss of 4.1%

Awesome job this week ladies, we lost a total of 81.8lbs bringing the total loss from the challenge to 286.6lbs!!!

What works for one, doesn't work for all SADLY

2010-06-26T20:29:00.006-04:00

Gen from I heart the band posted some smokin pictures of herself in her new 'lapbandkini' the other day, and I couldn't help but drool. I went to Old Navy last night and they were having a 30% store wide sale, I thought what the hell, maybe I can pull off the 'lapbandkini' this was not the case...and I took pictures to document. This just proves what looks great on one, doesn't look great on all :(

After I got home (it was a really hot and humid day in Boston) I was super craving pasta salad. Thanks to the band though I am unable to eat pasta. I tried to think of something else that could satisfy the cravings, and quinoa came to mind! I remember Gilly posting a few weeks ago about a Greek Quinoa salad she had made, so I went at it! Below is what I came up with. It is chilled quinoa, fat free feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and low fat greek dressing. It is DELISH! Rick even enjoyed it! Wahoooo, this can definitely become something I can bring to BBQ's with me this summer.

On a happier note, I said Yes to the Dress last weekend!! My mom, good friend, and I all went out wedding dress shopping last Friday and it was success! I had made appointments at 3 different stores to make sure that I saw everything. Of course I found 'the one' at the first store. I am sooooo in love with it! A lot of people had concerns with me ordering so soon due to me still losing and changing sizes so frequently, but I made sure it was alterable down a size or two and also ordered it in one size smaller then what was recommended for me now. Want to know what size I got?!? A size 12!!! It's actually a 16, but the brand runs 2 sizes smaller then normal street sizes so its actually made to fit a size 12. I was so excited!! It takes 6 months to come in, so its a good thing I ordered now! I would post pictures, but Rick (my fiance) reads my blog, so that wouldn't be good!

Hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend!

CHALLENGERS: Don't forget weights are due tomorrow!! xxoo

Week 3 Challenge Results!! (EDITED)

2010-06-21T13:44:00.003-04:00

*PLEASE NOTE* This graph represents total weight loss throughout the challenge, not individual weeks!

Hey Ladies!

I am so sorry for the confusion earlier if you saw it! There was a glitch in my excel formulas and it wasn't calculating %'s correctly, BOOO! This should be right now :)

I would like to congratulate Joey this week, for an exceptional weight loss. She lost 2.6%! Way to go girly- For anyone who is new to the challenge, Joey won the last one, she pretty much kicks ass at everything :)

As a group we lost 74.2 lbs this week making the total loss 203.8 lbs!! WAHOOO!

Challenge Week 3

2010-06-21T12:33:00.002-04:00

Sorry Ladies- I need to do some editing, the graph was posted incorrectly :(

First 10k CHECK

2010-06-20T11:20:00.002-04:00

I DID IT!!!

This morning bright and early @ 7:30 am, my fiancee Rick and I completed our first 10k.

My goal was for us to finish it in 2 hrs and 20 minutes. I came up with this because last October I did a 5k and finished in 1 hr and 15 minutes, so this would be shaving 5 minutes off.

We finished it in 1 hour and 49 minutes!!! Simply Amazing! I wore my HRM and it said I burned 924 calories! WOOOOOO! We walked the entire thing, it was a slow start but once I got in my groove it was smooth sailing.

Thank you all for all of your support, Big Lovies!

Don't forget weights are due today!!! xxoo

Reaching Out

2010-06-14T19:52:00.003-04:00

Hey Ladies- I know this is asking a lot of everyone, and I don't expect much, but I wanted to share. This Sunday, June 20th I will be doing a 10k cancer walk. If you have anything you can spare, even $5 I would greatly appreciate it. I'm sure we have all lost someone to cancer, and I want to help raise money to find a cure, and awareness while doing something to better myself at the same time. Here is the link to my personal site if you'd like to help. This will be my first 10k, so I am super excited and nervous. Wish me luck!

My Site

Thanks so much! xxoo

Week 2 Hot Summer Meltdown Results!! EDITED

2010-06-14T13:06:00.007-04:00

Congrats T.Michelle from hotdogsnhamburgers for losing the most weight this week. She lost 3.5% AMAZING job girly!

As a group we lost 130lbs! WHOA! Keep it up!!

Look who I met today!!!!!!!!

2010-06-13T19:59:00.003-04:00

OMG! I am so excited right now that I don't even know where to start! Today in Boston was the annual Health and Fitness Expo, this is a free expo for anyone, and they do various health screenings and have different companies giving out samples and take away gifts. I had to work both yesterday and today for work, we had a display vehicle and had a Red Sox ticket giveaway contest. Little did I know that by working today I would get to meet my biggest 'celebrity' crush ever! LOL

Today at noon on the demonstration stage at the expo Michael Ventrella, The Biggest Loser winner from Season 9 did a question and answer session and an inspirational talk. Leading up to Mike's big appearance, the expo had a zumba demonstration. I had headed over to the stage alone since my coworkers were covering our booth. I had a front row spot to meet my boyfriend Mike, which also meant I had a front row spot for Zumba. The zumba demonstration ended up turning into a 30 minute sweat-filled zumba class that only me and 3 other girls partook in. Film crews were there and I may or may not have ended up on 6pm news tonight haha, so embarrassing!

After I was a hot sweaty mess from Zumba, Mike came and there was also a surprise appearance from his mom Maria!!! He talked for about 20 minutes about the weight he has loss and his advocacy for childhood obesity. He made an important point that even he has weeks where the scale doesn't move, but he always makes sure to measure other ways other then the scale. His mom takes his measurements bi-weekly and his Dr. does a body fat analysis. When asked how often he weighed himself he answered with "the scale is the devil" haha. Sounds so much like all of us! After his speech there was an open Q & A. During this time Maria was asked what her exercise routine consisted of now, she told us that she was fortunate to not have to work right now so she has a lot of time to devote to fitness. She walks to her gym everyday which is 5 miles away and takes her an hour and half, once she is there she does 45 minutes on the elliptical, and some strength training with her trainer, and then walks the 5 miles, hour a half back home! She looked phenomenal and I think was really inspiring for the older ladies in the audience. If you watched the beginning of the Biggest Loser then you probably remember how un-coordinated and non-enthused Maria was to be on the ranch. Now she is tiny and seems so enthusiastic about life. The next question was for Mike, he was asked how his sister was doing, (the one they showed a few times on the show and was very overweight), Mike left this question for his mom to answer. Maria said her daughter is yet to lose any weight, she talked about how to lose weight you need to be mentally prepared, and in the right frame of mind, and that her daughter was simply just not there yet. I thought this was very honest, and great of them to share- its so true, losing weight is just as much a mental thing as physical! The next question for Mike was about his love life and if he had found love. He told us that he went on his first date since the show the night before with a girl from Boston. He said it was someone who had written to him while he was on the show, and that he had kept in contact with. Maria added in that him and Ashley still speak daily but as just friends.

I think that's about all that I learned today from the duo, but it truly was an amazing experience! I was so star struck that when I finally got to meet him I said "I just want to touch you" hahahaha how embarrassing. He was sweet though and gave me a hug and posed for a pic, after the pic he said make sure to upload it to facebook and tag me! I of course did it as soon as I got home!

P.S Challengers- Make sure and send me your weight today!!! xxoo

Bandit Double-Date

2010-06-08T10:21:00.006-04:00

Good Morning Everyone, hope everyone is doing well! Nicole from Better Banded and I had a double date last night with her husband Carey and my fiance Rick. We went to a Mexican restaurant in NH and had so much fun! Here are a couple pictures:

She is looking so freaking tiny! Eating dinner with her really put my portion sizes into perspective. She ate half of a crunchy taco and beans and was done...I ate chips, a whole crunchy taco, an enchilada, and some rice. I felt a little un-comfortable but no PB. Time for a fill? I think so!

She also gave me a GIANT bag of clothes that included a dress from banana republic (which I'm wearing today) a pair of banana republic jeans, 2 arden b jeans, a juicy couture tshirt, and lots more....but the best of all the clothes were these:

**** Please disregard how large and lumpy my ass looks in this pic****

Hope everyone is doing well, thanks for getting all your weighs in to me! xxoo

Hot Summer Meltdown Update!

2010-06-06T13:47:00.003-04:00

Hey Girls,

I wanted to let everyone know that the grand total for the challenge is 51 participants (including myself) making it $255!! Holy Cow!! The last challenge was 33 participants and $165....so quite the increase! I'm so excited for everyone, and to see how well we do.

Quick Question and opinions wanted- since we have raised so much money for this challenge, would you girls be interested in doing a 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize? I was thinking

1st place- $150
2nd place- $75
3rd place- $30

Let me know what you think, we can either do it this way, or just keep it as one grand prize.

Don't forget everyone's weights are due today- email them to me with a pic of the scale to knwitham@gmail.com :)

Challenger's ATTENTION!

2010-06-02T20:40:00.003-04:00

Hey Ladies- Listen up!

Tomorrow (Thursday) is the LAST day to sign up for the "Hot Summer Meltdown" challenge. You need to get the $ to Paypal by tomorrow and I will add your name and blog to the list. Weight's and picture's are due on Sunday :)

Joey was kind enough to make up our group image, please feel free to display proudly on your blogs!!

Hot Summer Meltdown Participants (working list)

2010-05-31T19:06:00.035-04:00

Hey Pretty Ladies! Happy Memorial Day!!

I want to thank Jess for coming up with an awesome challenge name, I think Hot Summer Meltdown sounds PERFECT! And like Gilly said, sounds kind of dirty lol. Love you guys! Here is a working list of everyone who I have heard from that is interested in participating and received PayPal $ from, lots of newbies- which I love!! Please let me know if I'm missing anyone's names!

**CLARIFICATION** As for a scale picture, I don't need a body or face shot, just a picture of the scale and number! :)

1) Liz- Mine & Betty's LapBaNd JoUrNey!
2) Janice- Banded and Blogging
3) Grace- Grace's Fat Chance
4) Beth- I'm ready to become the woman I want to be for the Rest of my Life
5) Jess P- The Little Bandit
6) Fiona- The Incredible Shrinking Woman
7) Sally- Ramblings from the Other Side...
8) Maria- Last Train out of Fat Land
9) Carmen- I'm with the band...
10) T.J- Metamorphic Journey
11) Mary- Being a Winner by Being a Loser
12) Janelle- Lap Band Living
13) Heather- Am I actually doing this?
14) Bonnie- Wishing and Hoping and Praying for a Band
15) Suzi- A new me!
16) Jessica D- The Misguided Adventures of a Five Foot Foodie
17) Linda- Linda's Bandwidth
18) Samantha- Banded for Me
19) Leslie- Band Sweet Band
20) Amy S- The Self Examination of a Butterfly
21)Nicole- Better Banded
22)Katherine-The Secret Diaries Of....
23)Jenn W- Life's Little Journey
24)Sarah F- Losing Weight, Gaining Tons
25)Joey- Volume Control
26)Colleen- This time I mean it
27)Stephanie J- Dreams of Skinny High Heels
28)Alexis- The Swenson Family
29) Jacquie- Can't wait to lose it with the Band!
30)Robin- Robin's Band Theory
31) Kelly- Kelly and the BANDit
32) Gail- Gail's Journey
33) Camille- Living Large in C.C
34) Tanya- Life of Lively
35) Kristin- catchy title here
36) Stephanie M- Electric LadyBand
37) Tori- The Winding Road to Parenthood
38) Erini- My Big Fat Life Blog
39) Gillian- something something something Fat Chick
40) Amy C- Babbles of a Bandster
41) Lillie- LOVELY LILLIE LOSES IT
42) Heather- Beautiful Inside and Out
43) Perry- Pie in Progress
44) Tracy- One Foodie's Band Quest
45) Traviaun- HotDogs N HamBurgers...
46) Kelly- The new me is coming out
47) Jennifer S- A Southern Girls Journey
48) Bianca- Breaking free from my self imposed exile
49)Kim- My Pursuit of Skinnyness
50) Yana- Girl meets band

***those in RED I still need $$$ from*** xoxoxo

Florida with Pictures!

2010-05-30T21:41:00.008-04:00

Last Wednesday Rick and I took off for for a mini-vaca to Jacksonville Florida. We had an amazing time, and spent it with amazing people. Here are a few pictures documenting our journey:
***This is the seat belt on the plane (jet blue)!! Look how much space I have :)

*** This is me in the pool on my first day there

*** This is Gail and I when we met up at movie night on the beach!! Let me tell you, she looks freakin amazing, and her accent is so adorable! She sounds like a southern belle, and I love it!

***Rick and I posing, after a day by the pool

While in Jacksonville we stayed with family, and had such a relaxing weekend. Rick's cousin underwent Gastic Sleeve surgery about a year ago and is down 130lbs, she looked phenomenal! We are about the same clothing size now and had so much fun playing dress up.

Rick's aunt is very conscious of nutrition, and cooked us amazing healthy meals. I think is my first vacation ever where I have actually lost weight.

She also had tons of different 'diet food' in the house, it was like heaven. She had these really yummy protein bars that have 15 grams of protein, 160 calories, low in sugar and high in fiber. They come in a bunch of different flavors, but she had the Cinnamon ones, and they were drool-worthy! As far as I know they are only available through mail order, but here is a link to the website. I had never seen this site before, but it looks like they have a ton of weight-loss friendly food items. They ever have protein packed puddings and jellos for the newly banded!!

I was sad to leave Florida, but am happy to be home. I hope everyone else had a fantastic weekend as well! XOXO

Volunteer Needed

2010-05-30T21:29:00.002-04:00

Can anyone make a widget or picture thing for the new challenge??

Jenny did an incredible one last time for me, and I think it'd be fun if we had another!

We don't have a challenge name as of yet, but if anyone has any ideas, I am open to anything!!

Thanks so much!

SUMMER CHALLENGE RESULTS AND RULES

2010-05-30T21:16:00.005-04:00

Hey Beautiful Ladies!!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend!

I just wanted to give everyone a head's up that since today was the last day of voting for the next challenge dates, I wanted to post the winner.

The next summer challenge will be Sunday, June 6th-August 1st. I will need anyone who wants to participate's information by this Thursday, June 3rd. I have added a PayPal button to my sidebar, where you can 'donate' $5 to the challenge fund. At the end of the challenge the person who win's the greatest % of weight will win a gift certificate for the total amount of money 'donated' to any store of their choice.

**FYI** The paypal account is set up in my fiance's name Rick Edwards...just so you don't get freaked out when it shows his name lol.

Challenge rules:
1. Challenge starts SUNDAY June 6thth. and ends SUNDAY August 1st.
2. Weigh in days are SUNDAYS, please make sure to email me (knwitham@gmail.com) your weeks weight by 8 pm SUNDAY night so that I can post your numbers for the week.
3. Please include a picture of you on the scale, on the FIRST and LAST week of the weigh in's.
4. The challenge prize will go to the biggest loser meaning the person who loses the most % of weight from challenge week # 1

I will keep an updated list of everyone who contacts me to let me know they are interested on my blog. Just leave me a comment on this post and donate to the paypal account and your in! E-mail me if you have any questions: knwitham@gmail.com

HAPPY LOOSING!

Signing Off :(

2010-05-26T09:52:00.003-04:00

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to give you all a head's up that I will be leaving for vacation today and not returning until Sunday. Rick and I are going to Jacksonville Florida for a mini-vaca and to visit some of his family. I will probably have limited access to blogs, but am only an e-mail away if anyone needs me :)

I am sooooo excited to get away for a few days, lets just hope all goes well eating wise. Rick's cousin had gastric sleeve surgery a month before I was banded and is doing amazingly well and is very disciplined. I am hoping this rubs off on me for the few days I am there.

I am also potentially going to be meeting another blogger!!! Gail works in Jacksonville and doesn't live to far away, so we have exchanged #'s and will hopefully be able to meet up. So exciting!!

Hope everyone has a safe and fantastic memorial day weekend! I will miss you all! xxoo

**UPDATE on next challenge**

Just wanted to give everyone a head's up where the results were standing for the next challenge...we've received 30 votes so far, SO COOL!

June 6th-August 1st: WINNING with 14 votes

July 4th-September 5th: 3rd place with 7 votes

June 20th-August 29: 2nd place with 10 votes

Q&A and Challenge Vote!

2010-05-24T19:17:00.005-04:00

A few of you asked to see the total amount of fat lost during the challenge. The answer is 357.3lbs! That's 33 girls over a period of 9 weeks! The weight loss ranged from 35lbs lost total to 2lbs lost, so we really were all over the place but averages to be about 10.8 lbs per person over the course of the challenge. Not to shabby!

Ask and you shall receive! I had a lot of requests for an earlier challenge, a lot of you suggesting June 6th. That is absolutely fine with me, but felt it would be nice to open it up for a vote! Vote below in the poll, polling will end on Sunday, May 30th :)

Week 9 Challenge Chart

2010-05-24T13:30:00.000-04:00

Da, Da, Daaaaaaa, Final Challenge Results!

2010-05-24T12:39:00.007-04:00

The #'s are in....The winner of the Memorial Day Bathing Suit Challenge is.....

JOEY!!!!

Joey lost 30lbs and 11.6% Can you say HOLY COW! She did absolutely amazing, and to celebrate all her hard work she will be receiving a $165 gift certificate to her store of choice!

**If any of the other challenge participants want to know how many lbs or the % they lost, send me an email and I will let you know!***

FYI I am still working on formatting the chart for the final week and will post it later today, I just wanted to make sure and let everyone know the exciting news, since I knew you were all sitting on the edges of your chair's waiting to know who won!

Independence/Labor Day Challenge ALERT

2010-05-24T10:12:00.006-04:00

Hey Pretty Ladies,

It seems like we had a great response for another challenge. While I am working on getting the memorial day challenge results together, I wanted to post some ideas for the next challenge! Who said I wasn't a good multi-tasker?? lol

So I am thinking we take a little break and start back up with a 4th of July-Labor Day challenge, how does that sound? This way we give people enough time to decide whether they want to participate. We would keep the same schedule and do our weigh-in's every Sunday and the dates would be Sunday, July 4th- Sunday, September 5th. Let me know your thoughts on this. Do you want to do $5 into a Paypal account again?

For anyone who is new to challenges here are the rules:

Challenge rules:
1. Challenge starts SUNDAY July 4th. and ends SUNDAY September 5th.
2. Weigh in days are SUNDAYS, please make sure to email me (knwitham@gmail.com) your weeks weight by 8 pm SUNDAY night so that I can post your numbers for the week.
3. Please include a picture of you on the scale, on the FIRST and LAST week of the weigh in's.
4. The challenge prize will go to the biggest loser meaning the person who loses the most % of weight from challenge week # 1

**More to Come** as we approach the start date, just keep all of this is mind, and I will post a request for participants later on in June.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or suggestions! You can always post a comment on here, or e-mail me @ knwitham@gmail.com

xxoo

CHALLENGER ATTENTION!

2010-05-22T16:31:00.002-04:00

Hey Girls! Just wanted to remind everyone that tomorrow is the last day of the Memorial Day Challenge, so that means all weights must be submitted with a picture of the scale :) Everyone did a fantastic job and I'm so proud of you!

On another note....whats next? do we want to do another challenge? do you want me to host it (I def. don't mind) does someone else want too? I was thinking if everyone wants to do another one, we could do a 4th of July one! Let me know your thoughts!!

xxoo

Florida Bandsters

2010-05-21T14:37:00.002-04:00

Do any of you live near Jacksonville??

I am coming next Wednesday and would love to meet any bansters if any of you live around there!!

I will be visiting Wed. night-Sunday for a little memorial day get away!

Let me know :)

Week 8 Challenge Update

2010-05-17T14:09:00.002-04:00

Hey pretty mama's!

The results are in....duh duh duhhhhh. This week's winner lost 1.58%, and is a first time winner. Let's all give......
.
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.is the suspense killing you yet??
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Angie a big round of applause! YAYYY for Angie! She has been having a tough time ever since she went back home to Canada a couple of weeks ago, and has finally got back on track! Congrats Girly!

As a group we lost 28.6lbs total. Definitely not our best, but also not our worst! We only have 1 week left, who's it going to be? Hope everyone has an idea of where they want their gift card too!

Wedding Weekend Picture Montage

2010-05-16T21:40:00.006-04:00

Hi Everyone, and Happy Tuesday!! Rick's cousin got married this weekend, and I wanted to share some of the pics with everyone....as you can see they start out fun, and end well....not so fun! Buttttt I think its important to be honest, and show everyone what happens when you drink to much :( I've really noticed how much my alcohol tolerance has decreased since being banded, and its something that I need to learn to deal with.

This is @ the rehearsal dinner. This is the new skirt outfit I got at Ann Taylor Loft a few weeks ago in a size Large! I love this outfit so much!

This is the day of the wedding....I panicked and didn't find a dress till the morning of the wedding! Luckily I found this one at Filenes Basement...and best part is it's a size 14 regular! wahoooo! I love this dress, and want it to fit forever!

Now this my friends, is me after the 'after party' my lovely fiancee decided to take this picture so I could remember how I felt and hopefully learn a lesson. I got two words for you... HOT MESS! Thank god he took my phone away from me and saved all of you from my lovely drunk texts!

Don't judge me! lol

XOXOXOXOXO

Life Update

2010-05-11T09:10:00.006-04:00

Since I feel a little scatter brained this morning (what's new?), I think I will do another post in bullet fashion, I feel like there's a lot going on in my life right now, but nothing too big, I just need to let it all out :)

Mother's Day- My mom came to visit this past weekend for mother's day. This is a picture of the 2 of us. She is my best friend, and I am so lucky to have her. She lives 2 and 1/2 hours away, so it can be tough sometimes not having her close by, but it makes the time I do get to spend with her that much more special. We didn't get to do our 5K on Saturday, due to the weather but we did go to the casino!! haha. I won $20 so it was a success!

Job- Yesterday I got some pretty exciting news at work, I got a promotion! I started at my company (advertising agency) 2 years ago this July. I was hired on to do meeting and event planning, but my title was always Administrative Assistant. Our office has continually gotten smaller over the past 2 years, when I started we had about 20 people, now we are down to 10. I made it through the worst of it, proved myself, and have now gotten rewarded. My new title is Account Coordinator. This is basically a entry level advertising job. I will start working with our client more directly, and learn the basics of advertising. I'm not sure if this is something I want to make a career out of, but I am grateful to be given the opportunity to learn more about it. The way I see it, is I am still really young and its OK to not know what I want to do 'when I grow up.' This will be a great thing to add to my resume, and hopefully give me some insight as to what I enjoy doing. A little about my background: I went to college for event planning, and thought I loved it. When I graduated college I was recruited by Marriott, and placed into a managerial position. I wasn't prepared to be a manager, and was thrown into the fire way to soon. I burnt out quickly, and started to hate my job so much that I would cry daily while working. I quit one day, without giving it much thought and will never look back at a hotel career. I still love event planning, but this taught me I enjoy the corporate aspect, not so much the social aspect of the industry. Sorry for that rant :)

Weight- On the weight front, I am the same weight today that I was on my birthday, April 8th. I'm not sure how to feel about that...Yes, I haven't been eating the best, but I've also been making a good effort at exercising. 188 is a nice number, but I don't want to stay here, it's not where I belong. I have a lot more to lose before stopping. I was supposed to have a fill yesterday but I cancelled it. I felt that I had enough restriction, that it wasn't needed. Come to find out, I'm not so sure if that's the case....On Sunday night, I ate 3 slices of a large cheese pizza, WTF! I can't even remember the last time I was able to eat bread without getting sick. I'm not sure if it was just a fluke day of my band being loose, or if I truly do need a fill. I am going to wait it out a couple of weeks and see how I feel. Prior to this binge, I had been PB'ing a lot, so I don't want to mess around with things.

Relationship- GUESS WHAT?!?! Next Friday is Rick and I's negative one year anniversary! Meaning, one year from then we will be getting MARRIED! I am so excited. I feel like we've been engaged for so long, I am ready to get married and start our married life together. So much planning has gone into this 1 day, I am ready to see it come together. So far we have our church, reception venue, and photographer booked. We are looking to do our DJ soon, and thennnnnn DRESS SHOPPING next month! I am so excited for the dress shopping! Although, I feel like it may be difficult, because who knows what size I will be next May. I know the dress can be alliterated and all, but its still kind of scary not knowing how it will look when I am whatever size I will be then.

Challenge- Someone commented on the challenge post yesterday wondering how much weight we've lost as a group so far, and I wanted to answer that question. The answer is 281 pounds! Whenever you get discouraged, think about that! Truly AMAZING!

Love you all! xxoo

Week 7 Challenge Results

2010-05-10T15:35:00.005-04:00

The winner this week was Dawn with a 3% loss! Great job Dawn! Welcome to Onederland!

I also want to give a shout out to Amy C, she lost 6lbs this week, and has so far lost the most amount of lbs this challenge. I know we are going by percent, but she is doing an AMAZING job and deserves a pat on the back!

As a group we lost, 32 lbs this week! My prediction of losing a lot one week, and a little the next was wrong, we stayed pretty much the same from last week to this week. We only have 2 weeks left of the challenge ladies, lets kick this up a notch! I say we set a goal to lose 45lbs next week, who's with me?!?

I know I certainly didn't help this week, with my .5 gain...I am due for a week with a good loss. I'm hereby pledging to do my part in making this a great week for us! Lots of love, keep up the great work! xxoo

Week 6 Challenge Results

2010-05-04T10:46:00.001-04:00

The winner this week was Amy with a 5.1% loss! Great job Amy, we are so proud (and jealous) of you!!

As a group we lost, 37.8 lbs this week! Not too shabby, a little but more then last week so that's great! Keep it up girls, only 3 weeks left!!!

Week 6 Challenge Update

2010-05-03T11:48:00.002-04:00

Hey Pretty Ladies,

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am still waiting for about 5 weights for this week, so I don't want to post the chart just yet.....but I know everyone is dying to know how we did this week!

As of right now, we are down 40.8 lbs this week!!! FANTASTIC!

So proud of all you lovely ladies, I will post the chart as soon as I hear back from a few people, and it will let you know who the biggest loser of the week is!

Just a hint though....So far the biggest loser this week, lost 10 lbs....Can you guess who??

XOXO

I'm with the band

Quinoa-roni & Cheese Recipe

oh helllloooo

Band update after Dr's visit

my world is spinnnnnning

Guess who's back?!?

Bridal Shower Bash

Girls gone wild- NYC edition

Work-Out Wednesday

Who needs a challenge?!?

Guess who's coming to NYC?!?!

Where I am...

NYC Girls, Help Please

so I'm pretty much marrying superman!

what do you think?

alright you conviced me...

New Year's Resolution

Great grocery store find and NYE menu

Yummy Din-Din and Advice Needed

80lbs down, FINALLY!

Holiday Challenge Week 7- Final week Results and Winners!

Last weigh in TOMORROW

Angie Update

Challenge Week 6 Results

Challenge Week 6 Check In-Warning food porn!

Challenge Week 5 Results

Challenge: Week 5 Check in

Week 4 Challene Results

My week 4 weigh in and BIG news!

Some of our favorites!

Holiday Challenge Week 3 Results

Week 3 Challenge

Happy Sunday!

O.M.G SPEECHLESS!

Holiday Challenge Week 2 Results EDITED

Stay Tuned!

Ruh-Roh

Happy Challenge Start Day!

Ummm- Confession?

Challenge Update

Holiday Challenge Icon

*Holiday Challenge* Participants (working list)

Guess what time it is- CHALLENGE TIME!

sometimes.....

what a week- phewwww

aww shucks :o)

Bombshell Revealed!

BOMBSHELL!

BOOBS Cruise?

Back to life- Back to reality

Check out my new shizit!

Thousand word Thursday- Week 2

Blogger Awards :o)

only 2 more wake-ups this week and then VACATION

Thousand Word Thursday

Guess who I just met???

ONE Year bandiversery post

Oh Helloooo

The results are in......

Challenge Rant

The difference a year makes.....

Week 8 Challenge Results EDITED

Big things popin!

Down 70!

Challenge Week 7 Results

Challenge Week 6 Results

Fill Update and Opinions Needed

I went for my first bike ride of the year today!

Week 5 Challenge Winner

Challenge Week 5 Results

Where I am..

Challenge Week 4

What works for one, doesn't work for all SADLY

Week 3 Challenge Results!! (EDITED)

Challenge Week 3

First 10k CHECK

Reaching Out

Week 2 Hot Summer Meltdown Results!! EDITED

Look who I met today!!!!!!!!

Bandit Double-Date

Holiday Challenge Participants (working list)

Hot Summer Meltdown Participants (working list)

SUMMER CHALLENGE RESULTS AND RULES

Independence/Labor Day Challenge ALERT

Florida Bandsters

Life Update