tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49360878503617018552024-03-13T16:40:29.746-05:00Just Me...Isn't That Awesome?Just trying to learn how to love life and do it with a purpose!GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-81960324204665672762013-06-12T22:14:00.000-05:002013-06-12T22:14:02.505-05:00The Wagon has a broken wheel...<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This has been an excessively frustrating couple of months as far as my health journey is concerned. As previously discussed, I needed a break from constantly monitoring what was going in my mouth. Thinking I would still make healthy food choices I got my unfill which seemed perfect at the time...but now I've gained 20lbs. I know, it's a minor setback in a huge achievement but it still makes me feel crappy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is when that stigma people have about lapbanders really starts pissing me off. I hear all the time how I made the easy decision and have seen the look in people's eyes when they ask how you lost weight and you tell them you had lapband. You instantly feel the need to justify your decision and explain that it's a tool and a lot more than just eating less. My band is still over half full and I gained weight...not because I ate more but because of what I've been stuffing in my mouth. It just makes it hard because people think you're just taking the easy way out!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">**********venting done**********</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok, now that I got that out of the way...I have started a <a href="http://onespicysingle.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">new blog</a> that will (hopefully) teach me to be a better, more nutritious cook!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just need to get motivated to workout again. It's getting hot but luckily the walking trail that wraps around my apartment is mostly shaded. I need to buy some pepper spray so I can go in the evening if I want! It's a great little trail with plenty of trees and a little over a mile so I should be worked up to my 3 miles/day challenge in the next couple weeks. I'd like to walk 3 miles/day - 5 days/week, think I can do it? Me too!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok, so there it is...my healthy wagon has a broken wheel, but I'm on it, it's just a little bumpy right now! I will take all the motivation and encouragement anyone can spare!! I need to reach my final goal...that would mean losing 30lbs...let's say by Christmas? Deal.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peace, love and happiness :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jordan</span></div>
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GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-84042065654094907242013-02-26T13:24:00.000-06:002013-02-26T13:25:09.406-06:00My Daily Struggle<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: lime;">It is a daily struggle to live a healthy life. Over two years ago I made the choice to live a healthy life. Although lap band has been a valuable tool to help me lose weight, it did not help with a healthy lifestyle. Those are made through good food choices, physical activity and refreshing your mind.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: lime;">I'm here to say that I have fallen off the healthy lifestyle wagon...in a big way. It has been a very difficult 2 months. With school, work, homework and a mangle of what social life I have...there is very little time for me. Whether you are a believer in God or not, I do believe and have made it a priority to get my life with God back on track over the last few months. It has been an incredible journey and I have learned so much so far about myself and how I view others. But, with all of my time gone missing I have discovered myself making more and more unhealthy choices. I can make excuses...talk about how it is more difficult to eat healthy with a super busy lifestyle...and with the availability of greasy cheeseburgers and carb wrapped chicken at the nearest drive-thru window, who can argue with me? Not to mention the price of healthy produce & groceries vs. fast food discount slop. I can also complain about how cold it is and that doing my exercise of choice, speed walking, is pretty much impossible right now. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: lime;">I made the mistake of getting an un-fill a little over a month ago. I was tired on not being able to eat the food I missed and frankly needed a break. But due to that break, I have; for the first time since I got the band; gained weight back. It's normal to fluctuate a little here and there. To gain and lose a pound or so every couple weeks. But how about 10+? I know that I have accomplishment behind me...I have lost almost a whole human being...definitely a whole tween, lol. Right now, I am struggling. I know these are excuses...I know that I am better than this. But, sometimes I need to be reminded why I am doing it.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: lime;">I don't feel good. Physically, I feel like I'm dragging. My energy is down, my motivation is worse. I am having a tiny pity party for myself on the inside. So, if you are reading this...I need some encouragement...not just to get back on the wagon and start eating healthier and achieving my weight loss goals...but in life. Right now is a struggle. There is so much going on that sometimes my head spins. I am overwhelmed with school and the homework that comes with it, not to mention the perceived lack of time to finish it all. For the first time in my college career, I am working from behind and it's a horrible feeling.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: lime;">I don't want pity or criticism. I'm not asking you to write a paragraph. But, I will ask that if you are a praying person, please say a prayer for me. Leave an encouraging word. Or, even better...if you see me, I could use a hug, ALWAYS! </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: lime;">And lastly, thank you for everyone who takes the time to read this. There are people in my life who have been there supporting me through so much and have changed my life in so many ways. If you smiled at this, you know who you are :)</span></span></span></span>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-32908662554146367032012-10-29T12:34:00.000-05:002012-10-29T12:34:43.988-05:00How time has flown...<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh my goodness. I can't believe I haven't updated since February!! I guess I'm a little overdue!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For those of you who know me, you know that one of the goals that I most wanted to reach was getting to Onederland or for those of you unfamiliar with that term...under 200lbs. I don't even remember the last time I was under 200lbs. I do remember the pain and sadness when I was 14 and realized that for the first time I was over 200lbs. I used to fear the scale so I don't really know when I turned that corner. It has been a long and sometimes painful journey but as of October 28th, 2012 I weighed 198.6lbs!! It was such a huge accomplishment for me. After some personal struggles I decided I can no longer afford to live my life for someone else. I decided I had to find the time for me and for my fitness. So...without any further ado, here are my current and pre-stats! I'll post some pics soon!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">April 2011</span></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Weight: 292</span></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">BMI: 50.1</span></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Size pant: 26</span></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Size shirt: 22/24</span></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Size bra: 42C</span></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Size shoe: 8.5-9</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">October 2012</span></span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Weight: 198</span></span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">BMI: 34.0</span></span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Size pant: 18</span></span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Size shirt: L-XL</span></span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Size bra: 38D</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Did you catch that? My BMI has dropped 16 points!! Woo-hoo!! And I'm officially 28lbs away from my overall goal weight! Hoping I can meet that by April if not before!!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thank you to all of the beautiful people in my life that have supported and encouraged me these past months. I love you all so much and can't express how much you mean to me...you know who you are ;)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Peace, love & happiness,</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Jordan </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-63721664680083547072012-02-21T17:45:00.000-06:002012-02-21T17:45:06.770-06:00Oh weight loss...you are a fickle beast!!<div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>So...I will get to some more personal stuff first but let me get to what you are all waiting for.</b></span></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yeah, I'm stalled. I haven't lost a flipping pound. But I haven't gained either. Which is good. One of the doctors at work and a great ally told me that my body has been through a major change in a short period of time and I probably need to plateau. All I keep thinking in my mind is "AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!" I also have to remember that I had an unfill and managed not to gain any weight and that prior to my unfill; before I got sick; I was feeling the need for a fill. So basically I'm back to that point. I need a fill and my appointment isn't until March 20th...*sigh*...a whole month away! But, I also haven't been working out. Between work and school, it seems there's no time!! Gotta find a way to work it in!!!</b></span></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>On to more personal matters...I'm currently going through a time of personal discovery. The worst part is that is brings a lot of emotion, hurt and pain to the surface. I'm lucky to have a wonderful set of friends, family and a great man in my life who are allowing me to go through this and supporting me through this difficult time. Anxiety is something that I struggled with as a teenager but had really gotten a hold on but being in my first new relationship since Dad died has opened a lot of issues that I never dealt with. On that note, I've been asking for prayers for Craig and his family. His cousin died this past Sunday from complications of a motorcycle accident the previous Sunday. It's been a difficult time for him so please say a prayer for him & his family.</b></span></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>There are beautiful blue skies ahead and this is a wonderful life. I'm just trying to get to a point where I can enjoy them without any restriction!! Thanks again whoever reads this. I hope I'm helping in some way, not just with weight loss but also sharing my struggles. I think so often we live in a world were we just let our problems disappear or sweep them under the rug because it's inconvenient...time to let that all out folks, life is too short to spend it keeping pain and hurt stuck inside!!</b></span></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Also, there are apparently quite a group of people who read this blog anonymously or just browse it...comment, say hi, tell me if you are on a similar journey...I'm interested in YOU!!! </b></span></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Peace & much love,</b></span></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Jordan</b></span></div>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-70802931344977648382012-01-30T09:08:00.000-06:002012-01-30T09:08:30.339-06:00Just a little bit more :)<div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Life is crazy & awesome at the moment. Just started school back up and I'm actually enjoying it. I'm taking Drawing & Media Methods II which is quite frightening for someone who does not have a good, solid drawing technique...but it'll get better, kinda the point of classes, I guess! I'm also taking an Art History Class on Modern Art since I loved my Renaissance to Modern class so well! And lastly a quite hippie friendly health class called Health & Wellness for Life. </b></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Aside from that I have been working & trying to fulfill a nice social life :) I am in that "burning the candle at both ends" phase. It's hard for me to not see my friends but I am definitely suffering from some sleep deprivation! Luckily, I have 8 days off of work beginning Thursday so I get to celebrate my birthday with a bang!!! (Btw, my boyfriend is pretty awesome, too!)</b></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>And, I can proudly say that even with the .5cc removed from my band I went from 214.6 to 213.5. I have no clue how I have lost any but I won't complain. I have actually been rather indulgent & I've been trying to enjoy my little bit of extra food freedom during this time!! I get a fill on February 7th & I'll be ready to get it for sure! I have another 21lbs to lose by April 14th!! That would put me -100lbs & only 22lbs from my goal weight! I'm so excited!!!</b></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Well, I just wanted to throw out a quick update!!! How's everyone else doing???</b></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Jordan</b></div>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-30033999840651957222012-01-11T01:25:00.000-06:002012-01-11T01:25:23.601-06:00The bad side of things...<div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I probably didn't mention this here before but one of the goals I had set for myself was to lose 75lbs by January 1st, 2012 and if I did, my reward would be a pair of TOMS. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0D-Uer7t-E/Tw0XsUXDwPI/AAAAAAAAANI/QvOu0qlzOyg/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0D-Uer7t-E/Tw0XsUXDwPI/AAAAAAAAANI/QvOu0qlzOyg/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXnJEN6lDZg/Tw0X6R7xxUI/AAAAAAAAANY/Vyit7DBhBD4/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXnJEN6lDZg/Tw0X6R7xxUI/AAAAAAAAANY/Vyit7DBhBD4/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">YAY!! I successfully went from 292lbs to 214lbs which was total loss of 78lbs!! WOO-HOO!! These were my reward and I can't wait to actually wear them tomorrow. Here is a quick recap of my accomplishment so far!</span></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lost 78lbs (the holidays kept me at a stand-still :)</span></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">BMI from 50.1 to 36.7 that -13.4 points!</span></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shirts from size 22/24 or 2x down to x-large and sometime large (when it runs big! lol)</span></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pants from a size 26 to a size 18!! (this was actually a life goal that I wrote down years ago!! Never thought I would achieve it!)</span></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shoes from an 8 1/2 - 9 down to an 8</span></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ring size from a 9 to a 7</span></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">***sensitive information on next line***</span></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">bra size from a 42C to a 38D holla!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">___________________________________________</span></div><div style="color: cyan; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now that you got the awesome, here is a little change of pace...prepare yourself for an epic story :)</span></div><div style="color: cyan; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: cyan; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Picture it, I come down with a sinus infection. Stupid me forgot to acknowledge that I cannot swallow giant horse pills. Might have been a good thing to remember. So, I get my antibiotics on Wednesday night after work and realize there is no way I can take them. The next day I called the pharmacy and they said to crush and take with food, no problem. Well, until lunch. I think I mentioned before that when you get sick your band can go kinda loopy, this was the exact circumstance which rendered me incapable of eating...for 2 days. So by Friday I was dry heaving absolutely nothing since I couldn't eat and was nauseated because the only thing on my tummy was mucus. So, I put a call in to the surgeon and had to go in for an emergency removal of .5cc's. Once that ordeal was over I called my PCP who recommended I try to get an injected dose of antibiotics and long story short ended up in Menorah's emergency room for a shot of Rocephin in my right butt cheek and a prescription for LIQUID antibiotics which would have saved me from all this in the first place!!</span></div><div style="color: cyan; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: cyan; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Moral of the story: remember you have a lapband, dorkfish!!!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">Ok, so there is my little update! Life is still awesome, exploring new things, meeting new people, getting your heartbroken a little. It can all suck sometimes but in the long run it makes you appreciate the good things even more! Life can get messy but aren't you glad that we can clean right up again?</span></span></div>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-34502294111426890502011-12-24T15:41:00.000-06:002011-12-24T15:41:55.746-06:00Oh Christmas Eve!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYqHs4j0q9w/TvZHC7j6f1I/AAAAAAAAAL8/1OAFMN4QuD4/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYqHs4j0q9w/TvZHC7j6f1I/AAAAAAAAAL8/1OAFMN4QuD4/s320/IMG_1911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I adore this time of year. Everything about it really. Well except one part. The "Dad" baggage. This year has been particularly sharp and I'm not sure why. Year 6 shouldn't be some apocalyptic event but after spending the better chunk of 4hrs crying in my car the other day, it has definitely been a tragic year. I will say that I had 3 really bad days then it lightened. Poor Mom is having a hard year too. Sometimes it's it seems a little schizophrenic...I am such a Christmas person...like literally, get me to a Hobby Lobby this time of year and I'm Buddy the Elf, a total cotton-headed ninnymuggins!! But then December 20th and 23rd roll around and the Christmas cheer ends a little. For me, yesterday wasn't so bad. I got a little bit sad but nothing profound like the 19th. I think I had cried so much after work on the 19th that I was too tired to cry anymore when it was actually the 20th. Ok, let's move on from this!!!</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A wonderful thing came to my realization yesterday. My ultimate goal was to be down 75lbs by January 1st. I knew it was a lofty goal but I was determined. Apparently determination can pay off...as of today I weighed 216.4...that is 76.1lbs from my starting weight of 292.5!!!! Which means that I am slightly ahead of my goal. I cannot believe it...Merry Christmas to me, I've lost a 2nd grader!!!! Woo-hoo!!!!</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I mostly came on here to wish everyone a very very Merry Christmas and let you all know how blessed I am for each and every one of my friends and family. I truly love and care for all of you!! Thank you for your continued words and actions of support!</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Peace and much love,</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jordan</div><div style="color: #073763; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-8805467677409237522011-12-14T01:41:00.000-06:002011-12-14T01:41:33.685-06:00BBWLVR<div style="color: #38761d;">So...I was driving home after a hectic day at work and I saw a license plate that read: BBWLVR...all I could think was, you go boy!! lol!! But it also made me think about my blog that I've been so lazy about updating!!! I've had quite a few people comment on how I haven't updated in forever, so here goes!!</div><div style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #38761d;">I had a fill on November 10th and experienced the scariest lap band moment so far!! Karen was able to put over a full cc in my band but decided that would be way too much so she filled me from 6.7 to 7.3...not a huge amount. Then I took several drinks of water...fine. Then a gulp of water...fine, then a big gulp of water...not so fine. It was terrible. I have never felt that uncomfortably stuck before and it was painful. We tried a couple different things and then finally she decided we needed to take some out...all the while I have a cup under my chin in case the water comes up. I layed down, which gives you an odd semi drowning feeling and then she took out .2cc's of fluid...INSTANT RELIEF. It was so odd that taking out .2 little tiny cc's would make such a difference!! The whole ordeal only lasted about 90 seconds but felt like much longer...it made me feel almost panicky!!</div><div style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #38761d;">On a bad note, after a fill it usually takes me a few days - a week to get back in the workout swing because of calorie intake. But this time around I adjusted then I got sick and anyone who has been banded knows that because of fluid changes in your body the band acts funny. So between not feeling like eating much anyway and getting stuck every other bite, I wasn't working out...not for over 3 weeks!! But, good news...this week I was officially back on the wagon in a big way!!!</div><div style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #38761d;">And come to think of it, I forgot to mention the best part about that last fill. I lost 12lbs in 27 days!! Since then I think I gained 2lbs back so we'll say it's been 10lbs in 34 days!! I was amped, that put my total weight loss at 70lbs!! I can wear shirts (not quite pants since they have always been 2 sizes larger!!) from practically any store. Most XL's fit...what a strange feeling!! What an exciting time in my life...I feel so blessed!! And getting more blessed by the moment!!</div><div style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #38761d;">On a side note...I am also dating an incredibly sweet guy. Don't wanna say too much because it's a new development but he is wonderful! We'll see how it goes!!</div><div style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #38761d;">Oh and have I ever mentioned...I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!! Here are some pictures from the last month to give a snapshot of my life :)</div><div style="color: #38761d;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I Hate Everything book...so funny!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtuQ7DhcmAs/TuhQr-S_yCI/AAAAAAAAALA/-UXiiKPBKuw/s1600/IMG_1536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtuQ7DhcmAs/TuhQr-S_yCI/AAAAAAAAALA/-UXiiKPBKuw/s320/IMG_1536.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And that was before the addition of 2 different bags of cough drops, Mucinex liquid and not 1 but 2 boxes of Kleenex!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MXdnKSYu6Nw/TuhQw2on0hI/AAAAAAAAALI/Eh2bywk41UE/s1600/IMG_1540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MXdnKSYu6Nw/TuhQw2on0hI/AAAAAAAAALI/Eh2bywk41UE/s320/IMG_1540.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy Peanut Butter Pumpkins my sister brought to my job on Thanksgiving!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pWneRVCPqQo/TuhQxViDqhI/AAAAAAAAALQ/fCILFZK6hHA/s1600/IMG_1706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pWneRVCPqQo/TuhQxViDqhI/AAAAAAAAALQ/fCILFZK6hHA/s320/IMG_1706.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful and talented friend Jen took this out for girl's night...check her out, she took this with her iPhone, I know, unbelievable, right? http://jwcfotos.blogspot.com/</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hwOLON5JryQ/TuhQyqWXM1I/AAAAAAAAALY/GMGU8wQJlQE/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hwOLON5JryQ/TuhQyqWXM1I/AAAAAAAAALY/GMGU8wQJlQE/s320/IMG_1713.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have the best friend's in the world...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw6h0YtoICI/TuhQ1QJpynI/AAAAAAAAALg/IwgLBuFYCNg/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw6h0YtoICI/TuhQ1QJpynI/AAAAAAAAALg/IwgLBuFYCNg/s320/IMG_1723.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I effin love Christmas. You don't understand, I walk in Hobby Lobby and I turn into Buddy the freakin elf!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fYIXrZbTNpg/TuhQ5FlV61I/AAAAAAAAALo/yh9j1TugI6s/s1600/IMG_1728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fYIXrZbTNpg/TuhQ5FlV61I/AAAAAAAAALo/yh9j1TugI6s/s320/IMG_1728.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello boots.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBJQa4u6XvM/TuhQ52RyptI/AAAAAAAAALw/gMGOotv8XSo/s1600/IMG_1733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBJQa4u6XvM/TuhQ52RyptI/AAAAAAAAALw/gMGOotv8XSo/s320/IMG_1733.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Craig...we shall see ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #38761d;">Ok...so there was a little iPhone recap!!! Life is amazing and I'm just trying to soak it up!!!</div><div style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #38761d;">Peace & Love,</div><div style="color: #38761d;"> Jordie <3</div>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-85771103025019742682011-10-25T11:38:00.000-05:002011-10-25T11:38:03.142-05:00Before and now<div style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I wanted to show everyone some before surgery and now photos. This not my best design job but I wanted to throw together something quick!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qpiBYzqve-4/Tqbkz_mdZ1I/AAAAAAAAAKo/Hx9ztBJ2Jk4/s1600/6monthsflat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qpiBYzqve-4/Tqbkz_mdZ1I/AAAAAAAAAKo/Hx9ztBJ2Jk4/s400/6monthsflat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">As always, a big thank you to some of the most supportive people in my journey. You know who you are!!! Some people have been constantly encouraging and others have given me the kick in the butt when I needed it, both are appreciated and are obviously working, so don't give up on me yet!! I got another 60lbs to lose!!!</span></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Peace and much love,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Jordan</span></span></div>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-36797532733430005662011-10-20T15:51:00.000-05:002011-10-20T15:51:47.050-05:00My half bandiversary and more!<span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>So, I'm weigh (I'm so punny!) overdue for this but......on October 14th, I was 6 months banded! I can't believe how time has flown and how much I've accomplished! I've lost an average of 10lbs/month since getting my band. What an amazing feeling!! I've been very dedicated to my diet and exercise which of course has been a huge part of my weight loss. This week I increased my workouts which has felt great!!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>I also discovered that maybe I truly am wearing a 14/16 top now! My sister had a sweater that she didn't want anymore, probably too big for her, but I tried it on and it wasn't an "oh, I'll be able to wear this soon" or "maybe it'll work soon," it was, "holy crap, this fits!!" It's just amazing to me that I can fit into it!! The bottoms are going to be the challenge!! I usually refer to my lower stomach as my "toddler." I don't have a baby, it's a full blown toddler!!! lol. Anyway, it is shrinking but the fear of having to do plastic surgery is lingering in my mind. 1. I can't really afford it on my budget, 2. I've never fancied myself as the plastic surgery type. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>I've lost 3lbs since my appointment at Malley 7 days ago! I think that my workouts are starting to pay dividends. I had always heard that it takes 5-6 weeks to really start noticing the difference and now I am!! I think part of it was also the chastising I got at my last appointment. I wanted to know exactly how many calories I should be consuming so she started asking me about my workouts and my diet and was very upset that I was only eating about 1000 cals/day, take out exercise and it was more like 800cals/day. NOT HEALTHY! So, the thinking was that my body was in starvation mode, makes sense. So, I increased my calories and have resumed losing weight, lol. So strange. Also, I really started paying attention to my protein intake. I wasn't getting enough. Now, I start off everyday with a protein shake and I feel great!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>I have come so far in the last 6 months, I can't wait to see what the next 6 months has in store!!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Thanks for sticking with me, encouraging me and loving me!!!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jordan</span><br />
<span style="color: lime; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-53505571563518005682011-10-10T17:12:00.001-05:002011-10-11T07:53:13.231-05:00This can't be for real.<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>************DISCLAIMER************</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>I will be revealing sensitive information about my clothing sizes. If not interested in my undergarments, please do not read. (That sounded creepy)</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>************END OF DISCLAIMER************</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br />
</strong></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>With God and Meagan as my witness, I went to Lane Bryant on Saturday to buy some new bras. Trust me, this was a need, not a want. I decided that since I was in 42C's that I would try the 38C's. There was a bra that I adored but only in a 38D, so I thought, what the hay...and miraculously...it fits! Not just a little, it fits very well. It's snug, which I'm obviously not used to since all of my bras in the last few months have been horrible loose. The fact that I can fit into Victoria's Secret sizes is amazing...but not the most exciting thing I discovered. I wanted to see how it looked with clothes on to make sure it wasn't grotesque from the back. So I grabbed my usual 18/20 tshirt and tried it on. Meagan looked at me and said that I needed a 14/16. I was fully prepared for it to be extremely snug and lumpy...but it wasn't. Not only was I wearing a 38D bra, but I was wearing a size 14/16 top!!! I couldn't believe it so I tried on another...AND IT FIT TOO!!!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>I think right now the hardest part is the mental road block. The scale has only shown a 7lb weight loss in 4 weeks. Awesome, but not anything to blog about :) but it's how I feel. We call these NSV's, I think I've mentioned these in the past. Non Scale Victories. These have become EXTREMELY important in my life. I can cross my freaking legs. Somthing that a normal person might consider normal or mundane almost makes me cry. I can reach my foot comfortable to paint my toenails. When I do my Sun Salutation in yoga, I can actually touch my toes instead of dangling my fingers above my toes. The losing sizes is great, but I know that since I've started working out on a regular basis, I'm gaining muscle. Everyone keeps reminding me that muscle weighs more than fat. But, it's still a head game.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>And, it seems as though I'm winning :)</strong></span></div><br />
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</div>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-90837372745454418682011-09-30T18:59:00.000-05:002011-10-01T08:57:23.841-05:00The best of times...and the worst of times.<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>So, this has been the best experience of my life and although I have had such an amazing, relatively seamless experience; there are still those times that make you wonder, "Is this really what I should have done?" The answer to that question is yes, however the last 4 days had really been a challenge. So, here's how the problems started:</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>As stated previously, I had a .7cc fill 15 days ago. The first 10 days were great, didn't really have any issues, other than the normal "adjusting to a fill" hiccups. But then Sunday night wasn't so lucky. I have been fortunate as far as foods go, I can eat mostly whatever I want. I don't eat bread and I don't miss it. I can't do broccoli by itself, not heartbreaking. I absolutely positively cannot do tortillas but I can do chips and can do chimichangas, the only 2 ways I can enjoy the mexican delight. And bagels, don't get me started, 3 times tried...3 times died...almost! lol. Anywho, on that note, I have had steak. Both homeade and dine out. Never had an issue. I always chew chew chew and cut into small pieces, but with an even tighter band, the chewing gets longer and the pieces get smaller. Information I wish I would have remembered when I was eating Sunday night. Due to my unfortunately too large piece of steak I became stuck. Like, really stuck. So bad that well, I'll spare you the details, but let's just say it was unpleasant and there was much regurgitation!!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>I took it easy that night and since I was still hungry I opted for a liquid dinner of coffee! The next day I couldn't eat breakfast. Not shocking. Lots of bandsters cannot do breakfast but do protein shakes or just coffee. For lunch I attempted to eat a salad. Two bites and partial stuck was enough for me not to try anymore at for the afternoon. After intermittently trying liquids and soft and still getting stuck on soft foods, I finally broke down and called Malley on Tuesday. She advised me to do liquids for 48hrs and then try to advance back to regular foods. If this didn't work, I would need to come and get a partial unfill...those words struck fear into my heart. I'd lost 5lbs since my visit and I wasn't tryint to change anything!! Luckily, when I advanced at dinner last night, I was able to eat my 3oz of tilapia and my green beans and some rice! It was wonderful. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The experience sucked but once again reminded me that this is a learning process and I am still trying to figure this thing out!! Thanks for sticking in there with me!!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>On a really awesome note, I am officially down 7lbs in 15 days since my last visit!! So encouraging...after a plateau it was nice to lose some again!!!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Thanks for keeping me motivated!!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Jordan</strong></span>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-64369993194701776312011-09-25T08:54:00.000-05:002011-09-25T08:54:40.454-05:00Overzealous...then honest.<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, if you remember, I posted awhile back that I had reached my half way point. That was so exciting for me, but also inaccurate. The hospital scale here at work is about -8lbs different than the scale at Malley and since Malley is where my progress is tracked, we'll be going with their measurements. This seemed like a huge disappointment at first, then I had to take a deep breath and remember that I have come so far! My fill was 10 days ago and my body is adjusting really well to it now. The scale at Malley the day of fill was 243. As previously mentioned, that was only down 2lbs since I had been previously, blah blah, same as before. Moving on to today, and this is the exciting part. As of this morning, the scale said 230...add the 8lbs to get my Malley total (lol) and I'm 238lbs. Which means that now I'm officially 7lbs from my half way point!! Yahoo!!!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I HAVE to get back on my exercise routine tomorrow. I took off after my fill since for 3-4 days my calorie/protein consumption was drastically reduced. The only problem was that I only worked out 1 days last week...gasp!!! So, there was some missed opportunity but now that my calories and protein are back on track. The good news is that I really enjoy my workouts, it's just a matter of fitting them in, which I made a priority a couple weeks ago, need to make it a habit!!!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, the great news is that I feel wonderful, both physically AND emotionally. I feel like my life is in a really good place and I'm ready for the challenges ahead. I can't wait to start up with school, after the disappointment with MCCKC I decided to spend the extra money and get a better education at JCCC. So, once the spring semester rolls around, I will be a student again :) So many things are uncontrollable in life, so much that we have no say in, but everyday we can make a conscious effort to be happy and make little changes in our lives. Sometimes those changes can make a huge difference in someone else's life. Remember that the next time you wake up on the wrong side of the bed. And decide to make it a good day instead!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peace, happiness and much love</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jordan</span></strong>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-79014983732137413772011-09-16T09:54:00.000-05:002011-09-16T09:54:08.267-05:006.7cc's<div style="color: purple;"><b>So, went for a fill yesterday. Thought I would just break even since my last appointment on August 2nd but I had actually lost 2lbs. That isn't a huge loss, obviously, but it was still something. I also went through increasing my calories by 100cals/day so I think overall, it was a good thing.</b></div><div style="color: purple;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: purple;"><b>This has been the toughest fill so far. The band works on a pressurized system so when they inject the saline they can feel resistance if your band is full. (If you're not familiar with how the band works, there is a silicone pocket which can tighten the band as the fat around your stomach melts away.) She said she was able to put a full cc in but didn't want to fill me too tight so she drew back a little to give me a .7cc fill. After fills you do liquids for 24hrs then mushy food for 24hrs then back to normal diet. However since this will make 6.7cc in my 10cc band she wants me to really stick to soft foods this weekend to let my body adjust to the fill. </b></div><div style="color: purple;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: purple;"><b>This has been the most noticeable fill so far, without adding food. I started having left shoulder gas pain intermittently last night. I hadn't had that since surgery, but it makes sense with the tighter restriction. And, I really didn't want to push it so I couldn't take my IBS medication last night which is making for an upset tummy today...the liquids aren't helping since it's been a ton of coffee and coffee is a diuretic, you get the idea. Anywho, I will be trying some mashed potatoes and soup for lunch and see if I can feel the restriction. Just like with every other fill, the first couple hours after the fill you can feel EVERYTHING going down the band. I was drinking coffee and it sounded like creaking stairs!! But the rest of the day was fine. It was easy sticking with warm liquids since it was so cold last night at the game!</b></div><div style="color: purple;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: purple;"><b>Heading out to the game again tonight, going for 6 wins in a row!! Holla! Let's hope my tummy is on board with this plan, could make for a very interesting night! Fill you in later!</b></div><div style="color: purple;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: purple;"><b>Peace and much love,</b></div><div style="color: purple;"><b> Jordan</b></div>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-70141531238192132112011-09-12T08:28:00.000-05:002011-09-12T08:28:06.209-05:0011 days and a plateau.<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This morning the scale said 235...which means that I have only lost 8lbs since I saw Karen @ Malley on August 2nd. But, that's ok. I can't believe I'm actually saying that, but it's true. I have been kicking my own but for the last 5 months since surgery and my payoff is 57lbs lost! I decided last week that this isn't a contest. This is my life. And I haven't hit a real road block yet. How can I be upset about that? I'm maintaining my current weight which is spectacular since I increased my calorie intake by 100cals/day to make it 1400 cals/day. With my increase in activity plus if I need to cut calories in the future, I decided to do the increase now.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of exercise...I have been doing my cardio at least 3x/week, last week I did it 4 times!! Yay, I feel incredible!! And I only have to wait until Thursday to get my fill :) can't wait!! So many exciting changes are happening. I'm so excited to get started back with school in the Spring!! And all of my personal/body changes are incredible. This is also a good time to plug my other blog that is </span></strong><a href="http://awesome365.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">365 Days of Awesome</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">! It has really opened my eyes to all the little things taht make my life so full, blessed and amazing! I love it. Even the mundane can become amazing when you look at it differently! Anyway, that's what's going on in my life...what's going on in yours?</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peace and much love,</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Jordan</span></strong>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-15483733460948875462011-09-01T12:50:00.000-05:002011-09-01T12:50:02.934-05:00Batwings and Wii are motivated!!<div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, as previously posted, I need a fill. I've only lost 4lbs since my last visit with Karen @ Malley on August 2nd. That is semi discouraging but also a great motivator!! I won't have another appointment with Karen until September 15th so what can I do in the meantime to at least maintain my weight? WORKOUT! I know for many people this is an easy task but for me, not so much. But something awesome happened. Yesterday I walked 1.38miles! Not much but enough to get me in shape for my 5k Light the Night and also The Kidney Walk for organ donation. Then something else awesome happened. I was super motivated to get up and do some cardio so I jumped on my Wii fit for 41 minutes and burned 246 calories!! So, I think I've found my fitness routine! Mon, Wed, Fri : cardio/balance/yoga with Wii fit and Tue, Thur: walk at least 1.5 miles! Feels so good.</span></div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">On another note, I'm getting bat wings...(glamorous shot below) so I will be investing in *heaven forgive me* a shake weight!! I know, I know...but seriously, these babies look like they have sand in them!! I would like to have nice, toned underarms, so....shake weight it is!!!</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQdYujmrUns/Tl_EzenqjEI/AAAAAAAAAHA/OEm2TnEDCV0/s1600/Photo+390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQdYujmrUns/Tl_EzenqjEI/AAAAAAAAAHA/OEm2TnEDCV0/s320/Photo+390.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disgraceful picture of my saggy batwing!!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ok, so...here is goes, an added part of my journey. This is gonna be the hardest thing to make into a habit. But I do love the sweat, the pain and the endorphins, just gotta stay motivated!</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-49042177013178611982011-08-28T17:54:00.000-05:002011-08-28T17:54:05.564-05:00*sigh*<div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">I.NEED.A.FILL!!!</span></div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">I feel like I could eat an elephant, have some ice cream and then eat a moose!!! I'm trying really hard to maintain my caloric goal but this weekend has been a huge challenge!! It's gonna be a hard couple of weeks until my next appointment at Malley!!!</span></div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cross your fingers and wish me luck!!!</span></div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jordan</span></div>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-24019572992196648862011-08-25T18:58:00.000-05:002011-08-25T18:58:21.141-05:00My best friends and worst enemy...<div style="color: #38761d;">Calories...oh how I hate them!! I am a FREAK about charting all the calories I eat, to the point where it freaks me out to go eat or can't find that particular food in the tracker. I have decided two things...1. One day of going over my calories will not make me gain back all 61lbs that I've lost. 2. Sometimes it's OK to cheat. I also realized that one of the things that could be contributing to my excellent weight loss is the fact that I eat between 1100 and 1300 cals/day...I was looking back on my dietitian notes and she said a good place would be 1600-1700cals, lol. But I am comfortable with the 1300 cals. My body has become accustomed to it and I am enjoying the results. I don't usually feel deprived, but that small time when I do, I feel like a failure...knowing how well I'm doing is helping me get past that, though. I have come so far...I am proud and I love what I have done!! Yay me!!!</div><div style="background-color: white; color: magenta;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">Here is a vid update and then some belly pics....look at your own risk!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxLffISWkK93wygybpM2cqihbe9YhZXAuxk1eq0xk_lIRkSmVsWePHI5NtzPz89aZBij92h58pt5QGJQBAnCA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<div style="color: red;">And here are the pics</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HS8plq9eYcg/TlbfUlADu7I/AAAAAAAAAGw/fXLHAZW4PLo/s1600/Photo+337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HS8plq9eYcg/TlbfUlADu7I/AAAAAAAAAGw/fXLHAZW4PLo/s320/Photo+337.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Day after surgery</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZftDwnqIZrY/TlbfWjT4DrI/AAAAAAAAAG0/YC1PXgFVykc/s1600/Photo+351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZftDwnqIZrY/TlbfWjT4DrI/AAAAAAAAAG0/YC1PXgFVykc/s320/Photo+351.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 11th, 2 months post surgery</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GK2RoMcB510/TlbfY0ZntRI/AAAAAAAAAG4/hQsjPXMGbSc/s1600/Photo+370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GK2RoMcB510/TlbfY0ZntRI/AAAAAAAAAG4/hQsjPXMGbSc/s320/Photo+370.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today, August 25th...4 months post op and down 61lbs!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-42444041844910779642011-08-15T14:31:00.000-05:002011-08-15T14:31:11.927-05:00Another Chapter...<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>So, now is the time for life to re-begin! I have been so focused on getting back to normal then on just losing weight and working non-stop that I lost a little bit of my life. Those of you who know me, know that I am a bit of a homebody. I would just as well stay home and watch the Royals play with the fam as I would go out to a club. But, here lately I feel the need to tear up the town!! I haven't been able to do it yet, but it's coming!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>I have achieved so much in the last year. Honestly there was a whole day last week when I had constant happy tears in my eyes! Sometimes when I think about it, really stop to think about it, I am in amazement of all that getting LapBand has done for me. Yes, I've lost weight...and 58lbs is an amazing achievement in 4 months but I've gotten so much more. A new lease on life. I have always been a confident person but when you put me in an airplane seat and I feel like a mutant or you try to cram me into a seat at the Sprint Center and I feel like a giant...I don't really feel like that anymore. My sister said she notices more space for herself sitting next to me at a Royals game. I can cross my legs. But my health is restored. I, for once, cannot wait to have my labs drawn to see how much my cholesterol has come down! My BMI has dropped an astounding 10 points. But I feel like I've been so ME focused that I've lost a little bit around the edges.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>I've been single for a long while now. Mostly because I needed to be to achieve the things I wanted in life. I knew that I couldn't enter in a relationship before my band because if I felt truly loved I wouldn't have wanted to change. But now I want a deeper commitment. I want something that can last and become something greater than me alone. *sigh* if it were only that easy! I'm sick of browsing websites and texting for love...ready to jump into something with a companion...my other half...a best friend...a man, not a little boy! Maybe now I'm coming into that time!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>This is an extremely personal post but I needed an outlet, lol. I just want a social life better than what the last year has been! Today is my now...come to think of it, it's your too! Don't forget to go out and live a little!!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>I love and thank you all for your support! </strong></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Jordan</strong></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>oh and sidenote...I'm 3lbs from my halfway point!! Down 58lbs, 64lbs to go!!</strong></span>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-54693416203981600942011-07-31T14:28:00.000-05:002011-07-31T14:28:50.003-05:00Happy Dance...Happy Dance!!<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ok, so totally doing the HAPPY DANCE!!! After my post and 2 weeks of sulking over my slow weight loss, I made a break through! This morning I stepped on the scale, not once but twice (cause I couldn't believe it!) and the number was...{DRUMROLL PLEASE} 236!!!! YAHOO!!!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This puts my total weight loss at 56lbs since April 1st and meets Goal #2 which is lose 50lbs!!! I am also officially 4lbs less than I am listed on my driver's license, it's the little things in life people!!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ok, so officially starting tomorrow, I am back on the exercise wagon! My bff Meagan and I are venturing into the world of treadmills and exercycles...oh yeah, I said exercycles!!! I know I'm losing without the exercise but I really love the endorphine rush and how it makes me whole mental/physical outlook so much sunnier!!! Plus, I want to do the Warrior Dash next year!!! And run (or maybe jog, lol!) a marathon! These are things that were physically incapable of participating in...can't use that excuse for too much longer!!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thanks again for all your love and support!!! Especially my Mom, sister and Meagan...you guys have been my sanity the past 2 months!!! Thanks!!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Peace and much love,</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Jordan</span></strong>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-54772267014257528772011-07-28T11:09:00.000-05:002011-07-28T11:09:45.029-05:00A more unpleasant post...<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ok, so the last few things I have blogged about have all been really awesome things, things that make my band amazing and my journey awesome...but here comes a little dose of reality.</b></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>With the band come certain complications. As you are going through the pre-band process you hear about foods you shouldn't eat and things you shouldn't do, but to be truthful, you really have to experience things for yourself. For instance...tons of bandsters can't eat rice...but I can. Lots of bandsters have problems with cheese...I don't. But there are a couple of things I've come across. It took me 2 1/2 months to regurge anything...I know that's gross but I thought it was quite an accomplishment! I'm still learning and with that learning comes some unpleasantries. For example, my band gets tighter at night...I should probably avoid eating past 10pm...but I don't always. I should ALWAYS make sure I chew thoroughly and slow...BUT I DON'T ALWAYS. Tortillas...oh how I miss you...you are the ONLY food that I have wanted and haven't been able to eat. I've tried you fried, grilled, soft...you just don't love me or my band anymore but...small price to pay!! Bottom line...it's a learning curve and I'm starting to really understand my band and how it works and it's limitations in my body.</b></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dose of reality #2...the weight loss is slowing down...after losing almost 40lbs in 2 months I was really hoping to keep it up...but you can't lose like that forever. Now I've had a 2 week stall that kept me hovering right around the 248 mark which was frustrating. I've started moving the pin on the scale again though and this week I weighed in at 245.4. So hard to believe that I've lost almost 50lbs since April 1st...3 more lbs to goal #2...-50lbs. Then on to the biggest challenge yet...Onederland. If you are unfamiliar with the term it's when you finally drop below the 200lb mark and back into the 1-hundreds. I only have 46lbs to go!!! Woot woot!! </b></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This has been the best decision of my life. I would never be where I am in my weight loss without the band. So, even with the slower weight loss...I have never once regretted my decision!!</b></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>In other awesome news...I am enrolled in school for the fall. My degree has been on hold for a year now and I miss it terribly! I'll finish up all my electives then head back to the Graphic Design program to finish the second half of my AAS! Yay!!</b></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>All in all, 2011 has been an awesome year for me and now that my work schedule is chillin a little more, I look forward to enjoying the end of summer and all of my amazing friends and family!!</b></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Peace and love</b></span></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Jordan</b></span></div>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-37255373361419060562011-07-13T21:12:00.000-05:002011-07-13T21:12:18.399-05:00Across the pond...<div style="color: magenta;">So, I received an amazing package in the mail a couple weeks back and have just now been able to photograph and post all the awesome things that came to me by a dearest friend Lauren from the enchanted Chelmsford, England!</div><div style="color: magenta;"><br />
</div><div style="color: magenta;">Here is the package in all of it's glory!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: magenta; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: magenta; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: magenta; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: magenta; float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that does say to Jordan (too cool for words) Johnson!</td></tr>
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</div><div style="color: magenta;">Here was the first thing I noticed when I opened my parcel...what cute packaging!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: magenta; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: magenta; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: magenta; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: magenta; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: magenta; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0puS-9YrVlc/Th4lm1rRIII/AAAAAAAAAFs/pLrxMxAtWOg/s1600/100_2949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0puS-9YrVlc/Th4lm1rRIII/AAAAAAAAAFs/pLrxMxAtWOg/s320/100_2949.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: magenta;">I have heard so much about Lush, as a matter of fact, there is one in the mall I work at but I've never been or tried any Lush products...so this was awesome!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: magenta; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is apparently a limited edition for the Royal wedding <3! Smells so yummy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: magenta;">Here is what I originally thought would be in the package, but was pleasantly suprised with all my other goodies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: magenta; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ou8tQdv4bE/Th4mHbdDg0I/AAAAAAAAAGA/M8J9mCaCvDQ/s1600/100_2954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ou8tQdv4bE/Th4mHbdDg0I/AAAAAAAAAGA/M8J9mCaCvDQ/s320/100_2954.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: magenta;"></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one on the right is the one I had wanted...luckily the amazing Libra Moon decided to up the ante and send along some other colorful treasures!!</td></tr>
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Last but not least, miss Lauren also included some delightful brochures for my (hopefully) visit over to the UK next year!! And as she put it...MAKEUP PORN!! I <3 Barry M!<br />
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This was one of the most amazing packages I've ever received...tied with Tamera!! My besties rock!!!<br />
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So, now, my challenge is to find some equally awesome trinkets to send over to her!! Can't wait to ship all of mine off :)GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-56454329873204451952011-07-11T23:43:00.000-05:002011-07-11T23:43:17.520-05:00I DID IT!!<div style="color: lime; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">AS OF 11:37pm on 7/11/11 I WEIGH 248.4LBS!!! That means I just passed my very first milestone of getting to the 250lb mark!! I'm so flippin excited! That means I have lost 44lbs since April 1st! Thank you everyone for your support...it amazes me how many people mention the blog to me. At work or through text. I always assumed no one really read it because there weren't alot of followers or comments but I am flabbergasted at the amount of face to face feedback I get. It makes me wonder how many people may be ready this and getting inspiration or advice or maybe even just to know there is someone else out there in the same position, either way...thanks a million! I can't really tell you how loved this whole process has made me feel!!</span></b></div><div style="color: lime; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: lime; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> Ok, so I have been working a crazy non stop schedule and it's killing me but, I will be reducing my hours here soon and will be getting back to some normalcy, because the past couple of weeks have seen the rise of my very first run-ins with my band! More on that later this week!</span></b></div><div style="color: lime; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: lime; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Peace, love and happiness!</span></b></div><div style="color: lime; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> Jordan</span></b></div>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-19086096613239141222011-07-03T11:16:00.000-05:002011-07-03T11:16:37.413-05:001 year (and one day's) worth of knowledge!<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was logged on to my Lapband.com page today and realized that it was 366 days since I had started checking into the Lap Band seriously. I had started dieting and exercising regularly in February 2010 in an attempt to earn a healthier lifestyle. I lost 10lbs then plateued very quickly so I began investigating the LapBand. Just now as I wrote that I got all teary, I can't believe that not only am I now banded but I am having amazing success with it. Here's a little smattering of facts about me and my band (Eephus):</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">July 2nd 2010 - created my profile on lapband.com.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">July 17th 2010 - attended a lapband seminar by Malley Surgical and made the decision immediately that it was something I wanted to pursue.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August 10th 2010 - met with the surgeon (Dr. Hitchcock, he did not perform my surgery) and solidified my decision to get my band.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">September 2010 - February 2011 - In September I went for my initial health evaluation with my primary care physician. I was put on an 1800 cal diet and followed up every month for weight/vital monitoring. In November 2010, I went for my psychiatric evaluation (how did they let a loon like me get away?!? lol) and then in January 2011 went for a dietary consultation which was so eye opening! I really thought I would have to be 120lbs and never eat ice cream again...I was so wrong. That was one of the most informative appointments I've ever had with a health care professional!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February 28th 2011 - my information was submitted for insurance approval.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">March 8th 2011 - that was the day my life started changing! I was approved by insurance and everything moved so quickly from there!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">April 1st 2011 - started my pre-op diet. The first couple days were horrible but then my body adjusted and I really just started feeling great!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">April 14th 2011 - got my band "Eephus" if you're not familiar, an Eephus pitch in baseball is the slowest pitch that is thrown. Since I love baseball, what better name could I pick to remind me to slow down and take it easy?</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May 24th 2011 - First fill (5cc in 10cc band), when you go for your first fills you go once, again in 2 weeks and again 2 weeks later. After my first fill I lost 8lbs in two weeks. I went back two weeks later and he chose not to fill me due to my 8lb weight loss. Within a few days I felt different as far as chewing went but I was still getting hungry in between meals.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">June 21st 2011 - second fill (6cc in 10cc band), this one changed everything! I could tell a difference immediately, especially when I wasn't chewing quite well enough. But I'm eating the appropriate amounts, staying full and losing very well.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">July 3rd 2011 - I am sitting here writing my blog. And here are some fun Jordan statistics:</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight February 2010 - 292</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Current Weight - 251</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> -41lbs</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BMI February 2010 - 52</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Current BMI: 44</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> -8 points</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pant size February 2010 - 26</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Current pant size - 22</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Top size February 2010 - 22/24</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Current top size - 18/20 (have gone from size 4 to 2 @ Maurice's)</span></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I'm looking over these stats I'm baffled that it has only been 79 days since surgery! I have averaged a 0.52lb weight loss per day. I just feel incredibly blessed. I have been given an opportunity to change my life and live a long, healthy and prosperous future (there's the tears again!)</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again, I cannot express enough my gratitude and love for all the support I have received in the last year. I am truly awestruck with the outpouring of love that has pulled me through doubt, the fear and the pain that have come along with my decision. Thank you all. I love you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will end this post with my favorite quote of all time:</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>"Don't ever be someone's slogan because you are poetry."</strong></span></div>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4936087850361701855.post-20177640570591561322011-06-30T10:23:00.000-05:002011-06-30T10:23:25.260-05:00The post you've all been wanting...<div style="color: magenta;">So, everyone has expressed a desire to see some before and current pictures so now that I am 76 days post band and have lost 38lbs, I will post some pics now:</div><div style="color: magenta;"><br />
</div><div style="color: magenta;">Before surgery (I looked gross anyway, should have at least put on some makeup!!! lol)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5h_6aPReVc/TgyT55PLobI/AAAAAAAAAFI/2OW-y8SnO9o/s1600/100_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5h_6aPReVc/TgyT55PLobI/AAAAAAAAAFI/2OW-y8SnO9o/s320/100_2914.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJqJWD4NDOk/TgyT9Ll32RI/AAAAAAAAAFM/hE1qI30PJjQ/s1600/100_2915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJqJWD4NDOk/TgyT9Ll32RI/AAAAAAAAAFM/hE1qI30PJjQ/s320/100_2915.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: magenta;">And here is yesterday: (my shirt is really blousy in front...next time will take pics in that exact before outfit!)</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">I feel incredible and can't wait to keep this journey going! Thanks everyone for tagging along!!!</span>GraphicGuruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798364468937830778noreply@blogger.com0