firsts and lasts

Tomorrow I start my pre-op diet which also means there are only 2 weeks until the BIG DAY! :D So, for the next 2 weeks I will be on a low carb, no sugar, lean diet to shrink my liver and prepare me for surgery. I am excited to get started and see how much I can loose! The hardest part is that I leave for vacation 2 days after I start the diet! I know I will be with my amazing family and they will help me as much as possible, but still, it's vacation. I just have to keep my eye on the prize. This is the first, but DEFINITELY not the last time I will not be able to eat what everyone around me is eating. I AM ready.... I NEED this life style change. Here is  picture numero uno; I have to say this is very hard for me to post because I usually avoid full body pictures at all costs. Seeing this picture was an eye-opener for me and definitely motivates me to NEVER have to take another picture at this weight again!!

Before pre-op diet

LAP-BAND...what to expect before and after

Like I mentioned in my first post, I chose to get the LAP-BAND to use as a tool to achieve my weight loss goals. After going to the information seminars, talking with the doctor, and praying (a lot) I decided that this is the right thing for me.

So what should I expect? Well two weeks prior to surgery I will start a liver shrinking diet. This will help the doctors when I go into surgery because it is all done laparoscopically. After surgery I will be on a liquid diet and slowly add in solid foods a little at a time. My band will be adjusted, as needed, and I will be able to eat small healthy meals to reach my weight loss goals!

On top of being healthy, I have other goals I want to achieve after loosing the weight! Anyone who knows me knows that I have a love for children and I have wanted a child since before I was old enough to have kids! I was the girl on the basketball team smiling and waving to the baby in the stands while my coach was yelling at me to run the other way! So my most exciting goal is to have babies (yes  plural!!) There are other goals I have but that's the big one! Thank you all for your support and love, it would very hard to do this without the support of my friends, family and most of all my husband!

from the beginning

FIRST POST :) I am starting this blog to record my weight loss journey. I hope that it will not only help me, but also help other people who are struggling with their weight.

Me at age 7

As a child I wouldn't have considered myself overweight however I always knew I was "chunkier" than the other kids in my class. It wasn't until high school that I started really packing on the weight! I was one of the first girls in my group of friends to get their license; which means I was the chauffeur.  Having a car meant I was in control of where and when I ate, and I chose to eat out...A LOT!

Me at age 18

During high school, college, and adult life I have tried every diet pill, diet shake, diet period! Some worked....some didn't but all success was short lived and was usually followed by me gaining the weight back PLUS a few more pounds. (Oh joy!!)

So now, after almost 9 years of unsuccessful attempts to loose weight, I am choosing to change my life...for the better/forever! I have made the decision to get the LAP-BAND. I know that this may have a negative connotation for some people but I am using this as a tool to reach my goal NOT as a "magic fix." It's not only about loosing weight and looking great in your skinny jeans, its about being healthy and being able to live life to the 

F U L L E S T!