Struggles

I got a fill on Friday, June 19. I went from 2.0cc to 5.5 cc. According to my surgeon, I have a 14cc band and not a 10 cc band. Irregardless, I feel nothing right now. It's weird because even last November when I had my first unfill, I was at 6.5cc and had been "too tight" for a year and had pretty much lived on ice cream, had coughing and vomiting every night, and got an upper respiratory infection from night vomit getting into my lungs that caused me to go on prednisone.

In April, when I got my second unfill, I was at 5.5 and so swollen and irritated that I couldn't drink water and lost 16lbs in 5 days from dehydration. And now... Nothing. It's like I still don't have a band.

My next appt is in August, but after my period, I might schedule another fill sooner. The only bad part is that my insurance changed and I have to pay for each fill out of pocket until I reach $1500 for the year. I assume each fill is about $300, so it's very intimidating and cost prohibitive.

In the meantime, I'm doing a vegetarian eating plan. Not quite vegan, but definitely vegetarian. I've been debating about eating fish, but it's been more than two weeks since I've eaten meat, and I'm actually doing pretty good. The ELB said that I'm past the bitchy phase now (meaning that I'm past the point that I would shank someone for a Whopper). And I've made a valiant effort to also give up soda.

The only drawback is how gassy I am....ALL the time. Might need to invest in some beano. Any suggestions on how to make a predominately vegetable diet less odoriferous?

Slowly making changes

I got my fitbit, and yesterday during Zumba, it went all crazy because I got 10k steps. By the time I finished and got home, I had over 15k steps logged. Yay me.

Yesterday, I also had a vegetarian day... Slowly working to to the 22day Revolution to go vegan. Other than some homemade pimento cheese, I was all veggies. I've done the same today. Baby steps.

I've gotten alot of the staples for the Revolution diet, and I'm debating the merits of starting before I get my fill on 6/19, or waiting till after. Either way, Im going to try out some of the recipes before hand. On the list is chia pudding. I'll let you know how it turns out!

I'm getting back on track, even though I'm not perfect. I'm feeling better, even though my next gym visit is postponed until next Wednesday due to the orioles in town.

Later gators!

To Fitbit or not to Fitbit... That is the question

I've had mixed feelings about fitbits. I want one.. I don't want one. I want one but only if it's the Charge. I don't care is it's a Charge. Will I use it? Our will it be another piece of failed technology?

Walmart has the Fitbit Flex in pink on sale for $79. I think I'm going to get it. I want to think it's going to motivate me to walk more and be active. Ive gained 26kbs in 6 weeks since my unfill. And no gym, either.

I feel fat and bloated and gross. My clothes don't feel right. I'm tired and grouchy. Yes, Aunt Flow is coming next week. And yes, I am working my way up to doing the 22day revolution plant based diet. And I'm hoping to get back to the gym soon...but I am going think that a piece of pink plastic is going to motivate me to do better. It's how my brain works.

In preparation for the 22 day challenge, I've been getting somewhat organized. I've been buying food storage containers, I'm making the shopping list and picking up things as I find them, and I'm shopping around. I found some of the staples at Big Lots, surprisingly. They carry Bobs Red Mill products like GF flour, rolled oats, milled flax seed, quonoa, and millett at less than Whole Foods prices. I also picked up the powdered seasoning like curry, turmeric, parsley leaves, and garlic for $1 each.

There are some things that will require a visit to Trader Joes and Whole Foods....but not before I check Walmart first...and Aldi, too, for canned things. 

I'm preparing to do this mentally, so that I'm ready to do this physically.

I'll let you know when I'm ready to start.