BandLand

Monday = Lotsocoffee!

2012-01-09T05:50:00.000-06:00

Here I am one week into the new year and I'm happy to say that I have been faithful to the Low Carb eating plan that has historically worked wonders for me.

- 7 lbs about 27 to go before I am as thin as the small profile pic on this screen.

Yesterday I made a most delicious Low Carb Broccoli & Cheese soup!

It was REALLY easy........

About 5 Net Carbs per 1 cup serving!

What you need:

1 bag frozen cut broccoli
3 chicken bouillan cubes (or 3 cup chicken broth)
3 cups water
1 jar Ragu cheese sauce (21 carbs for the entire jar)

Bring water, cubes and brocoli to a boil, then add cheese and simmer on low for 10 minutes - 2 hours. (the longer it simmers the better it is) Salt and Pepper to taste...... Note, you could add a splash of heavy cream if desired

Countdown to 2012

2011-12-29T16:32:00.000-06:00

Hello friends..

As I look into the new year, I along with a great portion of Americans.. plan to get back on a healthy living kick for 2012. I am back working in a traditional office setting again and the first thing I noticed is that my clothes are getting tighter due sitting all day..... So New Years Resolution HERE I COME!

I can't believe summer is over!

2011-08-30T16:01:00.001-05:00

Time to get back on track before the fall food season begins!

Back from Vacation = Back on Track

2011-07-16T07:59:00.000-05:00

HELLO~

Well we had a great great great vacation, I did go off plan and had a 3.5 upward bounce..... but with 3 days back on plan I've lost it all and a smidge more.

197.4, Less than 30 pounds until my goal!

I continue to battle with my trigger foods such as Ice Cream, but I'm working on it.

Have a great day~

Happy JULY!

2011-07-03T06:43:00.000-05:00

Well people, I'm still going strong.. my determination has not weakened even though the scale has come to a screetching halt...... 198. Not bad, since today is my 3 week marker for being back to my LC roots.... 13.6 lbs is nothing to sneeze at.

The wonderful thing is..... 13 pounds have REALLY made a difference in my face and my clothes... I am shocked. 29 lbs to goal....... I do have a tough road ahead, as we are taking off for vacation in a few days, and I've already planned a cheat.... heck I may not even be able to eat the strawberry, vanilla icecream, funnel cake concoction after all this build up..... or it may give me the runs.. LOL..... who knows.

Have a great day, and be safe

ONEderland!!!!

2011-06-26T05:31:00.000-05:00

Well the scale surprised me this morning!

199 YEAH BABY!

I woke up very hungry & thirsty... so I'm guessing it is partly due to dehydration from the two Crystal Light & Vodka drinks I had last night......but I'm hydrating now and my plan is to keep it VLC (very Low Carb) at least until the 7th of July.

Goal is to lose 30 more pounds, but I'm going to enjoy the ride back down the scale by getting into all my former favorite clothes!

Still going strong

2011-06-23T21:22:00.000-05:00

My weight has sllllllllooooooooooowwwwwweddddddddddd down, but it is to be expected. I am very proud of myself because I have not cheated or swayed from my plan. This is the longest I've stayed 100% true to my chosen Low Carb WOE in about 6 years (maybe more) After I got banded, I aimed for LC, but I was always testing my band, and thing like ice cream and mashed potatoes slipped right through, but because the AMOUNT I was eating was allowing me to lose........... and truthfully the amount I was eating (albeit total crap food) has what was keeping me stable for the last 3.5 years. I am on the brink of getting back to Onederland, but back into the 170's has always been my stopping place....... I'm ready to see the 160's, but it is a daunting thought........

have a good night!

Induction Honeymoon is Over

2011-06-21T05:51:00.001-05:00

Well the induction honeymoon is over as today is the first day I bounced back up a bit...
202.8 to 203.2, not much... but dang it.. I don't want to see it go up.

I actually think I didn't eat enough yesterday

here is my menu

coffee w/ sf creamer (about 2 cups)

b: calorie countdown shake

l: 2 ham,pickle, cream cheese roll ups

d: 1 tuna patty (about half a can, 1 egg, and 1/2 slice of sharp cheddar)

tea & water

THAT's IT!

Hey, I'm still jazzed that in a little over a week I'm down 7 lbs, but I want to get back to ONEderland where I belong

OK, I'm editing because I went and logged everything from yesterday into Fitday and I found my problem........ NOT enough, calories or protein! I guess my little silicone fist is working, because I did not intentionally starve myself yesterday.

Happy Fathers Day!

2011-06-19T07:47:00.000-05:00

Well, Well, Well.......... today marks the end of my first full week of Atkins "Induction" level of carbs! I am so proud of myself, as I haven't cheated, and my determination has stayed strong. I have been rewarded with a -7 lb loss. I'm so excited to be closing in on ONEderland again, I know from past experience that the weight loss will slow down now, but I can always hope that I repeat my very first induction ... circa 1999, where I lost an amazing 14 lbs! WISHFUL I know, but a girl can hope. :)

We are taking DH to Lunch, and then off to spend the afternoon with my dad.

Starting Weight: 210.6
One Week Weight: 203.6

HELLO DAY 5!!!

2011-06-16T06:45:00.000-05:00

Down another pound! WOOT WOOT!!

I hope the induction fairy stays with me all the way to ONEderland! I really want to be well into the 190's before we go on vacation in July.

Today is just a short drive by post, I'm running a bit late

Induction Start: 210.6
Morning of Day 5: 205.4

My rings are not as tight and my face is not as bloated... HELLO WATER WEIGHT

Day 4 of Induction and still going strong!

2011-06-15T04:26:00.003-05:00

I am so proud of myself!

I have stayed 100% true to plan for 3 solid days and now I'm staring day 4 in the face.
I have not had any diet soda, no ice cream, no chips, no vodka (my lc booze of choice). Yesterday was the toughest so far, as I let myself get so hungry that I got pretty dizzy, although I think it was really sugar withdrawl.. it had been so long since I had deprived my body of sugar that I had forgotten the foggy/dizzy feeling that comes with it. I know know that my body has switched to burning fat instead of carbs and my first mini goal is well within my grasp.

My husband is naturally thin, and he has no clue what its like, he also never knew me at my former "pre lapband" weight. He also hadn't lived through my many journeys down the scale with only the aid of a Low Carb diet circa 1999-2007....... so it will be a challenge for me to not loose patience with him for not understanding.

Anyway..... i am committed to first get back to ONEderland, and then my next goal will to hit my prior low of 174. I can't really imagine any lower than that because at 174 my size 10 levi's would end up baggy by the end of the day, and my EX husband said I had no butt and that I looked sick..... REALLY? I looked SICK at 174 lbs? I guess that's ONE of the reasons he is an EX! LOL

Anyhow........ here I am, on my way to all those dang size 10 jeans I have on the top shelf of my closet!

Started induction on 06/12/2011 @ 210.6 lbs
Day 4 weigh in: 206.4

Food Logs for my REinduction

2011-06-13T19:08:00.000-05:00

/Food Log Day 1 Induction:

Food Log Day 2 Induction

Day 2 of Atkins "Induction"

2011-06-13T18:21:00.000-05:00

Well........... ya me, I managed to stay on track for my 2nd day of strict induction level of carbs (aiming for 20 net carbs) according to fitday, my carbs are sitting at 21.7, but I know 4 of them are not counting the fiber....

I AM hungry, so I must revisit the LowCarbFriends recipe site to remind myself of some of the awesome induction level creations that I enjoy.

Being a Banded LC'r is not really a big deal, especially since I am over 4 years out from my surgery and my fill level is not very tight......

Eating ice cream, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, chips and salsa, chips and spin dip....... ritz crackers and anyting.. have been my staple foods which caused me to gain back up from 174 to 210, but also..... the AMOUNT of them I could eat was what has kept me from gaining all 98 lbs back....... I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE MY BAND! it is my goal to lose 15-20 lbs by the time we head to Branson for vacation...... 1st goal is to get back to ONEderland, which by the way is closer than it was yesterday~

Day 2 Induction weight: 207.6

Back to Low Carb Induction!

2011-06-12T16:42:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning feeling even more bloated than normal, so today I decided to go back to my Low Carb Roots. Induction Levels of the Atkins Plan..... this is a cleansing phase where you only eat 20 net carbs per day.

So far today, I've joined fitday and logged everything I've eaten (including my 2 cups of coffee w/my sugar free creamer) Also I took my measurements.

It's 4:36 pm and I've managed to keep my carbs to 18.2.

I am feeling the sugar withdrawls........ and you don't even KNOW how bad I want a glass of the sweet tea that's in my fridge, but I am refraining. I am committed to two weeks of induction to cleanse my system of the sugar and to hopefully lose some awesome induction levels of weight~

I did go to the store and stocked up on some LC staples..... (hello eggs and tuna)

Day One Induction: 210.5

In other "band related" news...... my step dad who was banded about 6 months ago and he's closing in on 70 lbs down. He is doing it Low Carb and the pounds are flying off! His knee's thank him. My mom who was banded two years ago, is stable at about 60lbs lost, but kicking it into Low Carb gear so that my Step dad doesn't pass her on the scale! LOL

Stay tuned for Day TWO Induction:

The Easter Bunny is on His Way!

2011-04-18T17:12:00.000-05:00

Hello all!

Well..... I haven't been dieting, but I DID join the YMCA and .. drum roll please....
have worked out THREE times in the last 5 days! WOOT WOOT!! :)

This morning I got up and went to the water fitness class at 6:00 am. I am VERY proud of myself.

I know that if I can keep up the exercise AM- M_W_F and PM TUES_ THURS then I will start firming up nicely and hopefully my weight will go down as well.

Week of January 24, 2011

2011-01-25T07:40:00.000-06:00

Hello all!

Wanted to update you on my 2011 goal to lose 30lbs.

I am down 5!

I've been trying to drink more water based liquid (tea) and pay attention to what I'm eating, also I've been taking a diet supplement that does seem to give me energy.

Started 2011 at 208
Today the scale reads 203
Former low 174

I AM doing it this year!

Happy New Year! A Band Update

2011-01-08T18:41:00.001-06:00

2011 is upon us, and that means I'm nearing my 4th anniversary for being banded. (Gastric Band )

My surgery was April 26, 2007. Starting out, I tipped the scale at 272, but within my first year I managed to get down to 174! I was so close to that magical -100 lb weight loss goal I had set for myself. LIFE was GREAT! I was in size 10 Levis, and regularly being told that I was getting too thin. (Yeah RIGHT!)

Anyhow........ I became very complacent (which is my life's weight loss pattern) and I started a slow regain, LUCKILY the re-gain stopped at 204lbs. (THANK GOD FOR MY LAPBAND!) and for the last 2.5 years I have bounced between 204-208. CURRENTLY, I am in size 12's (some 14's) and truth be told... I am very comfortable at this size. I'm no longer worried that I'm the heaviest person in the room. I know I'm not thin, but I also know that I'm a "normal" size.

This brings me to 2011.

I am committed to losing 30lbs!

I believe 208 is my body's new set point and so to focus on losing a mere 30 lbs in one year SHOULD be a piece of cake.... :) well maybe NOT cake. :)

Join me as I post to this blog for accountability.

HAPPY 2011!

Free Bic Pens at Target

2010-08-02T07:16:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I took my $1.00 Bic Stationary coupon (Printed from the Target website) and scored free pens! Perfect for back to school, but I use them for crafts at work.

In other news.. we spent the weekend at the lake, it was hot but very relaxing!

TARGET Toy Clearance

2010-07-30T06:15:00.000-05:00

BIG NEWS!

Target started marking down their clearance toys to 75% yesterday!

I was able to take care of my sons birthday and also got a good start on Christmas. Upon arrival I noticed signs for 30% and 50% off the end caps, but then I noticed an employee in the toy isle marking down items. Closer inspection of the tag revealed a teeny tiny little "75" in the top right hand corner of the red clearance tag.

Things in the line up were from: Star Wars, Iron Man, Transformers, along with summer toys like bubble guns.

GOOD LUCK!

Guilty Addiction

2010-07-28T14:40:00.000-05:00

I'll admit it.. I'm a 40 year old women who has become addicted to all things "Vampire". Actually, I was an AVID fan of "Buffy" and later "Angel", so when my neice started talking about the Twilight series my ears perked up. Yes I've read all the books and even the online additions Stephanie Meyer made public on her website.

Aside from Twilight I've read two other series that kept me up late, missing my favorite shows and pretty much ignored my family until they were done.

The first series is Vampire AcacemyLast Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, Book 6)

I'm awaiting the release of the final book.... Due out December!

Another series that I just finished is:
Actually I finished "Burned" it is soooooooo good!

Both series are easy reads. I will finish a single book 2-4 hours after starting it, and that is mainly because I can't seem to put them down once I start!

Back to School ALREADY?

2010-07-28T07:23:00.000-05:00

Good morning all! I am happy to report a loss of 3 pounds, but it means that I'm back to where I've been for the last year or so.... and I guess if I was honest with myself I am pretty darn comfortable... Comfort = Complacency. I suppose.

In other aspects of my life, my son is getting ready to enter the second grade. While in kindergarten he was diagnosed with ADHD and more recently ODD. It has made our lives.... hmmmmm.... interesting. I'm going to start talking about it on here.

Also, I've been diagnosed with POD... which in short means that I'm allergic to FLUORIDE... so yeah... Toothpaste & Water... hmmmm.... interesting.

So join me because I plan to post a new blog every day.

Thanks to those of you who have followed me for years!
Tracy

Summer Heat and the Baseball Season that Never Ends!

2010-07-27T19:00:00.000-05:00

Our rain outs have been rained out and it doesn't seem to matter that the news is telling us to stay indoors... off to the ballpark we go!

We are coaches and also back ups for snacks....... luckily I found some Koolaid Jammers on sale at KMART the other night along with some Hershey Bars..... Cooler is stocked and we are ready to go! I prefer the Sugar Free versions.

More Later.

Well...... 3 years banded and I'm still here

2010-03-28T17:44:00.002-05:00

So many many many many changes.............. but guess what..... I still love my band!

I really need to get my head on straight, but the problem is.. that I'm very comfortable where I'm at.....

I kid you not...... I have been between 203-208 for about a year. Yes, I would LOVE to be back in the 170's and wearing size 10's....... but my 12's are ok for now.

I still eat to fast and I run to the nearest toilet to spit out the shoveled food.

My mom was banded November 2008, and she is doing great she is stuck somewhere in the 220's................. and since both of us started on the OTHER side of the 2's.... I was at 274, and she was at 285...... being here and staying here for two years.... has been a wonderful feeling........

So many of us bandsters...... fall of the face of the earth after 1 year... and I think really it is because we get bored or are just out living life..... I KNOW that I could easily be under 200 with very little effort......but getting me to DO it is something all together different.

My band date was April 26, 2007......... 3 years baby..... 3 years.... it is just part of me and..

Here is a pic of us....... taken February 2010

So...... I've regained

2009-07-15T14:14:00.002-05:00

Lets see........

today 214. This shit has got to stop. Do I need a FiLL? HELL YES

Did I call for a Fill? Hell NO

Have you been eating slider Foods? HELL YES
Have you been eating ice cream daily? F'ng YES

OK... so I'm back to blogging.... facing my violets on LBT and facing the scale.

I need to take a different approach I guess....

2.5 years banded and yes I'm happy that the capris I'm wearing today are 14's, but I am so pissed off at myself that my size 10's WAYYYYY to small.

Here is a head shot of me...... TODAY.. a few minutes ago......

Look at how fat my face is compared to my profile pic up in the corner of this page.

I need to pick myself up and get a f'ng grip

Here we go.

Day 2

2009-06-03T07:47:00.000-05:00

Yesterday.. the first step in my On the road again adventure.......
Yesterday scale 211.2, Today 209.4..........

Yesterday I managed to NOT eat any ice cream....

I had
1 pot of coffee w/creamer
3/4 of a protein bar
hunks of cheese when I got hungry
3 big glasses of CL (liveactive)

After work I took the boys to Sonic.. I GOT NOTHING... not even Dt. Dr. Pepper.

Dropped Cody at scouts and went to the store to stock up on "healthy" Tracy stuff......... It was 9pm by the time I got home and I was starving........

I ended up having a frozen Calorie countdown (I had put some in the freezer) and then about 1/2 cup of cottage cheese w/pepper......... it was enough to settle my tummy for sleeping.

So far today......

coffee w/SUGAR FREE creamer
the last of the left over Protein bar (about 1/4)

I brought in thin sliced deli meat and plan to make wraps with the cheese.... (dipped in ranch) the key will be slow slow slow........

Also, I stocked up on Crystal Light due to the sale at the store and the coupons I had...... so I'm set on that route............

My first goal is to get back into ONEderland......

I have a band meeting tonight......... I guess I better go... I just hate feeling like a failure to all those NEWBIES......