Too Blessed To Be Stressed

     Well it has been a little over a month since I had my Lap-Band revision.  I have to say the first week I did really great and lost a few pounds then life got back to normal.  At this point I am really about right where I started.  I had to go in yesterday for a check-up and I have to say I was a little hesitant since I knew that the scale doesn’t lie and it wasn’t going to be kind to me and lie to make me feel better.  As I walked in and the gorgeous September sun shown on my face I got thinking how my clothes actually seem to be fitting better, some recent labs had shown some good signs of positive change.  So when I checked in I thought, what do I have to be stressed about??? I am so blessed!  I have opportunities to help me get healthier, I have friends and family who are willing to help me and darn it, this time the journey might go slower but I am going to enjoy the journey this time.  I met with Laurie and she is so sweet and reassuring.  She was happy with my progress.  She reminded me that the day of surgery Dr. Rohrschibe took out a cc of insulin.  My response was I have 3 still in there I thought so shouldn't I feel more restricted??  She said nope, Jane you have like 1/3 of a cc currently in your band.  WHAT????  I have been doing pretty good with no help?  Hot Dogs!!!  So she put in 1 cc of saline and told me that I am a rock star and I will achieve all of my goals and just be patient that it isn’t going to be as fast this time, but that is okay. I will go back in a month and get another fill if I feel that I need it.  I love that I am in charge of my care!  

               In the past month I have tried to work on the entire me.  I have been reading a couple of books, looking for ways to be inspired and sway away from drama.  I have always had a hard time saying no and I am starting to get a little better about that and not feeling as guilty about it.  In October Tony and I are headed to Florida for a wedding and sure I may not have a beach body but I know that we will have a great time together enjoying the beach.  I have a couple of goals that I want to achieve before I go.  I am going to work hard to achieve them but if it doesn’t happen I can know that every step is on the path to a better lifestyle. 

               I appreciate the support I have gotten to this point and if I can help you please don’t ever hesitate to ask!  Jane

Big news in regards to my weight loss journey.

So if you are one to follow the blog you know back in February around my 40th birthday I decided it was time for me to start looking our for me and my health more.  I had done so great a few years ago around 2010 to drop a lot of weight.  I went from 324 down to 209.  Overall I was doing great but during that time  of 2013 I started to gain again.  It had to be me not watching what I ate so carefully, wasn't getting enough exercise so I began to deprive myself of food which is not good for healthy weight loss and  I was  exercising  to much and too hard.  I ended up with a stress fracture in my right foot as we all remember required years of boots, casts, surgeries and physical therapy.  In the fall I told myself you need to get back on taking care of you but don't do it until you are all in!  So for my 40th birthday I gave myself another nudge.  I started trying to walk more, watch what I ate and be aware of what  I ate and how such.  I met with my primary to find out that my blood sugar was high so we were going to try some meds for that and she encouraged me to get back to getting fills in my Lapband.  Well it had been a long time since I did that and when I went back we put in some fluid,  then about a month later we put a little more in.  So at that point ideally I had some restriction in my band, I was trying to walk more, eat better, and get more emotionally in tune.  Well I got frustrated because from one fill appointment to the next I gain 4 pounds in a month.  Sure I had a few cheats and such but what the heck?  My Dr. Sidney Rohrscibe then shared with me about 3 years ago he suspected that I had a hole in my band and that is why I was gaining weight.  That is when I came MIA from him because I was taking care of my foot problems, depressed and just not motivated to work the program hence gaining a lot of my weight back.  :(  Sure enough he checked my band and I should have had 3 1/2 cc's in my band and I had less than one.  So this meant I need to go back in and replace the port of my band.  On Thursday the 19th I went in for outpatient surgery and thankfully I only needed the port replaced with its tubing.  I am doing great today, feel very motivated to get back to a healthy weight again.  I will say this has been a tough emotional journey.  I know that the band leak has nothing to do with anything I did or didn't do.  I try to stop the negative thoughts that I have failed again in my weight loss journey.

Weight is something that many folks battle with.  For me blogging about it helps me track and share about my journey but most of all I do it to inspire others.  I have encouraged a couple to get back tuned in on their Lapband journey, I have talked to others thinking about looking at the Lapband.   I have many who have felt inspired to do little things for their health and that is great.  It is not easy by any means!!   I am an open book I can tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Something ugly today is how bruised my stomach is but I guess no pain no lose in my case.

If you are a follower, you know I am  not one to ever hide the facts.  I got to 301 this time when I said enough is enough.  Yesterday before surgery I had gotten down to 287.  So I have set many goals with rewards, getting my nails done, day trip get away with the family, and overnight with Tony, and possibly a purse when I hit 225.  That is a good weight for me but I will work very carefully with my team to get to a good weight for me after that.  Team that is a big thing!  I have many on my team: My Lapband doctor and his staff that are all great, my primary, my social worker, my gym, and more importantly my family and friends.

I ask for encouragement and I am always willing to chat with you about my journey and such.  Life is a journey, every one's is different but that is why us helping makes it easier!  I will use this as a way to share my journey.  Pictures from yesterday are attached!

Monday Blah's

So Monday is my weigh in morning.  Each time when I step on the scale I remind myself that the number does not define me or the dedication that I am putting in.  Well I got on the scale and it was not being kind, it said I was up roughly 2 pounds.  GRRR!!!  Well of course I run thru all the things that I had eaten last week and thinking well duh, you had a birthday cupcake at your niece’s birthday party, you stopped at Starbucks twice, you actually have been eating more frequently so surely that is what happened.  STOP THE INSANITY JANE!!!  I am not referring to not enjoying life, I am referring to Jane it is okay.  I have to type that for the world to see so I can realize that this is a journey and no road is smooth especially when you live in IL.  Today I also went to see my social worker.  I shared with her how I blog and I am probably a little abnormal when I do since I am so honest someone to give others a glimpse into my head but also to let others know they are not alone in whatever trials they are experiencing.  She and I talked about how I have fears this time.  I am afraid of becoming obsessed with watching what I eat and exercising too much.  Not exactly what she expected I would say.  She reminded me that I should always enjoy my food, but maybe do something in moderation.  As far as exercise, there is nothing wrong with finding ways to get some movement in with my family and friends and still feel like I am making good choices.  I never said this would be easy but in closing of our session somehow we got talking about my mom and her last days.  Weird huh!  Well she was almost in tears, I was fine, till I left and realized that this is why I HAVE to take care of me.  I cannot change my genetics but I can control what I eat, how I treat my body, how I treat my mind.  I deserve it! 

I have a favor to ask:  I am looking for a few ideas of incentives I can reward myself with as I work towards weight, fitness goals and such.  Also snacks!!  OMG  I love to nibble especially at my desk.  I am looking for good snacks that do not have a lot of sugar due to my slight blood sugar problem right now and unfortunately I struggle eating raw veggies because I don’t digest them well with my band.  So that is your challenge: Incentives and snacks! 

Probably Thursday after my appointment for my band I will check back in and update you with the good the bad and the ugly!  Do something great for yourself, You deserve it!!  

The Battle Over Obesity

I wish I could say that I had concurred the beast but I can’t.  I’ll introduce some new readers to my journey versus obesity.  My weightloss journey  began in 2010 when I decided that I was going to change my life forever and have the Lap-Band procedure done.  To this day I am glad that I decided to put my health and me in general at the top of the list of needs in my life.  I had my surgery after reaching 325 pounds.  Over the course of about a year and a half I went from 325 down to 209 pound.  My goal was to become “onederful” in the 100’s.  My primary doctor at the time wanted me to strive for 175 maybe even 150 pounds.  When I was around 209 I had hit a point of insanity.  My day typically consisted up to 3 hours of working out and depriving myself of food and defiantly treats.  I got to a point that I would not let myself have even a Hershey kiss.  Well thankfully my husband told me that my new addiction had gotten out of hand.  What I did not realize I was I had a food addiction.  When I felt happy, I ate.  When I felt sad, I ate.  When I was with friends, I ate.  I  ATE AND ATE.  Once I started to drop the weight, I decided all I wanted to do was exercise and I better not dare eat because I can’t gain weight again!  This was not part of my plan.  I started to relax for a while and that got me to my best weight of around 225.  I continued to use my treadmill at home and started to experience pain in my right foot. Come to find out I had a stress fracture in my 4^th metatarsal and ended up experiencing multiple months in a boot or cast, 2 surgeries and a summer of physical therapy to get my foot back into a regular shoe and be able to walk without pain in every step over the next 3 years.  During this time I was not getting any fills in my band because I needed to take care of my foot and I can’t be exercising so it will all be okay.   In the Fall of 2015 I could walk again and I was relieved of that but realized that I had let myself come in last in regards of priorities and I had returned to weighing almost 300 pounds.  For a while I told myself how I had failed, I was a failure, I would never get back into shape and what was the point??  Depression took over my emotions, I started to eat all the time just to sooth myself.  I have to say beginning of this spring I started to really not like the person I had become.  Sure I had good intentions but talk is cheap unless you do something about it.  In April I realized that emotionally I needed to get back on track.  I have always been open to share that a great member of my wellness team has always been a good social worker.  I called a lady that I had clicked with previously and said I wanted to come in and let’s work on me some.  At this time I also started to have some symptoms that mimicked diabetes.  My mom was on medication for diabetes, my dad takes insulin and I had gestational diabetes.  I shared my symptoms with my doctor and we went ahead and did labs and to her surprise my sugar was up significantly enough where I too needed to get on some meds and change what I was doing.  I often think many of us just need a kick in the butt to get our motivation kick started.  This is what it took for me.  So since April I have been seeing my social worker friend again, started taking metformin for my diabetes, watching what I eat, I have gotten my band filled, being very conscious of my food choices, how I talk to myself and trying to get more steps in each day.  Of course not every day goes great nor am I perfect but I have went from 305 to 289 in the last few weeks.  I drink my protein every morning, trying to figure out how to beat my chocolate cravings (Sugar Free Fudge Pops!) and try to be mindful of my portions.  This past week my daughter Raegyn and I have started the Daniel Plan.  The core principles of the Daniel Plan are Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus, and Friends.  So far Raegyn and I have set our goals and are working the plan together.  We both have different focus areas which is good for us.  I use My Fitness Pal to track my food, water, and such.  I use my Fitbit to track my steps.  I have friends and of course my family supporting me. 

               This time around I have different goals.  I want to focus on my health more than the scale which is hard for me.  I am a number person.  I have set more realistic goals this time.  Right now my first big goal is 249.  After than we will try to work out a plan for 225.  Who knows how long it will take but it doesn’t matter.  Obesity is a disease, one that typically wins if you let it.  I will always be obese and I am okay with that.  No matter how hard I try I won’t get down to the chart hanging in the doctor’s office.  My goal is to work hard, take care of myself and not let weight loss take over my life in a negative way.  I encourage you to follow my journey, encourage me, keep me accountable and give me tips on what has worked for you.  I am not in this alone so be a part of my team.  I have things like genetics and depression working against me so my fight will take many tools to keep it in check.  Right now I feel like I can hang with this beast.  

Redemption

I am so thankful for 2^nd, 3^rd 4^th chances and more.  The journey of a healthy lifestyle is a very hard thing to stay on track of for me it seems.  I have had so many ups and downs in the past 4 years since I had my Lap-Band procedure in October 2010.  It does not seem like it has been that long!! During that time I have switched jobs, my kids have gotten a lot more active so we are on the road a lot, I have had two surgeries for a break in my foot, and just life…..life is hard!  When I write, I write for myself and as you know I make myself very vulnerable, I choose to share my feelings in hopes that I can inspire others.   I have recently started communicating with someone who has also had lap-band surgery and was frankly at a stand-still and frankly very frustrated.  I had a couple of great conversations with her and she has expressed how I have inspired her so much and she feels like she has hope now.  Well I shared that with Tony my husband and cried as I told him.  How can I inspire anyone when I can’t seem to inspire myself to try to be positive and get back on track to a healthy life-style?  Last week I had a moment where I threw my hands up in the air and said I need help.  Tony and I had a couple of tearful talks and I decided that I was going to start on making baby steps to head back on the track to a healthy lifestyle. 

Monday morning came and I stepped on the scale, now mind you, I know I have been gaining and frankly not happy about it.  Monday I stepped on, looked down and nearly cried.  What had I allowed to happen in the last year and a half since my fracture in my foot???  Well no exercise, depression, two foot surgery one that put a plate and 4 screws in my foot and then one to remove them has caused me to get off of track.  I am not using my foot injury as the only liable culprit in this weight gain but when you take away the opportunity to walk/run on a treadmill since April of 2013 and then all the drama that has gone with the injury, surgeries and time to rehab I became an emotional mess, and chocolate and such seemed to be my fix L. 

Monday after I got off of the scale I proceeded to do as planned, I went to the kitchen took my meds and vitamins and then proceeded to make 2 protein shakes.  I have had a protein shake each morning, and one at lunch and then trying to eat a sensible meal at night.  Night time is when it is hard for me.  I am trying to stay as normal as possible but yet not get to overboard like I have in the past.  Tony took me last night to DQ for a treat and a part of me panicked.  What was I going to have…..well I had a smoothie, probably not the best but it was not my usually tuxedo chocolate blizzard. 

I am looking forward to getting back on track and seeing how I can be successful again and get healthy again.  I had my stitches out of my foot the other day and I am feeling better but not great yet.  I am eager to get back on my treadmill but I know that I need to take a few more weeks to let my foot heal for good this time.  In the mean-time I am going to work on me.  I am going to try to eat sensibly, try to be positive, make small changes and look forwards not backwards.  I look forward to setting new goals and achieving them.  Most importantly this time I am going to be more realistic and enjoy the journey and quit worrying about the finish-line.  I have a magic number again but if I inch my way back to that number in a healthy way…..that is all that matters, even if I don’t hit it.  Feel free to join me on my journey, encourage me, and hold me accountable.  Also feel free to share my journey.  I am not an expert about Lap-Band but I am not ashamed to say I have a Lap-Band and I have had some mountains and valleys with it.  I am more than willing to talk to anyone who has questions or might just need to be inspired.  Thank you and God Bless You!  Jane

"Enough is Enough" part 2

Some events of the last few weeks have led me to decide enough is enough.  For those of you that are not aware weight has been a life long struggle for me.  In February 2010 I decided to do something that would change my life forever and that it has. My Lapband Journey has been a journey with many ups and downs and I have learned so much in the process.  I have decided that I need to take charge of my health again so part that process will include me starting to blog again.  Feel free to follow along.  I ask for prayers and encouragement.  It has been a long time since I blogged so bare with me as I get back into the swing of things.

So my Lapband journey began with the statement "Enough is Enough"  back in February of 2010.  I decided I was sick of being fat, morbidly obese and frankly worn out and possibly living on  borrowed time.  I was 324 pounds at my highest point and I did not want to live like that anymore.  I decided that I need to take care of my weight and when a new primary doctor suggested Lapband I thought maybe that was something I should look into.  On October 19th 2010 I had my lap band surgery weighing in at 309 that day.  Since then there have many victories, some set backs, another foot surgery, a changed job and more.  I lost weight quickly, loved the attention, the new wardrobe, the energy I felt and more.  So many great things were happening but not all were good for me ultimately.   My relationship with food and exercise changed by 180 degrees.  I became obsessed with what and how much I ate and I exercised more than I ever had.  Looking back now I am able to say I was at an unhealthy point in the journey.  How do you go from never exercising to going to the gym for 1-1 1/2 hours a day and eating everything in site to where you are scolding yourself for putting a treat in your mouth????  Looking back, everything went so fast, the weight melted off of me.  My highest weight was 324 pounds.....lowest weight was 209.  10 pounds from my goal of 199.  Something happened when I was 209.....I was a crazy woman.  I was not a good wife, mother and more.  I was so obsessed with trying not to put calories in my body and exercising just so I could see the numbers get to the magic 199.  I was at another critically dangerous point in my weight journey. 

Tony finally said in the nicest way possible....you are getting crazy with this and around this time my foot was bothering me.  Little did I know I had a stress fracture in my foot. So between my 110% supporting husband saying this is out of control and my foot hurting the exercising slowed to a stop nearly and I started to enjoy food again within reason.   So I would take time off of my treadmill....watch a few pounds come back and it was not until I could not walk that I found out I had a stress fracture in my foot and that is when I feel like I gave up and ME.  The pounds seem to just jump back on then.  I wanted to get back to my treadmill so badly but my doctor kept saying no....finally I got the news that my foot was not going to heal on its own and I was going to need surgery to fix the bone.  So from April till June I wore a boot on my foot.  June  I had a plate and 4 screws put in my foot and I am still not able to get on my treadmill to even walk and it is FEBRUARY!!!!  So what do you do when you can't exercise, you are depressed and you have given up on you???? Well duh you eat!!  So because I believe in being very transparent.....I was at a good point of about 225 or so and i really think that is a good weight for me.  I have gained about 50 pounds in the last year.  I am 277 now and it just breaks my heart. 

I am not broken because I am a failure...it is weight who cares what a scale says.  I am sad because I choose to let one part of my body ( my foot)  take over rest of my well being.  Emotionally I need to reclaim my love for me.  Physically....I can feel the added weight.  Emotionally I don't love my body again  I am very self conscious of my appearance again.    I want to find the love again, this time with a healthy balance. 

Like I said, a few things personally have prompted me to decide enough is enough.  Something that really irked me this week was the finale of The Biggest Loser.  I have mixed opinions about that show anyways  but what my overall opinion about the winner this round is this.....It is her journey and only her and her doctor know what the best weight is for her it does not matter what America thinks.  I am not the only one who has had weight issues nor will  I be the last.  I will always be in battle with my weight and learning to be in harmony with it is the part of the journey I need to embrace this time. 


So my goal is to get back on the track to better health.  Put myself first and start taking care of me again.  I have decided emotionally I need more support again so I have decided that I am going to start seeing a Social Worker again and I really like her and she understands my emotional need right now to fall in love with me again and so I am taking steps to do that.  I am going to start blogging the good, the bad and the ugly. 

I know in the past I have inspired others....I want to be a friend and a supporter of others journeys.  I am thankful for my faithful supporters. 

Let's start rockin again!

There comes a time in every ones weight loss journey where they have to just sit down and look at where they have come from, where they are and where they want to go.  Well I have been meaning to have one of these moments.  My friend Jen had warned me that this day would come.  She was right.....my friend Dan also has had one of these moments recently.  Now it is my turn to look at the past, present and future.  Some of this is ugly and scary but we will do it together! 

Past.  I started this journey about 2 years ago when my weight hit 324 pounds.  My new primary Dr. Nathan Walker at Christie Clinic agreed that it was time for ME to take control of my life.  One of the tools he suggested was checking out the Lap Band surgery.  I met with Sidney Rohrscheibe at IL Bariatric and he felt I was a good candidate. I began the journey of getting the surgical pre approval and everything set up.  I met all the requirements and then as you may recall I had that dreaded ankle injury that ended in surgery.  Once that was behind me I was back on my path.  On Oct 19th 2010 I had my Lab Band procedure performed.  During that first year I had some major transformations occur.  I lost 100 pounds within the first year.  I changed so much what I allowed myself to eat and drink and my band seem to take charge of other things that it did not think I needed to eat.  The first year was was wonderful.  I joined a gym, felt very confident and knew that this was my new life. 

Current.....Well I feel like I have had a few set backs.  I can make many excuses and some are more valid than others.  We had the holidays, I am a very busy mom, work has me stressed out beyond words, and well frankly I sort of feel off the high!  My band has been giving me some fits lately and does not want to eat some things so then I get into the bad habit of eating some of the same things and sometimes there are not the best choices.  I seem to forget that I am important and without me being healthy my kids do not get to be driven everywhere and offered all the things they are, so with that said I need to make a renewed promise to make sure I take my time to go workout, even if it does not work into their plans.  I am headed to see my doctor on Thursday in hopes to get a kick in the butt to start getting back on track.  Don't get me wrong....I have not fallen off the track....I just am sort of on the spare rail just chillin and drinking a shake. 

Future!!!  Well this is the most important part....I am human....I am alive....I can get back on the right track.  So I have a renewed outlook on some things.  Like I said hopefully I can get a little kick in the butt or more importantly a hug of reassurance that I have come this far I can meet all of my goals.  I went and worked out today and it felt good.  I think that if I start working out again that will defiantly help my mood and my stress so that is a priority.  Kenna and I are still planning to do a 5K this spring so that will be a first for me.  The future is bright.  Me deciding to change my life for the good has opened up so many interesting doors.  I still hear from people, I inspire them.  That is great to know, especially since I am living proof that you can fall down and get back up and show the world what you are made of.  Another thing that this lifestyle change has brought me is the opportunity to be a voice to a larger audience.  I am still writing articles for Chambana moms and over the weekend the kids and I were interviewed by a U of I Grad student about kids, nutrition, and obesity.  It was very neat!  I think something that I have not taken time to do and it is something that I think it it time to get back to the basics is: I need to document my weight, what I am eating, what exercise I am getting and most importantly, I need to start blogging again....that is really how I can talk out my feelings and such.  You just get the opportunity to know what is going on in my head!  :) 

I do appreciate all of you and your support and encouragement.  I hope you are doing well. Spring is upon us, I know it seem hard to believe after having ice and snow on my van this morning but Spring is coming!  So get outside, go for a walk, a bike ride, working in the garden, enjoy your life.  As we are out and about we may just loose a few pounds and gain alot of memories!  Take care and blessing to you! 

I am alive!!!!

Sorry it has been so long since my last post.  I had a wonderful but yet very busy fall/winter with my kids and all the holiday prep.  Today starts a new year.  A new chapter in many people lives.  Many feel that January 1 is a clean slate and it is.  My slate was pretty clean but I did do some housework today and put some of my thoughts into words.  I originally sent this to some of my email friends and family but I am so serious about being kept accountable and about helping others I want to share it with you!  I hope you have been well since my last post.  I look forward to catching up to you all soon!  Who wants to go for a walk?  Here is a toast to 2012, my prayer to you is that all your goals are attainable and you have the strength, courage and support to meet them!  I wanna be one of your cheerleaders.  Now check out my goals for 2012!  Jane


So today is January 1, 2012  and some of you may have made new years resolutions.  I can not say that I made any  official resolutions but I did tell myself it is time to do the following.....

1.  I want to make ME a priority again.  I want to remind myself that it is okay to go workout, it is okay to have my kids do some of the chores, it is okay to to not do every activity that people ask me to volunteer for and it is okay to take a nap or go to bed early.  As the saying goes, "if momma isn't happy, nobody is happy" Well if the body is not happy; physically, emotionally and spiritually then you are not going to be your best.  I want to be my best!

2.  I want to date in 2012.  Okay no, you did not miss anything!  I am still happily married to Tony but I want to fall in love all over again.  We have not fallen out of love but I do not want to ever fall away from what made us a family....two people saying I do. 

3.  I want to grow closer with God.  What a typical resolution.  I feel like the Sprandel home is a Christian home but I feel that we need to share our love with the Lord with others and it is time we find that church family we have been looking for. 

4.  I want to inspire others to find change also.  I want to help others change 1 or many things in their lives.  I want to be there for my friends, family and acquaintances.  If I can help you make any change or improve an area of your life I want to be that person you reach out to and feel comfortable to share your highs lows and everything in between.

5.  I want to get back to trying to make good health decisions.  Sort of got into not eating as well as I was.  I want to remind myself that I should not deprive myself of my wants but moderation is always the key.

6.  I want to get back to spending quality time at the gym.  I am a happier person when I spend time working out.  I can not let my "busy" life interfere with that! 

7.  I want to become less addicted to screen time.  I am going to try to spend more time reading and doing physical things this winter especially. 

8.  I want to continue to show my family my everlasting love and dedication to them, my country and their school.

9.  I want to remind myself that jobs will come and go but family is forever and I have to put my family first. 

10.  I want to lastly remind myself that it has taken me almost 36 years to get to this point in my life and each day is a new one and we can not change things overnight. 



I have shared what I want in 2012.  What are your goals? Your dreams? Your aspirations?  Can I help you with any of them?  I pray that 2012 brings you good health, love, and security.  I am here for you, but I ask one thing......you continue to help inspire me on my journey of life!  God Bless you!  Jane

Time to get back on track

We just returned home from our family vacation weekend to Ohio where we went to King’s Island for their Halloween fest. We had a great time! In many ways this trip is the final hurrah of the season now it is time to get serious about the rest of the year.

Since Tony and I both work retail the next several weeks will be extremely busy with the holiday season. So work will keep us both on our toes!! The girls have been putting a lot of time and practice into their upcoming play, Aesop’s Fables and Christmas Surprise. Their performance is set for the first two weekends of December so on Monday, Tue and Thursday nights that is where we will be practicing for the next several weeks and shows on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. We are all very much looking forward to the shows. Seth has offered to help with the production and has been named the props man and he is eager to help all the actors with this production. Seth is also playing basketball this year for his school and looking forward to another great season. The kids are busy which makes me very busy, I am busy at work and then somewhere in all of this craziness I need to take some time out for ME!!!!

I have sort of allowed myself to do like most moms and put myself in the backseat. I have not been working out at the gym lately because I do not have “time” I have so much other stuff to do. Well I have made the decision that vacation is over and I need to take some me time starting this week. Another thing I am going to do to help me “get back on track” is to journal everything I eat and try to get more protein in my diet. I guess when I say get back on track I do not have a lot to be frustrated about….my weight really has not changed, I get more compliments than ever on how great I look but I know that I am stuck….When you go from losing 5 pounds or more a week to less that 4 a month….it can be a bit frustrating so I just need to kick start myself again. Nothing major. I love to work out and it makes me feel great so it is time I take my ME time again.

I am looking forward to getting back on my path of increased health. What can you do to help your long term health? What can I do to help?? As always thanks for sticking by me and take some time for YOU today!

Getting Personal

Our local newspaper.  The News Gazette runs a weekly article in the Sunday living section called Getting Personal.  The writer Meg Dickenson, interviews well known people or people you should know from around the area.  Today she encouraged local people who blog to answer the following questions and she may feature some of our answers in an upcoming article.  So here are some of my immediate answers that I thought up tonight.  Enjoy!  Jane

  Jane Sprandel, 35 Living in  Thomasboro, originally from Cissna Park IL

Profession: Work as a grocery inventory analyst for the Champaign Meijer store

What time do you typically get up? What do you do the first hour of the morning? I get up at 4am Monday-Friday I try to only hit the snooze once, weigh, brush my teeth and such, get dressed grab my pills and head off to work to clock in by 5am.

What did you have for lunch today? Had a late lunch of popcorn. Where? At home after work and running errands. With whom my kids were home but they had already had a snack when I made my popcorn

Best high school memory. I have loved sports all my life and while in high school I did some work as a student athletic trainer.

Tell me about your favorite pair of shoes. They would have to be my orange and blue Illini crocs

What does a perfect Sunday afternoon include? Watching a game of football with my family. Right now my son plays for the Rantoul Falcons but also love to root for the Steelers!

Was there one book you read as a child that you still cherish? Own? Read? I Will Love You Forever! Love to still read it to my kids. Often give it as a shower gift!

Where on earth are you dying to go? Why? I would like to go to Germany with my husband. I was there as a high school student for an exchange but would like to go there again with him. It is such a wonderful place!

Tell me about your favorite pet. I have had several dogs in my life but my Lab Bertha was one wild girl. I can’t say if our current dogs, Tyson a boxer or our Lab Sully is my favorite….they may start pouting.

Have you discovered as you matured that you are becoming like one of your parents? I have a great loving caring heart like my mom.

Which one and how? I have always had many of my moms traits and temper but learning to be more even tempered like my dad but still very diplomatic

What would you order for your last meal? In the hope I could eat it: I would go to Outback Steakhouse. I would have a medium steak, loaded baked potato, salad with blue cheese and some of their bread. For dessert…something with Chocolate.

What can you NOT live without? My Iphone

Who do you have on your iPod? A lot of Christian artists and workout music with upbeat tempo

What’s the happiest memory of your life? The day I married my husband Tony and promised to love his two kids Seth and McKenna as my kids and then when we brought our daughter Raegyn into the world. Family is so important to me!

If you could host a dinner party with any three living people in the world, whom would you invite? Sarah Palin, Julia Roberts, Jodi Picoult

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? If you can go to bed at night and know that the Lord would be proud of you then it was a successful day.

What’s your best piece of advice? Never have regrets. Maybe wish things would have happened differently but in the end we all learn from our mistakes and challenges.

What was your first job, and how much did you make an hour? I worked at our school/public library in Cissna Park while in high school. Thinking about $4.35 per hour

What was a pivotal decision in your career, and how did you arrive at that decision? I decided to leave retail management so I could focus on being a mom. I am currently a full time working mom but at least I have a set schedule with some flexability to participate in my kids activities.

Do you have a bad habit? What is it?

How do you handle a stressful situation? I am learning to try to work out, call a friend or sometimes just have a good cry. I do a lot of praying so that helps me work through the tough times.

Rain Rain go away!!!!

Where is the sun? So it is the second day of this gloomy weather and I am ready for the sun to come out!!! When the weather is gloomy it is hard to feel excited and happy about the things around you. Overall today was a good day despite the weather. I was able to find positive things on this gloomy day. I seen a post from the News Gazette on Face book today encouraging local bloggers to fill out a questioner to possibly be used in a future story. Each Sunday they interview a local celebrity about a variety of things. I decided that I could do the survey. It does not matter if my answers are used, because I was able to see what a great life I have.  Up to now I have had a good life and the future is even brighter for me. We all have our challenges day to day and I am learning to deal with them more each day. I feel like as the pounds come off my ability to encourage others has increased. One of my friends recently went to the doctor and he suggested that she take part in a very aggressive type of diet. This diet is very expensive so it is not a possibility at this time for my friend. I have tried to reassure her that she can lose weight by just watching what she eats, how much she tries to work extra movement into her daily life, but most importantly she has to BELIEVE in herself, but also I am here for her. The thing that has helped me the most with my success is that I have believed in myself and others have also believed that I can be successful. Today I was proud of myself for not letting my work stress get the best of me. Work has been hectic lately but I am getting better about only freaking out about the things that I can control. Instead of freaking out I decided to work hard on modeling the behaviors that I want some of my coworkers to mimic. I can only hope that they noticed how I try to do all that I can to help the team with a smile. 
It always makes me feel great when I have people comment on my amazing weight loss. I prefer to call it a transformation. Not only have I lost a large amount of weight but I have also gained a lot of self confidence. I enjoy blogging and sharing my story with others in hopes to inspire others to do something to improve their lives in one way or another. I want to inspire others to make a change to make their life even better than what it was the day before. I seen a post on someone’s face book page the other day, “ is it more important to be remembered as being a giver or one than who takes more than they give?” Of course most want to be remembered as a giver but sometimes it is bad to give to much. I need to learn to let others help me and rely on them more than I do. I tend to do to much and then get overwhelmed.

I am busy with work, being a great mom, driving kids all around and trying to work on my overall transformation but yet I like to take some time and blog and inspire others. How did your day go? What can I do to inspire you? Helping you make me stay accountable too!  Have a blessed day!

Overwhelmed

Overwhelmed is how I feel lately.  I am a very busy mom to three wonderful kids, I try to be a great wife, I am a busy advocate for our school, and I work full time.  Add to that I am trying to get my self to a set goal on the scale and that can spell disaster!  Life changes are a journey with no distinct beginning or end.  I began the journey of weight loss to shed some weight to get healthy.  Never did I dream that I would  have lost over 100 pounds in less than a year.  Never did I dream that I would fall in love with the gym.  Never did I think I would be wearing a size 18 pair of Levi's rather than a size 28 from Lane Bryant.  Never did I think I would be able to self talk myself to doing some running on a treadmill to finish a mile with a personal record.  Nor did I think that some days it would be hard!

I always say since this is my blog I can say what I want!  Well to be honest Lap Band and weight loss surgeries in general get a bad rap. Over the weekend one of my favorite trainers Jillian Michael's posted a link about a woman dying from Lap Band.  I was upset with the article!  It sounds like to me the lady was at a quack job type of place to begin with.  The simple truth is this.  Can you die from Lap Band of course you can.  What you have to do if find an approved specialist to make sure that the surgery is right for you and you know what is involved with the surgery. 

I have talked about how the biggest battle of Lap Band for me is still controlling the "emotional" eating.  I have had a stressful week and there were times were I felt that a chocolate shake or ice cream would make everything all better.  Truth is it doesn't and it takes willpower to not allow those old ways to creep back into your life. 

I had a really bad day on Wednesday and I was asked if I wanted to take rest of the day off or a few days off.  I must have really been crazy.  I decided no that I was going to regroup and be a big girl and take the issues one step at a time.  So after a great pep talk from my friend Becky I was able to pull up my saggy pants and go out there and control what I could at work and what was not my problem or I could not control....I was going to try not to let it bother me.  This is extremely hard for a perfectionist. 

So Thursday and Friday I did pretty good at work taking care of what I can control and what is my responsibility and not letting other things overwhelme me.  Looking forward to another great week at work starting tomorrow at 5am.

Over the weekend I was able to get alot of house cleaning done and it was needed!  I threw away some stuff, started getting rid of some stuff that is to big, and that is always a great feeling.  So it is Sunday night and I had a great day at Seth's football game, had a wonderful family meal with all 5 of us and my dad came over for ham, cheesy potatoes, green beans,  It was yummy.  Made a couple of pans of Pumpkin bars and like usual Raegyn and I took some to the older couple next door.  It just warms my heart to share with them.  Getting ready to watch some Steelers football with my boys! 

So work is going better, good weekend at home, that just leaves my journey.  I did alot of thinking this weekend about my journey.  I am so pleased with my journey but I have gotten a little off track on it so I have set the goal to work out more this week, do my at home physical therapy for my shoulder, eat better and try to take some me time this week.  I have been so busy focusing on my family and my job that I sort of forgot about my journey a little.  I need to make it a priority since when I make JANE a priority everything else falls into place.  I will try to blog more in the next few weeks while I get back on track.  Please keep me accountable.  Also along the way remind me to take me time, to not sweat the little stuff and especially to not sweat the stuff I can not control if I am going to sweat it better be on the treadmill!!  Take care of yourself.  What can I do to help you???

Back in my workout routine

So as you may have noticed my journey with weightloss has slowed to a slow crawl.  I have talked about how success can be measured.  When I look at the scale is seems to have gotten stuck and some days even seems like there is some extra fluff on the scale with me.  Is this classified as failure??  Heck NO!  If anything the scale being stuck or somedays not being kind to me is a sign of success....I don't let it bother me, if anything it makes me want to work harder. 

I took the summer "off"from working out at the gym so that I could attend all three kids playing summer ball.  I did try to be active walking more, working in my garden and just trying to get out and MOVE.  So I promised myself that once football got started for Seth I was going to go back to they gym.  Well it took me a few weeks to go back and those first few weeks I just visited a few times.  This week I got fired up and decided that I was ready to do it for ME again.....ME taking charge of my health was what needed to be a priority again.  So this week off to the gym I went,  I decided that I wanted to do a 1 mile push as hard as I could speed walk on the treadmill.  Mondays time  14:24 now to many of you that may seem sad but I was thrilled.  I immediatly sent  Tony and my friend Becky my time and as always they had kind responses back.  Later that night I emailed a few other friends who do some running and such and asked them to guide me  as to what a good time is...and how to continue to get better but insisted I am not a runner nor do I want to be one.  The next day my friend Lynn emailed me and said, "why not become a runner?"  She then went on to share a great link with me.  http://www.halhigdon.com/   So I checked out this link which helps you prepare for a variety of races.  I looked at the 5K novic routine.  Heck many days it is less than what I am doing now on the treadmill so I asked myself....."Why can't I become a runner?"  So I have to clarify I can not run 1.5 miles but what I can do is walk at a pace of about 4.2 miles per hour and push myself to jog several times at 4.7mph.  I did the 1.5 routine on Tue and Thursday.  I took Wed as a rest day.  My time of Tue 21:36  Thur 21:14 So there has been some improvement.  I think that I am going to try to use this as a guide for me.  Am I going to run/walk a 5K in 8 weeks?  I doubt it but I never thought that I would be jogging on a treadmill so anything is possibble. 

I feel proud of my new accomplishment.  I am thankful to my friends and Tony for encouraging me to push myself and try things outside of my comfort zone.  I honestly enjoy working out and the sweat I have been working up feels great.  I feel like I am growing in so many positive ways. 

So the question I first posed.....Am I still being successful with my journey?  More than I ever imagined.  My life has changed so much.  I work out, I try to eat healthier, I try to believe in  myself more that I ever have in my life, I feel 100 times better with 100+ pounds gone. 

Like any journey there are ups and downs, obsticles, joys, and sorrows.  I seem to have a few not so good for me foods back on my regular food list and I have to be carefully that I do not indulge in them to frequently. 

I always say it and I truly mean it....I appreciate all of your love and support on this journey.  I pray that your Labor Day weekend is safe and enjoyable.  I do encourage you to get back on a healthy lifestyle yourself after this last horrah of the summer.  Take care of you.....do it for your family...but most importantly, do it for YOU.  YOU are worth it! 

Jane

"Homecoming"

This past weekend I took part in an annual tradition in the small town of Cissna Park.  I grew up and graduated from Cissna Park which is located in central IL.  My dad and sister still call "CP" home and it is only about 45 minuets from where I live.  Almost always the 3rd weekend of August the whole town and many people who are from Cissna Park converge on this small village of 800 or so people for a 3 day celebration with lots of fun, carnival, entertainment and lots of reminiscing.  This past weekend the kids and I drove up and were able to spend the night on Friday and enjoy 2 night of Old Settlers but poor Tony only got to join us on Friday night since he had work on Saturday and had two dogs at home who can't seem to let them selves in and out on their own.  :)    The kids enjoyed carnival rides, lost money on the carnival games, enjoyed ice cream, funnel cake and lots of candy from the parade.  The kids have gotten to know a lot of Pop Pop's friends and many of mine from my days in CP.  Everyone is always amazed how big my kids are getting every time we come "home".

I refer to this as a homecoming of sorts.....I also sort of refer to this as my coming out celebration.  Last August I was trying to hobble around on crutches after my ankle injury and preparing for my upcoming lap band surgery.  This time last year I was about 105 pounds heavier.  Don't get me wrong I have been home some since my surgery and people are amazed how different I look but this weekend was almost overwhelming and humbling how much attention I got.  It was amazing how many people made a point to come over and talk to me, congratulate me, and to comment how much they have enjoyed following my journey.  This is a journey I have enjoyed sharing and I hope everyone continues to follow it since it is a lifelong journey. 

This was also an emotional journey for me.  I ran into a friend the other night and she commented on how it had been a while since she had been to Old Settlers and she too had some things that she needed to get over from her past.  I like to pride myself on always being a positive person and treating others with love and compassion, but I have to admit a different feeling come over me this weekend.  As I watched people, visited with people and just took it all in, I had alot of thoughts come to mind.  There were people who while I was growing up said terrible things to me and they now have battles of their own.  Some are alcohol, relationships and many are my personal battle....weight.  As I looked at them at times I could remember the painful things that they had said to me or done to me, now they are struggling and I chose to greet them, pray for them silently but most importantly....I have forgiven them!  Another thing that really hit me emotional this weekend was how many people I looked at and wanted to say...."I can help you win back your life"  I am not saying that everyone needs Lap-Band but I feel that everyone can learn something from my journey.  It may be changing your portion sizes, exercising, taking back your life and most importantly having the determination to succeed, and when you stumble.....get back up, brush yourself off and continue on the journey. 

This was a very exciting weekend for me and one that I wish I could have gotten to see more people.  With work and the kids I had to cut my visit short but the people I seen it was so great and for those of you who told me they follow my journey...I am honored.  It is a really weird feeling to get so much attention or to hear people whisper..."Is that Jane Hamlow?....She is so skinny!"  I still find that to be an oxymoron..Jane and skinny used in the same sentence but thank you for the compliment that my hard work is showing. 

In closing, I want to encourage especially  those of you that I was  able to see and talk to me this weekend, to continue to encourage me and keep me accountable on my journey.  I love to share my experiences so feel free to ask me anything or refer others to my blog.  I am attaching a  recent picture and a video clip that means alot to me. 

"You Are More Than" is a song by a Christian Band that we love named Tenth Avenue North

For all those years that people told me that I was more than the "Weight"  I finally believe you now!

Love always, Jane

http://youtu.be/IwtcwQwgdsA

This is myself, Amanda Hinkle and Amy Walder.  Both are gals I went to school with! 

"Phil"

For those of you that know my father who happens to be named Phil, this post is not about him in particular.  The girls have named my Lap Band "Phil"  The decided that since the Lap Band gets a fill that it should be clearly  named, Phil.  It is sort of funny that the kids will be eating and will ask how "Phil" is liking his dinner.  They will even report to Tony that, "yeah, such and such food made Phil mad tonight."  It is sort of cute! While we were on our vacation with my dad a few times the kids would comment about "Phil" and my dad would either answer or be what???  LOL  Oh poor Pop Pop he gets so confused. 

I am so thankful that I have chosen to be 100% honest with others about my weight loss journey.  I enjoy telling people about all the good and bad of my journey.  My kids have a really good grasp of how the Lap Band works.  I am glad that they have an understanding of what the bands job is in my journey.  They know that the band is a tool not the sole reason for my success.  I think if I were to ask the kids if they are happy to have a healthier mom they would all agree unanimously.  It is such an awesome feeling that my kids can all hug me and get their arms all the way around me.....wow what a feeling!   "Phil" has been a little crabby the last few days but we are becoming better about communicating on how to keep in perfect harmony.  Have a great evening! 

Updates galore!

So it has been a few weeks since I sent out a blog post and I apologize for that!  We had a wonderful time at Kentucky Lake with my dad and sister  We did a lot of fishing, boating, swimming in the lake and most importantly relaxing.  Once we got back football season was in full swing for our son.  Sunday will be his first game of the season and this football mom is pumped!  The kids have completed a week and a half of school and they are all doing great and they love it.  Work is going well, hectic but still good as we gear up for the students.  I have been finding that I love my husband more each day which is a great thing especially as we reach 7 years of married bliss in September.  A few personal stresses in our lives but nothing that a little time and prayer won't work out.  All is all life is great especially my weight loss journey. 

Today I am about 16 pounds from my goal of 199.  When I set my goal to be 200 pounds I never thought I would achieve it especially this quickly.  Oct 19th is my 1 year band anniversary and I would like to meet the 199 point by then. While on vacation I lost 7 pounds.  That is unheard of.  LOL  I still continue to weigh everyday and watch it fluctuate a little.  This is a bad habit I need to break....it is a hard one.  I think starting Sunday we are going to have family weigh in time and rest of the week the scale will be in the cabinet....lets see if I can do it.  This is a bit obsessive compulsive but I think I can control my urge to weigh in every morning.  LOL  Had another great visit the other day with my primary...he pretty much said he does not know what else he can do to help me and felt that the next time he would need to see me is in a year.  A year??  I have not been on that kind of a health plan like ever!  My A1C was 5.6   For those of you who do not know that is the 3 month blood sugar test and 5.6 is awesome!  Not sure if I have ever been a 5.6 let alone doing it with no medication.  I have come so far and I am truly proud of myself. 

Today I meet a lady at work who was looking for something that she is allowed to eat  on her diet that she is on.  She happens to be on the I believe it is called the Ideal protein diet?  I know a doctor who is running this program and has had good success with his patients.  Anyways this lady and I got talking...I know surprising that I could make a friend in the middle of the supermarket aisle huh? lol   She was telling me about her diet and I was telling her about my journey.  It goes right back to what I have always said.....it does not matter what path your journey takes you on as long as it is the right journey for you and your  forever health.  I told her I was proud of her making the decision at age 50 to take charge of her life.  She is just starting her journey but I can see she has the will to succeed.  She complimented me on my success and that meant alot to me.  I am proud of myself...I am just learning to say that and believe it.  I still think it is funny that people think I look so different now and sometimes don't recognize me....well I guess I have changed a little.  I will let you check out some pictures and you can tell me what you think!  As always thank you for your support and I am always here for you too! Have a great weekend and I promise that I will not stay away as long next time!  God Bless!  Jane

  Tony and I

This is one of my favorite new pics of me!

Feeling great!!!

Well to say that I am feeling great is an understatement.  As you may know I am actually on vacation until Monday the 25th.  The family and I are traveling to Kentucky Lake with my dad and sister for a family vacation.  Growing up we use to spend 2 weeks every summer enjoying Kentucky lake and I think the last time I was there was probably 1993.  WOW!  The van is pretty much loaded, the kids are excited and I am very much looking forward to a "different" vacation that we are usually use to.  We are typically on the go go go the whole time but I am looking forward to some fishing, boating, family time and maybe so mini trips to do putt putt and such.  So a girl has to feel great when she is on vacation!

I feel fabulous since on Thursday I went back to have my band checked out.  As you know I have really struggled eating lately.  It was determined that at my last appointment Dr. Rohrscheib put in 1 cc and Jeannie and I planned to do far less than that.  No biggie just it was to tight and so it was making eating hard for me.  I did lose 7 pounds since the last time I was there so that was great news for everyone.  I meet with the dietitian and we talked about how I need to get back on eating a well rounded meal including grains and meat.  So since Thursday I have been doing much better and I have been trying to try some of those foods that sometimes have been difficult recently.  So far so good!

When we get back from vacation football will start for Seth so I have decided that instead of just sitting there and watching I am going to go to the gym and workout.  I am looking forward to getting back into the gym.  I really enjoy the gym and my summer was so busy that I had a hard time fitting it in.  So back I go!  I will work on Cardio and I need to get more strength exercise in since this skin is starting to sag a little. Not that I want skin filled with fat but I am starting to get a few areas that might have looked better full of fat.  LOL 

So I feel great, I am told I look great, and I am looking forward to doing so great things on vacation...I may even go tubing!  Take care till next time! 

Have I heard the Spirit?

This post has more to do with my faith rather than a weight loss journey but I have always given the Lord much of the glory in my weight loss journey. I believe that everything in life is a journey and our walk as Christians is one of those too. As some of you know Tony was raised Mormon and I was raised Methodist. A bit of a different upbringing. We have not found a church that we both feel that we want to be apart of. I guess I should only speak for myself but overall the consensus is that we refuse to “play” church. We do not want to say and do something on Sunday morning and then do something totally different rest of the week. We have many christian influences in our lives and I feel like I have grown so much in my faith lately. We have had a certain church working hard to get us to join them and to be honest….I am very grateful for their interest, prayers and constant trying but of late the pressure is getting more than I can handle and if anything is starting to push me away. So this weekend was a great opportunity for me to “listen for the answer” that they have been encouraging me to listen for. I am a strong believer in prayer but  I have not heard the Lords voice say…”Jane Sprandel this church it the one right church and this is where you should go as a family.” Well last night specifically we had talked about not watching the Chris Tomlin concert instead we were going to go ride some rides. This sort of bummed me out but I knew the kids wanted to ride more. Tony suggested that we catch at least a few songs….well we stayed for the entire concert and I really heard the answer I have been looking for. We need a church that is contemporary, lively, loving, and able to recognize that everyone is unique and we have all sinned and continue to sin. Something that Chris Tomlin kept saying during his concert was the idea of “the church” all singing together worshipping together being “one“. I had just been told a few days prior that unless I am in church I am not following Christ to my potential….do I believe that? Heck no!!! I think it is how I live my life not how many services I attend, how much money that I give the church, or what I even wear to church. So as I listened to Chris Tomlin lead the Lord’s church in worship last night I felt the spirit loud and clear…I had some tears come to me because I knew it was time to listen to my Lord not what I am being told by a specific church. During a moment in the concert Tony and I were standing hand and hand together and I told him I was so glad we stayed and that I really needed this concert…we needed this moment of worship. I told him it was to bad that we would not have a chance to talk later in the night since we had a very small hotel room and 3 kids but I had heard my answer….we needed a contemporary Church where I can worship and feel safe, loved and able to be there for God and not to “do the right thing” in the eyes of others. So this Sunday we traveled home from Ohio and next weekend we will be in Kentucky. I have been telling Tony for a while that I think we need to check out some churches and find the one that compliments us, encourages us to be better in our faith, and one who allows us to grow and glorify our lord rather than one that we are just going through the motions. I have talked to a few of you about your church but if you have a good recommendation of a church in the Champaign-Urbana area let me know.

Sorry to those of you typically read my blog for weight loss and lap band content but if you read this article and were able to question your walk with the Lord today I am glad. We all have our struggles it is part of our faith. We all have sinned, we all continue to sin but that is okay because a GREAT man died for YOU and I. He would do again for each one of us, he only asks that you believe in him and know that he is the 1 true God. May you have a blessed week!

Jane

Vacation to Kings Island

So we have just returned from a great family trip to Kings Island in Mason, Ohio. We had headed there to participate in the SpiritFest christian concert fest. Some of our favorite bands were there: Newsboys, Skillet, Chris Tomlin, Disciple, KJ52, Toby Mac, Red, Jeremy Camp, Family Force Five and more. Family vacations are always an adventure in families but even more so with the Sprandel 5. We had a regular room this time rather than a suite and boy could I tell the difference….it felt like everywhere I turned there was a kid underfoot. We packed a lot of stuff into our 4 days. We seen many concerts, road some rides, checked out the awesome water park and did some shopping at the outlet mall before heading home. Any time a family travels it is hard to keep everyone happy. No need to share stories I am sure you can top me with any of your family travel stories. As a family it was fun.

Traveling after losing 100 pounds was a different event in its self. Some of the highlights. I am sure I did not eat enough. It is hard to find foods that agree with me. Seeing that I really do not eat fried foods, bread, meat and such does not leave much for someone to eat at fast food places or amusement parks. So did not eat much food overall and what I did eat did not seem to agree well with me. McKenna had totally banned me from Slimming within her hearing or sight. But yet I can hold her hair when she is vomiting. Only a mom’s love will do that. J I seem to be having some problems in the digestion overall department so I am hoping this week I can get some of this figured out before we head off on our week long vacation in Kentucky.

In a good note I was able to ride many rides feeling so much more comfortable, was able to walk without being tired or worn out, no pain in my knee. So 100 pounds less made a huge difference on this vacation. Also while on this vacation I was able to do some shopping. I tried on a cute coat at a Meijer store and it was an extra large. That was amazing to me. I did not buy it since it was more than I wanted to spend on Ohio State wardrobe since I am Orange and Blue Illini except when cheering with my husband a true buckeye. When Ohio and Illinois compete against each other I am all about my beloved Illini. Another exciting/sad thing was I got a bra fitting today it was sort of a mixed experience feeling. I was wearing a 48DD and now I am a 42C. Love the 42 part but was sad that I am down to a C but I guess we can not all be perfect.

Overall it was a great trip and I am glad that we got to have this great time together as a family and look forward to more future trips. Hopefully I can get the whole eating thing figured out better this week before our next adventure.

Top Ten comments made since my surgery.

• Number 10  WHAT IS YOUR GOAL WEIGHT?  Well my original goal before surgery was 225 but then I changed it to 200.  I have said that the ultimate goal may be 175 but once I hit the 200 pound mark I will probably take that 10 pounds at a time.  I don't believe I need to let the scale dictate my success.
• Number 9 WHEN ARE YOU HAVING THE BAND REMOVED? Well my goal is never!  If a band is removed it is usually because there is a major problem.  My band is apart of me!
• Number 8  CAN YOU EAT THAT?  Well if I am putting it in my mouth I probably can eat it or in logic I will be able to.  There are really no foods that you can not eat.  I choose to not drink pop and really alcohol.  Many foods like breads, rices, etc do not work well.  For me personally meat is not usually my friend either.  If you want to be successful you should try to also limit your sweets, high fat and calorie foods too. 
• Number 7 IS TONY GAINING ALL OF YOUR WEIGHT?  No  is the answer.  I do feel bad that in the beginning I do think he gained a few of mine because of the whole, don't waste food idea.  We are all a lot better about not doing that.  I think since I am now a hundred pound lighter and I was always about 50 pounds heavier than Tony, it looks like he is alot bigger than me.  Not that this is not encouragement for tony :) 
• Number 6 AREN'T YOU AFRAID YOU WILL GAIN IT ALL BACK?  Well since this is a lifestyle change I plan to not gain it back.  Can it happen??  Well sure it can....it is weight loss.  The band will always be a tool in my tool box.  I have to continue all the other things that have helped make my transformation successful.
• Number 5  ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE PLASTIC SURGERY?  Well that is a good question.  I would like to say at this time no.  I am not a terribly vain person.  Tony seen all the skin when it was full of fat so I guess now we know I am that much more healthier he will still love me.  I do feel that I need to work harder on strength training to firm up but lets face it some will never be gone.  IF it becomes a medical issue or something I may have to do something but at this time no plans due to cosmetic wants.
• Number 4 DON'T YOU WISH YOU WOULD HAVE DONE IT SOONER?  That is a loaded question.  I wish I was ready sooner.  I was not ready to change my whole life forever until about a year ago.  Once I was ready for a forever change the time was right.  I am glad that I recognized it was time. 
• Number 3 YOU WERE ALWAYS SO PRETTY.  Well I agree but I would hope I look prettier now.  :) What the truth is, that my body and my soul were not healthy. I always had a good self esteem but my weight was starting to play with that and my general every day living.  It was time for a health change not a beauty change.  I have always been and will always be beautiful.   
• Number 2 DO YOU REGRET TAKING THE "EASY WAY " OUT TO LOSE WEIGHT? What did I sign up for the wrong surgery???  Lap-Band surgery is far from an easy way to loose weight.  This may be one of the hardest but yet rewarding things I have ever done in my life.
• Number 1  YOU DID NOT HAVE SURGERY DID YOU???  I have had this asked of me many times very rudely.  I take a big breath, smile and say yes, I did have Lap Band surgery.  I am not ashamed to share my story and let people know this is what was right for me. 

I truly enjoy sharing my journey with all of you.  Please do not feel bad if you have ever asked any of these questions you are not alone.  It is not bad.  Many people do not share as openly as I do about having Lap Band.  I am not ashamed that I needed help.  I want to help others too so if you know someone who may be thinking about weight loss surgery, trying to lose weight in general or someone who may enjoy reading my journey feel free to share my links and my information.  I love helping and talking to new people.  Have a blessed week! 
Jane