Quick and sad update.

Hello Everybody,

Thank you for all your previous messages I really appreciated. Sadly she passed away yesterday so I will be away from Bandland until the wake is over on friday.

Thank you so much again for your support.

Prayers, Weigh in, late shift and snow...

This title is probably summarising my day quite well. My main subject of the day will be prayers, My fiance's granny is very ill and in hospital. I found myself praying today because I feel useless and I wish I could do more but I realise there is nothing more for me to do. Praying is a major thing for me, I am not very religious, I don't know what I believe in, the only thing I know is that I believe there is something up there. The first time I prayed was on the operation table just before going to sleep. I was praying the big guy upstairs to let me wake up after the operation. I was so scared of the anesthesia.

Today I prayed because someone I care about does not have a lot of time left on this land. Because she is very dear to the person I care the most about in the world and I hate seeing him sad. I want to make it all better but I can't, there is nothing I can do about it and I hate that. So I prayed, I prayed that things will go for the best whatever the best is in this situation. I just don't want her to suffer so I will let the bug guy decide what the best is. He will know I am sure... People say he is so powerful he would know what is best wouldn't he?

I was working the late shift today, it allowed me to do my exercise before going to work. I don't like the late shift and I knew James was going to the hospital to visit his granny, I wished I could have been there to support him but couldnt. When I came out of work I got absolutely soaked on the way to the train station, it was the closest place for me to run to to get a taxi home. And when I was in the taxi it started snowing... the snow has stopped now but the rain is still there.

I had my weigh in as well this morning. I lost 100g that's all. my dietician says it is normal and to focus on not putting on weight but I find this so frustrating. My first filled has been moved one day forward it is now on monday 12th april. And instead of giving me one then and the second one the week after they will just give me a bigger one at first ,and then the second one a month after. I am now allowed to eat every kind of food. But need to stick to my diet the dietician gave me.

I am sorry this is not a very positive post but I needed to write all this down to let it out. Have a nice week everybody.

Keeping Mama pimp happy.

1. If you could change your first name - what would it be?

My favourite's girl name is Lilly and that is how I chose to call our daughter when we will have one. But I am not sure it would suit me. My name is not very original, it was the most popular girl's name in 1985 when I was born. But I still like it. I would have preferred to be called Juliette. close enough but still a bit different.

2. Why are man hole covers round?

Because is they were square, in movies during a dramatic scenes they would not roll on the ground. I like to see them rolling on the ground during a very chaotic scene, it adds some dram to the scene.

3. What's one of your biggest pet peeves?

Lack of hygiene, I am not OCD, my house is not tidy most of the time... But I cannot stand non hygienic situations, it freaks me out for some reason.

4. If you could be a car - what would it be? Post a pic if you can.

I would be a green New Beetle.

5. What's the biggest thing you learned from a blog this week or which blog spoke to you the most this week off the top of your head? (try to link them so others can check them out)

That a tummy tuck even a mini one is a lot more invasive than I expected.
Here it is.

Third Anniversary and scars evolution

Hello Guys,

I had a great day today, It was our anniversary with James, it has been 3 years we are together. I love him so much. When I got out of work he was waiting for me with a bouquet of red roses. We got home and I did my 30 mins of wii fit (like I have done everyday since monday) and he prepared a nice romantic dinner. We gave eachother cards. He got us tickets for a concert in may and did a very funny thing. I had told him cheesy things were allowed on days like his so he bought me one of my favourite things in the world : french cheese! You can't do cheesier than that :P

I realised today I had tried to take a picture of us a few weeks ago and the camera was set on video and here is the result...

I have been sticking with my 30 mins of wii fit everyday so far so I hope to keep doing that everyday. foodwise I have had a "big dinner" last night and tonight too. We had people over for dinner last night and anniversary dinner tonight. But with the exercise I hope it will still be ok on the scales on monday. I actually didnt eat anything close to what i was eating before the operation.

I am in the middle of 2 sizes at the minute for trousers 26 is too big and 24 is too small but I will soon be sharing clothes with the sisterhood. ( Bonnie I havent forgotten you for clothes there will be some coming soon :))

my scars are looking smaller, nicer, better I am really happy. you can see in the picture below on the left is 2 weeks after the operation and on the right it is at almost 5 weeks after. The improvement has been amazing. I have been using a scar reducing oil called bio oil. It also got rid of my allergic reactions to the plasters. (you can sse the image bigger if you click on it)

I am watching American Idol while writing this blog (I havent seen the result show) and I would just like to say I am a big fan of Crystal Bowersox! She is amazing!



Have a good night and a special thought for Alison who is in her Hotel room waiting to go for surgery tomorrow. Good Luck Alison you will do great. Special thoughts for the ladies who had their operation today :)

Doing my job to keep the pimp happy :)

There you go Drazil! Your questions kept me busy for a little while during a boring monday in work :) I hope you like the answers.

If you could be a weather forecast, what would you be and why?

A sunny spring day, when it is warm but not too hot. And it is sunny but the sun is not burning your skin.

If you could be a crayon, what color would you be and why?

It would really depand on my mood. At the minute I think I would be a dark purple one. But not a blueish purple, a more pinkish one.

What is/was your biggest physical goal you want to do when you hit your goal weight?

I want to be able to cycle with my fiance, he loves cycling but I can't do it for a long time at the moment. So maybe we can cycle to and back form work.

If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?

I would be a bear, bears are not mean they are just misunderstood. I am more like the cuddly carebear type. I am not scared to say I am addicted to hugs, I LOOOOVE them so much. I would be a happy carebear with nice people and a mean grumpy forest bear with not nice people.

What was your highest weight?

146.6 kg

What is your weight now?

135.4 kg

What is your goal weight if you have one?

70Kg

What is your goal size if you have one?

I don't really have one as I am a lot smaller on top and I guess I will see what size I am when I am 70kg

What diet/program/tool do you follow/have if any?

I have a Cousin Bioring gastric band and I follow advice from my bariatric nurse (most of the time)

How did you lose the weight current to today?

Sammy (my band), eating the right things. I will start to exercise again from today.

What’s your best advice for people in this weight loss journey?

Just take your time to lose the weight, follow your doctor's advice, think positively, surround yourself with the right people, don;t hesitate to say if you think something is wrong, always count on the sisterhood of the band.

Have you ever shaved your whootananny?

I did once, and it looked like a raw chicken. I didnt like the look, feel and itchiness of it so wont do that again, but I do wax some every week! And I do get someone to wax mine but never completely. I you lady need any beauty/waxing/make up advice just let me know I am not scared of anything haha.

the Verdict and my 1 month bandiversary...

It is now one month I have been banded. I would like to wish a happy 1 month bandiversary to Janelle and Joey as well. Here are my achievements:

1. I have lost 11.2kg (24.7 lbs)
2. I feel healthier
3. I feel happier
4. I have more confidence that I can achieve my goal
5. I have more control over what I eat and think about everything I put in my mouth.
6. I can sit comfortably in an opera seat
7. I have met fantastic people in blogland that are helping me and advising me everyday.

There is a lot more I have gained by losing the weight so far but these are the main ones.

Now for today's weigh in : I have lost 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs) it is not a very big loss but it is a loss. my main goal until my first fill is going to be not to put on weight. And if I can, lose some. I know I won't achieve amazing weight losses during that time so I need to stay focused on that.

I know I could have lost more if I didn't have chocolate mini eggs but they were nice and I still lost weight so I am glad I did otherwise I would have been very frustrated and that could have been worse.

I will probably write another blog from work if it is very quiet, if not I will be back soon. Have a good monday.

Bandster Hell AAAAAAAAAAH!

Good evening Bandworld,

I am here to confess tonight... I ate some chocolate mini eggs... they were here and I am starting the diet my doctor gave me tomorrow so I thought I wouldnt be able to have them then and I could have a few, the only problem being that they are very addictive and I had more than a few. I still had a lot less than I would have had before but I still did have too many of them.

Now I am scared to get on the scales in the morning... I am in bandster hell there is no doubt about it. I am still on soft/normal food but I am worried of starting to eat solid food as I have no restriction whatsoever and my appetite is coming back.

Tomorrow is my first month bandiversary and I would like to reach 11kg (I would need to lose 0.3kg tomorrow).

I spent a few days trying to catch up on all you blogs. I have added all the blogs of my new followers but some of you don't have a link to their blog on their profile so if you follow me but I don't follow you please send me the adress of your blog.

Drazil, I will answer your questions tomorrow. I think they are very funny.

I need to go to bed now but Keep watching this space tomorrow as I have some more posts coming.

Good Night everybody!

St Paddy's Day and new eating plan

Hello again my little leprechauns,

The picture above is not from today, it was 3 years ago (and 20 kilos lighter) but I didn't dress up today as I had to go to work and these kind of things are not appreciated...

I just wanted to let you know I had the exact dates of my first 2 fills. The first one is on tuesday 13th April and the second one on wednesday 21st April. It feels very far away but at the same time I still don't feel ready to have one right now as I still haven't started eating solid food.

I have been given an eating plan to follow that I will share with you as it might be useful for some of you.

Green Zone: most meals if not all of them

Breakfast options:

1-2 eggs with mushrooms/tinned tomatoes
cereal bowl size of chopped fruit with low fat yoghurt
4 tablespoons of porridge made with semi skimmed milk
protein shake
homemade smoothie with fruit, milk, yoghurt
3-4 melba toast with low sugar jam, marmelade, soft cheese

Lunch options:

grilled/baked or raw (sushi style) fish including prawns, tuna in brine, trout, mackeral, sardines and salad
chicken breast fillet diced into a vegetable salad/stirfry
3-4 wholemeat crispbreads/oatcakes with wafer thin ham or turkey and/or low fat cheese
1-2 egges with ham/cheese or salad

Dinner options:

skinless baked/roasted or grilled chicken/turkey with a generous serving of steamed//stir fried vegetables/salad
grilled/baked/poached fish steak/fillet with steamed/roasted vegetables or salad and 2 baby potatoes if required
2 egg omelet filled with mixed vegetables or cheese/ham
ready meal (less than 350 cals) containing no rice/pasta

Snacks (maximum 2 times/day if you are peckish)

fruit
vegetable sticks and/or 3 tablespoons of cottage cheese/houmous
small low fat yoghurt/fromage frais/custard/low sugar jelly
6-8 nuts
low fat hot chocolate or bovril

Orange zone :not more than a meal a day from this section

breakfast options:

small cereal bowl size of low sugar cereal with semi skimmed milk
2-3 tablespoons of muesli/granola with a low fat dairy product (milk/yoghurt) from the green section
3 tablespoons of beans on one medium of wholemeal toast
one medium slice of wholemeal toast with one egg (not fried)

Lunch options:

3 tablespoons of beans on one medium slice of wholemeal toast
half a jacket potato with any protein filling from green zone
3 tablespoons of wholemeal couscous served with protein from green zone
a small pita filled with meat/fish or 1 egg from green section

dinner options: to be served with steamed vegs or salad

casserole, stewed or minced lamb, pork or beef (lean cuts) with 1-2 egg sized potatoes
dishes based on peas beans and lentils approx 6 tablespoons per serving
6 tablespoons of cottage/shepherds/fish pie
3 tablespoons of wholemeal couscous with diced chicken or pork

snacks (only have these 3-4 times a week)

2 rich tea biscuits or 2 jacobs crackers
walkers quavers or french fries , thai bites, snack a jacks
chocolate mousse/custard/ice cream ( 5 dessert spoons)
bananas & avocados
cereal bars less than 100 calories

I was told I should try and eat only in the green zone as much as I can and limit myself to 3 meals a week in the orange zone.

I need to follow that to loose as much weight as possible before the wedding and I am determined to do that well.

If you have any questions or want more details don't hesitate to ask. Right time for me to go to the shower and go to bed or I won't get up in the morning.

Good night

First Post op appointment with the Bariatric Nurse.

Hi Everybody,

How are you all today. Happy St Paddy's day to the ones celebrating it. I can't celebrate today as I am in work when people are having fun outside...

I had my first post op appointment with the nurse yesterday. It went really well. She was very happy with my weight loss so far and said my scars looked good and advised me to use some bio oil to reduce their size. All the surgical glue is gone as well so I will put a picture soon to show you how they look.

It is now 4 months to the wedding so they want to help me lose as much as I can by then . I have a specific diet I need to follow I will explain it in another post when I am home to give you more details about it. I will have my first fill in a month, then my second one 1 week after, and three week after that I will have a third one to help me have restriction before then and get the full use of my band.

Some of my clothes are really getting loose I will be able to share the ones that are still in a good shape with the sisterhood. I need to check the sizes equivalence between the UK and the US. In Australia and Canada are the sizes the same than US ones?

I am bored in work so I am going to tell you about my job. I am working for Clearwire Belgium, for their Customer service. I take calls all day in French and English. It is not my dream job but it pays the bills. I am a Beauty therapist but could not find any jobs in beauty therapy at the moment so doing the treatments from home out of my working hours.

At least I have some colleagues I have a lot of fun with during the day it makes the job more enjoyable. To make the days go faster as well I draw pictures for people to decorate their desks. I will put pictures of them, I like childish drawings with very bold colours.



I hope you are having a nice day.

I am not a super obese anymore I am just morbidly obese. yay!

Hello everybody,

It's Monday today which means it is weigh in day.I was worried to have put on weight after starting mushies but I still lost 600g this week (1.3lbs), To be honnest I wish I could lose more but I need to focus on healing first. I am now down 10.7kg (23.6lbs)

I also have lost some centimetres around my body:

Boobs: 127 cm --> 119.5 cm (-7.5 cm)
Chest: 113 cm --> 108 cm (-5 cm)
Waist: 114.5 cm --> 111 cm (-3.5 cm)
Hips : 157 cm --> 151 cm (-6 cm)
Thigh: 85 cm --> 85 cm (0)
Upper Arm : 49 cm --> 46 cm (-3 cm)

Another major victory is that my BMI is under 50 ! I am now not consider as Super obese but just Morbidly Obese!

By the way I find the term Super Obese a lot more positive than Morbidly obese...

Everything is moving in the right direction so it is good.I have an appointment with the nurse tomorrow and I have the day off so I will keep you updated on how it goes.

Have a good Evening.

Live from Work.

Hello guys,

I thought I would give you some news now that I (unofficially) have access to the internet in work.

I have been on the soft diet since the beginning of the week. It makes a big change as I really feel hunger now. It is hard to be sat all day though it is stretching the skin around the wounds.

Last week I had a reaction to the plaster's glue, now my skin is extremely dry and inflamed where the plasters were I even had blisters there :(, it is getting better now that I use some antiseptic cream on it.

The surgical glue is still on. I removed it on the glue on the skin around the wounds as it was peeling off but i don't know what the actual wounds look like as there is dried blood inside the glue. I don't want to touch anything at the moment. I will see what the nurse says next tuesday.

I will definetely not be getting my first fill then as I won't have tried solid food yet, they will wait until the next appointment. I hope it won't take too long as I am worried of putting on weight at the minute as I can eat more.

I still eat a lot less than I used to even on a diet but I don't know what is normal or not for the band. On tuesday I will also be getting a very precise diet to follow to maximise the weightloss until the wedding. I think it will be easier to just follow this to the letter than having to make my own decisions for the minute.

I have bought 3 band cook books online. I should receive them today or tomorrow. If I find any good recipes, I will share them with you. I like cooking but I need to learn new recipes now.

I usually like to be more structured in my posts but I have been writing this post over 3 hours now. between customers'calls, lunch break and chats. I am very tired today. and coming down with a cold. I hope it will pass soon. I am working tomorrow and then going to the opera to see the sound of music. I am looking forward to that as I am a bid musical fan.

Last night I watched the new episode of america's next top model.(I love this show) and there was 2 plus size models who to me looked even better than the skinny size ones. only one was selected but i think she looks amazing not sure I like HER yest we will see.

just over 3 hours to go. I can't wait to go home. I am going to stop this post now because I could go on and on telling you about completely random things as I am so bored.

Have a good week end.

2 weeks Post op

Hello Everybody!

Here is a little update wih my progress 2 weeks after the operation.

I am now down 10.1 kg (22.3lbs) since the start and I am very pleased with this result! Here are some comparison pics. the first ones are on the first day of the pre op diet and the second ones are today (1 month later). I feel a lot better already although I can't see a very big difference on the pictures there.













I have started Mushy food today so I guess there is a chance I will put on weight a bit this week but that's life. I will try not to be disappointed.

Sunshine Award

I would like to thank Bonnie who gave me a Sunshine Award. Bonnie you are a great support to me and this is priceless. I hope for you you will get your band soon and you can be sure you will have my support every step of the way.

The sunshine award "is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blogging world."

Once you receive one, then you:

1. Post the logo on your blog.

2. Pass the award on to 12 fellow bloggers.

3. Link the nominees

4. Let nominees know they have won this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to the person you received this award from.

Here are my nominees:

1.Bonnie
2.Joey
3.Janelle
4.Amy.W
5.Jen
6.Lap Band Gal
7.Kim
8.Girl Bandit
9.Sandy Lee
10.Colleen
11.Aunt Janet
12.Southern Belle

There could be a lot more of you, thank you for your support!

9 days post op

Hello everybody,

I really miss following all your blogs and updating mine at the moment... but I will be back soon.

I have quite a few pictures to show you tonight. But first an update on how things are going. It has been 3 days i haven't had any gas pains yaaaay so it lasted just a week in total. I have to admit it was extremely painful but I have almost forgotten about it. Tonight I have removed the waterproof plasters they had put on the day of the operation and changed them. I finally saw what my battle wounds look like. Here is a picture :

My belly is still quite swollen around the cuts. They are still covered in glue and there is dried blood aroud them which I am not liking... But it will be gone soon. I can noe drink a bit more during the day but I still don't feel hunger which I like a lot.

I still have very big bruises of the IV and blood tests.



Coming back from my operation I have been spoilt by my friends who sent or brought little gifts. Here are some pictures of what I had :








I love flowers so I was so happy. Yesterday I went to Ikea and bought a few things for the house. I will make pictures of my house or maybe a video soon to show you my DIY job.

In the meantime i wish you a good evening and I promise I will be back in Blogland soon.

New weigh in.

Hi everybody,

I am not very present on blog land at the moment as my friend Sam in over from France. But I will put pictures up soon about what we did etc...

I just wanted to let you know that I had my official weigh in this morning and since the beginning I am down 9.3 kg (20.5 lbs) yaaaaaay!

I am not sure how much I am supposed to eat ( or should I say drink) at the minute. they did not give me a number of calorie to go by and I am not sure I am eating enough. until a few days ago I was having about 500 cals a day which I guess is too low so went up to 800 yesterday. Any advice there on a recommended amount?

I am also trying to drink more. It is hard though. I didnt have much gas pains yesterday I hope this was the end of it as it was awful. my incisions feel so itchy i have to remove my plasters buy the end of this week so I still don't know what my battle wounds look like. How long did it take for your port area not to be sore anymore? it is getting better everyday but it still feels very uncomfortable. i think I can feel my port as well is that normal? so many questions...

I hope you had a nice week end and I wish you a good week.

PS: Jacquie, for the wieght loss goals, I just added a text widget and wrote the goals myself. Maybe there is an easier way to do it but I am not sure. :)