New Picture

I went to brunch Sunday with some of the ladies I met while attending boot camp in 2009.  They are so awesome.  I snapped a pic of myself as I was leaving the house.  I'm posting it for your viewing pleasure.  The smile I'm wearing is for you, you and you!!

Thanks Lap Band Gal

When I find these wonderful blogs I like to read from the very beginning.  It is amazing to read how each woman has worked toward her goal. 

Lap Band Gal did a post about her small dishes, tiny utensil's and food scale (here).  Well at first I thought...no way would that tiny plate fill me up.  I was wrong.  In an effort to make smart nutrition choices and to learn from women who have had successful weight loss I decided to give it a try.

Here is a meal I had on my small plate (grilled talapia, sauteed spinach with feta and roasted potatoes) and a picture of my scale.  The meal was very filling and I didn't require seconds.

I found the plates and small bowls at target, bed bath & beyond as well as small silverware at ross.  I am so happy that Lap Band Gal shared her secrets of success in her blog.  Now if I could only get myself to journal. 

Thanks again!!

P.S.  The quiche was good as well.  Thanks for the recipe.

Golden

There is a song by Jill Scott titled Golden.  I have included the lyrics for you.  I suggest you find the video on you tube and listen to her sing this powerful song.  This is my theme song for 2011.  My band has allowed me to take my life back!!  I've been singing this song non-stop all day!  I feel empowered when I listen to this song or even when I read the lyrics. 

Right now I'm in "bandster hell".  I have had 2 fills and still no restriction.  I'm okay though.  This song allows me to remember that my band is a tool...not a solution.  I'm living my life like it's golden.  I'm looking good and feeling good.  I'm smiling even more than usual.  I'm loving me ( what's new, right)!! 

Take your freedom ladies!!! 

I'm taking my freedom
Pulling it off the shelf
Putting it on my chain
Wearing it 'round my neck
I'm taking my freedom
Putting it in my car
Wherever I choose to go
It will take me far

I'm living my life like it's golden
Living my life like it's golden
Living my life like it's golden
Living my life like it's golden
Living my life like it's golden, golden

I'm taking my own freedom
Putting it in my song
Singing loud and strong
Grooving all day long
I'm taking my freedom
Putting it in my stroll
I be high-stepping y'all
Letting the joy unfold

I'm living my life like it's golden
Living my life like it's golden
Living my life like it's golden
Living my life like it's golden
Living my life like it's golden, golden

I'm holding on to my freedom
Can't take it from me
I was born into it and it comes naturally
I'm strumming my own freedom
Playing the God in me
Representing His glory
Hope He's proud of me, yeah

Living my life like it's golden
Living my life like it's golden
(Hope he's proud of me)
Living my life like it's golden
Living my life like it's golden
Living my life like it's golden, golden

 

Job Search

My grandfather would always say the best time to look for a job is when you already have one.  Well I have one, but I absolutely HATE it.  Don't get me wrong...it is a good job for a great company.  I feel that I have busted my butt getting an education so I want to get paid what I'm worth.

In December I graduated with a Master's in Human Resource Management.  I just started a PHR (professional in human resources) certification course.  I'm dedicated to being the best HR professional around.  I adore everything about HR.  It is always something new to learn and do.  The problem is everyone wants you to have so much damn experience to even get a foot in the door.

I have written and rewritten my resume so many times I'm tired.  I am not even looking to make an exuberant amount of money.  I just want to get into the field and get more hands on experience.

This job search has me stressed out.  I've been putting in applications but I never hear anything back.  Not even a no.  Ugh...this is the one area of my life that I'm uncertain in.  I have confidence in everything I do...but this...I feel so unprepared.

I'm even willing to relocate...as I'm so over Austin, TX.  LOL 

Oh well I just needed to vent.  Thanks ladies

Searching for a blogger

Hey beautiful ladies!!  I'm searching for a blog.  I know one of you will know it because I'm positive I found it browsing your blogs.  I can't remember her name...but she talks about her mother in law (whose name is Ricky) and the random things the woman says.  One post she said her mother in law believes gays are really nice people. 

Well I loved her blog and thought I had set myself up to be a follower...but I didn't.  If any of you know who I'm speaking about please let me know so I can see what she is up to now.

The last entry I ready from her the mother in law had extended her holiday visit indefinitely.  

Thanks for all your help.

Stylish Blogger Award

The always lovely Heather nominated me for this award.  How sweet.  Thank you darling!

The rules of this award are to tell 7 things about yourself then thank the blogger who gave it to you.  You need to pass the award on to other deserving bloggers.

OK 7 things about me...

1.       I love the color green and the number 3.  It’s very random but something about green and 3 make me happy.

2.      I’m an amateur photographer.  I enjoy being behind the camera and capturing beauty.  I prefer to photograph people in their natural element.  Posed photos don’t capture the essence of the subject.

3.      I’m an only child of a single mother.  She has been my best friend since I turned 2…and we still get along great.  I love my mommy.

4.      I met my husband while we were in prison…we both worked there.  LOL

5.      I think my smile is a gift that everyone should receive at least once in their lifetime.  It’s so full and always genuine.

6.      Everything I feel shows on my face.  If I don’t like you….you will know.

7.      I’m an avid reader.  I have two full bookshelves in my office.  Books staked up the wall in my bedroom, in the trunk of my car and several totes full in storage.  I also have a Nook e-reader. 

I nominate:

Wall Flower
Camille
Maria
Libby

I Use to be Fat

Has anyone watched this new show on MTV?  I just stumbled upon it tonight.  I am not a fan of weight loss shows.  I think they set unrealistic expectations of people.  Yet, I couldn't turn away.  They participants are givin 100 days to change their lives through weight loss.

Okay...I don't have time to workout for 6 hours a day.  That is so not gonna happen.  I do believe I can dedicate at least 1 1/2 hours daily to working out....or at least I can try. 

I'm thinking of taking this challenge.  Anyone want to join me.  Remember there is power in numbers. 

Weigh in Wednesday

I have yet to go by a new scale.  however, I did weigh myself.  I loss .1 lb.  LOL...really tiny I know.  I'm okay with it.  I know that I did not gain all this weight over night and I know it will not disappear that way either. 

Loving me some me!!!

Another baby!!

Hello my beautiful banded sisters!!!  This post my get lengthy.

Last weekend it was brought to my attention that the bio parents of my children had another child on January 1st.  During the course of the conversation I learned the mother smoked meth, marijuana, drank and took non prescribed antidepressant drugs throughout the pregnancy.  The doctor who cared for her during this pregnancy knew of her history of drug use during pregnancy but not once did he order a drug test.  When the child was born the doctor did not inform the hospital of the mothers previous relationship with CPS so they were not notified and the child was allowed to go home with these people.  The father has been recently diagnosed with several mental issues and was recently admitted to the state mental facility.

My husband and I were informed that the baby boy would possibly be removed from the home on today, Tuesday, January 18th.  We discussed in great detail if we would take this child into our home.  Mentally we could handle anything.  However, the financial aspect was another story.  Then my mother asked the question of how I would explain to my kids they had a brother out there we could have taken and didn't...especially (God forbid) if something were to happen to him. 

We decided we would take the baby only if the parents were not granted visitation.  We did not want to deal with these people again and we definitely didn't want them to know we were involved in anyway.  Needless to say the child was removed from the home.  The mother was granted 2 visits per month. 

When I got the call I immediately said no.  We can not do visits.  I will not put the well being of my family at jeopardy (the family has shown a violent nature toward my husband in the past).  Then I get a call from the CPS supervisor promising to handle all visits if we would reconsider. 

So now...I have a 17 day old baby, a 1 y/o toddler, and a 2 y/o.  I'm exhausted and he has only been here since 5 p.m.  I had to go shopping.  I recently (2 weeks ago) donated all of my sons things to a batter women's shelter.  We are starting from scratch...again.

We are not sure how long we will have this little fella...the courts are giving the mother a chance to work services (she can possibly get him back).

We are going to give him so much love while he is with us.  I ask that you think of him in your prayers tonight.

Now on to my band....I've named her...DYNAMITE!!!  LOL

We are on good terms right now.  My eating has not been that great since I got the phone call this weekend.  However, no over eating...just not making the smartest food choices.  I plan on getting on track first thing in the morning.

I just wanted to get this all out.  I'm so glad I have you all. 

Feeling Fly and Loving Life

This is for the thick chicks
The 250 plus chicks
For the girls who have embraced their stomach...like f**k..just love it
The girls who know no matter how hard they've tried...trim spa or metabolife ain't gonna change them thighs.

The above are words to a poem that I have enjoyed and taken pride in. The poem was not written by me.  It was written by a young lady named Tamara Blue. 

As I have mentioned before I love me some me.  That has never changed no matter my size.  I love everything about me.  From the dimple in my left cheek to the teachers arms. 

As we all travel this journey of weight loss (and sometime gain) I want to say LOVE YOU!!! Don't let anyone but you determine where you will go with your band.  Don't let anyone discourage you with their ignorance or negativity!!  This is your journey.  We all have different and some similar reasons for taking this path.

Take time to look at yourself in the mirror daily...naked or clothed, it doesn't really matter.  Get to know yourself again...even the things you would like to change...embrace them and love them and then move on.

The next time some ignorant person says something like you should be losing more weight...or I like the fat you better.  Look at them and say...well I like all of me just fine and you can kiss my once fat now skinny ass.  Then erase that person from you life. 


See this is for the thickness and this is for those jeans, those size fourteens, sixteens, eighteens and twenties and for the girl who put on those size fourteen, sixteens, eighteens and twenties and stepped out feeling fly.  See this is for feeling fly and loving life.  This is for feeling fly and loving life but still allowing yourself to have some french fries, cause this is for the thick chicks.

Protein Drinks

Ladies...I'm looking for a good grab and go protein drink.  Do you have any suggestions?

Fill 'er up!!

Today was fill day!  I received my 2nd fill.  I received 1 cc, putting me at a total of 5 cc's in my 10 cc band.  I was hoping for more...but I guess I will have to wait until the next time.

The fill wasn't that bad.  They had to use the X-ray today.  It appears my port decided to move around a little bit.  The first fill I received was quick in and out...no X-ray.  I don't know what happened. 

Well I lost 3 lbs.  Yippie for me.  I'm happy about my 3 lbs.  My current weight is 292. 

My home scale does not agree however.  LOL...so I'm buying a new scale (any excuse to shop).

I've decided to make Wedensday my official weigh in day. 

How are you GORGEOUS ladies doing today?

Introducing...ME!!!

Hello everybody!  I'm Dawnya...my family and friends call me Dawny, Precious, or hussie!  as promised this is my formal introduction to my banded family!!


Here goes everything...


I have not always been big and sexy.  At one time i was just sexy.  As a kid my grandmother always complained when we went shopping about my big butt (this is from a woman who never had any ass...still doesn't).  So I always had a complex about my big butt.  It wasn't a normal complex of feeling bad about it...I actually embraced my big butt and tried to show it off at all times.  I wore the tightest jeans...and the shortest tops to make sure everyone saw it.  LOL


In high school I was the girl the boys loved to hang out with and date.  I guess because my house was such fun.  My mom was the coolest mom on the block, but she would cuss you out and beat you down in a heartbeat.  There was never a shortage of guys or girls in my house at anytime. 

This is a picture of me from high school.  Try to ignore the kool-aide smile.  I'm always smiling and laughing.  I can't help it.


I started gaining weight when I was 22.  Not sure what happened, but one day I was a nice 14 and then bam 22 was knocking down my door. 


The weight never bothered me.  You could not tell me I was not cute and sexy...well you could have told me but you would have been wrong.  I knew I could get a man and take a few if my heart so desired. 


I met Charles (my hubby) as a big girl.  Apparently my dress size doesn't matter to him.  He is my biggest supporter and he is thin.

There is my honey!!

In 2006 we moved to Austin, TX.  This was the first time I thought negatively about my weight.  I was freaking huge.  Not sure how much I weighed, but the size 24's were tight. I was not working and I was fat...it was not a good time for me.

As you can see from the above picture I was about ready to burst out of the size 24 pants.


This is when I decided to do something about my weight.  I joined Weight Watchers.  I love WW...and it helped. I lost 35 pounds in no time.  I was so excited...and I was looking really good.  I ordered the cutest dress in a 18 and it fit.  I guess it helps that I'm tall (at least to me...5'7).

See me in the dress...gosh darn I love green.


Well I'm the type that when I have something to celebrate I usually do it with food.  So of course all the WW weight came back with a few more pounds to keep them company.  I would work out for 2 days straight and then take a break which usually lasted for 6 months.  LOL


Needless to say my weight continued to fluctuate...but I was happy.  I had family and friends who loved me and didn't judge me because of my weight.  I looked good in most (if not all) my clothes...and I could still pull a man. 


Well in 2008 I turned 30...I thought I would be at a cute sexy weight for Vegas.  NOT!!!  I was cute...but I was still huge.

So in April 2009 I decided enough is enough.  I hired a trainer.  I started working out with him 3 times a week.  It was great.  I was moving muscles I didn't know I had.  I lost 40 lbs.

See...40 lbs was great.  But losing the inches was even better.  Cute...I know.  LOL


I loved the workout and I would have never stopped.  But God had other plans.


On September 18, 2009 I got a call that a newborn baby needed a home.  Well I had a home and I thought what the hell.  He was only gonna be here a week or so.  Well that little angel turned my life upside down in no time.  I still attended boot camp...but it was difficult.  Then 2 months later I went to court about my little angel who had overstayed his 1 week visit...when I left court I had 3 hours to go shopping, because that little angel had a 1 y/o sister who also needed me.  In the course of 2 months I became a mother to a newborn baby and a 1 y/o toddler.  Needless to say...working out was over and done.  LOL


Fast forward to September 2010.  I was tired of being fat...tired of needing a seat belt extender to fly...tired of Lane Bryant charging so much for those damn flower frocks they called clothes.  I was just plain tired. 


I called True Results to see if I qualified for the surgery.  I qualified and my insurance would foot the bill. Sign me the hell up.  My starting weight was 311.7  I was banded on November 16th by Dr. Alex Esquivel in Austin, TX. 

These photos were taken the night before surgery...gross I know...but hey...it is what it is.

Whew...lengthy post.  Sorry.  I just wanted you all to know who I am.  My goal is to get thinner, but most importantly to get healthier.  I want to live a full life.  I have so much to live for.  The little boy and girl I mentioned are now ours.  They were officially adopted in December.  I want to make sure I am healthy for me and for them. 

Well there is my story...now it is time to work my band.

Followers!!!

I have followers!!!  I feel like a cult leader saying that.  LOL. 

Thanks everyone for taking the time to stop by my blog.  I'm looking forward to learning from you all during this journey.

Now that I have followers I guess I should formally introduce myself and offer some pictures.  Okay...I love talking about me.

I will post my introduction tonight.  I just wanted to thank you all for stopping by.

Thanks Stephanie for sending them my way!!

Food...my forever lover!!

I LOVE FOOD!!!  I have always loved food.  I love the smell of food cooking, I love the taste of food...I even love the way it feels going down my throat.  Quick...give me a piece of food and I can tell you every ingredient without a problem.  The love affair I have had with food has been extensive and wonderful! 

The problem is Food can be a jealous little bitch!!  She wanted to keep me to herself so she made me fat.  Not just regular ole' fat, but big ass fat!!!  Yet, my love for her never ceased. She is a part of me and I can't deny her even if I tried.

As I embark on this new chapter in my life with the lapband as my trusty companion, I have to look at food in a new light.  I will not deny that I still love her...however, when she is away now I am no longer counting the minutes, and seconds until I can have her again.  Now when she is not around I am okay. 

Food is still apart of my life...but now I'm in charge of our relationship.  I will only put up with so much from food and her over indulgent ways.  It feels great to be in charge! 

I couldn't have taken this step with out my lapband!!  Thanks for saving me from my toxic relationship with food.

NSV

First off it took me forever to figure out what NSV means.  LOL...I know I'm a little slow on the slang.  Well I had a big ole' NSV today.  Well it's not really huge, but for me it was like a mountain moved. 

Any time I get into one of the vehicles at work I have to adjust the steering wheel as it is too low and my thighs never fit.  Well this beautiful day I was able to get into the vehicle without the adjustment.  I actually adjusted the wheel just to make sure I was not losing my mind.  And sure enough I was not. 

I started doing the shimmy shake dance right there in the parking lot.  I was so excited about my victory I wanted to celebrate.  Only problem I'm use to celebrating with food.  That's okay...I'm working on that too. 

Instead of the food reward I decided to take a small walk around the institution.  I guess that is 2 NSV's for me today. 

Loving everyday of my banded life!!

Sweat is great!!

Sooo....I didn't get to attend the sexy sweat class tonight....however, I did get a workout.  I broke out the Wii and worked it out to Just Dance and Just Dance 2 for over an hour.  My kids enjoyed it too...well  they enjoyed laughing at me.  It was fun and I broke a sweat, which makes me happy.


It is amazing the new things I learn everyday since being banded.  I went to work today with a new attitude, looking good and feeling fly.  I had several compliments about my appearance today.  Everyone kept saying it was something different about me.  I wanted to shout...it's the 20 lbs. I've lost and the confidence I've gained. 

I love finding my way back to me....and I love my band!!

Annoyed!!

I am so annoyed right now.  All I wanted to do was attend a new excercise class to jump start my new year as well as my weight loss with the band.  Unfortunately, I have a 1 y/o and a 2 y/o and no reliable child care. 

Since I was not able to make the class I have been annoyed all day.  All I want it to exercise.  LOL...who would have thought it would be this hard. 

Now I'm on the hunt for a reliable babysitter.  Which is a challenge because I do not have any "friends" in the area.  Also I am petrified of a babysitter being a pedophile or the girlfriend/wife of a pedophile.  I know totally insane, but these are my fears.

Well tomorrow is a new day...hopefully I will be able to attend the sexy sweat class tomorrow night. 

Hello 2011

This is officially my first blog post.  I created this blog as a method to chronicle my journey with the lap band.  After reading some amazing blogs I have been inspired to actually do this and not let it fall to the wayside. 

At any rate, I was banded on November 16, 2010 in Austin, TX by Dr. Alex Esquivel.  My starting weight was 311.6 lbs.  As of today, January 1, 2011 I have lost a total of 20 lbs.  I am extremely proud of this accomplishment.

As the new year begins I have devised a plan to help jump start my weight loss.  I can't promise that I will exercise 5 days a week like I have heard some people say.  It's not going to happen.  However, I have decide that I will participate in an organized exercise class at least 3 days a week.  My favorite is called Sexy Sweat!!  I just love the name. 

I look forward to blogging my way through change.  I plan on using this blog to encourage myself and maybe someone else who is struggling to make a change.

SMOOCHES