First fill after 15 Months!

Hi Ladies!

Getting SO excited for next Weekend!!

I had my first fill Wednesday, I thought it had been a year but my NP said "Nicole it's been since June 2010" I could feel that I needed a little  more restriction..I was up a good 5lbs on my scale.

So currently I have 7.9 cc in my band..day 3 of liquids is today so far so good!

Trying to get pictures off my phone the weekend before last I ran  a 5k on Saturday & Sunday..oh my how times have changed!!

See you in Chicago!

Boobs 2011 Fun Facts

1. How did you pick your blog name? I love the song by Jack Johnson Better Together, and I started blogging after I was banded so I thought it was a good band blog name :)

2. When did you start blogging? September/October 2009 after I was banded August 2009, I was on Lap Band Talk and found Jen W. Blog..She was also banded in August of 2009 and I LOVED reading her daily updates and then was brave and started my own blog. Blogging brought so many AMAZING people in my life.


3. Theme of blog? Weight loss, sucess with the band, what's going on in my life


4. Did you go to BOOBs 2010? Yes- Was for sure one of the highlights of 2010 for me.

5. When were you banded? August 24, 2009


6. How much have you lost? 100lbs! I was up to 105lb but the summer has me back down to 100lbs loss.


7. What are you most looking forward to at BOOBs? Seeing all my Favorite People, talking, laughing, having a great weekend!!



8. What/who do you hope to find/see/accomplish at BOOBs 2011?  Have fun, meet new bloggers, hang out with friends, feel eachother's ports lol


9. Children? Pets? Nope!


10. Who is your roomie? Susan from Diary of a Lap Band Mom


11. What day do you arrive? Friday 8:30am flying out of Boston at 6:30am


12. What airport/flight/time? ORD


13. What events are you signed up for? not signed up for events, going to window shop on Michigan Avenue and play it by ear

14. Hobbies? Reading, Spinning, Training for 5ks


15. Career? I work for a Non-Profit, partnering with state and meeting with local businesses  to get dislocated workers back to work. It is very rewarding and I love my job

16. Single? Married? In a relationship? Recently divorced in May..I am dating someone right now :)


17. Your birthday month? March


18. What do you want other BOOBs to know about you?  Please say hello to me, I love meeting new people!! And That I  do have a band lol Gilly always jokes that I was never really fat and then I make her feel my port..

2nd Bandiversary!!

8.24.09 Best day of my life.

Today I took these pictures with my Jared pants..these were skin tight...

Seams are busted..because they were so tight.

I am going going..back back to Chicago...

Let me introduce myself..for those of you that might have forgotten about me ;)

My Name is Nicole ..My second Bandiversary is right around the corner 8/24..which now I can say with out a doubt the most important date of my life. I recently seperated from my husband in March..and by May 5th..my divorce was final.. OLE OLE..We are on good terms, he just didn't want children..and if people remember the reason I got my band was so that I would be at a healthy weight to get pregnant.

I have had the most amazing fun summer and I really owe a lot of it to my band. I have been dating, heading to the Cape most weekends and enjoying being in a bikini.

I am currently at 7.8 cc and haven't had a fill since last October.. I have seen 138lbs and even 136lbs (thanks to the divorce stress) Stayed 138 for a few months.. and now with the "summer fun" I have gone up to 144 for a few days and just recently got back down to 140..even saw 138 a few days last week. I am in maintenance mode..I still would love to get to 135..but for once in my life I feel control of my weight..thanks to my band.

I have been a role model, my high school friend is Angie she in boxed me on Facebook..I believe after my 5k pic I did last August asking me how I was losing my weight.. I have an old friend in San Diego that was  just  approved  for her lap band.. And now a Co Worker is going through the process.

I have kept very active..I enjoy running..I have done a couple of 5K's..this picture is me and my sister last Thursday.. last year my time was 43 min..this year 34 mins! (she of course walked it lol)

I didn't know if I was going to be able to afford coming to Chicago...but I got a really great deal on a Ticket and I cannot wait to see my band friends that I had so much fun with last year in Chicago..

I will leave you with a few fun summer pictures..and PROMISE I will try blogging more so you will know who I am in Chicago ;)  xo Nicole

Kristen's Wedding

I was honored to attend a Fellow Bloggers Wedding on Saturday. Kristen got married on Saturday and she looked AMAZING! Her wedding was a blast!

I know I haven't been blogging as much, but this event reminded me of all the great relationships this blog has brought me and I love you all! xoxo









My best friend John..why are all the HOT guys not straight?





Cheers to being single, sexy & Healthy!



Dirty Thirty!

My "Dirty Thirty" party was this weekend..I had a fabulous time.


Thirty, Flirty & oh so FABULOUS..thanks to the band..


These are the first pictures I have seen of my self and think wow, I am skinny. It's the weirdest thing to think out loud.

I had an aspirational goal for my 30th Birthday party...of 138 ..Saturday morning I weighed 138.2 and had even seen glimpse of 136/137 earlier in the week. This would out a doubt not be possible without my band. Have I worked my ass off, (literally I think I have).

My gay husband!



My best friends that threw my party



My Pretty! Came to celebrate





My Parents, My Stepmom  & Dad


Last but not least, this picture that I didn't put onto facebook..

DAMN! Thank you BAND!! :)

I am alive..just overwhelmed

The comments I recieved on my last post are overwhelming..I LOVE YOU LADIES!

Getting to attend the bandster brunch  in NYC on 3/20 was amazing and lifted my spirits.

I haven't been on blogs much as I haven't gotten my wireless internet hooked up at my parents. 

I have been trying to deal with my shit show of a life. It's hard. This past week has been extremely hard. I cry most days. My band is so tight from stress and having my period last week I could barely eat.  Yesterday I saw the lowest # on my scale in my life (136lbs), and I didn't even care because I am just so sad and stressed.

Tomorrow will be my first holiday seperated ( my 30th GULP) Birthday. And it's sad knowing I have to make plans, not just automatically have plans with my husband.

Thank You for all the support, I will be getting back into blogging soon..I promise.

I am getting a divorce.

I have been dreading this post. I haven't logged on in about 3 weeks, and the reason is I have seperated from my husband and we are getting divorced.

I haven't had the heart to log on here and share my news.. well because it's hard to write it out and actually say to people. And a part of me doesn't want to worry others because of the divorce rate related to WLS.

And I truly believe deep down that it doesn't have to do with me losing 100+ lbs. We had been trying to have a baby and my husband always talked about waiting..waiting for a house..waiting for the spring I am turning 30 and he turns 39 next month. And finally last month he said to me "You know if you get pregnant, it's all on you"  And that right there folks is why I am getting a divorce.  So with that repeating in my head ..I sat down and had a talk and deep down he really doesn't want children, he thought his mind would change (since I wanted children so badly) but the older he gets the less he wants them. 

So is it because I am happy with my body and confident that I decideded to take a stand for myself  and take a leap of fait to find a partner that wants the same things in life? maybe?

The next few months will be a rough road for me, I am losing the home I have made, and my best friend.

But ladies life is to short  NOT to be happy.

I am so very looking to seeing everyone who will be in NYC for brunch this sunday and BOY do I need a margarita.

NYC here I come!!

So thrilllllllllled to be coming for the NYC Brunch meet up!!

I can't wait to see some of my favorite bandsters!!

I can't wait for a prickly pear margarita and a side of guac!!

I will be traveling with Kristen and staying with Colleen Saturday night.

I will also be getting to see Angie! Who I haven't seen in 11 years since high school..And now we will both be bandsters!!

I love my band ..and this is why

I <3 my band!

I know we all say it 100 or 1 million times but MAN do I REALLY love my band. I have been afraid to blog about  it (for fear my band reads my blog)

My restricition is great, last fill was Oct. I believe I have around 7.8 ccs.

I hanging right around 143, 144 some days yesterday was 142. So EXTREMELY happy with how I am maintaining.  I am still counting my calories. I log them in on my phone or just make a mental head note and do not go above 1k calories. I think counting calories and working out is helping stay where I am. I still step on my scale every single day.

A lot of my fellow boobs will remember this red dress.. I FINALLY had an occasion to wear it...with my hubby out on Valentines Day.  This dress is truly magical hugs all my curves (even a good 10lbs less then in chicago). My friend gave me this dress and Kim K. owns this dress as well. It's truly a magical dress. I recieved so many compliments on  Monday evening.  As you know it is all couples out on Valentines Day, we were close to another table and the guy next to us leans over to Carey and says "Is she your #1? because she is #1 in THIS room!" I felt so embarresed for his wife, and then later on his says you look like Cameron Diaz..he made my night but I felt terrible for I am sure he made his wife feel uncomfortable.  MEN! 

Keep fighting the good fight ladies!  I am here reading and cheering you on! With Martini's of course ;)

100lbs Down!..newest member of the Century Club..

"You must do the thing you think you cannot do"~Eleanor Roosevelt

Today is the day I reached 100lbs down, a goal I never thought possible. At 243lbs reading that number on the scale in the DR office, I so well remember that moment. It wasn't a good one. 

My first goal was 155, the weight at which I met my husband, the weight I had met doing weight watchers 2x before.  (the goal I knew achievable)

Then with the help of my band I actually thought about 140's a weight I never ever remember weighing(except maybe in JR High)

My Surgery was August 24 2009.  My goal of 155 was reached September 3, 2010 read my goal post here.

My aspirational goal of 145 was reached X-Mas Week..my own X-Mas miracle. I could never get a 145 on the dot closest I saw was a 145.1 and then I was 144.

But today I saw it, I saw something I only dreamed about. CENTURY CLUB

And BOY did that moment feel so good.

This moment would not be possible without my band and my support from Blog Land..

And REMEMBER if you can DREAM IT..you CAN ACHIEVE IT.

Spin, Double Date and Meatballs!

I think I have mentioned before how much I love spin. I really really  <3 it!

I feel like it really challenges me and I can really see a difference in my legs.. they are getting toned!   Try it, it's hard but it's so worth it and just a little insentive...

I am so fortunate to live within 45 min of one of my favorite bloggers Kristen. We really have developed and amazing friendship and not a day or two goes by where we aren't emailing or BBMing and supporting eachother.. We had a double date on Thursday..

<3 my Pretty!

We had some delecious Cabernet! And we have been to XO before we love their Tapa's menu they have Cognac Meatballs that are to die for...

WOW 2010..you were amazing! A friend being banded

I am sad to see such an AMAZING year go. It was truly one of the best years I have had in such a long time. (click on photo to make bigger)

I posted this as a note on Facebook..some of you have may already seen it..
Top 10 things I have learned in 2010 1.When a tragedy happens in your life, you find out who your real friends and family are, the ones that are their every day even two years later. 2. Carbs are overrated. 3. When a group of people go through the same experience, they create a bond that no one can understand. 4. Lock your rims 5. Starbuck's Skinny Vanilla Latte..was created just for me. 6. Working for a Non-Profit is TRULY rewarding 7. A well made cosmo can put a HUGE smile on my face. 8.Holding a baby the day they were born is truly special 9. You can eat Tuna every day for lunch 10.I am an inspiration. Thank You to all who were involved in making my 2010 so great, I <3 you all! Bring on 2011!


I can say # 10 for the first time in my life. My friend Angie from High School is being banded on Tuesday, because of me. A while back she sent me a private message on Facebook, asking how I was losing weight. And I told her all about the band.  Below is a note she sent me last week.
Remember I am finally doing this because of you...you are my inspiration!! THANK YOU!!!


Please send Angie a message, as she starts on her amazing journey!


Cheers to 2011!!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Wanted to wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas!

These are pictures from Carey's Christmas Party...they even had people there to draw you!

Wishing you all a safe and very happy holiday with you and yours!

Time for a picture post..

I finally got around to uploading my Thanksgiving Day pictures..I was amazed at how much they changed even from last year. I remember Thanksgiving 09 I was THRILLED to be down 48lbs and you can tell by my smile..and after seeing pictures from this Thanksgiving..NEWS ALERT...someone has lost there booty...

Last night I went to the FIRST of my SEVEN Holiday party's I will be attending this year..YIKES!  I am trying hard to kick up my work outs ( I <3 Spin!) and enjoy my self at the parties (but not to much!)



12/10 Holiday Party  with my step mom



Thanksgiving 2009 thrilled to be down 48lbs (notice the booty)





Thanksgiving 2010 down 95lbs










Thanksgiving 2009



December 2010..my love and I.. and his silly faces he makes for the camera ;)

New Blogger being banded next week!

New Blogger Tracy is getting banded next Wednesday, let's show her some support!
And she get's Thanksgiving as her "last meal" how lucky! ( unless she is on liquids!)


http://www.bandadventures.blogspot.com/, If the link isn't working she left the last comment on my last post.



This year I am Thankful for my health, for the first time in my life being a healthy weight (on the charts!!).  For no longer needing medications due to my obesity. Good Bye Nexium, no more gurd! Good bye Metformin, no more borderline diabetes!


Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Challenge Weigh In, 95 LB's down and a size 4

My weigh in for the challenge is MUCH better than last week! I weighed in today for the Holiday Challenge  148.4, a loss of 3.2lbs this week, and a total of 95lbs DOWN!! I had pretty good restriction because of my T.O.M.

I <3 My Band!!

Yesterday I went shopping at my favorite store (J.Crew outlet)  They had an additional 40% off their clearance..there had been a blazer I had been eyeballing and it was on clearance now and of course no size 8 biggest size was a size 4 for shits and giggles I brought it in to the dressing room. I almost DIED right their in the dressing room, the size FOUR fit and buttoned and get this was NOT tight.. I literally had to look at the tag 10 times to make sure it really said 4. Oh and best part I scored it for $24  I believe my workouts are really helping me lose inches!

After thinking the jacket was sized wrong I went and tried and XS sweater... I was drooling over it at $98 purchased for $32!

 I did it I finally had the courage to purchase Skinny Jeans, these are Jeggings for $14! Size 8, I had to purchase the sequin top it was not on clearance but marked down to $30 

 

Good Luck this next to all who are doing the Holiday Challenges, I am hoping to just maintain my great loss for this week!!

What I eat

Lap Band Gal   Did a great post asking everyone to post what they eat I am guilty of eating the same things a lot..this will be helpful maybe get some new ideas from other people.

Every morning I have a  1/2 cup of coffee with half & half and sugar or  a Skinny Latte if I don't get coffee at home.

Breakfast M-F I have Chobani greek yogurt 140 cal 14 grams of protein, on the weekends my hubby makes me a sunny side up egg with a english muffin (if I am not to tight) or an eggbeaters omelet

Water I drink 3 32ounce Nalgene bottles so a total of 96 ounces a day

Snacks- Cheesestick 80 cal 7g protein or peanuts  or my favorite slices of cucumber with two tablespoons of hummus YUM! 

Lunch..a can of tuna with low fat mayo and pickles or a salad with a scoop or tuna and balsamic Vinaigrette or soup! ( I really need new lunch ideas) If it's crazy at work I eat a protein bar  on the run 220 cal 15 g protein  

Dinner- Grilled Turkey breast with squash, Chicken sausage with broccoli, turkey taco's, fish I love seafood, when I go out to eat I always order grilled salmon, turkey meatloaf, spaghetti squash with marinara that I add ground turkey too, turkey chili.


Dessert- I love skinnnnnnnnnny cow ice cream sandwiches, or yummy mint bars yum!


That's what I eat! What do you eat!!

gains, alterations, spinning galore

So my weigh in for the challenge today was 151.6 that's a .8 gain BOOOOOOOOO!

This gain especially saddens me because at the beginning of the week Tuesday to be exact I saw my weight for the first time EVER in my life began with a 14  ..I was so thrilled and jazzed that I was courageous enough to try spinning..I hated and loved it all at once loved it even more that it showed I had burned 750 calories in an hour!

BIGGEST NSV that happened during Spinning class.. Instructor: Hey I haven't seen you before is this the first time you have come to my class ME: Yep this is my first time Instructor: You mean in my class?? ME no ever my first spin class ever Instructor: WOW really? you did really great!  I about almost DIED with happiness..

So now that I am going to the gym I need new clothes, I was able to purchase a medium in workout pants and I went to the outlets today and the most expensive thing I bought was on a workout top! 

I also found an amazing Tailor! This women is great and is helping take in suits and pants so I don't have to go buy all new stuff.. Here is a picture I snapped hemming my new Paige jeans!

This week I am going back to spin on Tuesday, I will go to 4 classes at the gym this week.And I will like I always track calories and try to stay around 1,000 to 1,100 and high protein

And I am going to try and stop ordering mudslides  (it was so yummy though!)

Holiday Challenge/ My Jared Post!!!

I know some people must be thinking..why are you joining the challenge? She must be nuts, she will never win!

I am obviously not in it to win it, I am in it to stay motivated especially around all the tempting Holiday treats. I am DYING to get into the 140's. My weigh in today 150.8, I am 5lbs below my goal and 5lbs from my aspirational goal and 7lbs away from 100lbs down..which I would really like to see. 

I have been wanting to do my  Jared post for a little while, I woke up this morning with the start of the challenge motivated and wanting to take a picture, even though I just woke and no makeup!

These are the jeans I wore every day of the last year leading up until my Surgery, they were SKIN tight on me! and I even have holes in the seams from them being stretched out.

And proof that these suckers used to be SKIN tight on me

Florida March 09/ 5 months before Lap Band