Monday, December 26th

133.8 It is officially "after Christmas" and I am almost 4 lbs. above my upper range for weight. Time to get back in the game. I am going to start by tracking food and exercise again (got out of the habit after my plastics on Nov. 1st) The break was nice, but clearly I need the accountability. I will also concentrate on a more protein forward diet, this had become lax too and little to no sweets in the form of cookies, cakes, or candy (those damn C words!). There they are: my new intentions in black and white! Onward!

Paula

118 OTD (up 2), which considering what I ate the last couple of days isn't bad. Having a buffer going in helps.  I'm planning to start ignoring the cookies, which is going to be tough as there are MANY of them. 

I'm having plastics 2 weeks from Wednesday.  I see the doctor for the 2 week before surgery appointment tomorrow at which point I pay all the fees. Yikes, that is coming fast.

Have a great day Paula and all!

Merry day after Christmas!  

123's today, now up 5 lb's in just 2-3 days.  Eating was't too bad yesterday and my intention today is to eat normally.  This will hopefully be easier since I am back to work.

My BIL's girlfriend brought a couple of her teenage kids to the family dinner last night which meant that the high schoolers outnumbered the adults.  What a nice change of pace!  

My nephew received a flashlight for Christmas that has a beam that can light paper on fire.  That seems like a bad idea.  

I think most on this board have a few days off --- enjoy!   

Peace and hope,  Shel

Up early again this morning.  But did go back to sleep.  Can't blame it on the dogs today.  Good eating day over all yesterday.    Food, family and friends.   Sounds like a good plan, Paula.  I keep trying to stay in the game. Tracking today.  Onward. Its a new day.

Happy Boxing Day! As people who have access to luxuries like the internet and computers, I hope we can all remember to be charitable to those less fortunate than we are today. Boxing Day's focus on the less fortunate is something I have embraced over the last decade. Actively participating in this day after Christmas tradition helps me understand, remember and reflect on how fortunate I truly am. 

I did not weigh this morning. It was not intentional, but perhaps subconscious. I ate like a PIG yesterday - well as Pig Like as my VSG tummy will allow. I had way too many sweets, but I did eat protein first! 

I stuck to my guns about ridding the house of the Christmas treats and have already thrown away a plate of cookies. I am next tackling the fridge. My SIL insisted on sending home desserts yesterday, so that is all going in the trash, too - even the cheesecake! There is also a partial lemon tart that is going bye bye and I'm sure there are other things I have forgotten about that I must dispose of. 

I felt fatter yesterday evening than I have since I don't know when. I'm sure it was mostly bloat, but it doesn't matter because clean eating is on the calendar. Ron wanted to know if we should "Cleanse". My reaction was, "God no! I want to be successful, not set myself up for failure!" I think that gut response shows a huge amount of growth on my part! Pat on the back for me! 

So, because I need a little accountability I am posting a pic from Christmas Eve my SIL took and posted on FB. I was not pleased by my "width" and curves. I need my VSG family to "see" where I am since for me the number on the scale is not the best reflection of where I truly am. I will admit, that I do not feel like I look horrid, just plump. And believe me, I have been far, far heavier than this. As my surgeon said a photo shows without judgement, but with honesty, the moment of your weight in your journey. Our lives are filled with many, many, many moments. Today, this is mine. 

Love you all LOTS and LOTS! 

The first thing I see is "happy" not "plump". Focus on the happy my friend, it will all fall in to place!

Thanks! Good to know and keep in mind. 

I think you look great - wonderful smile!

Thanks! 

My husband hid the Christmas cookies at my request (thank goodness).  AND the leftovers from this blueberry pie went with someone else (again thank goodness because it was as good as it looked - homemade by a friend's artistic daughter):