Almost to onederland and scope time!?

Hello Lovely Ladies!! As you can tell I have been seriously neglecting my blog. I plan to try and change this!! I want to post weekly, this month has been so crazy. Sick children, to not moving which I am pretty happy about!! And christmas... just busy. On the positive my wieght is at an all time low and I hit my goal of 50 lbs down this week. I right now as of this morning weigh in at 203.7:) Pretty excited about it. I want to be under 200 by new years!!! Onderland here I come!!!! On the negative end, which I dont even like to talk about, it gets my anxiety going. I might have to have a scope this week or next. Anyone else have this done? I have been battling heartburn every month since Ive been banded, always the same time of month, the week before my period. I have only had unfills never a fill yet- at 2 cc's, but doing great with my weight so no complaints there. But just recently this month I had what started feeling like heartburn but turned into a burning stabbing radiating pain right under mysternum, that would not go away with anything!! It was the most deabilitating (sp) pain I have ever had. This christmas weekend I had it off and on fri thru sat. So I have really been paying attention to what I eat and etc. seeing if there is any links to why or what would cause it. I told my Dr about it and he thinks it could be possible that its an ulcer, or it could be band related. Im just so nervoues to find out what is going on. But also very anxious because I am terrified of the pain returning. So my anxiety is kinda kicking in. Enough of the negative, lets hope for an ulcer and a quick easy fix. Hope everyone had a great christmas and looking forward to a happy new year!! xoxoxoxoxo

3 month Bandiversary!!!

Hello Ladies!! Sorry I haven't blogged in awhile, life has been hectic! I can't believe that it has been three months already since I was banded. I am down 42 lbs from the day of surgery and 48 pounds from the start of the process. I feel great and have really been committed to going to the gym, I think that has really helped. I am still at 2 cc and feeling pretty satisfied most of the time. I still have afternoons where all I want to do is snack and daydream about food. LOL Hoewever I feel more in control. My goal was to get under 200 lbs by christmas, which is fastly approaching. I am not quite sure I can achieve that but I am definitely goping to give it my best shot. That would mean I would need to drop 14 lbs in 25 days. 3 lbs a week is what I have been averaging, so I have almost 3 weeks so I could maybe get 9 or 10 lbs which would be awesome too. Wish me luck! Hope everyone is doing great!!! xoxo

40 lbs down!!! Woo

Hello my lovely ladies!! This week has been exciting, for a few reasons. First being I stuck to all of my goals w the exception of a few white chocolate evil pretzels at my work today!! Second even with my time of the month I managed to loose!!! Third I joined a gym and have gone every day since! Finally I took a picture for proof this morning:) I started at 255.5 lbs and today I was 215. Something lol I'm just ecstatic!!!

Picture:)

Here's the picture. Mind you it's taken from MySpace angle:) which in turn makes me look 20 lbs lighter:)

Fill or not to Fill

Hello Ladies!! So I have pretty much abandoned my goal of posting more. I am not so sure why it has been so hard for me. I really think it helps me and I love reading all of your blogs but it always seems I get on check up on all of you and what youre doing and then say oh i will post later. LOL So here is my new goal to AT LEAST post once a week. I even missed posting on my 2 month bandiversary!!! I mean come on!!! Im officially down 34 lbs and feel good about it. Not great because I really am not focused on what I need to be doing I could be doing much better and making better choices but after the unfill I had, I seem to be eating more now. It was better after for awhile even felt more in control if that makes sense but now I am not feeling so much of that. But I am hesitant to get a fill because I have still been having heart burn. Its not horrible but its not great either. And it always seems to come early mornings, on an empty stomach. It doesnt make any sense. Im wondering if anyone else has battled with this? My surgeon says I should not have any heartburn at all. So it makes me worried. The paranoid side of me says oh no it could be a band slip (which I doubt cause I have no other side effects) or I worry he will take more out of my band which i definitely dont want. So I am at a loss. I am going to be joining a gym next week and am looking forward into getting somewhat of a routine with my excercise. Anywho, on a positive front a couple weeks ago I went to a bariatric surgery seminar my surgeon puts on monthly and he asked me to come speak/ answer questions. I was really nervous at first but once I got going it was so much fun and really motivating. I will post a pic of that night:) xoxo

WHO NEEDS A FILL???? HOW BOUT A MOVE!

28 LBS!!! It is hard to believe that I have lost the same amount of weight as my 2 year old but it feels amazing. Sorry ladies that I have not posted, it is going to be one of my goals to post daily going forward.

There has been a ton going on. My husband and I are thinking about relocating to Wisconsin for his work and spent last weekend there. It is very pretty, but tring to wrap my mind around starting over and new everything and being away from everything I am used to is very stressfull and hard to think of.

On the band front I have been having a lot of heartburn and was looking forward to my first fill but instead my doctor took out 2.5 cc so now I am left with 2cc and no heartburn, which in the end is a good trade. I have not noticed any extra hunger. I am still losing weight which is also a positive (maybe the stress). I was discouraged but I was told that being that tight is not always the best thing, what counts is feeling full. Heck...I have a the rest of my life for fills! If we move I will also be about 5 hours from my surgeon which is a scary thought...

I hope all of you are doing great, I will be commenting more and back in the full swing of things! XOXO

Hello Everyone! Its been a little while since I have been on.  I have missed everyone! I am trying to catch up on all of your blogs!  I am a week or so from my first fill and oh boy can I tell i need one.  I can pretty much eat alot... not sure if this is normal and I feel super hungry all the time and my bad behaviors have started to creep back on me and I am hating it, I thought I had battled this problem and the band would help but I am really struggling lately. I almost am finding myself slightly deoressed about it.  I know I have a eating disorder, from hiding and sneaking food at a young age to binging and eating as fast as possible.  It is like I dont have control and once I do these things, afterwards I am so mad at myself.  So I say Brooke you can control this you can do this but somehow at that moment when I should stop and reflect and realize I dont need another bite or I dont need to sample my childs leftover honeybun or whatever it may be, I do not have control over my hand and mouth.  It is so very frustrating.  I am just hoping this will get resolved somewhat or at least help once I get a fill.  I know though that I need to take control of this and fight it.  I am going to be sucessful.  My hubby and I came up with a gameplan last night.  #1 To make a meal plan... high in proteins(which Im struggling with) #2 Vitamins Vitamins Vitamins #3 workout blah! And to stick to the plan!:) Wish me luck!! Hope everyone is having a great Monday!

Pictures As Promised :)

Hope everyone is having a wonderful evening, talk you in the morning!  XOXO

Hallelujah!!!!!!

Hello my lovely ladies!! I am so happy!! I just passed my stone!!! I went to the bathroom (sorry if too much info) and there it was! I seriously am so relieved because I did not want to have to have surgery again so soon at least.  So anywhoo... hope everyones afternoon is delightful!! xoxo

A much needed post!

Liebster means ‘beloved’ or 'favorite' in German and it’s an honor to receive this award. The Liebster Blog Award is designed to bring additional recognition to those bloggers with less than 200 followers. If you receive the award, you should link back to the blogger that nominated you and nominate five more blogs. Also, don’t forget to let them know that you nominated them. A huge thank you to Rachel, Andrea & Jackie who nominated me:) Lots of hugs and loves to you ladies!! xoxo

So now for my nominations:)

#1- Molly SHe has lost over 125 lbs and looks rockin!  I haven't ever told her this, but she was one of the reasons I decided to do this, After reading her blog from start to finish I saw her incredible journey and sucess and said I can do this too! Her blog is witty and I think we would be get along just splendid in the real world as well.  She truly is an inspiration!

#2- Lucy She was just banded about 12 days ago and is doing great!! I wish her the best of luck and hope we can swap stories along the way and be a great support to one another:)

#3-Kristina She just was banded a few months ago and is doing great!! I just think she is too cute and her posts are always entertaining!

#4- Dwindling Dame  She is just about 2 weeks post op and is feeling great! You should stop by and check her out!:)

#5- Kristen she is over 200 followers but thats because she is pretty great! I love reading her posts and her recipes are pretty awesome too!

You all are awesome and there are so many more!!!

On the kidney stone front, went to the dr. yesterday there is still a stupid stone lingering... which i knew cause let me tell you, I can feel it.  It comes in waves though.  Sometimes I am totally pain free other times I am bent over in agony!  So he  is giving me one more week to pass it on my own or he will have to surgically remove it through my hu nanny(not fun) :( So wish me luck!

On a fun note- A few days ago we had family pictures and they turned out awesome being down 20 plus pounds really helps too!:)  I will post some later tonight!  They are on my home computer and I'm writing at work!:) Hope everyone is having a wonderful wednesday! xoxo

Two week Band-iversary:)

It is crazy to think how fast two weeks go, and how good I feel(minus kidney stones).  Today was the first day I have gotten to eat something substansial and let me tell you it was so delicious.  I had mashed potatoes and gravy. Yum!! I have realized that I still have some eating issues.  I feel hungry and I just want to shove whatever and however much i can into my mouth!  I am not quite sure how to get a hold on this but I am working on a few things that will hopefully help.  Now that I am feeling better I want to start #1 excercising . Recently bought a wii and have some very fun games such as zumba and ea active trainer that will hopefully keep me interested!  #2 eat more protein which has been hard during this liquid phase and I really hate protein supplement powder.  ugh #3 Journaling my food intake to keep me accountable and #4 Water, Water, Water!  So hopefully these things will help me stay on track!:) Hope everyones day is going splendid!:)xoxo

kidney stone......fun stuff!!

hello everyone!! I have missed blogging, life has been crazy and slightly painful!!!:) Monday I had a four hour episode of the most painful pain in my life! After a 3hrs of an awful er experience they told me I have a kideney stone... so now i guess i wait to pass it? Not so clear on this, and to top it off I was down 21 lbs and now I'm up 2 lbs. I was so sad, and I am practically eating nothing.  I am very happy with the weight loss so far but just discouraged that its not continuing, I really haven't changed anything.  Has anyone else experienced this?

Hello Ladies!!

Thanks for all of the positive comments, sorry I am not commenting back sometimes it will let me, other times it won't.  :(  I have had alot of energy and I'm super excited! It is my 4 yr wedding anniversay today and I think the first time we haven't celebrated by going out to eat.  It looks like its paying off though because I am down 20 lbs as of today (including pre op diet) woo hoo!!  I am kind of hungry here and there but I think It is more mental than anything.  I tried really runny applesauce today and it kind of hurt.  I think I will have to give it a litte more time.  Went through the biggest ordeal of my lapband life today, I have a uti and I got antibiotics for it yesterday, well needless to say if applesauce hurts you can imagine those huge horse pills hurt really bad.  So I tried crushing them, ya.... not so good either. I even tried mixing it in applesauce it did not help one bit. So I called my obgyn and she told me about this powder form of antibiotic drink that you mix with water and after a two hour wait at the pharmacy finally got it under control.  Now I am just worried about dealing with the pill ordeal in the future.  Oh well, I will take it as it comes:)  Hope everyone is doing great!!! Its almost friday!! xoxo

Happy Tuesday!

Hello everyone!! I hope you had a wonderful labor day weekend!  I am feeling 100 times better, still a little dizzy and winded every now and again but pretty good.  I went back to work today for a half day(its not over yet) but so far so good.  I am just ready to get this thing going I wanna start working out and being able to eat more protein to keep this weight loss coming!:) I am down 17 lbs as of today(from pre op diet) so I am feeling really good.  My husband is doing a liquid diet  which is really sweet of him, and then when I can eat solids we are going to start a high protein and better (healthier) eating habbits.  He has been my biggest supporter through out all this, I don't know what I'd do with out him!  We went to his parents house yesterday for a labor day grill out and I thought it would be alot harder then it was, everyone was so kind about my liquid phase and apologetic about eating but really it didnt bother me at all.... I think food and I are finally breaking up after a 26 year lust fest! lol  I just have to keep reminding myself that I would rather have a pair of skinny jeans then a cheeseburger and food is only satisfying momentarily.  Weight loss will be much more satisfying in the long run.  Well, I  hope you have a great Tuesday everyone!! xoxo

More updates and questions :)

Hey ladies!  So I am feeling better still not up to par but better.  I have been walking more and trying to eat/drink more which is super hard.  When I swallow I think I can feel it sitting in my esophagus waiting to go into my stomach which is very uncomfortable? Normal?  And my surgeon also said he had put 5 cc in my band just to get it to be a normal placement, he said I am the first patient he has ever had to give that much of a fill to... has anyone else experienced this? It makes me worry I wont be able to have enough restriction, he assures me it shouldnt matter.  My 5 cc would be like someone elses 1cc still confused about it?!

A quick question

Is it unrealistic to plan on going back to work on Tuesday, when my surgery was Thurs am?

I'm here just taking it slow:)

When I imagined this surgery and afterwards I was kind of thinking it would be pretty easy, which I am sure compared to other surgeries it is a breeze.. Me being a surgery virgin, I was not quite prepared.  I will have to tell you my surgery story later:)  It really all went very well and I have no big complaints but where the port is it is so so so so tender like I have done 1000 situps.  I hope everyone else experienced this, my surgeon told me it was because they had to dig in and attach it to my muscle(which makes sense)  Also, I have a heavy feeling in my chest and when I breathe, Im hoping its just gas and it will go away soon... no bad shoulder pain though!?  I would love to hear from you ladies to see if all this is normal?:) Thanks for all your wonderful comments and support it truly helps!  I am just looking forward to the next few days and feeling better:)

Brooke got banded!

Hello everyone...this is Ryan...I am Brooke's huband.  Brooke got out of surgery and is now in recovery and doing well.  I am glad she went thru it and we are excited about starting the more healthy rest of our lives together....thank you all for the support you have shown.  It really helped her thru the last 2 weeks.  Love you Brooke!

Getting excited/nervous!!

I am only one full day away from my surgery.  I met with my surgeon today and had alot of questions for him and feel alot better.  Actually in a way I am very excited to get started on this journey!! I just have to envision myself doing great and focusing on the big picture, getting healthy for myself and my family.  I hope everyones Tuesday was great!! Talk to you soon ladies!xoxo

Trying to figure this blogging thing out! :)

Hey ladies!! Just wanted to thank all of you who have started following my journey, Im making sure to add you and follow yours too:) I have been trying to comment back to all of you on your pages but I can not figure this blogging out, when i try to post comments it asks for comment as: and then select profile and i keep selecting google account and then I sign in and it still won't work it shows me as anonymous, and Id really like you all to know who left the comment!! Any helpful advice!?:)

Starving...

I am on day 4 of my seven day pre surgery diet and I have been doing pretty good with it until this weekend! I am watching my husband eat and watching my 2 yr old eat meanwhile I make my shakes:)  Still telling myself along the way I am really not going to have the surgery (trying to lie to myself) so I wont have an aniexty attack thinking about it fastly approaching.  Good news is I have lost almost 8 lbs being on this liquid diet:)  Hopefully everyones having a wonderful sunday!! :)

Second Thoughts....

First off wanted to say thank you to everyone who is now following me, I will be sure to follow your blog as well!!! It has definitely turned my chin up because these past few days I have been having some serious doubts. And honestly reading too much online about it.  I have two little boys and they are the reason I want to do this, to be with them as long as possible and be healthy and able to keep up with them.  I have read alot of discouraging things about things possible of happening while getting or being banded, and as i said before I am a hyper hypo to the tenth degree!! I know the possibilities and the percentages are low but the chance is still scary to me.  And this liquid diet is pretty brutal before hand!! But again Thank you for the support it really means alot!:)

It's really happening

I have been debating this decision for a long time now, at least three years or so.  Last fall I was only a step away from scheduling my surgery to be banded to then later find out I was pregnant.  Which meant putting things on hold for awhile:)  I started having terrible heartburn and had a really bad attack last week.  So I went to get some tests done and it showed I have numerous gall stones, and need to have my gall bladder removed. . . So I asked my surgeon (who also happens to be my uncle) if I could get banded and also have my gall bladder out at the same time..long story short i am now scheduled to have both procedures done together next Thursday.  I am very nervous because I am what you would call a hyper hypo, every ache and pain in my body I analyze to the T.  But I am also very excited to start my weight loss journey, and it has helped me extremely reading so many others blogs about their journey.  So the countdown begins... 9 days to my surgery:)