The summit was great! I learned so much while I was in class. I learned a lot about the band, fills, other illnesses, support groups, etc. It was a wealth of information!!! Some of the information is leading to the discovery of some of my problems! So that is great!!!
I invited myself to sit with a lady named Heather the first morning for breakfast. And then with Jackie at lunch. They were nice ladies. I was proud of myself for not hiding in a corner alone. I did a lot with my time away! lots of new things for me!!
I even answered a question during class!! They wanted to know our opinion of future lapbands and what we would want to see from them. Some of the ideas talked about was a self adjusting band- one that would adjust as your body changes, hormonal swelling, tight in the morning, etc. The other big idea was to make it so patients can adjust their own band. SO I raised my hand and voiced my opinion. Told them my name and hospital. Told them my role in the clinic but told them I also come as a lapband patient. I said that as a band patient I would love to see a self adjusting band. I am typically tight in the morning and suffer from the hormonal swelling so a band that adjusts to my body is a great idea. And then I said how I would never agree to a band that the patients adjust themselves. I said that would lead into anorexia issues as well as the other direction... too much opening it for parties and that allows for cheating the band. I do not believe that a patient doing their own adjustments is something that should ever happen. It was after my comment that they actually asked how many people there were patients. There was 8 of us. Another lady spoke and said she was a coordinator and is now a consultant... I can't remember what she said but I knew I wanted to ask her the difference in a coordinator and consultant but when I tried to head over to her at the end a nice gentleman came up to me and introduced himself. Kevin. He has lost 100 pounds with the band. looks amazing. I got to see his before pic. We talked for a bit. He was very nice.
Tuesday night was a reception, dinner, dancing, dessert, mickey and minnie, fireworks. It was a neat experience. I wasn't sure I would like doing this alone but I wasn't going to back down. Classes went late so I didn't go back to the hotel, I just walked around and waited until it was time for the party. I walked up to someone and asked if I could sit at their table (there weren't many people there yet). I am getting better at this!! A dr walked up and started talking to us. She knew the lady I had talked to but not me. We walked away together to get food and drinks. I came back and the table I was going to sit at seemed full so I sat at a small table alone. The dr came back and asked if she could sit with me! I said "sure" she was a presenter at the summit so I felt good to have her want to join me. Then another presenter came up and talked to us. She invited the dr to join her at her table and the dr looked at me and said "should we join them" WOW. She is a neat lady! So I sat at a table with presenters and drs. I introduced myself and a lady named Marsha was sitting next to me and when she heard my name she said "you are SHERRI?! I was suppose to talk to you. Heather said I needed to talk to you about support groups" I was shocked. We had a nice talk. It was a great night!!! Mickey and Minnie came and I got my pic with Mickey- Kevin saw and asked it it would be on my blog! I told him it sure would be!! He said his would be too! I waited for the fireworks and finally they went off. like four rounds. then nothing. so we all gave up and headed to our rooms/buses/ etc....
It was still pretty early... it was extra chilly and windy though. On the trip back to my hotel I was thinking about the rest of my time there. I decided if I was to make my swimming pool goal tonight would have to be the night. So I got back to the hotel- walked past one swimming pool and no one was there. I went and changed to my swimsuit and by the time I got done on the phone and out the door it was 1130! It was way chilly!! I went to the closest pool and stepped in..... All I could think was- is this goal really worth it? If I just step in and go again did I accomplish it? Then a voice said "it will warm up once you are in just go for it" It was a sweet girl from Russia. I did as she said. Then she and I walked/swam up and down the pool for half an hour talking. It was very nice. She married an American and has a child. They were there on vacation. She talked of her home in Russia and some of the ways there. Then we got cold and said good night. SO goal number 3 accomplished and was a pleasant time despite the cold.
Oh and I tried tuna- not like in the can... but tuna!! It was good! It was an eventful day! And I am feeling good about myself, my progress, my goals, my accomplishments!!!
until I blog again....
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
The rest of the night
After I had my dinner, I walked around Downtown Disney. It was fun. All the shops, the scenery. I loved the lego shop. It was too fun! All the lego options. I am going back one day and buying lots of legos for my future grandchildren.
Anyway- it was time for me to go for goal number 2. A movie. I couldn't decide what movie to see. There were a few that I wanted to wait until I could go see them with my son. And there was two others that I was debating from. It came down to Couple's Retreat. I got my ticket, my popcorn, a drink, and I was off to the movie. I sat in the last row (typical of where Ty and I sit) then I wondered if I should sit somewhere different. But then three other couples came and sat in the back row as well. It was a great movie. I love when the crowd laughs and gets involved in the story. I laughed out loud. Not hiding the fact I was there or the fact that I was alone. It was great. I felt good about meeting two goals in the same night.
Ok - so why the goals? Perhaps some of you are wondering that... well, as an overweight person these are things I would never have done alone. I always imagined people staring, people laughing, people thinking "look at that fat girl- can't get a date" or "look at that fat girl- look at what she is eating no wonder no one wants to go out with her" probably in some cases there are those people who would think that but mostly it was probably just my insecurities and fears. My low self-esteem.
It was so important to me to meet these goals. I wanted to ride a ride in Denver alone and never did it. So I couldn't fail at another goal. I am so happy that I met these goals. It was a great night. I enjoyed the time alone, watching the people around me, learning about myself- facing some fears. I was pretty tired by the end of the day though! =) I was proud of myself.
So down to goal number 3- the swimming pool...
until I blog again....
Anyway- it was time for me to go for goal number 2. A movie. I couldn't decide what movie to see. There were a few that I wanted to wait until I could go see them with my son. And there was two others that I was debating from. It came down to Couple's Retreat. I got my ticket, my popcorn, a drink, and I was off to the movie. I sat in the last row (typical of where Ty and I sit) then I wondered if I should sit somewhere different. But then three other couples came and sat in the back row as well. It was a great movie. I love when the crowd laughs and gets involved in the story. I laughed out loud. Not hiding the fact I was there or the fact that I was alone. It was great. I felt good about meeting two goals in the same night.
Ok - so why the goals? Perhaps some of you are wondering that... well, as an overweight person these are things I would never have done alone. I always imagined people staring, people laughing, people thinking "look at that fat girl- can't get a date" or "look at that fat girl- look at what she is eating no wonder no one wants to go out with her" probably in some cases there are those people who would think that but mostly it was probably just my insecurities and fears. My low self-esteem.
It was so important to me to meet these goals. I wanted to ride a ride in Denver alone and never did it. So I couldn't fail at another goal. I am so happy that I met these goals. It was a great night. I enjoyed the time alone, watching the people around me, learning about myself- facing some fears. I was pretty tired by the end of the day though! =) I was proud of myself.
So down to goal number 3- the swimming pool...
until I blog again....
Thursday, November 12, 2009
quick note
I am not feeling well. Life has been a little ugly for me. I am tired and worn out right now. BUT I wanted to let everyone know I was still here.
I went to Orlando Florida for a gastric band summit!! It was the best thing I could have done! It was awesome. I went alone- no one else from the clinic went and neither did my hubby. It was me. I had three main goals with my bit of free time... to go to a movie alone, out to eat alone, and go to the swimming pool alone. I DID THEM ALL!!! My waiter at the restaurant probably thought I was nuts. Let me touch on this topic tonight, and I will work on the rest of my trip this weekend.
The first night I had free time, I was going to go to the hotel and change my clothes then go to Down Town Disney. I had already looked at the options there and decided that the Rainforest Cafe would be a nice entertaining place to eat. I was waiting for my shuttle bus and the next bus I saw was for DownTown Disney- so I decided I would just go straight there. SO I DID. Checked out a few shops then went to the cafe. They ask at the first stop how many in your party... one I quietly said. Then you get in line and wait to be seated. So then they call your name and confirm how many are in your party. I clearly said ONE. The guy takes me to my seat. Bless his heart. He was almost apologetic when he took me to a table and asked "is this ok for you tonight" sounding all sad for me. I kind of giggled. Next a lady walked by and asked if i was alone or something to that affect. I said yes. and she took the extra set of silverware. She LEFT the extra napkin but she took the silverware. I thought that was the sad pathetic move done in a movie to make the viewers sympathetic to the character. sigh. SO my waiter comes, and I ask for a children's menu! too funny. and then proceed to order from it! It was tasty, but I couldn't eat it all. At one point I asked the waiter to please take my picture. I told him he needed to show the other chair to prove I was eating alone. He kind of chuckled. I told him it was a long story and laughed. So that was my first night alone.
I walked around DownTown Disney. My favorite place was the lego shop!!! AWESOME!!! Will share more of this night later. thanks to my waiter for taking my pic and laughing along with me and not at me.
until I blog again....
I went to Orlando Florida for a gastric band summit!! It was the best thing I could have done! It was awesome. I went alone- no one else from the clinic went and neither did my hubby. It was me. I had three main goals with my bit of free time... to go to a movie alone, out to eat alone, and go to the swimming pool alone. I DID THEM ALL!!! My waiter at the restaurant probably thought I was nuts. Let me touch on this topic tonight, and I will work on the rest of my trip this weekend.
The first night I had free time, I was going to go to the hotel and change my clothes then go to Down Town Disney. I had already looked at the options there and decided that the Rainforest Cafe would be a nice entertaining place to eat. I was waiting for my shuttle bus and the next bus I saw was for DownTown Disney- so I decided I would just go straight there. SO I DID. Checked out a few shops then went to the cafe. They ask at the first stop how many in your party... one I quietly said. Then you get in line and wait to be seated. So then they call your name and confirm how many are in your party. I clearly said ONE. The guy takes me to my seat. Bless his heart. He was almost apologetic when he took me to a table and asked "is this ok for you tonight" sounding all sad for me. I kind of giggled. Next a lady walked by and asked if i was alone or something to that affect. I said yes. and she took the extra set of silverware. She LEFT the extra napkin but she took the silverware. I thought that was the sad pathetic move done in a movie to make the viewers sympathetic to the character. sigh. SO my waiter comes, and I ask for a children's menu! too funny. and then proceed to order from it! It was tasty, but I couldn't eat it all. At one point I asked the waiter to please take my picture. I told him he needed to show the other chair to prove I was eating alone. He kind of chuckled. I told him it was a long story and laughed. So that was my first night alone.
I walked around DownTown Disney. My favorite place was the lego shop!!! AWESOME!!! Will share more of this night later. thanks to my waiter for taking my pic and laughing along with me and not at me.
until I blog again....
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
my bittersweet moment
Well, so much has gone on and so many things going on in my head. I wished I had time to get on here each time I had a thought that I wanted to share. Because then I get on here and forget what I was going to say?
But this I remember. I have had a couple of hard days.... bad news - kids making bad choices. So last night after receiving some of this news, hubby and I went to the grocery store. I walked by the donuts... oh I wanted one of those white iced rings!! Then I thought- no ice cream will satisfy this upset better Then I thought BOTH will help me feel better!! THEN I thought- NO WAY... Now is the time to break some bad habits. I am NOT going to eat my feelings away. I am going to do something different. I got home, put on my exercise clothes, and I went for a walk. I put on my head phones, turned the music up and I walked. and walked and walked. and cried and cried and cried..... by the time I got done walking I had walked 4.7 miles.... I was pretty proud of myself for the choices I made. OK- let me say this... I did buy a pb cup package and I ate one and hubby ate the other. I was so pleased with my decisions!! Today I weighed in and I lost 4 pounds. YIPPEEE. So the work I put in this week was successful. I am so thankful. I followed my lapband rules, got away from sweets and bread, and I exercised. I feel pretty good. so the bitter part was the bad news I got and the feelings I had.... the sweet part is my choices as to how to handle it.
I am going to a gastric band summit in November. I am so excited. I can't wait. There is so much potential for good learning in this summit based on the titles. I hope it proves to be a good learning experience. I think it will. I am going completely alone... so here is my chance to really be out of my comfort zone!!! I am planning on going swimming, eating, and to a movie alone. totally out of my comfort zone. I intend to make a friend at the conference. perhaps one that wants to keep in touch after the fact. perhaps just one to talk to while we are there. I am excited. I can't wait.
until I blog again.....
But this I remember. I have had a couple of hard days.... bad news - kids making bad choices. So last night after receiving some of this news, hubby and I went to the grocery store. I walked by the donuts... oh I wanted one of those white iced rings!! Then I thought- no ice cream will satisfy this upset better Then I thought BOTH will help me feel better!! THEN I thought- NO WAY... Now is the time to break some bad habits. I am NOT going to eat my feelings away. I am going to do something different. I got home, put on my exercise clothes, and I went for a walk. I put on my head phones, turned the music up and I walked. and walked and walked. and cried and cried and cried..... by the time I got done walking I had walked 4.7 miles.... I was pretty proud of myself for the choices I made. OK- let me say this... I did buy a pb cup package and I ate one and hubby ate the other. I was so pleased with my decisions!! Today I weighed in and I lost 4 pounds. YIPPEEE. So the work I put in this week was successful. I am so thankful. I followed my lapband rules, got away from sweets and bread, and I exercised. I feel pretty good. so the bitter part was the bad news I got and the feelings I had.... the sweet part is my choices as to how to handle it.
I am going to a gastric band summit in November. I am so excited. I can't wait. There is so much potential for good learning in this summit based on the titles. I hope it proves to be a good learning experience. I think it will. I am going completely alone... so here is my chance to really be out of my comfort zone!!! I am planning on going swimming, eating, and to a movie alone. totally out of my comfort zone. I intend to make a friend at the conference. perhaps one that wants to keep in touch after the fact. perhaps just one to talk to while we are there. I am excited. I can't wait.
until I blog again.....
Saturday, August 8, 2009
coasters!
Ok- we took a couple of our kids and went to denver for my son's sernior trip. One activity we are doing is Elitch Gardens (used to be Six Flags Elitch Garden) The first ride we went on was a wodden roller coaster. I will have to say that two years ago- I would have been so embarrassed cause I don't think I would have fit in the seat!! I was squeezed into it as it was!! So that was pretty cool.
The other part of the park is a water park. I wore a swim suit. I have a tankini- the shorts and tank. well, I needed to buy a new pair of shorts cause last years was too big. so I bought a size smaller and then when i went to wear them I realized that there wasn't any underwear part in the shorts. I don't tlike that! SO- i went a bought a pair of bikini bottoms (not sponge bobs home) and THEN i wore them without the shorts!!! So out of my comfort zone- but I haven't stepped outside my comfort zone very much lately.
Anyway- new things for me. I am having a good time, but honestly- haven't been sunburned on my shoulders and back for over 20 years!! So that is a new adventure as well!! HA I am not sunburned too badly- just stings a bit.
until I blog again
The other part of the park is a water park. I wore a swim suit. I have a tankini- the shorts and tank. well, I needed to buy a new pair of shorts cause last years was too big. so I bought a size smaller and then when i went to wear them I realized that there wasn't any underwear part in the shorts. I don't tlike that! SO- i went a bought a pair of bikini bottoms (not sponge bobs home) and THEN i wore them without the shorts!!! So out of my comfort zone- but I haven't stepped outside my comfort zone very much lately.
Anyway- new things for me. I am having a good time, but honestly- haven't been sunburned on my shoulders and back for over 20 years!! So that is a new adventure as well!! HA I am not sunburned too badly- just stings a bit.
until I blog again
Friday, July 10, 2009
Well, I am in Illinois. My uncle passed away after a brief but ugly illness. We are thankful he went quickly and didn't have to suffer from the illness for long. We are all very shocked at the fact that he is gone though, age 53. What a man. I can hear him laughing in my mind though. He had quite the laugh. the kind that makes you know he is in the crowd if you didn't see him! It's like a recording playing over and over again in my head. A pleasant memory.
I flew into chicago yesterday and then waited there for my aunt connie to arrive from her flight. While I waited I got to thinking... I hope she and I recognize each other. She had the gastric and has lost a lot of weight. We have seen pics of each other but not seen each other face to face. She got off the plane and we hugged and she said "I was afraid we wouldn't recognize each other" ha! too funny!
She and I have shared some stories. Things like how fun it is to fit in an airplane seat!!! That is so wonderful!!! She said she was next to two big men and she offered to scoot over a bit... one guy said he was glad there weren't three big people and she was thinking "i used to be" then she was telling me about going to the chiropractor and he said her hips were out of line and after seeing her cross her legs said it might be due to sitting like that for a long time. She told him she couldn't do that until recently! What fun! My chiropractor called me a little petite housewife.... i don't know what else he said in that sentence!! HA I shared my shadow dancing story.
We shared with each other the foods we can eat and can't eat. Shared our hiccup habits. Shared some other stories. We have been sharing stories of drs, kids, uncle paul, looking at pictures.... found a picture of my grandma flying her kite. that is my favorite memory of her. You can see her and the kite string... i am going to hang it on my wall and put a small kite up too i think!!
next week I am going to get on the climbing wall!! Something I wanted to try but figured I was too fat to do until now. So I am going to give it a try! Hope I can make it to the top!!! that would be awesome! (I have no arm strength!! HAHA) Will try to post pics next week!!!
until I blog again....
I flew into chicago yesterday and then waited there for my aunt connie to arrive from her flight. While I waited I got to thinking... I hope she and I recognize each other. She had the gastric and has lost a lot of weight. We have seen pics of each other but not seen each other face to face. She got off the plane and we hugged and she said "I was afraid we wouldn't recognize each other" ha! too funny!
She and I have shared some stories. Things like how fun it is to fit in an airplane seat!!! That is so wonderful!!! She said she was next to two big men and she offered to scoot over a bit... one guy said he was glad there weren't three big people and she was thinking "i used to be" then she was telling me about going to the chiropractor and he said her hips were out of line and after seeing her cross her legs said it might be due to sitting like that for a long time. She told him she couldn't do that until recently! What fun! My chiropractor called me a little petite housewife.... i don't know what else he said in that sentence!! HA I shared my shadow dancing story.
We shared with each other the foods we can eat and can't eat. Shared our hiccup habits. Shared some other stories. We have been sharing stories of drs, kids, uncle paul, looking at pictures.... found a picture of my grandma flying her kite. that is my favorite memory of her. You can see her and the kite string... i am going to hang it on my wall and put a small kite up too i think!!
next week I am going to get on the climbing wall!! Something I wanted to try but figured I was too fat to do until now. So I am going to give it a try! Hope I can make it to the top!!! that would be awesome! (I have no arm strength!! HAHA) Will try to post pics next week!!!
until I blog again....
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
hmmmm.......
Well, I am no further along in my motivational speech. Having a hard time concentrating. A bit scatterbrained. I think some side effects from the injections I have had to fix the medical problems have now set in. I am not really thrilled over this but I understand it is temporary.
I bought a pair of jeans a couple of weeks ago and was surprised to find they came with a fortune cookie like message on the tag... embrace your independence. this is your life, put all of your energy into it and show off your intelligence to the world. You are unique and beautiful so...."
so it is up to me to finish that sentence right? I am unique, and I am beautiful. So now what.... the world is open to me. what do I want to do?
I want to build up the weight loss clinic, I want to help others to be their best and to love themselves, I want to reach my goal weight one day. I want to raise my kids and know they are happy. I want to do something good with my life.
I bought a pair of jeans a couple of weeks ago and was surprised to find they came with a fortune cookie like message on the tag... embrace your independence. this is your life, put all of your energy into it and show off your intelligence to the world. You are unique and beautiful so...."
so it is up to me to finish that sentence right? I am unique, and I am beautiful. So now what.... the world is open to me. what do I want to do?
I want to build up the weight loss clinic, I want to help others to be their best and to love themselves, I want to reach my goal weight one day. I want to raise my kids and know they are happy. I want to do something good with my life.
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