Tuesday, September 23, 2008

SIX month visit with the surgeon....

Went to my surgeon for the 6 month checkup today....

For the most part all my blood work looks great.

My A1C for the diabetes was down from 6.8 (from May) to 6.1. Below 6 is normal for non-diabetics.

My Iron, Vit. D and Calcium all perfect.

My cholesterol is normal 163. My LDL is a little low so going to pump up the exercise.

The only issues were with the B12 and Folate. The B12 was high and due to that the Folate was low. So now will take the B12 3 times a week and double up on the B complex every day.

Overall, the surgeon is very happy with my progress and 105 lbs gone FOREVER. 14 1/2 inches from my waist and 12 from my hips!!!!!!

Thanks for sharing my journey with me!!! It means a lot to have all the support.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Hard to Believe...

it has been 6 months (Saturday) that I had the surgery that changed my life.

I cannot even express the happiness and change that my life has taken. I am so much more healthier then ever. I have a ton more energy. I walk, play tennis and I am so much more active.

It is not always easy. People think I took the easy way out....but I can assure you I did not. I still have to work my tool. I have to make sure I get my protein in, take my vitamins and drink my water. I watch my carbohydrates.

I love the new life I have...I would not change a thing.

I am happy.

I am healthy.

I am active.

I can do so much more.

I LOVE the new me.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

What a rough afternoon and evening yesterday...

Had a great day today...got Aviva at school we came home. She relaxed and then did her homework. When she was finished she played with her toys and I called her into my room.

As she is coming to me she goes mommy I think something is leaking...I was like okay I will come check. Well, before I could step out of my room the water was at my bedroom door...

I stepped into more water in the dining room and living room. I was like OY VEY (well maybe not as nice). And the bathroom by Aviva's room was flooded and Aviva's room as well. I am thinking the toilet overflowed (has happened before). Well, I call Spider at work...I am like you need to come home now the house is flooded. He is like take towels and the extra blanket...at this point he is not getting it...there is so much water.

I hang up I am crying and cursing at this point. Called him back and told him I am getting a wet vac at Home Depot. Well, went into his office where the hot water heater is...and his office is flooded really bad...the hot water heater was the culprit. I called Spider again and told him it was worse and he told me to turn off the water valves and it stopped.

I go to Home Depot and they do not rent wet vacs...he calls a friend at our complex and I get one...in the meanwhile he called the Pres of our association and she gave him a number of a company that will come clean it up.

So they get here and start working, it was a lot of water. Spider finally gets home and realizes how bad it really was.

So now it is cleaned up and the fans are blowing...he is pissed because the floors he did are now buckling. And it was $500 for them to come and now we need a new water heater.

I had a miserable headache too!

Thursday, September 04, 2008

So what do you think....

will South Florida get hit by Hurricane Ike? That is now the million dollar question. One of the stations here (Channel 7 WSVN) feels the need to have 4 hour coverage on Sunday morning...I think that is what makes people crazy.

Aviva is hoping she can get some days off due the Hurricane...she does not realize what can happen...or maybe does not remember Hurricane Wilma very much!

So can we come stay with anyone just in case?




Tuesday, September 02, 2008

I DID IT...the 3 week stall....

has been BROKEN....

I am officially down 100.8 lbs and cannot BELIEVE it!!!

I was on a 3 week stall of being up and down the same few pounds. But I was not getting frustrated because I knew this would happen.

I am down almost 404 sticks of butter.

YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

I love my HUSBAND




He came home with roses for me...just because he loves me.
He is a great husband and a terrific father.
I love you Spider!
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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

WALKING....

That is what I am doing now.

I dropped Aviva off at school yesterday morning and drove to the park. There is a nice lake with a walking trail around it.

So put on my music and off I went. I did 5 laps around and felt great. I was not sure how far that was.

Came home called the park and they told me 1/2 mile around.

WOW I did 2 1/2 miles and felt so good.

There was no school today....so I got up and left Spider and Aviva sleeping and off I went.

I did 2 miles today....felt pretty good. Came home and they were still sleeping.

But now I am sore and can definitely feel it so much more today.

But I will be back there tomorrow.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Reggae FUN on Saturday....

Spider and I actually went on a date...yup you heard me right. It is hard to believe. Aviva stayed with our friends next door and we went to the reggae show in town for my birthday. We had a great time. Have to do this more often.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Finally the FIRST DAY of School after a 2 day delay from TS FAY...

I TURNED 40....

Yes it is my time to hit a new decade...and I know it is going to be a great one.



I feel great, I am so much healthier then ever and have a ton more energy then I have had in years....that is the best present of all.



Spider and I are going to a reggae show on Saturday alone...yes alone. Can you believe it?



My great neighbor offered to watch Aviva for us. Aviva goes to me I rather go there and you and daddy need alone time. Isn't she sweet?



I am almost at 100 lbs down...I will get there but I am going down in pants size...so it is not always about the scale. I am down 7 sizes. That is hard to believe.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

BACK from DISNEY WORLD.....

We had a blast in Disney World...Animal Kingdom Lodge is beautiful...we had a great view of zebras and giraffes every morning.

I felt great there and could have walked all day and night. But it was so hot and Aviva wanted to go back to the pool to swim. Aviva had a blast met some children...

And even better down 98 lbs and only 2 more to go for my goal by Saturday my birthday.

Enjoy my montage.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

JUST my luck....

I have been in pain in my mouth on the left side since yesterday. Thought it was the tooth in the back on the top...had a very hard time sleeping last night.

We took Aviva to camp and then he took me to his dentist who is on vacation till August 4th. So we had no choice, was not doing well with the pain so took me to the ER....I have an abscess against my cheek...he said was not big enough to drain so gave me Percocet and Penicillin. Lucky me. Hurts to swallow and cannot eat.

We leave for Disney next Tuesday and I just want to be pain free.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

My GOAL.....

Well, I turn 40 on August 16th...and I have been thinking what do I want for my birthday? Hmm....so I decided for myself....I want to lose 100 lbs by my birthday.

I can do it. I am now down 86 1/2 lbs in 4 months...hard to believe. I feel great. So I think 13 1/2 lbs is very doable.

We go to Disney World August 5th to the 8th....all that walking and sweating will definitely help.

So that is what I want for myself for my 40th!!!

Also, if you can please keep my SIL Marie in your thoughts and prayers...she is having surgery today in Jamaica.

Monday, July 21, 2008

What a fun Sunday we had...

We had a really nice day yesterday....we went with our friends and their 2 sons to Chuck E Cheese...it was empty. The kids had their run of the place. We then went out to lunch and back to their house for swimming and some fun playing Wii.






Aviva showing off the prize she decided on with her tickets....
This is what happens when you have a day of fun...you fall asleep on the couch at 6:45 pm (that is lotion in her hair).



Thursday, July 17, 2008

Just some AVIVA cuteness...

This one is my favorite picture....just like the look of it.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Who does not like receiving a package in the MAIL?


Aviva was so happy to come home from camp yesterday and find this package for HER. She loves to receive mail. It made her day! Her grandma and grandpa sent her some very pretty shirts.











Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Our 4th of July Pics...

Well...was not a very nice day. It basically rained from 4:30 to 9 pm. We went to our town's celebration for a little bit. They had lots of children's activities but due to the weather they were on hold. So we sat for a bit and waited and then it started to drizzle and rain even heavier so we left and went home. But lucky enough the neighborhood behind has had some great fireworks so we were able to watch those right outside our front door.













Sunday, June 29, 2008

We are BACK,....

from the girls getaway to Disney and Universal.

Boy was it hot.....but it was lots of fun. Aviva had a blast with my friend's daughter. They were the same age but did not really know each other. But they would walk around the parks holding hands and loved doing rides together.

It was nice for me to have a friend to talk to and understand what I was going through.

It was very hot...but everyone was sweating too. The Universal parks had misters so it was great to stand under them and cool off. The girls loved getting wet on some of the rides.

Hard to believe we go back to Disney (just Disney this trip) in a little over 5 weeks and staying at Animal Kingdom Villas. Aviva does not know we have a Savannah view so we will see animals out our balcony.

Cannot wait for that trip.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

TWO days early.....

are you wondering what it could be?

Well, my goal before the surgery was to lose 70 lbs by my 3 month surgiversary. I was not sure that was going to happen because the scale was playing tricks on my the past few days.

But low and behold, this morning I am PROUD to say that I am now down 70 lbs or as I like to say 280 sticks of butter.

It is still hard to believe how my life has change. I am happy and so much healthier.

Though the past few days have been a bit rough. I have been having a few low blood sugars. Yesterday morning woke up in a sweat and my sugar was 59. Last night before Aviva was out of the shower my sugar was 53. I ran out of Glucose Tablets so my terrific DH ran out and got my a huge bottle of them. And again this morning was 59. But then later on in the day today it got to 195 so go figure.

Otherwise those incidents I feel great.

Friday, June 13, 2008

It has been awhile.....

Well....Aviva is loving camp...she was a little scared Sunday night but when I picked her up Monday she was very happy and telling me about her great day.

Wednesday they went bowling, yesterday they went swimming and she passed her swimming test. She even jumped off the high diving board. And today they are going to Plaster Castle.

She has 3 trips next week and one day they are having McDonalds for lunch.

In 11 days we are going on our Girls Getaway to Disney and Universal/Islands of Adventure. We are so excited. We are flying even though it is is close, it works out cheaper.

And I am now down 68 lbs and not even 3 months out yet (that will be on the 20th). I am feeling great.

Thursday, June 05, 2008

The LAST day of school......

First day of school







The morning of the last day of school








And they are off...this is dismissal on the last day!










Tuesday, June 03, 2008

UPDATE from my visit to the surgeon....

It went really well. They are very happy with my progress...Not even 11 weeks out and down 63 lbs and dropped my BMI by 11 points. All my vitamin levels were good...the B ones were a little high so they want to watch that. Go for more blood work in one month. My A1C dropped even more to 6.5...which is great considering where it started.

I get to add veggies to my diet...eating is hard enough but I am trying. I ate 2 meals a day and drink 2 protein shakes a day as well. I average about 750 calories which they say is fine.

I do the Wii Fit 5 to 6 times a week, walk 3 times a week and play tennis 1 to 3 times a week. Who would believe that!!

I feel great and so much healthier which is what is so important. Just wanted to share my good news.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Wii FIT....

We got it today and already played for almost 2 hours...Aviva and I took turns.

Some of the things are not as easy as they look. And you can get a decent workout.

I, yes ME...actually ran in place and completed my turn of running. And did pretty good for the first time.

They time you and can unlock extra activities the more points and the more time you use it.

So glad we got it.

We even got Spider on it!

Monday, May 26, 2008

SAD and DISGUSTING.....

Something needs to be done about this teacher...guess she never heard of FAPE (fair and appropriate education) for all students with disabilities. He has rights no matter his disability.

I really hope the parents do something...at let this teacher be an example.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

PAIN, PAIN Please go away....

Well...it has been a long few days of being in pain.

I went to the ER Sunday evening...all of a sudden I started experiencing pain in my lower right abdomen. It just came on all of a sudden. I did not want to go but Spider said we are going.

But being my abdomen I wanted to go to the hospital where I had my surgery....so off we went.

I felt absolutely miserable....finally took me in gave me an IV, drew blood and waited for some pain meds....the pain was 9 on a scale of 10. Finally they gave me morphine (ugh) followed up by zofran.

I started to feel a bit better...then off to CAT scan. My white blood count was elevated (14.8) but told him that was normal for me. SO they got the results of the scan and it looks like I have a large ovarian cyst on my right ovary. Never had one and do not wish for another.

So they gave me a script for liquid lortab and went home.

Yesterday went to the OB/GYN and she examined me but could not feel anything...so going back tomorrow for an U/S and then to discuss the results with her. But in the meanwhile, I am suffering. And just want to be back to normal.

This pain is so much worse then the pain from my surgery, if you can believe that.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Multi-Cultural Day at Aviva's school....

Yesterday at Aviva's school was Multicultural Day...they do a whole day to celebrate all different cultures and it ends with a parade celebrating the different countries.

The kids loved it..they cheered when they saw their classmates.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

8 weeks ago today....

my LIFE changed forever and I mean for the better.

I had my surgery 8 weeks ago and again the best thing that has ever happened. I am off almost all my meds, my blood work is very good and best of all NO MORE back pain.

I feel the best I have ever had in years...it amazes me each day the energy I have, how I can do so much more then ever and I WANT to exercise.

I am now down, as of this morning 53 1/2 lbs or I like to say 214 sticks of butter.

My life is so good right now and it is only getting better.

Anyone thinking of the surgery, do your research thoroughly and find a Bariatric Center of Excellence.

I recommend it but again it may not be for everyone.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

AMERICA's Next Top Model....

This is one of my guilty pleasures and tonights episode was the finale. And I was so happy.

WHITNEY (from Florida) WON!!

Why am I so happy...first time a full figured model won...she looks like the everyday woman. Nice to see that.

She is really pretty and takes beautiful pictures.

I LOVE Spider dearly......

he decided at 10:30 pm last night he wanted to clean the house...I was asleep. He likes to clean...not sure why.

So this morning I was looking for a bag I had on my side of the bed...it had some magazines in it and my tickets for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom (we are going in Oct). Guess what..no where to be found. I am searching and getting upset.

Called Spider at work...he threw the bag away...I could not believe it. I do appreciate his cleaning but wish he would not touch my things. Was just a bit upset.

So thankfully wrote down my confirmation code and was able to call Disney Ticket Services...and the gentleman I spoke to laughed and said do not worry I was not the first person this happened too.The end result is when I go in August I can go up to a guest services window with my confirmation # and picture ID and they will give me new tickets.

So no dumpster diving for Spider.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

I have been tagged...All About Me MeMe..,

What was I doing 10 years ago: I was living in Cancun, Mexico with Spider who was playing with his Reggae Band at Cat's Reggae Bar. We were planning on moving back to the states in July.

"To Do" list today:
1. Drink my water
2. Clean out my closet
3. Laundry
4. Get my protein in
5. Walk

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Pay off all bills and live debt free
2. Open a school for inclusion for all students
3. Lots of travel...all over the world

3 Bad Habits:
1. Over think things
2. Worry to much
3. Procrastinate

5 places I have lived:
1.Plantation, FL
2. Sunrise, FL
3. Cancun, Mexico
4. Mexico City, Mexico
5. Syosset, NY

5 jobs that I have had:
1. Speech Therapist for students with autism
2. Group home instructor for developmentally disabled adults
3. Instructor at a sheltered workshop
4. Group home instructor for emotionally handicapped girls
5. Teacher assistant for students with autism

WE are the proud owners.....

of 3 plane tickets to Jamaica....did not want to wait much longer...we are going Dec 14th to Dec 22nd (SIL wedding is the 20th). Found the tickets the cheapest because Spirit had a discount promotion.

We are flying in to Montego Bay on the 14th...going to an all inclusive till the 18th ( for 4 nights) Here is where we are staying: Sunset Jamaica Grande. Then renting a car driving to Kingston and staying in a hotel there for 4 nights. Could have stayed with his brother but they have no A/C and was not up to the 3 of us sharing a bed. Aviva needs her own bed. Hoping we can get to go to the Blue Mountains and Spider wants to visit some friends..and maybe he can show Aviva things he did as a child and where he did them.

We fly home from Kingston.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY 2008

Spider had to work but yesterday he came home with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. My dad and his wife sent me the other bouquet. I was woken up by Aviva this morning giving me the card and the handmade card and gift she made me....she was very proud. Spider got me a giftcard to Barnes and Noble (Aviva told him to get me a diamond ring). Then he left me an envelope because he felt bad no breakfast in bed and no spa, so left me some money to go shopping for myself. It was a nice day. Aviva and I spent time together and we went to the pool for a little while was about 90 degrees today.

I am just so happy to have Aviva in my life...what an amazing daughter she is, especially everything she went through at such a young age. I am very proud to be her MOM!!!!!!




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