Michelle's Story

Challenge #2

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rojo) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:42:00 +0000

we had to change up from my original challenge #2, so i changed it to this one...

most might hate this...its dreaded by many....but so very necessary!!! EXERCISE

Start today...you still have time....and do ONE thing (exercise wise) that you dont normally do.....if you walk on a tread mill, try to jog 1-2 min then walk and repeat....if you do crunches, try doing them on an exercise ball....mix it up, try something new that you will benefit from..If you are NOT exercising, put your sneakers on and get out there and MOVE!!! I am not an exercise GURU, but you can google or ask Little Lisa for some new and exciting exercises....

I think one of the biggest problems is lack of exercise so find something new....and try it....you might surprised that you really really like it....

my new exercise is going to be yoga...i tried it when i was early out from surgery...but found some of it not so easy to do @ 345 # ....so I am going to pick up a class tonight....they have one tonight, wed morning @ 6 (OH MY!) and thur @ 7.....havent found one for friday and the weekend...but sure i can find one at one of the 24 hour fitness clubs close by (we have a few)
share with us what you decide!!

~~~Michelle Red

challenge #1

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rojo) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:39:00 +0000

I was thinking of starting a weekly Bandit challenge.....different challange every week(weeks run Monday-Sunday) ...and report to the board our results.....I hope that everyone takes on these challanges and in the end we have amazing results....
Week 1
3-3-3 Challenge
Drink 3 shakes, eat 3 meals, and lose at least 3 pounds this week.....
3 pounds might not sound like a lot, but in reality, it is.....average weight loss is 1-2 pounds a week...and I dont know about you, but I would surely like that right about now...I am hanging out at 8-10 pounds from goal, and would love to jumpstart my weight loss to get to that goal......
so starting tomorrow morning....here are my suggested guidelines.....1000 calories a day, 35 carbs, 100 grams of protein...exercise and journaling is a good thing as well....
First thing, Monday morning jump on that scale, and get your protein shakes read for the day.......I cant wait to see who is on board participating in our weekly challange.....

Good luck!
~~~Michelle Red

Happy Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rojo) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 03:20:00 +0000

Hello blog readers....it has been a while.....

Life is busy (as always) but I figured Easter is a great day to start back up blogging...

I love EVERY holiday....(even though they can be stressful at times) and in my mind start planning next years before this years is over....

For Easter, we do the traditional easter activities..egg dying, egg hunt, basket making, church int he morning...all the fun stuff!!

my mom and dad always made a big deal out of holidays and I in turn do it for the kids in my family....I love to see the smiles on their faces when they wake to find goodies left by the Easter Bunny....

A close friends daughter has become a big part of our family....Kylie is 8, and her mother passed away when she was 4...though she has memories of her mom, more and more I can see how much she mises her...she introduces me as her mommy, and often says, "I love you mom" though it breaks my heart, it makes me smile, I am glad that she sees me as a mother figure.....

Her dad and big sister had a sweet 16 to go to last night, so she stayed with us. Because she was here, the Easter Bunny delivered her Easter basket to my house. Seeing the look on her face (and Hannas) just made my day...heck, made my year!

I decided not to load the baskets up with sugar and junk, so instead of the usual 100 pounds of sugar, we had baskets with an outfit, jumping rope, and because Hanna has been doing so great in school, we got her a bike...she has been wanting one without training wheels for a while now....I was amazed at how fast she went from training wheels to 2 wheels...she picked it up in about 45 minutes..Best part of her learning to ride a bike was the fact that I could run down the street beside her...I definately wouldnt have been able to do that 154 #s ago!!

I think this was probably the most special Easter that I have memory of....not only did I put a smile on a little girls face (who has such saddness in her heart), I was able to run and play with my my daughter something that I would have missed out on had I not had surgery!

Happy Easter all!

some yummy treats that I made for the family

~~~Michelle Red

What makes you smile

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rojo) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:23:00 +0000

When I am having a bad day, I think of the one thing that instantly puts a smile on my face.....

Hanna...My beautiful, sassy, loving witty 6 year old daughter....she walks to the beat of her own drum and is a spitting image of me when I was her age...but what I love the most about her is that she is an old soul.....already I can tell she is a hopeless romantic as she believes in happily ever after......(not sure if this is good or bad!)

she loves to smile, laugh, and dance.....she has an amazing amount of self esteem, and it radiates off of her!

I have learned a lot from her....

she doesn't let things get to her, and always seems to have a smile on her face! She enjoys everyday, and cherishes every minute with friends and family

So when you are having a crappy day, your boss is on your last nerve, or you are ready to move w/o leaving a forwarding address, think of that one thing that you know will always put a smile on your face.....

here is my daily dose of smile:

~~~Michelle Red

Tea Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rojo) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 05:15:00 +0000

As you know, my daughter is the single most important person in my life....I spend most of my time doing different things with her....from coaching her softball team, to helping out with school projects and everything in between.....I love to include her in things, and Valentine's Day was no different.....

Though Valentine's Day is not a huge deal to me, my husband has always fallen prey to the "commerical" aspect of the "holiday" Roses, boxes of Candy, sappy cards...a single one hasn't passed that he has not participated in, and ever since Hanna was born, he has always given to the 2 ladies in his life!!

We decided to do somethng a bit different then the same ol' Valentines Day dinner...

we found a cute little British Tea place.....and what an experience it was...

finger sandwiches, small desserts, and the most devine tea.

tea time was complete with hats, purses, beads and feather boas.....

This has to be my favorite Valentine's Day of all...best part of it (outside of spending it with the ones I love) is not one time did I feel uncomfortable taking pictures..ever since my weight loss surgery, I love the camera....am I a camera hog? maybe....but I dont think its a bad addiction!!

The little things in life are great...having pictures to remember them by...priceless!!

I know Valentines Day has come and gone....but I highly recommend that you find a local place, enjoy your tea and goodies....

~~~Michelle Red

You know youre too busy when......

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rojo) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:07:00 +0000

You put your panties on wrong......

Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsover, even if your whole world seems upset. ~~St. Francis de Sales

I rush around all day everyday, doing my "duties" so to speak.....Being a mother is a tough job, and I often lose sight of myself in the mist of my day doing for others..... (don't get me wrong, I love being a mom)

My day starts early....I'm up, showered and ready to start my day! Before leaving for work yesterday I put away 2 loads of laundry that was folded the night before, threw in a load of towels, unloaded and reloaded the dish washer, and straighented up the living room....Ran out of the house at 8:00 to take Hanna to school and to pickup a sick friends daughter. Was my make up on? nope (let the record show, makeup was never applied!) This is a "normal' day for me believe it or not. My life is chaotic, crazy, and I am often running around like a lunatic.

So not only was yesterday a "normal-day-in-the-life-of-michelle" I had my underwear on wrong all day long....not backwards or inside out....wrong..like my waist was in the leg hole...you ask how this happens?? Frankly I have no idea!!

So what is one sign that you need to take a moment for yourself?? INCORRECTLY WORN PANTIES!

but all humor aside.......

I am slowly finding that heatlhy balance of taking care of my family while also taking care of myself and my needs.

I had weight loss surgery to better my life and to prevent health conditions from coming up later in life. I have now realized that by putting everyone first, my needs have fallen to the wayside...Is that the reason I was fat? no not entirely, however yes, it did contribute to it. So in order to be successful at this I need to put myself first as well.

This has probably been the hardest part of this journey, however it is probably the most important!!

So today, I encourage you to take a moment for yourself.....It doesn't need to be an expensive day at the spa, or a pricy day shopping, because in all reality...who can afford much of anything today??

Some of my most peaceful days are getting up 30 minutes early....laying on the couch and watching a bit of TV, reading a magazine (that I "borrowed" from the Drs office), playing soduko ($1 at dollartree), or just taking a moment to take it all in!

Remember...you owe it to yourself to make sure you are wearing your panties correctly!

~~~Michelle Red

A Bandit Friendly Recipe (simple enough even for those less savvy in the kitchen)

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rojo) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:04:00 +0000

2 pounds ground beef
2 eggs
1/2 cup bread crumbs
fresh spinach (I ususally use the bagged kind-about 3/4 of the bag)
sliced mushrooms (I usually use a whole container)
salt and pepper to taste

Puree the spinach and mushrooms and set aside

mix the rest of the ingredients and mix thougroughly, fold in the pureed mushrooms and spinach
Bake at 350 until done (use a meat thermometer, or cut in half like I usually do! lol)

This meatloaf bakes up moist and juicy....goes down great for the Lap Banders

I serve this up with mock mash potatoes (mashed cauliflower) for myself, and potatoes for the rest of the family

~~~Michelle Red

Is Ice Cream a Food Group?

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rojo) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:05:00 +0000

Even the best fall down sometimes.....

(Lyrics from one of my fave songs that has absolutely nothing to do with icecream)

I guess this is a confessional...or maybe it's just an eye-opener...who knows!

I had a battle with ice cream....and didn't win, or did I?

Friday night: 1/2 day @ school, and the start of a long holiday weekend...what to do, what to do?

Friday:

Well my daughter Hanna LOVES ice cream, and Friday I decided to take her to COLDSTONE (preop, if I was going to eat icecream, COLDSTONE was my #1 choice) I have gone there since surgery and have turned it down, however this day was different. I ordered myself some, and not the love it size (small), the gotta have it size (large). Ok worse thing that I could have done..NO, I could have ordered the 1/2 gallon for $5 more and had it to graze on all weekend!! So I guess there is a positive in this whole thing......

Saturday:

Mom's birthday....cake time....not just any old cake, COLDSTONE birthday cake! (Do you see a pattern here) and I have a slice of cake, which normally wouldn't be a terrible thing, however after Friday night, did I really need any ice cream? Not really....but I went ahead and took a slice. I did just eat the ice cream part, not that it matters!!

Sunday:

Ahh....Sunday

In Dania Beach Florida there is this Ice Cream Parlor that serves absurdly large amounts of ice cream. I have to admit it tastes amazing, and the atmosphere is fun. There is always a wait outside this establishment that was founded 54 years ago. It is decked out with a small merry-go-round out front, an ice cream stand up that you stick your head through for a photo op, a jazz singer outside playing his electric guitar and keyboard, and a lil old man inside playing the organ. They sell food, old time candy, and serve you popcorn while you wait for your "kitchen sink sized" ice cream (and really there is one on the menu)

My best friend invited Hanna and I there, and honestly had I not been binging on ice cream all weekend, it wouldn't have been a big deal.....off to Jason's we went....Hanna loves this place, the fun candy inside and fortune machine make for a big deal to a 6 year old. The menu is huge, which I can't stand as I have such a hard time making a decision...I usually end up closing my eyes and wherever my finger lands, that is my choice! So on this particular day it was 2 scoops (praline pecan and fudge ripple) topped with whip cream and a side car of hot caramel.....

What did I eat food wise this weekend....I have no idea, however I OVER indulged in ice cream....this wasn't even my food of choice pre op....so what happened?? Honestly I don't have a clue, but I was terribly mad at myself come Monday. Do I sit and dwell on this? I did briefly, and marched straight in Susan Maria's office where she, Teresa, and Helen sat. I said guys, "I had a terrible weekend food wise!" They asked what happened, did something get stuck? Did you eat too much? etc etc....I responded with, "No, I had ice cream, and a lot of it!" Immediately I felt better as they didn't beat me over the head, or tell me I'm going to ruin this....They commended me on how I was sitting in the office Believe in hand, ready to start a new day. This is the thing...I could have thrown in the towel and said forget it, but I didn't....I took this weekend as a lesson well learned....Monday I did a LPT and marched myself into a support meeting (which happened to be canceled), and here I am today, feeling refreshed and recharged, and ready to get back on track.....

Moral of the story?? Life sometimes gets in the way, and some old habits (that you might not even realize you had) creep in......you can allow them to stay, and beat yourself up about them, or you can say hello, and cut their visit short....I chose to let them visit for the weekend and asked them kindly to never return!

~~~Michelle Red

2 years later......

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rojo) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:47:00 +0000

Fast forward almost 2 years.....

150 pounds down and 10 from goal.....goal, what is that anyway?? When you get to goal to you stop doing what you are doing and life is smooth sailing?

Well I am here to tell you that is so far from true....

Life still goes on after surgery....Kids need to get to school, bills need to get paid, I still need to work every day....The world did not stand still while I lost weight. Actually I think things have changed dramatically. I seem more and more busy now....More than I was before WLS. I have to get in exercise and eat food that I have to prepare daily. I no longer have time to sit on the couch and go through the drive thru. I am a busy woman; I now coach a softball team consisting of 5-8 year olds, so add that to my plate.

Would I change anything? Absolutely not....however I now realize that this surgery isn't a magic wand that makes life easy and all of my woes disappear.....problems that I had before surgery are still here....The foods that I ate before surgery are still manufactured; the hustle and bustle of everyday life is still here as I am still a mother, wife, sister, and daughter.

I though am thankful that I chose Lap Band because in the past 2 years I have learned a lot about food, reading labels, nutrition, and how to prepare food for me that my family will enjoy too. I don't want to have to make 2 meals a night, and let's face it, the whole family could benefit from healthier eating.

Me, almost 2 years post op

~~~Michelle Red

Blogging Bandit Style

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Rojo) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:49:00 +0000

(Thinking to myself) I am to write a blog that people will be interested in reading..hmmmmmm....where to start.

Most of you know me, or know of me, hey maybe a lot of you dont, so I guess an introduction would be good right about now.

My name is Michelle Rojo, and I was banded almost 2 years ago weighing in at 345 pounds. I knew going into this that I had A LOT of weight to lose, but I knew with a bit of dedication and a lot of hard work that I could and would be successful.

I first "met" Bariatric Eating when I was 5 days pre op. I was scared, nervous, excited...an array of emotions. I walked into the Pompano Beach store, starving (well at least I thought I was) I had been on liquids only for 3 days and tried to do it via "supermarket protein". Needless to say I was miserable and hungry. When I walked into the store, I saw this pretty blonde, thin woman sitting behind the desk, greeting me with a HUGE smile. After chatting with her for a while I soon realized that she too had weight loss surgery.....boy was relieved.....someone who has actually gone through this and not just some skinny person telling me what I should and shouldn't do....Upon minutes after entering the store, my emotions were no longer all over the place, and for once (since I started this WLS pre op journey) I felt that things were going to be ok. We (Teresa--the thin blonde and I) chatted for a bit...her and my mom are both from WV, and boy did the accents start flying! I sampled what seemed to be a thousand different products....I was assured that all of the feelings and emotions I was feeling at that given time were normal.

When I left the store I had shopping bags full of product, and a brain full of information to help me throughout this journey.

I later began working at BE, alongside Teresa and Susan.....BE has helped me tremendously, and I love working with the clients that come into the store, on the message board, and at our local support groups. Helping them helps me!!

Me a week before surgery

~~~Michelle Red

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