Popcorn Day & About Gail

Today is Popcorn Day here at work. The airport has started doing snacks in the break rooms on most Friday's. The bags they gave us were individual white cheddar popcorn. yummy; however, it was my first time having popcorn since being banded. It felt kind of weird. Anyone else think it feels weird?? I was surprised that I could have it. My Dr.'s office we do low carb. Only 30 carbs a day. All the meat and veggies we want just gotta count the carbs in all the other stuff. I usually don't count strictly because I usually just eat meat and veggies. I use carbs as dip for my meat and just other random things. I always check the nutritional guide though when it is something that's not a meat or veggie. So I immediately turned the popcorn bag over, and it said 8 carbs I was like what!!! yay!

Last night I had a support group. Jody our group leader put me on the spot a little. I find it hard to praise myself. I know that I have done well, but I still have a hard time talking about how well I have done, and what I do to get there. She tends to push me with questions, and that helps. Truth is I do what to help others and inspire them we say it often, but if I can do it anyone can. I made this process my life. The past nine months has been all about Gail. My doctor is Dr. Cywes. He did not actually do my surgery it was done by another doc that was in his practice at the time. From the beginning of my process I have been real involved with the resources that the office has to offer: I workout with Deb she is my rock she has been with me since day one of this whole process. I see her on Mon and Wed for 30 min sessions. I attend small group counseling sessions on mon nights after I workout with Kristie. Man have those sessions changed me. I can see myself opening up more. I was always good to sit there and listen to everyone else, but rarely would discuss me until lately. I have always been a good ear, but not a good venter. Kristie challenges me every time I see her. Also, have Sunny the nutritionist. She is always a ray of sunshine. She always encourages me. When I reached out to her in email she has been very helpful. We also have big support groups the first and third Thursday of the month. They are lead by the four ladies taking turns. When it came to the day I was told a few months ago that my doc would be leaving the practice that I would have to either go with him, or start seeing Dr. Cywes. I sat down with the people that are most important in my life and decided since I invest so much of my time into Dr. Cywes team that I needed to stay with him. I am successful because I knew for me to make this work I needed to have things and people that keep me accountable. That is what my practice does for me. Every time I have an appointment with Dr C. I am so pleased with my decision. He is a great Doctor. He pushes and gives guidance. He genuinely cares for his patients. He might of not placed my band inside me, but to me that is not the part that matters. The person he is helping me become is the way bigger picture. So many times I have dieted in the past looking for a quick fix. This time for the first time. I am looking for a my whole lifestyle change. I am not going back only forward. It is not a quick fix. If It was I probably would have already quit. I love the person I am becoming. People often write on here they don't want to change. Change is good. Loving myself is a change I am talking about, having more confidence, going after what I want in life, not living to please those around me. I will always be the Gail everyone has loved you will just love me more haha!!
I notice myself trying new things. Opening up being more communicative, wanting more for myself. Being more confident. My friends tell me they see these things to.

After the support group last night I went with 4 other friends from the group to check out this place that does dance lessons. Well I don't dance, but they talked me into signing up. This should be interesting. I called Kathy my sister in law at 9 last night making her sign up with me. Maybe we will show you guys our new moves when we get together in Chicago. haha..It will be great exercise. Dr. C told me to find somethings to do. So I am just doing what I am told. We went to dinner after that. One of the girls said Gail have you ever tried the Mahi-Mahi.. I said ummm.. I've never had fish. funny I know. I tried it though and loved it. The old Gail would of not even opened my mouth to it. I think they are making me their little project haha...
It's so fun making good friends with people that are banded cause they just get it more than our other family and friends. Don't get me wrong I have the best support from my family and friends, but its nice to make relationships with people that understand completely what I am going through. Which is also another reason why this blog is so helpful.

I know it was a long post. Just had a lot to say. Hope everyone has an Awesome Friday. Enjoy the weekend!

xoxo