Paris NSVs....

My trip to Paris was so much fun! My friends Marjorie, C and I shopped, ate and walked the heck out of that city and loved every minute! We'd all been to Paris a number of times (Marjorie actually lived there for 3 years), so we agreed not to the typical tourist sites.

Flowers at the beyond-amazing George V Hotel.... this is not where we stayed, since it's incredibly expensive, but we did go for a drink... and I bought an umbrella at the gift shop shown on the left of the photo.

I only have a little time this morning, so I'm just going to post about the amazing NSVs I experienced during this trip. I lived in France for a year as an undergrad. I'd studied French for ten years before I went, and when I got there, my classes were pretty basic, so I un-enrolled in my study abroad program and enrolled in the law school with the French students. It did wonders for my French, and I speak it fluently to this day. That background will take us to NSV No. 1....

1. When I lived in France, I was on a seriously tight student budget, so I didn't get to shop at all. . . and, by the time I could afford to shop there during trips over, I was too big to fit into the clothing they sell. So.. this trip was the first one where I both (a) had money to shop; and (b) could fit in the clothing. Very exciting stuff for me! (Though I actually didn't really buy much!)

2. This was my first post-surgery trans-atlantic trip, and I was very comfortable in my aisle seat on the way out. On the way back, however, the woman next to Marjorie got very ill (vomiting... not festive....), so I scooted over into a middle seat and let Marjorie take the aisle. In the past, the idea of being in a middle seat on any flight would have had me so stressed out, but I fit just fine. It wasn't the height of comfort, but it was fine.

3. In a cute boutique in the Marais, a French saleswoman saw that I'd pulled a size 40 for myself (I think that's roughly a 10) and said "Oh no! You are smaller than that -- I will pull you the 38!" (Meanwhile, the 40 fit and the 38 did not, but it was nice to hear anyway!)

4. They had clothing in my size in every store I visited.

Me, at Place de Vosges

5. We had no problem at all getting into the very hip bar at the Hotel Costes on a weekend night. (I doubt they would have been so quick to let me in at my start weight, though you never know.)

6. At lunch one day, I looked at the tables next to us, and realized that there was a French person who was substantially heavier than me at each of the 2-seater tables on either side of us.

7. At a wonderful restaurant one night, the very attractive maitre d' brought us a complimentary extra dessert. When we exclaimed that it was "too much" because we had eaten so well and so much already, he said that we shouldn't worry about it because "vous avez une marge" (meaning .. "because you are all thin enough to get away with it"). Yes. A hot French person told me that I am thin enough to have a second dessert.

8. Despite that I had a souffle and/or foie gras every single day of the trip, I did not even gain 1/10th of a pound. Thank you, band. And, thank you to all that walking I did!

9. I walked around all day, every day that we were there, and my feet and back were just fine. Pre-band, they would have absolutely been killing me.

Foie gras at Cafe de la Paix.... I highly recommend going there for this!

10. I got to enjoy the food during this trip and to be a bit decadent, without having to feel guilty about it. I just enjoyed it to the fullest, and knew that if the scale was up a bit at the end of my trip (which it wasn't), I'd get off the 1-2 pounds when I got back home.

Happy Easter!

Just a quick note to say that I'm back from Paris (update to follow) and had a fantastic time! My mom is here in NYC visiting me for Easter, and we've been having a blast! We both love crafts, so we spent part of today getting crazy with the Easter egg dye, glitter and the like. :)

Last night, she met S for the first time, and gave him a rave review. Honestly, the last two parental meetings of boyfriends didn't go that well, and I was really stressed out about this one. However, it just could not have gone better. S and my mom got along really well, had lots to talk about, and we all had a great time. What a nice night ... and what a relief!! :)

More to follow about my trip and the abundance of Paris NSVs and other fun. But first.... here's one of my favorite eggs that I did today!

Cooking with Catherine: Thai Green Curry Chicken

I made this really easy recipe the other night after work (it was quick & easy to do), and was really happy with how it turned out! It was at least as good as I've ever had from a delivery place! I think that next time, I might add in some bamboo shoots or some more veggies (eggplant and/or green beans, maybe) for texture.

The recipe below is just for the sauce -- I also made basmati rice to have with it, and it was absolutely delicious. The chicken was very tender after simmering in the sauce, and the sauce also helped it to be band-friendly...

Ingredients:

* 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1 inch cubes

* 1 tbs dark soy sauce

* 1 tbs all-purpose flour

* 2 tbs cooking oil (I used olive oil)

* 2 tbs green curry paste

* 2 green onions with tops, chopped

* 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

* 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped

* 2 cups light coconut milk (I just used 1 can)

* 1 tbs fish sauce

* 1 tbs dark soy sauce

* 2 tbs white sugar

* 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

What to do:

1. Toss chicken first in 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, then in the flour, coating pieces evenly. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Place chicken in the skillet, cook and stir chicken until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken.

2. Reduce heat to medium and stir in curry paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in green onions, garlic, and ginger; cook an additional 2 minutes. Return chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat with the curry mixture. Stir the coconut milk, fish sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and sugar into the chicken-curry mixture. Allow to simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes until the chicken is tender. Serve garnished with cilantro leaves.

I used my big wok for this... I kind of use it for everything -- best pan ever!

Waist Not Want Not...

So, it seems that me being banded is having an impact on S. I'm not sure that our relationship is 100% responsible for this (maybe 75%?), but he has put on somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 pounds in the last three months. Honestly, I don't see it, but he feels like he's too heavy. The reason for this? The guy does not like to waste food -- a good thing in general, but it can be bad when you're dating a bandster who never finishes her meal... So, when we go out to dinner or eat at my apartment, he'll often do a decent job on my leftovers. And... presto change-o.... those extra calories turned themselves into about 10 pounds! Yikes!

Interestingly, I also was a member of the Clean Plate Club from childhood until I was banded. I'd often keep eating until my plate was empty, regardless of whether I was still hungry. Now that I'm banded, I regret to say that I waste a lot of food. I try not to, but I can't always take a To Go box when I'm out, and leftovers (especially steak and chicken) aren't always that band friendly. I also tend to throw out a lot of vegetables... I'll use some of what I buy, but can't always finish everything before it goes bad. I don't like doing that, but I'm not about to consume a ton of extra calories that I don't even want to avoid wasting food. I do try to buy in smaller quantities, but it's not always possible.

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On the S front, we've been talking about how to remedy his recent gain. I've decided not to offer him my food, but to let him know that he is always welcome to have a bite of whatever I am eating and that, if he wants some, all he has to do is ask. That way I can avoid feeling like a food pusher.

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We're also going to do a healthy cooking challenge.... so, on nights when we're having dinner in together, we are going to take turns cooking healthy meals... with a view to seeing who can cook the best meal. That started on Thursday night. I made a nice salad (arugula, pancetta, ricotta salata and pears with a dressing of honey, Champagne vinegar, lemon juice, fleur de sel and pepper), followed by pan seared halibut with steamed green beans, roasted tomatoes and fingerling potatoes. Here's a photo... (I tried to rotate it... and saved it as a rotated version... but it's still showing up wrong...)

Lest we go too, too crazy, I also made a tiny dessert... individual lemon tartlets that I made from scratch (we split one). This was a really easy recipe -- the crust has roasted almonds in it (I put them in my coffee grinder because I don't have a food processor), and the curd is basically fresh squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, eggs and a bit of cornstarch to thinken it. The other thing I did was to tell him that I could only stay over his apartment on Friday night if we could find a workout for me to do on Saturday near his apartment (otherwise, I'd miss my usual yoga class). That was actually really easy -- there is a yoga studio right across the street from his apartment, so I took in a class there, and also got S to go to spin with me on Sunday! I felt so good about us helping one another to be healthy and keep on track with our fitness goals. I think this is a great habit for us to get into, and am sure that it will undo the side-effects that he is experiencing from "banded life!" :)

Biggest Maintenance Concern

I've been really surprised by how easy the maintenance phase is for me. Basically, as long as I just keep on doing what I've been doing food-wise (read: following the bandster rules more often than not) and working out an average of 3 times a week, the weight stays off without me having to pay too much attention to it. I do still get on the scale every day at the same time... post-loo, pre-shower. That's my morning check-in, and it lets me know how mindful I have to be about what I'm going to eat every day. So, what are my concerns during maintenance?? Basically, my biggest worry is that something might go wrong with my band. I don't think about this every day, and I certainly am not posting this to freak anyone out. But, I do know a few bandsters (in real life and through the blogs) who have had to have their ports replaced, who have had leaks, who have had to have their band readjusted, and I also know two bandsters in person who have had to have their bands removed (one because of a hernia, the other because her stomach eroded).

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That said, I know a ton of bandsters who haven't had any problems at all. So far (knock wood), I'm 2 years and 5 months post surgery, and it has been smooth sailing. I have to give my surgeon (Dr. Roberto Rumbaut from Monterrey, Mexico) props. My port is in a great spot (you still can't see it and I'm at goal), I only have two scars, and everything seems to work just as it should. I don't have any reason to think anything will go wrong, but I do know that devices can wear out over time (though, as an aside, my mother still has the toaster she got as a wedding present in the 1960s, and the thing still works like a charm...).

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Anyway, an article that Gen posted recently made me think about this a bit more. I will say, if you read the study results, that you should keep in mind that these bandsters were among the first, they had different bands then we do, their doctors were less experienced, and they didn't have the same level of follow-up care or support. Plus, the study only looked at a small part of the group. So, I doubt the statistics are that relevant to what our experience will be, but it did make me think.

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I do wonder what would happen if I couldn't have my band. If I keep up with the exercise, my guess is that I'd put on about 10-20 pounds and have to fight like hell to stay at that weight, since that is what I did through my 20s and early 30s. I don't think I'd let myself ever gain it all back, and I think that the big lifestyle changes I've made (especially making exercise an important part of my life) would help to keep me from doing that. But I do think this is something that most bandsters think about from time to time, and it's a little scary to think about life without this helpful tool.

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What I'm going to do to help take care of my band and to make it last as long as possible is this:

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1. I am going to continue to keep my band at a good fill that is not overly tight.

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2. I will continue to be proactive about my health care and get in touch with my doctor right away if I have a problem.

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3. I am going to continue being mindful when I eat so that I can avoid PBing unnecessarily.

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I think that's it. I don't know what else I can do other than that, but I do think that will help. Any other suggestions? Also, if you have had trouble with your band, do you think it was worth it? My guess is that most bandsters will say yes.

Having Fun!

With S at a black tie event the weekend before last. I wore my hair up, for once... whereas in the past, I always used to hide behind it... (I still like it better down though..)

Hi! I have to admit that I'm having a heck of a time finding balance between all the things I want to (and have to) do these days. Work has been busier, and having a boyfriend is time consuming, too -- in a good way! :) Still, I haven't been blogging as much as I'd like. I haven't talked to friends and family on the phone as much as I'd like, too. It's a challenge to find enough time for everything I'd like to do.

I was kind of freaking out because I noticed how easy it was for me to let the gym slide to make time for other things. I'm really fighting that though, and making the gym a high priority, because I've worked way to hard to get to where I am to let it slide now. Plus, I really like having my body look the way it does now, I don't want to feel anything but good for a single second on the beach this summer, and I really love the way working out regularly makes me feel.

Being silly on Park Avenue. Why yes, S CAN pick me up pretty easily!! And I wasn't even freaking out about whether or not he'll hurt himself or think I'm too heavy. Talk about an NSV... !

Not too much else to report today! Things with S continue to go really well. I had a great visit with his parents last weekend, and they were just wonderful. He's going to meet my mother over Easter, too! Good stuff all around. Hope everyone is doing very well!

OK, finally, this little hold-out is giving some scoop!

Beautiful candles and fireplace at a friends' house in Wainscott (the Hamptons) last weekend... S and I were there with a few friends and had a great time!

Soooooooo.... I've been M.I.A. lately, but not for the usual bandster reason! I'm still on track, holding fast at 147, which is where my body seems to want to stay. I'm still going to spin class and yoga regularly, too. That seems to be very key to my maintenance, since I tend to eat some kind of cr*p every single day... nothing huge, but I do tend to have some kind of chocolate or a cookie every day.

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In Wainscott, I went outside to get a photo of outside, but the scene inside really made for the best photo.

When summer gets a little closer, I'm planning to cut out the treat (read: not have one every single day... just occasionally) and to try to get in an extra workout (a solid 4, instead of 3-4... with 3 being the usual number). I'd like to drop three or so more pounds, just to get in fighting shape for bikini season. What a freaking luxury. I can't believe that I am at a place where I actually think losing five pounds might make me look just a little too thin. Bizarreness. And I'm actually excited about going bikini shopping. And I have a boyfriend who is thrilled at the prospect of me being by his side at the beach in said bikini. --Somebody pinch me. I didn't think this could be my life.

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S, playing guitar in the sun out in Wainscott this past weekend.

Sooooooo.... speaking of S, things are going really well!! I am absolutely crazy about him, he is a complete sweetheart, and we get along like a house on fire (why is that an expression?!)! I'm trying hard not to put all the personal details on my blog out of respect for his privacy, but I think I can tell you this one thing.... The "L" word was spoken last weekend!! Aaa!! :) Exciting stuff, and I'm really happy about it!!

Shout-Out to One of My Super Fit Bandster Friends!

I'm bursting with pride for one of my oldest bandster friends, and wanted to share it with you. You may remember me mentioning my bandster friend, Peter, in earlier posts (like this one), and a few have met him at early bandster brunches here in NYC. Well.... guess what he did this weekend?!? He ran the New York Half Marathon!

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Peter has lost more than 80 pounds since he was banded about 2 1/2 years ago, and he's the first bandster I know who did the C25K (Couch to 5K) running program. That program got him started on a course that he's been following ever since, and he is now a real runner. It's amazing to see so many fellow bandsters go from being obese to being in the best shape of our lives. So, a big congratulations to Peter on this incredible accomplishment!

Comparison Shot!

A friend sent me some photos from a birthday party I went to last weekend, and I was really surprised to see how I looked in them. In particular, there was one of me with a group of friends -- all of whom are thin, and I looked like they did. I was actually surprised to see myself in relation to them and to see that I didn't look any bigger than they did. I'm not sure why I didn't have that realization with other photos before now, but I didn't, for whatever reason. Anyway, that inspired me to do another comparison shot.

Here is the photo I was talking about. The girl directly to my left is the tiniest of all four of us, probably a size zero or two. I am shocked that I look of a comparable size (at a size 8) next to her.

What Next?

At the start of this third year of banded life, I wrote that I thought this year would be about living my life to the fullest. So far, so good! I'm still going strong on the workout front, have been having a blast in my personal life, and I'm excited to be in a new relationship with someone who I am crazy about and who makes me very happy. And, with the Adirondack trip, I already hit my goal of doing a trip that was physically demanding enough that I wouldn't have done it at my start weight!

At a wine tasting event in Brooklyn on Thursday. My friend Jonny is on my left.

I'm definitely in the maintenance phase now. My scale still bounces around a little from day to day, but as long as I'm under 150 (which I have been consistently for a few months), I don't stress about it. And yes, I do still weigh myself every morning -- post-loo, pre-shower. That keeps me on top of my weight and keeps me accountable. If the scale is up a little, I try to make better choices, if it's fine, I don't worry too much about it. Working out a lot definitely makes it so that I can eat what I want within reason, and within my band's limitations.

OK, so the weird part?? Don't get me wrong -- I am THRILLED to be at goal. Seriously, I absolutely love it and wouldn't want it any other way. But.. I kind of miss the thrill of losing! That was such an awesome part of years one and two. I especially loved the feeling when I finally hit a new 10 pound marker (not to mention searching on-line for things that weighed that much.... my all-time favorite was Snooki!)

I do think... so, what next?? I've been moving to this place where I am now, slowly but surely for more than two years, and was focused on my weight-related goals every day during that time. It's kind of weird to have that part of the journey be over. It feels kind of like finishing a great book. So, I'm psyched to have read and enjoyed it, but it's a little bittersweet that it's over.

So, what next?? There isn't too much more for me to do on the weight loss/body front, beyond what I'm doing. I could stand to forgo some chocolate (seriously, I have a treat every day -- but a small one), but other than that, I feel like I have a very respectable workout schedule, and decent eating habits. I generally do 2-3 spin classes (which includes an upper-body workout with weights and an ab workout) and a yoga class. I don't feel like I need to do more than that, or want to make time for more than that. And, slowly but surely, my body is tightening up, and my legs, butt and arms are looking better all the time. It seems like the next phase is really just what I thought it would be -- it's about enjoying the benefit of the first two years' work, continuing to follow the bandster rules more often than not, and just living life to the fullest.


I love this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt and wanted to share it...

Adirondack Weekend

Making snow angels after hiking to the top of a snow-covered mountain! (No, that is NOT photoshopped!! This city girl actually did that!!)

I had such a great weekend up in the Adirondack mountains with S and a group of other friends. We went to S's family's mountain house, which is a really great, cosy spot (and the spot where we first got together over New Year's weekend). The weekend was just filled with great company, really good food (all of us love to cook and love nice wine). S's cousin and his two boys were such good company too -- the boys (ages 7 and 9) were seriously adorable and very well behaved. And, spending all that time with S was pretty wonderful, too.

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Adirondack Packbaskets in S's mud room

Our friends all went downhill skiing on Saturday, and S and I decided to spend the day together instead. So, after a lazy morning and a delicious breakfast, we went on a seven mile hike (in seriously cold temperatures, I might add!) up a mountain road on his club's property that takes you to a beautiful frozen lake. The walk wasn't that challenging, and thankfully, S bundled me up in plenty of gear, so I was much warmer than I would have been otherwise.

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Hmm... not exactly a selling point....

On Sunday, our whole group did a 3 1/2 hour mountain hike through the snow. As in, lots of snow. As in, some steps, you'd find yourself up to your knees! And on others, we were walking up a steep incline, digging in our boots and scrambling up rocks and ice. On the way down, we butt-slid through the snowy inclines (when it was relatively safe) like penguins, which was just a complete blast! And, eventually, I put on crampons, so I was able to walk down steeper inclines without being afraid that I'd slip and break my leg!

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In addition to being a ton of fun, and a great bonding experience with S and with our group as a whole, this weekend was a huge NSV for me. I never would have gone on a weekend like that at my highest weight. First of all, there is no way I would have enjoyed the 7 mile (largely uphill for the first 3.5 miles) walk. Second, I wouldn't have been able to borrow appropriate winter clothing, in all likelihood, since their gear all would have been too small for me. And third, there is no way I would have been able to do -- much less enjoy -- that 3 1/2 hour hike up a mountain, through the snow, if I wasn't in good shape. I thought about all of those things while I was enjoying these activities, and just felt so grateful about how many different things my band, and my working with the band, has made it possible for me to do.

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Four from our group on top of the peak we climbed on Sunday!

Kissing in Manhattan....

Did any of you ever read that book? Kissing in Manhattan by David Schnickler? There is a great quote from it that some friends of mine used in their wedding invitation: "It can happen like that sometimes. The city can tilt its hand and let two people fall for each other...."

Honestly, the book was OK, but the quote has stayed with me for years. And, now that I've been engaging in a substantial amount of kissing and general schmoop-i-fying in Manhattan, I'm reminded of it once again. :) If you're thinking from this that things are going well with S, you are absolutely right! We've been spending a lot of time together, both with friends and without. Next weekend, we're doing a trip back up to his family's house in the Adirondacks with a group of friends that will include Marjorie, two other friends, and one of S's cousins (divorced guy, about our age) and his cousin's two boys, ages 7 and 9. And tonight, he's coming over to cook a Valentine's Dinner for me. I am psyched.

I love it that I've been able to be open with him about my band surgery, so I don't have to make excuses for what I eat, so that he can purpously make me a small band-appropriate plate when we're having dinner with friends (like we did on Saturday), so that he's taken the trouble to ask me what I can and would like to eat before he cooks tonight, etc. Also, he's just so darned appreciative of the work I've done with my band... and in the gym, which really makes me feel fantastic.

So, I'm in a celebratory mood today! Just wanted to wish all of you a very happy Valentine's Day, and send you best wishes for much love, happiness and success. xoxo

April in Paris. .

One of my resolutions for 2011 was to take an actual, proper vacation. For the past three years, I haven't taken off more than a day or two at once, largely because I thought I should stay close to home given the state of the economy and my need to safeguard my relationships with my clients. Well. . . brace yourself. . . I'm taking a whopping THREE days off for a trip!! (Babysteps, people. . babysteps!)

My friend Marjorie and I have been brainstorming about where to go, and yesterday, we bit the bullet and booked our flights and hotel for Paris. She lived there for several years, and we both speak French (I have a degree in French literature (and Political Science) and spent a year at a French law school), and we both absolutely love that city. (I know. . saying you love Paris is like saying you love bacon. . .it's not exactly a tough sell!) So, we're heading over for a five day weekend in April!

This will be the first time in my life that I've been able to actually shop in Paris. In my younger (and thinner) years, I couldn't afford anything, and in my older . .er, less lean. . years, my size made it impossible. French women are tiny, people! Even now, I'll probably be at or near the biggest size in the stores, at a whopping size 8 (ha ha.. I still get a thrill seeing that number on the tags in my clothes. . funny how I stopped cutting out the sizes, isn't it!). :)

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After all the shopping I did in recent months, I'm not planning to do any serious buying in Paris, but it's nice to know that I'll be able to browse without wondering if some mean person is looking at me and thinking about how ridicule it is that the fat American is trying to shop in their store. Actually, no one is going to look at me now and think I even AM a fat American. Wow. And, my feet aren't going to hurt from walking around all day like they did the last time I was there!

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I'm looking forward to this trip so much. It's been three years since I've been in France, and I'm excited to go back with my friend who knows Paris so well and see sights that are familiar and new to me as well. I never get tired of that city. It's just so beautiful.

Stylish Blogger Fashion Show ;)

To kick off this post, I'd like to thank the lovely LDSwims for nominating me for the Stylish Blogger Award! I know that I'm supposed to list seven things about myself that you don't know and nominate others, but I hope you'll forgive me if I break with that tradition and just post about things stylish and fashion-related instead!

So. . . I mentioned that I've been shopping in earnest, and I was not kidding. I actually took a day off of work in January and headed to Woodbury Commons with my dear friend, Emily (Woodbury is the best outlet mall in NY). I bought three dresses and a coat. . all at substantial discounts, and all with seriously fashion-forward labels. . Dior, DVF and Wolford. I also have been doing a bit of shopping around town -- the post-Christmas sales have been amazing, and I actually really need clothing, so that has been a nice fit!

And, on to the fashion show!! Here are my favorite recent acquisitions. . .

This is a green silk DVF wrap dress that I plan to wear when it gets warmer. . with a tank top underneath and either military green espadrilles or these fun super high military green Guess shoes that I have. .

OK. . I may love DVF too much. . . but she makes the best dresses! I bought this one (terrible photo, but you get the idea. .) at an on-line flash sale at HauteLook.com. I had tried the dress on in the DVF store, didn't buy it because the friend I was shopping with (who I see only rarely) bought it. . . but when I saw it on sale for less than half price, I couldn't resist! I wore this one to work yesterday. . .

This is my Woodbury Commons acquisition from Wolford. . . a gorgeous gray knit dress with a matching coat!! I have to get the sleeves taken up a little bit, but you get the general idea. . .

Wolford dress and coat, together. . .

The dress from the front . . .

Wolford side view. . . I wish you could see how well it is constructed! Tried to show the lines of the knit here, but I don't think they show up that well. .
I found this gorgeous little Dina Bar-El number at New York Look, one of my favorite stores. It was on major sale (under $200) and fit perfectly! I am wearing it tonight to a benefit dinner for the New York Philharmonic! One side has a long sleeve, which you can see better in the second photo. . .

This is a DVF dress (er, yes. . another one. . plus I have two more that I bought a few months ago and didn't show here. .!) that I found in the flagship store in the Meatpacking this summer. . . I didn't buy it because it's a warm weather dress and I wasn't sure what size I'd need by winter. Then, I regretted not getting it and tried to find it on-line, but with no luck. . . . until I found it at the outlet for half price!! I absolutely love it for work, especially on days where I have a special dinner afterwards. And, this one is the piece de resistance. . . A Christian Dior dress for me to wear to work!! I've never had anything Dior before, so this was all the more exciting for me. (The photo so does not do it justice!) It fits PERFECTLY. I absolutely love it!! I got it for 1/4 of the original price. . .and while it was still expensive (er, original price was $2,400), I know that I will wear it for years and years. This was my post-bonus present/splurge to my post-goal self!

I hope you enjoyed my post-goal shopping show and tell! One of my favorite things about finally being at a weight where I don't expect to lose any more (and pray to God that I won't gain) is that I had to buy all new clothes. It's taken me months to build up a big enough wardrobe so that I'm not wearing the same five things to work every week, but I'm finally there. And, I really love everything in my closet right now. Getting dressed is a real pleasure. It's a major NSV for me, and it feels wonderful. I am so, so grateful to be able to feel like this.

Am including one final photo, lest we forget where I started. . . I look at this and can not believe the size of my arm and chest. It's hard to look at this photo and to think about how it felt to be that size. I was so uncomfortable that day, since it was windy and I was wearing Spanx (and terrified that my skirt would blow up) and my feet were absolutely killing me in those heels. I am so, so glad that I don't have to feel like that anymore.

Call Off the Amber Alert! :)

Skating at the Houston Galleria over Christmas

OK. . . so I'm guilty of going MIA for a bit. I just haven't wanted to blog about things with S because I kind of want to keep it for myself and just enjoy it. That said, things are going swimmingly, and I'm really happy. :)

In other news, I had two people from work (one of the mailroom guys, who I like a lot, and one of the secretaries) tell me that it is time to stop losing weight and that I need to be careful not to get "too thin." Meanwhile, I'm still in the mid-to-high 140s and wearing a size 8. Not exactly bone-thin territory, though I do feel pretty great! And, if I don't lose anymore, I'll be OK with that. In fact, I've started buying clothing in earnest. . . but that's worth its own post. . and photos. . . stay tuned.

This reminds me that I never posted about my Christmas in Texas. I was talking to my dad, who I love dearly. . and who is pretty thin-focused, and he said something to the effect of "Lovie, you look terrrrrrific!" (My Dad has called me "Lovie" since I was a tiny tot -- love it!) And then. . well, then, he said some words that I thought I'd never hear. . . something to the effect that I should "Be careful not to get TOO THIN." I was like -- "What?!?" Could you please repeat that?!? Um, could I please record that and make it my ring tone?!? :)

The funny thing is that I'm only just now a really "normal" size. I don't think that size 8 is what a person who is naturally in their ideal BMI would consider to be teeny by any means. I have friends who wear 2s and 4s who are much smaller than I am, without being too thin. I am still getting a little smaller though. Even though I'm not losing pounds very much these days, I do keep working out 3-4 times a week. And I'm not talking about B.S., barely-sweat workouts, either. . . these are serious hardcore -- but really fun -- workouts.

It's actually kind of amazing to me that I've been able to rehabilitate my body as much as I have already. And, it's kind of interesting and inspiring to see how much more fit, healthy and toned I can be. . . not that I'm giving up wine or foie gras any time soon (um, or EVER!)! I also didn't expect that I'd ever become someone who loves to exercise. Heck, I spent my first 6 months post-op feeling guilty that I wasn't motivated in that way at all. But at some point (thank you, Boot Camp), it just clicked, and now it's part of my life. I feel so grateful to have been able to get to this point.

I know that a lot of us struggle with motivating to exercise. For me, it was a matter of trying different things until I found something I loved. . . then switching before I got so bored of that workout as to become unmotivated. I strongly believe that exercise is what took me to the next level of success with my band -- beyond what I could have done with portion control alone. And I also know that it's OK that I let myself motivate to do it in my own time.

EIGHTY-FOUR!!

And, as if the weekend could get any better. . . I hit 84.8 pounds down this morning. 2/10ths of a pound from my ASPIRATIONAL goal. Wow!! I did not expect that and am thrilled! 145, you are nearly in my grasp!

So. . . the weekend. Wonderful would be a serious understatement. I spent the entire weekend with S, since we wound up going to see Black Swan and out to dinner (then each home to our respective apartments) on Friday night. Saturday was a great day . . I met with my best friend from 8th grade and her daughter for brunch, then went to have my hair and nails done.

Saturday night was amazing. S and I met at Fiorello's (great pre-Lincoln Center event location) for dinner. The maitre d' greeted us with champagne and gave us one of the very best tables. S was very, very appreciative of my dress and told me so more times than I can remember, which made me feel fantastic. The surprise event was a performance of the U-n-i-v-e-r-s-i-t-y Gl-e-e C-l-u-b (weird hyphens used to hopefully foil Google Alterts from picking up my post. . . ). The group is primarily of men, and they all hale from the glee clubs of a number of Ivy League schools and is a longstanding NYC tradition). They were really wonderful, and the current group from Yale sang as well -- and they were hilarious, and extremely talented.

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What S didn't know, though, is that a partner from my very first firm is very involved in the UGC, and he was there performing, which was a huge treat for me. We also got to catch up with him and his wife at the after party, at which they had a great band (and the Club members did another impromptu performance), and S and I danced the night away! It was so much fun. I don't know when I've ever had a better time.

We actually spent Sunday and Monday together, too. On Sunday, I went to hear S play guitar with a bluegrass group, which was wonderful (and led to him bringing over his guitar, so I was serenaded at home this weekend .. amazing!), and on Monday, we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and wound up having dinner at a very cute wine bar. What a phenominal weekend. We talked so much (including about that issue my friends had identified to me) and just really spent the time getting to know one another better. I'm more smitten than ever, if that's possible. . . :)

** Addendum! ** I can't believe that I forgot (!) to mention this in the first run of this post, but I told S about my band last night. We were having a heart to heart about all sorts of things, and it felt like a good idea to just mention it then and get it out of the way. He knew about lap bands in general and was totally fine in his reaction. I'm glad that I took care of that sooner than later so I didn't have to stress about it!

. . . THE DRESS!!

Please excuse the streaky mirror situation . . and the fact that I'm not all made up with my hair done in the photo. I was just dying to show you my new David Meister gown for my date on Saturday night with S! I can't believe I own anything with a size six on the tag, much less fit into and feel wonderful in a dress like this. Oh, what a difference 2 1/4 years makes.

October 31, 2008 vs. January 12, 2011

Have I told you lately how much I love my band? Have I mentioned how grateful I am that I get to really enjoy my life now on a level that I didn't even know was possible? I hope I've at least said how incredibly lucky I feel to get to live my life in a body that I like and that is strong, healthy and comfortable -- and to be free from the food prison. Looking at these photos reminds me of how far I've come. But it's been -- and continues to be -- a really enjoyable journey. I don't regret -- or even care about -- a single change that I've had to make to make the band work. It's been a fascinating, fulfilling and wonderful process and has brought so many wonderful and amazing people -- including everyone reading this post -- into my life. Words alone can't express how much gratitude I feel.

Plus Sized Models

Last night, my friend Emily hosted a Girl's Night Out at her home. We do these every few months, and it's generally a great mix of friends old and new. Interestingly, Emily had invited two friends -- really beautiful girls -- and, in the course of talking to them, I found out that they are both plus sized models.

It probably won't come as a surprise to you, but neither of them looked at all heavy! One said that she was a size 14, but I honestly thought she was closer to a 12, so maybe she was going by a stingy-designer-14. And, apparently, the starting size for plus sized models is a size six!! (Hey. . so even in my skinniest dress, I'm still in the range. . er, though maybe not age-wise at this point!) Also, I found out that sometimes plus size models wear padding to fill out the clothing more, depending on what their clients want.

This is one of the girls who was at our GNO last night!
She had the BEST hair. I had major hair envy!

It really was fascinating to talk to them about their industry. Plus, both girls were really nice and very cool (and interesting on other topics as well, of course)!

Does Anyone Have Superman's Cell No.?

What a weekend!! My date on Friday with S was so much fun. He took me ice skating at Bryant Park after work, then for drinks at the Algonquin. A 5-hour date that was really off the charts. We talked the whole time, and really have a lot in common. He also told me that he'd been on the wrong track in dating (using his brain, not his heart when deciding who to date. . . an all-too-familiar strategy. . I did the same thing for a long time), but since had realized that wasn't the way to go.

While we were at the Algonquin (Dorothy Parker's old hangout), S asked me to a black tie event for next Saturday. The next day, I found this AMAZING, floor length, black jersey David Meister dress at Bloomies that I absolutely love and took it to be hemmed (I didn't have any floor length dresses that fit anymore). Well. . . OMG (!!!!) it is a size SIX (WHAT?? STOP THE PRESSES!!) So, clearly, God Himself is sending me a sign that he endorses this date! :) (I am so not a six . . it's just the cut, but I'll take it!!)

When I took the dress to be hemmed, the tailor (a very sweet Asian man who did not speak much English said "You look gorgeous - like television star!," and another guy who came in to drop off his dry cleaning said that my date is a "lucky guy" -- and I hope that's an indication of what S's reaction is going to be! Very psyched about all aspects of this -- the guy, the date, the dress, and him already wanting to take me to a super public event that is bound to set off Gossip Girl blasts up and down the Upper East Side. .

BTW, for any newbies who are worried about getting stuck (and it's funny because this was so nothing to me that I almost didn't mention it), I actually got stuck when we were having dinner at the Algonquin. It wasn't a big deal. I always have enough advance notice that getting to the restroom isn't a problem, so I just made my way there, took care of the issue, and got right back to having a great time.

At dinner on Sunday night.

On Sunday, S joined us (Marjorie, me & another girlfriend ("A") who was with us in the Adirondacks) for brunch and the brain exhibit at the Natural History Museum. Eventually, M and A had to leave, and S and I stayed and did all the interactive stuff together (memory games, language tests, puzzles, etc. -- it was such a good exhibit). At some point prior to that, he'd asked if I'd join him for mass (he's Catholic. . and subsequently got me into church. . my dad practically did a cartwheel when I told him. . . lol) and then a dinner at the apartment of two of his closest friends, a married couple who I'd met once before at one of the UES crowd parties I attended with Marjorie.

There were 7 of us at the dinner, and I had a really nice time. His friends were really nice and very welcoming. I had a great time (and funny enough, I heard him talking in the kitchen to the wife/hostess when I went to grab a card from my purse, and the wife said "She seems really cool!" . . which I assume was about me, um, like 'cuz I'm so cool & such...ha ha)

Then, the next morning, I woke up to the best e-mail from S ever (suffice it to say that it's the kind of e-mail every girl would love to get after a really good date). It's pretty much the best e-mail I remember receiving from a guy. Seriously. . stick a fork in me. . . Wow. What a great guy -- we really had such a fantastic time all weekend, and I'm wondering if I can call Superman and get him to spin the world around a little faster to get to Saturday. . . :)

The Scoop. . .

The beautiful Basilique Notre-Dame in Montreal.

I am trying to keep my feet on the ground and not get carried away. But, I have to tell you that this S guy is pretty amazing and special. I don't know when I've ever been more taken with someone. I literally spent part of the weekend (on a long car trip) just listening to him and looking at him, trying to find something -- anything -- that I didn't like about him, but I could not find a single thing. (And I really tried!)

With Marjorie on New Year's Eve at Restaurant Laloux in Montreal

He's smart, interesting, funny, self-aware, has a great family, is well-traveled, successful, handsome, creative, and very warm. Our group (all 8 of us) stayed at his family's house in the Adirondack mountains on January 1st, and his parents were there. They were really wonderful -- fun, open, silly, friendly, very welcoming and they had so much in common with my family. Their overall way of being was similar to how we are, they have similar religious backgrounds, they hold hands when they say grace, and they even have the same "joke" mug that we do . . it's a mug with a ceramic frog affixed to the bottom (so you freak out when you get to that part of your drink and see a frog in there). Even his two dogs and cat were great.

One of S's dogs. .

So, after two days of this, and many really good conversations, I was feeling completely smitten. After we all had a wonderful dinner of that gorgeous turkey shown above, we all begged S to get out his guitar and play some songs for us (he even plays the guitar and has a great voice. . I was dying). We had a sing along (and lots of very nice wine!), and people scattered up to bed now and then. Eventually, S and I were the only people in the living room.

He held out his hands for me to take them, and I did, and he kissed me. Wow. We also wound up having a long conversation about how we'd both been feeling this incredible connection all weekend, and how surprised we were to know that the other person felt the the same way. He said that, to him, I was the most beautiful girl he's ever seen, and that it wasn't just about how I look, but that he felt that I was funny, smart and a really warm person. . . All the things I would want someone to see and think about me. Seriously, I was totally blown away.

I'd like to stop the story there, but there is something not so great that I have to report. You see, S is part of this whole Upper East Side crew who have known one another forever (they are basically the real life equivalent of Gossip Girl). So, my friends have full knowledge of his dating history since, roughly, birth. (Seriously. . I found out at dinner that the uncle of one of the other guys on our trip was there the night that S's parents met.) Anyway, about three or four years ago, he was in a relationship with a friend of one of my friends and he cheated on her, rather than ending the relationship when he should have. He totally broke that girl's heart, and my friend really cautioned me against dating him. My friend also told me that S seems to have some commitment issues, and that she thinks this is why he has never married.

I get worried about information like this, but on the other hand, it was a while ago, and I don't have full information here. At this age, I can't imagine that anyone has a flawless past, and I'm certainly not going to refuse to date someone this incredible because of this. But it is making my happiness a little bittersweet.

Anyway, S and I have been having a great e-mail exchange all week (seriously, it's so distracting. . he's such a good writer, so funny and interesting) and he is taking me ice skating (!) on Friday night. How cute is that? BTW, I am a horrible ice skater! I hope that I don't injure him.

OK, people, hold your breath and make a wish. I do not want to get my heart broken again, but I am totally smitten.

Happy New Year!!

I only have a moment to post today, but promise to do a Christmas and New Year's recap soon! Long story short, I had a fantastic Christmas in Houston with my family. I did wind up getting snowed out of NYC for two extra days, which was a little stressful on the work side, but really enjoyable otherwise. I actually had to fly back into Pennsylvania and take the train to New York. A bit of a pain, but all in all, an outstanding trip!

I just got back last night from a trip to Montreal with a group of friends. We drove back to New York on New Year's Day and spent the night at S's parents' house in the Adirondacks (S is a guy friend of my friends who I'd only met once before, but who turned out to be kind of amazing). It was such a great trip. . . with an unexpected romantic component! Who knew? Not sure what the future holds there, but stay tuned.