What a week!

On the one hand, Friday has been a long time coming and on the other the week has just whizzed round - how can that be?!

I am so glad it is Friday, I am going to go to bed in a minute and I think I will be in the land of nod as soon as my head touches the pillow!

We've had two builders come to look at the house to price for the work now, so we are just waiting for the estimates. We are going to choose our bathroom suite over the weekend so it does feel as though we are moving forward. My furniture moves in to the house on Thursday - I have sooooooo much to do before then! Fortunately, I have the week off but I think I will be just as tired when I have to go back as this is not going to be restful in the slightest!

I feel as though I am neglecting my blog and I am sorry but I think it is going to be a little bit like this for a while - please bear with me!

Reasons why I love my band!

I've been thinking lately about how the band has changed and improved my life.

1. My weight loss might not seem a lot compared to how much I want to lose, but it is making a difference and when I worked it out yesterday I have lost over 10% of my body weight and almost 25% of my excess weight which is fantastic!
2. I am noticing the difference in my clothes, which are considerably looser - one skirt is now too big for me to wear!
3. I am finding it easier and more comfortable to walk. This is a biggie for me as I have problems with my legs and it was the major factor in me making the decision to have surgical intervention.
4. I feel much better in myself, I feel thinner. It is not quite 2 stone and people who don't know about Bertie haven't noticed yet but I feel more confident. I don't feel like a bloated, blob. I feel more attractive and less conspicuous!
5. To put it delicately - my boyfriend and I are finding we have more 'options' in the bedroom!!! You can tell that no one who knows me personally knows about this website or I'd never admit that one!!! Let's just say, we can be a bit more adventurous!!!
6. What is a real turn around for me though is that I can have a bad few days and put on a pound or two but they don't hang around and without even trying that hard they disappear - this is totally amazing for me. I found it particularly at Christmas when I got quite stressy that I put on a few pounds but they disappeared almost over night. Pre-band, I was finding I would put on a few pounds and they would seem to settle and then I would put on a few more, my weight was just going up and up and I felt powerless to stop it.

I intend to get another fill once things have settled down with the house but right now I am just enjoying the benefits I can already see!!

Bertie rocks!!!!

Full steam ahead!

It's been quite a weekend! I went back across to Wales late on Friday.

On Saturday morning, we got up and had just enough time to go to the house together for an hour (my boyfriend was working in the afternoon). One of my cousins lives quite close to the new house so she came over to see it with her husband and daughter. It was so lovely to get the opinion of someone who hasn't seen it before. She thought it was lovely and could really see the potential.

Today, we went over again with one of my boyfriend's friends who is into photography. He brought his camera and took about 50 or 60 photos of the house as it is now so that we will have a record. We did some measuring up and it looks like all our plans are going to work out just fine! My mum drove over to meet us there as my dad was working and she was at home on her own. She says she loves the house even more seeing it today than when she saw it the first time. It all seems so much bigger than I remember! The dog is beside herself as there is so much space for her to explore. The garden isn't secure yet so we can't just leave her outside but everytime we get her inside she just stands by a door and cries to go out!!!

We have got an electrician coming tomorrow to have a look at the wiring for us. We think it is okay but would like it checked to be sure. Then on Tuesday evening we have a builder coming to look at the work we need doing in the bathroom and bedroom. At last, I feel as though we are moving forward!!

Completed!!!!

I am in possession of a huge wad of keys!!!

We completed at lunchtime and I met the estate agent at 4pm to get the keys. Unfortunately, my boyfriend was at work so my first time in the house as the owner was on my own. I am still totally in love with the house and can't wait to live there!! When I walked into the kitchen I looked out of the window and two rabbits ran across the garden and into the neighbouring field - it was so lovely and I took it as a good omen!!

It didn't go without a slight hitch, there was a piece of paper missing on the other side and I was a bit panicky for a short while as our solicitor would not complete without it. It was all sorted in the end though - I am so excited!!!

For richer, for poorer!

I enjoyed just 24 short hours of having a massive amount of money in my current account. The money has transferred to the solicitor today. This is really happening now! I spoke to the estate agent at lunchtime and he was not aware that we were due to complete on Friday. My boyfriend is working lates this week so won't be able to collect the keys and I don't know Newport so would not be able to find the estate agents to get the keys from. So, bless him, he has readily agreed to come out and meet me with them - not sure if that will be the house yet but as long as I get the keys I'm happy!!

I went to the hospital this afternoon for a repeat scan. The radiologist was lovely, it was the same lady who did it last time. The cyst was still there which makes her think it may be endometriosis (not sure if I've spelt that right!) and recommended that I should see a gynaecologist. I asked her if it would prevent me getting pregnant - we have been trying and seeing what happens (We're both realistic in that with me being 43 it is probably too late but it would be lovely if it happened!). She said if that is what we wanted then I should definitely see a gynaecologist and it should be sooner rather than later. She was lovely and said she would word her report to my GP in such a way as to get a quick referral but was at great pains to reassure me that she could see nothing sinister and I was not to worry when I got the quick referral. She also said that my right ovary looked absolutely normal.

It's funny, I felt very relieved and quite emotional as I drove home. I've been trying hard not to get too fixated on getting pregnant as you hear of so many women who (quite understandably) become obsessed with it and it takes over their whole life. I realise it is very late in my life - one of my school friends is a grandmother twice over (mind you she did have her first child at 16)!!! I never intended to be in this position but the bald truth is, I didn't meet anyone I wanted to have children with until I got together with my boyfriend when I was 40. I would never have sought help with getting pregnant as I was thinking, what will be will be. Now, I am thinking that this problem was meant to be so that I would go and get treatment.

My mother has been teasing me lately with the old saying "new house, new baby", who knows?..... it would be lovely but let's try not to think too hard about it!

Health Update

I just realised I haven't updated you since I had my scan in January.

I finally got the results of the scan two weeks ago. They found I have a small cyst on one of my ovaries but they don't think this is what is causing the pain. The radiologist recommended that I go back for another scan so I am going tomorrow afternoon to have it all done again - oh joy!!

Next Step Along the Way!

I spent my lunchtime on the most expensive spending spree I've ever had!! I organised the transfer of the deposit and legal costs to the solicitor for tomorrow. It was scary dealing with so much money - thank goodness it was just on paper and not cash in plastic bags!!

Mind you, I did have to get a balance print out from the cash machine showing all the money in there so I can look back in the future and remember I did have money at one time!!

At the moment my head is buzzing with all the things that need to be done in the next few weeks! I am gradually putting all the necessary pieces in place but it is full on and not likely to ease up for a bit.

I was hoping that we could be in the house by Easter, which is 7 weeks on Friday but that is possibly a problem as there is a 6-8 week lead time on getting gas connected to the property which will hold us up! I think I will just have to take a deep breath and just work my way through it - guess I'm going to be doing a lot of that in the coming weeks/months!!

Nice weekend!

Well, that's another weekend over and I have a feeling we have a busy week ahead!

We had a lovely, quiet Valentines night in last night - thanks M&S! I did have to compete with the rugby and boy did I get some stick over the result!! Mind you, I can forgive him because I got 12 beautiful red roses and a lovely card which made me feel very loved!!

We've spent this afternoon at my God son's birthday party, it was lovely to catch up with my friend and the family. They've just had some work done on their bedroom and en-suite so it was great to get some ideas as my friend has brillliant taste.

My weight is not good at the moment but I've had quite a heavy weekend so it will be nice to get back to normal for the week.

I need to make sure I arrange the transfer of funds to the solicitor so that everything is in order for Friday and then I need to make sure that I can get to pick the keys up on Friday. I am so excited I can hardly breathe! I worked out today that from the date we get the keys to Good Friday is 7 weeks so I think it is realistic to think we can get in by Easter.

It's all happening!

The house completion is on schedule for next Friday. We got the statement of completion from the solicitor yesterday - OMG - it is for 25% more that the entire cost of my own house and it is just for the deposit, stamp duty and solicitors fees, we still have a mortgage on top!!

I am moving out of this house on 5th March and that is when the fun is going to begin! My furniture is going to the new house and I will then be a nomad until we are ready to move in! It is daunting but at least I feel that we are making progress and can get going. It is exciting!!

I met my cousin at the mall after work on Thursday. We don't get together very often and she doesn't know about the band - although I do suspect that she may have had one herself years ago. We stopped for something to eat but they are refurbishing the foodcourt and it was late so there wasn't much choice. I knew I couldn't eat a sandwich and I'd had a jacket potato for lunch so I ended up having chicken nuggets and chips from McDonalds - not ideal!! Well, I certainly knew Bertie was awake and I don't think he likes chicken nuggets much. I only got six and pre-band I would have eaten them in a flash but I struggled, boy did I struggle!! I eventually managed to eat four before I had to give up for fear of PBing. I did wonder whether, if she has had a band, she might have recognised some of my symptoms - eating really slowly, slight burping, etc. but she didn't appear to notice anything. What made me smile was when I was buying my food I was hungry and had my pre-band head on and I almost bought nine nuggets - how daft would I have looked!!

Semi Delirious!

First I must start by saying I am a few glasses of Pinot down so I apologise now if this post doesn't make any sense!!

It has been a busy old few days! I went back to work on Monday, it was actually nice to be back in routine - did I really say that?!! I got caught in horrible traffic on my way home so called into Sainsbury's to while away an hour or so! I ended up buying some clothes, including a pair of jeans! I tried them on when I got home and initially they didn't fit. However, I tried again later when I was calmer and although I had to inch them over my fat thighs they did go on and I got them done up (and was able to sit in them!!). I think they are too tight for me to feel comfortable wearing them in public but I was sat on my bed completely gobsmacked that I was actually wearing jeans for the first time in five years!!

Yesterday, we went to see the solicitor and went through all the details on the house purchase. We have set a provisional date of completion for 20th Feb, which is a week on Friday. So fingers crossed!!! We are both excited and panicked as it seemed suddenly a lot more real!!!

I'm sorry that my posting has been a bit erratic lately, I'd like to promise that it will improve but I have a horrible feeling that the next few weeks may be a bit hectic so please bear with me. I will post when I can and hopefully it will all return to normal once the move has been completed (which to be fair may take several months if we are going to get the work done that we need to - what on earth am I taking on?!!)

Back to work tomorrow???

Well, I am just about to go to bed wondering if I will be able to go to work tomorrow. The BBC weather says just rain but the met office website is saying there could be more snow tomorrow in to Tuesday - it is unbelievable!! I expect I should get in tomorrow but Tuesday may be a bit iffy! Let's hope not as we need to see the solicitor and get things moving!

I managed to get across to my boyfriend's yesterday, getting back this evening. We didn't do much but it was nice to get out of the house after spending two days couped up.

It would be nice to get to work tomorrow, it is horrible when you are off unexpectedly as everything is just up in the air and you have to try to pick it all back up when you return.

I've been quite domesticated this weekend, I went shopping before I went over to my boyfriends as he was working. When I got there I made a yummy cottage pie and then I did a lovely roast dinner today. All good, healthy stuff which went down quite well!

Weight update

It is all happening at the moment!! I stood on the scales this morning and I've lost another pound! That takes me into the next stone which is so significant for me!

I wouldn't normally count it unless it was on a proper weigh day but I think I need the boost at the moment so I have adjusted my ticker! I am feeling very good!!

Another snow day today - unbelievable! It all seemed to be over at teatime yesterday and then I woke up to even more snow today! It is frustrating because I was supposed to be going over to my boyfriends tonight to go out for curry and it looks like that is off.

We'll have to see what tomorrow brings, I'm anticipating ice so I don't think I will be venturing too far!

Unexpected victory!

I have to share this with you!

I just went upstairs to try to make a start on clearing out my wardrobe ready for the move - I didn't get very far! I found a pair of trousers on the shelf which I know I haven't put on for at least five years. I tend to avoid trousers apart from jogging bottoms and some very baggy, lightweight trousers I bought in Australia and only ever wear on holiday. These trousers are what I would call 'normal', everyday trousers. I should qualify that my thighs and bottom are very large - I know this is partly due to my disability but it has been made much more extreme by my weight.

Anyway, I took the trousers down and thought, I'll just try them on to see how far they will go and I can use them as a measure for my weight loss. Well, I am sitting here, wearing them as I type. I am staggered. In my mind, my legs are so ginormous that no trousers will go over them but they have obviously shrunk quite a bit!! They fit quite snuggly but they aren't cutting in and with a long jumper over them, they actually look quite good.

Wearing trousers is something that I miss a lot but I now feel that it is within my reach - just wait until I get a pair of jeans on, I will be delirious!!!

Snow Day!

It is so pretty looking out, it seems as though we've had about 2 inches of snow over night!

I was up early as I was due to be on the 8.30 this morning. I managed to get to the car and got about a mile on my way when my boss rang and told me to go home - shame! It was a little scary as the roads had not been gritted and it was still snowing. So, I'm back and have spent the last two hours watching daytime telly and playing on Facebook.

It does give me time to catch up on a few tasks. Firstly, this overdue post. I tried to post last night but I was having connection problems.

I had a fantastic day on Tuesday at Bath Spa. We even got into the outdoor pool which was rather bracing! It was lovely in the warm water looking out at the snowy hills! The indoor pool was amazing and so relaxing. My lovely mum had booked me in for an aromatherapy massage which was wonderful and much needed!

When we got to the spa we were an hour early so walked up to BHS for a cup of coffee. It wasn't very far but it really made me realise how much the weight loss has made a difference. I was able to walk up there with no discomfort at all. Only a few months ago I would have struggled. I know I have a long way to go with my weight but I am delighted by the small changes I am seeing already. I feel more comfortable walking altogether and that is worth every penny I've spent on this band.

I seem to have managed to lose a pound this week - as Tesco says, every little helps!

We have an appointment to see our solicitor on Tuesday so we hope to have some news on progress then.

Brrrrrr!!!!!!!

O. M. G. I am so cold!!!!!!!

I love the snow, well actually I love watching it snow, I don't love having to go out and about in it! Particularly if I have to walk in it. It was fine driving to work as the snow only really started while I was on my way. I had to ask for assistance from the security staff to get me from my car to the office - I had a lovely older chap who was totally charming! It was worse when I came to leave at 4.45, there was no way I could walk to the car alone as there was snow on the ground so I had another charming chap escort me - I think they are going to start gossiping about me if I carry on! It is times like this that force me to confront my disability, I really hate having to rely on people to help me. Most of the time I can manage perfectly independently which I can cope with - I often forget I have limitations. Still, both the guys were lovely and just chatted away which made me feel less conspicuous.

I'm supposed to be going to Bath Spa tomorrow with my Mum for my birthday. It is amazing there, although I don't think we will be frequenting the open air spa on the roof!! I just hope the weather doesn't prevent us from getting there.

Bertie has been a bit of a Bartholomew today. I've given in and mostly eaten things I know will go down so I've had a cereal bar, a packet of hula hoops, some chicken casserole (that met with some resistance!) and a small bowl of ice-cream (which didn't!!).

Well, I'm off to bed, it is way to cold to be sleeping on my own. Since my boyfriend is 40 miles away, I'll have to settle for the dog!! I'd like to say she doesn't snore or fart as much but I think she is worse!!!

OMG - February already!

I don't know where the time goes, it feels like it was Christmas only last week and it is February already!

I've had a lovely, if not very relaxing weekend! Yesterday was spent chasing round doing the necessary evils - ie having my legs waxed and visiting the Chiropodist!

I then went over to my boyfriends as he was taking me out for my birthday meal. He took me to a fabulous restaurant - a bit too posh for me!! It has a Michelin star! I looked at the menu and panicked as it was all very strange combinations and I am quite a traditional girl when it comes to food! It was lovely though and I thoroughly enjoyed being pampered by the staff. I even had my first G&T since my band - I'm not supposed to have fizzy but I really fancied one so I took a chance and it was fine (possibly a sign that I need a fill!). We also had a lovely bottle of wine of which I drank most as my boyfriend was driving - the things we do for our loved ones!! Unfortunately, all the alcohol and the small portions of food left me rather drunk and apparently I stacked out on the sofa snoring when we got home - I'm such a lady!!

Today we went looking at bathrooms as we really need to start making some decisions so that once the purchase goes through we are in a position to get cracking!

I am still feeling very stressed and tearful. My boyfriend and I had a silly row today over practically nothing and it ended up with me really sobbing. I don't think it was really the row but just a sign of how I am feeling at the moment. I then felt absolutely exhausted for the rest of the day. I haven't eaten much today, I haven't felt hungry and certainly haven't felt that Bertie would let much down. I managed to eat my evening meal but had to take it really slowly. I had a smaller portion than my boyfriend to start with and he had finished his seconds before I finished mine!

I really hope that we will get some news on the house this week. It would be great to have a completion date as then we will have something to work towards.