I am officially 60.2 lbs down from March 24, 2010! However, my husband thinks I am shortchanging myself and always insists that my weight was much higher at one point before lapband surgery and I should count my lbs lost from that weight. If that is the case.....I am officially down 81.4 lbs from my highest weight ever! So, in honor of my husband, who has truly been my #1 Cheerleader and Supporter throughout this journey, I am taking credit for all lbs. lost and changing my ticker to reflect this! (I will look for a picture of myself at my highest weight to post here but believe me, they are few and far between!)
Wow....I am very proud of myself. First and foremost, it really is me who did this. Actually, its me who got fat in the first place and its me who is rectifying that. Oh, along the way I've had help from W W (too many times to count), Jenny (at least 3 times) , Lapband, VSG, the gym and a whole bunch of support from my family, most friends and this Blog Community.
The bottom line is, at the end of the day, I am the only one in control of what goes in my mouth! I better keep up with the control as I am 2.6 lbs. away from my goal of 150 lbs!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
This post is for Dinnerland!
D had asked if I could do a post with the how and what I am eating since I had the VSG surgery. The first few weeks after surgery are very similar to band eating in the beginning. As with the band, every doctor has a different protocol. My Dr wanted me on clear liquids for 3 days, full liquids for the remainder of the first week and than pureed food for for 2-3 weeks.
Let me start by saying, I AM NEVER HUNGRY! I am one of the lucky ones whose hunger has gone away with the removal of Ghrelin. That is the "hunger" hormone that lives in the part of the stomach that is removed during surgery. With that being said, I will give you a snapshot of what I am eating. Since the surgery, I have not eaten more than 700 calories on any given day but that has to change now that I am exercising again. I can really feel the difference when I exercise and dont' eat enough. I get dizzy and nauseous.
At this time my stomach can only hold 2 - 3 oz of solid protein....liquids and pureed foods go down much easier. My doctor said that over the course of the next few years, my stomach capacity will possibly increase by another oz. at the most.
What I am eating today:
Greek Vanilla Yogurt, FF w/fresh blueberries - I ate about 1/2 of this before the gym and I will eat the rest as a snack later;
Pure Protein peanut butter/chocolate bar - 1/2 after the gym
Lunch - 2 - 3 oz of tuna w/light mayo and tomato
Late afternoon - If I feel I need some protein, I will have a Syntax Nector Protein drink. Very light and refreshing and only 90 - 100 calories, 0 carbs and 23 g protein. Love them!
Dinner - I roasted a bunch of veggies yesterday and will make a fritata. I use a 12 in. saute pan and historically, I would cut it into 4's and than cut a section into 2 pieces and eat 1 of those. I suspect that I will be able to only eat 1/2 of a piece.
If I want to have something after dinner, I will probably have one of these adorable little Dark Chocolate Frozen Baby Bananas...so good and refreshing!
I have to remind myself to eat....I can tell if I am hungry by my stomach contracting or I start getting a headache.
I have not had any bread, pasta or rice since surgery. My doctor told me I should try everything but follow the # 1 Rule and that is Protein First...sound familiar? The problem is, once I eat the protein, I am satisfied and full! My # 1 priority every day is to get at least 60 g of protein in and if I start eating that other stuff, I am too full for the protein.
The sleeve is a totally different feeling than the band. I have only gotten too full once and and I have never thrown up. It was close but I didn't. There is no getting stuck with the sleeve. Its a more gentle feeling that "if you eat one more bite its coming up" but it doesn't hurt. It just felt very uncomfortable. In the past, quite often I would get stuck with my band but still be hungry....I would always try my hardest to get another forkful in. I do not have that hungry feeling at all when I feel full/satisfied so its easy for me to offer my food to Steve to finish or save for another meal. I used to actually resent it sometimes when I couldn't finish what was on my plate! No more.
Other things I am eating:
I can almost eat a whole egg regardless of how its prepared.
1/2 cup of watermelon, 1/2 cup blueberries, a few cherries
2-3 oz of any protein, beef, chicken, steak, burgers
1/2 of a hotdog - tasted very different. Thats another thing with the sleeve, something happens to your taste buds. Not everything is affected but some things do not taste the same. This was one of them. Ick! Oh, and I had a home made chocolate chip cookie and didn't care for it. And, I am the one who baked them! Again, this change in my taste buds is not such a bad thing!
Basically, I can eat anything I've tried so far but just a little amount of it. I had an issue with ice cream on the 4th of July though. I ordered one scoop in a cup. I ate maybe a quarter of it and broke out in a cold sweat and just wanted to go home. We had just gotten to the beach for fireworks. Back in the car we went and didn't get home a moment too soon. I had diarrhea so bad. I had no idea where it all came from! I know, TMI but really! I told my doctor that I thought I had a touch of "dumping" that Gastric Bypass peeps get and he laughed at me. He told me it was physically impossible to have "dumping" with the sleeve because your intestines are not bypassed! He explained that what I was experiencing was a case of eating very low carb and than introducing liquid sugar into my system which resulted in my reaction. Oh well, call it what you want but it will be a very long time before I indulge in ice cream away from home, I can assure you! I am not even sure I want it at home...it was a horrible feeling. Again, not a bad thing!
All in all, the sleeve is very similar to the band and also very different at the same time. For me, since I woke up from surgery, I've had non-stop restriction, not hit-or-miss restriction that I had with my band. That alone is a Godsend for me.
If anyone has any more questions, ask away here or send me an email!
Let me start by saying, I AM NEVER HUNGRY! I am one of the lucky ones whose hunger has gone away with the removal of Ghrelin. That is the "hunger" hormone that lives in the part of the stomach that is removed during surgery. With that being said, I will give you a snapshot of what I am eating. Since the surgery, I have not eaten more than 700 calories on any given day but that has to change now that I am exercising again. I can really feel the difference when I exercise and dont' eat enough. I get dizzy and nauseous.
At this time my stomach can only hold 2 - 3 oz of solid protein....liquids and pureed foods go down much easier. My doctor said that over the course of the next few years, my stomach capacity will possibly increase by another oz. at the most.
What I am eating today:
Greek Vanilla Yogurt, FF w/fresh blueberries - I ate about 1/2 of this before the gym and I will eat the rest as a snack later;
Pure Protein peanut butter/chocolate bar - 1/2 after the gym
Lunch - 2 - 3 oz of tuna w/light mayo and tomato
Late afternoon - If I feel I need some protein, I will have a Syntax Nector Protein drink. Very light and refreshing and only 90 - 100 calories, 0 carbs and 23 g protein. Love them!
Dinner - I roasted a bunch of veggies yesterday and will make a fritata. I use a 12 in. saute pan and historically, I would cut it into 4's and than cut a section into 2 pieces and eat 1 of those. I suspect that I will be able to only eat 1/2 of a piece.
If I want to have something after dinner, I will probably have one of these adorable little Dark Chocolate Frozen Baby Bananas...so good and refreshing!
I have to remind myself to eat....I can tell if I am hungry by my stomach contracting or I start getting a headache.
I have not had any bread, pasta or rice since surgery. My doctor told me I should try everything but follow the # 1 Rule and that is Protein First...sound familiar? The problem is, once I eat the protein, I am satisfied and full! My # 1 priority every day is to get at least 60 g of protein in and if I start eating that other stuff, I am too full for the protein.
The sleeve is a totally different feeling than the band. I have only gotten too full once and and I have never thrown up. It was close but I didn't. There is no getting stuck with the sleeve. Its a more gentle feeling that "if you eat one more bite its coming up" but it doesn't hurt. It just felt very uncomfortable. In the past, quite often I would get stuck with my band but still be hungry....I would always try my hardest to get another forkful in. I do not have that hungry feeling at all when I feel full/satisfied so its easy for me to offer my food to Steve to finish or save for another meal. I used to actually resent it sometimes when I couldn't finish what was on my plate! No more.
Other things I am eating:
I can almost eat a whole egg regardless of how its prepared.
1/2 cup of watermelon, 1/2 cup blueberries, a few cherries
2-3 oz of any protein, beef, chicken, steak, burgers
1/2 of a hotdog - tasted very different. Thats another thing with the sleeve, something happens to your taste buds. Not everything is affected but some things do not taste the same. This was one of them. Ick! Oh, and I had a home made chocolate chip cookie and didn't care for it. And, I am the one who baked them! Again, this change in my taste buds is not such a bad thing!
Basically, I can eat anything I've tried so far but just a little amount of it. I had an issue with ice cream on the 4th of July though. I ordered one scoop in a cup. I ate maybe a quarter of it and broke out in a cold sweat and just wanted to go home. We had just gotten to the beach for fireworks. Back in the car we went and didn't get home a moment too soon. I had diarrhea so bad. I had no idea where it all came from! I know, TMI but really! I told my doctor that I thought I had a touch of "dumping" that Gastric Bypass peeps get and he laughed at me. He told me it was physically impossible to have "dumping" with the sleeve because your intestines are not bypassed! He explained that what I was experiencing was a case of eating very low carb and than introducing liquid sugar into my system which resulted in my reaction. Oh well, call it what you want but it will be a very long time before I indulge in ice cream away from home, I can assure you! I am not even sure I want it at home...it was a horrible feeling. Again, not a bad thing!
All in all, the sleeve is very similar to the band and also very different at the same time. For me, since I woke up from surgery, I've had non-stop restriction, not hit-or-miss restriction that I had with my band. That alone is a Godsend for me.
If anyone has any more questions, ask away here or send me an email!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
One month follow-up with Surgeon
Today was my 4 week follow-up with my surgeon. I have lost 11 lbs to-date! .2 lbs will bring me to a total of 60 lbs gone! Don't worry, I will let you know when I hit that milestone.
Doc D was VERY pleased with my progress and the minute he walked in, he remarked how 'skinny' I look! I just laugh because, really, I have been fat so long, that word just doesn't compute. I have been stuck at 153 lbs for 2 days now and I am just waiting for 152.8 to show up so I can celebrate 60 lbs. I cannot wait for that.
Other than that, he wants to see me in two months. We really just chatted for 15 minutes and he just kept asking me if I was happy I did the revision. I am. No two ways around it. If my weight ends up right here, I would be very happy. As it is, my goal is only 3 lbs away!
Next Wednesday I will be leaving for a week on Long Island to be with my girls. Steve and Brutus are staying home as we have a one week vacation with my whole family planned on the OBX of NC in Aug so I am giving him a break in July! Aren't I a good wife? I just have to make sure i leave him with stuff to eat for dinner. I will be working on that this weekend. The last thing Steve needs is to lose weight while I am gone like he did in January.
My exercise routine is back to normal. I am getting to the gym 4 days this week and I was there 4 days last week. I even went to a spin class yesterday and I hadn't been to one of them since the being of June. Next week I will start incorporating a VPS/TRX class. I feel so much better when I exercise. I am also loving my BodyBugg. It really helps to keep me motivated to keep moving. I love seeing the black number in the "calorie deficit" box at the end of the day.
All in all, I am 100% back to normal since having surgery on 6/17. I am so happy that I did it and I am even more happier that it is behind me! I would highly recommend it to anyone who was having issues with their band!
Doc D was VERY pleased with my progress and the minute he walked in, he remarked how 'skinny' I look! I just laugh because, really, I have been fat so long, that word just doesn't compute. I have been stuck at 153 lbs for 2 days now and I am just waiting for 152.8 to show up so I can celebrate 60 lbs. I cannot wait for that.
Other than that, he wants to see me in two months. We really just chatted for 15 minutes and he just kept asking me if I was happy I did the revision. I am. No two ways around it. If my weight ends up right here, I would be very happy. As it is, my goal is only 3 lbs away!
Next Wednesday I will be leaving for a week on Long Island to be with my girls. Steve and Brutus are staying home as we have a one week vacation with my whole family planned on the OBX of NC in Aug so I am giving him a break in July! Aren't I a good wife? I just have to make sure i leave him with stuff to eat for dinner. I will be working on that this weekend. The last thing Steve needs is to lose weight while I am gone like he did in January.
My exercise routine is back to normal. I am getting to the gym 4 days this week and I was there 4 days last week. I even went to a spin class yesterday and I hadn't been to one of them since the being of June. Next week I will start incorporating a VPS/TRX class. I feel so much better when I exercise. I am also loving my BodyBugg. It really helps to keep me motivated to keep moving. I love seeing the black number in the "calorie deficit" box at the end of the day.
All in all, I am 100% back to normal since having surgery on 6/17. I am so happy that I did it and I am even more happier that it is behind me! I would highly recommend it to anyone who was having issues with their band!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Dinner tonight!
Ellie, over at Home Cooking in Montana, posted this recipe today for "Nest of Eggs" and I knew I'd be having it for dinner!
Not only was it super EASY and FAST to make, it was so tasty and filling. I made two thinking that I could do it but after whipping up the egg whites, I knew that wasn't happening. They whipped up to be pretty big mounds! Thankfully Steve was happy to take one off my hands, uh, plate! I didn't have Gruyere but I did have a hunk of Swiss which was practically the same. As she says, you can really use any type of Cheese.
If you like to cook and try different things, check out Ellie's blog, I love it!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
No Justice for Caylee
Let me just say that I am stunned and my wish for Casey Anthony is that her beautiful daughter Caylee, haunts her until the day she dies!
At some point, I may even write how I really feel. Until then, my thoughts and prayers are with George, Cindy and Lee Anthony.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy 4th of July!
Steve and I have had a VERY busy weekend thus far! Saturday was spent out on the motorcycle. We had a very nice day together and had lunch at Aunt Catfish on the Intracoastal Waterway. Beautiful view!
I spent Sunday morning baking this Coconut Creme cake that I turned into a 4th of July cake and I made a sausage bread as we were going to an Italian 4th of July BBQ at our friends house later in the day.
My Blueberries had a mind of their own and didn't sink nicely into the icing as there was a thick layer of coconut in the icing. However, no one complained later in the day when they were eating it.
Steve and I headed to the beach around 11 and stayed until 2. It was gorgeous at the ocean...we had a really nice time. He is so funny, he loves the beach, sitting in a chair reading his book and then he gets bored and wants to take a walk. We did that a few times and my stipulation is that we have to walk in the water! Probably not a problem to most but my husband likes the temp of our pool at 90 degrees and believe me, the ocean, even in FL does not get anywhere near 90. He was a good sport though and actually went in up to his knees.
We headed over to our friends house around 4. The reason it was an Italian BBQ was because we had meatballs and ravioli's! They are too funny....it was Sunday so it was a pasta day. Holidays be damned! I had 1/2 of a meatball and not quite a whole ravioli. Steve was happy to finish what I didn't eat. We had a great time and got home around 10. Just in time to watch Nancy Grace and catch up on the Casey Anthony Trial.
The funny thing is, my friends had some friends over from Long Island and they are also hooked on the trial and we were watching it in between innings of the Mets game. It is crazy that they are going strong right through the holiday weekend. The case was finally turned over to the Jury today around noon. It will be very interesting to see how long they take to come back with a verdict. I pray it will be the right one and little Caylee can finally rest in peace. My heart breaks for her grandparents and her uncle.
My niece is staying with me for a few days. My sister went home yesterday and Elayna is going home Thursday. Dinner tonight is Chicken/cherry tomato/red onion-kabobs and a really good watermelon, tomato with Arugula salad. Light and delish! Than its off to the fireworks at the Flagler Pier!
My weight is still not budging....I am seriously thinking my body is done losing. You know what? If it is, I am ok with it. I am in the best shape of my life and as long as I keep exercising I can only get toner. I did realize though that the past few days, being out and about, I have not been getting in all my water and my protein has hovered in the 60 g range which although that is my doc's target for me, I lose better when I eat 80+ g of protein. Today I went back to basics...water, water, water and be days end I will have about 100 g of protein as I've had 2 protein drinks.
Thats about it....hope everyone is having a safe and happy 4th.
I spent Sunday morning baking this Coconut Creme cake that I turned into a 4th of July cake and I made a sausage bread as we were going to an Italian 4th of July BBQ at our friends house later in the day.
My Blueberries had a mind of their own and didn't sink nicely into the icing as there was a thick layer of coconut in the icing. However, no one complained later in the day when they were eating it.
Steve and I headed to the beach around 11 and stayed until 2. It was gorgeous at the ocean...we had a really nice time. He is so funny, he loves the beach, sitting in a chair reading his book and then he gets bored and wants to take a walk. We did that a few times and my stipulation is that we have to walk in the water! Probably not a problem to most but my husband likes the temp of our pool at 90 degrees and believe me, the ocean, even in FL does not get anywhere near 90. He was a good sport though and actually went in up to his knees.
We headed over to our friends house around 4. The reason it was an Italian BBQ was because we had meatballs and ravioli's! They are too funny....it was Sunday so it was a pasta day. Holidays be damned! I had 1/2 of a meatball and not quite a whole ravioli. Steve was happy to finish what I didn't eat. We had a great time and got home around 10. Just in time to watch Nancy Grace and catch up on the Casey Anthony Trial.
The funny thing is, my friends had some friends over from Long Island and they are also hooked on the trial and we were watching it in between innings of the Mets game. It is crazy that they are going strong right through the holiday weekend. The case was finally turned over to the Jury today around noon. It will be very interesting to see how long they take to come back with a verdict. I pray it will be the right one and little Caylee can finally rest in peace. My heart breaks for her grandparents and her uncle.
My niece is staying with me for a few days. My sister went home yesterday and Elayna is going home Thursday. Dinner tonight is Chicken/cherry tomato/red onion-kabobs and a really good watermelon, tomato with Arugula salad. Light and delish! Than its off to the fireworks at the Flagler Pier!
My weight is still not budging....I am seriously thinking my body is done losing. You know what? If it is, I am ok with it. I am in the best shape of my life and as long as I keep exercising I can only get toner. I did realize though that the past few days, being out and about, I have not been getting in all my water and my protein has hovered in the 60 g range which although that is my doc's target for me, I lose better when I eat 80+ g of protein. Today I went back to basics...water, water, water and be days end I will have about 100 g of protein as I've had 2 protein drinks.
Thats about it....hope everyone is having a safe and happy 4th.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Back to the gym today!****Updated****
Yesterday was the 2 week mark from my VSG surgery and Doc said I can go back to the gym! I am very excited and a little nervous....not sure why about the nervous part but whatever.
My weight yesterday was still at 156. I lost 8 lbs the first week and 0 in week 2 which is really puzzling me. I did go to solid/pureed food last week but still, the most calories I had on any given day was 600 and carbs never got over 30g. Protein was at least 60g per day but most days in the 80's or 90's. The only thing I can think of is that my body, being so close to what I think is my 'natural weight' is holding on for dear life. Absolutely no science here, just me making an observation.
It will be interesting now that I am going back to exercise. Obviously, I will have to get some more calories in so I am curious how this will affect my weight. Oh, and I also broke down yesterday and ordered a BodyBugg. I've been eyeing this thing for a few years and decided to just do it. Happily, I than found out that our dear Jen is also in possession of one and will be reviewing it for the company. I am anxiously waiting for her review!
Thats it for now, as the gym is calling my name!
***Updated***
Went to gym and man did it kick my ass!!!! I actually only stayed for 40 minutes as I was really wiped. I only burned 250 calories but I guess thats alot considering I am only eating 600. I came home and ate a hard boiled egg and feel so much better.
My weight yesterday was still at 156. I lost 8 lbs the first week and 0 in week 2 which is really puzzling me. I did go to solid/pureed food last week but still, the most calories I had on any given day was 600 and carbs never got over 30g. Protein was at least 60g per day but most days in the 80's or 90's. The only thing I can think of is that my body, being so close to what I think is my 'natural weight' is holding on for dear life. Absolutely no science here, just me making an observation.
It will be interesting now that I am going back to exercise. Obviously, I will have to get some more calories in so I am curious how this will affect my weight. Oh, and I also broke down yesterday and ordered a BodyBugg. I've been eyeing this thing for a few years and decided to just do it. Happily, I than found out that our dear Jen is also in possession of one and will be reviewing it for the company. I am anxiously waiting for her review!
Thats it for now, as the gym is calling my name!
***Updated***
Went to gym and man did it kick my ass!!!! I actually only stayed for 40 minutes as I was really wiped. I only burned 250 calories but I guess thats alot considering I am only eating 600. I came home and ate a hard boiled egg and feel so much better.
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