People are starting to notice. Which is kind of cool. Especially coming from those that didn't know I had surgery.
I am still hungry more often than I was before. And I can eat more than I used to eat in one sitting. If the protein is more dense (chicken), I fill up faster than less dense (yogurt). But I'm sticking to good, nutritious foods for the most part.
Tonight I branched out a bit -- I had a small slice of Sam's frozen pizza -- it was a thin crust bacon chicken ranch pizza and it was DIVINE. I think I do OK with thin crust, but pizza will be a once or twice a month kind of meal.
I'm eating a yogurt once a day and at least one protein shake a day. I am getting over 60g of protein every day easily now. Getting closer to 80g a day is more of a challenge, but basically means having an extra protein shake....which is a lot easier to get down than it used to be.
Just taking it one day at a time and enjoying feeling comfortable in clothes again.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Thursday, July 24, 2014
214.6 - Down 35.4 but Hungry!
Thirty-eight days post op and a few days ago I started to get hungry more often than every 4 hours and today I was able to finish a whole container (5.3 oz) of yogurt. It is possible that I am actually feeling thirst as opposed to hunger, so I will have to remember to drink drink drink before I eat anything to make sure.
Now that my appetite is back, I seem to be losing focus on what I am supposed to be eating (and not eating). Today I had a bite of one of the cake pops I made. It was delicious. I gave the rest to my friend. Luckily, it didn't upset my stomach and I really truly savored that bite. It was a treat! But it is too early to be eating those types of things, probably...
This week Rich helped me make a breakfast quiche with bacon, cheese, and onion. It was pretty tasty. I want to try another version with egg, cheese, and ham next.
The scale isn't really budging lately...been a few days since I saw a drop on the scale. I am hoping to see something change in the morning. Inching closer to the 210s!!
Now that my appetite is back, I seem to be losing focus on what I am supposed to be eating (and not eating). Today I had a bite of one of the cake pops I made. It was delicious. I gave the rest to my friend. Luckily, it didn't upset my stomach and I really truly savored that bite. It was a treat! But it is too early to be eating those types of things, probably...
This week Rich helped me make a breakfast quiche with bacon, cheese, and onion. It was pretty tasty. I want to try another version with egg, cheese, and ham next.
The scale isn't really budging lately...been a few days since I saw a drop on the scale. I am hoping to see something change in the morning. Inching closer to the 210s!!
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Current Weight: 215.4; Loss: -34.6
I think it'll be way more exciting to watch my post titles as time goes on -- so I think I will just use my current weight as the title. Aaaaaand that way I don't have to think super hard about it. :)
This weekend we went to Hard Rock for two nights. Eating was somewhat of a challenge and I took a few risks that I probably shouldn't have. Luckily I didn't have any negative side effects from anything.
My favorite meal by far was the hickory bbq pulled pork at the Hard Rock Cafe. YUM!
Today I decided to "get back on track" with my eating and did pretty well today with my protein (55 grams) -- shooting for 80, but that is damn good.
I just got my box of Isopure 8 oz protein drinks -- one is punch and one is grape. The taste is very good at first and then there is this very strange aftertaste that sometimes makes me gag. But for $50 (for 4 six-packs), I'm planning to drink them ALL. Each 8 oz drink has 15 grams of protein!
For lunch today I ate turkey pepperoni and Babybel mozzarella cheese melted in the microwave. Sooo good! This meal weighed 2 oz and I ate all but one of the bites.
I took a full-length selfie in our hotel room because I will appreciate the butt shots one day. I have definitely lost a bunch of inches around my waist because I could pull these jeans down while they were zipped and buttoned!! They ended up being very annoying to wear walking around because I was constantly pulling them up.
This weekend we went to Hard Rock for two nights. Eating was somewhat of a challenge and I took a few risks that I probably shouldn't have. Luckily I didn't have any negative side effects from anything.
My favorite meal by far was the hickory bbq pulled pork at the Hard Rock Cafe. YUM!
Today I decided to "get back on track" with my eating and did pretty well today with my protein (55 grams) -- shooting for 80, but that is damn good.
I just got my box of Isopure 8 oz protein drinks -- one is punch and one is grape. The taste is very good at first and then there is this very strange aftertaste that sometimes makes me gag. But for $50 (for 4 six-packs), I'm planning to drink them ALL. Each 8 oz drink has 15 grams of protein!
For lunch today I ate turkey pepperoni and Babybel mozzarella cheese melted in the microwave. Sooo good! This meal weighed 2 oz and I ate all but one of the bites.
I took a full-length selfie in our hotel room because I will appreciate the butt shots one day. I have definitely lost a bunch of inches around my waist because I could pull these jeans down while they were zipped and buttoned!! They ended up being very annoying to wear walking around because I was constantly pulling them up.
Now that I am doing well with my protein and fluids, my next two life habits I MUST get used to more are taking my vitamins regularly and exercising at least 3 times a week. I signed up for the President's Challenge at work and committed to working out 3 times a week, so I plan on sticking to it. My bicycle has been outfitted with a new cruiser seat so my butt won't hurt riding for a while. Rich also put some flashing lights on the front and back for me, AND I just got a cell phone holder that clips on to the handlebar so that I can mount my phone and track my rides via Map My Ride app.
Tomorrow will be my 5-week mark! Looking forward to a week of nutritional food, good bike rides, and a bit of weight loss, too!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Chugging Along
Yup -- chugging along....as of this morning I weighed in at 217.2. Down 32.8 from my highest in April 2014. I am so pleased with my progress!
I still have been struggling to get in my protein. I think it is because I am not hungry very often and I am not making it a priority like I should. So this morning, to get a jump start, I made a 4 oz chocolate pb2 protein shake. It was delicious and filling.
I think tomorrow I am going to make a regular 8 oz version and use my 10 oz thermos to drink it throughout the morning tomorrow. I am so going to get more organized and pre-mix my powder with the additions like PB2 and SF chocolate pudding mix.
Lately I've been getting head rushes where I'm dizzy for a few seconds when I get up or bend down and then come up. I am not sure why. It could be mild dehydration so I am trying to get in my 60 oz PLUS of fluids. If it goes on much longer, I will call my doctor.
As of this Friday the 18th I'll officially be on "soft food phase" so I won't feel guilty for eating scallops then. ;)
I still have been struggling to get in my protein. I think it is because I am not hungry very often and I am not making it a priority like I should. So this morning, to get a jump start, I made a 4 oz chocolate pb2 protein shake. It was delicious and filling.
I think tomorrow I am going to make a regular 8 oz version and use my 10 oz thermos to drink it throughout the morning tomorrow. I am so going to get more organized and pre-mix my powder with the additions like PB2 and SF chocolate pudding mix.
Lately I've been getting head rushes where I'm dizzy for a few seconds when I get up or bend down and then come up. I am not sure why. It could be mild dehydration so I am trying to get in my 60 oz PLUS of fluids. If it goes on much longer, I will call my doctor.
As of this Friday the 18th I'll officially be on "soft food phase" so I won't feel guilty for eating scallops then. ;)
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
It's Tuesday
I stink at making up titles for each blog entry. So today, it's Tuesday.
Back to work yesterday -- getting up at 5 AM again wasn't so bad. I had plenty of time to pack a lunch! I also had time to scramble an egg for breakfast.
By 10 AM I was sort of hungry again so I got a hard boiled egg and then I had my lunch around 1:30. After lunch I walked around the building and up all the levels of the parking garage for 30 minutes.
When I got home I was so pooped out, I laid down for a nap. Rich woke me up around 6:30 and I made myself dinner: tuna and mayo with a dill pickle spear on the side. I ate it all except only took a few small bits of the pickle.
In about an hour, I ran to the bathroom and had to go #2, and throw up. Not pleasant. But I hadn't gone #2 in 4 or 5 days so it was a relief even though I wasn't uncomfortable.
I asked at the support group tonight about taking Miralax daily -- they recommended every other day or I can take Colace daily. I may look into that especially if it is a pill -- hard to get down Miralax since it mixes into fluids. I prefer my fluids pure -- tried to make crystal light tonight with unflavored protein powder added and I had trouble liking it.
This morning I weighed in at 219.8 -- for a total of 21.1 lbs. down since surgery; 30.2 lbs. since my highest weight of 250 in April 2014.
Tonight's support group was open forum since Dr. G. couldn't make it to give a presentation. We talked about all sorts of topics. When I got home, I took off my jeans and realized they were a size 14. That was cool!
I ordered a new food scale with a removable bowl (Amazon). I plan on weighing some foods -- like my scallops I'm making twice a week I like to know how much I'm eating. I've been estimating or using the weight off the deli sticker. Tonight I made them myself -- had half a dozen (almost 3 oz) and was full and happy! I LOVE SCALLOPS RIGHT NOW! They're the only food I get excited about for dinner. Saturday I'm going to Joe Patti's to get some for lunch on Sunday. Can't wait to cook those up!
Back to work yesterday -- getting up at 5 AM again wasn't so bad. I had plenty of time to pack a lunch! I also had time to scramble an egg for breakfast.
By 10 AM I was sort of hungry again so I got a hard boiled egg and then I had my lunch around 1:30. After lunch I walked around the building and up all the levels of the parking garage for 30 minutes.
When I got home I was so pooped out, I laid down for a nap. Rich woke me up around 6:30 and I made myself dinner: tuna and mayo with a dill pickle spear on the side. I ate it all except only took a few small bits of the pickle.
In about an hour, I ran to the bathroom and had to go #2, and throw up. Not pleasant. But I hadn't gone #2 in 4 or 5 days so it was a relief even though I wasn't uncomfortable.
I asked at the support group tonight about taking Miralax daily -- they recommended every other day or I can take Colace daily. I may look into that especially if it is a pill -- hard to get down Miralax since it mixes into fluids. I prefer my fluids pure -- tried to make crystal light tonight with unflavored protein powder added and I had trouble liking it.
This morning I weighed in at 219.8 -- for a total of 21.1 lbs. down since surgery; 30.2 lbs. since my highest weight of 250 in April 2014.
Tonight's support group was open forum since Dr. G. couldn't make it to give a presentation. We talked about all sorts of topics. When I got home, I took off my jeans and realized they were a size 14. That was cool!
I ordered a new food scale with a removable bowl (Amazon). I plan on weighing some foods -- like my scallops I'm making twice a week I like to know how much I'm eating. I've been estimating or using the weight off the deli sticker. Tonight I made them myself -- had half a dozen (almost 3 oz) and was full and happy! I LOVE SCALLOPS RIGHT NOW! They're the only food I get excited about for dinner. Saturday I'm going to Joe Patti's to get some for lunch on Sunday. Can't wait to cook those up!
Friday, July 4, 2014
Back to Work Soon
I can't believe my three weeks is almost up! I am ready to get back to work, though -- I've done enough recovering! My weight as of this morning was 220.6 which is down 20.3 lbs. since surgery according to the bariatric office and 29.4 lbs. from my highest weight in April 2014.
I am still technically on the pureed stage until July 18th but I have been "cheating" with some soft foods. I've had bbq pulled pork, canned peaches, watermelon, omelets, cheese sticks, a bit of fish, and my favorite -- scallops. I chew really well and try to take my time, but some foods will cool too quickly and stretching a meal to 20-25 minutes long is almost impossible.
I've been on a stall for the last week or so, so I am taking it day by day and just trying to get my fluids and protein in. The protein (80 grams) is definitely harder than getting 60 oz of fluids/water in. I am still not hitting either of them, though.
I think work will be distracting, but I plan on setting timers to remind me to eat and sip the entire day. I think for breakfast I may bring either cream of wheat or a protein shake; however, I may have to wake up and make my shake and throw it in the freezer until I leave so that it stays colder longer. For lunch I'm planning to have yogurt and I may try to save what I can't eat for a "snack" later in the afternoon. I think lunch planning will be easier once I get further out and on soft and regular foods. My options seem so limited right now.
One of the possible side effects of surgery is experiencing "dumping syndrome" -- this can be an array of symptoms from eating something that doesn't agree with you -- such as profuse sweating, rapid heart rate, stomach ache, nausea, and diarrhea. Two days ago I experienced my first dumping symptoms -- diarrhea and profuse sweating. Guess what from? Watermelon. I had three large chunks from a small container I bought recently. I freaking LOVE watermelon. It is so sweet and watery and just YUM. I figured in my head -- hey, it's FRUIT...AND I'm getting fluids in without having to drink more boring water. Dumping wasn't fun and definitely not worth risking it for more watermelon. I posted on a board on FB and a nurse said that watermelon is a natural laxative. Sure enough it is!
I will probably try watermelon again in smaller quantities -- like only one piece once a day. I've learned my lesson, though and trying to get back to what I am supposed to be eating. Pureed foods just don't appeal to me, though -- I may just have to stick with eggs and soups and yogurt.
Back to the scallops. I bought 4 at Publix the other day and after looking up how to make seared scallops, Rich prepared them for me in a matter of minutes and they were TO DIE FOR. And I had no ill effects, felt full, AND got protein in. They were amazing. I plan on having those at least once a week because they were also only $2.60. Cheaper than any dinner out somewhere!
So come Monday morning it'll be fun to put on my "go to black dress pants" that I wore to work twice a week because that was all that fit me. I wouldn't mind if they're too big. I still hate my closet though -- I hate my work clothes in general and would prefer to wear under armor pants and tank tops. They just don't make me feel good and look frumpy. That will all change soon, though.
I can definitely see a difference in my face. My skin is clearer and it has slimmed down a bit. I've noticed my husband has lost weight too -- his face is slimmer! He is not eating out as much as we used to together - I am very proud of him!
Tomorrow we're going to a Fourth of July party and one of his co-workers' houses. I will probably eat before I go because I have no idea what she is serving. I'm making a very yummy looking banana pudding cake to share - hope it comes out like the picture!
I am still technically on the pureed stage until July 18th but I have been "cheating" with some soft foods. I've had bbq pulled pork, canned peaches, watermelon, omelets, cheese sticks, a bit of fish, and my favorite -- scallops. I chew really well and try to take my time, but some foods will cool too quickly and stretching a meal to 20-25 minutes long is almost impossible.
I've been on a stall for the last week or so, so I am taking it day by day and just trying to get my fluids and protein in. The protein (80 grams) is definitely harder than getting 60 oz of fluids/water in. I am still not hitting either of them, though.
I think work will be distracting, but I plan on setting timers to remind me to eat and sip the entire day. I think for breakfast I may bring either cream of wheat or a protein shake; however, I may have to wake up and make my shake and throw it in the freezer until I leave so that it stays colder longer. For lunch I'm planning to have yogurt and I may try to save what I can't eat for a "snack" later in the afternoon. I think lunch planning will be easier once I get further out and on soft and regular foods. My options seem so limited right now.
One of the possible side effects of surgery is experiencing "dumping syndrome" -- this can be an array of symptoms from eating something that doesn't agree with you -- such as profuse sweating, rapid heart rate, stomach ache, nausea, and diarrhea. Two days ago I experienced my first dumping symptoms -- diarrhea and profuse sweating. Guess what from? Watermelon. I had three large chunks from a small container I bought recently. I freaking LOVE watermelon. It is so sweet and watery and just YUM. I figured in my head -- hey, it's FRUIT...AND I'm getting fluids in without having to drink more boring water. Dumping wasn't fun and definitely not worth risking it for more watermelon. I posted on a board on FB and a nurse said that watermelon is a natural laxative. Sure enough it is!
I will probably try watermelon again in smaller quantities -- like only one piece once a day. I've learned my lesson, though and trying to get back to what I am supposed to be eating. Pureed foods just don't appeal to me, though -- I may just have to stick with eggs and soups and yogurt.
Back to the scallops. I bought 4 at Publix the other day and after looking up how to make seared scallops, Rich prepared them for me in a matter of minutes and they were TO DIE FOR. And I had no ill effects, felt full, AND got protein in. They were amazing. I plan on having those at least once a week because they were also only $2.60. Cheaper than any dinner out somewhere!
So come Monday morning it'll be fun to put on my "go to black dress pants" that I wore to work twice a week because that was all that fit me. I wouldn't mind if they're too big. I still hate my closet though -- I hate my work clothes in general and would prefer to wear under armor pants and tank tops. They just don't make me feel good and look frumpy. That will all change soon, though.
I can definitely see a difference in my face. My skin is clearer and it has slimmed down a bit. I've noticed my husband has lost weight too -- his face is slimmer! He is not eating out as much as we used to together - I am very proud of him!
Tomorrow we're going to a Fourth of July party and one of his co-workers' houses. I will probably eat before I go because I have no idea what she is serving. I'm making a very yummy looking banana pudding cake to share - hope it comes out like the picture!
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