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Healthy Eating Support Group ROCKED!!!

Went to a support group meeting at the doctor's facility last night -- healthy eating -- the presenter cooked veggie chili, murstard maple baked chicken thighs and apple cinnamon muffins. Everything was easy and fantastic. Even brought home some chili leftovers for lunch today. Also met some fellow bandsters and talked shop which was nice.   Got up at 4 again to leave at 4:30 for the gym. Thought I'd be smart and go a different way and I got lost so I was a little late. Got in weight training and a little cardio so its all good.   My stomach growls so loud in the morning everybody can hear it. It growls differently before and after I eat my breakfast, but it makes noise nonetheless. Even though I'm hungry a lot I don't give in to that much but instead choose larger protein filled meals and a couple jello or popsicle snacks. I feel good.   Except for the swelling. I think I'm going to have to take a couple days off at the gym and see if it helps. Stomach is still swelling 4 weeks post op. Not horrible, but its swollen.   Have a good Tuesday! Hugs!   :thumbup:

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Two Weeks Post Op

I had my surgery on Wednesday May 26th. I've done very well following diets, exercising, not stressing stitches or incisions. For the most part I am doing really well. I still have bloating and gas, but I can manage through either of those pretty easily. It will be nice when either or both are gone -- I think I've lost noticeable weight everywhere but my tummy :-)   Its hard to get in all the protein. I might go to GNC today and see what they have for low carb high protein mix or shots. I don't like having to eat deli turkey just to get an extra 10 or 15 grams at night.   I've gotten my hair colored and I did new makeup at Bobbi Brown yesterday. Treats to myself and doing things I don't usually have time to do.   Although I'm doing several hours of work from home the next couple days, I'll be looking forward to going back to work. I'm not used to having free time and its not really that good for me right now?!   Meeting with new LA Fitness trainer tonight to go over my new lifestyle. I'm not learning weights yet (too early), but we're going to mix up the cardio. Laughing. I'm a couch potato gone gym rat!   Have a great day everybody. Love to all for the wonderful information, support and guidance! :bored:

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

2nd Fill Today!

My blood pressure was up a little so they put me back on medication daily for awhile. Could be the fact that its 100+ degrees? Oh well I'm good with that. I'm going to watch my salt intake a little as I think I eat a lot of salty fish and turkey bacon.   I lost 9 lbs since the last visit on 6/28! I've lost 31 lbs since surgery 5/26 which is pretty fantastic for an old lady! I'm happy with that, given I didn't really have any full signals and was getting hungry way before the 4 hour time windows.   Spoke with the surgeon at length about the amount I'm working out and eating. I was told to reduce the days I work out to 4-5 max for right now, and have a 2nd meal of protein and carbs within an hour after working out. I might be doing a little too much right now.   I had 5.5 ccs in a 10 cc band before today. I'm up to 7.25, so she added quite a bit. After she was done I drank a sip of water and it came back up so she took out .25 (there was 7.5 in there). I'm still feeling a little tight and she told me to stay on liquids all week if I can as the band tends to tighten in two or three days. I am getting closer though!!!   I have the next fill scheduled on 8/6 (2 1/2 weeks from now), and I've left that open and will see how this goes.   I'm going to a support group meeting tonight on taste testing protein bars. Even if I can't do much testing myself, I'll get a good idea of what tastes good and what's out there so I'll send out some info tomorrow.   I also have to start an emotional eating support group on 7/28. This was part of the contract I signed when I started. It is once a week for six weeks and I'm sure it will help but I just don't like that length of committment lol.   News from the band front here in So Cal. Happy Monday everybody; have a great day!   Sandy     :rolleyes2:

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Fills and Support Groups

Had a big fill again yesterday and felt restriction from the start. I had a protein shake in the afternoon and drank as much water as I could. When I got home from Support Group I was starving. I made some canned chicken up with a little may, shredded it fine and took ONE bite. Never went down and took about an hour to get over it.   Today is a new day. Drank about 1/2 of a protein shake on the way to the gym, drank as much water as I can. Nothing solid gonna even pass these lips today. I need to let this swelling go down before I even try to eat.   Support group was fun. There were about 35 people there. First we did taste tests on chocolate and vanilla meal replacement shakes and then 5 different kinds of bars. I was very interested to find out my favorite bar wasn't even in the running for lowest calories, fat and carbs and highest protein. The ones we tried and liked were:   Muscle Milke Light Vanilla Toffee Crunch South Beach Cinnamon Reaisin Special K Strawberry Zone (Graham Cracker Chocolate?)   I've been eating Kind Protein Bars, and they have way more calories for the amount of protein I get. I'll be giving those to a friend as a present :-).   Slim Fast Low Carb won both for chocolate and vanilla. We tried Bariatric Advantage, Premier and Optifast.   We also talked about hunger triggers, more on that tomorrow. Have a good day everybody!     :rolleyes2:

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Ouch

Couldn't even imagine posting Thur or Friday and I'm up and doing really well this morning so here it is.   Surgery and recovery was more difficult than I had imagined. I yelled at everyone when I got home -- mom, daughter, friend -- hated everyone and everything. So much shoulder and belly pain I could not function for about 6-7 hours after surgery.   Then I just sat down in a chair and prayed hard. I should be grateful! And I did feel better after that, not a lot, but a little. Sipped some water and slept about 6 hours. Better.   Thursday was great. Walked 20 minutes, drank the shakes, water intake good, felt good. Decided to nap late in the afternoon and woke up with terrible shoulder pain again. Took pain med and slept.   Friday was not great. Didn't feel great (shoulder and gas pain), but managed to walk, drink, shower.   Fell asleep last night praying again. Woke up really early and laid in bed and got rid of gas for like 30 minutes. Sitting here putting on makeup to go to WW and the store this morning!   I've been given a tremendous gift. Insurance covered this procedure and God saw me through the surgery. Its my turn to stand up and make the most of this!!!:frown:

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Shout Out to My Workout Buddy!!

Even though she is not on the site, I want to thank my co-worker and friend Jodi, who is beside me all the way, since I made the decision to get a band back in January 2010. She changed her eating habits, encouraged me to join a gym, and now we work out together every morning before work. She is nothing short of encouraging and supportive and I would not be in the place I am now if it weren't for her. She lives close to the gym (and work) and makes me breakfast every day! I thank God for her and her support.   Fridays are always pretty laid back at work; and everyone is looking forward to a beautiful weekend. Its a blood drive today, but I can't give blood because I had surgery 4 weeks ago and they won't take me. Next time!   Monday is first fill day. The weekend will be full of cleaning, errands, church and working out. My goal is to not overeat this weekend compared to weekdays.   Happy Friday everyone! I hope your day goes (or went) well!

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Feeling Lucky (and Blessed)

I had to have some follow up surgery for an IOL and cataract on my right eye last week. The surgery went well, but I got very dizzy by Friday and was violently ill by Saturday morning. It was a reaction to the anesthetic, but by Saturday night I could not even tolerate a drop of water. (Sound familiar?). I slept well, got up Sunday morning to the same thing when I promptly called my bariatric surgeon. The PA told me to let my tummy sit for a couple hours without trying anything and then chew on some ice chips. IT DID THE TRICK. By last night I was much better.   Went in this morning for an exam and scan -- all is FINE. I am so lucky! I could have done some serious damage to the band and it is positioned fine and still has 7.25/10 fluid. The PA felt that even though I had been violently ill several times that my band is pretty secure. I think the next time I have anasthesia I'll get the band un-filled just to be safe. And I'm sticking to liquids for the next couple days just to be careful.   To top it off, I can see WONDERFULLY out of my right eye -- so clear and vibrant colors -- didn't realize how much I had missed out on! I'm doing the right eye in a couple weeks. Until then, its back to working out (I miss my 5am gym sessions!)   Many friends and family members were praying for success and no harm to this wonderful tool I've embraced. Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support. God is good!

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Gotta Get Back on The Wagon Today - Sunday

I went to bed last night saying those words to myself. I'm not weighing on Saturdays anymore -- if it isn't good I can't stop myself from overeating (yet) and if it is good I can't stop myself from celebrating (yet).   Weekdays are better -- I'm working and farther from food. It doesn't mean I won't eat, just not as much as I did yesterday. And tomorrow is my fill so at the least I'll get some advice and at the best -- some restriction.   I'll muddle through the day -- exercising and maybe getting some soon. I'm watching season 1 of True Blood and I'll get through an episode as I'm on my elliptical this morning.   I ate twice as many calories yesterday as the day before. The big bad one? A bag of Ralph's (Kroger) popcorn. The WHOLE bag.:thumbup:     I'll try to stay away from the kitchen today as much as I can. But its Sunday and my day to do stuff around the house, so I'm pushing myself.     UGGGGGGH. This is no one's fault but mine. No band, weather, scale, doctor, fill, nothing. Weekends will be difficult for me and I need to develop healthier ways to deal with them.   Have a good day everybody!

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Finally Friday!!!

I did the unthinkable -- fell asleep during the Lakers game lol. I was so tired I really needed the rest. Slept for almost 8 hours and I got up feeling a lot more energetic and chipper.   I didn't eat well yesterday and certainly didn't do well on the water, but it taught me again how much I need to make sure I get some kind of unwinding in during the day or the drive home. I didn't work out at all yesterday and I also want to try next week to push myself for even a short walk on that day when I'm "exhausted". After next week I can swim and that would certainly be a good option for me.   I typically spend the weekend running errands, church etc. This will be the first week I go to the gym both days, meet with my trainer one, and of course weigh in for the week. I'm actually looking forward to all of that!   I love the feeling after working out! (OK, I've only been doing it for two weeks but.....). Big smile! Tonight I'm working out after work with one of my work friends. It will make the commute half the time after 7pm.   I am also going to get a new picture of my face this weekend. I think I've lost all my weight there lol -- one of the chins is gone!   Have a great Friday everybody!

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Pro Probiotics!

When I was at the post-surgery visit (6/14), I asked about taking a probiotic. I had started taking one in February 10 but stopped a week prior to surgery. In my case its Align which is in capsule form. I was told OK. Started taking it around the 18th of June and I can say it is working well at helping my digestion both in gas and constipation; both of which are basically gone.   Still have some issues if I eat later at night and don't walk afterwards, but otherwise I notice a big difference.   On my way to the gym for some early morning elliptical and a water aerobics class. Have a wonderful day everybody!

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Four Days Until Surgery!!

I can't wait! I'm traveling for business and I'm not eating well or exercising, but I just want to get this done! There are little bumps in the road -- wierd insurance and a different reaction from my friend who I thought was taking me and picking me up from surgery. But these are just bumps.   Read someone's blog today about being 11 days post op and losing 20 lbs. I need to do that. I'm so sluggish.   Tomorrow I'm flying home so that should go by pretty fast. Monday and Tuesday I'm working so that should help too?! I can only hope!!!    

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Its Going to be a Bad Day (and Recipes)

I am in a place where how my clothes fit means everything to my happiness for the day. I put on a pair of pants that was baggy before surgery and they are actually tighter now (4 weeks later) than they were then. Nice.   I work out hard. I have little if any restriction, but my "cheating" consists of eating 1200 calories a day of good foods instead of 1000.   The car dealer hasn't called me back about the damage they did to it during an overnight stay. I shouldn't have to keep tracking them down. My trainer raised their rates a lot, and I won't be able to afford her for much longer. My family is getting tired of me talking about my new life. I'm tired.   I guess I should have gone back to bed and tried to get up on the other side...........   I'm attaching the three recipes from the support group healthy eating cooking class on Monday. Enjoy!

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Too Many Scales

I weigh once a week, same time, same scale at Weight Watchers. I hid my scale in the garage the day after surgery and haven't looked back.   On Monday I weighed at the doctor's office. Lost a pound since Saturday. Great!   Started eating soft foods and I log them on dailyplate. Still around 800 cals - 1000 cals/day. Gassy tummy gone, swelling still there.   Met with personal trainer first time yesterday. She didn't force me to weigh, I did. That was last night, with sneakers and full on workout clothes -- GAINED SIX LBS. So I cried for about 10 seconds in the locker room, washed my face and left it there.   If I freak at this early date every time I get on a scale I'll never succeed, or if I do I will lose my mind and drive everyone around me crazy too.   I'm sticking with a weigh in at Weight Watchers on Saturday mornings. My trainer will be good with it (what she will say no?) and I'll stop this stupid vicious roller coaster that is already running when the cars aren't even on it yet!   Today is a busy work day from home, getting ready to go back to work Monday.   I love LA Fitness, and I love my trainer. I love grilled fish and I love the fact that its another beautiful day.   Good Friday :bored:

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Weigh In Day

OK, lost 4 lbs and that is moving from liquid to semi solid diet. Ever have that feeling when you are waking up that you are smaller, somehow? I felt that way when I got up today. I think my swelling is down somewhat and I'm passing liquids better.   Kind of getting into the rhythm with eating and my blood pressure meds. I literally chew my two little pills, swallow a tiny bit of water to get them down, and then go work out for 45 mins on the elliptical. Then I drink water or whatever. Seems to make a big difference in the water pill doing its job. Doctor told me to try different ways of taking the pills, but there were no absorption studies one way or the other.   Second trainer appointment this morning and then home to figure out some recipes for the week and get a shopping list together.   I read on someone's post that they are more focused on the whole food/eating/cooking thing than before the surgery. Amen to that! It is a big focus of my day.   I'll spend a lot of time on the weekends getting organized for the week. Being away from home 10-12 hours a day will mean I will have to be well-prepared at work.   I'm very thankful for this forum, responses to blogs and posts, and for all the support. This is just too new, too big, too consuming not to have this great support! :bored:

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Two Weeks and Counting

Yesterday was the pre-surgery visit which went fine, although I'm realizing that for some reason I'm always at the back of the line? I get to the office first and have to wait for other people and then they get done before me with the same people and procedures! I need to let this go -- stupid.   So I need to lose 5 more lbs before surgery and I was pretty honest yesterday -- lack of significant weight loss is due to "last meal" scenarios with friends and family. I started doing 2 Slim Fasts and 1 meal a day (and a better one at that) today, so we'll see how it goes after Saturday. Don't want to weigh every day and just be disappointed or down for any reason.   Loving life!!!:smile:

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

First Fill Today -- Yeah!!!

I need it.   I'm having an issue with eating too often and too much and its affecting weight loss. Not a lot more, but a lot more often most definitely. I think I under-journal as I show about 1000 - 1200 cals/day but I'm eating a lot and I think I'm on the low side of journaling.   I had it in my head I should have lost about 40 lbs in the first month. Ridiculous I know. 10 was just fine.   I do need to drink more water. I get about 50 oz a day and I need to be better about that..........   I work out a lot, and hard, and I'm waiting for those muscles to build up and kick in my metabolism! Since I can't do anything but upper body, I do that three times a week right now and cardio 6 times a week. I added water aerobics on Saturday morning as well.   I feel a lot better. I just want to have to take my clothes to the tailor~!   I'm ready for liquid diet the next couple days. I also have some questions for the doctor during my fill today.   Happy Monday everybody! Have a great day!

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Sunday Morning..........

Got up, did 45 hard minutes on the elliptical almost right away. Its hard and I start to watch the clock at about 30, but I always feel good when I'm done (after my face turns from red and I cool down!).   Despite the emotional setback yesterday I'm doing good and staying on track with the liquid diet. I'm looking forward to the appointment with the doctor and the nutritionist tomorrow.   It is going to be hot today. Spend the morning working (yep gotta get some stuff done) and getting ready to go to a friend's son's birthday party. Got my Slim Fast shake and some water freezing to have while I'm there so I don't lose resolve over food and wine!   I need to learn how to focus less on an ounce or a pound and more on the journey. Even though my scale is packed away, I find myself trying on clothes until I find something even remotely loose and wearing that around to the store or whatever. I have to focus on other things and I will keep trying! :thumbup:

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Its Weigh In Day!

Had another great week - 3.4 lbs. I eat solids and am doing pretty well. I exercise 6 days a week but I have to drink more water.   I feel good about this loss and the fact that I went out to lunch three times this week and made really good choices and logged everything very carefully. I'm only hungry at night and I'm going to work on a plan to have a small snack while I'm making that 47 mile trek home -- a protein bar, definitely water, something. Otherwise I tend to overeat when I get home and then go straight to bed -- not a long term winning combination!   Off to the gym and a personal training session. I can't do anything core or lower body, but I want to go over the upper body routine again because I can't seem to make it work on my own yet.   My first fill is the 28th and I feel I'm being successful changing habits and managing hunger (although that starvation stomach thing is still noisy lol) pretty well. I hope this bodes well for continued success after the fill!   Have a great day everybody!

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

TGIF and TGIB

I am glad its Friday because I get up at 3 am during the weekdays to travel to a gym by work.   I'm glad I'm banded because having the procedure has moved me to change my lifestyle -- eating habits, exercise, what I do and the energy that I do it with. I don't have much restriction (if any), and I haven't lost 30 lbs a month since I started, but I'm proud of making the changes I have in my life.   The changes have improved my overall health -- I don't take blood pressure medication, I don't pant walking up stairs, I have much more energy.   My clothes are big and I've lost a significant amount of weight toward my goal. I have a long way to go, but I'm looking to add the band (restriction) to the mix over the next month (two fills scheduled) which should help.   Until then, and after then, I'm so grateful that I was able to take this step. Its changed my life A LOT.   :thumbup:

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Happy Father's Day

My dad passed away seven years ago already. He wasn't much to celebrate -- he worked, worked out and fished for most of the years between 50 and 65.   Its going to be another busy day. I think my company should officially declare Friday a weekend day so I can get more done on the weekends LOL.   Ate more yesterday than I do during the week. Funny how now "more" means 1200 calories. Six months ago "more" was probably 3500 calories? And at that I didn't go anywhere or do anything on Sundays. Certainly did not go on the Elliptical or (heaven forbid) a gym.   At the end of week 3 here. I'm getting into a routine with eating, journaling food and exercise, walking more, exercising, fitting errands into the days. There are times when I know I need a fill, but I'm not really ever not following the program. I've gotten some yummy recipes and am enjoying learning new foods.   The lifestyle is replacing the old one. Not a temporary change, but a lifetime replacement.   Have a wonderful day with fathers and friends :-)

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Recovering Slowly, but Loving Life!

Still swollen, still gassy, but I work around those "issues" and had a great day yesterday! Part of me would like to stay home another week and part of me knows I need to get back in the swing of work. I wish I could split myself!   Keeping up with hard workout on the elliptical -- 8 days in a row -- and I feel good when I'm done lol.   My bible study group met last night and had a great, uplifting visit. I had some strawberries and a Popsicle so I did well.   I loved cooking and eating food again, even if it was soft. Had some beef vegetable soup my mom had made and froze for me, an egg scramble and some crab meat and tomatoes.   Biggest challenge -- liquids. I'm going to try to keep better track today as I think I was way short of that goal.   Happy Wednesday! :-):eek:

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Its the day!!!

:thumbup:I didn't sleep all that well but I am organized that's for sure. I have everything ready for coming home and spending a couple days just resting and recuperating. My surgery is at noon, but I'm leaving to be at the center at 9:30 for a 10:00am checkin. Its only 3 hours away.   Had some time so I decided to keep a pictoral journal of this journey.     Loving life!

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Happy Thursday!

The working out is going really well. I have a workout buddy who is a friend from work and she is a runner and very motivating.   Last night after work I did 45 on the Elliptical and got to 3 miles. I was happy with that.   Then we did upper body and cardio this morning at 5:15 am. Rocked it again, but I'm doubtful I will be able to walk by the end of the day lol.   I can't do lower body or core yet -- doctor said to wait for 6-8 weeks post op so I have at least a couple weeks left. I have a fill Monday so I'll check on that Monday.   Eating is going really well even though I don't have much restriction.   My stomach is making a lot of noise today! There are days I'm really hungry and days I'm not. This is going to be a hungry day!   My pants are needing alterations today. I have on a big fluffy shirt so it hides the safety pins. This is a two safety pin day lol.   Have a great day everybody!

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

 

Happy Sunday!!!

Spent the day yesterday shopping for groceries, scales, locker room supplies etc for this new lifestyle. The exercise walking back and forth to the car was more than I used to do in a day!   Went to a great service with friends and actually went out to dinner afterwards. Really had fun and never made any drama about the surgery, or the lifestyle. I felt pretty good about just living and eating within my boundaries. That will be a focus at work as well -- making sure I'm prepared to be away from home all day but also shifting the focus away from my "diet" and weight loss and back to work!   Need to get a couple more things today and pack the car to bring back all the stuff from work.   Tired. I woke up at the same time I have to get up for work (4:30) and I'm already tired! I wish I didn't have to work, but that isn't a reality LOL. Maybe next year I'll try to find something closer to home.   Have a beautiful day everyone!

sandradee0124

sandradee0124

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